When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. GE; LG; Whirlpool; Subzero; Rachel Mendelson/InsiderA refrigerator is one of the most important purchases you can make for your home, but it’s unlikely to cross your mind until something goes wrong.
When it does, your fridge needs to be fixed or replaced in a flash. Regardless of the brand and manufacturer, you’ll encounter fewer problems with a simpler refrigerator. Top-freezer designs tend to be the least fussy (and least expensive), while more technologically advanced refrigerators offer better cooling, humidity control, and storage options, but generally require more servicing.
You may have a particular design in mind, perhaps a fridge with the shelf space to fit platters and party trays, or one with glass doors for that restaurant-kitchen look. Since models often change year-to-year, we interviewed experts and spent dozens of hours researching refrigerators and touring The Home Depot and Lowe’s showrooms to determine the most reliable brands. So, whether you’re working within a tight budget or building out a no-expenses-spared dream kitchen, here are the best brands to consider, according to our tireless research, as well as the hard-won wisdom of the people who know them most intimately: refrigerator repair technicians.
You can read more about our research and testing processes for kitchen appliances at Insider Reviews here. The best refrigerator brands in 2022Best refrigerator overall: WhirlpoolWhirlpool offers few frills but solid components throughout its line, and our research and experience suggests the brand’s fridges are among the most reliable. Best cheap refrigerator: GEIf you want a budget-friendly appliance with a classic design, the GE 17.
5-cubic-foot Top-Freezer Refrigerator is a great value for less than $1,000. Best smart refrigerator: LGLG’s smart fridges include Alexa compatibility, near-immaculate cooling, the best home ice makers on the market, top-notch filtration systems, and ample space. Best luxury refrigerator: Sub-ZeroIf you want something that’s built to last, highly customizable, and as reliable as it gets, Sub-Zero is the way to go.
Best refrigerator overallThe Home Depot/Business InsiderWhirlpool offers few frills but solid components throughout its line, and our research and experience suggest the brand’s fridges are among the most reliable. Warranty: One full-year warranty, with sealed refrigeration parts individually covered from two to five years after purchaseEnergy Star ratings: Yes, see here for individual modelsPros: Smart interior design, high satisfaction ratingCons: The more affordable models tend to run on the noisy side, few bells and whistlesWhirlpool offers the same fridge configurations as any other brand, but with consistently sturdy components, zero frills, and none of the faulty features that often make refrigerator ownership and maintenance a headache. Whether you’re looking for a full-size stainless steel fridge with French doors like the 28.
4 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side or something markedly simpler (we like the humble 11.
6-cubic-foot Top-Freezer model), Whirlpool’s refrigerators are some of the most reliable on the market according to two of our expert sources. Both Yale Appliance CEO Steve Sheinkopf and David B. Moreno, a lead technician at Liberty Home Guard, lauded Whirlpool first, then spoke similarly of GE’s introductory-level fridges.
Considering that compressors are important components of refrigerators, we went to The Home Depot and Lowe’s to peek into the backs of several display fridges. To little surprise, both Whirlpool’s and GE’s more modest models run on the same Embraco compressor. This is often the case with many appliances, and speaks to the general adage that you get what you pay for, at least with established brands.
As a landlord, I’ve purchased, maintained, and performed mild repairs on several Whirlpool models. While I own the brand’s more modest fridges, I’ve had the least amount of problems with them, and two of our fridges are pushing 30 years in service. My only complaint is that they run a little loud, but that shouldn’t be a problem unless your refrigerator is near your bed.
Note that Whirlpool also makes KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, and Consuland fridges, so apart from shared compressors across many brands, you’ll find a lot of Whirlpool components in those specific brands’ models, too. Consider these:Best cheap refrigeratorThe Home Depot/Business InsiderIf you want a budget-friendly appliance with a classic design, the GE 17. 5-cubic-foot Top-Freezer Refrigerator is a great value for less than $1,000.
Warranty: Limited one-year warranty for all parts and laborEnergy Star ratings: Yes, see here for individual modelsPros: Glass shelves, easy-to-use temperature regulation controls, humidity-controlled crispers, good organizationCons: Limited one-year warranty, few extra features, limited lighting GE is another brand known for its rudimentary but reliable fridges at reasonable price points. A top-freezer design is almost always the most affordable choice, but it’s also a classic configuration that’s still popular for a reason. French doors, by comparison, may offer a certain aesthetic appeal (and wider shelving), but they tend to have far more issues over time, like falling out of alignment or suffering bent hinges.
Again, the more moving parts you add to a fridge, the more that can go wrong, and GE excels at simplicity. A basic door with a straightforward gasket, spartan lighting, and no water lines for ice or filtration add up to a resilient appliance like the 17. 5-cubic-foot Top-Freezer fridge.
That said, there is the option to add an ice maker to most GE fridges, and the brand offers “Sabbath Mode,” which switches off the lights, the ice maker, and the defrost function so as to allow those who observe Sabbath to still use their fridges. Note that GE also has a great reputation at the pricier end of the spectrum, and they offer high-quality custom designs. We just found that they happen to make the best budget-friendly refrigerators as well.
Consider these:Best smart refrigeratorBest Buy/Business InsiderLG’s smart fridges include Alexa compatibility, near-immaculate cooling, the best home ice makers on the market, top-notch filtration systems, and ample space. Warranty: One-year warranty on parts and labor; five-year protection on the sealed system and compressor (parts and labor); six-to-10 year protection on the linear compressor (parts only)Energy Star ratings: Yes, see here for individual modelsPros: Even cooling, airflow regulation, digital front controls, individual crisper temperature controls, multi-tier freezers, “Sabbath Mode”Cons: Can be difficult and expensive to repair, occasionally faulty compressorsLG is at the forefront of refrigerator technology thanks to high-tech features like the “InstaView ThinQ,” which presents an Amazon Dash screen and allows you to order groceries right from your fridge door. The “smart” details are fun, but what’s more important is that models like the 23.
5-cubic-foot French Door Counter Depth are also loaded with other features like a fresh-air filter, “CoolGuard” interior stainless-steel cooling panels, door cooling, and stainless-steel framed shelves that extend both the life of your groceries and the fridge itself. A triple-tier freezer drawer also allows you to organize frozen foods for optimal storage (large and bulk items on the bottom, small items and packaged items like precooked meals up top). After all, above all the fancy stuff, these are the features that count.
LG’s higher-tier fridges also come with a “Measured-Fill” water dispenser and round, slow-melt “craft ice” (essentially whiskey rocks) thanks to not one but two ice makers, and an output of 4. 9 pounds of ice per day. We also like this “Door-in-Door” model, which allows you to keep a few essentials behind a separate glass door for easy viewing and retrieving and saves your compressor from having to fire up every time you need to grab something.
While LG isn’t the only brand pushing refrigeration into the future, according to our research and the experts we consulted, the brand is doing so with the highest satisfaction rating. Like GE’s, many of LG’s fridges also come equipped with a “Sabbath Mode. ” It’s also worth noting that the counter-depth size of many LG refrigerators lends them a custom look, and can save some floor space depending on your kitchen’s layout.
Consider these:Best luxury refrigeratorSub-ZeroIf you want something that’s built to last, highly customizable, and as reliable as it gets, Sub-Zero is the way to go. Warranty: 5-year limited warranty on all parts and labor including the compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier and all connecting tubing. Energy Star ratings: Yes, see here for individual modelsPros: Exceptional temperature and humidity control, longer lifeCons: Spartan, expensive to repair (if and when needed, however rare) A lot of pricey refrigerators come with all the bells, whistles, and customizations you could want, at the expense of the appliance’s basic functions.
Sub-Zero’s refrigerators, on the other hand, are considered the luxury standard for good reason: they forego all of the fancy features for industrial-grade components, and they last. Sub-Zero builds its fridges for an intended lifespan of 20 years — our expert sources said most fridges last about 10 — though yours can easily run for longer if you treat it well. You can also factor in the precise temperature and humidity control in individual compartments and consider how much one of these fridges can extend the life of your fresh produce.
Sub-Zero is the over-the-top apple of every home decorator’s eye, but not without good reason: The brand’s fridges vacuum-seal shut and run on dual compressors to control the fridge and the freezer separately, keeping temperature and humidity far more stable. This also keeps fridge and freezer smells separate (and ice untainted). Lastly, Sub-Zero thoroughly tests every single unit before it’s shipped as opposed to a few units out of thousands, which is the general standard.
There are three distinct lines to choose from at Sub-Zero, with sizes ranging from 15 to 72 inches wide: The Classic series, which is a nod to industrial kitchens with rudimentary, traditional design, the Pro series, which can be free-standing or built-in and come with solid or glass doors, and the Designer series with customized panels that seamlessly meld into your kitchen. Again, you won’t see water filters and dispensers on many Sub-Zero models, and there is no WiFi, but the brand’s fridges have the longest lifespan on the market. All of that being said, more affordable options exist, and you could also look to Thermador and Jena-Air for something comparable.
Consider these: Our methodologyOwen Burke/InsiderApart from walking the floors of retail floors like Lowe’s and The Home Depot, looking at our own refrigerators, and conducting dozens of hours of research, we interviewed experts from refrigerator service technicians to retail executives and interior designers. Among those whose expertises we tapped were David B. Moreno, a lead technician at Liberty Home Guard in Brooklyn, New York, Tylar Robison, Director of Sales Training for ABC Warehouse, Yale Appliance CEO Steve Sheinkopf, Fridge Love author Kristen Hong, and two interior designers: HGTV Design Star Peti Lau, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Arianne Bellizaire, who’s been featured in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Forbes, and more.
We took into account refrigerator configuration and design, quality of interior parts (shelves, glass, and specific features) customizability, and longevity. We also looked at the components of most big-name brands’ refrigerators to find what we often do with appliances: many of their working parts are at least made by the same manufacturer, if not completely identical, which is precisely what MIT and EPAM Continuum Mechanical Engineer Duncan Freake told us we’d probably find. Ultimately, these interviews and this research informed us that, also as Freake suggested, you get what you pay for, and if you purchase from an established brand, it’s likely to be only negligibly different from a comparable model from the next one.
What are the different types of refrigerators?According to Tylar Robison, Director of Sales Training at ABC Warehouse, these are the main refrigerator configurations along with their respective pros and cons:Top-mount refrigeratorWhirlpool; Rachel Mendelson/InsiderPros: Most EconomicalCons: Limited space. 70-80% of time is spent in the refrigerator which means you’re bending over more. Most don’t have a water dispenser.
Ice is an optional accessory for most. Bottom-freezer refrigeratorGE; Rachel Mendelson/InsiderPros: Easier to see your food selection. Generally, more capacity than Top Mount Freezers.
Most Freezers come with an ice maker. Cons: Most don’t have an option for a water dispenser. The door swing can be a challenge in smaller kitchensSide-by-side refrigeratorLG; Rachel Mendelson/InsiderPros: In door water and ice.
Narrow doors require less swing space making them great for smaller kitchens. Cons: Wide items don’t fit well like pizza boxes and party trays. Size can be an issue.
French-door refrigeratorGE; Rachel Mendelson/InsiderPros: Easy to see what’s in the refrigerator. Wide space for platters and party trays. Many have water and ice in the door.
Large Capacity. Cons: Have to open both refrigerator doors in most cases. Larger size models don’t fit in some homes.
Counter-depth refrigeratorWhirlpool; Rachel Mendelson/InsiderPros: Fit better in galley style kitchens or kitchens with islands. Cons: Lost SpaceRefrigerator FAQsWhat is the most efficient refrigerator?A top-freezer model is the most efficient design because cold air is denser, and it naturally chills the fridge, while the rising heat is better neutralized by the freezer than the fridge compartment. EnergyStar ratings are usually reasonably accurate, and an EnergyStar refrigerator is a good choice as a rule of thumb.
What’s the most reliable refrigerator?Many of the big-brand refrigerators on the market are made using the same compressors (as well as other parts), but the most basic design is a top-freezer model, which cools most efficiently. How long does a refrigerator last?A top-freezer model should last a good 15 years and other models between 10 and 15 years. You can extend a fridge’s life by keeping it clean and opening it as infrequently as possible.
How do you take care of a refrigerator?The best way to take care of a fridge is to keep it clean, leave at least three inches between the back (where the compressor and heat are) and the wall, and regularly dust the coil. Also, the less your compressor engages, the better. This means that the more you open your fridge, the shorter its life will be.
I have refrigerators that are 30 years old, but that’s because I rarely open them. Should I get a fridge with a water filter?Water filters and ice machines, while useful, can be notoriously fickle. If it’s something you’ll depend on regularly, it’s worth buying, even if you have to repair it now and again.
Alternatively, you can consider filtration systems and standalone ice machines. Do refrigerators need space around them?Yes. The space needed will vary by the refrigerator.
Many of today’s fridges have zero-clearance doors that open with little space. Allow at least a quarter inch on each side of the fridge. For ventilation, leave at least an inch behind and on top.
How big should a refrigerator be?You generally want 4 to 6 cubic feet of refrigerator space per person in your household. So, a family of four should look for a fridge that’s about 20 cubic feet, roughly the standard fridge size. What is the capacity of a refrigerator?The capacity of a refrigerator is how much space it has (typically measured in cubic feet).
You can calculate the capacity by measuring the inside height, depth, and width. Multiply these numbers. If measured in inches, divide by 1,728 for cubic feet.
How much does a refrigerator cost?The refrigerators we recommend range in price from $530 to $16,000. While the $530 Whirlpool model is a solid workhorse, you’ll need to spend more if you want smart options and other fancy add-ons, like vacuum-sealing doors. What colors do refrigerators come in?The most popular refrigerator colors are black, white, and stainless steel.
Many brands also offer matte and black stainless steel options. High-end brands offer paneled doors that can match your kitchen’s cabinetry. Check out more guides to household appliancesAmazonThe 5 best kitchen faucetsThe 4 best dishwashersThe 5 best shower headsThe best microwavesThe best wine coolers and fridgesThe best kitchen sinksThe best toastersThe best toaster ovensThe best bathtubsRead the original article on Insider.
From: insider
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