8 Best Refrigerators (2024 Guide)

For many families, the kitchen is the center of the home. Whether you are quickly grabbing water on your way out the door or meticulously meal-prepping for the week, you rely on your refrigerator to keep food unspoiled and ready to eat.

While all refrigerators and freezers should serve the essential purpose of keeping your food at safe temperatures, we’ve found that modern refrigerators vary in size, price, door design, colors, and features. But remember, you don’t have to come home with the first new refrigerator that catches your eye. It’s best to take your time as long as you aren’t replacing your refrigerator in an emergency.

Our team has carefully reviewed the bestselling models and brands in the appliance market and arrived at the best refrigerators of 2024.  We considered factors such as the available features, internal capacity, Energy Star certification, average customer rating, and the warranty offered by each manufacturer.

We also put together this guide to major appliances that breaks down the most important factors to consider when adding a new appliance to your home.

Best Refrigerators: Our Top 8 Picks

• Best Refrigerator Overall: Samsung RF27T5501SG
• Best Smart Refrigerator: Bosch B36CT80SNS
• Best Standard Model: LG LRDCS2603S
• Best Door-in-Door Refrigerator: LG LRFGC2706S
• Best Large Refrigerator: GE Profile PFE28KYNFS
• Best Side-by-Side Refrigerator: Samsung Bespoke Side-by-Side Refrigerator
• Best French Door Refrigerator: Maytag MFI2570FEZ
• Best Budget Model: Whirlpool WRT311FZDW

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Compare Top Refrigerators

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Best Refrigerator Overall

• Finishes: Black stainless steel, Stainless steel
• Capacity: 26.5 cu. ft.
• Energy Star Qualified: Yes
• Dimensions: 35.75 x  35.38 inches x 70 inches

In addition to its stylish design and large capacity, this fridge also has a variety of unique features that help it stand out. It comes with the ability to make four different types of ice with its built-in ice maker, and it also has metal cooling locks that seals in freshness and helps food last longer. 

This product is the only refrigerator in this review with a built-in screen, which can display photos and lists, show you who’s at the front door, and more.

Pros and Cons

What Customers Are Saying

Our team found that customers who gave this product a positive review were impressed with its large capacity, which was ideal for big families. Others liked that it allowed you to see inside the fridge and that it could make several types of ice. However, some other reviewers found that this refrigerator’s smart features will difficult to navigate, and others had issues with the door not fully closing.

“I have had this fridge for a few months now, and all I can say is wow! I absolutely love the capacity of the fridge area! Especially with a family of 6 and all the snacks this mom has to buy! Another great feature is the family hub, easy for the kids to use and I love the app, which has saved me time from running back and forth to the store! This fridge has not disappointed!” — negrete7297 via Samsung

… “When it was completely installed, we thought it was not working, but apparently, this is how quiet this Samsung refrigerator really is. It has a lot of space in both the cooling section as well as in the freezing section. Including several different ice cubes, which can be turned off when you need extra space in the freezer. The Family Hub on this refrigerator is really great and a big support in our day-to-day activities. I also want to mention the great design of this refrigerator as it really stands out in the kitchen.” — Markyst via Samsung

…”The fridge performs great, makes 4 different types of ice and has tons of room in a counter depth option. But, the left door will not stay open without major modification, I had to use the largest door shim and basically make the fridge slightly unlevel to get the door to stay open. Even then, it still will close if I don’t position it just right but making it less level would likely mess with the ice makers, so this is the best that can be done.”

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Best Smart Refrigerator

• Finishes: Stainless steel, Black Stainless Steel
• Capacity: 21 cu. ft.
• Energy Star Qualified: Yes
• Dimensions: 28.5 x 35.63 x 72 inches

One feature that stood out to us in particular about thuis refrigerator was its MultiAirFlow™, which circulates gentle and cool air throughout the freezer to minimize temperature fluctuations. This model is also Wi-Fi-enabled, allowing you to use your smart home’s hub to access and control the fridge.

Pros and Cons

What Customers Are Saying

We noted that customers who were wowed by this Bosch refrigerator loved its quiet operation, roomy capacity, and sleek, stylish look. On the other hand, some people said this fridge’s ice maker was not efficient, and others felt that the drawers were not well designed. 

“Love, love, love our new refrigerator! You would think that with a counter-depth fridge you would limit how much space you have, BUT this is configured so well that we have a ton of space. It is also so nice to have the water dispenser inside as this lends to a clean, sleek look. We had a sub-zero that came with our previous home and we love this fridge more than that one. It keeps everything cold and closes smoothly. Just perfect!” — lakelein via Best Buy

“Our main issue with this product is the freezer/ice maker.  It has to be the world’s slowest ice maker. We are a two-person household and whenever we have 1-2 guests, the ice supply depletes so much that it takes a full month to replenish to full with just the two of us using it. We’ve had to buy bags of ice countless times. Pretty frustrating for such an expensive refrigerator. I’d say if you’re a family of 3-4+ and like to use ice avoid this model at all costs.” — wwn422 via Best Buy

If you think a refrigerator from a trusted brand with a sleek design, temperature control, and other unique features is a good fit for you, shop for the Bosch Series 800 today.

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Best Standard Model

• Finishes: PrintProof™ stainless steel and PrintProof™ black stainless steel
• Capacity: 25.5 cu. ft.
• Energy Star Qualified: Yes
• Dimensions: 34.9 x 34.8 x 68.9 inches

The bottom-freezer design has surged in popularity due to the larger capacity and ease of seeing the contents inside. This LG model is also the most affordable option we found during our research.

While it doesn’t have a built-in water dispenser, the gallon door shelves make it convenient to reach for your favorite beverage without having to shuffle containers around. Its significant internal capacity of 25.5 cubic feet should not be underestimated either.

Pros and Cons

What Customers Are Saying

We found that customers who impressed with this LG refrigerator liked that it has a spacious interior in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Others liked that it ran quietly, and that it had an easily accessible freezer. However, some customers had problems with the ice maker not functioning properly, and a few reviewers said the compressor stopped working.

“I purchased this particle refrigerator for three reasons. I wanted 1.) a bottom freezer so that I could easily see and reach my food. 2.) Large enough vegetable bins to store my vegetables and lettuce in without being cramped. 3.) But MOST importantly, I wanted a quiet refrigerator because I have an open-concept living, dining room and kitchen. The refrigerator is not only spacious and beautiful but almost totally SILENT! Instead of a traditional motor, it works by magnetic fields that operate a piston. The latest technology! AND I find that any smudges on the stainless steel wipe off daily and don’t leave streaks behind! I LOVE MY LG refrigerator! I highly recommend this product without reservations!” — Kbk9 via LG

“We bought this unit after researching it online. The fridge is big, the door suctions closed to keep it cooler, is bright inside and fits a great deal of food. We were really happy with it. We had it for two years and then the linear compressor died. It was still under the general compressor warranty but no service person would fix it because the freon is flammable and it cannot be fixed in the home. Also, the parts are not locally distributed and some have to be ordered from another country. The service techs also told us the compressor was an issue they see frequently with this refrigerator. LG decided to refund the initial purchase price. I tried to get it replaced because the price has increased a lot in two years which that is not taken into consideration with the refund.” — LRVC via LG

If you’re seeking a bottom-freezer refrigerator with a spacious interior, sleek design and a variety of useful features, shop today for the LG LRDCS2603S Refrigerator.

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Best Door-in-Door Refrigerator

• Finishes: Stainless steel
• Capacity: 26.5 cu. ft.
• Energy Star Qualified: Yes
• Dimensions: 31.6 x 35.8 x 68.9 inches

Inside this refrigerator, we found six glass shelves, a snack and deli drawer, two humidity-controlled crisper drawers, and two freezer drawers. You can access your refrigerator through the companion app, but it is otherwise not smart-enabled. This model also features a door alarm, so the fridge or freezer won’t be left ajar for long periods.

Pros and Cons

What Customers Are Saying

Our team found that customers who gave this refrigerator positive reviews liked its variety of features such as the ability to see inside the fridge, and the internal water dispenser. Others liked its roomy interior and durable design. However, some had issues with the water dispenser not working properly, and others said that the ice maker and water dispenser were of low quality, and others had problems with their freezer not sealing properly. 

“I bought this in April and am loving it! I wasn’t looking for the knock-on-door refrigerator, but that’s pretty cool. Love the big ice drawer in the freezer rather than through the door, I get way more ice. Love the WiFi feature too. I would highly recommend this refrigerator, and I love LG products.” — Bdriver via LG

“Plenty of room and looks very modern. Was happy with the purchase when I got it delivered and started using it. Within two months, the freezer started to create problems. The freezer won’t lock and seal properly. Causing the air to leak and subsequent over-cooling and for an ice all around the freezer. Some time the icing was too bad that the entire freezer couldn’t be pulled to open.” — RKris via LG

This fridge is a great choice if you’re looking for a product with excellent organizational features and shelves. Shop for the LG Instaview Refrigerator today.

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Best Large Refrigerator

• Finishes: Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel
•  Capacity: 27.7 cu. ft.
• Energy Star Qualified: Yes
• Dimensions: 36.3 x 35.8 x 69.9 inches

This model also features a Turbo Cool setting, which automatically lowers the temperature when it detects frequent door openings. Additionally, we liked its fingerprint-resistant design and showcase LED lighting that makes it easy to see every corner of your fridge.

Pros and Cons

What Customers Are Saying

We noted that customers who liked this refrigerator were impressed with its auto-fill feature, wide and flexible shelving, and its sleek finish. However, a few reviewers had issues with the fridge not working properly after minimal use, while others said it emitted a loud noise and seemed to waste energy. 

“Spacious refrigerator is well-lit, making it easy to locate items inside, and offers a number of useful features, including an auto-fill water dispenser and flexible interior shelving. The roomy freezer offers smart compartments for smart organization.”  — Jane via Best Buy

“….The water dispenser works fine (at least so far) and I like the fact that the filter is inside the fridge and not way down at the bottom. It is easy to get to when a change is needed. I do not really use a lot of ice, but the ice maker filled up after a couple of days, so I know there is supply should I want some.  The freezer is roomy, with four large bins. It will be difficult to keep things organized in there due to this, but at least there is plenty of space.  This fridge runs constantly! Like ALL THE TIME! From what I read, this is part of the new “energy-efficiency” of new fridges. However, it will also cause the unit to die that much sooner. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I get the suggested 8-10 years out of this without issue.” — JeffS via Best Buy

If your household could use a refrigerator that makes delicious, easy-to-obtain water and keeps your food cold at all times, shop today for the GE Profile French Door Refrigerator.

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Best Small Refrigerator

• Finishes: Stainless steel, white glass
•  Capacity: 28 cubic feet
• Energy Star Qualified: Yes
• Dimensions: 35.9 x 33.8 x 70.6 inches

This fridge is Wi-Fi enabled, so you can control settings and adjust temperatures directly from your smartphone. It’ll even let you know if someone accidentally left the door open. It features a dual ice maker that can create cubes or bites, depending on your preferences. Additionally, we love that this fridge features slide-in adjustable shelving, so you can add them in when you need to fit more small items like condiments or yogurt cups, or take it out when you need space for large items like a special occasion cake or half-liter beverages..

Pros and Cons

What Customers Are Saying

We found that customers who gave this refrigerator a positive review were particularly impressed with its sleek design and high visibility, with several reviewers noting how easy it was to see everything in the fridge at once. Others were pleased by the beverage center, saying it was easy to use and delivered tasty water.  Some customers also called out the unit’s smart features as something they were impressed by, with multiple customers saying that they liked that they received a mobile alert when the fridge was accidentally left open. 

However, we did see some customers say the color did not match what they were expecting, noting that it did not match their existing appliances.  Others had some issues with the door sensors not always working properly. 

“An amazingly sleek and modern fridge. I love the beverage center, as well as the different types of ice it makes. Super easy to use control panel from your phone or the app. The hand sensors on the door are a nice touch as well”. — Darlak98 via Samsung

“…The ice maker has two kinds of ice, and the beverage center with filtered water serves the best water I have had in years. For 30 years I have bought bottled spring water because I did not like tap or refrigerated water. I love the water from this beverage center!” — Annie via Samsung

“I bought this in April and I like the refrigerator’s features, except the color. The white does not match the rest of my kitchen appliances. The actual color is an off-white/grey, but is advertised as white. It really looks funny and is driving me crazy, so I am paying $450 to get the refrigerator wrapped in the correct white color. I called about this several times, and was told there is nothing that can be done by Samsung. I am really disappointed.” — Karen via Samsung

If you want an affordable fridge that doesn’t lack flexibility or overall space, shop today for the Samsung Top Refrigerator.

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Best French Door Refrigerator

• Finishes: Stainless steel
• Capacity: 24.7 cu. ft.
• Energy Star Qualified: Yes
• Dimensions: 35.6 x 35.3 x 70.3 inches

This product also includes a wire and plastic basket, two FreshLock crispers that keeps food fresh, three adjustable half-width shelves, and three adjustable gallon door bins for plenty of storage and customization options. With bright LED lighting inside, our team noticed also makes it easy to see where all of your food is stored.

Pros and Cons

What Customers Are Saying

Our team noted that customers who gave this product a positive review liked that it was energy-efficient and had a roomy interior. Others were impressed with its smudge- and fingerprint-proof finish. However, some who left mixed or negative reviews felt this machine’s doors did not always shut properly, and others felt the ice maker was either ineffective or inconsistent. 

“This is an Energy Star refrigerator so it is very economical. I especially like the top and bottom baskets in the freezer, and the choice of humidity levels in the produce drawers, one for fruits, and one for vegetables.” — Corbin via Best Buy
“This Maytag keeps things cold/frozen and has plenty of space.  Kind of noisy. Hate the ice maker! While it makes ice quickly, the discharge chute routinely jams.  And when you clear the jam, you get ice everywhere.” — Bill via Best Buy

If you are interested in a high-quality refrigerator that provides easy control, lots of storage space, and a fashionable design, shop for the Maytag French Door Refrigerator today.

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Best Budget Model

• Finishes: Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, fingerprint-resistant black, fingerprint-resistant white, monochromatic stainless steel, fingerprint-resistant biscuit
• Capacity: 20.5 cubic feet
• Energy Star Qualified: No
• Dimensions: 32.8 x 32.9 x 66.3 inches

This refrigerator lacks some of the features of high-end models, but is an ideal fit for those looking for a budget-friendly straightforward fridge with plenty of space. 

We liked that it coms with easy-to-control dial temperature controls, and bright energy-efficient lighting that makes it easy to locate all of your items. We also were impressed that this fridge has reversible door hinges to best configure to your kitchen setup.

Pros and Cons

What Customers Are Saying

We found that customers who gave this product a positive review liked its flexible organization options, straightforward design, and fingerprint-proof finish. However, there were other customers who felt it was too loud, and some who said that the freezer was poorly designed and difficult to fit items in.

“I purchased this model due to my limited space between kitchen cabinets of 34 1/2 inches by 68 inches. It fits perfectly and provides great capacity because of its depth. The visibility to every corner inside is awesome because of all clear shelves and drawers. Love my new fridge and you can count on Whirlpool reliability!”  — FiveStar via Best Buy

“Not to happy with the freezer part, the glass shelf looks like it will fall in, can not utilize the door shelving to much. Not alot of items can fit there. It needs to be wider AND you can not fit a tall item in like frozen soup containers OR ice cream containes. It will not shut, where is the light?” — YB4BestBuy via Best Buy

If you’re looking for a straightforward refigerator that will keep foods fresh without putting too big of a dent in your wallet, shop for the Whirlpool Top-Freezer Refrigerator here.

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Things To Look for When Shopping for a Refrigerator

When shopping for a new fridge, our research showed that it’s important to approach the process with knowledge about the average price range, types of refrigerators, standard capacity and components, available finishes, typical features, and the brand you are purchasing from.

For a more detailed guide, see our buying guide for major appliances.

Average Price Range

If special features aren’t the most important aspect of your refrigerator to you, you can find a budget-friendly basic model refrigerator for as low as $500. Generally, a standard refrigerator with the freezer on top will be more affordable than side-by-side refrigerators, models with built-in ice makers, models with bottom freezers, and smart refrigerator options.

Today, the average refrigerator will cost consumers between $1,200 and $2,200. We’ve also seen outliers on either side of this range, depending on the features you desire.

Types of Refrigerators

There are several different types of refrigerators on the market, including:

• Top freezer: Top-freezer refrigerators are the classic refrigerator style that have been popular across the United States for decades. These models will cost less than newer configurations.
• Side-by-side: Side-by-side models have a vertical freezer on one side and a vertical refrigerator on the other. Some side-by-side refrigerators will feature built-in ice and water dispensers on the freezer side, which prevent you from needing to make your own ice with an ice cube tray.
• Bottom freezer: Bottom freezer configurations have become popular recently, as they provide a large amount of freezer space. The refrigerator portion is at eye level, while the freezer portion typically opens like a drawer for easy access to frozen foods.
• French door: French door models have become popular for their sleek and modern appearance. Because you can open one side of the refrigerator without opening the other, french door refrigerators are considered more energy efficient than other models.
• Counter-depth: Counter-depth refrigerators can come in a variety of configurations, such as those listed above, but its distinguishing factor is its shorter depth to save floor space.

Refrigerator Capacity

The capacity of a refrigerator often depends on the design. The capacity that works best for your needs will depend on the number of people in your household, but you may also need to take your kitchen’s available space into account before you go shopping. With that in mind, we recommend that each adult in your household will has between 4–6 cubic feet of refrigerator space on average.

Compartments

Most refrigerators include at least two adjustable shelves that help make it easier to store and organize your food. Modern refrigerators also include side doors and shelves for storing smaller items like condiments, drinks, and toppings.  Fridges also typically include a freezer compartment for storing frozen foods and goods.

Finishes

Each appliance manufacturer will offer its own suite of proprietary finish options, but you can typically find refrigerators in white, black, and stainless steel. In recent years, stainless steel has become the most popular option, but it will typically be more expensive than white and black colorways.

Additional Features

Refrigerator features can vary from model to model, especially between traditional and smart refrigerators. While there are many features to look for and consider when choosing a refrigerator, our team’s list includes the following:

• Automatic temperature control
• Built-in ice maker
• Built-in water dispenser
• Control panels and screens
• Door style
• Door alarms and child locks
• Shelves and organization drawers
• Wireless connectivity and smart features

Energy Use

Many modern appliances come complete with ENERGY STAR Certification. Energy Star-certified refrigerators must be at least 15% more efficient than the federal minimum standard for energy efficiency.

Refrigerator Brands

Among the best refrigerator brands that we researched are Bosch, Café, Frigidaire, GE and GE Profile, Insignia, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool.

Other brands may also be reliable but have fewer customer and professional reviews, so be sure to research thoroughly before purchasing.

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Our Conclusion

Upgrade your kitchen’s performance by purchasing a refrigerator that meets all of your needs. While it has a higher-than-average price point, our research showed the Samsung Family Hub offers impressive design features. The LG Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator and Bosch 800 Series provide large storage capacity and strong brand reputations.

The best way to make sure you purchase the best refrigerator for your home’s needs is to be thoughtful about the purchase. Carefully read reviews like ours as well as customer reviews and details about each manufacturer’s warranty.

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FAQs About Refrigerators

Which refrigerator brand is best?

LG, Whirlpool, Bosch, and Samsung all have reputations for providing high-quality refrigerators to customers worldwide. According to Bosch, Bosch appliances within the first five years of purchase have a lower rate of repairs than its competitors.

Before purchasing a refrigerator, it’s important to do your own research, compare prices, specifications, and features, and read the fine print regarding warranty coverage.

What is the best temperature for a refrigerator?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that the ideal refrigerator temperature should be about 40°F to store food safely. This temperature ensures that you are keeping your food out of the “danger zone,” in which bacteria and foodborne illnesses are able to thrive.

Our research shows the best freezer temperature is 0°F.

How long does the average refrigerator last?

With proper maintenance, the average, we’ve seen refrigerators last as long as 13 years, which outlives many of your home’s essential components, including your HVAC system, microwave, and dishwasher.

While your refrigerator can remain functional for years beyond this date, you may see a drop in efficiency compared to newer kitchen appliances. Replacing your refrigerator can result in more storage space, better organization, and energy savings.

Do refrigerators need space around them?

It’s best to keep some space around your refrigerator to give it room for ventilation. Leave at least an inch of space for the top and back of your fridge when measuring the space in your home and avoid boxing it in.

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Our Rating Methodology

Our small team is committed to providing heavily researched recommendations and insight into the categories we cover. We seek to earn and keep your trust by practicing ongoing transparency about the process of our reviews and the factors we take into account.

Our 100-point rating system for refrigerators accounts for seven key factors. We scored the fridges featured in this article in the following way:

• Features (up to 30 total points): This category accounts for the most commonly sought-after refrigerator features, such as automatic temperature control, built-in water and ice dispensers, ENERGY STAR certification, and more.
• Finishes (up to 1 point): Products that came in more than one finish were rated higher than products with only one finish option.
• Average customer rating (up to 15 points): Each product received a score from zero to 15, depending on its average customer rating. We rounded up decimal ratings to the nearest whole number.
• Capacity (up to 10 points): Refrigerators with a capacity of 21 cubic feet or more were scored higher than their smaller counterparts.
• Smart technology (up to 5 points): If a product included app integration or Wi-Fi compatibility, it received five points.
• Manufacturer’s warranty (up to 20 points): We researched each product’s manufacturer’s warranty and awarded each product 25 points if it came with any kind of warranty or guarantee.
• Customer service (up to 14 points): We researched the customer service options available to homeowners after they’ve purchased their item. Each product received points if its manufacturer offered phone, chat/text, or access to replacement parts.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.