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If you’re shopping for a new Samsung refrigerator, you might find yourself asking this question —why spend hundreds more on a particular model when all fridges do essentially the same thing? That is, keep your food cold.

The truth is, a great refrigerator has the potential to do so much more than preserve your milk, cheese, and veggies. If you stop for a moment to consider how often you get things in and out of your fridge every day, you’ll realize that minor features and improvements to convenience can have a significant impact on your experience in the kitchen.

We prepared this Samsung refrigerator review so you can easily select a great Samsung appliance that is suitable for your needs and your budget. Considering that the brand makes over 100 different fridge models, we prepared the guide below to make you confident about your style, configuration, and feature selection.

5 Best Samsung Refrigerators

Samsung Refrigerator Types and Unique Features

The Samsung refrigerator is the most innovative product when it comes to technology and styling. As a latecomer to the US appliances market, Samsung challenged every aspect of residential fridges from food preservation to user-friendly features, from connectivity to alternate design styles. This commitment to innovation earned Samsung a prominent spot in our best refrigerator rankings.

Before we dive into specific features, it’s important to understand main style differences within the Samsung refrigerator lineup. Samsung fridges have five major types:

  • 4-Door Flex, pinnacle of Samsung technology
  • Bespoke, all features of 4-Door Flex with custom door panels
  • French Door, popular look of a modern kitchen
  • Side by Side, for those who want ultimate freezer organization
  • Top Freezer, budget friendly
Samsung refrigerator types
Samsung makes over 100 different refrigerators

Each category combines style and function with visible features such as "food-showcase door" (a.k.a. door-in-door) design, FlexZone technology which is revealed on 4-door refrigerators where you can fine tune the temperature in the pull-out drawer by food type. Or, in the case of the 4-Door Flex version, you will have the ability to turn a full section from freezer to a fridge on demand.

The "Family Hub" touch-screen with internal cameras can be found on the doors of select Samsung refrigerators. In addition, you will find models with or without water/ice on the door or counter depth refrigerator as well as standard depth selection.

Marketing jargon can be hard to decipher. Don't worry, we will explain features such as "flexzone", "family-hub", etc. in the body of this article using plain English.

Flagship Product: The 4-Door Flex Samsung Refrigerator

Samsung refrigerator 4 Door Flex
Most stylish & technologically advanced

While Samsung's French door and side by side refrigerators are rich with features, the 4-Door Flex Full Depth, pack most of the innovative features.

The line up is separated by easy to detect external differences - visible water dispenser on the door, Family Hub touch screen/internal cameras, and counter depth vs standard size. However, internal features are more subtle and create the main price differences within the lineup. For example, the Food ShowCase door, dual-ice makers, and beverage center with AutoFill water pitcher are the most prominent appliance features. You can expect all Samsung fridges to be wifi-connected smart appliances.

What is a Flex Door (a.k.a. Flex Zone)?

Combined with the flex crisper drawer Samsung's Flex Zone help create ideal conditions for a variety of food items. You can switch an entire bottom right section of your appliance to a freezer or a fridge with a push of a button. Fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, beverages, or ice cream can all be stored depending on your needs.

Samsung Refrigerator Flex Zone Explained
Samsung's Flex Zone Explained

What is the Food Showcase Door?

Food Showcase or as it is better labeled in the industry, the "Door-in-Door" design, is an example of an innovation that is super useful in a family setting.

A refrigerator works the hardest after you close its doors to make up for the lost, cold air. Besides, temperature fluctuations are not helpful when it comes to long-lasting food preservation.

Food ShowCase doors help a great deal if you organize your high-frequency items towards the front shelves for easy access. If you place your Gallon of Milk, OJ, etc. In the front row, you can retrieve them easily without fully opening the fridge.

Additionally, the stainless-steel interior finishing helps keep the traditionally warmer spot in your refrigerator, namely the front section, up to par with the back. This feature is known as metal cooling. Some Samsung refrigerators even have a stainless-steel panel on the back to enhance cooling.

Samsung Food Showcase Door in Door Design
Samsung Food Showcase Door in Door Design

Samsung French Door Refrigerators

French door refrigerators have been extremely popular in the past 10 years. These fridges have an ideal storage ratio of fridge to freezer especially in the 36-inch width.

Samsung French door refrigerators incorporate the lion share of features found on the 4 Door Flex series. Externally, most of the line up is comprised by 36-inch width with counter-depth or full depth variance. The brand, however, makes some 32-inch width models.

The French door styling features either the 3-door or the 4-door with Flex Zone. In either series you can get the Family Hub touch screen as an option. Select models have the door-in-door "food showcase" door.

Unfortunately, Samsung did not include the dual-ice-maker feature in its French door refrigerators.

Samsung French Door Refrigerators
Samsung French Door Refrigerators

In this model year, Samsung expanded the internal volume of its French door fridges. This allowed the company to incorporate the full width drawer in select models which you can fully extend.

Samsung french door refrigerator pantry drawer
Full width drawer

Side-by-Side Samsung Refrigerator

Samsung makes 36" wide side-by-side refrigerators two styles, namely, with or without an external dispenser. Each style also has an option for the Family Hub touch screen.

You can choose the appropriate depth of the Samsung side by side fridge based on your kitchen cabinet design. While the counter depth option blends seamlessly in your kitchen, the full-deph fridge offers plenty of interior volume.

Samsung no longer incorporates a "Food ShowCase" door in door design in this category.

Samsung Side by Side Refrigerators
Side by Side Refrigerators

Counter-Depth vs Standard Depth Design Style

Almost all Samsung refrigerators come in two styles, counter depth and standard depth (a.k.a. full depth). Samsung gives you the option to select a fridge that works for your kitchen. As an example, if you have a large family and able to sacrifice on the seamless, built-in look, go for a full-depth version. On the other hand, a counter-depth design definitely adds to the looks and gives your kitchen an immediate uplift.

On an average, a typical 36-inch wide, 70-inch high family size refrigerator has about 21-23 cu. ft. capacity as counter depth and 27-29 cu. ft. as full depth.

Counter-Depth-vs-Full-Depth-Refrigerator-Design



Are Samsung Refrigerators Reliable?

Samsung refrigerators are reliable. Over the past ten years, Samsung dominated over 20% of the appliance market in the US. Therefore, it sells more refrigerators than all other manufacturers.

Considering that this brand went from zero to the number one company in the US markets in such a short time, we cannot help but notice some service issues. Number one service issue with Samsung refrigerators is excessive icing in the ice-maker component. Although recent models have addressed this issue, Samsung is catching a ton of flack from its "install base".

Samsung refrigerators come with a one year bumper to bumper warranty which covers both parts and labor.

See our review criteria for "good refrigerators" in our in depth article.


How Well Does Samsung Refrigerator Cool?

Twin Cooling Plus and Triple Cooling

Temperature regulation is the key to better and long-lasting food preservation in any refrigerator. To do this, Samsung developed the Twin Cooling Plus technology by matching a single compressor with two evaporators. The 4-Door Flex refrigerators take this a notch higher, making use of double compressors with triple evaporators.

The result of these tech changes? Food lasts longer in Samsung fridges equipped with the Twin Cooling Plus and Triple Cooling technology. Freezer humidity and odors do not mix with that of the fridge section.

Triple-Cool

Triple Cooling is reserved for the higher-end 4-door flex Samsung refrigerators. TwinCooling is featured on most models across all styles.

Bonus Feature - map Twin Cooling Plus and Triple Cooling offer you a side benefit via humidity-controlled crispers and the "CoolSelect Pantry." These allow you to separate your fruits, vegetables, and delicate meat for longer-lasting and always-fresh results.

Flex Zone - Customize to Interchange Between Refrigerator and Freezer

Convert the bottom right section of the 4-Door Flex refrigerator or the top drawer of the dual drawer models to Flex Zone (i.e., use either as a fridge, freezer or at a custom temperature most suitable for your food/beverage).

Flex-Zone-Drawer---Use-as-a-Fridge-or-Freezer-or-Anything-in-betwenn

FlexZone section in "4-Door Flex" refrigerators with two freezer doors in the bottom can switch to refrigerator mode when needed.

As for the double-drawer 4-Door models, like the counter depth Samsung RF23J9011SR refrigerator, the FlexZone can act as a "fresco" zone where you can adjust the temperature based on the food type (meats vs. vegetables, etc.).


Water Dispenser and Ice Maker

Almost all Samsung refrigerators come with ice makers and an external dispenser. You can store up to 3 lb's of fresh ice in counter-depth refrigerators and 4.2 lb's in full size fridges. All refrigerators come with a unique, high quality Samsung water filter.

Samsung refrigerator water and ice dispensers
Water and Ice Dispenser, AutoFill Water Pitcher

Earlier version of Samsung refrigerators were not reliable, especially when it comes to water dispensers and ice makers. After wrestling with many issues surrounding icey waterlines, and leaking ice makers, Samsung finally fixed a good number of its problems.

Samsung thinks about everyday conveniences. As an example, external dispensers come with an ambient LED light to help prevent unwanted spills. Samsung also uses high quality filters to eliminate contaminants while retaining natural water taste.

AutoFill Water Pitcher map is one of the top features of Samsung refrigerators that is hardly noticeable. Tucked in on the refrigerator door, the built-in water pitcher fills up automatically. It is always cold and ready to go. You can even infuse your water with your favorite fruits.

Effective Interior Design

All Samsung fridges have well-planned interiors. Gallon door storage and easy to clean glass shelves are standard across the lines. You can even notice smart conveniences such as shelves that can fold as a whole or in part to make room for tall items.

Adjustable Shelves: These go up, down, or fold partially to make room for items of many sizes and shapes.

Samsung_AdjustableShelf1-1

Crisper drawers have removable partitions to keep things organized while giving you the needed flexibility.

You will also appreciate the high-quality LED interior lights as part of Samsung’s interior design.


PRO TIP - Make sure to contact our staff at (888) 714-4938 to inquire about savings on Samsung appliance packages.

What is Family Hub Samsung Refrigerator? Wifi & Connectivity

Samsung Family Hub refrigerator with the touch screen door (you can also activate with your voice using Bixby assistant) is an important differentiator. This innovative feature combines all aspects of Samsung's superior product designs across all of its products.

Family Hub is a capable assistant and a computer combined. Here are some nifty features:

Wondering what's inside your Samsung refrigerator? Look no further... With a touch of a button you can activate the interior camera.

Samsung_Family_Hub_Whats_inside

Need a shopping list? Scan your food in, let the Family Hub tell you when to replenish and prepare your shopping list. You can even set expiration dates for your milk and other perishables so you will get a reminder in your next shopping trip.

The Bixby Voice Assistant is here to help. You can interact with Family Hub simply by talking. At the same time, you can get step by step voice instructions of your favorite receipe from Family Hub.

You can use the Family Hub to share content such as pictures, calendars, and reminders with your entire family. Handwritten notes, food management apps, music, TV list; it is best to experience Family Hub in person to appreciate it.

The Samsung refrigerators with the Family Hub and Wi-Fi capabilities are mostly the 3-Door French Door models. Currently, the side-by-side fridges do not have this feature.


Are Samsung Refrigerators Energy Efficient?

Samsung refrigerators are built to have a less environmental impact and help you save some money on energy bills at the end of the year. Currently, there are over 50 Samsung refrigerators, like the RF28R7551SR and the RF23J9011SR, which are ENERGY STAR certified.

In most environments, you can further save energy by enabling the Energy Saver mode fitted into most Samsung refrigerators. These turn off the door heaters but might lead to condensation on the door frames.


The 5 Best Samsung Refrigerator Picks in 2023

1) Best Samsung Side-by-Side Refrigerator: RS22T5201SR

Samsung RS22T5201SR

One of the most visually striking refrigerators on the market. The Side-by-Side door design makes organizing your freezer incredibly easy.

This Samsung fridge offers a truly futuristic Power Freeze and Power Cool option. You can drop the temperature in an isolated compartment with just the push of a button, allowing you to quickly chill a drink or solidify ice cream in a matter of minutes.

The RS22T5201SR features a counter-depth design that optimizes your workspace and blends seamlessly with your kitchen décor for a custom, high-end look that you’ll absolutely love.


2) Best Style, 4-Door Refrigerator w/Food ShowCase: Samsung RF23A9671SR

Samsung RF23A9671SR

The RF23A9671SR is an example of how Samsung refrigerators stand out in your kitchen. By maximizing your workspace, increasing storage capabilities, and offering innovative features, your fridge becomes a seamless element of your kitchen experience.

This 4-Door Flex fridge features two zones in the freezer, allowing you to convert one to a fridge when needed. Samsung supports this with a premium cooling system that comes with accurate temperature control. The Triple Cooling technology, combined with the Metal Cooling feature, will keep your food fresh for months.


3) Most Innovative Refrigerator: Samsung RF22R7551SR Family Hub

Samsung RF22R7551SR Family Hub 36-inch 22 cu. ft. Counter Depth Refrigerator with Bixby Voice Assistant

Width: 36-inch | Volume: 22 cu. ft. | Ice Maker: 2.7 lb/day | Interior Lights: High Efficiency LED | Cooling System: Twin Cooling Plus | Colors: Stainless Steel, Black Stainless Steel, Tuscan

Samsung Refrigerator RF22R7551SR

The RF22R7551SR brings a truly dazzling list of features. It replaced model RF22NPEDBSR with upgrades on the ice maker and connectivity features.

The most striking element of this fridge is the touch-screen digital display (Family Hub) paired with an extended-height water dispenser for easier filling of pitchers and large containers. The counter-depth design of this refrigerator is also a wonderful feature that creates a sleek, built-in visual style and allows more kitchen workspace.

Internally this refrigerator makes use of stainless-steel paneling dubbed as "Metal Cooling". Effective air flow combined with stainless steel paneling help maintain a consistent temperature throughout the refrigerator, from the center shelves to the far corners.


4) Best Value French Door Refrigerator: Samsung RF260BEAESR

Width: 36-inch | Volume: 26 cu. ft. | Ice Maker: Built-in/Automatic | Interior Lights: High Efficiency LED | Cooling System: Twin Cooling Plus | Colors: Stainless Steel or Black Stainless Steel

Samsung Refrigerator RF260BEAESR

The RF260BEAESR is a truly remarkable refrigerator model. It comes equipped with a filtered and automatic ice maker, which guarantees you don’t run out of ice. The pull-out freezer drawer is built to slide out automatically for easy access and organization.

The RF260BEAESR uses the Cool Select Pantry technology to keep items in the full-width pantry drawer at separate temperatures. This makes it ideal for storing beverages, party platters, and defrosting food items.

Thanks to the size, the RF260BEAESR can contain as much as 26 bags of groceries. Its sleek design also makes it able to match any kitchen décor and increase the beautiful outlook of your kitchen.


5) Best Refrigerator for Apartments: Samsung RF220NCTASR

Samsung RF220NCTASR 30-inch French Door Refrigerator

Width: 30-inch | Volume: 22 cu. ft. | Ice Maker: Yes | Interior Lights: High Efficiency LED | Cooling System: Mono Cooling | Colors: Stainless Steel or Black Stainless Steel

Samsung Refrigerator RF220NCTASR

If you are looking for the best Samsung refrigerator that will match your single room apartment, then the RF220NCTASR is for you.

The 30-inch, 22 cu. ft. three-door refrigerator has enough space to fit in about 22 grocery bags. The sleek design and stainless-steel colors mean it fits into any kitchen quite nicely.

The fridge has high efficiency LED lighting fitted in to illuminate the inside, and also has Auto Pull Out freezer drawer for easy organization. The humidity-controlled crisper drawers keep your fruits, vegetables, and beverages fresh at all times.

What’s more? The RF220NCTASR is Energy Star certified, protecting the environment, saving you a few bucks in energy bills, and providing optimum value for money.


Samsung Refrigerator Notable Mentions

Besides the five amazing models that made it to our Samsung refrigerator review list, there are other impressive models that we can’t possibly leave out.

The Samsung Counter-depth 4 door Refrigerator with Polygon Handles, RF23M8090SR comes close to being our most stylish Samsung refrigerator. Some of its notable features include its FlexZone drawer, Twin Cooling Plus technology, Fingerprint-resistant exterior, and its sleek counter-depth design.

The 18 cu. ft. Top Freezer with Ice Maker, RT18M6215WW is one of Samsung’s best top freezer models and comes pretty close to being our best budget model. It has a reversible door that allows you to choose the direction you want the door to open. It uses the Twin Cooling Plus technology and also comes equipped with the FlexZone drawer.

The 25 cu. ft. Food Showcase Refrigerator with Metal Cooling RH25H5611SR is one of the best Side by Side Samsung Refrigerator models in the market. The model’s metal cooling feature locks in cold air to maintain the freshness of food items. The two-door food showcase system also improves food storage and lets you quickly access frequently used items.


Samsung Refrigerator That We Don't Recommend: Samsung RF28R6201SR

Samsung RF28R6201SR is a product that we do not recommend. Not because that it is a bad fridge, (in fact, the opposite is true) but considering Samsung also makes RF260BEAESR it would not make sense to pay a premium to procure the RF28R6201SR.

The Samsung RF28R6201SR comes with a better stainless steel coating that will prevent smudging. We like the water filter indicator which lets you know when to replace your filter. The RF28R6201SR is a smart fridge outfitted with both wifi connectivity and Bixby voice control.

The total capacity of Samsung RF28R6201SR is 28 cu. ft. which is divided by a 19.1 cu. ft. refrigerator and 8.9 cu. ft. freezer. Its dimensions are (WxHxD) 35 3/4-in x 70-in x 36-in including hinges, handles and doors, (HxD) 68 7/8-in x 28 7/8-in without hinges and door, and (D) 33 1/2-in with door but no handle.


What is the largest Samsung fridge? Will it look strange in my kitchen?

The largest Samsung refrigerators have 28 cu. ft interior volume. They are 36-inches wide, 70-inches tall, and measure approximately 36 1/2-inches deep with their door and handles attached. RF28R7201SR is an excellent example in this category.

Below is a great installation where a built-in look was achieved:

Largest-Samsung-Refrigerator

Samsung used to make a 30 cu. ft. interior fridge RF30KMEDBSR but the model has been discontinued as delivery of such a giant became overwhelming.


Which Refrigerators are no longer Manufactured by Samsung?

To research a Samsung refrigerator can be frustrating. Most reviews fail to mention that Samsung no longer manufactures specific refrigerator models.

Here are the prominent models we found in most popular review sites. As of December 2019, company no longer produces the Samsung RF28JBEDBSG in Black Stainless Steel and the RF28JBEDBSR in Stainless steel. The RF28JBEDBSG is replaced by the RF28R7201SG, while the RF28JBEDBSR is replaced by the RF28R7201SR.


Conclusion

Samsung refrigerators are packed with incredible features that make them worth every penny spent. If you want to stay ahead of the technology curve and to experience home refrigerator automation at its best, you might want to consider going for a Samsung refrigerator.

What’s more? Samsung rewards you with additional savings when you purchase refrigerators as part of a kitchen package. During promotional periods (usually once a quarter), you can even get these refrigerators at a discounted price.

Expect longevity of +/- seven to ten years as is customary with every major refrigerator brand these days. Visit us, your authorized retailer Designer Appliances, and find out how a genuinely excellent, modern, and innovative refrigerator can do so much more than keeping your food cold.

PRO TIP - Make sure to contact our staff at (888) 714-4938 to inquire about savings on Samsung appliance packages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you recommend Samsung washer and dryers?

We review popular Samsung products extensively. See our in depth post on front-load stackable samsung washer and dryer.

How about Samsung dishwashers? I hear they are ultra quiet.

Correct, Samsung incorporates cutting edge technology in its dishwashers. See our in depth Samsung dishwasher review.

How long should a Samsung Refrigerator last?

With proper care and maintenance, your Samsung refrigerator should remain in good condition for 7 – 15 years. Ensure you read the refrigerator manual and follow instructions to the letter.

How long is the warranty on Samsung refrigerators?

Samsung refrigerators in the USA come with 1 year warranty. If you "Googled" warranty on Samsung fridges and came across the result that states 2 year warranty, please check the URL. It likely refers to New Zealand.

As it is customary with most manufacturers, Samsung offers a 5-year coverage on sealed system (i.e. stuff that you cannot touch like compressor, evaporator, condenser etc.). There is also a 10-year warranty coverage on digital inverter compressors. Please visit Samsung's US website to check out the exact warranty term for your product.

How often do I need to change the water filter in a Samsung refrigerator?

Residential water filters need to be replaced every six months (they are designed to filter 300 gallons of water).