LG InstaView Door-in-Door Refrigerator
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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 |
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
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 |
GE French Door Refrigerator with Ice Maker
Pros
- Bright interior
- Many adjustable shelves and drawers
Cons
- Our freezer door had to be replaced due to the handle falling off
A significant portion of our survey respondents own a GE refrigerator and praise its design aesthetics and ample storage capacity.
This French-door refrigerator from GE has a bright interior with adjustable shelves, facilitating effortless organization of various items, including wine bottles and water pitchers. The assortment of drawers adds to its appeal: It includes two designated for fruits and vegetables and a lengthy, shallow drawer spanning the fridge's width that is ideal for storing cheese, deli meats and other small items. The fridge’s water dispenser doesn’t encroach on interior space.
The equally spacious freezer boasts an ice maker and a slim upper drawer that helps keep food organized. Movable dividers allow you to customize each side's size. One caveat is that we has issues with the security of the freezer handle; it fell off during testing, but it was able to be replaced.
This model demonstrated impeccable cooling performance in our tests without any noticeable cold spots. Previous tests have consistently highlighted GE fridges for their superior temperature maintenance and uniformity.
| Dimensions | 70" x 36" x 34" |
|---|---|
| Available finishes | Black, black slate, white, slate, fingerprint resistant stainless steel |
| Energy Star certified | Yes |
| Features | Water dispenser in fridge, ice maker in freezer |
Samsung French Door Refrigerator with Dual Auto Ice Maker
Pros
- Counter-depth design looks seamless in kitchen
- Good temperature control
- Dual ice makers
Cons
- Ice maker can be unreliable
Samsung was another popular brand among our survey respondents. Most have owned theirs for three and five years, and many said they like the smart features and auto-fill water pitcher of the new models.
This counter-depth model is part of Samsung’s Mega Capacity line that offers 10 percent more storage space without taking up any more space in your kitchen. The three-door fridge comes with Wi-Fi, gallon-size bins in the doors and dual ice makers that offer cubes and small ice bites that look like little bars.
In our Lab tests, Samsung refrigerators have proven to be great at maintaining steady temperatures, which is a must to keep foods fresh. However, according to our survey of owners, the ice makers are a common malfunction.
RELATED: 7 Best Counter-Depth Refrigerators
| Dimensions | 36" x 70" x 32" |
|---|---|
| Available finishes | Stainless steel, matte black steel |
| Energy Star certified | Yes |
| Features | Gallon-size door bins, dual ice makers |
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