So I was wondering. I have seen a few different refrigerator configurations in my day. Which is the best for efficiency and being green? The ones I am most familiar with are:

single door for both
side by side
freezer on bottom
freezer on top
side by side with freezer drawer on bottom

They all seem to have benefits in the ease of use and lifestyle categories, but what about efficiency and energy usage?

The most efficient arrangement will be the freezer on top with two separate doors. The principal is that the cold air falls into the lower chamber (fridge) and aids or handles all of the cooling necessary for this compartment. All the other configurations lack this benefit. I would like to point out however that there is more to all of this than just the efficiency of configuration. Insulation, seals, efficient motors and cooling systems all contribute to the overall efficiency of the appliance.

If I were you, I would go over the http://energystar.gov , determine how large a fridge you need and look through the database to find the most efficient one they have. If it doesn't suit your needs go on to the next one. It takes a little leg work but that's free and it will save you money in the long haul.

I can't say that I like the freezer on top models. I guess they make sense as the most efficient, but for ease of use, I say the side-by-side with freezer drawer is the king.

wow, thanks for the input I don't really like the fridge on top models. Seems so 1960s in a way. I think I agree about the convenience of the side by side, but not sure on the freezer drawer. Wouldn't be even better to get a deep freeze chest freezer in the garage for those long term freezing items?