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Are you considering either an LG or Samsung refrigerator for your home? Or maybe you’re wondering which brand is better?

LG and Samsung refrigerators almost identical in product design and functionality, making them classic rivals. That’s why it may be hard to distinguish between the two and decide which brand would be best in your kitchen.

To make your decision a little easier, we’ve created this detailed guide to compare LG and Samsung refrigerators and highlight their strengths, downfalls, and unique features. We’ll also give you our picks for the best refrigerator models in each brand.

Overview of Samsung and LG Refrigerators

Although Samsung and LG weren’t popular brands ten years ago, they’re two of the best home appliance brands in the market today.

Samsung is one of the most successful electronics companies in the world. Thanks to their innovation, sleek product design, and product quality, Samsung holds a significant share of the appliance market.

With a Samsung refrigerator, you get top-of-the-line construction and design style. They’re also very reliable and pack extra features to boost user convenience.

The LG refrigerator is the only brand that can stand up to Samsung in terms of innovation. Besides offering top-quality products, they make good on their promise of improving user convenience.


Door Configurations

Refrigerator brands generally have four traditional door configurations.

  • French door refrigerator
  • Side-by-side refrigerator
  • Bottom Freezer refrigerator
  • Top Freezer refrigerator

Samsung and LG refrigerator models upended the industry starting with their innovative door configurations.

Samsung Refrigerator Door Configurations
Samsung likes to categorize its fridges as follows:

  • Side by Side
  • French Door
  • 4-Door French Door
  • 4-Door Flex (technology that allows you to easily switch from freezer to fridge)

Samsung-Door-Types-FamilyHub

The company does make some top freezer refrigerator models. In fact, the 18 cu. ft. RT18M6215WW is one of Samsung’s best selling top freezer models at an affordable price point.


LG Refrigerator Door Configurations
LG refrigerator, on the other hand, has also a wide selection of styles which includes popular bottom freezer and top freezer models. However, their most intesting lineup is reserved for french door and side by side models.

LG-french-door-fridge

We like the 3-door concept on the side-by-side LG fridges:

LG-side-by-side-fridge


Which is More Stylish?

As we mentioned earlier, LG and Samsung refrigerator products are very similar in style and functionality. But while LG may have the upper hand in innovative features, Samsung does take a slight lead in design, and style due to their efforts in making handleless (some call it pocket handle) fridges. This makes them a perfect fit for any kitchen.

A quick side note on handles. When purchasing appliances, most people usually do not think about handle design. But when the appliance is in their kitchen mismatching handles will catch their eye. So, if you are simply replacing an old/broken fridge make sure the new fridge you have in mind matches the rest of the appliances and your kichen hardware. As an example, we like the universal appeal of Samsung RF28K9380SR.

Do LG and Samsung Have Both Counter-Depth vs Standard Depth Fridges?

Yes, both brands have counter-depth and full-depth models. In fact, both LG and Samsung are known to make the best counter-depth refrigerator models on the market.

Counter-depth models fit into the cabinet space properly to give the kitchen a seamless finish. Full or standard depth models stick out of the cabinet, making it hard for kitchen cabinet designers to achieve a custom and seamless finish. Our article on the counter-depth vs standard depth refrigerator design has further information on this topic along with visuals.

Counter-Depth-vs-Full-Depth-Refrigerator-Differences

Examples of counter-depth models from both brands include the LG LFXC22526S and the Samsung RF22R7551SR. For standard-depth models, there’s the LG LFDS22520S and the Samsung RF28R6301SR.

Do Either Have Any Unique Finishes

LG refrigerators come in either matte black stainless steel, black stainless steel, stainless steel, smooth white, platinum silver, or the LG Signature Textured Steel finish. Samsung refrigerator finishes include the white, black, stainless platinum, stainless steel, fingerprint resistant stainless steel, fingerprint resistant black stainless steel, and the fingerprint-resistant Tuscan stainless steel finish.

The Tuscan Stainless Steel Finish is unique to Samsung refrigerators and appears in high-end models like the 22 cu. ft. counter-depth RF22R7551DT. The rich color Tuscan palette blends into and complements any kitchen décor for that touch of luxury. The LG Signature Textured Steel Finish is unique to LG refrigerators and appears in models like the 31 cu. ft. Smart Wi-Fi URNTS3106N.


Unique Features of Each Brand

While most refrigerator brands offer similar features, they maintain certain features that are unique to them. This also applies to both Samsung and LG refrigerators.

Unique Features of Samsung Refrigerators

Samsung’s unique features list starts with the FlexZone technology, which temporarily converts your freezer to a fridge and vice versa at the push of a button. There’s the metal cooling feature that helps to maintain a uniform temperature inside the refrigerator.

The Autofill Water Pitcher feature is very remarkable and thoughtful. With the pitcher, you can blend your fruits or brew cold tea into your drinking water. What’s more? It automatically fills up once you take some water from it, ensuring you don’t run out of cold valuable drinking water.

Samsung_Autofill_WaterPitcher

The Family Hub series has some of the smartest refrigerator models in the market. Its unique properties include the touchscreen door, voice activation/control using Bixby’s Assistant, and steady notifications/alerts on the status of the items in the fridge. The Family Hub is limited to some specific high-end Samsung 3 door French door refrigerator models like the RF22NPEDB.

Unique Features of LG refrigerators

LG, being a little bit more innovative, maintains many unique features. These include the Smart Diagnosis, LoDecibel Operation, and the InstaView door in door design, among others. The InstaView door in door has a glass panel that lights up the inside of the fridge with two quick knocks. The feature allows you to see the inside of the refrigerator without opening it.

instaview-raid

The LG Signature line is one of the best refrigerator series in the market. Besides the unique textured finish and the InstaView feature, the LG Signature LUPXC2386N has an auto door open feature that opens the door once you step in front of the refrigerator. It also has the SmartThinQ technology for remote refrigerator management.

instaview-extend

High-end LG refrigerators also produce the spherical Craft Ice, unlike Samsung refrigerators, which are engineered to last longer than normal ice before melting. These 2-inch diameter spheres of crystal clear ice will take your cocktail game to a higher level.

We covered the Samsung and the LG refrigerator brands in our previous articles. The reviews and buying guide provides more detailed information regarding the unique features of each brand.


Convenient Shelving & Storage

Refrigerator brands have different models of different sizes and capacities. Similar LG and Samsung models offer similar storage and shelving options. But a deeper dive into the features of the models will show that storage capacity depends on the model and not the brand. Each of the brands has models that offer better and more convenient shelving options.

RefrigeratorStorage


WiFi Connectivity Options

Both LG and Samsung brands have refrigerators with Wi-Fi connectivity options. These refrigerators are usually high end and with premium prices.

Samsung’s connected refrigerators are limited to the Family Hub series. With a Family Hub refrigerator, you cannot only control the fridge using voice, but you can also do so much more thanks to Bixby’s Assistant.

Samsung_Bixby

More than half of LG refrigerators are connected. This means LG offers you better chances of owning a connected refrigerator than Samsung. With LG’s refrigerator app, ThinQ, you can activate features like the Smart Diagnosis, and control the fridge remotely for better convenience.


Are They Reliable?

Samsung and LG are some of the top and popular refrigerator brands across the globe. This gives them a reason to value their reputation above profit.

Collectively, their refrigerators are some of the most reliable in the market. Due to their popularity too, it is also easier to fix an LG or Samsung refrigerator. However, LG refrigerators are a little more reliable than Samsung refrigerators.


Energy Efficiency

Both brands are pretty similar in functionality, and so each is just as efficient as the other. Most of their refrigerators save you unnecessary energy costs and also protect the environment without sacrificing essential features.

That said, LG currently has about 69 refrigerators (out of a possible 91), which are Energy Star certified. Samsung has 55 devices (out of a possible 66) that are Energy Star certified. This apparently makes Samsung refrigerators more energy-efficient than LG refrigerators.


How Does the Cooling System Work?

Both refrigerator brands are great at cooling, with each having several cooling options and methods. Besides the standard multi airflow cooling system, LG’s cooling methods also include linear cooling, smart cooling, innovative cooling, door cooling, and the signature FRESHShield Cooling method.

The FRESHShield Cooling system releases cold air from ducts at the top of the refrigerator. These form a cold air barrier that keeps the inside of the box at a stable temperature. The door cooling helps to maintain even temperature in the box by reducing the temperature difference between the door part and the inner end of the fridge.

FRESHShield-Cooling

Samsung has the Twin Cooling, Twin Cooling Plus, Triple Cooling, and then the remarkable metal cooling, which is similar to LG’s door cooling. Samsung’s Twin Cooling Plus technology makes use of double compressors and triple evaporators to improve cooling. The Twin Cooling technology is present in almost all refrigerator models, while the Triple Cooling is reserved for the high-end refrigerators.

SamsungTwinCooling


Our 6 Best LG and Samsung Refrigerator Models

Before we end our comparison, let’s take a look at our best 6 LG and Samsung refrigerator models. Meanwhile, both brands are part of our coveted best refrigerator brands rankings. Also, please keep in mind that each company makes over 100 models in different sizes and styles. Models we have chosen here will give you a good starting point in your research and help you understand features and conveniences each brand offers throughout their lineup.

1) Best Classic Refrigerator: Samsung RS22T5201SR

Samsung RS22T5201SR

The classic 22 cu. ft. RS22T5201SR has the most visually appealing side by side refrigerator visual appeal in the market. But in addition to the stylish exterior, the RS22T5201SR comes loaded with tons of cool features.

This refrigerator replaces the RH22H9010SR model, which included an innovative food showcase door. This allowed users to see what was inside the fridge and access high-frequency items easily. Unfortunately, the current version of the product does not have this door-in-door feature. However, you will notice far better air circulation inside the current incarnation, which is super important when it comes to food preservation.

The RS22T5201SR comes with an automatic in-door ice maker, as well as a water and ice dispenser. It also has a counter-depth design, which gives your kitchen a custom and seamless look.

Samsung makes a larger version of the same fridge. Samsung RS27T5200SR features a full depth and clocks 27.4 cu. ft. in interior volume.


2) Best Style: Samsung RF23A9671SR

Samsung Refrigerator RF23A9671SR

The four-door RF23A9671SR with FlexZone technology is another Samsung model that gives your kitchen a seamless look with a touch of luxury. It also has a food showcase feature that grants you easy access to high-frequency items.

The RF23A9671SR’s FlexZone technology means you can easily and temporarily convert your freezer to a fridge for more space. This model also uses Triple Cooling technology to get food items to cool faster.

This model also has a stylish, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior, which reduces smudges. Its counter-depth design fits right into your cabinet space for a custom and seamless look.

Like many of the other models on our list, this model’s interior clocks in at 22.8 cu. ft.


3) Best French Door Refrigerator Innovation: Samsung Family Hub RF22R7551SR

Samsung Refrigerator RF22R7551SR Family Hub

Although we rated LG a bit higher than Samsung in terms of innovation, we can’t deny that Samsung models offer some really cool features. The 22 cu. ft. 4-door RF22R7551SR is one of the best French door refrigerator models on the market, thanks to the Family Hub feature.

The Family Hub makes the refrigerator smart, allowing you to control it remotely with the help of the Samsung app. This model also has the FlexZone feature and uses the Twin Cooling Plus technology.

The RF22R7551SR has an extended-height water dispenser, which helps you to fill containers and pitchers with ease. It has high-efficiency interior LED lighting, and the stainless steel door has a metal cooling effect. The refrigerator also has a counter-depth design for a classic custom finish.

Please note that the RF22R7551SR replaced the discontinued RF22NPEDBSR model in 2020.


4) Best Top Freezer Refrigerator: LG LRTLS2403S

LG Refrigerator LRTLS2403S

The LG LRTLS2403S is a top freezer model that provides you with more than enough space for your groceries.

This refrigerator comes with two humidity-controlled crisper drawers that keep your food fresh and well-organized. The model’s Multi Air Flow Freshness System keeps the fridge’s interior at the perfect humidity and temperature levels. These features all combine to keep your food fresh for longer periods of time.

Besides the functionality features, the LRTLS2403S also stands tall in design. It has well-contoured doors and hidden hinges. This model comes in a variety of different finishes, including black stainless steel, white stainless steel, and smooth white.


5) Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator: LG LRDCS2603S

LG LRDCS2603S Refrigerator

In addition to the extra space, this refrigerator provides more than its Samsung counterpart. It packs the Multi-Air Flow Freshness feature for maintaining optimum humidity and temperature. This guarantees your food will stay fresh for a longer period of time. The fridge’s contoured door handles and hidden hinges also give it a sophisticated look.

One of the LRDCS2603S’s most striking features is the Smart Diagnosis system. This uses some of the latest diagnostic and connectivity technology to help you instantly troubleshoot your refrigerator with ease. The model is also Energy Star certified and has a ten-year warranty.


6) Best 4-Door Refrigerator: LG LRMVC2306S

LG Refrigerator LRMVC2306S

Thanks to its connectivity and smart features, the LG LRMVC2306S is one of the most technologically advanced LG refrigerator models available. For example, the InstaView feature allows you to see the items in your refrigerator without opening the door.

The door-in-door feature also helps you to keep your most-used items in the front of the fridge to avoid letting cool air out when opening the door. The SmartThinQ technology and app enables you to control your refrigerator remotely and operate it via voice controls.

Some other cool features include the Slim SpacePlus Ice system for more shelf space and the Smart Cooling Plus for maintaining ideal temperatures. The refrigerator also has a counter-depth design for a custom and seamless look.


Conclusion

Both LG and Samsung refrigerators are similar in quality and would make an excellent addition to your kitchen. However, if you’re looking for top-of-the-line designs and a more seamless look, a Samsung refrigerator might work best for you. If you’re looking for a fridge with optimal convenience and lots of cool innovations, you may want to go with an LG model.


FAQs

Where Are LG and Samsung Refrigerators Made?
Samsung refrigerators are made in South Korea, Germany, China, Hungary, South Africa, Luxemburg, Sweden, and India. In 2018, Samsung Electronics America began commercial production of home appliances in Newberry County, South Carolina.

Most LG refrigerators are made in South Korea, with some models made in China. But with the construction of their massive factory in Clarksville, Tennessee, the brand will have most of its appliances for the US market produced in North America.

What is the water filter I need for my Samsung refrigerator and how often do I need to change it?
We listed the compatible water filters for Samsung refrigerators on the follwowing page.

The carbon filters in refrigerators need to be replaced every six months.

Do Samsung or LG make wine refrigerators?
At this time Samsung and LG do not make full size or undercounter wine refrigerators. If you need best wine fridge recommendations, our buying guide covers this topic in detail.