refrigerator help

So, our fridge has started making a clunking sound so I think its on its last leg. Still works fine, but its old so well beyond warranity status.

So, my question, how much room do you have to leave between the top of a fridge & the cabinets above? We're on a tight budget, but we have quite a lot of room up there so I think we could go for a taller fridge.

Also, we're going with white freezer on top. Really stupid question, but if I'm looking online, they can have the door open the other way right? I'm sure, but just checking.

Also, any recommendations on fridges under 1K (more in the $700 range) with the self defrosting freezer portion? I would prefer to go through Sears as we already have a home improvement credit plan with them from our HVAC unit we got two years ago.

Also, something energy star would be great!! I think they all are now so hopefully it will help we LIPA!! Better than our lovely almond current fridge.

Thanks!

Message edited 11/11/2010 11:03:28 AM.

Re: refrigerator help

shameless bump, looking for help please.

Thanks!

Re: refrigerator help

I was at Home Depot yesterday and they had a lot of sales on appliances... we were there for a washer & dryer... i did see sales for other appliances but i cant say for sure if there were any fridges under 1k... check out the website

Re: refrigerator help

we just got a refrigerator at Lowes. Our parents purchased it for xmas and we spent $600 plus we get a credit for them taking our old one which is estimated to be $105.

I would go within a quarter inch from your top cabinet as your max height unless you take down the cabinets.

As far as door opening typically you can switch the door position on any one of them as long as its not a side by said or a bottom (for obvious reasons) but I would go and see the refrigerator in person. We changed our minds once we saw it in person. We wanted a VERY large freezer since I like to make large meals and need to freeze them.

We got a 21 CU Ft Top freezer black whirlpool. I forgot the model but we made sure that it had the highest CU of all the freezers.

Re: refrigerator help

our fridge just died last a month or so ago... the ahrd way, all the food went bad
we got a whirlpool, side by side and got it at Marlin's in Seaford since they had the best prices. I did so much reasearch on consumers and narrowed it down to GE or whirlpool... I think we are a 21.7 cu ft and wanted side by side so it actually cuts down your choices. The sizes are pretty standard. Its fits the same as the old one, we have lik 3inches between the top and the cabinet.

FYI... you will probably get a $75 LIPA rebate for it if its energy start (which most are!)

Re: refrigerator help

We just bought a GE stainless steel top freezer from PC Richard in August and love it. It's energy star so we also got the LIPA rebate. I think there might be a 1/4" or 1/2" between the top of the frig and the cabinets.

And yes, the doors can open either way - it depends on how you attach it.