Consumers want refrigerators that offer greater usable capacity and are easy to clean, according to surveys done by Whirlpool. With the new Energy Star-qualified Whirlpool Gold GSS26C4XXY side-by-side ($1,199 to $1,399), the appliance maker has tried to satisfy both desires.
To gain usable space in this claimed 26-cubic-foot refrigerator, the company eliminated the rim on shelves. This change, says Whirlpool, provides 25 percent more usable shelf space than its older shelf design. And to rein in spills, the manufacturer added etching around their perimeter of the rimless shelves. These "MicroEtch Spill Control Shelves" are supposed to prevent liquids from dripping onto shelves below.
During a demonstration yesterday at the Builders' Show, a Whirlpool representative poured soda on a shelf and the etching did stop the liquid from spilling over the side.
Check back throughout the week for 2010 International Builders' Show coverage via our Twitter page, blog posts, and videos.
—Kimberly Janeway
Essential information: If you're in the market for a new refrigerator now, use our free buyer's guide and find the best model for your home in our ratings of bottom-freezers, built-ins, side-by-sides, and top-freezers (available to subscribers). To take advantage of the $300 million cash for clunkers for appliances rebate program, find the start date in your state using our interactive map and learn about eligible products.
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