Are you trying to decide between GE and LG refrigerators? GE refrigerators are more reliable, but LG offers many innovative features.
GE and LG are both popular refrigerator brands with decades of history in manufacturing cutting-edge products. These brands offer a variety of refrigerators with different configurations, features, and storage capacities. But which one should you choose?
This article will compare LG vs GE refrigerators. You’ll find how they stack up in reliability, features, appearance, organization, technology, warranty, and price. You’ll have all the information you need to make the best decision.
Ready to get started? Keep reading to learn more.
Contents
At a Glance
LG and GE refrigerators differ in several ways, but they each have something to offer. If you’re looking for something reliable, steady, and affordable, GE refrigerators are the way to go. GE offers a wide range of styles and price points.
LG refrigerators offer the latest in smart technology and convenience, but they’re more expensive and difficult to repair. They don’t have the reputation for reliability that GE does. You won’t get as many features with a GE fridge, but you’ll likely have fewer problems.
Check out the chart below to get a quick breakdown of LG vs GE refrigerators:
| LG | GE | |
| Why to Buy | -Premium features-Smart technology-Spacious-Energy Efficient | -Reliable brand with high customer satisfaction-Large selection of fridges-Reasonably affordable |
| Why Not to Buy | -Expensive-Difficult to repair | – Limited smart features and technology |
Things to Consider Before Buying a Fridge
Size
The size is perhaps the most important thing to consider when purchasing a fridge. Will the refrigerator fit in your space? Appliances like stoves and dishwashers are made to fit standard-size openings in your cabinetry. Not the case with refrigerators. You may find one with the right width and then discover that it’s too tall.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, grab your measuring tape and measure the width and height of the refrigerator space. Don’t forget to allow a few inches above and behind the unit for air to circulate. Also, be sure there’s enough room for the doors to swing open. If you’re unsure how to measure properly, this video by Home Depot shows how:
Your kitchen layout might affect which size fridge you should get. Use this in-depth guide to determine which layout your kitchen has.
Energy Efficiency
In addition to the refrigerator’s size, energy efficiency is another important consideration. A fridge with a high energy consumption will raise your utility bill, which can cost you a lot more in the long run. Look for Energy Star-certified models for the best efficiency. To find the yearly energy usage, find the yellow EnergyGuide sticker.
To calculate the cost, multiply the estimated annual electricity use (kWh) by the cost of your electricity per kWh. Energy-efficient refrigerator models are better for the environment and your wallet.
Style
Most refrigerators fall into one of four categories: top freezer, bottom freezer, side-by-side, and French door refrigerators.
Top freezer fridges are often smaller and simple in design, but they’re efficient and more affordable than other styles. A bottom freezer refrigerator has a freezer compartment on the bottom. This provides more freezer storage space and puts the refrigerated 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.
Key Features
These days, brands offer all sorts of great features and innovations. Of course, most models have an ice maker and a water dispenser in the door. But many models offer much more. Some have rapid cooling, automatic defrosting, smart features, Wi-Fi connectivity, multiple temperature zones, and craft ice. The sky’s the limit.
Of course, all the features will cost you. Expensive refrigerators will come with more features. You just have to decide which elements are the most important to you.
LG vs GE Refrigerators: Product Reviews
LG 27 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Smart Refrigerator
This LG model is a side-by-side refrigerator that holds a generous 27 cubic feet. It comes in either a print-proof stainless or black stainless steel. LG’s latest InstaView window on the main door is 23% larger with a tinted, frameless edge-to-edge design. The InstaView allows you to see the interior contents with just two quick knocks on the glass panel.
The InstaView fridge door saves you energy from opening the door to see what’s inside, and it’s also helpful when taking stock before grocery runs.
The exterior doors have pocket handles instead of traditional handles to save space and create a more seamless design. This LG side-by-side fridge has a dual in-door ice maker that dispenses three types of ice, including slow-melting craft ice for parties and get-togethers. The ice and water dispenser is located in the door.
This LG refrigerator has a lot of advanced technology, but it only had 63% positive customer reviews, with problems ranging from cooling, the door bins falling out, and other issues.
GE 25.3 cu. ft. Side by Side Refrigerator
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.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Reliability
Reliability is one of the most important differences between LG and GE refrigerators. In my previous review of the most reliable refrigerator brands, I analyzed data from service professionals, reliability reports, and consumer feedback.
GE was near the top of the list in terms of reliability, behind Whirlpool and KitchenAid. LG was toward the bottom, along with Samsung.
LG refrigerators have a history of faulty compressors and malfunctioning parts. In fact, LG had to settle a class-action lawsuit regarding defective compressors on refrigerators made between 2014 and 2017.
It’s worth noting that LG has made strides to correct the issues and improve. The Yale Appliance Reliability Report listed LG as the most reliable refrigerator brand in 2022, with the service call rate falling from 27.8% to 4.4% in 2022.
Even though LG has made improvements, there’s still the issue of service availability. Several appliance stores won’t service LG models. Of those that do, many have trouble getting parts. GE, on the other hand, is one of the best brands for solid service and availability of parts.
The bottom line? GE refrigerators are consistent, reliable, and trusted by service professionals. And when issues do happen, they’re easier to service and repair. LG refrigerators have more malfunctions, many repair companies do not service them. Furthermore, LG parts are frequently unavailable or on backorder.
Winner: GE refrigerators
Appearance
The GE refrigerator comes in one of five finishes: white, black, bisque (off-white), fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, and slate. Having several color options is nice, but the exterior is on the plain side.
The LG refrigerator has a sleek design and comes in print-proof stainless or black stainless steel. The InstaView panel is neat, but it can make the fridge look disjointed. The screen interrupts the seamless aesthetic of the rest of the fridge.
GE models don’t look as sleek or as modern as the LG fridges, but they do have a seamless look that blends in with the kitchen.
When comparing the appearance of LG and GE refrigerators, it ultimately boils down to personal preference. Do you want something more subtle but plain? Or do you prefer something shiny but perhaps “patchwork”?
Winner: Draw
Energy Efficiency
This LG refrigerator is Energy Star qualified, with an estimated annual energy usage of 694 kWh. That’s extremely low, especially for a smart fridge of that size. The GE model has an estimated usage of 708 kWh, so it’s slightly higher than the LG product.
In general, LG refrigerators are highly energy efficient. Most of them are Energy Star-certified. GE has other models that are Energy Star-certified, but not this side-by-side model. While both brands offer energy-efficient refrigerators, LG refrigerators are going to save you more energy in the long run.
Winner: LG refrigerators
Capacity & Organization
LG refrigerators are generally larger and hold more volume. This fridge holds 27 cubic feet, which is on the larger side. It has adjustable shelves and a crisper drawer for fresh produce. The freezer drawers and shelves maximize space within the unit.
The GE model has edge-to-edge shelves for more flexibility in storage. The clear door shelves are adjustable, and see-through, and provide storage options for even large containers. The interior storage drawers have clear fronts so you can see what’s inside.
Both LG and GE refrigerators have plenty of shelf space for food storage. If you need plenty of storage space, either model will work for you.
Winner: Draw
Features & Technology
LG refrigerators are known for incorporating advanced technology. Some high-end LG models have Wi-Fi connectivity and other smart features. This particular LG fridge has the following features:
- LG’s ThinQ App allows you to connect the fridge to your smartphone. Receive notifications when the door is open or when the water filter needs replacing. Control the fridge and freezer temperatures remotely and diagnose issues to get expert advice.
- Vacation Mode allows you to use less energy when no one is at home.
- InstaView window is a glass panel that allows you to see inside the fridge with just two quick knocks on the panel. You can see what’s inside without having to open the door.
- Door notifications alert you through the ThinQ app when the fridge door has been open for more than 10 minutes.
- Craft ice is spherical and slow-melting, making it perfect for parties and gatherings. This LG refrigerator has dual ice makers that make standard cubed or crushed ice, as well as craft ice.
- Door Cooling extends the reach of LG’s Smart Cooling system. Blasts of cool air reach all areas of the refrigerator to help maintain consistent temperatures from top to bottom.
- UVnano kills up to 99.99% of bacteria on the built-in water dispenser nozzle every 24 hours for fresher, better-tasting water.
- Multi-Air Flow System is designed to maintain superior humidity and optimal temperature levels to help keep your food fresher for longer. The digital sensors monitor conditions within the refrigerator and strategically-placed vents to help surround your food with cool air.
- LED lights located throughout the fresh food and freezer sections to help you see clearly and find food quickly.
This list is not the full extent of the technological features of LG refrigerators. This list is specific to the side-by-side smart fridge. Of course, more technology is not always a good thing. Fridges with more advanced technology have more potential for malfunction or broken parts.
When comparing LG vs. GE fridges, GE does not incorporate as much technology into its refrigerators. Instead, GE offers streamlined refrigerators that are easy to operate.
That’s not to say GE doesn’t include any technology. Some high-end GE models feature a built-in Keurig coffee machine that works with the SmartHQ app. You can put the hot water function on a schedule so it’s ready when you need it for a cup of coffee or tea.
Speaking of the app, the Smart HQ app allows you to turn the ice maker off and on, adjust the temperature, control Sabbath mode, and enable Turbo cool settings. Turbo cool mode allows you to cool the fridge or freezer rapidly after you put hot items inside or open the door frequently.
Unfortunately, those features are not available on this GE refrigerator. But it does have some limited features. Those include:
- Sabbath Mode compatibility, which connects to your refrigerator to automatically enable Sabbath mode for Shabbat-observing users.
- Door alert to let you know when the door has been left open too long. This saves energy and keeps your food fresher for longer.
- Advanced water filtration system that removes 98% of select pharmaceuticals from water.
- LED lighting to help you see food clearly and easily.
When it comes to advanced features, LG refrigerators have much more to offer. GE focuses on ease of use and simple operation, while LG is focused on cutting-edge technology.
Winner: LG refrigerators
Warranty
LG models come with a 1-year warranty on parts and labor, with a 5-year warranty on the sealed system that includes the condenser, evaporator, dryer, and all connecting tubing. LG offers a 10-year limited warranty on the linear/inverter compressor, which only covers parts and not labor.
GE warranties are pretty straightforward. GE offers a limited 1-year warranty that covers any part of the refrigerator that fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship. 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.
Winner: LG refrigerators
Price
Another important difference between LG vs GE refrigerators is the cost. LG fridges are generally more expensive than most GE fridges, even when comparing similar models.
LG is a tech-forward brand that emphasizes research and development. LG’s cutting-edge offerings translate to higher manufacturing costs.
If you’re just looking for a basic fridge with no bells and whistles, then you can find a GE refrigerator at an affordable price. There are several high-end GE models, but you can expect to pay more for LG models.
In this case, the LG Smart Fridge is more expensive than the GE Refrigerator. The extra storage capacity and smart features add to the cost. If you’re budget-conscious, GE is your best bet.
Winner: GE refrigerators
Alternatives
LG French Door Refrigerator
This LG French Door Refrigerator holds 28 cubic feet, perfect for a large family or those who like to entertain. It comes in a print-proof stainless steel finish or a black stainless steel finish. This LG refrigerator has mostly positive customer reviews, with a 73% customer satisfaction rate.
While it doesn’t offer InstaView or door-in-door storage, this LG fridge does have LG’s Smart ThinQ Technology, letting you control key refrigerator features from anywhere, at any time, right from your smartphone. You can enjoy LG’s slow-melting craft ice, as well as crushed and cubed ice.
The LG refrigerator has a Smart Cooling system that’s designed to monitor and maintain conditions to help keep food fresh. It also offers a Multi-Air Flow System designed to maintain superior humidity and temperature levels to help keep your food fresher for a longer period of time.
This design is pricier than the side-by-side LG fridge, but it does provide more storage capacity and has a French door design that’s more appealing to most homeowners. Plus, it has a higher customer satisfaction rate than the side-by-side model.
GE French Door Refrigerator
This GE French Door Refrigerator has a capacity of 27.7 cubic feet, so it’s larger than the GE side-by-side fridge. It’s available in three fingerprint-resistant finishes: stainless steel, black slate, and slate. This model also offers Turbo cool, spill-proof shelves, adjustable drawers, humidity-controlled drawers, and bright 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 in the fridge door. 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 a reasonable amount for a larger refrigerator.
This GE French Door Refrigerator has excellent customer feedback, with 87% recommending the fridge. 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.
GE vs LG Refrigerators: Final Thoughts
Trying to choose between LG and GE refrigerators? While LG refrigerators come with more advanced features, they’re not as reliable and can be difficult to repair. GE refrigerators are not immune to problems, but service and parts are easy to come by. GE is also more reliable and affordable.
If you’re in doubt, I’d go with GE models. If you value advanced features and have nearby appliance repair professionals who can repair LG fridges, then you might be okay with an LG refrigerator.
Want to see how these brands stack up against similar refrigerator brands? Learn more about LG vs Samsung refrigerators or compare GE with Whirlpool fridges.
