What brand of refrigerator has the least problems 2022

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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

A reliable refrigerator is essential in every home, so it's important to buy the best. We researched all of the top refrigerator brands, evaluating quality, inventory, available features, warranty details, and overall value, to help you add this key appliance to your kitchen.

Our eight favorite brands include giants like GE, LG, Frigidaire, and Maytag with a few worthy runners-up like Danby and Magic Chef that specialize in compact options for your kitchen, basement, or a dorm room.

Here are the best refrigerator brands to suit your food storage needs.

What We Like

• Makes basic, mid-grade, and premium models

• Available in stores and online

• Thoughtful design features

What We Don't Like

• Weak customer service

• Smart models are expensive

LG has been a leader in technology with their televisions, speakers, and other top-of-the-line devices for several years. Their kitchen appliances also run the gamut from basic to premium, and prove to be a reliable addition to any household, plus you can shop for them online, or in store.

Some of LG's latest refrigerator models include thoughtful features like door-in-door storage—a hidden door within the refrigerator door that's meant for accessing and storing your most-reached-for items. InstaView models allow you to knock twice on the door to see a snapshot of the contents inside, without having to open up the fridge and let the cold air out. Door cooling also ensures food items stored in door compartments receive extra ventilation. 

If you thought state-of-the-art fridges and craft ice makers made LG out of your budget, think again. LG also has an extensive line of reasonably priced refrigerators that still feature innovative designs, Energy Star certified cooling, and excellent storage.

If you’re looking for a fridge that doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, but delivers on design and capacity, the LG LRFCS25D3S 25-cubic-foot French Door Refrigerator is a strong contender. This model’s sleek design, coupled with a 10-year warranty on the linear compressor, make it an ideal choice for a starter fridge.

Although LG’s customer service isn’t as strong as other brands, it’s still a reliable and long-lasting brand that offers refrigerators for a variety of budgets and lifestyles.

What We Like

• Innovative designs

• Reliable products

• 1-year or 5-year warranty offered on most appliances

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

• Repair fleet not available in all states

Like other appliance giants, GE (which stands for General Electric) manufactures a variety of kitchen and household appliances. They’re best known for their durability and reliability.

The price point of GE refrigerators, compared to other brands, isn't too high either. Their line of French door fridges is more expensive, but only because each model includes features like door-in-door storage, a hands-free water dispenser, and built-in WiFi. Notably, their highest-end models even feature a Keurig dispenser so you can fill your water bottle and coffee cup in a snap. 

One particular model, the GE Profile PVD28BYNFS 27.6-cubic-foot French Door Smart Refrigerator includes a swiveling door bin, which can help you reach your favorite items in the fridge without having to open the entire door. It also features an LED light wall, which illuminates the entire interior of the fridge, making your viewing experience feel just a bit more luxurious. This model also includes an adjustable temperature drawer that can be programmed between four settings for specific food and drinks.

Most GE appliance models come with a 1-year warranty, and some refrigerators come with a 5-year warranty on the sealed refrigeration system.

You can shop for GE refrigerators at Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's, and you can shop for the newest models online. GE’s customer service also includes a repair fleet available in certain major cities.

What We Like

• Durable products

• Energy-efficient designs

• Minimalist aesthetic

What We Don't Like

• No major premium features

No matter the refrigerator type—French door, side-by-side, bottom-freezer, or top-freezer—Whirlpool has well-made features that sets it apart from competitors.

Aside from Whirlpool’s models being priced competitively, they’re also energy-efficient, helping you store groceries for your household and keep your bills at a minimum at the same time.

French door designs feature tiered freezer storage, infinity slide shelves for ample room and accessible snacks, and panoramic LED lighting.

Adjustable gallon door bins and in-door ice storage make their side-by-side models practical and convenient for users with a minimalist aesthetic in mind. 

While Whirlpool doesn’t include all the bells and whistles that other brands might, they focus on the quality and functionality of their products. The Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ 21.4-cubic-foot Side-by-Side Refrigerator is a more budget-friendly option for someone looking for a similar look to a French door refrigerator without the extremely high price tag.

Some consumers are also partial to Whirlpool products because their fridges tend to last longer and require fewer repairs. You can find Whirlpool refrigerators at any major appliance distributor or online.

What We Like

• Good prices

• Narrow models available

• Energy-efficient designs

What We Don't Like

• Models don't offer latest refrigerator technology

Frigidaire remains an easy choice for many consumers because of its good reputation within the refrigerator market. Despite not having significant, standout features, Frigidaire’s designs are competitively priced and include beloved features. You can find top picks with an ice and water dispenser or a narrow build, both of which have become must-haves for many homes.

Frigidaire appliances are available online at Wayfair and in stores like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Best Buy.

Frigidaire’s newest model, the Frigidaire Gallery GRMC2273BF 21.5-cubic-foot Counter-Depth 4-Door French Door Refrigerator offers convenience and plenty of storage. A collapsible shelf can easily be pushed back to make room for tall pitchers, and a "Custom-Flex Temp" drawer can be used as a refrigerator or freezer.

While Frigidaire’s models might not have the newest smart features, their models are reliable and sure to last. Plus, they're often outfitted with a range of function-forward features—like the PureAir air filter and TwinTech cooling system—that work behind-the-scenes to keep your food fresh, refrigerator ventilated, and energy bills at a minimum.

You can find several Energy Star certified models within this brand's selection.

What We Like

• Fair pricing

• Durable designs

• Option to add ice maker on some models

What We Don't Like

• Some models are lower capacity

• No major premium features

Maytag’s models don’t include industry-first features, but they do prioritize dependability and functionality. Most of their models offer spacious storage, no matter what type of refrigerator you're in the market for. Their price tags also tend to be lower compared to other brands.

You can find Maytag refrigerators online and in home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's, or you can check out Best Buy's selection.

One of their latest models, the Maytag MRT311FFFZ 20.5-cubic-foot Top-Freezer Refrigerator has a generous capacity and includes their PowerCold feature, which cools down the fridge with the push of a button. This model also features bottom-mounted crisper drawers, which makes for an easier user experience, if your product drawers tend to be overflowing. A gallon door storage section also creates extra room on the shelves for food items like condiments or a container of milk. It’s also compatible with an ice maker, if you'd like to purchase this must-have separately.

What We Like

• Brand leader across all kitchen products

• Extra-tall models available

• 5-door model suited for home chefs

What We Don't Like

• Higher price points

KitchenAid is known for its mid-century, heavy-duty mixers, but the brand also makes top-of-the-line refrigerators. The brand, known as the luxury end of Whirlpool's appliances, has been offering virtually everything that you could need in a kitchen for years. All the standard configurations, like French doors, side-by-side, top-freezer, and bottom-freezer, are available through KitchenAid. However, their counter-depth model with extra-tall storage is a stand-out on their roster.

KitchenAid refrigerators typically offer high-performing, long-lasting features that will complement any kitchen, though you may run into some reliability and quality issues from time to time. Notably, some of the refrigerators can be customized so they're "hidden" within your cabinetry.

Some of the most noteworthy features of the units include targeted temperature control and food-prep storage, which home chefs will love. There's also a 5-door refrigerator that takes organization to a new level: the KitchenAid KRMF706ESS 25.8-cubic-foot 5-Door French Door Refrigerator. With three pull-out drawers that offer custom temperature settings and a three-tiered freezer section, you certainly won't run out of room for your fresh and frozen food with this fridge. However, it is paired with a hefty price point, as are many KitchenAid fridges.

You can shop for KitchenAid refrigerators online and in stores where other appliances are sold.

What We Like

• Many customization options available

• WiFi capabilities

• High-capacity designs

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

• Can be difficult to service

The appliances from Café prioritize style in addition to functionality, making them some of the most expensive options on the market. If you're shopping for a refrigerator—or a new range, microwave, dishwasher, or coffee maker—and have a large budget, this will be the brand to check out.

You'll be given the option to customize the exterior of your unit so it matches the aesthetic in the rest of your home. Plus, many of Café's appliances include smart features, such as the ability to connect to WiFi and be controlled from your phone.

When it comes to fridges, the brand also provides a selection of models with and without a water dispenser. There are counter-depth units, including the Café CYE22TP4MW2 22.2-cubic-foot French Door Counter-Depth Refrigerator, which has separate evaporators to ensure your food is stored in an environment that promotes freshness and a hot water dispenser.

Other noteworthy models you can shop include side-by-side, French door, built-in, and quad-door fridges. Just keep in mind: All of these models are high-end, and they typically come with a hefty price tag. As GE's luxury and style-driven brand, this is to be expected, though.

If you're hoping to create a customized model, you will have to shop online. Some stores like Best Buy and Walmart offer a limited selection online and in store.

What We Like

• Customized paneling available

• High customer satisfaction

• High-capacity designs

What We Don't Like

• Expensive

• No major smart features available

Bosch’s premium refrigerator designs are ranked high in customer satisfaction and rank among best sellers across home appliance websites. However their premium designs and features come with a higher price tag. From chic, built-in refrigerators with custom paneling to stainless steel models with designated beverage cooler drawers, Bosch easily competes with any of the high-tech refrigerator brands purely for their effortless design and long-lasting performance. 

If you’re in the market for a paneled, built-in refrigerator that blends seamlessly with your kitchen, check out the Bosch B36IT905NP Benchmark Series 19.4-cubic-foot Counter-Depth Built-In French Door Refrigerator. This stylish model includes a Home Connect feature that allows you to control the temperature of your refrigerator from an app. You can also use your Amazon Alexa device to control this fridge with your voice and make your smart home even smarter. While this model does not include a water and ice dispenser, it’s worth the price tag for its custom appearance, ice maker, and cooling capabilities.

You can shop for Bosch refrigerators at Home Depot, Lowe's, and Best Buy. You can search for local distributors on Bosch's website.

• Samsung: Another brand known for its leading efforts in technology, Samsung refrigerators include their Family Hub feature, which allows you to peruse your calendar and grocery shop from a screen on the refrigerator door. You can purchase Samsung refrigerators online and in stores. Best Buy is always a great store option, especially if you're hoping to learn more about specific smart features on refrigerator models. It's important to note: While Samsung may be a leader with its smart features, several of their models have ice maker issues and compressor failure reports. LG and GE smart fridges will offer similar technology with fewer reports of major cooling issues.
• Danby: Danby specializes in designing fridges that are ideal for small-space living. You can find mini fridges and compact units under this brand that are great for a dorm room or extra drink storage in your garage. However, Danby's specialization in these smaller units means that you won't find many other models under the brand. You can shop for Danby refrigerators online through Amazon, Wayfair, and even Target, or in other stores where appliances are sold like Best Buy, Home Depot, and Walmart.
• Magic Chef: Magic Chef, another reliable brand in the mini fridge market, might not offer as many aesthetically-pleasing models as competitors, but they prioritize function with every pick. Most of their designs feature maximum organization options and last long past what you'd expect for their size. You can also find fun retro designs, similar to SMEG, under this brand name if you're looking for a pop of color in your kitchen. Some of Magic Chef's models have issues with cooling, which may be attributed to their size. Be sure to occasionally clean your refrigerator's coils and fan so they operate at their highest capability. You can purchase Magic Chef refrigerators online from Wayfair or in store at Home Depot and Lowe's.
  

Types of Refrigerators

There are four main types of refrigerators: top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, and French door.

• A top-freezer refrigerator has two doors, one that opens to the fridge portion and another that opens to the freezer portion.
• A bottom-freezer refrigerator is often easier to access because food is stored at eye level, while the freezer portion is at the bottom of the fridge, typically accessible via a pull-out drawer.
• Side-by-side and French door refrigerators are favored for their stylish exteriors, complete with a panel-ready design or sleek handles and an ice and water dispenser. However, they can be more expensive and even less spacious.

Brands like Maytag and Frigidaire offer many affordable top-freezer options, while LG and GE are known for their high-end and high-tech French door models.

Price Point

When picking out a new appliance, it's always key to consider your budget, and whether the features you'll receive are actually useful and functional. All brands price their refrigerator models according to the specific features included and the design of the refrigerator.

• Brands that offer the latest technology on their refrigerators, such as GE, LG, and Samsung tend to be more expensive than other brands like Frigidaire and Maytag.
• The Café brand allows certain models to be customized with hardware and panels that match kitchen cabinetry, which also places them at a more expensive price point.

Customization Options

Customization options, such as hardware and panel-ready designs, can make your new appliance blend in with the style of your kitchen so much more. While these options are often expensive and not offered in store, you can explore them online with renderings and even work with a designer to find the right match for you.

• Café, Bosch, and KitchenAid all offer customization options for certain types of fridges, beyond just picking out the finish, ice maker, and shelving arrangement you like.

In general, customization options are usually a staple of luxury brands that marry form with function.

Where You Can Shop

Well-known brands like GE, LG, Samsung, Frigidaire, and KitchenAid are typically available in big-box stores such as Lowe's and Home Depot.

One of the perks of shopping in store is being able to experience the finish and features of certain models before deciding to take an appliance home with you. You can also browse in store, then wait for online sales to pop up on your favorite model.

Other lesser-known or luxury and style-driven brands, such as Bosch and Café, are typically available solely online.

Online shopping often offers more flexibility on delivery and customization options that big-box stores may not.

FAQ

• What refrigerator brand has the best ice maker?

  LG has received a lot of attention for their craft ice feature. It makes spherical ice, perfect for entertaining and eliminating the need to fuss with ice molds. If you’re looking for a reliable filtration system and don’t need sphere-shaped ice, then you may want to check out a Bosch refrigerator. Their filtration system and ice makers allow users to access up to 40 cups of fresh, filtered ice per day.

• What are the best places to buy a refrigerator?

  Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s are great places to start your refrigerator search. They often offer a wide selection of brands and price points, and have an easily accessible website, if you prefer to shop online. You could also shop at Best Buy for refrigerators with smart technology or newer features to learn from their sales associates about what features would best suit your lifestyle and needs. Amazon and Wayfair are great options for a shopper who prefers to shop online, or is in the market for a mini fridge, wine fridge, or beer fridge.

  Checking out your local appliance store is a great option, as well. They might offer speciality sales, in addition to delivery and installation services. While a big-box store may also offer these services, in addition to appliance bundling, their customer service and return policies may not be as great or flexible.

• How many years should a refrigerator last?

  Most refrigerator models typically can last 12 years. Models with fewer features can last as long as 20 years. To help your appliance last, you should care for it properly and follow all maintenance instructions listed in your user manual. Be sure to clean the condenser coils, check its leveling, and change water filters regularly. Maintaining your refrigerator properly can help ensure it doesn't need to be replaced prematurely.

Emma Phelps is the updates writer for all of The Spruce's home beats. Throughout her career, she's researched and evaluated the best quality products within budget-friendly price ranges. When researching the best refrigerator brands, she considered consumer reviews and satisfaction surveys, annual appliance rankings, and overall brand performance. She's not only experienced in researching appliances, but also has written about home improvement, interior design, and organization. You can find more of her home-related writing on SouthernLiving.com.

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