Q&A: Why do Consumer Reports’ refrigerator-capacity numbers differ from manufacturers’?

Why is the capacity you show in your ratings of refrigerators typically 10 to 25 percent less than what manufacturers indicate?

The capacity we show in our ratings of refrigerators (available to subscribers) is usable space, so our measurement is always less than manufacturer claims because some parts of the refrigerator, including the space to the side of and below some bins and drawers, can’t be used for storage. Although appliance makers’ capacity figures must include all the space, we list the cubic feet you can actually use, including a total number and a figure for the refrigerator and for the freezer. Side-by-sides tend to be the least space-efficient, and the more drawers and bins a fridge has, the less usable space it has.

Essential information: Read more about refrigerator capacity and visit our refrigerator buying guide for free expert advice that will help you buy the right model at the best price.

Comments

[Gary Plumtree]

It would appear almost impossible to communcate a problem to Consumer Reports about one's online subscription. If you forget you name/password it goes to your subscription email address. But what happens when your email address has changed such as from garyplumtre@charter.net to garyplumtree@att.net which I am trying to figure out how to get into? So I use my email address at the School District where I work until I get things straighted out which is the one above

[Concerned]

I find it ironic how all the refrigerators you rated in 2009 all seem to be Maytag, whirlpool, Amana which are ALL "Roper" products but not one word mentions Roper. Is consumer reports becoming "Corporate Reports" ??? Better print some HONEST explanation for this or you will find yourselves loosing credibility, (and subscribers) real quick.