Few appliances in your kitchen get as much use as your refrigerator, so reliability is important. Fortunately, most refrigerators are built to last. In a survey encompassing nearly 2,000 participants, we discovered that over 20 percent of respondents had owned their refrigerators for over a decade, with Whirlpool, GE and Kenmore emerging as the most reliable refrigerator brands.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test all types of kitchen appliances, from ranges and dishwashers to air fryers and coffee makers. When we test refrigerators, we assess them on performance and ease of use and continue using them in our Lab and Test Kitchen for months and sometimes years. We also send fridges home with consumers to learn even more about a model’s ins and outs and gauge reliability over time. Over the past 10 years, we’ve evaluated more than 50 refrigerators and our survey findings have validated many of our own insights.
PROS
- Easy access compartment on door
- Reliable performance in tests
CONS
- Shelves on door are shallower
In our survey, we learned that LG was one of the most popular fridge brands among our pool of responders. Most bought their LGs within the past five years, and almost all said they would buy an LG fridge again.
Based on the models we tested and the many we’ve seen at trade shows and in showrooms, LG makes thoughtfully designed, high-performing refrigerators. What really distinguishes it is the unique door-in-door feature: The InstaView technology turns on the interior lights when you tap on the easy-access see-through door. Then you can quickly grab a snack without opening the full door.
We like this fridge’s storage options, though some may find the in-door shelving slightly shallow. Dual ice makers allow you to dispense ice from the door and scoop from a bin in the freezer.
We also tested this Craft Ice smart model from LG, which features the same door-in-door design but without the see-through panel. It’s Wi-Fi enabled and features a craft ice maker that makes clear, cocktail-sized ice balls. For a lower-fuss option, consider the LG bottom-freezer fridge, which had excellent temperature control and uniformity in our test, plus an ice maker that stores cubes in a bin.
| Dimensions | 38″ x 73″ x 37″ |
|---|---|
| Available finishes | Stainless steel |
| Energy Star certified | Yes |
| Features | Door-in-door access, dual ice maker |
Maytag Wide French Door Refrigerator
CREDIT: MAYTAG
PROS
- Door shelves stay cool enough to store dairy
- Steady fridge and freezer temps
CONS
- Controls can be tricky to adjust without the manual
Maytag stands out for building reliable refrigerators that don’t break the bank. One survey respondent shared that theirs has remained in service for an impressive 24 years and counting!
This model features convenient slide-out shelves and a built-in water and ice dispenser equipped with a filter. In our tests, both fridge and freezer temperatures remained consistently stable, and the door shelves maintained a cool enough temperature for safe dairy storage — a rarity among most refrigerators. While our lettuce stayed fresh for five days in the crisper, adjusting the controls proved slightly tricky. (Keep the manual handy!)
For many years, Maytag has also been our choice for the best top-freezer refrigerator, thanks to its sleek design, well-lit interior and durable glass shelves. It reliably maintains temperatures without any noticeable cold spots, as confirmed through extensive consumer home testing.
| Dimensions | 36″ x 70″ x 35″ |
|---|---|
| Available finishes | Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, white, black |
| Energy Star certified | Yes |
| Features | Water dispenser, ice maker |
Whirlpool Side-by-Side Refrigerator
CREDIT: WHIRLPOOL
PROS
- Great temperature control and uniformity
- Quiet control panel
CONS
- Built-in water dispenser takes up potential storage space on door
According to our survey respondents, Whirlpool ranks as the second most popular refrigerator brand.
Whirlpool’s 36-inch side-by-side refrigerator is consistently favored by our consumer testers. This model boasts excellent temperature control and uniformity. Plus, it has convenient features such as a built-in water filter, water dispenser and ice maker in the door.
An accessible ice bin inside the freezer door allows you to scoop bulk ice if you don’t want to wait for ice to dispense. Its digital controls operate quietly and a door-open alarm ensures timely alerts so the fridge is not left ajar.
With its four door bins and transparent slide-out shelves, stocking your favorite foods is a breeze. The side-by-side configuration allows easy access to frequently used fresh and frozen items at eye level. With shelves offering a smaller span compared to most French-door refrigerators, items are less likely to get lost in the depths of the fridge or freezer. However, the in-door dispenser does sacrifice a portion of freezer shelf space.
| Dimensions | 69″ x 36″ x 33″ |
|---|---|
| Available finishes | Monochromatic stainless steel |
| Energy Star certified | Yes |
| Features | Water dispenser, ice maker |
