Best Refrigerator Brands for Function, Style, and Reliability
March 27, 2025
When it comes to household appliances, refrigerators are the quiet MVPs. They’re not flashy, they’re not loud, and they don’t demand your attention until they stop working and your leftovers become science experiments. Choosing the right fridge isn’t just about picking the biggest box that fits your kitchen. It’s about balancing style, storage, energy use, and the ability to keep your veggies crisp and your ice cream solid (priorities, people).
But let’s be real: the refrigerator aisle whether virtual or in a showroom can be overwhelming. French door? Side by side? Bottom freezer? Built in tablet that tells you your milk is almost empty? There's a fridge for every type of human, but figuring out which one is actually worth the investment can feel like decoding a tech manual written in Martian.
So how do you choose the right one? Start with your lifestyle. Big family? Go for space and smart shelving. Live alone in a studio apartment? A compact model with flexible storage may be more your speed. Love to meal prep? You’ll want deep freezer drawers and humidity controlled crisper bins. And don’t forget about energy efficiency because saving the planet (and your electric bill) is a win win.
In this guide to the best refrigerator brands, I’ve broken things down into five categories to help you match the right fridge to your real life. For each category, I’ve picked two standout models that bring something special to the table (or countertop). And at the end, I’ll share my personal top pick, the fridge I’d steal in a blackout appliance draft.
If you're into leveling up your whole kitchen game, be sure to check out our other guides on the best coffee makers and best air fryers.
Best French Door Refrigerators
French door refrigerators are the darlings of modern kitchens for a reason. With double doors on top and a freezer drawer on the bottom, they’re not just stylish, they’re ridiculously functional. You get easy eye-level access to fresh food and plenty of space to organize things in a way that won’t have your salad greens crushed by a bottle of ketchup.
They’re especially great for families or anyone who cooks a lot. You can fit wide trays, awkward leftovers, and even a whole pizza box without playing refrigerator Tetris. Plus, many models come with dual evaporators to keep fridge and freezer sections at their ideal humidity levels. Translation: your veggies stay crisp and your ice cream doesn’t get weird freezer crystals.
Of course, not all French door models are created equal. Some are loaded with tech, others go for sleek simplicity, but the best ones blend thoughtful design with performance you can count on. Here are two standouts that deserve space in your kitchen.
LG InstaView Door in Door French Door Refrigerator (LRFVS3006S)
Price: $2,499
BUY 🛒
This fridge has a party trick that never gets old. Knock twice on the dark glass panel and it lights up to show what’s inside without opening the door. It helps save energy and keeps your cold air right where it should be. The InstaView feature is not just fun, it’s genuinely useful for families and snackers alike.
Inside, you get 30 cubic feet of space, a Slim SpacePlus Ice System, and adjustable shelves that fold back for tall items. The Dual Ice Maker produces both standard and craft ice, which is a fancy way of saying it makes round ice spheres perfect for cocktails or impressing your guests. The door-in-door compartment also gives you easy access to drinks and snacks without opening the full fridge.
The cooling system is LG’s Smart Cooling Plus, which uses multiple vents and sensors to keep temperatures consistent. And yes, it’s Wi Fi enabled, so you can manage settings or get alerts from your phone. Fancy and functional all in one.
Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator (WRX735SDHZ)
Price: $1,699
BUY 🛒
If you want the French door look without breaking the bank, this Whirlpool model is a fantastic choice. It’s a reliable workhorse with smart design details that make everyday use feel just a little easier. With 24.5 cubic feet of space, it’s perfect for families or anyone who likes a clean, uncluttered fridge layout.
One of its best features is the external refrigerated drawer. It gives you quick access to snacks, deli items, or drinks without opening the main doors. Inside, adjustable gallon door bins, humidity controlled crispers, and spill proof shelves make organizing a breeze.
The fingerprint resistant stainless steel means it’ll stay looking polished even in a busy household. It doesn’t have Wi Fi or fancy ice spheres, but it nails the essentials and does it with confidence. A great pick for someone who values simplicity and reliability.
Best Side by Side Refrigerators
Side by side refrigerators have been holding it down in kitchens for decades, and they’re still one of the most efficient layout options out there. With the freezer on the left and the fridge on the right, everything is within reach without bending, crouching, or swinging open massive doors. They're especially great for narrow kitchens or anyone who likes clear vertical organization.
The biggest perk? You don’t have to do fridge yoga to get to your ice cream. You also get tons of door storage, perfect for your hot sauce collection or twelve different kinds of mustard. And if you're the type who likes to freeze a month’s worth of Costco finds, the full height freezer section makes it easy to stash bulk items without digging through a drawer.
These fridges don’t always get the same design love as French doors, but the best side by side models combine practical space with modern features, energy efficiency, and surprisingly sleek style. Let’s look at two that do the job really well.
GE Profile Side by Side Refrigerator (PSS28KYHFS)
Price: $1,200
BUY 🛒
This fridge means business. It’s spacious, smart, and designed to keep things cool without overcomplicating your life. With a total capacity of 28.7 cubic feet, this GE Profile model gives you plenty of space for groceries without overwhelming your kitchen layout.
The external water and ice dispenser is well lit and doesn’t splash like some cheaper models. Inside, the LED lighting makes everything easy to find, and the spill proof glass shelves are adjustable for when you come home with that one oddly tall juice bottle. Plus, it’s got Wi Fi connectivity, so you can control and monitor it remotely through the SmartHQ app.
It’s Energy Star certified, and the sleek stainless steel finish resists fingerprints better than you’d think. If you want a reliable fridge with some smart perks but don’t want to go full Jetsons, this is a solid pick.
Frigidaire Gallery Side by Side Refrigerator (GRSC2352AF)
Price: $1,250
BUY 🛒
Frigidaire’s Gallery line is all about function meeting form, and this side by side model proves it. With 22.2 cubic feet of total storage, it’s a little slimmer than some others, but it makes up for it with smart interior space planning and solid performance.
The PureAir Ultra II air filter and EvenTemp cooling system help keep food fresher, longer. And the full width deli drawer gives you flexible storage options for trays, snacks, and produce. There’s also a built in water and ice dispenser that’s surprisingly easy to clean.
The stainless steel exterior is smudge proof, and the door bins are deep enough to handle gallon jugs. It’s a great option for smaller households or anyone who wants a fridge that’s low maintenance but still has a touch of class.
Best Top Freezer Refrigerators
Top freezer refrigerators might feel like a blast from the past, but they’re still around for good reason. They’re reliable, affordable, and space-efficient. For smaller kitchens or people who don’t need a giant fridge that looks like it could launch a spaceship, these are the real MVPs. The freezer compartment sits up top, making frozen food easy to grab, and the fresh section down below is roomy enough for everyday groceries.
They’re also simpler. Fewer bells and whistles, more focus on the basics. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you want. No screens, no weird noises, no mystery Wi-Fi connections. Just a solid fridge that does its job without drawing attention to itself. That said, not all top freezer models are boring boxes from 1996. The best ones come with thoughtful storage, solid energy efficiency, and a look that blends into modern kitchens without trying too hard.
Here are two worth checking out.
Whirlpool Top Freezer Refrigerator (WRT541SZDZ)
Price: $1,250
BUY 🛒
This fridge hits the sweet spot between old school practicality and modern-day function. With 21.3 cubic feet of total capacity, it’s big enough for a couple or small family without dominating the kitchen. Plus, it comes in multiple finishes including a fingerprint resistant stainless steel that stays looking clean even when life gets messy.
Inside, you get full width glass shelves, adjustable door bins, and a Flexi Slide deli drawer that moves side to side depending on your stacking style. The LED lighting makes everything easy to see and there’s an optional ice maker you can add if you're tired of dealing with trays. It’s also Energy Star certified, which means it’s gentle on your electric bill and the environment.
Whirlpool built this one with simplicity and functionality in mind, and it absolutely delivers.
GE Top Freezer Refrigerator (GTE18DTNRWW)
Price: $800
BUY 🛒
The GE GTE18DTNRWW is a straightforward fridge that just works. With 17.5 cubic feet of space, it’s ideal for small households, apartment living, or as a secondary fridge in a garage or basement. It doesn’t try to be something it’s not, and that’s its charm.
It features up front temperature controls, spill proof shelves, and clear crispers that keep your produce visible and fresh. The freezer has a factory installed ice maker, which is a big plus for this category. And while it’s not the flashiest design, the clean white exterior is classic and easy to maintain.
It’s quiet, efficient, and gets the job done. If you want a no fuss fridge that keeps things cold without asking for attention, this GE is a solid contender.
Best Counter Depth Refrigerators
Counter depth refrigerators are perfect for anyone who wants a sleek, built-in look without committing to a full custom kitchen renovation. These fridges align almost perfectly with your counters, giving your space a cleaner, more streamlined appearance. They’re ideal for smaller kitchens or open concepts where bulky appliances feel out of place.
The tradeoff is a little less interior space compared to standard depth models, but manufacturers have gotten clever with layouts and shelving to maximize every inch. And visually, these fridges tend to look more modern and intentional, making them a favorite for design-conscious homeowners.
If you care about aesthetics just as much as function or want your fridge to blend into your cabinetry instead of sticking out like a silver brick, counter depth might be the way to go. Here are two models that manage to look great and perform even better.
Samsung Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator (RF23A9671SR)
Price: $2,400
BUY 🛒
Samsung’s RF23A9671SR is part of their Bespoke line, which means it’s customizable with interchangeable door panels so you can match or contrast your cabinetry. But this fridge is more than a pretty face. With 23 cubic feet of counter depth storage, it’s incredibly efficient with its use of space.
It features Samsung’s FlexZone drawer, which can be converted from fridge to freezer based on what you need. The triple cooling system maintains precise temperatures and humidity levels across different compartments, and the beverage center hidden behind the left door gives you both a water dispenser and autofill pitcher.
Everything about this fridge feels thoughtful, from the flexible shelf layout to the surprisingly quiet operation. It’s Wi Fi enabled, so you can monitor and adjust temps via your phone, and the LED lighting gives it a premium glow when opened.
Bosch 800 Series Counter Depth Refrigerator (B36CL80ENS)
Price: $3,800
BUY 🛒
Bosch’s 800 Series counter depth refrigerator is a minimalist’s dream. It has a sleek stainless steel exterior, clean lines, and recessed handles that blend into high-end kitchen aesthetics. Inside, you’ll find 21 cubic feet of storage space with a layout that feels bigger than it is.
The VitaFreshPro drawers keep produce fresher by controlling humidity and temperature, while the dual evaporators ensure no flavor transfer between fridge and freezer. It has a full width chiller drawer for meat or party platters and adjustable shelving that glides smoothly into place.
It’s also surprisingly energy efficient and operates quietly, making it ideal for open concept kitchens. If you want your fridge to look like it belongs in a magazine layout without sacrificing functionality, Bosch hits the mark.
Best Smart Refrigerators
Smart refrigerators are where tech meets cold storage. These fridges go beyond simply keeping your food fresh. They connect to Wi Fi, stream music, track your groceries, and some even let you peek inside from your phone. They’re perfect for anyone who wants their kitchen to feel like part of the future.
Yes, they tend to be on the pricier side, but you’re getting more than just a food box. With features like voice control, touchscreen interfaces, internal cameras, and maintenance alerts, smart fridges aim to make your life easier and a little more fun. The best ones offer the tech without sacrificing storage, style, or reliability.
If you’re ready to turn your refrigerator into a conversation starter, here are two top-tier options that blend innovation with solid performance.
LG Smart Wi Fi Enabled InstaView Refrigerator (LFXS26596S)
Price: $3,400
BUY 🛒
This fridge is practically a tech gadget disguised as an appliance. LG’s InstaView lets you knock on the glass panel to see inside without opening the door. The internal cameras sync to your phone so you can check what’s in stock while at the store, and it works with voice assistants like Alexa and Google.
With 26.2 cubic feet of storage, it offers a good balance of space for a family or avid home cook. Dual ice makers, temperature controlled bins, and a fingerprint resistant finish bring serious usability to the futuristic flair. Plus, it’s compatible with LG’s SmartThinQ app for remote monitoring and control.
It’s a great choice if you want smart features that don’t feel gimmicky and still care about traditional storage and cooling performance.
Samsung Family Hub French Door Refrigerator (RF28R7551SR)
Price: $3,900
BUY 🛒
Samsung’s Family Hub is the OG of smart fridges. The 21.5 inch touchscreen on the front door can display your calendar, stream Spotify, show recipes, and even leave digital notes for your family. It’s like a fridge and a smart assistant had a very productive baby.
With 28 cubic feet of space, it’s spacious enough for big households. Inside, you get Samsung’s Twin Cooling Plus system for optimal freshness, flexible shelves, and a full width pantry drawer. It also has built-in cameras so you can peek inside from the grocery store.
You can use the touchscreen to control smart home devices, mirror your Samsung TV, and even order groceries. It’s a smart hub in every sense of the word, with a surprisingly good fridge built around it.
Editor's Top Choice: Haier 4 Door French Door Refrigerator (HRF15N3AGS)
Price: $1,000
BUY 🛒
If I had to pick just one fridge to rule them all, the Haier HRF15N3AGS would be it. It’s sleek, smartly designed, and offers incredible functionality for the price. With a counter-depth 4-door layout, it looks custom but doesn’t require a kitchen remodel. The stainless steel finish is fingerprint resistant, and the layout inside makes you wonder why every fridge isn’t designed this way.
You get three separate cooling zones to keep everything at the right temp, including an independent drawer with custom settings for deli items, drinks, or even defrosting. The dual evaporator system keeps the fridge and freezer climates separate, so your ice cream doesn’t taste like last night’s leftover curry. It’s also Energy Star certified, so it keeps your food cool without running up your electric bill.
For anyone who wants luxury vibes on a realistic budget, this fridge checks all the boxes. It may not have touchscreen displays or internal cameras, but it nails the fundamentals with thoughtful design and everyday ease. A seriously underrated gem.
Keeping It Cool with the Best Refrigerator Brands
Choosing the right fridge is kind of like choosing a roommate. You need something dependable, low maintenance, and preferably one that doesn’t make weird noises at night. Whether you’re into sleek smart tech or a back to basics top freezer, the best refrigerator brands are all about giving you peace of mind every time you reach for leftovers.
From family sized French doors to compact garage workhorses, we’ve covered a bit of everything in this guide. Each brand and model brings something unique to the table, and the trick is just matching your kitchen lifestyle with a fridge that won’t let you down. Look for layout, cooling consistency, and energy efficiency, and you’re already halfway there.
Hopefully, one of these picks caught your eye or at least saved you from doom scrolling through a hundred identical product pages. When in doubt, go back to your priorities and trust your gut. Or better yet, trust the fridge that makes room for your snacks and doesn’t freeze your lettuce. That’s the real win.
