Top refrigerator brands in Consumer Reports' tests
Consumer Reports current refrigerator Ratings include nearly 300 models, spread across the four main refrigerator configurations: top-freezers, bottom-freezers, side-by-sides, and built-ins. About 60 models make the recommended list—and 15 separate brands are represented on that list. But some of these brands stand out for their winning ways. We're continuously testing refrigerators, so the totals are in flux. But if you're in the market for a refrigerator now, here are seven brands, listed alphabetically, to consider.
Frigidaire. Owned by Sweden-based manufacturer Electrolux, Frigidaire dominates the top-freezer category, with seven recommended models. The Frigidaire Gallery FGHT2132PF, $950, performs capably and comes in stainless steel, giving the plainest of all configurations a sleeker look. There's also the Frigidaire FKCH17F7HW, $770, a unique stand-alone freezer that can convert into a freezer. It's not meant to be a primary refrigerator, but it's handy if you do need a stand-alone freezer that can also double as an extra refrigerator on occasion, say to hold catering trays and drinks before a big party.
GE. Since opening new factories in Louisville, GE has seen better results in our refrigerator tests. The $2,600 GE Profile PWE23KMDES French-door bottom-freezer is tied for our highest-scoring model, boasting outstanding temperature performance. While it just misses the recommended list, the $3,000 GE Cafe CFE29TSDSS is another solid French-door model, and it's the only refrigerator on the market that dispenses hot water.
Kenmore. Sold exclusively at Sears, Kenmore refrigerators are made by several other manufacturers. That's made it a consistent performer across multiple configurations. Among French-door models, the $1,700 Kenmore 7160[3] stands out for its superb performance and relatively low price. The $600 Kenmore 78892 top-freezer is another amazing value, if you don't need all the bells and whistles.
LG. This South Korean manufacturer currently has the most winners in our French-door bottom-freezer category. We particularly like the LG LFX32945ST, $3,300, also tied for tops in terms of overall score. Or check out the LG LSC22991ST, $2,700, a side-by-side refrigerator that looks like a four-door, but whose upper-right quadrant is actually a door-in-door compartment that opens with the press of a button. The highly-rated cabinet-depth model performed very well or better in all of our tests.
Samsung. Also based in South Korea, Samsung currently has the most models on our top picks list. It's particularly strong in the four-door category, where it holds the top four spots. These are premium-priced models, ranging from $2,900 to $5,400, but performance is superb and they boast the innovation that Samsung is known for, including true four-door configuration and built-in seltzer makers. Among side-by-sides, the Samsung RH29H9000SR, $2,350 is the first to feature the unique full-length door-in-door compartment, allowing you to access drinks, condiments, and other often-used items without opening the main fresh-food compartment.
Thermador. If you're looking to spend big on a built-in refrigerator, Thermador leads that category in our Ratings, beating out brands like SubZero, Miele, and Viking. Our current chart-topper is the $7,400 Thermador Freedom Collection T36BB820SS, a 36-inch-wide bottom-freezer built-in that offers superb temperature control and extremely quiet operation. Like most built-ins, it's available with integrated panels, allowing you to coordinate your refrigerator with the surrounding cabinetry.
Whirlpool. The actual Whirlpool line has just three models in our current recommended list, but when you add in Whirlpool-owned Amana, Jenn-Air, and Mayatg, it starts to rival Samsung for most winning brand. In the French-door category, the Whirlpool Gold GX5FHTXV[Q], $1,600, is up there with the best, while among built-ins, the $7,200 Jenn-Air JS42PPDUDB[SS] side-by-side is tied with Thermador for the top spot.
—Daniel DiClerico (@dandiclerico on Twitter)
More from Consumer Reports:
Top performing kitchen gear at rock bottom prices
The best washing machines for $800 or less
Kitchen floors that stand up to foot traffic
Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.
