Best Refrigerators

Why You Need to Trust Us

Our advice is based mostly on two big fact-finding projects we conducted to collect feedback from people who use refrigerators and then quantify and analyze that feedback. While we were unable to test fridges directly for the guide, our thorough research led us to important trends that we would not have otherwise discovered with only testing.

Our first major research project was a survey of Wirecutter readers, with more than 5,000 completed responses. This survey yielded solid data, including information about brand satisfaction and door design, as well a general idea of refrigerator features that are most popular and reliable.

However, this survey is not 100% representative. For instance, top-freezer refrigerators are significantly less popular in our sample (11%) than they were in the US (41% of all fridges in 2020), according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers statistics. Only seven of the many brands we collected statistically significant information on were included in our survey. We are confident the results of the survey will reveal more about this category, especially among top-selling brands and styles. Wirecutter user researcher Raquel Hayas was instrumental in completing the survey. She also crunched the numbers into meaningful figures. The other major source of information was an analysis of 28,000 customer reviews on Home Depot’s site, across 34 different refrigerator models from all the major brands and spanning door types and prices, conducted with the aid of an artificial-intelligence-driven tool called FindOurView . Even though this analysis covered only a few fridges out of hundreds, it was able to provide a great deal of information on the most important features and the areas that particular models excel at. It also helped us identify LG fridges with cooling issues that were particularly problematic. There were many other reviews and information on reliability as well as guides for how to choose and install refrigerators. For previous versions of this guide, we also spoke to several industry experts, including brand representatives, dealers, and repair technicians.

For clarity, our refrigerator tests have not been performed by us. This is mainly due to logistics and pandemic protocol, as well as because it’s impossible to objectively test the refrigerators with hands-on usage. However, we have touched the majority of fridges in the guide. We’ve pulled the handles, wiggled shelves, and so forth.

The guide does not contain all of the information. There are many topics we don’t have the time to research, such as built in fridges. In the near future, we will be examining some of these topics more deeply. We hope that this research will help many others find good refrigerators.

Liam McCabe is a Senior Staff Writer and has been writing about home appliances since 2011.

Why we don’t have refrigerator “picks”

Specific refrigerator models are not recommended by us. Wirecutter would recommend a few refrigerator models that are the best, according to our testing and research. However, this approach didn’t work well in the past, so we tried something else.

The guide still points you towards brands and models that stand out from our research. Additionally, the links will link to actual examples. Wirecutter is allowed to earn commission if readers purchase products through these links. The approach we have chosen for this guide is not to call any product a “pick” nor “the best.” We feel that it’s appropriate. First, because refrigerators can be so varied, not just in size but also in design, it’d be hard to put a complete list of picks on one page. In older versions of this guide, we tried to work around that challenge by picking just a handful of the most popular sizes and types, but we heard from readers who couldn’t use those fridges and felt left out or confused. For perspective: As of late August 2021, the 10 best-selling models on Home Depot’s website included three different widths, four different door styles, three different finishes, and a variety of heights, depths, and ice-dispenser designs.

However, this is a highly subjective category and different people might come up with different conclusions on many aspects. Door ice versus freezer box, counter-depth or standard-depth, French door versus sideby-side are just a few examples. The performance metrics that are useful in determining good or bad fridges is not available. We also don’t have enough data to determine reliability or long-term durability.

This guide can be used to help you find the right fridge for your needs. You might go with one of the specific models we mention, or you might use the filtered search function on a retailer’s website: Home Depot, Best Buy, Lowe’s, AJ Madison, Appliances Connection, and many, many others offer handy tools.

11 Best Refrigerators To Buy In 2021, According To Kitchen Appliance Experts

There are top fridge brands for every price range.

The refrigerator can be described as the center of a family’s universe. Every aspect of life revolves around it. Breakfasts, lunches, dinners at the table and even healthy lunches are all made around it. This is why buying a new refrigerator should be a major priority. From the dimensions of the refrigerator, to their finishes and other special features, there are many factors that you need to be aware. There’s no denying that they are expensive. The right place to look if you’re after a high-quality brand that can last years in the family’s hands is here.

Every year, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances and Technology Lab reviews all kinds of kitchen appliances. This includes gas ranges and blenders as well as toaster ovens and toaster ovens. Refrigerators are evaluated on the ability to control temperatures and preserve food staples. We score each model on the uniformity of temperature from shelf to shelf within the fridge and freezer compartments as well as variations over time in individual areas. In order to test refrigerators’ moisture retention on fridge shelves as well in crisper drawers, we also check their ability to keep it moist. Additionally, each refrigerator is evaluated for its ease-of-use, which includes how helpful the manual is, what controls are easy to use and the feel of being able to grasp the handles.

We score interior features including the type of shelves in the refrigerator cavity and on the doors, the ease with which the freezer drawer and baskets could be opened, the presence or absence of crispers with humidity controls and the presence or absence of a meat keeper or deli drawer with temperature controls. Wi-Fi connectivity is one of the notable features that were considered. However, it was not rated.

Our top Lab pick was the GE Profile Series French-D oor Refrigerator, with a Keurig K-Cup brewing system. It scored highest on temperature maintenance and uniformity testing and wowed our Lab experts with its smart design features. Wi-Fi connectivity allows it to be adjusted, heated water for coffee and other functions via the included app. According to our tests, these are the top fridges.

LG InstaView Door in Door

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(Image credit: Shutterstock.) A refrigerator is capable of much more that keeping your food cold. It must maximize the space it has and evenly distribute heat, without fluctuating. You can open or close the doors to quickly restore its temperature.

Energy use is an important consideration when shopping for new fridges. This is why you should look for Energy Star Certified models. Also, make sure you check out your freezer compartment. Most modern freezers are frost-free, which saves you from worrying about how to defrost a freezer . As you don’t want to overfill the freezer, you should make sure it has sufficient space. You should also consider the latest features. Are you looking for a fridge that has smart connectivity capabilities? Many models have touch screens and even glass doors. It can seem overwhelming when choosing a refrigerator model. But, don’t panic, we did the research and compiled a list.

The 8 Best Refrigerators Of 2021

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our . On purchases from the links we have chosen, commissions may be earned.

Top or bottom freezer for the Spruce/Chloe Jeong French doors and smart capabilities

Selecting a refrigerator should not be a decision about the “nicest” one that fits within your budget. It all comes down to identifying your specific needs so that the appliance you choose meets those requirements. Side-by side refrigerators and freezers are best if you buy a lot of frozen food from the supermarket. If your kitchen is small and space is limited, then compact fridges may be more in your wheelhouse.

Luckily, there are tons of options on the market, so you never have to settle for a refrigerator that only meets some of your needs. Modern appliances offer a variety of features, including reversible doors and water/ice dispensers and shelves with low levels that allow kids to pick their snacks.

This list features the very best fridges for every budget and style.

Our Top Picks GE side-by-side refrigerator with dispenser at Home Depot. It has adjustable shelves and great lighting.

Maytag Top Freezer Refrigerator at Lowe’s

We pick the best fridges available today.

Reviewed Recommendations are independent selections made by Reviewed Editors. Our links can earn us commissions for purchases you make.

When you’re shopping for a fridge, a stroll through a home improvement store may overwhelm you with rows and rows of fridges that more or less look identical. There are many options. You could panic. Instead, pick one that interests you and walk away.

We can help you here. Here at Reviewed, our experts have tested hundreds of French-door side-by-side , bottom freezer, and top freezer refrigerators in our labs, so we can help you make the best decision for your home.

Receive expert shopping advice right to your mobile phone Subscribe to text message alerts for the deal-hunting experts at Reviewed.

Good fridges should be consistent in temperature, have good storage, and are easy to use. The refrigerator that offers the most value for money is usually the one with the highest price.

Frigidaire Gallery H2272UF: This fridge, which can be purchased at AppliancesConnection starting at $2,873.10 is our top pick. This beast of a 21.8-cubic-foot size provides excellent temperature consistency, so you can preserve your food efficiently and safely.

There are many options for those who have different style preferences and budgets. We also offer other ideas that you can use in your kitchen.

The tests

Just by living in the real world, you’ve probably noticed that appliances operate best in certain temperature conditions. Because an appliance involves a number of electronic and mechanical parts working together in harmony, the air in your home can inhibit certain parts from working at their best, especially in extremely hot or cold climates.

The ambient conditions can make refrigerators very sensitive. Refrigerators pull in air and cool it down to temperatures cold enough (usually around 37degF) to preserve food and inhibit bacteria growth. To cool hot air, condensers and cooling fans have to work harder. When it is cold, your fridge will not work properly. If your second refrigerator is located in your hot garage or freezing cold garage you might have noticed that it is not as cold inside as your kitchen fridge.

In order to minimize these temperature effects, every fridge is tested in a laboratory that sets the temperature at 72°F +/-5°F. It also maintains an average relative humidity of 50% +/-15% RH. This basically makes it room-temperature. In this way each fridge gets the best chance of performing at its highest and does not get penalized for having had to work with colder, or more humid, air than others.

Each refrigerator was tested over the course of one week, including a calibration day. Each refrigerator is tested for temperature, energy, water loss, freezer time and usable space after it has been filled up with water ballast.

* Temperature 37°F is the ideal setting for fridges and freezers, while 0°F is the optimal. If fridge temperatures exceed 37 degrees F, bacteria growth can be a concern. 40 degreeF marks the beginning of the “danger zone”. If the temperature of your freezer is higher than 0degF, it means that food may be not being frozen properly. When each fridge is set to that temperature, temperatures are recorded throughout the week. These data show us both how close they were to 37degF (or 0degF), and also how close the ambient temperature was to the ideal temperature.

* Humidity Loss This test focuses on the vegetable crisper in your refrigerator. Add water to make a foam ball of flowers. Then, record the amount of water that evaporates each day. Humidity loss rates are important because if the crisper is too dry, your leafy greens will dry out very quickly. You can risk your fruits rotting if you keep the crisper too moist. A fridge that is able to strike the right balance between these extremes can help preserve fruits and vegetables for as long time as possible.

* Freezing Times Once the fridge has been connected to the power supply, it is measured how long the freezer takes to cool from room temperature down to 32degF. This corresponds to the freezing temperature. This is a good measure of how quickly your fridge and freezer can cool down food or beverages that have just been placed inside the refrigerator.

This is related to:

Metal Home & Garden Products Stainless Metal. The worst appliance that can suddenly fail is the refrigerator. It is not only one of the most costly home appliances to repair, but also houses your food. Ice cream consistency is a sign that a fridge has reached its end. To freeze dairy products, it takes a little longer than freezing frozen meals or using an ice maker. Replace your ice cream if you find that the pint is getting too dry. To upgrade your refrigerator, you do not have to wait for it to stop working. If you are looking to increase the value of your house or move into a new home, buying a fridge will make it more attractive. Even if you don’t plan on moving, you might have saved up enough to buy the stainless-steel French door refrigerator. Shopping for a fridge can seem overwhelming, no matter what reason. You will find many different features. Beyond its appearance, the product must perform well for many years. We’ve got you covered. The ultimate buyers guide to the top refrigerators has been compiled. It includes everything from bottom freezers and side-by-side models, to smart fridges with WiFi. You will find everything from the budget-friendly third (and even fourth!) to all price points. From the most expensive third (and fourth!) price point, to the budget-friendly fan favorite below $640 with no delivery fees. Take a look at our top picks below and see which fridge is right for your kitchen.

How to Get the Best Refrigerator for 2020

Shopping for a new refrigerator this year? Let’s start with this.

This question is still a frequent one for me as I spent more than five years testing refrigerators. It’s a question that I have yet to find an answer to, and I must be truthful with you.

Yes, there are many great refrigerators. However, fridges do not fit all homes. With so many different brands and models to choose from, it isn’t always easy to find a fridge that feels like a perfect fit.

Don’t be overwhelmed if your icebox is in dire need. The trick is to focus on the features and designs that matter most (and, better yet, to figure out which ones you can skip). Once you have a list of the most important features and designs, then it is time to look for deals on refrigerators that fit your budget.

Although I can give you many useful tips, here are some models we have tested recently that will be able to help with your search. We’ll be updating this page as we test more fridges.

Which refrigerator brand is the most reliable?

Q: According to our research, Samsung, GE and Whirlpool are the best refrigerator brands. It is natural that this would be the same companies listed as those who make refrigerators with the most problems.

Which Refrigerator Is the Most Dependable in 2021?

#1 LG 26.2-Cubic-Foot Smart French Door LFXS26973 Refrigerator.#2 Samsung 27.7-Cubic-Foot Four-Door RF28R7551 Refrigerator.#3 Whirlpool 25.2-Cubic-Foot French Door WRF535SMH Refrigerator.#3 Cafe 27.8-Cubic-Foot Smart Four-Door CVE28D Refrigerator.Oct 8, 2021

Which Refrigerator Makes It Easy to Find the Best Deals

J.D. Power’s report reveals that Whirlpool is the most trusted French-door fridge brand. Power’s report. KitchenAid followed in third and fourth, respectively. Another notable finding: The Puls report also named Whirlpool as the overall most reliable home-appliance brand.Sep 5, 2019

.Best Refrigerators