Down Under
Standard refrigerators: They overwhelm kitchens, take up precious space with their depth and width, and lurk like elephants in even the largest rooms. Architects hate them because they’re impossible to site. What’s more, they consume more energy than any other appliance in the house (remember that opening and closing those huge doors exposes their interiors—up to 17 1/2 cubic feet for the refrigerator section alone—to climate change on a dramatic scale)…
The Problem
Standard refrigerators: They overwhelm kitchens, take up precious space with their depth and width, and lurk like elephants in even the largest rooms. Architects hate them because they’re impossible to site. What’s more, they consume more energy than any other appliance in the house (remember that opening and closing those huge doors exposes their interiors—up to 17 1/2 cubic feet for the refrigerator section alone—to climate change on a dramatic scale).
The Solution
With open kitchens, islands, and clean, long counters all the rage, drawer refrigerators (fridges that fit below the counter and slide like drawers) offer a very cool solution. Their dimensions are perfect for the modern kitchen, and thanks to interchangeable fronts, they work with any décor. Even better, the smaller compartments maintain specific temperature and humidity levels (good for your fruits and veggies). Plus, smaller drawer volume means less electricity wasted when hunting for a snack. Drawer refrigerators aren’t for everyone, though—they are pricey, and you’ll need more than one set to replace a standard refrigerator. But the savings in energy, less food spoilage, and a clean, obstacle-free kitchen may make them worth the investment.
The Goods
KitchenAid’s stainless steel, 5.3-cubic-foot, two-drawer Architect Series II is all about giving you precise control over your food’s habitat: beyond individually controlled drawers, there’s a trademarked “ExtendFresh” pantry system to keep dry ingredients in good shape, a dual evaporator system, and a guide to help you know how best to use all these functions. About $2,600, Sears, 100 Cambridgeside Pl., Cambridgeside Galleria, Cambridge, 617-252-3500, sears.com.
With 6.1 cubic feet of storage space, the two-drawer Viking DFRD140D refrigerator has room to keep wine and soda bottles vertical (though you’ll want to keep corked wine horizontal, of course). Sophisticated paneling means it can blend easily into your design scheme, while a hidden control pad keeps the exterior clean and simple. About $3,000, Yale Appliance & Lighting, 296 Freeport St., Boston, 888-827-9109, yaleappliance.com.
The two-drawer, stainless steel Sub-Zero 700BCI has a freezer drawer on the bottom complete with an automatic icemaker, a refrigerator drawer on top, and a beeping alarm to clue you in if either drawer is left open. In total, you get 5 cubic feet of space—and a unit that’s Kosher-certified for food storage. About $3,000, Boston Appliance, 840 Summer St., Boston, 617-451-3411.
For even more separation among refrigeration spaces (i.e., more ability to regulate temp and humidity and less wasted energy when the door opens), there’s the three-drawer Summit Professional SP6DS. This all-refrigerator unit has stainless steel drawer faces and recessed stainless steel handles and measures about 3 feet x 2 feet x 2 feet. About $2,000, Sozio Appliances, 1170 Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester, 617-265-2020, sozio.com.