A new refrigerator is a great investment. But if you buy a low-quality product, it's not just a waste of money, it can also endanger your health. Your refrigerator must work reliably to keep your food and drinks at the right temperature. So how can you be sure you're making the best purchase to keep your food fresh, healthy and safe? Before investing in the best refrigerator brands, it's important to start by researching refrigerator brands to avoid.
With interesting features such as ice machines, French doors, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, excellent storage space, adjustable shelves, smart displays, temperature control, energy efficiency, etc. But first, let's review some common problems that can make a refrigerator an unreliable product. That way, you'll know what to consider when evaluating your options. When manufacturers cut corners with refrigerator design, you cannot expect to have a positive long-term experience.
Build quality and materials have a big impact on the longevity of refrigerators. Review the feedback on the model you plan to buy to see if customers are satisfied with the construction of their refrigerators. Sturdy materials such as stainless steel can help the refrigerator stand the test of time (this material also looks great in the kitchen). You'll probably think a lot about the overall dimensions of your fridge.
You can carefully measure your space to ensure the right fit for your kitchen. You may have also given a lot of thought to the capacity of the fridge and freezer. For example, we know how important it can be to choose the right size refrigerator, especially when it comes to selecting the best wine coolers or the best built-in wine cooler. But just as important is the depth of the counter and whether the unit fits the place you chose.
Ensuring that the refrigerator door closes and snaps properly is crucial, otherwise you risk ruining your food and wasting electricity. It is essential to check if the refrigerator door closes tightly and correctly. When the refrigerator doors do not fit with a nice, tight and even seal everywhere, you can expect continuous problems with efficiency. It can be difficult to maintain the proper indoor temperature in the refrigerator and freezer with cold air leaks, and extra energy may be needed to keep food fresh or frozen.
Quite a few malfunctions can potentially affect a refrigerator. While researching different refrigerator companies and models, look for complaints about refrigeration, ice machines, water dispenser or wi-fi connection problems if you are buying a smart refrigerator. If you have a french door refrigerator, these failures are more likely to occur, especially if you don't close the doors properly or close them too tightly. Leaks can be a common problem in some models of refrigerators.
Also, if you are going to buy a water line for your refrigerator so that you can use the dispenser for a constant supply of water and ice, watch out for potential leak issues there as well. Whether you are buying a French door refrigerator, a side-by-side model or any other type of appliance, take a look at the warranty. How many years does it last? What are your limitations with respect to parts and labor? The length and breadth of the warranty is one of the main determinants of your repair costs should you need to rely on it. The more gaps in your coverage, the more expensive it could be to have your refrigerator repaired.
You have to go through a lot of hoops to wear them. That's one of the last things you have to deal with when you need help with your fridge or freezer. What if you need to replace a part of your freezer or refrigerator and the cost isn't covered by the warranty? If parts for a particular refrigerator model are too expensive, your repair costs could quickly increase in case something goes wrong. On top of that, you don't want to wait long to receive a replacement part if you need it; some features may become unusable while you wait.
And what if you need someone to come and repair your appliance in person? If you stay waiting for weeks, your refrigerator or freezer could be out of order in the meantime. Think about how much food and money you'll end up wasting. Last but not least, always check what consumer reports say about customer service for a given brand. You don't want to get stuck dealing with support agents who aren't knowledgeable, fast, polite and helpful.
Poor customer service can lead to delays in finding critical solutions and can also greatly increase your stress. So you might not want to buy a French door refrigerator from Frigidaire, but a top freezer from the same company might be a good option. If you are interested in a similar analysis, you can consult the best washing machines to avoid. Now that we've gone through a list of things to consider when evaluating potential refrigerator and freezer brands and products, let's review a list of some of the least reliable brands out there.
If you're looking for a luxury appliance, one brand you might be considering is Viking Refrigerators. This company specializes in high-end products that are loaded with premium features. Viking sells models of counter depth refrigerators and is also a brand of french door refrigerators. Viking offers long-term guarantees (up to 12 years in some cases).
But at the time of writing, they only have a little over 3 stars on the Consumer Affairs website. A lot of complaints about this brand concern the doors of its refrigerators. It seems that it is common for a door to be misaligned and therefore not to open or close properly. Customers also say that it takes a long time for the company to deliver a fridge or freezer, and that it can also take years to receive replacement parts when needed.
One particular model that has received a lot of reviews at Best Buy is the silent refrigerator of the Viking 5 series. Apparently, the ice machine has a defect that causes the ice to fall. Therefore, instead of staying in the ice maker where you belong, you may end up somewhere else in your unit. You shouldn't have to deal with this kind of defect at all, but especially on such an expensive appliance.
Speaking of the ice machine, if this is one of the most important features for you in a refrigerator and freezer, consider opting for an LG model that includes Craft Ice (tm) among its features. This special ice machine does not produce ice cubes. This type of ice has a slower melting time than normal cubes. In Consumer Affairs, this refrigerator company has received just under 4 stars out of 5.Although it's not a bad rating overall, we've also seen complaints about their appliances on other sites.
Complaints concern problems with features such as ice machines, doors and lights. You don't want to invest in a refrigerator of this brand just to have problems with a refrigerator, a freezer drawer or door that doesn't line up, or a noisy water dispenser. One more brand you might want to avoid when buying refrigerators is Maytag. You can find side-by-side refrigerators, bottom freezer, French door and other types of refrigerators of this brand.
Maytag is rated 4 out of 5 stars in Consumer Affairs. As with the others, this is not terrible, but there may be some problems to consider with regard to features, quality and service. Buyers do not like that filters for refrigerators from this company can be expensive. Your freezers seem to be especially problematic.
Problems with the door, cooling or other characteristics of the freezer are widespread. In terms of service, the things that buyers complain about are a lot of what you would expect. There have been issues with warranties and policies, and difficulties contacting an agent when you need access to the company's support team. Now you know what brands you'll want to stay away from when you choose something to put in your home kitchen.
But what best refrigerator brands should you think about choosing instead of side by side, top freezer or other type of refrigerator? There are a lot of options out there that are worth thinking about. But here are a couple of the best refrigerator brands that many buyers recommend. General Electric (GE) is another of the best companies when it comes to making reliable refrigerators. In addition, if you are on a tight budget while shopping for your home, you will be pleased to know that GE French door refrigerators and other models are affordable.
Let's take a look at a product of particular interest. Highlights include hands-free Autofill, a temperature-controlled electronic drawer, a fingerprint-resistant finish for each door, TwinChill (tm) evaporators and the option of a second ice dispenser. There is an adjustable shelf and you can drop the tray, which makes it easy to organize the meal. While LG has similar ratings overall for its products compared to some of the previous brands, we always read great reviews about their refrigerators.
One LG model to consider is the LG LFCC22426S 22.8 Cu. This counter depth model offers 22 cubic feet of storage space. With the InstaView Door-in-Door, you can tap your fridge to illuminate its contents through the tinted glass panel. That means you don't even need to open the door to see what's inside at eye level.
Other cool features include adjustable bins that slide out for easy access, a beautiful door finish that resists stains, and the ThinQ app that you can connect to your refrigerator with wi fi. In addition, this impressive refrigerator is Energy Star (TM) certified. It has a Linear Inverter Compressor with a 10-year warranty for that component. The Liebherr brand has some of the best refrigerators in its class.
It's certainly not the cheapest on the market, but again you get the excellence you pay for with world-class refrigerators. What do buyers like about Samsung fridges? They work well and offer excellent ease of use thanks to intelligent functions. The return period for a Samsung model is usually a little short, but the warranties are solid and the refrigerators have a long service life. In addition, buyers report that the maintenance of Whirlpool refrigerators is easy and that it is often possible to carry out basic repairs on their own.
Luckily, it seems odd that a Whirlpool refrigerator requires maintenance. You have now had the opportunity to learn about some red flags to avoid when choosing a brand for your next refrigerator. You've also learned about some brands that you might want to treat with caution, as well as some that you might want to consider. Let's move on to answering some frequently asked questions about choosing a brand of refrigerators.
Don't forget what we learned from Consumer Reports. Some companies are better at manufacturing one type of refrigerator reliably than in manufacturing another. Obviously, the best thing is to never have to resort to customer service for your refrigerator. But if you do, you want to know that the manufacturer is going to support you.
The best brands of refrigerators are usually made of stainless steel. This is because stainless steel is resistant to rust or mildew. Thanks to their elemental composition, stainless steel refrigerators are also incredibly durable and durable. Once you know what size and type of refrigerator you want to buy, you can think about the features that are important to you.
You may consider one with a water dispenser or an ice dispenser. You can also check if their shelves are adjustable and if they come with smart features. Some buyers may be looking for a lot of bells and whistles, while others may be satisfied with a more basic refrigerator. Luckily, handles aren't as plentiful as when selecting the best kitchen cabinet hardware, but in any case, just make sure you get a well-built unit backed by a big company.
Another important consideration is energy efficiency. Look for the Energy Star label and choose a product that is environmentally friendly and saves you money on your energy bills. It might be worth spending more money upfront on an energy-efficient refrigerator instead of buying a cheaper model that consumes more energy. That way, you will reduce your costs in the long run, which will ultimately end up compensating for the extra you spent on the purchase.
Finally, you should also think about aesthetics. While not as important as practical considerations, the appearance of your refrigerator does matter. In fact, other things being equal, if it is between two products that have the characteristics and reliability you are looking for, the difference in appearance between them could be the factor that seats it in one refrigerator and not in the other. French door models have a pair of refrigerator doors instead of a single door.
Finally, one more option is a side-by-side model. With this type of refrigerator, instead of the freezer drawer going above or below the refrigerator, the configuration places them side by side, one on the left and one on the right. Chances are good that you have grown up with top-freezer refrigerators and that you prefer them because of their familiarity. But most buyers today are inclined to models of French doors, unlike the top-freezer model.
Who should consider getting a side-by-side model? These types of refrigerators dedicate more space to the freezer drawer. So, they make more sense if frozen foods are an important part of your diet. Otherwise, you'll probably prefer one of the other three configurations. You have now had the opportunity to review some of the data from different brands that make refrigerators.
We hope you find this summary useful in making decisions about which products to consider for your own home use. Remember, even companies listed here as brands to avoid potentially may have some high-quality products. Similarly, even the most reliable brands can sometimes produce some rags. Therefore, it is wise to research before deciding on a brand and model for your next refrigerator and freezer.
Dino is a lifelong writer and specialist in home improvement. He likes to bring cutting-edge information on home renovation and remodeling to Kitchen Infinity. A trusted friend in a complicated world Several brands performed well in this category in both J, D. Power Survey and Puls Report.
Kenmore ranked first in customer satisfaction, according to J, D. Power, while Whirlpool was the brand of choice among the appliance repair technicians who were selected for the Puls report. When something is broken, you don't always need to call a professional. Here's how to repair 10 everyday appliances for free.
Different brands have different strengths of household appliances and, of course, this can change from year to year. When it comes to dishwashers, J, D. Power respondents were dissatisfied with Frigidaire dishwashers. And in case you're wondering, a few tired customers aren't tipping the scales.
The study was based on thousands of product evaluations made by customers who purchased appliances in the past 12 months. When your dishwasher breaks down, you realize how much you need it and how much time and energy you save each day. If you need a new one, both the Puls report and the most recent Consumer Reports member survey on dishwashers rank Bosch number one for consumer reliability. Make sure you don't do any of these 21 things that shorten the life of your dishwasher.
Customers weren't thrilled with Amana dryers, according to J, D. They ranked the brand last in customer satisfaction. GE didn't do much better in this category. According to Puls, the most likely problem with this appliance is that it does not heat or dry clothes properly.
Of course, that kind of thing negates the purpose of having a dryer. A good dryer not only dries clothes, it can also keep utility bills low. On the other hand, those bills can go up a lot if you have to make your clothes dry for several cycles. Whirlpool, LG, Maytag and Samsung took top honors on Puls report's list of reliable dryers.
Which microwave brands do buyers prefer on a regular basis? Consumer Reports surveyed people who had experience with more than 29,000 countertop models over the past year, and the results were largely negative when it came to Whirlpool. In fact, Whirlpool countertop microwaves performed so poorly in the survey that the publication no longer recommends them in this category. But Whirlpool is back in earnest with microwaves over the kitchen. In fact, the brand won the top two places in that category in Consumer Reports.
Plus Technicians Awarded GE Top Honors and Named Their Stoves (and Stoves) Most Reliable. In fact, this is the only time that the brand appears as a winner or medalist in the report's reliability category. Whirlpool is not far behind, came in second place, and KitchenAid took third place. For another appliance you can trust, be sure to check out the best electric kettles.
Plus technicians recommend GE as their best choice for reliable ranges. Whirlpool stepped on GE's heels in second place, followed by KitchenAid, who took third place. Technicians add that it is essential to obtain a reliable and good quality cooker to ensure the safety and consistency of cooking. While they based their choices on the reliability of these GE products, they also love that the company offers great options at a variety of prices.
Wondering if you should fix something or get rid of it? These are the appliances that are cheaper to replace than to fix. We recommend that our users update the browser. Due to the growing concern about the coronavirus (COVID-19), we have implemented some protective measures and have conducted employee education programs to ensure the safety of our employees and our customers. Bosch makes great tools and they also make great appliances.
They've been around for almost 133 years and they pour their expertise into everything they do. What they fall short on may be not focusing on fewer types of products and perfecting them. A real underdog, Electrolux has been around since 1919, and they sell a wide range of refrigerators that will serve most residential kitchens very well. Because they are relatively small, they lack the customer service capacity you would expect.
KitchenAid, a recognized giant in the kitchen appliance industry, earns high marks for reliability, quality and customer service. Their prices may seem disproportionately high at times, but their products are always well made. One of the two technologically advanced items on our list, LG manufactures feature-rich appliances that can help you organize your kitchen and home in ways that would seem like science fiction 20 years ago. They also offer attractive efficiency features that can save you money.
Samsung, another technology-oriented company that advances admirably in the kitchen appliance space, offers you smart wireless features that will impress. Like LG, if computer-controlled parts fail, you can disable other key functions. The second oldest household appliance company on our list is the one chosen by the refrigerator repairer. Whirlpool is known for its reliability, simplicity in design and superior longevity.
They are the cheapest machines to repair and the most abundant in their category. Finding the right refrigerator starts with knowing where to look for the most reliable models at the best prices. We research all major refrigerator brands, evaluating quality, inventory, available features, warranty details and overall value to help you add an appliance to your home. Our favorite brands include giants like GE, LG, Frigidaire and Maytag, and smaller brands like Danby and Magic Chef that specialize in compact options for your kitchen, basement or bedroom.
Here, the best refrigerator brands to meet your food storage needs. LG has been a technology leader with its top-of-the-line TVs, speakers and other devices for several years. Their kitchen appliances also range from basic to premium, and prove to be a reliable addition to any home, plus you can buy them online or in-store. Some of LG's latest refrigerator models include thoughtful features such as door-to-door storage, a hidden door inside the refrigerator door designed to access and store the most sought-after items.
InstaView models allow you to knock twice on the door to see a snapshot of the contents inside, without having to open the fridge and let out cold air. Door cooling also ensures that food stored in the door compartments is ventilated. If you thought that state-of-the-art refrigerators and artisanal ice machines made LG out of your budget, think about it. LG also has a wide line of reasonably priced refrigerators that still feature innovative designs, Energy Star certified refrigeration and excellent storage.
If you're looking for a refrigerator that doesn't have all the details, but offers design and capacity, the LG LRFCS25D3S 25 cubic foot French Door Refrigerator is a big competitor. The elegant design of this model, along with a 10-year warranty for the linear compressor, make it the ideal choice for a starter refrigerator. Although LG's customer service isn't as strong as that of other brands, it's still a reliable and long-lasting brand that offers refrigerators for a variety of budgets and lifestyles. Like other appliance giants, GE (which stands for General Electric) manufactures a variety of kitchen and household appliances.
They are best known for their durability and reliability. The price of GE refrigerators, compared to other brands, is also not too high. Their line of fridges with a French door is more expensive, but only because each model includes features such as door-to-door storage, hands-free water dispenser and built-in WiFi. In particular, their higher-end models even feature a Keurig dispenser so you can fill your water bottle and coffee cup in the blink of an eye.
One particular model, the GE Profile PVD28BYNFS 27.6 cu. ft. French Door Smart Refrigerator includes a container with a revolving door, which can help you reach your favorite items in the refrigerator without having to open the entire door. It also features an LED wall light, which illuminates the entire interior of the fridge, making your viewing experience a little more luxurious.
This model also includes an adjustable temperature drawer that can be programmed between four settings for specific food and beverages. Most GE appliance models come with a 1-year warranty, and some refrigerators come with a 5-year warranty for the sealed cooling system. You can buy GE refrigerators at Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe's and you can buy the newest models online. GE customer service also includes a repair fleet available in select major cities.
No matter the type of refrigerator: French door, side by side, bottom freezer or top freezer, Whirlpool has well-made features that set it apart from the competition. In addition to the fact that Whirlpool models are competitively priced, they are also energy efficient, helping you to store food for your home and keep your bills to a minimum at the same time. French door designs feature tiered freezer storage, infinite sliding shelves for ample space and accessible snacks, and panoramic LED lighting. Adjustable gallon bins on the door and ice storage on the door make their side-by-side models practical and convenient for users with a minimalist aesthetic in mind.
While Whirlpool doesn't include all the bells and whistles that other brands might offer, they focus on the quality and functionality of their products. The Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ 21.4 cu. side-by-side refrigerator is a cheaper choice for someone looking for a look similar to a french door refrigerator without the extremely high price tag. Some consumers also prefer Whirlpool products because their refrigerators tend to last longer and require fewer repairs.
You can find Whirlpool refrigerators at any major appliance dealer or online. The models do not offer the latest cooling technology. Frigidaire remains an easy choice for many consumers due to its good reputation in the refrigerator market. Despite not having significant and outstanding features, Frigidaire designs are competitively priced and include appreciated features.
You can find the best selections with an ice and water dispenser or a narrow construction, which have become a must for many homes. Frigidaire appliances are available online at Wayfair and at stores such as Home Depot, Lowe's and Best Buy. Frigidaire's newest model, Frigidaire Gallery GRMC2273BF 21.5 cu. refrigerator with 4-door counter-depth French doors offers convenience and plenty of storage space.
A foldable shelf can be easily pushed back to make room for tall jugs, and a Custom-Flex Temp drawer can be used as a refrigerator or freezer. While Frigidaire models may not have the latest smart features, their models are reliable and sure to last. In addition, they are often equipped with a range of advanced features, such as the PureAir air filter and the TwinTech cooling system, which work behind the scenes to keep food fresh, the cooler ventilated and energy bills to a minimum. You can find several Energy Star certified models within the selection of this brand.
Maytag models don't include industry-first features, but they do prioritize reliability and functionality. Most of its models offer spacious storage, regardless of what type of refrigerator you are looking for on the market. Their price tags also tend to be lower compared to other brands. You can find Maytag refrigerators online and at home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's, or you can check out the Best Buy selection.
One of its latest models, the Maytag MRT311FFFZ 20.5 cubic foot top refrigerator has a generous capacity and includes its PowerCold feature, which cools the refrigerator with the push of a button. This model also has drawers for vegetables mounted on the bottom, which facilitates the user experience, if the drawers of your products tend to be overflowing. A gallon door storage section also creates additional shelf space for food such as condiments or a milk container. Also compatible with an ice maker, if you want to buy this must-have item separately.
KitchenAid is known for its mid-century heavy-duty mixers, but the brand also manufactures top-of-the-line refrigerators. The brand, known as the luxury end of Whirlpool appliances, has been offering almost everything you could ever need in a kitchen for years. All standard configurations such as French doors, side by side, top freezer and bottom freezer are available through KitchenAid. However, its counter depth model with extra high storage stands out on its list.
KitchenAid refrigerators often offer long-lasting, high-performance features that complement any kitchen, although you may occasionally run into some reliability and quality issues. In particular, some of the refrigerators can be customized to be hidden inside their cabinets. Café appliances prioritize style as well as functionality, making them one of the most expensive options on the market. If you are buying a refrigerator or a new stove, microwave, dishwasher or coffee maker and you have a big budget, this is the brand to check.
You will be given the option to customize the exterior of your unit to match the aesthetics of the rest of your home. In addition, many of Café's appliances include smart features, such as the ability to connect to WiFi and control them from the phone. Bosch's premium refrigerator designs have a high rating in customer satisfaction and are among the best sellers on home appliance websites. However, its premium designs and features come at a higher price.
From stylish built-in refrigerators with custom panels to stainless steel models with designated beverage cooler drawers, Bosch easily competes with any of the high-tech refrigerator brands solely for its simple design and long-lasting performance. If you're looking for a built-in panel refrigerator that blends seamlessly with your kitchen, check out the Bosch B36IT905NP Benchmark Series 19.4 cu. Counter Depth Built-In French Door Refrigerator. This stylish model includes a Home Connect function that allows you to control the temperature of your refrigerator from one application.
You can also use your Amazon Alexa device to control this refrigerator with your voice and make your smart home even smarter. While this model doesn't include a water and ice dispenser, it's well worth the price for its custom look, ice maker, and cooling capabilities. You can buy Bosch refrigerators at Home Depot, Lowe's and Best Buy. You can search for local distributors on the Bosch website.
French door and side-by-side refrigerators are preferred for their sleek exteriors, complete with a sleek panel-ready design or handles and an ice and water dispenser. However, they can be more expensive and even less spacious. Brands like Maytag and Frigidaire offer many affordable top freezer options, while LG and GE are known for their high-end, high-tech french door models. All brands value their refrigerator models according to the specific features included and the design of the refrigerator.
Brands that offer the latest technology in their refrigerators, such as GE, LG and Samsung, tend to be more expensive than other brands such as Frigidaire and Maytag. When choosing a new appliance, it is always key to consider your budget and whether the functions you will receive are really useful and functional. In addition, brands such as Café allow you to customize certain models with hardware and panels that match kitchen cabinets, which also places them at a more expensive price. Customization options, such as hardware and panel-ready designs, can make your new appliance blend much more with the style of your kitchen.
While these options are often expensive and not offered in the store, you can explore them online with renderings and even work with a designer to find the right match for you. Café, Bosch and KitchenAid offer customization options for certain types of refrigerators, beyond choosing the finish, ice maker and shelving arrangement you like best. In general, customization options are often a staple of luxury brands that combine form with function. Well-known brands such as GE, LG, Samsung, Frigidaire and KitchenAid are often available at large stores such as Lowe's and Home Depot.
Other lesser-known brands or luxury and style brands, such as Bosch and Café, are usually only available online. One of the advantages of buying in a store is to be able to experience the finish and characteristics of certain models before deciding to take home an appliance. You can also browse the store and wait for the online sales of your favorite model to appear. Online shopping often offers more flexibility in delivery and customization options that big box stores can't offer.
LG has received a lot of attention for its craft ice feature. It makes spherical ice, perfect for entertaining and eliminating the need to worry about ice molds. If you are looking for a reliable filtration system and you don't need ice in the shape of a sphere, you may want to try a Bosch refrigerator. Its filtration system and ice machines allow users to access up to 40 cups of fresh filtered ice per day.
Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's are great places to start your refrigerator search. They often offer a wide selection of brands and prices, and have an easily accessible website, if you prefer to shop online. You can also shop Best Buy refrigerators with smart technology or newer features to learn from your sales associates about which features would best fit your lifestyle and needs. Amazon and Wayfair are great choices for a shopper who prefers to shop online, or is looking for a mini fridge, wine fridge, or beer fridge.
Most models of refrigerators usually last 12 years. Models with fewer functions can last up to 20 years. In order for your appliance to last longer, you must take proper care of it and follow all the maintenance instructions listed in the user's manual. Be sure to clean the condenser coils, check their levelness and change the water filters regularly.
Proper maintenance of your refrigerator can help ensure that it doesn't need to be replaced prematurely. One of the most puzzling things about Liebherr refrigerators is the constant negative feedback from their customer service. Here is a detailed breakdown of the winning and losing brands in the main refrigerator categories, along with some highlights in the area of reliability and satisfaction of owners. Signature Kitchen Suite refrigerators aren't nearly as reliable as LG refrigerators, and they cost more.
One of the listed problems of their refrigerators would be water leakage problems in just under a year of use. Frigidaire refrigerators have many problems, such as constant operation, inconsistent cooling, and a noisy ice maker. In order for everything to run smoothly, make sure that you do not unintentionally shorten the life of your refrigerator. These three brands dominate the global refrigerator market, but there are also other important players.
Not knowing where to connect it or ignoring that you would need water lines for that doesn't give you the best high-end experience for these types of refrigerators. . .
