Whirlpool's GR9FHXTV top-freezer refrigerator is a nicely featured fridge that has a streamlined, contoured style and a handle-free design. A quality fridge in a small/medium size, this model is handsome enough to showcase in an upscale kitchen setting. Its small size and features such as a standard automatic ice maker and an internal filtered water dispenser make it an excellent recreational room refrigerator.

With a total square footage of 18.9 cubic feet, the Whirlpool GR9FHXTV would be ideal for a single person or couple, in an apartment setting or where space is at a premium. Its capacity may be a little limited for families or for those who like to entertain in their home. The fresh foods compartment has 13.9 cubic feet of space, while the freezer has 5 cubic feet of space. The refrigerator is quite energy efficient. It uses just 393 kWh of electricity each year, so you can expect to spend only about $43 a year to operate -- less than $4 a month.

Despite its diminutive size, the GR9FHXTV is long on convenience and performance features. The door has three adjustable door bins capable of holding gallon-size containers, a full-width fixed shelf and a clear dairy keeper. The dairy compartment can slide from the left side of the door to the right; the adjacent shelf then goes on the opposite side. The three gallon-size door bins have handles and can be easily lifted out and carried to the table and returned to the fridge.

Inside are three half-width glass shelves with a spillsaver feature. The shelves can all be adjusted for height. This model also has two clear plastic humidity controlled crisper drawers and a fixed shelf, plus a clear half-width snack drawer. A great feature for those who like chilled water, the internal water dispenser delivers filtered water with the press of a button. The dispenser is located on the top, left of the fresh foods compartment and is very easy to access and operate.

The freezer has a no-nonsense design, with two full-width door shelves and a white wire shelf in the main freezer compartment. An automatic ice maker and bucket are standard. Color choices are white, black, Satina -- which is a stainless steel look -- and black cabinet with stainless steel doors. The Satina model will add about $100 to the price and the stainless steel version will add about $200. Fully featured and upscale looking, the Whirlpool GR9FHXTV is a lot of refrigerator in a relatively small -- but attractive -- package.


Pros: Energy efficient, many performance and convenience features
Cons: Small size may make it unsuitable for all but singles and couples, unless used as a second home fridge

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor