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Best refrigerator brands 2024: spacious, reliable and expert-recommended

Our thoroughly researched round-up of the best refrigerator brands and their top models

One of the best refrigerators, an LG Side-by-Side refrigerator, in a modern kitchen with other appliances. One side is filled up with drinks bottles
(Image credit: LG)

Investing in a high-quality refrigerator is something you'll never regret. Unlike cars, you can't take them for a test drive, so it can be tricky to know which refrigerator to buy. Luckily, we've done a ton of research for you, with the help of industry experts, interior designers, customer reviews, and even top fine-dining chefs.

Refrigerators take a huge part of your kitchen and play a central role in your daily routine. So, what criteria are we looking for? The experts have agreed that the best refrigerators are practically designed, easy to organize, efficient, and reliable (you never truly appreciate a good fridge until yours goes bust). As a trained chef myself, I highly rate a refrigerator that is spacious enough to store my weekly groceries and easy to clean.

Celebrity interior designer and Sub-Zero brand partner, Hilary Matt, advises choosing a refrigerator with timeless style, that 'seamlessly integrates into the overall design of the kitchen.' She's also a big proponent of getting a smart fridge, saying that 'added functions to adjust precise temperature control and air purification levels will help you prolong the freshness of your food, to ultimately reduce spoilage and waste.'

With these criteria in mind, I've scoured thousands of reviews from users and professionals to find the best refrigerator brands of 2024. I've then gone the extra mile to find the best models in their collections, including LG's best smart fridge, the best mini refrigerator and the best option for families. The Frigidaire Gallery model was our overall winner, but whatever you're looking for, you're sure to find some good advice here.

Samsung Family Hub Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Touch Screen | Was $2,332, Now $1,599 at Wayfair

Samsung Family Hub Side-by-Side Refrigerator with Touch Screen | Was $2,332, Now $1,599 at Wayfair

Our best refrigerator for families is currently reduced at Wayfair. With a beautiful modern design, smart technology, and hundreds of dollars off the RPR, this bargain is too good not to share.

Frigidaire French Door Refrigerator | Was $3,049, Now $1,648 at Wayfair

Frigidaire French Door Refrigerator | Was $3,049, Now $1,648 at Wayfair

Voted our best refrigerator brand overall, Frigidaire has reduced their French Door model by 44%. It's super spacious, with crisper drawers and a water filter to boot. I can't believe the sale price.

The quick list

If you're looking for the best refrigerator brand, but you don't have much time, these are our top picks. If there's a brand that piques your interest, we go into more detail on specific models below.

Hilary Matt, interior designer based in New York City
Hilary Matt

Hilary Matt is an interior designer based in New York City, specializing in residential and commercial interiors. Function and comfort are the most important things to Hilary when designing a space, as well as a timeless design.

The best refrigerators on the market

Now we've covered the best brands of the year, it's only right to let you know about the best models on the market. We've chosen a top pick from each brand and you'll find all the details below. First, we enlisted the help of fine-dining chef Dennis Littley to help us navigate the buzzwords around different refrigerator designs, and their pros and cons.

Which refrigerator style should I choose?

You can trust Homes & Gardens. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, helping you choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

  • French Door Refrigerators Chef Dennis says, 'These are great if you love easy access and tons of space. They have double doors up top for the fridge and a bottom freezer. Perfect for storing wide items like party platters or large trays. If you entertain often or have a big family, this style is a winner.'
  • Side-by-Side Refrigerators 'If you store a lot of frozen and fresh foods equally, side-by-side fridges are a good bet. The vertical design means everything is at eye level, so no more digging through piles of stuff. They’re fantastic for families who like to keep things organized and want quick access to both fresh and frozen items.'
  • Top-Freezer Refrigerators 'These are a classic choice and are generally more affordable and energy-efficient. They’re great for small households or as a secondary fridge in a garage or basement. If you need something reliable without all the fancy features, this is the way to go.'
  • Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators 'For those who prefer having frequently used items at eye level, bottom-freezer fridges are fantastic. This design makes it easier to reach fresh foods without bending down. If you store more fresh produce and dairy than frozen foods, this could be your perfect match. They’re super convenient for home cooks.'
  • Smart Refrigerators 'If you’re into tech, smart fridges are where it’s at. They come with features like touch screens, internal cameras, and apps to help you manage your grocery list. Some even suggest recipes based on what’s inside. Perfect for the modern kitchen, these fridges can streamline your cooking and shopping routines.
  • Built-In Refrigerators 'For the high-end look. They integrate perfectly with your cabinetry and can be customized to match your kitchen’s design. Perfect for serious home cooks and those who want a cohesive, professional look in their kitchen.'
Ask Chef Dennis in the kitchen
Dennis Littley

A classically trained chef with over 40 years of experience, Dennis shares time-tested recipes, industry knowledge, and chef tips – so home-cooks create restaurant-quality dishes with ease.

The best refrigerator overall

Close to faultless, this has excellent consistency, capacity, and finishes

Specifications

Dimensions: 70.13" x 36" x 29.6"
Refrigerator capacity: 9.34 cu ft
Freezer capacity: 4.7 cu ft
Doors: 3
Water and ice dispenser: Yes
Material: Stainless steel
Warranty : 1 Year

Reasons to buy

+
Maintains consistent temperature
+
Excellent capacity
+
Great value
+
Smart finish

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive upfront cost
-
Can be a little noisy

This Frigidaire model isn't often listed on 'best refrigerator' lists. It's not as high-tech as the futuristic models that LG and Samsung have to offer. But it smashes all our criteria – sleek, spacious, well-designed, easy to clean, and durable. A true underdog.

Customers love the spacious interior. There's ample storage space, thanks to the adjustable shelves and bins that allow for flexible configurations. You can even reconfigure the freezer section, if you need more refrigeration space for an event. The French door design makes everything very accessible, too.

The crisper drawers are complete with adjustable humidity controls, designed to keep fruits and vegetables fresher for longer. The advanced air filtration system is designed to remove odors and keep the interior smelling fresh. Customers say it even works for the strongest French cheeses.

The water and ice dispensers are frequently mentioned in reviews as being easy-to-use and reliable. The filtration system is especially appreciated by those who prioritize clean drinking water.

Some users have reported problems with the ice maker, including it being noisy or not producing ice consistently. This could be slightly irritating, considering the refrigerator is near the $4,000 price tag. Although this is a large lump sum, it offers exceptional value for all the extra features.

Best for families

Samsung 3-Door Family Hub French Door Smart Refrigerator

Packed with premium, smart features, perfect for a family kitchen

Specifications

Dimensions: 35.75 x 70 x 35.5 inches
Refrigerator Capacity: 15.8 cubic feet
Freezer Capacity: 6.7 cubic feet
Doors: 3
Material: Fingerprint resistant stainless steel
Warranty : 1 year

Reasons to buy

+
Good temperature control
+
Built-in Alexa
+
Generous storage capacity
+
Interior camera for remote viewing
+
Wide drawers for larger platters
+
Family hub display

Reasons to avoid

-
Bottom drawer is fiddly to clean
-
Ice maker is a little clunky
-
Filter needs replacing every 3 months

Samsung refrigerators go above and beyond. They offer various sizes, styles, and innovative smart functions that are designed specifically for families, such as this capacious French door model.

It's our top pick from the Samsung range, largely due to the Family Hub™, which offers a timer, noticeboard, shared calendar, and links to your doorbell. Busy parents appreciate the inside camera, which means you can check what you've already got at home if you forget at the grocery store. Some past reviews complain that the smart functions don't work as well as they could do, but Samsung has recently improved this with the help of AI.

The wide, deep shelves have enough capacity for family food shops, with a huge 26.5 cubic feet capacity and wide drawers that can fit whole melons and large platters. You'll never struggle for space, whether you've done a full food shop or you're hosting a dinner party.

Although Samsung is a globally-loved brand, some reviewers get frustrated with the clunky ice maker and we've seen some older reviews that complain about leaking water. This is why Samsung just missed out as our best refrigerator brand overall.

The best smart refrigerator

LG Side-by-Side InstaView Refrigerator

With an abundance of accessories and super smart finish, this is luxurious

Specifications

Dimensions: 70.5 x 35.9 x 33.5 inches
Refrigerator capacity: 16.8 cubic feet
Freezer capacity: 10.2 cubic feet
Doors: 2
Water and Ice Dispenser: Yes
Material: Stainless steel
Warranty : 1 year

Reasons to buy

+
Connects to the SmartThinQ app
+
Hands-free opening
+
InstaView screen
+
Two door feature for easy access
+
Popular with reviewers 
+
Looks sleek

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the most energy efficient
-
Can be expensive
-
Side-by-side isn't for everyone

If you want a hands-off, smart refrigerator, look no further. The main feature is a panel on the door which becomes a window when tapped, so you can see inside. The same panel opens as a small door, giving you access to cartons and jars without opening the whole refrigerator. Not only is this super convenient, it also saves your fridge from warming up every time you want to grab a drink.

If you have your hands full, swipe your foot under the fridge and it will open. Similarly, the freezer drawers slide out when the freezer is open (also, the freezer is huge compared to most other brands). If that wasn’t smart enough, LG has a smart app for troubleshooting and monitoring the filter and any problems.

When tested LG against other smart refrigerators, such as the Samsung this was less energy efficient. It’s still not bad, but not at the top of the market. If you want all the additional features, it can get a little expensive too.

The best energy efficient refrigerator

Bosch French Door Smart Refrigerator

Keeping your energy bills low and your food fresher for longer

Specifications

Dimensions: 35.75 x 72 x 29 inches
Refrigerator capacity: 14.4 cubic feet
Freezer capacity: 6.6 cubic feet
Doors: 3
Water and Ice Dispenser: Yes
Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: 1 year

Reasons to buy

+
Looks good
+
Adjustable shelves
+
Smart app available
+
Good for energy efficiency
+
Adjustable temperature drawer

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited capacity for a French door design
-
Frozen drawer is a little fiddly
-
Quite expensive for the size

Bosch is reliable when it comes to efficient refrigerators and they just beat Beko for this spot on our list.

With an Energy Star Certification (the gold standard in efficiency) this sleek French-door model is our top pick. The VitaFreshPro™ System maintains optimal temperature and humidity levels for energy-efficient food preservation. Reviewers love the adjustable bar and shelves, especially in conjunction with the adjustable temperature drawer.

The Home Connect app is really useful: you can create an inventory of your groceries and get a notification before your food goes off. It will also notify you if your refrigerator temperature has changed significantly and it can troubleshoot any issues.

Considering that this is a French-door refrigerator, it should have a bigger capacity. Compared to the Samsung 28 cu ft, this is expensive for its limited refrigerator real estate. However, when you look at the efficiency, it performed better: this Bosch is estimated to use 568 kWh per year as opposed to Samsung’s 716 kWh.

The best value refrigerator

Maytag Wide French Door Refrigerator

All the best features without any compromises

Specifications

Dimensions: 35.7 x 70.2 x 35.25 inches
Refrigerator capacity: 25 cubic feet
Freezer capacity: 7 cubic feet
Doors: 3
Materials: Fingerprint resistant stainless slteel
Drinks and ice dispenser: Yes
Warranty: 1 year

Reasons to buy

+
Good temperature control
+
Adjustable shelf height
+
Good digital controls
+
Strong door shelves
+
Temperature controlled drawer

Reasons to avoid

-
Digital controls can be tricky to master
-
Freezer compartments are not adjustable

Maytag pride itself on durability and reliability. Reviewers all commented on the temperature control of this refrigerator: it maintains a cool, constant temperature throughout the appliance, including the door shelves. If you're often in and out of the refrigerator, you'll value an appliance that can keep things cool. Also, if you want to put dairy products in the refrigerator doors without worrying about them getting too warm, this is ideal.

The deli drawer is a well-designed feature, as you can store wide plates and platters without any awkward positioning. With a reasonable fridge and freezer capacity, there’s more than enough room for all of your groceries and some extra treats as well.

Some users thought that the refrigerator would benefit from adjustable sections, but didn't find this particularly limiting, because of the generous depth and overall dimensions of this appliance.

The digital interface is really useful when it works, but several users found it a little tricky to use. However, it looks good alongside the stainless steel finish, which is fingerprint-resistant. Currently priced at a cool $1,850, it's very good value.

The best fridge freezer combination

GE Appliances 28” Top Freezer

Simple, efficient, and great for drinks storage

Specifications

Dimensions: 67.9 x 28 x 32.6 inches
Refrigerator capacity: 14.1 cubic feet
Freezer capacity: 3.4 cubic feet
Doors: 2
Materials: White or stainless steel
Water and ice dispenser: No
Warranty: 1 year

Reasons to buy

+
Ice maker installed
+
Good capacity
+
Adjustable shelving
+
Good efficiency
+
Variety of finishes

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive for what it delivers

Many reviews on the GE website say this model is 'nothing fancy' – and they mean it as a compliment. GE are well known for their dependable appliances. While it doesn't boast the advanced features or capacious storage of the higher-end models, it does deliver on the essential criteria. It's user-friendly, easy to maintain, and built to last. A dependable choice for those seeking functionality without the frills.

The refrigerator section is smaller than other brands, but it has adjustable shelves for tall bottles and large boxes. It makes sense why many customers choose this refrigerator for wine and soda storage.

In fact, this model is great for entertaining. The deli drawer is suitable for wide platters and plates. The top freezer makes your frozen items very accessible and includes an ice maker, which frees up storage space in the freezer. I think it could be ideal for drink making.

Some users have mentioned that the freezer can occasionally be noisy, especially when the compressor kicks in. While the basic design is practical, it lacks some of the high-tech features found in more expensive models, such as a built-in water dispenser.

The best side-by-side refrigerator

LG Side-by-Side Door-in-Door Smart Refrigerator

Convenient for snackers, super sleek and reliable

Specifications

Measurements: 70.35 x 36 x 33.5 inches
Refrigerator capacity: 17.5 cubic feet
Freezer capacity: 9.5 cubic feet
Doors: 2
Material: Stainless steel
Water and ice dispenser: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Fingerprint resistant coating
+
Independent refrigerator and freezer cooling
+
Measured fill water dispenser
+
Adjustable shelves

Reasons to avoid

-
Small capacity
-
Lacks dual ice maker

Most side-by-side fridges have similar layouts, so it's the small things that set them apart. As leaders in reliable smart technology, you can always count on LG to bring plenty of user-friendly special features.

I think this model could be the shiniest refrigerator I've ever seen, thanks to the 'anti-fingerprint' stainless steel. Inside, there's good storage space and a Smart Cooling System that ensures consistent temperatures and freshness.

Customers love the convenient door-in-door design, which means you can easily grab snacks or beers without opening the full fridge. This also enhances energy efficiency (which you can keep an eye on via the LG app).

There's a 10-year warranty on the linear compressor, proving that this refrigerator is designed for both convenience and durability. I did see a few customers complaining about weak latches that break within the first few months. Luckily, it seems that LG's top-rated customer service were on the case to fix any issues and keep those customers happy.

Although it comes with a high price tag, the advanced features and brand reputation make it a solid investment for those seeking reliable side-by-side refrigerators.

The best French door refrigerator

Café Smart 4-Door French-Door Refrigerator

Fitting for stylish kitchens, packed with customizable features

Specifications

Measurements: 69.7 x 35.7 x 31.2 inches
Refrigerator capacity: 15.7 cubic feet
Freezer capacity: 8.57 cubic feet
Convertible drawers capacity: 3.65 cubic feet
Doors: 4
Water and ice dispenser: yes
Material: Customizable
Warranty: 1 year

Reasons to buy

+
Four doors
+
Customisable colors
+
Elegant and sophisticated 
+
Convertible drawer with soft freeze
+
Autofill water dispenser

Reasons to avoid

-
Ice box is a little small
-
Limited capacity
-
Needs cosmetic maintenance

It seems to be unanimously agreed that this French-door refrigerator is beautiful. Almost every review comments on how good it looks, especially in the customizable colors. However, beauty is not the only selling point.

The autofill water dispenser fills containers with filtered water using dispensers to stop when your glass is full. It’s surprisingly useful. As is the convertible drawer which you can turn into a refrigerator, freezer or soft freeze space.

Some users said that the ice box was a little small and that the overall refrigerator capacity was on the lean side. Lots of reviews also commented on how delicate the refrigerator feels or how often they find themselves cleaning it – sometimes the most luxurious appliances require the most maintenance.