The 7 Best Refrigerator Brands
Are you looking to invest in a new refrigerator? We say "invest" because now-a-days, an appliance is more like an investment—not only do they cost an arm and a leg, but in most cases, they’re worth it.
Today’s refrigerators come in an array of sizes, with all kinds of features, and a variety of warranties. And with proper care, a standard fridge today should last anywhere from 10-18 years!
So, how do we know which one to choose? Using lab and consumer data, these are the seven best refrigerators on the market today.
Reliability
Your fridge is your most used appliance—so reliability is important. Fortunately, as mentioned before, they’re built to last.
In a survey with nearly 2,000 participants, it was discovered that “over 20% of respondents had owned their refrigerators for over a decade”.
In that same survey, Whirlpool, GE, and Kenmore appeared as the most reliable refrigerator brands.
Lab Assessment
The Good Housekeeping Institute tests all types of kitchen appliances. When testing refrigerators, they assess them on performance and ease of use. Testing can last months to years.
Over the past 10 years, they’ve tested more than 50 refrigerators.
Consumer Reports
Good Housekeeping Institute also sends refrigerators home with consumers, to learn more about specific models, features, and reliability over time.
Now, let’s dive into the top seven refrigerators, recommended by Good Housekeeping Institute.
LG InstaView Door-In-Door Refrigerator
Best Overall
Pros: Easy access compartment on door, reliable performance in tests
Cons: Shelves on door are shallower
In a survey, we learned that LG was one of the most popular fridge brands. Most respondents bought their LGs within the past five years, and almost all said they would buy an LG fridge again.
LG makes thoughtfully designed, high-performing refrigerators. What makes this model unique is the door-in-door feature: The InstaView technology turns on the interior lights when you simply tap on the easy-access see-through door—allowing you to quickly grab a snack without opening the full door.
This model also has dual ice makers and good storage options, though the in-door shelving may be slightly shallow for some.
Approx. Price: $2,500
Maytag Wide French Door Refrigerator
Best Value
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 is known for building reliable refrigerators that are actually affordable. In fact, one survey respondent said theirs has lasted for 24 years and counting.
This model features convenient slide-out shelves and a built-in water and ice dispenser equipped with a filter. Tests revealed that both the fridge and freezer temperatures remained consistently stable, and the door shelves maintained a cool enough temperature for safe dairy storage—which is rare for most refrigerators.
While the temperature control feature is great, adjusting it has proved slightly challenging.
Approx. Price: $2,000
Whirlpool Side-By-Side Refrigerator
Best Side-by-Side
Pros: Great temperature control and uniformity, quiet control panel
Cons: Built-in water dispenser takes up potential storage space on door
This Whirlpool 36-inch side-by-side model is consistently favored by consumer testers. This model features excellent temperature control and uniformity, and has convenient features like a built-in water filter, water dispenser, and ice maker in the door.
The digital controls operate quietly, and a door-open alarm lets you know if the door is still open. The side-by-side design allows you to have frequently accessed items at eye-level in both the fridge and freezer.
Approx. Price: $1,600
GE French Door Refrigerator With Ice Maker
Best French Door
Pros: Bright interior, many adjustable shelves and drawers
Cons: Test freezer had to be replaced due to handle falling off
A large number of survey participants own a GE refrigerator and praise its design aesthetics and ample storage capacity.
This French door model has a bright interior with adjustable shelves, which make it easy to fit larger items like beverage bottles and water pitchers.
It also has an assortment of drawers, including two deep fruit/vegetable drawers, and a long and shallow deli/cheese drawer.
The freezer offers ample space as well, however during testing, the unit’s freezer door handle fell off and had to be replaced.
Testing also revealed “impeccable cooling performance” without any noticeable cold spots.
Approx. Price: $1,500
Samsung French Door Refrigerator With Dual Auto Ice Maker
Best Counter-Depth
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 survey participants, with most having owned theirs for three to five years, and many reportedly liked 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% more storage space without taking up any more space in your kitchen.
This three-door unit comes with Wi-Fi, gallon-sized bins in the doors, and dual ice makers offering varying sizes of ice.
Lab tests proved Samsung refrigerators to be “great at maintaining temperature,” however, surveys suggest the ice makers are a common malfunction.
Approx. Price: $1,700
Café French Door Smart Refrigerator
Best Design-Forward
Pros: Auto-fill water pitcher, Wi-Fi enabled, backlit interior
Cons: Water filter needs to be replaced every one to two months
Survey participants who own Café refrigerators really like the exceptionally stylish and customizable designs. In fact, almost all Café respondents expressed an intent to return to the brand for future purchases.
This French door model features an internal auto-fill water pitcher and Wi-Fi. The sleek, handless design has easy-to-open doors and drawers and a stunning rose gold finish. The inside is backlit with a beautiful design that adds to the overall appeal whilst providing ample lighting inside.
There is also a middle drawer that can be used as a freezer, fridge, or chiller and has programs for soft freeze, meat, beverages, snacks, and wine.
One of the consumer testers, who owns the matte white counter-depth model, found the smart features “invaluable”.
It’s worth noting that the water filters can be somewhat pricey and require replacement every one to two months.
Approx. Price: $4,200
Bosch 800 Series French Door Bottom Mount Refrigerator
Best Luxury Refrigerator
Pros: Adjustable shelves and customizable “flex bar,” middle drawer is a customizable wine or beef fridge
Cons: Pricey
Nearly every participant in the survey who owned a Bosch refrigerator said they would buy another one again in the future. In fact, this brand got some of the most positive comments in the survey—many praising the design and performance.
This model features a spacious and brilliantly illuminated interior that has adjustable shelves in the main compartment and on the doors. The “adaptable flex bar” makes it easy to customize organization inside.
The most unique feature, though, is the wine chiller drawer that holds up to 17 bottles. The temperature can be precisely adjusted to fit your beverage needs.
The only downfall to this magnificent unit is the price.
Approx. Price: $4,800
