I graphed data from the table on page 21 of the January/February '93 issue of Home Energy to show that the kWh used per refrigerator increases with the size of the appliance, while kWh per cubic foot decreases with additional size. Efficiency (kWh per cubic foot) justifies larger appliances but it seldom challenges our lifestyle. Following that logic, Whirlpool deserves cheers for winning $30 million in rebates to distribute the environmental refrigeration wonder of the decade.

Whirlpool says its "carrot" will use 25% to 50% less energy than the 1993 federal standard allows, but a single-door manual-defrost unit uses 30% less than a side-by-side automatic defrost, according to the table in Home Energy. Such a modest appliance would cost less too, but Whirlpool's first model will be a side-by-side with 22.5 ft³ capacity, the type of refrigerator on your list that uses the most electricity. Whirlpool even includes an "energy-saving" ice maker, crisper, and snack bin. This offering must be aimed at the low-income market. After all, these units are going to cost between $1,000 and $1,400, market-researched and competitively priced to sell a quarter million, of course.

Following this logic, I suggest that we next go for the $100 million "Platinum Potato" award. Let's increase the capacity to a more efficient 40 ft³, with three vertical doors, energy-efficient heated and chilled water dispensers, and a color-coordinated mother earth decal emblazoned on the front. That'll garner even more market share, and our grandchildren will be proud of our efficiency prowess.

Andrew Rudin

Melrose Park, Pennsylvania

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