7 Best Refrigerator Brands and Models, According to Testing
Who makes the best refrigerators? We share our Lab and consumer data.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Our top picks:
Few appliances in your kitchen get as much use as your refrigerator, so reliability is important. Fortunately, most refrigerators are built to last. In a survey encompassing nearly 2,000 participants, we discovered that over 20 percent of respondents had owned their refrigerators for over a decade, with Whirlpool, GE and Kenmore emerging as the most reliable refrigerator brands.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test all types of kitchen appliances, from ranges and dishwashers to air fryers and coffee makers. When we test refrigerators, we assess them on performance and ease of use and continue using them in our Lab and Test Kitchen for months and sometimes years. We also send fridges home with consumers to learn even more about a model's ins and outs and gauge reliability over time. Over the past 10 years, we've evaluated more than 50 refrigerators and our survey findings have validated many of our own insights.
Pros
- Easy access compartment on door
- Reliable performance in tests
Cons
- Shelves on door are shallower
In our survey, we learned that LG was one of the most popular fridge brands among our pool of responders. Most bought their LGs within the past five years, and almost all said they would buy an LG fridge again.
Based on the models we tested and the many we've seen at trade shows and in showrooms, LG makes thoughtfully designed, high-performing refrigerators. What really distinguishes it is the unique door-in-door feature: The InstaView technology turns on the interior lights when you tap on the easy-access see-through door. Then you can quickly grab a snack without opening the full door.
We like this fridge's storage options, though some may find the in-door shelving slightly shallow. Dual ice makers allow you to dispense ice from the door and scoop from a bin in the freezer.
We also tested this Craft Ice smart model from LG, which features the same door-in-door design but without the see-through panel. It's Wi-Fi enabled and features a craft ice maker that makes clear, cocktail-sized ice balls. For a lower-fuss option, consider the LG bottom-freezer fridge, which had excellent temperature control and uniformity in our test, plus an ice maker that stores cubes in a bin.
| Dimensions | 38" x 73" x 37" |
|---|---|
| Available finishes | Stainless steel |
| Energy Star certified | Yes |
| Features | Door-in-door access, dual ice maker |
Maytag Wide French Door Refrigerator
Pros
- Door shelves stay cool enough to store dairy
- Steady fridge and freezer temps
Cons
- Controls can be tricky to adjust without the manual
Maytag stands out for building reliable refrigerators that don’t break the bank. One survey respondent shared that theirs has remained in service for an impressive 24 years and counting!
This model features convenient slide-out shelves and a built-in water and ice dispenser equipped with a filter. In our tests, both fridge and freezer temperatures remained consistently stable, and the door shelves maintained a cool enough temperature for safe dairy storage — a rarity among most refrigerators. While our lettuce stayed fresh for five days in the crisper, adjusting the controls proved slightly tricky. (Keep the manual handy!)
For many years, Maytag has also been our choice for the best top-freezer refrigerator, thanks to its sleek design, well-lit interior and durable glass shelves. It reliably maintains temperatures without any noticeable cold spots, as confirmed through extensive consumer home testing.
| Dimensions | 36" x 70" x 35" |
|---|---|
| Available finishes | Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, white, black |
| Energy Star certified | Yes |
| Features | Water dispenser, ice maker |
Whirlpool Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Pros
- Great temperature control and uniformity
- Quiet control panel
Cons
- Built-in water dispenser takes up potential storage space on door
According to our survey respondents, Whirlpool ranks as the second most popular refrigerator brand.
Whirlpool's 36-inch side-by-side refrigerator is consistently favored by our consumer testers. This model boasts excellent temperature control and uniformity. Plus, it has convenient features such as a built-in water filter, water dispenser and ice maker in the door.
An accessible ice bin inside the freezer door allows you to scoop bulk ice if you don't want to wait for ice to dispense. Its digital controls operate quietly and a door-open alarm ensures timely alerts so the fridge is not left ajar.
With its four door bins and transparent slide-out shelves, stocking your favorite foods is a breeze. The side-by-side configuration allows easy access to frequently used fresh and frozen items at eye level. With shelves offering a smaller span compared to most French-door refrigerators, items are less likely to get lost in the depths of the fridge or freezer. However, the in-door dispenser does sacrifice a portion of freezer shelf space.
| Dimensions | 69" x 36" x 33" |
|---|---|
| Available finishes | Monochromatic stainless steel |
| Energy Star certified | Yes |
| Features | Water dispenser, ice maker |
GE French Door Refrigerator with Ice Maker
Pros
- Bright interior
- Many adjustable shelves and drawers
Cons
- Our freezer door had to be replaced due to the handle falling off
A significant portion of our survey respondents own a GE refrigerator and praise its design aesthetics and ample storage capacity.
This French-door refrigerator from GE has a bright interior with adjustable shelves, facilitating effortless organization of various items, including wine bottles and water pitchers. The assortment of drawers adds to its appeal: It includes two designated for fruits and vegetables and a lengthy, shallow drawer spanning the fridge's width that is ideal for storing cheese, deli meats and other small items. The fridge’s water dispenser doesn’t encroach on interior space.
The equally spacious freezer boasts an ice maker and a slim upper drawer that helps keep food organized. Movable dividers allow you to customize each side's size. One caveat is that we has issues with the security of the freezer handle; it fell off during testing, but it was able to be replaced.
This model demonstrated impeccable cooling performance in our tests without any noticeable cold spots. Previous tests have consistently highlighted GE fridges for their superior temperature maintenance and uniformity.
| Dimensions | 70" x 36" x 34" |
|---|---|
| Available finishes | Black, black slate, white, slate, fingerprint resistant stainless steel |
| Energy Star certified | Yes |
| Features | Water dispenser in fridge, ice maker in freezer |
Samsung French Door Refrigerator with Dual Auto Ice Maker
Pros
- Counter-depth design looks seamless in kitchen
- Good temperature control
- Dual ice makers
Cons
- Ice maker can be unreliable
Samsung was another popular brand among our survey respondents. Most have owned theirs for three and five years, and many said they like the smart features and auto-fill water pitcher of the new models.
This counter-depth model is part of Samsung’s Mega Capacity line that offers 10 percent more storage space without taking up any more space in your kitchen. The three-door fridge comes with Wi-Fi, gallon-size bins in the doors and dual ice makers that offer cubes and small ice bites that look like little bars.
In our Lab tests, Samsung refrigerators have proven to be great at maintaining steady temperatures, which is a must to keep foods fresh. However, according to our survey of owners, the ice makers are a common malfunction.
RELATED: 7 Best Counter-Depth Refrigerators
| Dimensions | 36" x 70" x 32" |
|---|---|
| Available finishes | Stainless steel, matte black steel |
| Energy Star certified | Yes |
| Features | Gallon-size door bins, dual ice makers |
Pros
- Auto-fill water pitcher
- Wi-Fi enabled
- Backlit interior helps you spot items inside
Cons
- Water filter needs to be replaced every one to two months
Survey respondents who own Café refrigerators are delighted with the exceptionally stylish and customizable designs. Café garners one of the highest percentages of survey respondents expressing intent to return to the brand for future refrigerator purchases.
The French-door model featured here boasts an internal auto-fill water pitcher and Wi-Fi. It’s sleek (the handles are recessed) with easy-to-open doors and drawers and beautiful rose gold finishes — people constantly comment on its design when they walk into our Lab. The inside is backlit with a pretty design that aids in locating and organizing items.
The shelves are wide, and the built-in water pitcher is nestled inside the door. A middle drawer can be used as a freezer, fridge or chiller and has programs for soft freeze, meat, beverages, snacks and wine. The freezer has two baskets and two sliding drawers, including one that holds the built-in ice bin.
One of our testers, who owns the matte white counter-depth model, found the smart features invaluable, especially for receiving notifications on her phone when her son leaves the freezer open. It's worth noting that the water filters can be somewhat pricey and require replacement every one to two months.
RELATED: 7 Best Smart Refrigerators
| Dimensions | 36" x 70" x 70" |
|---|---|
| Available finishes | Platinum glass |
| Energy Star certified | Yes |
| Features | Auto-fill water pitcher, flexible temperature middle drawer |
Bosch 800 Series French Door Bottom Mount Refrigerator
Pros
- Adjustable shelves and customizable "flex bar"
- Middle drawer is a customizable wine or beef fridge
Cons
- Pricey
Nearly every respondent in our survey who owns a Bosch refrigerator expressed intent to purchase another Bosch fridge in the future. This brand garnered some of the most positive comments in our survey, with many praising their refrigerator's design and performance.
This model boasts a spacious and brilliantly illuminated interior, featuring adjustable shelves in the main compartment and on the doors. An "adaptable flex bar" is positioned on the interior back wall to create customizable organization of accessories such as an egg holder, small condiment bin and bottle holder. The built-in water dispenser minimally impacts interior space, and the ice maker has a convenient scoop.
A standout feature of this fridge is its wine chiller drawer that holds up to 17 bottles. With the touch of a button, you can precisely adjust the temperature to optimally store craft beer, wine or sparkling beverages. Bosch's streamlined Three-Door French Door Refrigerator received a Kitchen Gear Award for its understated yet high-quality design, offering ample interior space and extensive adjustable storage. It's been set up in our Lab for more than two years and is still performing great.
| Dimensions | 36" x 72" x 29" |
|---|---|
| Available finishes | Stainless steel |
| Energy Star certified | Yes |
| Features | Internal water and ice maker, middle drawer can be used to store bottles or cans at different temperatures |
How we test refrigerators
In our Lab tests, we evaluate refrigerators based on their ability to maintain optimal temperatures for essential grocery items like lettuce, deli meat and frozen foods. We assess the uniformity of temperature across shelves in refrigerator and freezer compartments, monitoring variations in temperature over time.
Additionally, we examine the refrigerators' capacity to preserve moisture levels on shelves and in crisper drawers. We also consider factors related to user-friendliness, such as the clarity and utility of the manual, the design and ease of use of controls and the ergonomic comfort of door handles.
We evaluate interior features, too, including the types of shelves in the refrigerator and on the doors, the accessibility of freezer drawers and baskets, the presence of humidity-controlled crispers and the availability of a meat keeper or deli drawer with temperature controls. We also note features like Wi-Fi connectivity.
In addition to Lab tests, we conduct long-term testing by installing refrigerators in consumer homes. Periodic check-ins allow us to gauge the performance and user experience in real-life settings over time.
Most recently, we surveyed nearly 2,000 refrigerator owners to gather insights into their experiences with their appliances and assess their overall satisfaction with their purchases.
What to look for when shopping for refrigerators
✔️ Dimensions: To accurately determine the dimensions for your new refrigerator, take multiple measurements of the space it will occupy, rather than measuring your existing fridge. Measure the maximum width, depth and height at various points to account for any unevenness in the flooring. When measuring, leave at least 1/2 inch to 1 inch of space on all sides for air to circulate. Don’t forget to check that there’s room in front for the door(s) to swing open.
Finally, prior to ordering, ensure the refrigerator will fit through doorways, elevators and hallways. Some refrigerators may also have specific installation requirements, such as ventilation space or water line connections.
When starting your search, the width will help you filter the options. A 36-inch width is standard, but other common widths are 24, 28, 30 and 33 inches. Built-ins go up to 48-inch widths.
✔️ Configuration: French-door models are popular because they put the most-used compartments at eye level and the freezer on the bottom. Within that category are fridges with French door freezers that allow for more organization and can often be converted from a freezer to a fridge. Side-by-sides are split down the middle with the refrigerator on one side and the freezer on the other. Top-freezer models cost less but require bending to get into the fridge. Alternatively, bottom-freezer models cost a little more than their top-freezer counterparts but offer easier access to the more commonly used fridge foods.
✔️ Finishes: Stainless steel is the most popular because it has a sleek yet neutral look, but some brands are starting to offer different finishes, such as black steel, colors and customizable panels and/or handles. Built-ins typically offer exterior paneling that matches your kitchen cabinets. Many modern finishes are fingerprint-resistant.
✔️ Energy efficiency: New refrigerators are much more efficient than models from 20 years ago, but there’s still a lot of variation between models. The EnergyGuide label on the fridge tells you what you can expect regarding energy usage, including the estimated yearly electricity consumption and operating cost (based on the national average electricity cost) and the range of operating costs for similar models. If the model has the Energy Star logo, it is in or around the top 25 percent of the market in terms of efficiency.
What size refrigerator do I need?
Most refrigerator manufacturers recommend between 19 and 22 cubic feet for a family of four — that's a 30-inch-wide refrigerator. However, if you frequently make large weekly shopping trips or prefer to buy in bulk, you may require more space, up to 30 to 33 cubic feet (36-inch-wide refrigerator).
What style of refrigerator should I choose?
Here are some things to consider when choosing which configuration works best for you.
- French-door models are favored for their upscale appearance. The doors require less space to open. However, they tend to use more energy and cost more to run.
- Side-by-side models are ideal for smaller kitchens due to their narrow door design. However, that narrow design means you can’t fit wide containers, like pizza boxes or cookie sheets.
- Top-freezer models are the most reliable and affordable refrigerators, but the doors need space to swing open. These types tend to lack features such as water dispensers and ice makers. Plus, you must regularly bend down to access food on the bottom or in the back of the fridge.
- Bottom-freezer models are the opposite of top-freezer models. They make it easier to access fridge foods but require bending over to reach freezer items. These tend to cost more than top-freezer models and offer less freezer storage space, but they often include a nesting freezer drawer that helps keep things organized.
- Built-in and counter-depth models are available in all configurations and are designed to sit flush with your cabinetry and counters. These are the most expensive options and offer a luxury, seamless look. However, they often offer less internal storage space and can be more challenging to install.
What refrigerator features are important?
Refrigerators are increasingly equipped with features designed to simplify and organize your life. Our favorite features right now are adjustable shelves, auto-fill water pitchers and water filters that are hidden behind the main door. Compartments that can switch from fridge to freezer are also handy.
Here are the features we’re seeing in today’s models:
✔️ Ice and water dispenser: Through-the-door dispensers let you access ice and water without opening the refrigerator door. However, models with this feature tend to require more maintenance and sacrifice storage space. Some refrigerators have integrated water dispensers hidden behind the door for a seamless look but require you to open the door to use it. Auto-fill water pitchers automatically refill a pitcher or container with fresh, filtered water via a built-in sensor.
✔️ Door-in-door storage access: A partial door allows you to retrieve frequently used beverages and condiments without fully opening the door, which saves energy.
✔️ Freshness features: Humidity- and temperature-controlled drawers help keep different food types — such as meat, fish and cold cuts — at their ideal storage temperatures. At the same time, air purifiers help eliminate bacteria and mold spores to prolong food freshness.
✔️ Adjustable shelves and drawers: Split shelves and pullout bins enhance the organization and accessibility of stored items. Some allow your fridge to accommodate tall bottles, large storage containers and pizza boxes with ease.
✔️ Cameras and windows: Internal cameras enable remote viewing via smartphone, while transparent windows reduce the need to leave fridge doors open while you find foods, conserving energy.
✔️ Specialty icemakers: Some refrigerators now offer ice options beyond cubed or crushed, including clear ice spheres or nugget ice for cocktails. Can’t choose? Dual ice makers give you options.
✔️ Wi-Fi connectivity: WiFi-enabled models allow remote control of fridge settings, temperature adjustments and door-open alerts via smartphone apps. Some include smart devices that allow you to connect to the Internet right from the door to sync with family members, stream music and more.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou oversees all of Good Housekeeping's content and testing related to kitchen appliances, tools, gadgets and gear. She's been testing fridges since she joined GH in 2019 and regularly attends trade shows and meets with brands to learn about the latest and greatest models and features.
Perry Santanachote is a longtime product tester, reviewer, writer and editor, covering everything in the kitchen from cookware to appliances. She is enamored with her Sub-Zero built-in refrigerator.
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Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
Perry Santanachote (she/her) has more than 15 years of experience in service journalism, specializing in food and consumer goods. She tests and reports on kitchen appliances and cooking tools. She also evaluates food products and cleaning supplies. She’s an experienced writer, product tester and recipe developer who has worked in labs, test kitchens and media organizations, including Thrillist and Consumer Reports.
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