The 5 Best Refrigerator Brands, According to Our Research

It can be overwhelming to find the best refrigerator for your household. There are more brands and configurations than ever, and the options seem endless as kitchen technology evolves. Today’s refrigerators have Wi-Fi connectivity that lets you know if the temperature dips, if the door is open, or if you are low on milk. Some refrigerators even have built-in Keurig machines, but you might need something basic with a water dispenser.

A refrigerator is one of the most expensive appliances in your home, so you’ll want to feel confident it’ll go the distance. A broken refrigerator is any homeowner's worst nightmare, and the food waste can be just as upsetting as the repairs. We researched and evaluated hundreds of refrigerators to choose the best models for every kitchen for all budgets and needs. Certain manufacturers dominate the landscape, but we narrowed it down to our favorites and identified criteria to help your shopping process. These are the best refrigerator brands for everyone, according to your kitchen preferences. We can’t help you keep them clean, but we can help you choose one, and these organizers are a good start. 

LG

LG refrigerators stand out in a crowded market. They're about keeping your food cold and making life easier. They are sleek, modern sous chefs who blend cutting-edge technology with thoughtful features and stunning design. Imagine knocking twice on your fridge door to see what's inside without letting out a blast of cold air. That's the magic of LG's InstaView Door-in-Door, where you can see through walls. It's a game-changer for busy families and energy-conscious buyers. The ThinQ AI lets you control your fridge remotely, monitor energy usage, diagnose issues, and even order groceries with your voice. It's like having a kitchen assistant. For the cocktail enthusiast, LG's craft ice makes pure magic. It creates slow-melting, restaurant-quality ice spheres, which keep your drinks perfectly chilled without watering them down. 

Whether you're a minimalist who loves the clean lines of a French door model or prefer the sleek sophistication of a counter-depth built-in, there's an LG model for your style. They have adjustable shelves, pull-out drawers, and door bins that maximize space, making it easy to find what you need, even when your fridge is overflowing with post-holiday leftovers. With fingerprint-resistant finishes, LG fridges are built to last, and spill-proof shelves make cleaning a breeze. Intelligent sensors ensure optimal cooling and humidity control so your food stays fresh and your fridge stays sparkling.

Our Picks

Frigidaire 

Frigidaire isn't just playing nice with your budget; it's throwing a five-star banquet for your groceries without breaking the bank. Starting at an affordable price of $200, these fridges are practically stealing. While other brands force you to pay a premium for basic functionality, Frigidaire lets you easily store large items like birthday cakes with spacious interiors and clever organization. Its energy-saving features are also a draw that will keep your wallet and the planet happy. 

The spacious shelves morph to fit holiday turkeys or shrink for minimalist phases, all thanks to the SpaceWise system. Intelligent humidity control and efficient cooling tech keep produce fresh and crisp. LED lighting that bathes your groceries in a cool glow, making midnight snack raids a breeze. Frigidaire's Energy Star-certified models sip electricity like hot tea. Customers rave about Frigidaire's roominess, reliability, and, of course, those unbeatable prices. It's a great choice for any kitchen that prioritizes value and reliability.

Our Picks

Samsung 

Samsung has a chorus of advanced features that redefine what a fridge can be. Craft Ice spheres clink like crystal and add slow-melting masterpieces to your next cocktail. A built-in Keurig promises barista-quality coffee at your fingertips. The InstaView Door-in-Door lets you peek inside without letting the cold escape, saving energy. Samsung's brilliance goes beyond flashy tech. These fridges morph with every need. Adjustable shelves adjust for towering turkeys or moods when you feel like reorganizing everything. Crisper drawers keep your greens crisp and berries fresh for longer weeks later. LED lights bathe the interior in a cool glow, guiding you to that jar of pickles at midnight.

If you are worried about food waste, the SmartThings app updates expiration dates and orders groceries when running low. It's like having a psychic sous chef. The solid stainless steel screams quality, the seamless design whispering sophistication, and the near-silent hum of the inverter compressor is a testament to Korean engineering at its finest. Owning a Samsung fridge isn't just about having the latest features; it's knowing you've invested in something built to last that's as stylish as it is.

Our Picks

Whirlpool 

Whirlpool doesn't chase trends. Their refrigerators are about quiet dependability. Whirlpool has time-tested engineering and high-quality materials for generations. Their inverter compressors promise years of quiet operation, and their spill-proof shelves contain spills, and fingerprint-resistant finishes make cleaning easier. Adjustable shelves adapt to your storage needs from Costco hauls. Intuitive controls and crisper drawers with adjustable humidity remove the guesswork from food storage. Whirlpool offers sleek French door models with built-in water dispensers and ice makers that cater to modern families. At the same time, classic top freezers provide timeless style and budget-friendly practicality. Their bottom-freezer models are a perfect compromise.

With generous warranties and readily available customer service, Whirlpool puts your worries at ease. It has value-focused features like adjustable shelves and intuitive controls. Its diverse range of models accommodates every need and budget. They also provide generous warranties and excellent customer service and are a sustainability champion. The company has earned numerous Energy Star awards for its fridges, making them a top choice for eco-conscious consumers. They also prioritize eco-friendly manufacturing and using climate-friendly refrigerants.

Our Picks

GE 

GE refrigerators offer unwavering reliability and value-packed features designed to make your life easier. Crafted with high-grade materials and robust components, these fridges can withstand the daily chaos of a busy family, all while operating quietly thanks to their sealed compressor systems. Maximize your space with adjustable shelves that morph to fit towering turkeys or shrink for your minimalist phases. Glide-N-Serve drawers keep deli meats and cheeses at peak freshness, while spill-proof shelves with raised edges ensure effortless cleaning. And because energy efficiency matters, many GE models are Energy Star certified, saving you money while helping the planet.

No matter your style or budget, there's a GE refrigerator to call your own. From sleek stainless steel French doors with built-in Keurigs for the coffee connoisseur to classic top freezers for the value-conscious, their diverse range caters to every need. Plus, GE stands behind its products with generous warranties and readily available customer service, giving you peace of mind should anything arise.

Our Picks

Factors to Consider When Buying a Refrigerator

Capacity

Depending on your needs, refrigerators come in all sizes, from tiny mini fridges with less than a cubic foot of capacity to nearly commercial-sized versions with as much as 30 cubic feet of storage. Determining your capacity needs should be about your daily usage since the larger the capacity, the higher the price. Most standard-sized fridges for kitchens will have around 20 cubic feet of capacity.

Existing Space

It is essential to correctly measure the space where your fridge will live, especially if you need it to slide into a built-in area with existing cabinetry or near a doorway for proper clearance. It will also be essential to ensure that the door swing opens in the appropriate direction. Many versions can be switched from right to left opening, with plenty of clearance for the door. Err on the smaller side if you are concerned, especially since sliding a fridge into a too-tight space can damage it. You must also ensure access to the coils and compressor for regular cleaning and the recommended airspace listed for your unit.

Utility

Many fridges offer extra benefits, such as reconfigurable interiors, ice makers, and water through the door, and some will even help you keep track of inventory. All of these are upgrades and come with upcharges. The best advice is only to get the bells and whistles you will use, and don’t ever skimp on essential utility (like capacity) in favor of fancy functionalities.

Design

Some fridges are stand-alone, and many have freezers attached. Freezers can be side-by-side, bottom or top, and fridges can be single-door or French-style doors. They come in stainless steel, black, white, or other colors or can be panel-ready to blend into your cabinetry. Some are counter-depth for a smooth finish with your cabinetry. Choose the design that best suits your kitchen. If all your other appliances are stainless, matching that material will be a seamless look. If you want your fridge to disappear, think about a paneled door to match your cabinets; if you want it to pop, go for a color. Some fridges have a glass door option, which can be great for keeping the cold in while you make your decisions, but then eliminates on-the-door storage and might require you to keep the contents a bit neater.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many watts does a refrigerator use?

The wattage depends on the amps and volts. Refrigerators are 120 volts, but the amps may vary due to the feature set. Most fridges will have energy ratings listed, and some will have an Energy Star designation, meaning they will be energy efficient.

How long do refrigerators last?

About 10-12 years, depending on use, environment, etc. Fridges kept in garages or exposed to a greater range of environmental changes will have more wear and tear, as will ones that get moved frequently. Maintenance also will impact longevity. Clean the coils and compressor every six months, more regularly, if you have pets or your home has a lot of dust.

What is a standard-size refrigerator?

Size, height, width, and depth depend upon the type of refrigerator: French Door, Side by Side, Top Freezer, or Bottom Freezer. Generally, standard fridges will range from 24-40 inches wide, 62-72 inches tall, and 29-36 inches deep, depending on the model and style. 

Our Expertise

Jennifer Zyman is a Senior Commerce Writer for Food & Wine and a former restaurant critic with a culinary school degree and over 15 years of food writing experience. Her work has appeared in Atlanta Magazine, Bon Appetit, Eater Atlanta, The Kitchn, National Geographic, Simply Recipes, Southern Living, Travel & Leisure, and Thrillist.