When it comes to GE vs. Whirlpool refrigerators, which one comes out on top? This article compares the two fridge brands as well as specific refrigerators within their product lines.
When shopping for a refrigerator, it can be intimidating because there’s a lot riding on the choice. After all, the fridge is arguably the most important kitchen appliance. I can easily cook food in a variety of ways, but it’s extremely difficult to keep food cold without a working fridge.
GE and Whirlpool are both known for manufacturing appliances for the kitchen or laundry room. They have great reputations, but which one makes the better fridge?
In this in-depth comparison of GE vs. Whirlpool refrigerators, I compare the key features, break down the pros and cons, and give you all the information you need to decide between the two brands.
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GE vs. Whirlpool Fridges: At a Glance
GE and Whirlpool refrigerators are praised for their reliability, parts availability, and customer satisfaction. They’re competitively priced, although GE offers more higher-end options in the GE Profile line. They also have similar warranties for most models, with few exceptions.
The real difference boils down to extra features and cost. GE refrigerators generally offer more upgrades and technology. For instance, you can manage your fridge remotely with the SmartHQ app. You can also find water dispenser lights, flat-back design, Sabbath mode, and fast cool modes.
Whirlpool refrigerators won’t have as many features as GE refrigerators. Instead, Whirlpool makes solid affordable fridges. While you’ll find some high-end Whirlpool fridges, most are geared toward consumers who want the best value.
Use the chart below to get a high-level comparison of GE vs Whirlpool fridges:
| GE Refrigerators | Whirlpool Refrigerators | |
| Why to Buy | -Reliable brand with high customer satisfaction-Larger selection of fridges-Smart technology and added features | -Reliable brand with high customer satisfaction-Flexible storage options-Plenty of budget-friendly options-Energy efficient |
| Why Not to Buy | -Not as budget-friendly | -Not as many bonus features-Not great for small spaces |
Things to Consider Before Buying a Fridge
The size is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a fridge. Will the refrigerator fit in your space? Some appliances, like stoves and dishwashers, are made to fit standard-size openings in your cabinetry, but not refrigerators. You may find one with the right width and then discover that it’s too tall.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, measure the width and height of the refrigerator space before you go shopping. Allow at least an inch of extra space on all sides of the refrigerator for easy installation and adequate ventilation. Also, make sure the new refrigerator will fit through any doorways leading to the kitchen.
Your kitchen layout might affect which size fridge you should get. Visit my in-depth guide to kitchen layouts.
Another important thing to think about is the energy efficiency. An energy-efficient model can save you a pretty penny on your energy bill. Bonus if the fridge is Energy Star certified. Here’s how to measure the energy costs. Find the EnergyGuide sticker and multiply the estimated yearly electricity use (kWh) by the cost of your electricity per kWh. For instance, if the tag shows an annual usage of 700 kWh and your electricity costs 15¢ per kWh, your annual cost would be $105.
Lastly, you want to consider the refrigerator’s style and added features. Most refrigerators fall into one of four categories: top freezer, bottom freezer, side-by-side, and French door refrigerators.
Top freezer fridges might seem old school, but they can be quite efficient. They’re more “bare bones,” but they’re more affordable than other styles. Bottom freezer fridges have a freezer compartment on the bottom, usually a pull-out drawer. This allows more storage space in the freezer and puts the fridge items at eye level.
Side-by-side refrigerators have the fridge and freezer next to one another. This keeps most of your food at eye level. Many side-by-side models include ice and water dispensers, but you do sacrifice room in the freezer. French door refrigerators offer more space in the fridge and freezer sections. They usually come with an ice dispenser, as well. However, French door models are larger and more expensive.
Both Whirlpool and GE offer a variety of refrigerators in different sizes and styles.
Whirlpool & GE Refrigerators: Product Reviews
Even though both refrigerator brands manufacture a wide range of fridges, I’m comparing two of their mid-range offerings. These are similar in size and specifications.
GE 25.3 cu. ft. Side by Side Refrigerator in Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel, Standard Depth
This GE Refrigerator holds 25.3 cubic feet and is a standard-depth side-by-side refrigerator. It comes in five color options: bisque, black, white, slate, and fingerprint-resistant stainless steel.
It also has integrated water and ice machines and an external ice dispenser, so you don’t have to open the fridge to get water or ice. This fridge has an electronic display showing you real-time data on the fridge’s internal temperature. It features a door alarm, adaptive defrost, and an electronic display.
Whirlpool 21.4 cu. ft. Side by Side Refrigerator in Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel
This Whirlpool Refrigerator holds 21.4 cubic feet, a slightly smaller option than the GE model. It is a standard-depth side-by-side model with the freezer next to the fridge compartment. It comes in four colors: black, white, fingerprint-resistant stainless black, and fingerprint-resistant stainless steel.
This fridge offers an in-door can caddy, adjustable gallon door bins, and a water and ice dispenser. The large deli drawers give you plenty of storage space, while the frameless adjustable shelves offer flexibility in your storage options.
GE vs Whirlpool: Side-By-Side Comparison
To see how the GE refrigerator stacks up against the Whirlpool refrigerator, I’ll break down the key features and do a side-by-side comparison. But first, a little info about these refrigerator brands.
GE vs Whirlpool Brands
Whirlpool Corporation started in 1911 in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Whirlpool was responsible for the first automatic washing machine in 1948, but has since expanded its product line to include all types of household appliances. Whirlpool dishwashers, laundry machines, ovens, and of course, refrigerators are widely available and well-respected. Whirlpool has owned the Maytag label since 2006.
GE (General Electric Company) is a multinational conglomerate that had its beginnings in 1892. It began as a series of mergers between various companies owned and operated by Thomas Edison. It’s based in Boston, Massachusets.
However, the appliances division is based out of Louisville, KY, and is owned by the Chinese multinational company Haier. GE sold this division of the brand in 2016. GE manufactures a range of appliances, from dishwashers and front-load washer machines to ovens and refrigerators.
Reliability
When it boils down to it, having reliable appliances is the top priority. After all, a fancy fridge won’t do you any good if you have to replace it in six months.
Both GE and Whirlpool have a good reputation among repairmen as being among the most reliable brands. Not only that, but it’s easy to find replacement parts when problems pop up.
Whirlpool refrigerators earned the top spot in the Puls report, which tracks the number and type of service calls for different appliances. Whirlpool actually won out as one of the best refrigerator brands and for overall household appliances. However, GE wasn’t included in that report, so it’s hard to compare the two.
Winner: Draw
Energy Efficiency
The GE and Whirlpool refrigerators use interior LED lighting, which is energy-efficient. The GE also offers a close door alarm that signals when the fresh food or freezer door has been left open too long.
Energy efficiency affects how well a fridge can get and keep cold air. It also affects your wallet, sometimes in a big way.
There is a negligible difference between the energy use of the Whirlpool and GE refrigerators. The GE model will use approximately 708 kWh annually, while the Whirlpool refrigerator will only use an estimated 659 kWh.
According to their “yellow” energy stickers, the GE refrigerator will cost you approximately $85 in annual energy costs, while the Whirlpool will only cost $79. Of course, this could vary depending on your utility rates and individual use.
Neither of these models is Energy Star certified, but the two brands both offer certified models. Check out the alternatives below for the most energy-efficient fridges.
Although there aren’t significant differences here, the Whirlpool gets a tiny edge.
Winner: Whirlpool
Organization & Storage Space
The GE refrigerator and Whirlpool fridge have similar layouts and organization. Both have freezer shelves, an ice maker at the top of the freezer side, and clear shelves in the fridge door as well as the fridge interior.
The Whirlpool refrigerator has a can caddy that holds either cans or bottles and frees up shelf space for other things. It also has wall-to-wall frameless glass shelves for greater storage flexibility. The humidity-controlled drawers are perfect for storing fruits and vegetables, while the handy deli drawers allow you to store plenty of meat and cheese. Move the adjustable gallon door bins anywhere in the door for extra flexibility.
The GE has edge-to-edge glass shelves and two pull-out drawers with clear fronts for produce. The adjustable shelves make it easy to rearrange and organize your food items. I also like that the LED interior light is flush-mounted to free up even more vertical space. Plus, the bonus freezer shelf gives you an extra storage nook located above the ice maker for frozen treats or ice packs.
The GE is slightly larger, holding 25.3 cubic feet as opposed to Whirlpool’s 21.4 cubic feet. That difference isn’t significant by any stretch, but I guess every inch counts.
If you want extra space? Go with GE refrigerators. If you like the can caddy and large door bins? Pick a Whirlpool refrigerator. But there is no clear winner here.
Winner: Draw
Features
The GE fridges offer adaptive defrost with FrostGuard technology. This means your freezer will only defrost when needed, as opposed to a time cycle, leading to less freezer burn and better energy efficiency. Additionally, GE refrigerators are compatible with Sabbath keepers for those who observe Shabbat.
Whirlpool fridges don’t offer as many special features as GE fridges. This particular side-by-side Whirlpool refrigerator does offer hidden hinges for a seamless look. It also offers adaptive defrost technology. The LED night light in the ice dispenser is great for late trips to the kitchen.
Both of these fridges have ice and water dispensers on the fridge door for convenience. This is a must for my household as we fill our water bottles throughout the day. They also sport a touch control panel for easy adjustments to temperature and other settings.
The features of these two fridges are similar, but in general, GE fridges will have more features than Whirlpool. I’m giving GE the edge here.
Winner: GE
Technology
Neither fridge in this case has smart features or technology, but GE has more smart technology in other models than Whirlpool. Some models offer TurboCool or Turbo Freeze, which allow you to rapidly cool the fridge or freezer after placing hot items inside. (Read more about how long fridges take to get cold.)
Additionally, some GE models offer built-in Keurig machines. Yep, you read that right. You can even manage your coffee brewing from the SmartHQ app. Speaking of, the Smart HQ app allows you to control the fridge’s temperature, turn the ice maker on and off, enter Sabbath mode, and schedule hot water for that morning cup of coffee. All you need is Wifi connectivity, and voila!
Whirlpool takes a simpler approach to home appliances. While the brand does offer smart ovens and laundry machines, Whirlpool designs for fridges don’t have the same technology.
In this department, when it comes to GE vs. Whirlpool, GE comes out on top.
Winner: GE
Appearance
This one is admittedly more subjective. The GE refrigerator comes in five finishes: slate, black, white, bisque (off-white), and fingerprint-resistant stainless steel. Whirlpool makes this model in four colors: black, white, fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, and fingerprint-resistant black stainless.
I prefer the aesthetic of the Whirlpool refrigerators. That black stainless finish is super sharp, and I’ve had the stainless steel and enjoyed it. I don’t know that any fridge is truly smudge-proof, but it stays pretty clean.
Although this one largely depends on personal preference, I like Whirlpool when it comes to the look.
Winner: Whirlpool
Warranty
GE offers a limited 1-year entire appliance warranty that covers any part of the refrigerator that fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship. During the limited one-year warranty, GE will also provide, free of charge, all labor and related services to replace the defective part.
Additionally, GE offers a 5-year warranty on any part of the sealed refrigerating system (the compressor, condenser, evaporator and all connecting tubing) that fails due to a defect in the materials or workmanship. GE will replace the water filter up to 30 days after purchase, but this model does not come with the water filter so that warranty doesn’t apply to this GE refrigerator.
Whirlpool offers a similar 1-year limited warranty on the entire appliance. Additionally, Whirlpool offers a 5-year warranty on any part of the sealed refrigerating system (the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and all connecting tubing). The only thing Whirlpool doesn’t offer is the 30-day water filter replacement guarantee, which wouldn’t apply in this case anyway.
When it comes to GE vs. Whirlpool, the warranty is a draw.
Winner: Draw
Price
GE and Whirlpool refrigerators are competitively priced when comparing similar models, with any difference in price being relatively small.
The particular models I’ve reviewed are very similar in price, although the Whirlpool refrigerator is slightly less expensive. These are mid-range models for both refrigerator brands.
In general, GE offers more models at the lower and higher end of the price range than Whirlpool. GE Profile is the brand’s high-end line of appliances. These GE refrigerators feature a sleek design with more features and a price tag to reflect that.
In this case, the price difference is minimal, but every penny counts. So when it comes to GE vs. Whirlpool in the price category, I give the advantage to the Whirlpool refrigerator.
Winner: Whirlpool
GE vs Whirlpool: French Door Alternatives
GE French Door Refrigerator
This GE French Door Refrigerator has a capacity of 27.8 cubic feet, a larger model. It’s available in three beautiful finishes, including stainless steel, black stainless, and slate, all of which are fingerprint-resistant. This model offers Turbo cool, spill-proof shelves, adjustable drawers, humidity-controlled drawers, and showcase LED lighting.
The advanced filtration system removes 98% of select pharmaceuticals, while the built-in ice maker is located in the door to save space. The water and ice dispenser is conveniently located on the outside. And the unit has two separate climate-controlled compartments for the freezer and fridge sections.
To top it off, this model is Energy Star certified. It has an annual estimated energy use of 725 kWh, which is still higher than the side-by-side fridge. But it’s also a larger refrigerator, so it makes sense.
Customers were pleased with this GE fridge, with 87% customer satisfaction. They loved the exterior finish, the built-in ice maker, and the spacious interior. A few complained about the noise level, but most of the comments were positive.
Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator
This Whirlpool Refrigerator has French doors and multi-level drawers with a capacity of 24.5 cubic feet. It comes in the same four finishes as the side-by-side model: black, white, black stainless, and stainless steel. It features an exterior drawer giving you additional refrigeration space and lets you adjust temperature controls and dividers based on what you’re storing.
This model also offers measured fill, where you can select the exact amount of filtered water you need. The dispenser will fill your container and automatically shut off when it’s done. The Accu-Chill temperature management system allows to you cool food quickly, while the spill-proof shelves help keep the interior clean.
Customers raved about this Whirlpool refrigerator. It had 90% positive reviews, which is impressive. One of their favorite key features? The refrigerated exterior door, which allows you to store meats, cheeses, yogurt, and all sorts of items in an easily accessible way. As a mom who makes her kids’ lunches every day, that sort of easy access is a dream.
Oh, and this model is also Energy Star-certified. It uses an annual estimated 683 kWh, which again, is higher than the side-by-side model but lower than both GE designs. If you want a fridge with French doors without a higher added energy cost, this one is the way to go.
Should You Buy a GE or Whirlpool Refrigerator? Final Verdict
Whirlpool delivers top-notch performance and a high rate of customer satisfaction, making it one of the best refrigerator brands. However, GE is also a reliable appliance brand with a wider range of refrigerators available. With Whirlpool, you’ll get fewer features than with GE designs, but you’ll get the basics at an affordable price point. The good news? GE and Whirlpool are both solid choices, so you can’t really go wrong here.
If you aren’t sure which brand to get, decide on the features that are most important to you. Then see which GE and Whirlpool refrigerators offer those features, and go from there. Check out more about the most reliable refrigerator brands.
