Getting filtered cold water from the refrigerator is nothing new—but hot water for your morning tea? That's the industry-first promise of GE's new Café French-door refrigerator on display at this week's International Builders' Show in Las Vegas.
The through-the-door water and ice dispenser can heat up to 10 ounces of water in minutes. Choose from four pre-programmed temperature settings, ranging from lukewarm for baby's bottle to piping hot—if not quite boiling—for tea or oatmeal. The dispenser is extra tall, helpful for filling pitchers and other oversized containers. And its advanced filtration captures certain trace pharmaceuticals, including ibuprofen and progesterone, along with lead and other contaminants, claims GE.
Inside, the 29 claimed-cubic-foot fridge has plenty more to offer. The slim in-door design of its icemaker frees up the interior cavity. Adjustable shelves, gallon door storage, and a full-width temperature-controlled drawer also help keep food organized. And the showcase LED lights let you find what you're looking for fast.
GE's new Café French-door hot-water refrigerator will sell for around $3,200. You'll find it at national retailers, including Best Buy and Lowe's, as well as local appliance stores. When it's available, Consumer Reports will buy it for testing to see if it lives up to the performance of the other models on our list of recommended refrigerators.