I’ve scoured the data to find the most reliable refrigerator brands. If you want a basic model with long-lasting performance, I would get a Whirlpool fridge.
Buying a new refrigerator can be stressful. Fridges come in so many looks, layouts, and styles, that it’s tough to decide between them all.
If that’s not enough, fridges are a major appliance, and therefore a more expensive purchase. So you have a lot riding on the decision.
I like the Whirlpool French-Door Refrigerator. It has plenty of nice features, excellent performance, and a great value.
But deciding on the best fridge is a highly personal decision that’s influenced by a variety of factors. Do you prefer a top freezer or a bottom freezer? Do you want an ice and/or water dispenser in the door? Are you looking for French-door refrigerators? Those questions are just the tip of the iceberg.
Most people don’t have hours to spend going through data and customer feedback to determine the right fridge. Fortunately, you don’t have to. I’ve combed through reviews, data, and reports to give you the best and most up-to-date information on all the best refrigerator brands.
If you need a new fridge but aren’t sure what brand to get, keep reading to learn more.
Contents
Most Reliable Refrigerator Brands
Whirlpool – My Recommendation for most reliable fridge brand
Whirlpool was started over a century ago in Benton Harbon, Michigan. Whirlpool introduced the first automatic washing machine to the market in the late 1940s. Since then, this brand has expanded and won several awards.
Additionally, Whirlpool owns several brands, including KitchenAid, Maytag, JennAir, and Amana. Also, fun fact, Whirlpool manufactures IKEA in-house fridges and freezers.
Whirlpool manufactures refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, ranges, and microwaves. Yale Appliance doesn’t mention Whirlpool refrigerators since they are mostly marketed to builders vs. consumers.
Whirlpool is one of the most reliable brands for refrigerators. Even though some new refrigerator models have some smart capabilities, this brand is more steak than sizzle.
Consumer reviews from home improvement sites are positive. There were some complaints about cold spots, but that was the only major criticism. Wirecutter found Whirlpool to have solid owner satisfaction without the extreme highs and lows of other brands.
Basically, people don’t rave about their Whirlpool refrigerators, but they don’t have issues with them, either. One area in which Whirlpool ranks very high is in bottom-freezer refrigerators.
Whirlpool at a Glance:
| Founded | 1911 |
| Where Made | U.S. (multiple states) |
| Refrigerator Lines Offered | 50+ |
| Warranty Info | The warranty varies by model. Most have one year parts and labor for defects in material and workmanship. |
| Yale Service Rating 2022 | NA |
| Yale Service Rating 2021 | NA |
| Common Issues | Inefficient use of space, missing freezer shelves, issues with water/ice dispensers, freezing spots in the fridge, noisy |
24.5 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator in FINGERPRINT-RESISTANT Stainless Steel
Dimensions: W 35.6″ H 70″ D 34.6″ (90 x 178 x 88 cm)
Annual Energy Usage: 683 kilowatts
This Whirlpool Refrigerator comes with French doors, a refrigerated exterior drawer, and a two-tiered freezer drawer. It’s the ultimate in space efficiency.
This model comes in a stainless steel finish that resists fingerprints and streaks. There is also a black stainless finish available.
This fridge is efficient, earning an Energy Star certification. The Accu-Chill management system provides excellent temperature control. The water and ice dispensers are on the outside for each access. One nice feature is the measured fill, which allows you to select the exact amount of filtered water you need. No more spills.
The refrigerated drawer is great for produce or other items that need to be stored in a single layer. Plus, the adjustable bins help you maximize the interior space.
I also like the two-tiered freezer. It allows you to see the contents without items getting hidden. And if you’ve ever stored something in the freezer only to forget about it later, you know what I’m talking about.
Customers were fairly pleased with this refrigerator. They were happy with the design and the space. There were a few isolated reports of noisy operation and faulty ice dispensers, a common issue with fridges that include them.
18 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator in Stainless Steel
Dimensions: W 28″ H 67″ D 31.6″ (71 x 170 x 80 cm)
Annual Energy Usage: 400 kilowatts
Top-freezer models might be bare bones in design, but this Whirlpool refrigerator is a fantastic value. It has a smaller capacity, so it’s better suited for singles, couples, or small families. It comes in several finishes, including stainless steel, white, and black.
It has the lowest annual energy usage of any new refrigerator on this list, so it’s highly efficient. It uses little more energy than most mini fridges.
This fridge has adjustable shelves and storage bins in the door to free up interior space. The dual produce drawers keep vegetables at the perfect humidity.
Ice makers aren’t automatically included, but you can get an optional ice maker kit to install if you’d like to make your own ice.
The electronic controls are conveniently located up front for easy access, and the interior LED lighting makes it easy to see inside, even at night. Perfect for midnight snacking!
These are cheap refrigerators, but they’re reliable refrigerators. Whirlpool makes some of the most reliable top-freezer models. Some customers did complain about the amount of glue used on the molding, though.
Bosch
Bosch began in 1886 in Stuttgart, Germany, by Robert Bosch. Today, this international brand manufactures a range of kitchen appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, and ranges.
The 2023 Yale annual reports show that Bosch counter-depth refrigerators have a relatively low service rate. Bosch scored in the top ten counter-depth refrigerators, with a service rate of only 10.7%. It also ranked 7th in Yale Appliance’s list of the top appliance brands for 2023.
Bosch has a high rate of owner satisfaction and is a leader among refrigerator brands in style and design. They have high marks from consumers reviews via retailers like Home Depot.
Bosch refrigerators are stylish and have innovative design features. However, the temperature regulation could be better at times, and the panels are easy to dent. They’re also on the pricier side, but Bosh is one of the most reliable refrigerator brands.
Bosch at a Glance:
| Founded | 1886 |
| Where Made | Multiple locations: Germany, Greece, Spain, and China |
| Refrigerator Lines Offered | 9 |
| Warranty Info | The warranty for all Bosch fridges includes one year limited on the appliance, parts, and labor. Two years for non-electronic components and five years for electronic components. |
| Yale Service Rating 2022 | 14.9% |
| Yale Service Rating 2021 | 16.9% |
| Common Issues | Dents easily, design flaws with spacing and door closure, issues with temperature regulation |
800 Series 21 cu ft 3-Door French Door Counter Depth Smart Refrigerator in Black Stainless Steel
Dimensions: W 35.6″ H 72″ D 28.5″ (90 x 183 x 72 cm)
Annual Energy Usage: 570 kilowatts
This Bosch Fridge comes with French doors and a bottom freezer. It has a compact counter-depth design with hidden hinges and tucked-away feet to give a built-in look and feel.
The water dispenser is on the inside for a streamlined exterior without sacrificing pure water at the touch of a button. Enjoy pyramid-shaped ice straight from the freezer, complete with a pull-out bin and ice scoop. Fun!
The LED lighting illuminates the interior, while the FarmFresh System extends the shelf life of fresh produce and minimizes waste.
This fridge is perfect for entertaining. Store oversized platters until you’re ready to serve them,. You can also use this fridge for everyday use, storing snacks and other foods for quick access.
This model has high energy efficiency and smart capabilities. Manage your refrigerator from your smartphone or tablet using Home Connect. The touch-control display is easy to use, as well.
Consumers were pleased with this Bosch fridge. They liked the sleek, compact design and the spacious interior. They were happy with the performance, as well. Some did have complaints regarding the doors. And like other Bosch refrigerators, this one is expensive.
500 Series 26 cu ft 3-Door French Door Refrigerator in Stainless Steel, Standard Depth
Dimensions: W 35.6″ H 70″ D 35.4″ (90 x 178 x 90 cm)
Annual Energy Usage: 702 kilowatts
The Bosch 500 Series Fridge is standard depth and holds a roomy 26 cu. ft. It has a print-resistant stainless steel finish and features French doors with a bottom freezer.
This fridge is energy-efficient for year-round savings.
Adjustable shelving and storage bins maximize space. The crescent-shaped ice cubes are easily accessible from the exterior door. Plus, since the fridge produces ice rapidly, you don’t have to waste freezer space on storing ice.
Bosch uses an industry-leading water filter to remove impurities and contaminants from the water before dispensing it.
The touch control display is easy to see and easy to use. The electronic controls provide precise temperature management.
Bosch uses VitaFreshPlus to balance temperature and offers customizable humidity to keep fruits and vegetables fresh. Store produce in the full-width drawer.
Gallon door bins free up space on the shelves for other food items, and the 2-tier layered freezer drawer system creates extra storage for frozen foods.
Use Home Connect to control and monitor your Bosch refrigerator from your smartphone or watch. There are even notifications and remote diagnostic services.
Bosch is pricier than many brands, and this fridge is no exception. However, the high level of owner satisfaction leads one to believe this brand is worth it.
Maytag
Maytag was founded in 1893 by Frederick Maytag. It began as a washing machine company but later expanded into kitchen appliances including refrigerators, dishwashers, and ranges.
Maytag expanded into international markets, selling all types of appliances. The “Maytag Repairman,” a.k.a.” Ol’ Lonely,” became a symbol of the brand. The character was a repairman who had no work due to the reliability and durability of the Maytag appliances.
In 2006, Whirlpool acquired Maytag. Today, the brand still owns manufacturing facilities in Tennessee, Iowa, and Ohio.
Maytag is one of the most reliable refrigerator brands, making highly affordable side-by-side refrigerators, top-freezer refrigerators, bottom-freezer fridges, and French-door refrigerators.
According to PULS data collected from service companies, Maytag is one of the most reliable brands, ranking high in value and ease of use. But when repairmen were polled which brands they recommended for refrigerators, Maytag was near the bottom.
It should be noted, however, that Whirlpool was far and away the most highly recommended brand, Maytag’s parent company.
Maytag at a Glance:
| Founded | 1893 |
| Where Made | U.S. and Mexico |
| Refrigerator Lines Offered | 11 |
| Warranty Info | Maytag offers a one-year limited warranty on parts and labor, 10 years on compressor (parts only) |
| Yale Service Rating 2022 | NA |
| Yale Service Rating 2021 | NA |
| Common Issues | Inefficient use of space, Noisy |
Maytag Top Freezer Refrigerator, 18 cubic feet
Dimensions: W 29.8″ H 65.8″ D 31.4″ (76 x 167 x 80 cm)
Annual Energy Usage: 411 kilowatts
This Maytag Top Freezer Refrigerator is short on extra features, but it’s solid in performance and reliability. The BrightSeries LED lighting casts a bright, white light and uses less energy than incandescent bulbs.
This fridge is a basic top-freezer model with glass shelves and in-door storage space. The bottom-mounted crispers carry weight from the bottom, not the top, so they’ll glide smoothly no matter how much you load them.
The up-front electronic temperature controls make it easy to maintain the coolness of your refrigerator with the touch of a button.
Maytag offers a 10-year limited parts warranty on the compressor and a one-year limited warranty on all other parts and labor. This is a solid warranty that will ensure your fridge runs smoothly for years to come.
Side-by-Side Refrigerator in FINGERPRINT-RESISTANT Stainless Steel, 25 cubic feet
Dimensions: W 35.9″ H 69.6″ D 33.6″ (91 x 177 x 85 cm)
Annual Energy Usage: 574 kilowatts
This Maytag side-by-side refrigerator has clean lines and a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish. It’s easy to clean and easy to use.
The extra freezer shelves make more room for frozen foods. The gallon door bins free up space on the glass shelves inside and accommodate tall items.
The LED lights brighten up the interior while using less energy than incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient usage.
The humidity-controlled FreshLock crisper helps keep food fresh. The automatic defrost prevents ice buildup in the freezer and fridge.
The customer reviews on verified purchases were highly positive. Consumers were pleased with this model’s performance and sleek design. This fridge doesn’t come with an ice dispenser, though. You’re trading that feature for extra freezer room.
This is one of the more affordable models. Most models of comparable size and style are more expensive, so it’s a good value.
KitchenAid
KitchenAid was founded in 1919. Although most people think of the iconic stand mixer when they think of KitchenAid, the brand also manufactures home appliances and a range of countertop electronics. Whirlpool acquired KitchenAid in 1986.
Yale Appliance ranks KitchenAid as the 12th most reliable appliance brand in the 2023 annual report. It’s known as the luxury end of the Whirlpool brands, so it is on the pricier side compared to other brands.
CNET polled repair professionals about the best brands for appliances, and KitchenAid was the second most recommended, coming in behind Whirlpool.
Consumer reports list KitchenAid as a reliable brand with stylish refrigerators, but some customers did have issues with the ice makers and cooling system. Some models also have inconveniently-placed water filters, making it a challenge to change.
KitchenAid at a Glance:
| Founded | 1919 |
| Where Made | U.S. (multiple states) |
| Refrigerator Lines Offered | 20+ |
| Warranty Info | The warranty varies by model. |
| Yale Service Rating 2022 | 17% |
| Yale Service Rating 2021 | 21.6% |
| Common Issues | Water filter is difficult to access, issues with temperature control, ice maker breaking frequently |
KitchenAid 24 cubic ft. Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator, Counter Depth
Dimensions: W 35.8″ H 71.9″ D 31.5″ (91 x 183 x 80 cm)
Annual Energy Usage: 739 kilowatts
This KitchenAid refrigerator has a French-door design and comes in a PrintShield stainless or black stainless finish. It’s counter-depth for efficient spacing.
The slide-away shelf retracts to fit tall items. The full-extension self-close crisper drawers keep fruits and vegetables at optimal humidity levels. Additionally, the pantry drawer features four presets so you can customize the temperature for different foods or beverages.
The full-extension self-close pull-out tray is perfect for party platters. It comes in a wood-look finish that resists staining and moisture. The design allows for easy access and effortless movement.
This KitchenAid fridge features panoramic LED lighting for easy viewing. The door dispenser is positioned so you can easily fill cups with water. The exterior ice maker provides premium, small ice cubes.
I consulted verified purchase reviews, and the owner satisfaction was a mixed bag. Some people loved the features, the spacious interior, and the ice cubes. But others had defective or malfunctioning fridges. And like most French door refrigerators, this model is pricey.
KitchenAid 20 Cubic Ft. French Door Refrigerator in Stainless Steel, Counter Depth
Dimensions: W 35.8″ H 70.1″ D 30.5″ (91 x 178 x 78 cm)
Annual Energy Usage: 563 kilowatts
This KitchenAid Refrigerator has a smaller capacity but features French doors with a bottom freezer. It’s counter-depth to give you more room in the kitchen, and the stainless steel finish resists fingerprints.
This model is Energy Star-qualified, so it’s very energy-efficient. Unlike other French door refrigerators, this one has a water dispenser on the inside. The automatic ice maker provides a steady supply of ice for entertaining or for everyday use.
The filtration system helps provide clean and fresh-tasting water and ice cubes.
The temperature management system uses sensors in the fridge and freezer to regulate temperature and keep food fresh.
Five cantilever shelves are made of spill-proof glass that are easy to clean. And the full-width pantry allow you to store foods and manually adjust the amount of cold air that enters the drawer.
The produce preserver absorbs ethylene gas emitted by many fruits and vegetables to extend their freshness. And the removable metal wine rack provides durable storage solution for up to four bottles of wine.
A dairy bin and built-in fridge door shelves give you even more storage options for all your groceries.
The level of owner satisfaction was lower than other brands. Even though many verified purchasers were pleased with the spaciousness and the style, several had problems with their ice makers and water dispensers. That was the top complaint among dissatisfied consumers.
Least Reliable Refrigerator Brands
Samsung
Samsung was founded in 1938 in South Korea. Samsung Electronics is a subsidiary that makes smartphones, TVs, and home appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers.
On the surface, Samsung has a lot going for it. Samsung refrigerators have an elegant design, plenty of room, and loads of helpful features like a chime when the door is left open too long. Some refrigerator models even have smart features, like Wi-fi compatibility.
When you get past the shiny surface, however, there are some major issues. Yale Appliance sold fewer Samsung refrigerators in 2022 because they weren’t available. Technicians also confirm that parts are tough to come by.
According to a Wirecutter reader survey, Samsung refrigerators had the highest rate of owner dissatisfaction, with 9.6% of consumers very dissatisfied with the brand overall. It should be noted that it had a decent rate of owner satisfaction at the other end, as well.
User reviews online are mixed. Although some were impressed with the added features and the affordability of Samsung refrigerators, others had issues with temperature control and leaking. Not exactly what you’re looking for in the best refrigerator brand.
Samsung at a Glance:
| Founded | 1938 |
| Where Made | Multiple locations: South Korea, Germany, China, Hungary, India, Sweden, Luxembourg, and South Carolina |
| Refrigerator Lines Offered | 40+ models |
| Warranty Info | The warranty for all Samsung fridges includes one year parts and labor, two years parts and labor on Ice Max, five-year sealed system coverage, and 10 years for compressor coverage. |
| Yale Service Rating 2022 | 8.4% |
| Yale Service Rating 2021 | 20.9% |
| Common Issues | Temperature control issues, leaking, faulty parts, and unavailable replacement parts |
Samsung Side-by-Side Refrigerator in Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel, 27.4 Cubic Feet
Dimensions: W 35.9″ H 70″ D 33.5″ (91 x 178 x 85 cm)
Annual Energy Usage: 728 kilowatts
This Samsung side-by-side refrigerator features clean lines and a modern design. It has a large capacity of 27.4 cubic feet and standard dimensions, making it fit in all types of kitchens.
This fridge comes in a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel or black stainless steel finish. The door style features a slim design with no protruding handles. The built-in ice maker is easily accessible from the freezer door.
Inside, the interior features gallon door bins for extra storage. There are two clear drawers for crisping fruits and vegetables. On the freezer side, the top shelf is adjustable to fill taller items and provide flexible storage.
The door alarm alerts you if the refrigerator door is left open longer than 2 minutes. This fridge is also ADA-compliant to accommodate those with disabilities.
Consumers liked that the doors sit flush with hidden handles, and they liked the quiet operation. They were pleased with the interior layout, but this fridge might be too small if you have a large family.
Some people still had issues with fingerprints showing up on the door, but the prints wipe away easily. If you frequently entertain, the ice maker won’t be able to keep up. For a family of 2-3, though, it should be fine.
Samsung 4-Door French Door Smart Refrigerator in Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel
Dimensions: W 35.8″ H 70″ D 36.5″ (91 x 178 x 93 cm)
Annual Energy Usage: 755 kilowatts
This Samsung Smart Refrigerator sports a 4-door French door design, standard depth, and a generous capacity of 28 cu. ft., so it’s large enough to handle families and entertaining. This fridge has a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish, with an option for black stainless steel.
The adjustable gallon door bins allow you to maximize space. What’s nice is that the glass shelves can go from slide-in to flip-up, so you can store tall items with ease.
This fridge has good energy efficiency for its size, with an Energy Star certification. The high-efficiency LED lighting brightens up the interior.
One nice feature is the FlexZone™ Drawer which gives you maximum temperature control. You can store different items at different temperatures within the drawer.
And as you would expect with a Samsung smart fridge, this one can connect with your Wi-Fi so you can control the temperature remotely.
Consumers either loved this fridge or hated it. There wasn’t much in between. The rate of owner satisfaction is lower than other brands, but it’s still the majority of customers.
LG
LG was founded in 1947 in South Korea. It’s a family business that specializes in innovative products. LG makes everything from TVs and cell phones to washers and dryers.
But the most innovative brands aren’t always the most reliable brands. LG models have several drawbacks, including expensive or hard-to-get spare parts. Many service providers won’t service LG refrigerators, making it even more difficult to repair them.
All of these issues came to a head recently in a class-action lawsuit regarding LG’s compressor. LG has made strides to rectify the issues and improve. In fact, Yale Appliance ranked them as the most reliable refrigerator brand in 2022, with the service call rate falling from 27.8% to 4.4% in 2022.
Customers reported the highest owner satisfaction with their LG refrigerators, enjoying the sleek design and extra features. Furthermore, LG manufactures all of the core components (e.g., motors and compressors) in-house rather than outsourcing like most companies.
Could LG be turning the corner?
Possibly, but there are still complaints of poor customer service, a lack of durability, and problems with misaligned doors. LG appears to be a high-risk/high-reward brand.
Ultimately, it boils down to your personal preference. Personally, I would ensure there was a reputable servicer nearby before pulling the trigger on an LG refrigerator.
LG at a Glance:
| Founded | 1947 |
| Where Made | South Korea, China |
| Refrigerator Lines Offered | 30+ |
| Warranty Info | The warranty varies by model. Most have one year parts and labor and five years for parts and labor on sealed system or compressor. Some models have 10 years for the compressor. |
| Yale Service Rating 2022 | 4.5% |
| Yale Service Rating 2021 | 27.8% |
| Common Issues | Longevity issues, poor customer service, door misalignment |
LG Stainless Steel French Door Smart Refrigerator, 26 Cubic Feet
Dimensions: W 35.8″ H 68″ D 35″ (91 x 174 x 89 cm)
Annual Energy Usage: 686 kilowatts
This LG fridge has French doors and comes in a stainless steel or black stainless steel finish, both of which are PrintProof™.
Like many French door refrigerators, this model has an in-door water and ice dispenser, but this fridge has a second ice maker in the freezer compartment, so you can make large amounts of ice quickly and easily.
This LG fridge is energy-star certified, which will save money on your electric bill. The linear compressor is designed to maintain superior conditions within the refrigerator.
You have an option between a standard-depth and a counter-depth model. The generous 26 cu. ft. capacity means you have ample space to keep everyone’s favorite food fresh. Plus, the Slim SpacePlus Ice System provides the most shelf space and allows extra room for door bins.
LG is known for their smart fridges, and this one is no different. Use voice-activated Google Assistant or Alexa and the LG ThinQ app to set food and freezer temperatures.
Interestingly, even though LG has mixed reviews from technicians, the Wirecutter reader survey had LG French-door refrigerators with the highest owner satisfaction rate, with 58.1% very satisfied and 29.8% somewhat satisfied.
Additionally, the customer reviews on sites like Home Depot were overwhelmingly positive. They especially loved the spacious interior and the dual ice makers.
What that tells me is that not all LG models are created the same. If you’re going to go with an LG refrigerator, you might have better luck with this French-door model.
LG Stainless Steel Top Freezer Refrigerator, 20 Cubic Feet
Dimensions: W 35.8″ H 68″ D 35″ (91 x 174 x 89 cm)
Annual Energy Usage: 686 kilowatts
This LG top-freezer fridge is on the smaller side, coming in at just 20 cubic feet. Like most top-freezer models, this one is suited for smaller spaces than French-door models. It comes in a stainless steel, black, or white finish.
This model has contoured doors and hidden hinges to give the fridge a modern, streamlined appearance. The humidity-controlled crispers help maintain humidity levels to extend the life of fruits and vegetables.
The LED interior lighting provides a bright interior while still maintaining energy efficiency. Speaking of energy, this model is Energy Star certified, so you can save money and energy.
The digital sensors monitor the conditions within the fridge to keep food cold, while the multi-air flow system is designed to help keep food fresh.
With two gallon-sized door bins, you have plenty of shelf space on the interior for casserole dishes, food items, and more.
Consumers were pleased with this fridge’s space efficiency, affordable price point, and quiet operation. Several said the stainless steel version does show fingerprints, however.
Best Refrigerator Brands: Buying Guide
How I Evaluated the Top Refrigerator Brands
To narrow down the options and find the most reliable refrigerator brands, I analyzed data, consumer reports, and combed through customer reviews to get a good understanding. Below are some of the categories I looked at when evaluating different refrigerator brands:
Brand Reputation
I used consumer reviews and data from the Massachusetts-based Yale Appliance to get an idea of the brand’s reputation. Yale Appliance has been around since 1923 and has an exceptional reputation for its repair services.
Additionally, Yale issues an annual report of the most reliable appliance brands. It is important to note, however, that Yale Appliance has stopped selling Whirlpool brands, including Maytag. So those brands were not considered when using Yale’s consumer reports.
While it may be tempting to try something new, there’s a reason some refrigerator brands are a top pick for many customers year after year.
Customer Service
Companies like Puls track the number and type of service calls for different brands. This is helpful because pretty much any fridge will need repair from time to time. It’s good to know how easy it is to get in touch with the customer service department, each brand’s responsiveness, and the common issues that require repair.
Another thing to consider is how widely each brand is serviced. For instance, almost any appliance store will service a Whirlpool fridge, but it’s much more difficult to find a servicer for LG refrigerators. The ease of repair will make a difference in your customer service experience.
Warranty
The warranty is important for peace of mind, but a poor warranty could cost you a lot of money in the long-run. Some brands only offer a 1-year limited warranty, basically enough to cover defects. Other brands offer 10-year warranties on certain parts, so you can rest assured your fridge will be fixed if problems arise.
Key Features
I didn’t downgrade a refrigerator if it didn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but those are nice to have. Which features are best to include depends on the person. For instance, some people like having ice and water dispensers in the fridge door, while others can do without that. Sometimes the “plainer” the fridge, the more reliable the performance.
What is the Most Reliable Refrigerator Brand?
Out of all the consumer reports, data sets, and customer reviews I read through, Whirlpool has the best reputation for durability and the fewest problems, while customers were happiest overall with their LG refrigerators.
What Refrigerators Last the Longest?
Whirlpool fridges are the most reliable over the long term, with fewer integral complaints than other brands. You won’t find the bells and whistles on Whirlpool refrigerators, but they’ll have solid performance.
Which Refrigerator Brand Has the Least Amount of Problems?
KitchenAid and Whirlpool are two of the best refrigerator brands for reliability. According to the National Appliance Report, these two brands received the most praise from service repair technicians. Bosch also has a good reputation for reliability.
What Type of Refrigerator Has the Most Problems?
Samsung and LG refrigerators seemed to have the most complaints and problems. LG was interesting in that it had high marks but also high negatives. That tells me it’s a riskier option that could potentially pay off or give you massive headaches.
Samsung and LG refrigerators might have their issues, but both brands have refrigerator models with high praise. If you have a servicer nearby and have your heart set on a smart fridge, these brands might just be worth it for you.
Common Refrigerator Problems
If you’re considering a new refrigerator, it’s smart to include the potential service calls as part of your final decision. The 2019 National Appliance Repair Report by PULS ranked the most common reasons for service calls for refrigerators. Below is a breakdown of those reasons, along with their approximate cost:
- Not Cooling ($$$): This is by far the most common problem, accounting for 23% of all service requests. Makes sense, as cooling is the primary job of refrigerators. You might be able to live with a noisy fridge, but a fridge that can’t produce cold air is useless. A faulty cooling system can be caused by several factors.
Thermostats malfunction, coils can get clogged, and vents get blocked. When those things happen, it can cause the fridge to develop cold spots or stop cooling altogether. This is one of the more expensive fixes, and you can expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars at a minimum to fix a faulty cooling system. - Leaking ($$): Several issues can cause leaks, but the most common are a faulty water line, defrost drain or ice maker. The good news? Leaking isn’t as expensive to fix as a problem with the cooling system.
- Noisy ($$$): It may surprise you to know that a noisy refrigerator is one of the most expensive problems to fix. Noisy refrigerators can happen for a variety of reasons, but the evaporator or condenser fan and the compressor are common culprits. Both of these parts are more expensive to service, thus the higher cost.
- Broken or Faulty Ice Maker ($$): A malfunctioning ice maker is another common problem among most refrigerators. This is more common among newer models than older models. The ice makers might leak, have low ice output, or simply quit working. This is another fix that isn’t too terribly expensive but can be bothersome just the same.
Most Reliable Refrigerator: Wrap-Up
The bottom line? All refrigerator brands have their pros and cons, but if you want the most reliable refrigerator brand and you don’t need the latest features, go with a Whirlpool fridge. KitchenAid is another solid choice.
