Best Top-Freezer Refrigerators From Consumer Reports' Tests (2023)

FAQs

What brand of refrigerator has the least problems? ›

Top-freezers, as a category, have the highest predicted reliability. Despite these high marks, most top-freezer brands were rated low in terms of owner satisfaction. Within the category, five of the nine brands earned top-notch ratings for predicted reliability: Kenmore, LG, Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool.

LG: The major brand with the highest satisfaction

Among refrigerators from the five major brands, LG fridges seem to make their owners the happiest.

A French door refrigerator may be best if you like to keep lots of fresh ingredients on hand, or if you often store wide or oversized dishes. A side by side refrigerator features more freezer capacity and lets you store both fresh and frozen items at eye level.

Refrigerators with the freezer on the bottom are more likely to need repair than top freezer refrigerators. Bottom freezer refrigerators of all brands with an ice dispenser are more likely to have problems than bottom freezer refrigerators that do not have an ice dispenser.

Unfortunately, many LG users have reported that they have had problems with their compressors. The most common culprit is a faulty seal, which can stop the compressor from being able to run. So, if your fridge is running but not cooling, then there is a good chance you have an issue with your compressor.

A 5 star refrigerator is an energy-efficient appliance that can help save on energy consumption and power bills. The compressor in the fridge is either an Intelli sense inverter, digital inverter, rotary, DC inverter, smart inverter, hygiene plus inverter or a reciprocatory type.

You can expect reliability and longevity from luxury appliances since they are built with expert craftsmanship and high-quality parts, which contribute to lower maintenance, less repairs, and a overall longer lasting appliance.

However, it should be said that the expensive price tag is definitely worth it. Bosch refrigerator options are designed with several different features that ensure you'll be able to enjoy effective food preservation every time. With these refrigerators, you'll definitely get more than value for your money.

Has LG fixed their compressor problem? ›

LG has knowingly not made any changes to their compressors and despite the reply om this post is pit out most likely by a PR yes man by LG. It is now 2021 and I am still replacing LG compressors on a weekly and sometimes daily basis.

side-by-side fridges or top-mount freezer vs. side-by-side fridges — yes, it does matter where that freezer sits: The most energy efficient refrigerator style is a top-mount freezer refrigerator.

Cons of a French Door Fridge

Door storage in French door refrigerators can be quite narrow, forcing you to use the main space for items like large beverage containers. If you often dine on prepackaged meals or other freezer items, the bottom drawer might be less convenient for you to access regularly.

Our best overall pick is the Whirlpool WRF757SDHZ 36-inch Wide French Door Refrigerator, which stands out for its spacious interior, energy efficiency, and accessibility. But there are plenty of other options available, too, including smart and large-capacity models.

Top freezers have more room than bottom freezers in comparably-sized refrigerators. They are also the most energy efficient. The Department of Energy says top freezers use up to 25 percent less energy than side-by-side or bottom freezers, so they save money.

Samsung, LG, and Frigidaire offer up to 10 years of warranty coverage for parts; and Sub-Zero offers a two-year full warranty, a full five-year warranty on sealed system repairs, and a 12-year limited warranty on sealed system parts.

The standard size you'll find that's most common is 35 inches wide. With freezer drawers on the bottom, access to ice cream is easier for children. French door refrigerators also provide more breathing room for your kitchen space.

Energy efficiency is important to you, both Samsung and LG offer a strong lineup of refrigerators. Generally, side by side refrigerators tend to be the most energy-efficient fridge style, and LG offers more models than Samsung. You want a reliable refrigerator brand that's also affordable, Samsung beats out LG.

Whirlpool has a large global market share and is well-known in India for high-quality refrigerators and washing machines. They place a premium on quality and customer happiness, and they are reasonably priced when compared to LG. Furthermore, they make it a point not to scrimp on quality and durability.

The LG 23-Cubic-Foot French Door LRMVC2306 Refrigerator scores a 4.8 out of 5 in our 2023 ratings, which places it at No. 1 in four of our categories: Best Refrigerators of 2023, Best French Door Refrigerators of 2023, Best Counter-Depth Refrigerators of 2023, and Best Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators of 2023.

Why do people buy a star rated refrigerator? ›

As frost-free refrigerators consume a significant amount of power, star ratings for them is mandatory. Hence, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has made the ISEER star ratings scheme mandatory for frost-free refrigerators, while direct cooling refrigerators fall under a voluntary scheme.

Here are the top three benefits of a Frost Free freezer or fridge freezer: Save time and effort – you won't need to defrost it yourself. Your food won't be damaged – no ice building up means your food won't spoil. Extra storage space – valuable storage space won't be taken up by ice build-up.

5 Star rating as per Energy Efficiency standards by bureau of Energy Efficiency(BEE). Enjoy 5 star rated refrigerators and more savings.

Compared to their lower-cost counterparts, luxury appliances are built with superior materials for a higher quality performance meant to last a lifetime. Additionally, advanced testing during development and production means you won't be let down.

Bosch is an appliance brand owned by the BSH Corporation. Bosch has been around for decades and offers a selection of products including energy efficient dishwashers, refrigerators, stoves, ovens, washers, and dryers.

Proudly made. Thoughtful design runs through every detail of every Bosch appliance. From the quiet of our dishwashers to the feel of our oven handles, it's the kind of quality that's both lasting and noticeable. We proudly employ over 2,000 employees in the U.S. with factory locations in New Bern, NC and LaFolette, TN.

Bosch Appliances

The manufacturer primarily positions itself as a mid-end brand, although Bosch Benchmark products consistently rank with leading high-end appliance brands. On top of cooktops, rangetops, and wall ovens, Bosch offers a full lineup of home appliances, including: Bosch refrigeration.

Most refrigerators are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. If you're having any of the other problems on this list and the fridge is over ten years old, you'll probably save more money in the long run by simply replacing it. Otherwise, you could sink money into repairs for a fridge that's already on its way out.

Refrigerators & Freezers

Retailers begin slashing prices on the prior model year in May to make room in warehouses and showroom floors. These discounts often coincide with — and may be indistinguishable from — special sales for Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and Father's Day.

Which freezer type is best for long term storage? ›

Chest Freezers

They are wide rather than tall and typically take up more floor space. Thanks to storage flexibility, they are ideal for storing bulky items and are great for households that stock up on a lot of frozen food. The manual defrost feature makes it a great choice for long term food storage too.

At A Glance

Anyone who owns an LG refrigerator and had problems with the linear compressor, a part responsible for cooling the appliance. What's Going On? LG Electronics has been hit with a class action lawsuit alleging a defect is causing the fridges to stop cooling, sometimes within only a few years of use.

LG will warranty the compressor/ part but they will not cover the labor cost.

The compressor is much closer on a bottom freezer unit, so it can be harder to keep heat out. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, top freezers use about 10 to 25 percent less energy than bottom freezers, which helps reduce your energy bill, electricity consumption, and carbon footprint.

According to Consumer Reports, chest freezers have around 20 percent more usable space than upright freezers. When it comes to upright freezer vs chest freezer energy usage, chest freezers use up less energy than upright freezers, providing some relief to both the planet and your wallet.

As a rule of thumb, if you have bought a new fridge freezer in the last ten years then, unless it is completely broken, don't bother replacing it with a new model since the efficiency gains won't be worth it. If your fridge-freezer is more than 10 years old, then you should consider replacing it with a new model.

But, with a French door refrigerator, you do not have to open both doors. This means you are releasing less cold air and, in turn, causing the refrigerator to not have to work as hard to replace it.

In general, you can expect French door refrigerators to last between 10 and 15 years. You can extend the life span of your refrigerator by keeping it clean and well-maintained.

Historically, fridges with freezers on top or bottom tend to last the longest, and those from well-known refrigerator brands like Whirlpool and LG tend to top lists for most reliable. The fewer parts that can fail translates into a model that could potentially last longer and cost less to repair.

Why do people buy side by side refrigerators? ›

A side by side refrigerator features more freezer capacity and lets you store both fresh and frozen items at eye level. Both types of refrigerators are available in standard- or counter-depths, as well as freestanding or built-in installation styles.

Because a top freezer uses less energy, the operating costs are also lower. “The average annual cost to operate [a top freezer] is between $37 and $94,” says Johannson. “Bottom freezers cost slightly more to operate, with average annual energy consumption between $64 and $104.”

Even with a superior airflow system, a refrigerator or freezer will be colder at the bottom. Warm air rises, so the upper shelves will always be slightly warmer than the lower portion of the unit.

Heavier Items on the Bottom

Frozen foods can be weighty, especially frozen turkeys and hams. Because your freezer is on the bottom, removing these items will require more work. This can be a safety concern for seniors and anyone who has trouble bending and lifting heavier objects.

Most refrigerators are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. If you're having any of the other problems on this list and the fridge is over ten years old, you'll probably save more money in the long run by simply replacing it. Otherwise, you could sink money into repairs for a fridge that's already on its way out.

We review the most common reasons why your Samsung refrigerator is leaking water from a faulty filter to a clogged defrost drain. To find the source of a refrigerator leaking is not an easy thing, while the leaks themselves are threatening for the potential damage they may create.

The compressor is much closer on a bottom freezer unit, so it can be harder to keep heat out. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, top freezers use about 10 to 25 percent less energy than bottom freezers, which helps reduce your energy bill, electricity consumption, and carbon footprint.

"Major appliance brands generally release new models during the months between September to December, which is often the ideal time to find the best deals on appliances as retailers need to make room for new models," says Kristen Gall, president of Rakuten Rewards, a cash-back and shopping rewards company headquartered ...

The appliances' Energy Star ratings and particular usage will vary depending on make and model, but it's a safe bet that a top-freezer fridge is more energy efficient. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, refrigerators with top freezers use 10 to 25 percent less energy than ones with bottom freezers.

A loose or torn gasket (or one caked with gunk) doesn't seal tightly. This wastes energy and causes the fridge to work harder, shortening its lifespan. Make it a habit to clean the gasket with warm water twice a year to remove any residue. Then check the seal for tears and replace it if you find any.

At what age should a refrigerator be replaced? ›

According to the United States Department of Energy, refrigerators last approximately 12 years. At that point, it's likely time to replace it. Of course, if your refrigerator is not energy-efficient, you may want to consider replacing it before it stops working.

But, as a good rule of thumb, if you have multiple faulty parts or if your refrigerator is over ten years old, it is probably time to replace it. Consumer Reports recommends replacing your refrigerator if the cost to repair it is more than half the price of buying a new one.

Samsung is consistently ranked one of the most reliable refrigerator brands by appliance industry experts. Samsung appliances are also well-regarded among consumers, consistently earning JD Power awards for customer satisfaction.

According to the complaint, the Samsung fridges at issue all feature a twin-door (or “French door”) design at the top with a freezer drawer on the bottom. Affected model numbers include, but are not limited to, RF28HMEDBSR/AA, RFG298HDRS/XAA, RF28HDEDBSR/AA, RF26HFENDSR, RF26J7500SR, and RF27T5201SG.

One class action lawsuit against Samsung cites a number of complaints from consumers as posted on ConsumerAffairs.com and other websites. These include: “My Samsung French door refrigerator Rf267AERS started making fan noise and frost built up exactly one year after I purchased.”

Both brands are extremely dependable, but if you're looking for the more reliable brand, we give the nod to GE. Which brand is more energy efficient? With almost all of its appliance models being Energy Star Certified, Whirlpool takes the cake for energy efficiency.

The average repair on a French door refrigerator is 26 percent more costly than the average repair for side-by-side units. Failures include malfunction of the crushed-ice maker, the bottom freezer not maintaining temperatures, or the icemaker leaking and making loud noises.

GE Appliances refrigerators are known for their reliability, good quality, and innovative features. This is reflected in all their refrigerator models on the market. They have great longevity and all have at least a 1-year company warranty.