LG fridges are serviceable and innovative. Samsung offers fridges with top of the line designs and a seamless look.
LG and Samsung Refrigerators share a lot in common, so which one is better? In this article, you’ll find an in-depth comparison of the two South Korean refrigerator brands.
Both Samsung and LG offer state-of-the-art refrigerators. They’re strikingly similar in product design and functionality, which is why it can be difficult to decide which brand is right for your kitchen!
I can help you make that decision a little easier. In this article, you’ll find things to consider when buying a fridge, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of LG and Samsung refrigerators. You’ll also find reviews for some of their more popular models.
Ready to learn more? Keep reading to get started.
Contents
LG vs. Samsung Refrigerator: At a Glance
Samsung Refrigerators and LG fridges have a lot to offer. They both have innovative designs, smart technology, and plenty of interior space. If you prefer a seamless design, Samsung is great. If you prefer convenience and innovation, you might prefer the LG. To get a quick overview of the two brands, see the chart below:
| Samsung | LG | |
| Year Started | 1938 | 1947 |
| Country of Origin | South Korea | South Korea |
| Emphasis | Electronics & Appliances | Electronics & Appliances |
| Refrigerator Styles | French door, Side-by-Side, 4-door French door, 4-door Flex | French door, Side-by-side, 4-door French door, InstaView door-in-door |
| Premium Line | Bespoke | LG Studio |
| Why to Buy | Technology, Sleek Design, Innovative Configurations | Innovative Designs, Latest Technology, High Customer Satisfaction |
| Why Not to Buy | Difficult to Service, Expensive, Problems with Ice Makers | Expensive, Limited Service Availability |
Things to Consider Before Buying a Refrigerator
To determine which refrigerator is right for you, there are several factors to consider.
Obviously, the size of the fridge plays a big role. Refrigerator openings are not always standard, so you’ll need to measure the space before purchasing a fridge. Make sure the entire refrigerator can fit in the opening and through any doorways leading to the kitchen. Allow at least an inch of extra space on all sides of the fridge for easy installation and adequate ventilation.
Beyond the size, you want to think about the capacity of the refrigerator. A standard home refrigerator typically has a capacity between 12 to 28 cubic feet (340-793 liters). To determine the capacity you need, you can generally estimate four to six cubic feet per person.
Another important thing to think about is the refrigerator’s energy efficiency. Energy-efficient refrigerator models can save you money on your utility bill while being more environmentally friendly. Even better, Energy Star-certified models exceed federal energy standards.
To calculate energy costs, find the yellow EnergyGuide sticker that shows the estimated yearly electricity use (kWh). Multiply that by the cost of your electricity per kWh. In most cases, the larger the refrigerator, the higher the energy costs.
In addition to the energy, it’s also important to consider the door configuration. Most refrigerators fall into one of four categories: top freezer models, bottom freezer models, side-by-side models, and French door fridges. Each style has its own advantages and disadvantages.
However, Samsung and LG refrigerators revolutionized the industry with their innovative door configurations. Samsung refrigerators offer the following configurations:
- Side-by-side fridges
- French door refrigerators
- 4-door French door refrigerators
- 4-door Flex- a four-compartment refrigerator layout that let’s you customize your lower-right storage space to be a refrigerator or freezer
- Bespoke refrigerators- customizable door panels in various configurations, in 12 colors and two finishes
LG refrigerators come in the standard door configurations, but they also offer the following:
- Side-by-side models
- French door fridges
- 4-door French door fridges
- InstaView- a glass viewing panel that allows you to see the contents of the fridge without having to open the door
- Door-in-door feature- a hidden compartment behind an exterior panel that allows you to reach for often-used items without having to open the entire door.
Last up on the refrigerator wishlist are the technology and features. Both Samsung and LG are known for their technological innovations when it comes to refrigerators. LG offers a craft ice maker, InstaView door-in-door fridges, Wi-Fi connectivity, and much more. The sky’s the limit with LG refrigerators. Samsung offers Flex-Zone temperature control, metal cooling technology, autofill water pitcher feature, and more.
If innovation and convenience are important to you, both refrigerator brands are spot on in these areas. Even so, it’s a good idea to prioritize which features are must-haves for you. This will help you narrow your search.
LG vs Samsung Refrigerators: Product Reviews
Samsung Side by Side Refrigerator, 27.4 Cubic Feet
This Samsung Refrigerator holds a roomy 27.4 cubic feet, perfect for a larger family. It’s a side-by-side model with the freezer section next to the fridge compartment. It comes in two color options: stainless steel and black stainless, both fingerprint-resistant.
This Samsung fridge offers adjustable shelving, gallon door bins, a door alarm that alerts you when the door has been left open for longer than two minutes, and an ice and water dispenser.
This Samsung refrigerator had positive reviews, with 68% of customers recommending this Samsung fridge. They raved about the spacious interior, the in-door ice maker, and the quiet function. Some people had issues with the compressor and with leaking.
LG Side by Side Smart Refrigerator, 27 Cubic Feet
The LG Side-by-Side Smart Refrigerator packs a lot of value into 27 cubic feet. This model comes in a print-proof stainless steel or print-proof black stainless finish. This fridge comes from the line of LG Signature refrigerators.
This model features a craft ice maker, flat doors with pocket handles, and an edge-to-edge InstaView glass panel. It also comes with a smooth-touch Ice Dispenser with UVNano technology to kill 99.99% of bacteria on the nozzle.
This LG has a lot of innovation and technology, but it didn’t have as good a customer rating as the French-door refrigerator. This fridge had only 62% positive customer reviews. Common problems included ice maker issues, cooling issues, the door bins falling out, and other issues. While some customers loved the pocket handles, others were not big fans. That particular feature comes down to personal preference.
Samsung vs LG Refrigerator: Side-by-Side Comparison
About the Brands
LG is a global corporation based in South Korea that manufactures consumer electronics and home appliances. Founded in 1947, it initially produced cosmetics and plastic household products. The company expanded into electronics in 1958. Today, its product lineup includes refrigerators as well as washers and dryers, vacuums, air purifiers, TVs, laptops, earbuds, and more.
LG refrigerators are known for their energy efficiency, technology, and convenient features. It’s no surprise that LG refrigerators would have more smart-home features, considering the background of LG in electronics.
Samsung is a multinational conglomerate that is also based in South Korea. It was founded in 1938 as a trading company. The brand expanded into multiple industries, including food processing, textiles, insurance, securities, and retail.
However, most people know Samsung for electronics, including cell phones. Samsung makes a variety of home appliances, including washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, stoves, and yes, refrigerators. Like LG, Samsung focuses on incorporating the latest technology into their kitchen appliances, including Samsung refrigerators.
Reliability
Samsung refrigerators are known for their state-of-the-art design, but they don’t have a reputation for being the most reliable. According to Wirecutter, the customer satisfaction rate among Samsung owners is lower than other refrigerator brands.
The most egregious complaint? The ice makers are prone to leaking and temperature control problems. In fact, Samsung is in the final stages of settling a class-action suit regarding the faulty ice makers as of July 2023.
Another issue? Samsung refrigerators have expensive or hard-to-get replacement parts. Many service providers won’t service Samsung fridges, leaving consumers few options.
Although Samsung fridges don’t have the best track record overall, this particular side-by-side model actually has much better customer reviews than many Samsung refrigerators. The side-by-side models are among the most reliable Samsung fridges.
LG has historically struggled with some of the same issues. In 2020, LG settled a class-action lawsuit regarding a faulty compressor. LG also has more limited service and hard-to-get parts.
LG has made strides to correct previous issues, and those efforts have paid off. Yale Appliance ranked LG as the most reliable refrigerator brand, with the service call rate plummetting from 27.8% to 4.4% in 2022.
When it comes to an LG vs. Samsung refrigerator, LG is the more reliable refrigerator brand. For more information, check out my in-depth guide to the most reliable refrigerators.
Winner: LG
Appearance
Both LG and Samsung refrigerators come in a variety of finishes, but the side-by-side models listed come in two finishes: fingerprint-resistant stainless steel and fingerprint-resistant black stainless steel.
The LG InstaView is a convenient feature that allows you to see inside the fridge without having to open the door. However, I’m not a fan of the “patchwork” appearance it gives the fridge when not in use. The fridge door is three parts stainless steel and one part blank screen. It’s not as drastic with the black stainless steel finish, but it still comes across as disjointed.
The Samsung, however, has an almost seamless design. Of course, it doesn’t have the InstaView feature, but the minimal display and clean lines help the fridge blend beautifully into the surroundings. Other “handless” models feature pocket handles that add to the seamless look and save kitchen space.
I should note that not all LG refrigerators have the InstaView door. Those that don’t have a smooth, beautiful design. But if we’re strictly judging by aesthetics, Samsung takes a slight lead in the style department.
Winner: Samsung
Energy Efficiency
Both LG and Samsung refrigerators have similar functionality, and each brand has a reputation for making energy-efficient refrigerator models. Most Samsung and LG refrigerators will save you unnecessary energy costs.
As of this writing, LG has about 79 refrigerators that are Energy Star certified out of 99 products. On the other hand, Samsung has 34 out of 34 models that are Energy Star certified. These numbers are based on the manufacturer sites.
In this case, the LG side-by-side model has an estimated annual energy consumption of 694 kWh, while the Samsung refrigerator has an estimated energy usage of 728 kWh.
If you want an energy-efficient refrigerator, you can’t go wrong with Samsung or LG models. Samsung has a higher percentage of Energy Star-certified fridges, while LG has a higher quantity of certified models. If you just want the refrigerator with the lowest annual energy usage, LG is your best bet.
Winner: LG
Cooling Method
Both LG and Samsung offer several cooling options and methods. For this LG fridge, the Door Cooling and vent extend the reach of LG’s Smart Cooling system. Blasts of cold air reach all areas of the refrigerator to help maintain consistent temperatures from top to bottom.
The linear cooling helps keep food fresh. The linear compressor reacts quickly to maintain temperatures within 1°F of the setting to keep the produce compartment cold.
Additionally, the Multi-Air Flow System is designed to maintain superior humidity and temperature levels to help keep your food fresh for longer. The digital sensors monitor conditions, while the strategically placed vents surround your food with cold air no matter where it is on the inside.
Samsung refrigerators offer all-around cooling to keep food cold, regardless of location. More advanced models feature a twin cooling system that maintains the fridge and freezer temperatures separately. The twin cooling is not present on the side-by-side Samsung refrigerator, however.
Winner: LG
Unique Features
Samsung refrigerators offer a lot of unique features. For instance, the Samsung French-door refrigerator offers FlexZone technology, which temporarily converts your freezer to a fridge and vice versa at the push of a button.
The Autofill Water Pitcher feature is also extremely useful. Blend fruits or brew cold tea into your drinking water using the pitcher. Even better, it automatically fills up once you take some water from it, ensuring you don’t run out of cold water. The Family Hub series includes a touchscreen door, voice activation, and notifications on the items in the fridge.
This Samsung side-by-side model does not include a lot of the more advanced features. It does come with an in-door ice maker, ice and water dispenser, and a door alarm that alerts you after the door has been left open for two minutes.
LG also offers a lot of unique advantages. The InstaView is a glass panel that lights up the inside of the fridge with two quick knocks on the door. This allows you to see the inside of the refrigerator without opening it. LG also has some door-in-door fridges, where a discreet door panel allows you to access items without opening up the entire fridge.
The ThinQ app includes Smart Diagnosis, which automatically detects issues with the fridge’s performance. The UVNano kills 99.9% of bacteria on the nozzles of the ice and water dispensers.
High-end LG refrigerators also produce spherical Craft Ice, which is engineered to last longer than normal ice before melting. These are game changers for dinner parties, game nights, and gatherings.
Both brands provide a lot of extras, but LG’s features are more widely available on their models. Plus, this side-by-side model has more to it than the Samsung version.
Winner: LG
Technology
Both LG and Samsung brands have smart refrigerators with Wi-Fi connectivity options. These refrigerators are usually high-end, with premium prices.
The top Samsung refrigerator features the Family Hub. With a Samsung Family Hub refrigerator, you cannot only control the fridge using voice, but you can connect to other devices, use a meal planner, see what you have in stock, and much more. It’s basically a tablet in your fridge.
Between the two side-by-side models, the LG is the only one with smart technology. With LG’s refrigerator app, ThinQ, you can activate features like Smart Diagnosis and control the fridge remotely for the ultimate convenience.
If you want a fridge with plenty of technological innovation, both brands will deliver. If you’re choosing between these specific side-by-side models, the LG gets the edge.
Winner: Draw
Warranty
LG refrigerators 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 also offers a 10-year limited warranty on the linear/inverter compressor, which only covers parts and not labor.
Samsung refrigerators comes with a 1-year warranty on parts and labor for the entire fridge, a 5-year warranty on the sealed system, and a 10-year warranty on the digital inverter compressor, although only five of those years include labor. The other five years are parts-only.
The two brands offer the exact same warranty, so there is no difference between LG vs. Samsung here.
Winner: Draw
Price
When comparing LG vs. Samsung refrigerators, most people factor in the price. Both brands offer a range of styles and models, although both are focused on more high-end lines.
In this case, the smart technology of the LG makes it quite a bit pricier than the Samsung refrigerator. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly refrigerator, you might be better off with another brand altogether (Whirlpool vs. GE for reference). In general, though, Samsung refrigerators are more affordable than LG fridges.
Winner: Samsung
Alternatives
Samsung French-Door Refrigerator, 28 Cubic Feet
The Samsung French-door Smart Refrigerator has a total capacity of 28 cubic feet and comes in a stainless steel or black stainless steel option, both fingerprint-resistant.
It has an annual energy usage of 755 kWh, higher than the side-by-side Samsung refrigerator. However, it’s Energy Star-certified and energy-efficient for a unit this size. Speaking of size, customers loved the spacious interior. The adjustable shelves and gallon door bins give you maximum flexibility in storage.
This Samsung fridge has a twin cooling system with independent fridge and freezer temperature controls to keep food fresher for longer periods of time. The Power Freeze and Power Cool allow you to quickly freeze or chill your food.
This refrigerator model has smart technology with Wi-Fi connectivity and a FlexZone drawer that lets you set different temperature zones. But all those fancy extras come at a cost. This Samsung fridge has a high price tag.
LG French-Door Refrigerator, 28 Cubic Feet
The LG Refrigerator is a French door design and holds an impressive 28 cubic feet. That size makes this LG fridge perfect for a large family. It comes in two finishes: print-proof stainless steel and black stainless. This LG refrigerator has mostly positive customer reviews, with 73% of customers recommending the fridge.
This 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.
Samsung vs LG Refrigerators: Which One is Better?
Both Samsung and LG refrigerators have a lot to offer: sleek design, advanced features, and the latest technology. Either would make an excellent addition to your kitchen. Both brands also have their drawbacks: a higher price tag, more limited service availability, and expensive parts.
If you’re looking for top-of-the-line designs and a seamless look, Samsung refrigerators are the best. If you want a fridge with the most innovative design and plenty of convenience, you may prefer an LG fridge. If you need something easily serviceable, you also should go with LG refrigerators.
