And longevity isn't everything: A reliable, decades-old fridge uses a lot more energy than a new one, and sticking with it could potentially have a bigger environmental impact than replacing it. Counter-depth, in the strictest sense, means that a refrigerator is shallow enough to sit flush with typical cabinets or countertops, so roughly 24 inches from the front edge to the back wall. Whirlpool was one of the few brands that had enough survey responses about bottom-freezer models to be statistically significant, and the ratings were strong. French door refrigerators have a fridge on top with a freezer compartment below. The door-in-door feature (also available from a couple of other brands) was widely liked, as well. But in the looser, more common definition, a counter-depth fridge is a freestanding model thats noticeably shallower than a standard-depth fridge. For easy access, some water and ice dispensers are mounted on the front of the refrigerator door, which means the fridge door doesnt have to be opened to access fresh, chilled water and ice cubes. Less depth, however, often means less capacity. GE refrigerators are another good option if you dont want an LG for whatever reason (fear of compressor failures, cant find one you want in your area on your schedule, long-standing feud with the company over past transgressions). These 100 useful things were the most-purchased Wirecutter picks in March 2022. You will find the custom-made storage option for these fridges. Most Reliable Whirlpool Refrigerators | Our Picks. (It was by far the worst service record we came across.) GE has its own repair fleet in some metro areas, which might have something to do with it. Whirlpool is known for its dependable appliances, so you can expect a refrigerator to last the average lifespan. Moreover, they offer two additional storage compartments. We looked for patterns in the types of fridges that are most prone to ice-maker problems, but we couldnt find any. You must have heard about its services and appliances which slightly dust off the doubts of its reliability. You can spend a lot more than $4,000 on a fridge if youd like to. Overall Performance of Whirlpool Refrigerator: Specifications of Whirlpool Refrigerators, Winning Points of Whirlpool Refrigerators, #Side-by-Side Door Style | Classic Design, #Top-Freezer Door Style | Traditional Design, #Bottom-Freezer Door Style | Modern Design, #Adaptive Defrost | Prevents Excessive Cooling, #Freeze-Shield | Monitors Temperature Fluctuation, 1. And shallower, counter-depth fridges are big enough for most households. On the downside, LGs customer service is bad (though its fridge reliability is above average, so you have a lower chance of needing to interact with customer service). But even then, the gap between the most-reliable and least-reliable brands looks pretty narrow. Can You Wash A Backpack In The Washing Machine? Most current GE fridges (PDF) use the climate-friendly R600a refrigerant, and GE told us it plans to transition all of its freestanding models by the end of 2021 and its built-ins by the end of 2022. Not great! Complaints about small capacity are just as common among huge 26-cubic-foot models as they are among 16-cubic-foot models, for example. However, most side-by-side owners in general arent exactly thrilled with their fridges (theyre content, maybe, but not very satisfied at nearly the same rate as French-door owners), and GEs rating in this category is in the middle of the pack among the major brands. Since freestanding fridges are much, much more affordable, thats the type that the overwhelming majority of people buy, so thats what we focus on in this guide. Some upscale fridges even have specialty ice features, like LGs Craft Ice clear spheres (38% of the owners of one model whose reviews we analyzed cited Craft Ice as one of their favorite features). LG customer service is worse than average, with one quarter of all owners who reported interacting with the company in our survey citing a negative experience. We also read a slew of other refrigerator reviews, info about reliability, and guides on how to pick and install fridges. (For side-by-sides, the basic range is more like $1,100 to $2,000.). Also, we have added the wholesome specifications you might want to know before buying. All of Whirlpool's freestanding refrigerators were transitioned to the climate-friendly R600a refrigerant by the end of 2021. This refrigerator goes beyond a classic three-door configuration, boasting an additional temperature-controlled exterior drawer thats convenient for storing deli meats, cheeses, and favorite snacks. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. There arent very many statistics available, so we dont have anything to share for now (maybe in a future update to this guide). Get the Whirlpool 36-Inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator at Appliances Connection or Lowes. LG doesnt sell as many cheap refrigerators as some of the other brands, particularly Frigidaire, GE, and Whirlpool, so maybe its more accurate to compare the satisfaction with its higher-end French-door and side-by-side models against those of other brands. Cons: The wide-item storage is limited, and the design is less energy efficient than other styles. But there are some rules of thumb to follow if you want to maximize your energy savings, such as choosing a smaller capacity, passing on a door dispenser, and avoiding side-by-side models. We have more on these below, in our section about budget-friendly options. But their pantry-inspired design lacks door sensors. Among refrigerators from the five major brands, LG fridges seem to make their owners the happiest. A sustainable temperature is maintained for crisp food items; a freeze-shield reduces burns in the defrost cycle and monitors excessive freezing from the Accu-chill feature. Whirlpool top-freezer fridges, for example, have significantly higher owner satisfaction and a very low rate of utter hatred. Youll find some different brand names between the well-appointed and well-equipped styles, though they often come from the same parent companies. One owner commented in our reader survey that its easier for small people to open lighter, separate drawers than one large bucket drawer. (For example, the platform helped us quickly figure out which LG fridges are especially prone to problems with their cooling systems.). Some people prefer a side-by-side models no-bend freezer access and ample shelving. Judging by this list, the most efficient style of fridge (in terms of energy use per cubic foot of storage) tends to be a large top-freezer model, which should have plenty of storage for a couple but might feel cramped for a household of four. An air filtering system helps keep refrigerator funk to a minimum. Some models allow users to access climate controls from outside the fridge or even remotely, so the doors dont have to open to adjust the temperature. It might look a little odd, but itll work fine. Most refrigerators work fine. The fridge has a humidity crisper that helps keep the food fresh for longer, and it has an exterior ice and water dispenser. The premium features on some of LGs higher-end models are especially popular among owners.
(Its a matter of thermodynamics.). And according to our reader survey, brands that exclusively sell premium fridges (such as Bosch and KitchenAid) have higher owner satisfaction than brands that sell fridges at a mix of prices. Editors note: GE issued a recall for six French-door models (model numbers GFE26JYMKFFS, GFE26JYMNFFS, GNE27EYMKFFS, GNE27EYMNFFS, GNE27JYMKFFS, and GNE27JYMNFFS) in April 2022. Other pro reviewers dont have much info about them, either. Subscribe now for unlimited access. Small models (10 cubic feet) from smaller brands, such as the Magic Chef MCDR1000WE, start around $400. It has been a big problem over the past decade, and although the company seems to have corrected the issue with most of its current models, there are still some side-by-side models with a really poor track record. And todays fridges are much, much more efficient than models were 15 years ago and earlier. As with luxury fridges in general, we dont know enough about built-ins to offer useful advice, unfortunately.
Are they probably fine? And again, if you ever need to make a claim under the warranty, youll be dealing with LGs below-average customer service. They arent as popular in the US as other types, so we havent seen as much feedback about them. ft. French Door Refrigerator, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, The Best Top Freezer Refrigerators for Your Kitchen, The Best Kitchen Appliance Brands of 2022, The Best Counter-Depth Refrigerators of 2022, The Best Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators for Your Kitchen, Humidity and temperature-controlled bins and drawers, Exterior filtered water and ice dispenser. So without even trying hard, youll probably end up with an environmentally sound refrigerator. Another pleasing feature is double ice makers in some models. For more info on the brand or on refrigerators in general, these commonly asked questions may provide answers. Bells and whistles arent really Whirlpools thing: It doesnt have models with a door-in-door option or spherical ice molds or a tablet built into the door. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. No bending required to reach frozen items. Todays refrigerators arent the basic, boring boxes of decades past; Whirlpool has kept up with changing technology and trends to offer an array of attractive, feature-filled, eco-friendly, and dependable models. So you can use this guide to find a fridge in a couple of different ways. This design may improve food preservation, but we havent looked into the topic and cant verify that thats the case. French door-style fridges might be their trending product, but it is costly. And then the nearly identical-looking Samsung RF28R7551S has essentially no complaints about its ice maker jamming. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Refrigerators from store brands, such as Best Buys Insignia label, can cost a little less than fridges from the major brands while offering similar features and similarly solid owner reviews, though we havent dug into the customer reviews as closely, so were not sure how they compare. Unfortunately, nobody has a crystal ball that can predict which brand or modelor especially individual refrigerator units on sale todaywill last the longest and have the fewest problems. For those on a budget, the affordable Whirlpool 20.5 cu. Our first major research project was a survey of Wirecutter readers, with more than 5,000 completed responses. For other current LG fridges (including the French-door models we analyzed) and other major brands, we saw those kinds of problems cited in only about 3% of reviews, give or take. Top-freezer models from GE are decent and can be some of the very cheapest full-size fridges available. (Though a common complaint is that its a pain to keep fingerprint-free, even for models with supposedly fingerprint-resistant finishes.). But they just arent popularconstituting only 4% of fridge sales in 2020, according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturersfor reasons that we dont fully understand. And we collected statistically significant data on only seven or so brands (out of dozens). The shelving and organization in LG fridges earned especially high ratings in our reader survey, as LG beat the other major brands in satisfaction with perceived capacity, storage ability, and accessibility of contents. If youre looking for a fridge that works for the lowest possible price, get a top-freezer model. This fridge has an automatic defrost function, and you can use the defrost timer if you want. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator at The Home Depot, Best Buy, or AJ Madison. Consumer Reports also tests for this type of temperature uniformity, if youd like to see performance results for specific models. It is one of the brands that offer exceptional storage and capacity range over traditional ones. You also have tons of options, such as two drawers, door-in-door features, premium dispensers, specialty ice makers, translucent panels, and door tablets. The doors arent flush with cabinetry like those of a true counter-depth model, but the overall design tends to feel less obtrusive than a standard-depth model, which can jut way out beyond your cabinets. For previous versions of this guide, we also spoke to several industry experts, including brand representatives, dealers, and repair technicians. And GE also makes some premium models under the Caf label that are less gadget-y and more design-y and earn strong reviews for their bold style. The four distinctive door styles of whirlpool refrigerators are: You can enjoy custom-style glass shelves for any model you like. Over its more than century of manufacturing experience, Whirlpool has earned its reputation as a trusted brand. We have added 3 different models having varying door styles. Certain types arent available in certain sizes or at certain prices, so in choosing a model you dont quite have carte blanche, but you usually have some wiggle room. French door and side-by-side fridges require less clearance space for the doors to open, so they are a good choice for smaller kitchens. Thats particularly notable considering that 17% of respondents didnt even have an automatic ice maker in the first place or said that they didnt think about this feature. Refrigerators may have additional features that range from convenient to luxurious.
An exterior filtered water and ice dispenser (with a handy LED night-light) makes it easy to grab a cold drink. So with an LG refrigerator, you might be less likely to deal with nuisances like broken shelves, handles, doors, lights, ice makers, or water dispensers. We did a little digging, and unlike refrigerators from other big store brands (such as IKEA or Kenmore) Insignia fridges dont seem to be made by any of the other major manufacturers. But we suggest you follow the instructed readings for particular models. Think through what you want for capacity, shelving, and organization. Built-ins also cost at least $4,000, can be much wider than freestanding fridges, and are rarely available in top-freezer configurations (but much more commonly available in all-fridge or all-freezer columns). There are plenty of other finishes to pick from, though theyre available on fewer models. Its okay to pick the cheapest model thats readily available and fits your size requirements. Other neutral, brushed-metal finishes such as black stainless or slate are common. This happens with only some fridges, even if theyre working properly. Similarly, in our reader survey, just 2.5% of respondents said that their current (or most recent) refrigerator had suffered a cooling failure. Four-door: Some brands sell upscale fridges with four equal-size doors. But the basic French-door models still earn great ratings, too. Through-the-door ice and water dispensers tend to make a fridge less efficient, partly because theyre essentially a hole in an otherwise insulated box, and partly because the ice maker has extra work to do. Its often used as a kids drawer for parent-approved snacks at a tyke-friendly height, but you can use it for anything youd usually stick in a fridgeproduce, deli items, canned or bottled or boxed drinks, whatever. Minor problems like noise may be slightly more common, and a small percentage of customer reviews still cite major cooling failures. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator, Whirlpool 22 cu. In general, we learned that most people are comfortable with the size of their fridge. Sub-Zero, Liebherr, Smeg, Miele, and Fisher & Paykel are some other notable names, and there are plenty more. In our reader survey, French-door fridges almost always had better ratings for owner satisfaction than the other two most-popular styles, side-by-sides and top-freezers, in everything from perceived capacity to storage and organization to temperature control to looks. Weve tried to avoid linking to those models in this guide. Whirlpool offers two different styles as depth models.
Spill-containing glass shelves simplify cleaning, and humidity-controlled crispers keep produce fresh. This approach feels appropriate for a few reasons. A well-designed interior makes a refrigerator more pleasant to use. Although side-by-sides tend to create much less satisfaction than French-door models, some people genuinely prefer this layout. Its just not the first (or second, or third) brand wed recommend. But the list has plenty of other efficient models in other styles, as well. Shoppers have so many models to choose from, even within the Whirlpool brand. In our reader survey, we didnt receive enough responses about LG or Samsung top-freezer models, for example, for the results to be statistically significant, let alone for smaller brands like Insignia or Magic Chef. Nice-to-haves, such as a through-the-door ice dispenser and a second drawer, can each add a few hundred dollars to the price, as can a counter-depth design. Some fridges have built-in screens to control settings or even play media. Its definitely worth the money you spend on it, and its a fridge that everyone in your family will love. You can find tons of these models for sale at any typical big-box appliance retailer, from every major brand, in most door configurations, at a range of prices. Whirlpool recommends temperature settings according to each models capacity and storage range. Here are the rest of the criteria that most people seem to focus on when theyre thinking about their fridges (in declining order of popularity, roughly), with some advice on how to navigate the choices: Decide between freestanding or built-in. Whirlpool is distinctive, but it does not always portray the positive side. A few 42-inch built-in models are available from luxury brands. Moreover, humidity keeps the veggies and fruits moist and fresh. Get the Whirlpool 36-Inch French Door Refrigerator at Abt or Walmart. Yeah, theyll keep your food cold as long as they arent defective. But some testers complain about its fragile compressor performance. Keep reading for some tips for choosing a new fridge and explore some of the best Whirlpool options. While the Whirlpool 22-cubic-foot bottom freezer refrigerator boasts some of the same features as many of the brands refrigerators, it has sophisticated fresh food assets and temperature control options. Owners also cited temperature inconsistencies less often and were notably less likely to say that organizing the fridge and keeping track of items was difficult. Whirlpools reliability for this style also seems to be a little better than that of the other two brands. You might go with one of the specific models we mention, or you might use the filtered search function on a retailers website: Home Depot, Best Buy, Lowes, AJ Madison, Appliances Connection, and many, many others offer handy tools. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Price range: At this writing, French-door fridges run $1,700 for a basic model, $2,200 for through-the-door ice, and up to $4,000 for well-equipped or well-appointed models from major brands. The [drawers] on the freezer make it easy to see my food without having to reach so far back. The exception here is counter-depth French-door fridges with door dispensers: Owners are more likely to cite these models as being cramped or hard to organize, we found. These fridges also score very well in Consumer Reportss ratings (Refrigerators, Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2022, pages 2327), and their average customer ratings on major retailers websites are similar to those of LGs refrigerators. Even after youve decided to purchase one from the reliable Whirlpool brand, the variety of models can make your head spin. The premium Bespoke line is one of the few true counter-depth offerings we know of.
LG refrigerators seem to make the most owners the happiest, at least among major-brand models, which usually cost less than $4,000. Each fridge in the lineup also has humidity control features or filter options that help slow spoilage. In other words, its more about the layout and use of space than the sheer volume, and most counter-depth models use their space very well. Most modern refrigerators feature adjustable plastic or glass shelves instead of metal racks to resist stains and odors. Stainless steel is still the trendy-yet-attainable choice, as it has been for a few decades, and is widely regarded as an option that looks good in most kitchens. Aside from great performance, a good refrigerator should also be pleasant to use. Theyre mostly small, bland-looking top-freezer models, but the list also includes a few bottom-freezer and French-door models that are sizable and stylish. Fisher & Paykel earned similar ratings. In the bigger picture of your overall household energy use and emissions, choosing a low-energy fridge has a small impact compared with other upgrades such as choosing a highly efficient electric heating and cooling system, or an electric car, or a source of clean energy like rooftop solar panels. The CVE28DP4NW2 is one popular model and has strong reviews (though many owners find the interior water dispenser to be awkward). Most people are mostly happy (or at least not unhappy) with most fridges, so as long as you pick something that fits and wont break (which is almost entirely out of your control anyway), youll probably think your new fridge is at least okay. Gallon door bins keep large containers in easy reach and free up shelf space.
In addition to humidity-controlled crispers, the fridge features a FreshFlow produce-preserving filter, which absorbs excess ethylene gas to slow produce spoilage. While the cold air regulates the flow of gases while maintaining the constant temperature, you might see both of these features in fairly giant models. We cant say with confidence how Whirlpools bottom-freezer models (like the WRB322DMBM) compare to those of other brands in the eyes of most owners, but Whirlpools options seem like a solid choice if you need one. It seems we only use the top 6 inches and the rest is a deep freeze that we never dig into.
GE has issued a recall of six French-door refrigerator models because the freezer handle may detach and pose a fall hazard to someone pulling the freezer door open. This refrigerator features two clear, humidity-controlled produce crispers. ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator. I remember scoffing at the idea of a tablet in a fridge when Samsung launched the first version about six years ago, assuming that it would be a reliability nightmare. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. (Massive, massive thanks to Wirecutter user research lead Raquel Hamias, who conducted the survey for us and crunched the results into usable numbers. Bottom-freezer fridges are a bit of a hidden gem, offering a lot of the same advantages of French-door models but for a much lower price. All full-size refrigerators contain produce drawers, but additional drawers can be useful. Whirlpool 36-Inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator, Whirlpool 25 cu. This refrigerators most important yet crucial point is the cooling system regulated by a high-end mechanism that assures the temperature maintenance and cooling equilibrium in the best possible way. One high-end feature that owners like a lot is the Family Hub, a giant tablet built into the door of a big fridge. Glossy black and white are still widely available, particularly on cheaper fridges. While some French-door owners dislike their fridges bucket-style freezer, the numbers suggest that a higher rate of side-by-side owners really dislike their half-width freezers. This article was edited by Winnie Yang and Christine Cyr Clisset. When, on occasion, any such issue arises, LG is committed to taking care of its customers. The reps also referenced LGs warranty coverage. Most refrigerators last around 10 to 15 years, but up to 20 years is possible when the refrigerator is well maintained. Unfortunately we just dont have enough info about how they compare to the major brands. At the same time, the stainless steel construction assures its solid and firm support that makes it durable and strong. You can find even cheaper fridges, but they tend to be very small, almost like mini fridges. Beko and Blomberg are both made by one of Europes largest appliance companies (Arelik) and have been nibbling at the fringes of the US market for about a decade. Whirlpool Refrigerator-WRB533CZJB Review, 3. While water and ice dispensers are an attractive feature, they can be finicky and prone to having issues. LGs bottom-freezer models also earned high marks in our reader survey. Our guide to small kitchen ideas struck a chord with space-challenged readers. Bottom freezer models have a freezer drawer instead of a shelf compartment, which means the freezer section may get disorganized. Some models contain a shallow slide-out tray at the top of the compartment to provide easy access to frequently used items. A good starting point is deciding on the type of refrigerator that works best in the kitchen. But we have observed that the French door style models offer maximum features than any other model. So you can go with its products without having any uncertainty in mind. The GE Profile PVD28BYNFS earned massive praise in customer reviews for its versatile ice and water dispenser, which has auto-fill as well as a sensor that triggers a light when someone comes near it. KitchenAid is a Whirlpool Corporation label that makes good-looking but feature-light fridges. Maybe the fridge will be in a galley kitchen or pantry, or maybe an island stands tight to the fridge cutout, and its going to be a pain to deal with a fridge that takes up too much room. Some of them work smoothly, others have bells and whistles that seem prone to malfunctions. Tall-item storage is sometimes limited. Whirlpool is a well-known company offering many appliances for many years. Owners tend to find this style easier to organize, judging from what weve seen in our reader-survey results and customer-review analysis. We have gone through many reviews, and after doing extensive research, we have separated the repetitive positive and negative comments for you. These fridges are also more reliable than other types, according to some sources, though we found that they might be more prone to minor, nuisance-type problems. Refrigerator capacity is arguably as important as size because it affects its day-to-day utility. The range is vast and for everyone. We also found through our survey and customer-review analysis that Whirlpools French-door and side-by-side reliability was similar to that of the other brandsalthough notably, the rate of major problems (like cooling failures) seemed especially low. Bottom-freezer fridges usually lack the high-end look of French-door models but have a lot of the same practical advantages. Remember to keep the kitchen layout in mind when deciding on a fridge type. The Whirlpool top freezer unit combines many of Whirlpools best refrigerator features in a nicely priced package. Consumer Reports tests and rates refrigerators for temperature consistency, defined as how quickly (and accurately) each fridge reaches the temperature on its thermostat and how well it holds that temperature as the ambient temperature around the fridge changes. They offer many user conveniences, such as LED interiors, frameless glass shelves, and spacious designs. There are also several options for putting a screen in your kitchen that offer more flexibility than a giant panel mounted vertically to an immovable appliance that youll own for about a decade. If youve decided to go with a Whirlpool, youve chosen a brand with an excellent track record for ease of use and reliability. All fresh foods stay near eye level for most people, and wide-item storage (pizza, deli trays) is easy. A class-action suit regarding the faulty ice makers is close to being settled via mediation as of February 2022. Its also got a lot of storage space, so you wont have to worry about running out of room. It has a modern design thats not only functional but also very pleasing to look at, and its also pretty easy to clean. These fridges are big enough to help minimize shopping trips, they might reduce the amount of time you spend looking for items, and they are compact enough to save some energy. For many buyers, its more about the aesthetics. Size range: A 30-inch width and standard depth is the most popular size in the US for affordable freestanding models, though they get as narrow as 22 inches and as wide as 33 inches. Our advice: You dont need to stress out or overthink your new refrigerator, especially if youre in a rush to replace a broken fridge. To be very clear: We havent done any hands-on refrigerator testing of our own.
(Its a matter of thermodynamics.). And according to our reader survey, brands that exclusively sell premium fridges (such as Bosch and KitchenAid) have higher owner satisfaction than brands that sell fridges at a mix of prices. Editors note: GE issued a recall for six French-door models (model numbers GFE26JYMKFFS, GFE26JYMNFFS, GNE27EYMKFFS, GNE27EYMNFFS, GNE27JYMKFFS, and GNE27JYMNFFS) in April 2022. Other pro reviewers dont have much info about them, either. Subscribe now for unlimited access. Small models (10 cubic feet) from smaller brands, such as the Magic Chef MCDR1000WE, start around $400. It has been a big problem over the past decade, and although the company seems to have corrected the issue with most of its current models, there are still some side-by-side models with a really poor track record. And todays fridges are much, much more efficient than models were 15 years ago and earlier. As with luxury fridges in general, we dont know enough about built-ins to offer useful advice, unfortunately.
Are they probably fine? And again, if you ever need to make a claim under the warranty, youll be dealing with LGs below-average customer service. They arent as popular in the US as other types, so we havent seen as much feedback about them. ft. French Door Refrigerator, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, The Best Top Freezer Refrigerators for Your Kitchen, The Best Kitchen Appliance Brands of 2022, The Best Counter-Depth Refrigerators of 2022, The Best Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators for Your Kitchen, Humidity and temperature-controlled bins and drawers, Exterior filtered water and ice dispenser. So without even trying hard, youll probably end up with an environmentally sound refrigerator. Another pleasing feature is double ice makers in some models. For more info on the brand or on refrigerators in general, these commonly asked questions may provide answers. Bells and whistles arent really Whirlpools thing: It doesnt have models with a door-in-door option or spherical ice molds or a tablet built into the door. Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. No bending required to reach frozen items. Todays refrigerators arent the basic, boring boxes of decades past; Whirlpool has kept up with changing technology and trends to offer an array of attractive, feature-filled, eco-friendly, and dependable models. So you can use this guide to find a fridge in a couple of different ways. This design may improve food preservation, but we havent looked into the topic and cant verify that thats the case. French door-style fridges might be their trending product, but it is costly. And then the nearly identical-looking Samsung RF28R7551S has essentially no complaints about its ice maker jamming. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Refrigerators from store brands, such as Best Buys Insignia label, can cost a little less than fridges from the major brands while offering similar features and similarly solid owner reviews, though we havent dug into the customer reviews as closely, so were not sure how they compare. Unfortunately, nobody has a crystal ball that can predict which brand or modelor especially individual refrigerator units on sale todaywill last the longest and have the fewest problems. For those on a budget, the affordable Whirlpool 20.5 cu. Our first major research project was a survey of Wirecutter readers, with more than 5,000 completed responses. For other current LG fridges (including the French-door models we analyzed) and other major brands, we saw those kinds of problems cited in only about 3% of reviews, give or take. Top-freezer models from GE are decent and can be some of the very cheapest full-size fridges available. (Though a common complaint is that its a pain to keep fingerprint-free, even for models with supposedly fingerprint-resistant finishes.). But they just arent popularconstituting only 4% of fridge sales in 2020, according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturersfor reasons that we dont fully understand. And we collected statistically significant data on only seven or so brands (out of dozens). The shelving and organization in LG fridges earned especially high ratings in our reader survey, as LG beat the other major brands in satisfaction with perceived capacity, storage ability, and accessibility of contents. If youre looking for a fridge that works for the lowest possible price, get a top-freezer model. This fridge has an automatic defrost function, and you can use the defrost timer if you want. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator at The Home Depot, Best Buy, or AJ Madison. Consumer Reports also tests for this type of temperature uniformity, if youd like to see performance results for specific models. It is one of the brands that offer exceptional storage and capacity range over traditional ones. You also have tons of options, such as two drawers, door-in-door features, premium dispensers, specialty ice makers, translucent panels, and door tablets. The doors arent flush with cabinetry like those of a true counter-depth model, but the overall design tends to feel less obtrusive than a standard-depth model, which can jut way out beyond your cabinets. For previous versions of this guide, we also spoke to several industry experts, including brand representatives, dealers, and repair technicians. And GE also makes some premium models under the Caf label that are less gadget-y and more design-y and earn strong reviews for their bold style. The four distinctive door styles of whirlpool refrigerators are: You can enjoy custom-style glass shelves for any model you like. Over its more than century of manufacturing experience, Whirlpool has earned its reputation as a trusted brand. We have added 3 different models having varying door styles. Certain types arent available in certain sizes or at certain prices, so in choosing a model you dont quite have carte blanche, but you usually have some wiggle room. French door and side-by-side fridges require less clearance space for the doors to open, so they are a good choice for smaller kitchens. Thats particularly notable considering that 17% of respondents didnt even have an automatic ice maker in the first place or said that they didnt think about this feature. Refrigerators may have additional features that range from convenient to luxurious. An exterior filtered water and ice dispenser (with a handy LED night-light) makes it easy to grab a cold drink. So with an LG refrigerator, you might be less likely to deal with nuisances like broken shelves, handles, doors, lights, ice makers, or water dispensers. We did a little digging, and unlike refrigerators from other big store brands (such as IKEA or Kenmore) Insignia fridges dont seem to be made by any of the other major manufacturers. But we suggest you follow the instructed readings for particular models. Think through what you want for capacity, shelving, and organization. Built-ins also cost at least $4,000, can be much wider than freestanding fridges, and are rarely available in top-freezer configurations (but much more commonly available in all-fridge or all-freezer columns). There are plenty of other finishes to pick from, though theyre available on fewer models. Its okay to pick the cheapest model thats readily available and fits your size requirements. Other neutral, brushed-metal finishes such as black stainless or slate are common. This happens with only some fridges, even if theyre working properly. Similarly, in our reader survey, just 2.5% of respondents said that their current (or most recent) refrigerator had suffered a cooling failure. Four-door: Some brands sell upscale fridges with four equal-size doors. But the basic French-door models still earn great ratings, too. Through-the-door ice and water dispensers tend to make a fridge less efficient, partly because theyre essentially a hole in an otherwise insulated box, and partly because the ice maker has extra work to do. Its often used as a kids drawer for parent-approved snacks at a tyke-friendly height, but you can use it for anything youd usually stick in a fridgeproduce, deli items, canned or bottled or boxed drinks, whatever. Minor problems like noise may be slightly more common, and a small percentage of customer reviews still cite major cooling failures. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator, Whirlpool 22 cu. In general, we learned that most people are comfortable with the size of their fridge. Sub-Zero, Liebherr, Smeg, Miele, and Fisher & Paykel are some other notable names, and there are plenty more. In our reader survey, French-door fridges almost always had better ratings for owner satisfaction than the other two most-popular styles, side-by-sides and top-freezers, in everything from perceived capacity to storage and organization to temperature control to looks. Weve tried to avoid linking to those models in this guide. Whirlpool offers two different styles as depth models.
Spill-containing glass shelves simplify cleaning, and humidity-controlled crispers keep produce fresh. This approach feels appropriate for a few reasons. A well-designed interior makes a refrigerator more pleasant to use. Although side-by-sides tend to create much less satisfaction than French-door models, some people genuinely prefer this layout. Its just not the first (or second, or third) brand wed recommend. But the list has plenty of other efficient models in other styles, as well. Shoppers have so many models to choose from, even within the Whirlpool brand. In our reader survey, we didnt receive enough responses about LG or Samsung top-freezer models, for example, for the results to be statistically significant, let alone for smaller brands like Insignia or Magic Chef. Nice-to-haves, such as a through-the-door ice dispenser and a second drawer, can each add a few hundred dollars to the price, as can a counter-depth design. Some fridges have built-in screens to control settings or even play media. Its definitely worth the money you spend on it, and its a fridge that everyone in your family will love. You can find tons of these models for sale at any typical big-box appliance retailer, from every major brand, in most door configurations, at a range of prices. Whirlpool recommends temperature settings according to each models capacity and storage range. Here are the rest of the criteria that most people seem to focus on when theyre thinking about their fridges (in declining order of popularity, roughly), with some advice on how to navigate the choices: Decide between freestanding or built-in. Whirlpool is distinctive, but it does not always portray the positive side. A few 42-inch built-in models are available from luxury brands. Moreover, humidity keeps the veggies and fruits moist and fresh. Get the Whirlpool 36-Inch French Door Refrigerator at Abt or Walmart. Yeah, theyll keep your food cold as long as they arent defective. But some testers complain about its fragile compressor performance. Keep reading for some tips for choosing a new fridge and explore some of the best Whirlpool options. While the Whirlpool 22-cubic-foot bottom freezer refrigerator boasts some of the same features as many of the brands refrigerators, it has sophisticated fresh food assets and temperature control options. Owners also cited temperature inconsistencies less often and were notably less likely to say that organizing the fridge and keeping track of items was difficult. Whirlpools reliability for this style also seems to be a little better than that of the other two brands. You might go with one of the specific models we mention, or you might use the filtered search function on a retailers website: Home Depot, Best Buy, Lowes, AJ Madison, Appliances Connection, and many, many others offer handy tools. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Price range: At this writing, French-door fridges run $1,700 for a basic model, $2,200 for through-the-door ice, and up to $4,000 for well-equipped or well-appointed models from major brands. The [drawers] on the freezer make it easy to see my food without having to reach so far back. The exception here is counter-depth French-door fridges with door dispensers: Owners are more likely to cite these models as being cramped or hard to organize, we found. These fridges also score very well in Consumer Reportss ratings (Refrigerators, Consumer Reports Buying Guide 2022, pages 2327), and their average customer ratings on major retailers websites are similar to those of LGs refrigerators. Even after youve decided to purchase one from the reliable Whirlpool brand, the variety of models can make your head spin. The premium Bespoke line is one of the few true counter-depth offerings we know of.
LG refrigerators seem to make the most owners the happiest, at least among major-brand models, which usually cost less than $4,000. Each fridge in the lineup also has humidity control features or filter options that help slow spoilage. In other words, its more about the layout and use of space than the sheer volume, and most counter-depth models use their space very well. Most modern refrigerators feature adjustable plastic or glass shelves instead of metal racks to resist stains and odors. Stainless steel is still the trendy-yet-attainable choice, as it has been for a few decades, and is widely regarded as an option that looks good in most kitchens. Aside from great performance, a good refrigerator should also be pleasant to use. Theyre mostly small, bland-looking top-freezer models, but the list also includes a few bottom-freezer and French-door models that are sizable and stylish. Fisher & Paykel earned similar ratings. In the bigger picture of your overall household energy use and emissions, choosing a low-energy fridge has a small impact compared with other upgrades such as choosing a highly efficient electric heating and cooling system, or an electric car, or a source of clean energy like rooftop solar panels. The CVE28DP4NW2 is one popular model and has strong reviews (though many owners find the interior water dispenser to be awkward). Most people are mostly happy (or at least not unhappy) with most fridges, so as long as you pick something that fits and wont break (which is almost entirely out of your control anyway), youll probably think your new fridge is at least okay. Gallon door bins keep large containers in easy reach and free up shelf space.
In addition to humidity-controlled crispers, the fridge features a FreshFlow produce-preserving filter, which absorbs excess ethylene gas to slow produce spoilage. While the cold air regulates the flow of gases while maintaining the constant temperature, you might see both of these features in fairly giant models. We cant say with confidence how Whirlpools bottom-freezer models (like the WRB322DMBM) compare to those of other brands in the eyes of most owners, but Whirlpools options seem like a solid choice if you need one. It seems we only use the top 6 inches and the rest is a deep freeze that we never dig into.
GE has issued a recall of six French-door refrigerator models because the freezer handle may detach and pose a fall hazard to someone pulling the freezer door open. This refrigerator features two clear, humidity-controlled produce crispers. ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator. I remember scoffing at the idea of a tablet in a fridge when Samsung launched the first version about six years ago, assuming that it would be a reliability nightmare. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. (Massive, massive thanks to Wirecutter user research lead Raquel Hamias, who conducted the survey for us and crunched the results into usable numbers. Bottom-freezer fridges are a bit of a hidden gem, offering a lot of the same advantages of French-door models but for a much lower price. All full-size refrigerators contain produce drawers, but additional drawers can be useful. Whirlpool 36-Inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator, Whirlpool 25 cu. This refrigerators most important yet crucial point is the cooling system regulated by a high-end mechanism that assures the temperature maintenance and cooling equilibrium in the best possible way. One high-end feature that owners like a lot is the Family Hub, a giant tablet built into the door of a big fridge. Glossy black and white are still widely available, particularly on cheaper fridges. While some French-door owners dislike their fridges bucket-style freezer, the numbers suggest that a higher rate of side-by-side owners really dislike their half-width freezers. This article was edited by Winnie Yang and Christine Cyr Clisset. When, on occasion, any such issue arises, LG is committed to taking care of its customers. The reps also referenced LGs warranty coverage. Most refrigerators last around 10 to 15 years, but up to 20 years is possible when the refrigerator is well maintained. Unfortunately we just dont have enough info about how they compare to the major brands. At the same time, the stainless steel construction assures its solid and firm support that makes it durable and strong. You can find even cheaper fridges, but they tend to be very small, almost like mini fridges. Beko and Blomberg are both made by one of Europes largest appliance companies (Arelik) and have been nibbling at the fringes of the US market for about a decade. Whirlpool Refrigerator-WRB533CZJB Review, 3. While water and ice dispensers are an attractive feature, they can be finicky and prone to having issues. LGs bottom-freezer models also earned high marks in our reader survey. Our guide to small kitchen ideas struck a chord with space-challenged readers. Bottom freezer models have a freezer drawer instead of a shelf compartment, which means the freezer section may get disorganized. Some models contain a shallow slide-out tray at the top of the compartment to provide easy access to frequently used items. A good starting point is deciding on the type of refrigerator that works best in the kitchen. But we have observed that the French door style models offer maximum features than any other model. So you can go with its products without having any uncertainty in mind. The GE Profile PVD28BYNFS earned massive praise in customer reviews for its versatile ice and water dispenser, which has auto-fill as well as a sensor that triggers a light when someone comes near it. KitchenAid is a Whirlpool Corporation label that makes good-looking but feature-light fridges. Maybe the fridge will be in a galley kitchen or pantry, or maybe an island stands tight to the fridge cutout, and its going to be a pain to deal with a fridge that takes up too much room. Some of them work smoothly, others have bells and whistles that seem prone to malfunctions. Tall-item storage is sometimes limited. Whirlpool is a well-known company offering many appliances for many years. Owners tend to find this style easier to organize, judging from what weve seen in our reader-survey results and customer-review analysis. We have gone through many reviews, and after doing extensive research, we have separated the repetitive positive and negative comments for you. These fridges are also more reliable than other types, according to some sources, though we found that they might be more prone to minor, nuisance-type problems. Refrigerator capacity is arguably as important as size because it affects its day-to-day utility. The range is vast and for everyone. We also found through our survey and customer-review analysis that Whirlpools French-door and side-by-side reliability was similar to that of the other brandsalthough notably, the rate of major problems (like cooling failures) seemed especially low. Bottom-freezer fridges usually lack the high-end look of French-door models but have a lot of the same practical advantages. Remember to keep the kitchen layout in mind when deciding on a fridge type. The Whirlpool top freezer unit combines many of Whirlpools best refrigerator features in a nicely priced package. Consumer Reports tests and rates refrigerators for temperature consistency, defined as how quickly (and accurately) each fridge reaches the temperature on its thermostat and how well it holds that temperature as the ambient temperature around the fridge changes. They offer many user conveniences, such as LED interiors, frameless glass shelves, and spacious designs. There are also several options for putting a screen in your kitchen that offer more flexibility than a giant panel mounted vertically to an immovable appliance that youll own for about a decade. If youve decided to go with a Whirlpool, youve chosen a brand with an excellent track record for ease of use and reliability. All fresh foods stay near eye level for most people, and wide-item storage (pizza, deli trays) is easy. A class-action suit regarding the faulty ice makers is close to being settled via mediation as of February 2022. Its also got a lot of storage space, so you wont have to worry about running out of room. It has a modern design thats not only functional but also very pleasing to look at, and its also pretty easy to clean. These fridges are big enough to help minimize shopping trips, they might reduce the amount of time you spend looking for items, and they are compact enough to save some energy. For many buyers, its more about the aesthetics. Size range: A 30-inch width and standard depth is the most popular size in the US for affordable freestanding models, though they get as narrow as 22 inches and as wide as 33 inches. Our advice: You dont need to stress out or overthink your new refrigerator, especially if youre in a rush to replace a broken fridge. To be very clear: We havent done any hands-on refrigerator testing of our own.