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There are countless refrigerator brands and models available nowadays. Do you ever stop to wonder what makes each one unique - from features and design to price and reliability?

Selecting the best refrigerator for your home is about finding the perfect balance between all of these factors. From size and design to special features and reliability, you want to be certain you’re making the right choice. After all, the average refrigerator lasts about 7-14 years, so you want to find a model you’re going to love. That’s where we come in!

We’ve put together a list of the nine best refrigerators on the market in order to make your search easier. We’ll also walk you through what makes each refrigerator unique, as well as the different features you can expect to find in each one.

Built-in refrigerators are luxurious but may not be a perfect fit for every household. Watch our video review.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Fridge

There are a lot of factors to take into account when shopping for the best fridge for your home. After all, your refrigerator is one of the most noticeable aspects of your kitchen. You’ll want to find a model that blends in with the rest of your space without sacrificing additional features and reliability. Here are the most important factors and kitchen design ideas to take into consideration while shopping:

Know Your Dimensions

Before we dive into the various features and refrigerator styles available, we have to address the most important aspect of shopping for a new refrigerator - determining the dimensions. Before you do anything else, you have to measure your available space. Doing so will help you decide which refrigerator size will work best in your home.

Additionally, you’ll want to take the door’s swing into consideration. Do you want the door to open to the right or to the left? These details may seem small, but they’re incredibly important in ensuring your fridge comfortably fits into the kitchen.

The main aspect that our customers often forget to take into consideration is the fridge’s depth. One size does not fit all when it comes to refrigerators. That’s why you have two options for the depth of your refrigerator: counter depth and standard depth. Before you start shopping, it’s important to measure your existing space to determine which fridge type would fit well in your kitchen.

Counter Depth Refrigerators: The depth of a counter depth box (meaning the fridge without the door and the handle) range from 24 to 25 1/2-inches, which means that it leaves enough room for the door to open.

Most people prefer this clean and streamlined look even though they lose some interior volume. If you’re on a strict budget, the one downside to counter-depth refrigerators is that they tend to be more expensive.

Refrigerator Dimensions
Refrigerators Dimensions

Standard-Depth Refrigerators: A majority of refrigerators you encounter will be standard-depth. These models range in depth from 30 to 34 inches. Although this extra depth gives you more space for groceries, it also means the fridge takes up more space in your kitchen.

Additionally, these fridges won’t provide you the same flush look achieved with counter-depth refrigerators.


Many Looks of Refrigerators

Because your refrigerator is a big part of your overall kitchen design, you want to choose a model you’re going to love functionally and aesthetically. There are six main refrigerator styles to choose from: top freezer models, french door models, bottom freezer models, side-by-side models, built-ins, and columns.

Bottom freezer refrigerator models are one of the most popular fridge types right now. If you are particularly interested in bottom freezer models, visit our guide to the best bottom freezer refrigerators of 2023.

Please keep in mind that different manufacturers have additional design options under each style.

refrigerator styles
Different Looks of Refrigerators

Climate Control is More Than Cold Air

Cold temperature is not enough to keep your food from spoiling. In addition to temperature, climate control encompasses three other important factors - humidity, air circulation, and air filtration. Together, each of these factors helps to determine how long food will last inside your fridge.

Temperature: According to Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) the ideal temperature inside your fridge should be below 40 F (we recommend between 35 to 38 F in modern fridges) and the freezer should be set to 0 F. As a rule of thumb, your fridge's internal temperature should never fluctuate more than one degree from the temperature you set.

Entry-level and older models feature simple dial controls that allow you to adjust the temperature with a dial that ranges between 1 and 5. In these models, 1 is the warmest setting and 5 is the coldest.

However, many new models now feature more precise temperature controls with digital readings. We recommend investing in an independent fridge thermometer to be certain that your food is safe.

Fridge Thermometer

Humidity: Humid air helps preserve your food for longer periods of time. However, vegetables require more humid air than other products in your fridge. That’s why choosing a fridge with humidity adjustable crisper drawers is important.

Some brands like Bosch and Samsung even have a sealed drawer (marketed as a 4th door) where you can adjust both the temperature and humidity based on the food you’re looking to store inside.

Air Circulation and Filtration: A good refrigerator should have sufficient airflow and filtration. For example, ethylene gas is the main culprit of your spoiled or over-ripened fruits. If your fridge is able to filter out this gas effectively, your food will stay fresh longer.

All in all, most credible manufacturers have advanced food preservation systems nowadays.


9 Best Refrigerator Brands of 2023

1) Best Smart Features: Samsung RF23A9771SR

Feature Rating Feature Rating
Temp. Consistency 🟢 Interior Layout 🟢
Energy Eff. 🟢 Noise 🟢
Ice Maker Perf. 🟠 Wifi & Apps. 🟢
Samsung RF23A9771SR

This Samsung refrigerator might just be the best smart refrigerator available on the market. It’s no wonder that a brand who made its name in smartphones and other high-tech devices has integrated technology into their refrigerators so effectively.

The RF22N9781SR packs more than just hyper-connected features. If you are in the supermarket, you can check and see if there is milk in the fridge thanks to the built in interior cameras. You can even see what's in your refrigerator without opening the door on the Family Hub screen attached to the right side door.

The Family Hub is essentially a giant electronic touch screen that allows you to leave messages for family members, make a shopping list, order food, amongst many other things. You can also give voice commands via Bixby. In essence, the entire functionality of your phone or tablet is now on your fridge door.

samsung-fridge-cameras

The Samsung RF23A9771SR is counter depth and comes in fingerprint-resistant stainless steel or black stainless steel. Its sister product RF29A9771SR has a full depth and a large capacity at 28 cu. ft. The interior of the RF23A9771SR is layed out in a functional manner. It has LED lights that are absolutely luxurious, as well as shelves and drawers that are high quality.

An interesting feature of the RF23A9771SR is its freezer compartments. One of the freezer compartments can turn into a fridge with the touch of a button to give you more refrigerator space. Samsung calls this a "FlexZone".

A Samsung refrigerator has the durability, stylish design, and storage space to serve well as a dependable workhorse at the center of your kitchen.

There is a Samsung fridge for all budgets. Top freezer refrigerators start at under $800. Their French door refrigerator selection is vast starting from well under $1,249. Samsung's side-by-side selection now includes the Family Hub screen.

Samsung Refrigerators
Samsung RF28T5001SR

Best Features
Samsung refrigerators have some of the best smart features out of all of the refrigerators available on the market. Amazing smart features include the massive built-in touch screens (a.k.a. Family Hub) that truly act as the centerpiece of your smart home system. Samsung makes the best counter-depth models on the market today with styles ranging from 3-door models to various 4-door designs.

The "Food Showcase Door" is Samsung's name for the door-in-door feature. Over the years, Samsung bolstered the design with a metal interior door in order to better preserve cold air.

Metal-inside-door-to-keep-cold-air

Samsung RF23A9671SR

Why You Should Buy
If you can’t stand to have anything less than the absolute best and latest in technology, Samsung is the choice for you. That said, Samsung doesn't skimp on the other vitally important aspects of a refrigerator such as smart design, excellent storage capacity, durable construction, and reliable operation that you can count on for years to come.

Success Comes at a Cost to Samsung
In the past 10 years, Samsung has become the top selling brand in home appliances. This rapid success comes at a price. With several different models on the market, normal service issues seemed inflated. Particular models experienced extensive icing in the dispenser module causing a bit of customer backlash. The good news is that Samsung stands behind all of its products and offers a great factory warranty.


2) Best Overall: LG LRMDS3006S

Feature Rating Feature Rating
Temp. Consistency 🟢 Interior Layout 🟢
Energy Eff. 🟡 Noise 🟢
Ice Maker Perf. 🟢 Wifi & Apps. 🟡
LG LRMDS3006S

The LG LRMDS3006S is one of most reliable refrigerators on the market. It also has an immense number of useful features. You will notice its most striking feature when you open the door. Door-in-door design stops many family arguments in regards to who keeps the fridge door open the longest. You can now easily access the most frequently used items with this feature.

The interior layout of this refrigerator is carefully considered and planned. The LED lights are bright and the ice maker on the door is slim which allows more room for the shelves. The top drawer over the freezer is called the CustomChill Drawer, and it allows you to choose between 4 different settings in order to ensure that you have the temperature setting you need. Also, the dividers inside the drawer are adjustable.

The LRMDS3006S gets high marks for keeping the interior temperature consistent. Humidity controls and air filtration are all controlled electronically via multiple advanced sensors. LG consistently emphasizes its inverter compressor and backs it up with a 10-year warranty. The compressor definitely deserves kudos as it is energy efficient and responds rapidly to temperature changes.

Innovative LG refrigerators
LG LRTLS2403S

LG may not be the oldest company, but they have already come a long way in producing some of the sleekest, most modern fridges available. For example, the door-in-door design was commercialized by LG and then implemented soon afterwards by Samsung and GE.

If you’ve tried other LG appliances and have been pleased, you should consider an LG fridge. LG offers a variety of styles ranging from French door and side-by-side, to top freezer and bottom freezer fridges. Our personal favorite LG style is the French door. Furthermore, most of LG's fridges feature the door-in-door feature and counter depth. There are plenty of styles to choose from, which guarantees that you will find exactly what you are looking for.

Best Features
LG refrigerators have an impressive record of reliability and energy efficiency. InstaView is a great feature which illuminates the interior of the fridge when you gently knock on the exterior glass door.

LG-Instaview-Door

Dual-ice maker models featuring "Craft Ice" guarantee that you'll always have ice on demand. LG's newest feature creates crushed ice, cubed ice, and a slow-melting round ice that's perfect for taking your craft drinks, iced coffees, teas, and special cocktails to the next level.

Why You Should Buy
If you want a modern, stylish fridge that’s also going to help you cut down on the cost of energy bills, LG may be right for you. They also boast a range of smart refrigerators complete with touch screens if that is what you are looking for.

What is Missing?
Top refrigerators from the LG catalog are still missing useful Wi-Fi connectivity, Wi-Fi enabled applications, and interior cameras.


3) Most Reliable: GE Profile PFE28KYNFS

Feature Rating Feature Rating
Temp. Consistency 🟢 Interior Layout 🟡
Energy Eff. 🟢 Noise 🟢
Ice Maker Perf. 🟢 Wifi & Apps. 🔴
GE Profile PFE28KYNFS

GE PFE28 series refrigerators have been a mainstay in US households since 2016. The latest version of the GE Profile PFE28KYNFS features a fingerprint resistant finish, better energy consumption, and LED lights.

Thanks to the Twin Chill system, PFE28KYNFS performs its most important job - keeping your food cool under optimal conditions - very well. Interior temperature is consistent and the fridge is Energy Star rated. The door mounted ice/water dispenser is convenient. You can even add a second ice maker in the freezer using a plug and play part. The interior layout of this GE refrigerator is acceptable with plenty of door bins, storage, and crisper drawers.

The only downside to the GE Profile PFE28KYNFS is its Wi-Fi connectivity. This fridge is designed for app controls which can alert you if interior temperature is too high, if the door is left open, or if the water filter needs to be replaced. While the fridge does not automatically come with Wi-Fi connectivity, GE does sell a Wi-Fi card separately which would allow you to access the aforementioned app features.

GE is one of the largest and most established appliance brands on the market. GE refrigerators are dependable, well-designed, and use innovative technology to care for your food, thus make your fridge experience better than ever before.

GE is also the parent company of the GE Profile and GE Cafe brand refrigerators. GE Profile and Cafe are high-end fridges that will bring world-class luxury to your kitchen at an affordable price.

GE, Profile, and Cafe Refrigerator Types
GE Profile Refrigerator PYE22PYNFS

Best Features
One of the best things about shopping with GE is the sheer selection they have to offer, providing everything from entry-level models for budget shoppers to the best high-end refrigerators under the Cafe series. Our favorite features are the hot water and Keurig coffee dispensers found in Profile and Cafe series fridges.

Water-Ice-Dispenser

GE's Cafe brand is the only manufacturer that allows you to select a custom style of handles to match your kitchen design.

Why You Should Buy
Excellent food storage capacity configurations, a range of installation styles and door orientations, as well as a massive selection of models all make GE a worthwhile brand to consider for your next refrigerator.


4) Best Interior Layout: Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ

Feature Rating Feature Rating
Temp. Consistency 🟢 Interior Layout 🟢
Energy Eff. 🟢 Noise 🟡
Ice Maker Perf. 🟢 Wifi & Apps. 🔴
Whirlpool Refrigerator WRX735SDHZ

Whirlpool has remained a world leader of appliances for over a century, and the Whirlpool refrigerator lineup is no different. What they lack in certain aspects of cutting-edge technology and ultra-sleek designs, they make up for in dependability, quality construction, affordable price ranges, and fantastic finishes.

The 4-Door Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ has one of the most reliable external water/ice dispensers on the market. Its most significant design feature is the double drawer. Most people think that the upper drawer is a freezer, but it's not. It is an additional refrigerator compartment. However, it is important to note that the additional refrigerator compartment has its own temperature controls so you can fine-tune the setting based on your storage needs (e.g. colder for beverages, 40 F for cold cuts).

Whirlpool updates the WRX735 models periodically. The latest version incorporates fingerprint resistant coating and LED lights. The interior design of the WRX735SDHZ model is ideal for large families due to its gallon door storage, easy to reach spaces, humidity controlled crispers, and spill proof glass shelves. All in all, the WRX735SDHZ fridge provides a great value for the price point.

Whirlpool Refrigerator WRB322DMBB

The Whirlpool WRB322DMBB in black is a great example of a refrigerator that is both functional and is priced competitively. The sibling products of WRB322DMBB have a variety of color options including stainless steel, white, and black stainless steel. At 32 3/4-inches in width, 33 3/8-inches in depth, and 70-inches in height, the Whirlpool WRB322DMBB has plenty of interior capacity at 21.9 cubic feet of space. Without fancy bells and whistles, this refrigerator is built to protect and preserve your food.

Whirlpool refrigerators have been committed to backing up the quality of their products with robust warranties and support programs for a long time. You can rest assured that you will not be left in the dark in the event of malfunctioning parts or other issues.

Best Features
Whirlpool has maintained its 100-year reputation thanks to the quality construction of their products. Even when it comes to their most budget-friendly refrigerator models, you can count on them to operate as designed without giving you any problems. Other brands that produce budget refrigerators often can’t say the same. Meanwhile, Whirlpool also produces some excellent mid-range and high-end refrigerators that offer even more impressive features for your kitchen.

The Whirlpool refrigerator's MicroEdge glass shelves do not have any metal frames. This helps prevent spilled liquids and crumbs from accumulating on the edges of the shelves. The patented glass design contains minor spills in order to save you lots of time cleaning up.

Why You Should Buy
If you want a brand that's spent decades upon decades mastering their manufacturing process, the Whirlpool refrigerator is for you. They’re dependable, proven, and dedicated to making sure that every customer loves their refrigerator.


5) Best for Budget: Frigidaire FRSS2623AS

Feature Rating Feature Rating
Temp. Consistency 🟡 Interior Layout 🟢
Energy Eff. 🟢 Noise 🟡
Ice Maker Perf. 🟢 Wifi & Apps. 🔴
Frigidaire FRSS2623AS

There was a time when Frigidaire was essentially synonymous with ‘refrigerator.’ The brand was so popular in the early days of electric-powered refrigeration that many people called their fridges 'Frigidaires' even if they were manufactured by another brand.

Frigidaire isn’t quite as ubiquitous today as they were before, but they still produce reliable, energy-efficient, and durable fridges, such as the FRSS2623AS. They also offer models and lineups for a variety of different price ranges which gives you more options to consider.

The Frigidaire FRSS2623AS offers plenty of food storage capacity at 25.5 cu. ft. It comes in at a price point on or around $999 depending on seasonal promotions. This model has been around for many years, as a result, we noticed a whopping 6,900 actual customer reviews (more than 80% positive) on popular appliance websites.

Best Features
The Frigidaire refrigerator gets the job done. It can be counted on to be low-maintenance, dependable, and effectively climate controlled to keep your food fresh day in and day out. Frigidaire makes the most affordable best side by side refrigerators.

Why You Should Buy
Are you looking for a dependable, stylish, and simple refrigerator that will get the job done and look good doing it? Frigidaire refrigerators might be the best choice for you.


6) Best Temperature Control: Bosch B36CL80ENS

Feature Rating Feature Rating
Temp. Consistency 🟢 Interior Layout 🟢
Energy Eff. 🟢 Noise 🟢
Ice Maker Perf. 🟢 Wifi & Apps. 🔴
Bosch Refrigerator B36CL80ENS

The quality of German engineering is consistently emphasized in a variety of areas, however, nowhere is it put into practice more effectively and obviously than in Bosch appliances. This German brand crafts some of the best and most dependable appliances in the world, and the Bosch refrigerator lineup is no exception.

Using 2 compressors (a feature that is reserved for luxury brands), Bosch separates the cold air, humidity, and air filtration between the fridge and the freezer. This design brings a distinct advantage to you, as you will notice significantly improved food preservation. We were so excited about this fridge that Designer Appliances co-founder, John, outfitted our display fridges with multiple sensors and tested them for several weeks. He also made a great video with many visuals to further explain the benefits of Bosch refrigerators.

Our Exclusive Bosch Refrigerator Review with Great Visuals

Quality often comes with a significant price tag to match— and Bosch refrigerators are no exception. However, if you are considering Bosch for other appliances, the company offers lucrative savings for package purchases.

Best Features
It’s difficult to select just one best feature of a Bosch refrigerator. Each Bosch refrigerator combines effortless style, world-class design, impeccable construction quality, and innovative refrigeration features that make other fridges pale in comparison. Features like recessed LED lights, built-in touch control panels, smart connectivity, and remote control and monitoring all add up to an exceptional refrigerator.

In late 2019, Bosch spared no expense and introduced refrigerators with dual-compressors in their line-up. As a result, you can now store your groceries for an extended amount of time in a Bosch fridge.

Why You Should Buy
If you want the best of the best when it comes to quality construction and design, Germany’s greatest appliance export has you covered. Whether you’re looking for built-in, counter depth, or world-class freestanding products, Bosch is the way to go.


Our exclusive video review of Miele refrigerators.

7) Best High End Refrigerator: Miele KF2982SF

Feature Rating Feature Rating
Temp. Consistency 🟢 Interior Layout 🟡
Energy Eff. 🟢 Noise 🟢
Ice Maker Perf. 🟢 Wifi & Apps. 🔴
Miele KF2982SF

Another high-end appliance brand out of Germany, Miele, shares many of the same qualities as Bosch -- attention to detail, sophisticated designs in well-constructed packages, and a premium look that comes with a premium price. If you’re looking for an entry-level or even mid-range option for your next fridge, a Miele refrigerator may not be the right choice for you. But if you’re looking for the best of the best, this brand should definitely be a part of your search.

Best Features
Miele is constantly trying to push refrigerator technology forward, and that results in some pretty incredible innovations. One of these is the Miele MasterCool and SmartFresh system, which turns your refrigerator into a series of smaller climates and zones where you can dial in the perfect settings for a range of food types. This helps keep food fresh and unspoiled for longer than ever before - as much as three times longer than many competitors - thus giving your veggies, fruits, dairy, and meat items the perfect climate.

Why You Should Buy
Beautiful designs, durable construction, and thoughtful, boundary-pushing features are just a few of the reasons why you should consider getting a Miele refrigerator. If you heard the name Miele before, chances are you are also familiar with its best in class vacuum cleaners. Also, the Miele dishwashers are considered to be the best in the world.


8) Best Savings in a Kitchen Package: Thermador Refrigerator

Thermador Refrigerator Column Paired with Freezer and Wine Fridge
Feature Rating Feature Rating
Temp. Consistency 🟢 Interior Layout 🟡
Energy Eff. 🟢 Noise 🟢
Ice Maker Perf. 🟢 Wifi & Apps. 🔴
Thermador T30BB925SS

Thermador is not necessarily as well known as some other brands with bigger name recognition, but that’s not because Thermador hasn’t earned their spot in the appliance market. They pioneered the first wall oven and the first cooktop. Also, they’re among the very first brands to have incorporated stainless steel into appliance design. Their history of innovation continues with their lineup of refrigerators, which are mainly high-end and deliver incredible design, impressive visual profiles, and more amazing features than you can count.

Best Features
In the past, Thermador refrigerators received some low marks from consumers due to issues with reliability and costly repair premiums. But they’ve overhauled their design approach and now produce some of the most reliable refrigerators and appliances on the market, which makes them a great choice for those who like to know that their fridge is going to keep working properly for years to come.

Why You Should Buy
Thermador has been innovating appliance design for over a century, and today they produce some of the most dependable refrigerators on the market.

Thermador runs a great rebate program called "1-2-Free" which offers savings just shy of $10,000 in a kitchen package purchase. If that sounds right up your alley, considering browsing the Thermador refrigerator lineup.


9) Best Premium Refrigerator: Sub Zero BI48

Feature Rating Feature Rating
Temp. Consistency 🟢 Interior Layout 🟢
Energy Eff. 🟢 Noise 🟡
Ice Maker Perf. 🟢 Wifi & Apps. 🔴
Sub Zero BI48SSTH

Sub Zero has remained the gold-standard of refrigerators ever since they pioneered the concept of built in refrigerators that are installed flush with cabinets. Since then, Sub Zero refrigerators continue to break ground with some of the most visually striking traditional as well as ultra-modern designs. The company tends to focus much of their efforts on the high-end range of the price spectrum.

Best Features
When it comes to sheer visual beauty, no one does it quite like Sub Zero refrigerators. Their stunning, minimalist refrigerators look like modern art. Every single detail is carefully designed by their team, then executed to perfection in every refrigerator. Sub-Zero refrigerators are also dependable, well-built, and great at storing a large amount of food. When you see a Sub Zero refrigerator in person, it’s easy to forget about all the impressive features that they have as you sit in amazement over how good-looking they are.

Additionally, Sub Zero makes the best wine fridges in the US. Therefore, the company earned a prominent spot on our rankings.

Watch our exclusive video on Sub Zero fridges

Why You Should Buy
If you want the best possible refrigerator for your money, the Sub-Zero refrigerator is your best bet. As part of their comprehensive warranty, this premium brand cares so much about customer service that they're just one phone call away for any issues and that's for a full 12 years from the day of installation.

Sub Zero offers a range of styles, from cabinet-matching front facades to sleek stainless steel, as well as side-by-side, French door, and top-bottom arrangements. If you want true refrigeration greatness, you can’t go wrong with Sub-Zero including the Sub-Zero wine fridge.

Meanwhile, if you have a smaller budget for a new fridge or you are replacing an old built-in refrigerator, here is a guide to help you find an affordable option.


Final Word

While this list definitely doesn’t include every refrigerator brand on the market, you can’t go wrong starting your search with these brands.

While we didn't highlight any specfic KitchenAid refrigerators here, they do have some great offerings that you might be interested in. If you feel that KitchenAid refrigerators might be of interest, read our review of KitchenAid refrigerators

Have more questions about buying your next refrigerator? Contact one of our Designer Appliances experts to learn more. We are always happy to help!


Additional Resources and Research References

  1. Energy Efficiency of a Refrigerator by Penn State University.
  2. Energy Star and energy efficiency by EnergyStar
  3. The Proof is in the Pudding: How Refrigerator Standards Have Saved Consumers Billions
  4. Keep Food Fresh for Longer With an Organised Fridge from Miele UK
  5. Refrigerator Best Practices by EnergyStar
  6. Samsung Unveils New Category of Innovative Lifestyle Home Appliances from CES2020