Best Rated Refrigerators – Free Buying Guide
These are the most reliable brands, with the least number of major repairs needed during their life cycle, sorted from best to worst.
Most Reliable Brands
To give you a frame of reference, the bottom rated refrigerators have about twice as many major repairs needed as the top rated machines do.
- Whirlpool (top rated)
- KitchenAid
- Kenmore
- Samsung
- LG
- Maytag
- Amana
- GE (lowest rated)
The number of refrigerators out there is mind boggling, but I’ve sorted through all of the data from the most popular consumer reporting site on the internet to bring you the best refrigerator in each of the following categories.
Best Rated Models
These appliances represent the best value by taking both price and reliability into account.
Bottom Freezer - Whirlpool Gold GX5FHTXV[Q]
Top Freezer - Maytag M1TXEMMW[W]
Side By Side Fridge/Freezer - GE GSH25JSC[SS]
Built-In - Liebherr CS2062
Drawer - GE Monogram ZIDS240P[SS]
Compact - Frigidaire FRC05L5D[B]
Is Energy Star Worth The Investment?
In the refrigerator category, I’d say yes. Refrigerators use more electricity than any other kitchen appliance because they are always working to maintain a constant temperature.
Even models that are not energy star qualified are still very efficient. If a low price is at the top of your list you’ll likely be very happy with more affordable options that are not energy star rated.
Which Style To Choose
Don’t worry about which style is the most energy efficient. Use the yellow energy efficiency tags for that and choose the style that is the most convenient for you.
Bottom freezer drawers with french style refrigerator doors are becoming the best selling style because they are the most convenient. They keep the foods that you want to access the most at eye level.
Built-ins have a great look if you can incorporate them into a kitchen remodel.
Features To Be On The Look-Out For
Adjustable shelves and bins – This option is key.
Deep door bins – They are designed to keep large drink containers on hand.
Full extension drawers – These will keep foods from getting lost in the back of the drawers.
Pull out shelves – I have this on my fridge but I never use them. On paper I think they’re a great idea.
Door mounted ice & water dispensers – Once you have one, you don’t know how you ever survived without it.
