Best Refrigerator Reviews – Consumer Reports

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What's behind our refrigerator Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 325 models in refrigerators to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
This gives more weight to energy efficiency and temperature performance than to noise and ease of use. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
Temperature performance
This combines results of tests measuring the accuracy of initial temperature settings along with how well a model 1) kept optimum temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer at the same time; 2) kept temperatures even throughout each compartment; 3) kept temperatures constant despite changes in room temperatures; and 4) maintained set temperatures even with very high room temperatures.
Energy efficiency
This reflects electricity consumption (based on our tests) per cubic foot of measured usable storage space. For example, two refrigerators with the same energy cost per year may have different energy efficiencies -- the unit with more storage space being more efficient.
Noise
Noise level was measured when the compressor started up and during steady running. Subjective judgments by a panel of listeners supplemented our noise-meter readings.
Ease of use
This assesses features and design including layout, controls, and lighting.
Claimed capacity
Capacity of refrigerator is as claimed by the manufacturer.
Exterior height
Our measurement, including the top hinge and rounded up to the nearest inch. (We measured only tested models, but the similar models we list should have the same dimensions.) Built-in models have the compressor on top, making them about a foot taller than regular refrigerators. They fit flush with cabinets and counters.
Exterior width
Our measurement, including all protrusions and rounded up to the nearest inch. (We measured only tested models, but the similar models we list should have the same dimensions.)
Exterior depth
Our measurement, rounded up to the nearest inch. We include tubing or other protrusions in the back but exclude the handle. (We measured only tested models, but the similar models we list should have the same dimensions.)

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Recommended refrigerators

Recommended refrigerators are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended refrigerators

Refrigerator buying guide

To find the refrigerator that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Why shop here?

In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy refrigerators in a safe-shopping environment.

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When choosing a refrigerator, consider your space, the unit's capacity, and your budget. Stylish variations on top-freezer, bottom-freezer and side-by-side refrigerators are in the stores, including some refrigerators with French doors as well as refrigerator drawers. Because refrigerators are on 24-7, make sure the one you buy is energy efficient. If you're looking for information about refrigerator, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ refrigerator reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our refrigerator buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and refrigerator reviews to help you choose the best refrigerator for your needs.

Ratings & recommended refrigerators

Top freezer refrigerators (47)

Top-freezers offer the most storage for their size and are the least expensive. Most models we tested chill and freeze adequately and include pullout shelves or bins, split shelves, spill guards, and room on the door to hold a gallon of milk. Top-scoring models typically deliver more consistent temperatures. Once you know how much space you have, particularly the width, our Recommended models will help you find models that fit in that space. Models that have higher energy efficiency scores use less electricity for their capacity. And if your household isn't large, remember that a smaller refrigerator is likely to use less electricity overall than a larger model.

The Ratings rank models by overall performance.

Bottom-freezer refrigerators (28)

Bottom-freezers keep refrigerator items within easy reach. Most models we tested chill and freeze adequately and include pullout shelves or bins, split shelves, spill guards, and room on the door to hold a gallon of milk. Top-scoring models typically deliver more consistent temperatures. Once you know how much space you have, particularly the width, our Recommended models will help you find models that fit in that space. Models that have higher energy-efficiency scores use less electricity for their capacity. And if your household isn't large, remember that a smaller refrigerator is likely to use less electricity overall than a larger model.

The Ratings rank models by overall performance.

French-door refrigerators (132)

Side-by-side refrigerators (55)

Side-by-sides are ideal for narrow kitchens but are the least space-efficient inside. Most models we tested chill and freeze adequately and include pullout shelves or bins, spill guards, and room on the door to hold a gallon of milk. Higher-end models offer half shelves. Top-scoring models typically deliver more consistent temperatures. Once you know how much space you have, particularly the width, our Recommended models will help you find models that fit in that space. Models that have higher energy efficiency scores use less electricity for their capacity. And if your household isn't large, remember that a smaller refrigerator is likely to use less electricity overall than a larger model.

The Ratings rank models by overall performance.

Built-in refrigerators (33)

Built-ins align with cabinets. Most models we tested chill and freeze adequately and include pullout shelves or bins, spill guards, and room on the door to hold a gallon of milk. Top-scoring models typically deliver more consistent temperatures. Once you know how much space you have, particularly the width, our Recommended models will help you find models that fit in that space. Models that have higher energy efficiency scores use less electricity for their capacity. And if your household isn't large, remember that a smaller refrigerator is likely to use less electricity overall than a larger model.

The Ratings rank models by overall performance.

Compact refrigerators (30)

Several of the compact refrigerators did well at maintaining optimal temperatures in the fridge compartment. But as the scores show, most are poor choices for freezing. And even the most efficient of these small fridges use nearly as much energy as full-sized models. The Ratings rank models by overall performance within sizes. Our Quick Picks highlight models that blend relatively good performance and value.

Recently reviewed refrigerators

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Samsung Family Hub RF28K9580SR

(Tested)

This 27.9 cu.-ft. (claimed) four-door French-door Samsung Family Hub RF28K9580SR refrigerator has

a 21.5" Wi-Fi enabled touchscreen with built-in speakers that allows you to stream music, leave memos, mirror content from a Samsung TV, or surf the web
convertible bottom right compartment that can be set to the same temperature as the freezer, or used as an additonal fresh food section
three evaporators
an external water dispenser
a door open alarm
a built-in water filter
spillproof shelves
ice storage in its refrigerator
digital controls on its front door that show actual temperature

Samsung Family Hub RF28K9580SR

LG LFXS24623S

Samsung Chef Collection RF24J9960S4

Samsung RF28JBEDBSR

Refrigerator buying guide

Americans are buying more fresh food than ever, and that's changing the way refrigerators are designed. We're seeing more models with flexible drawers and compartments that allow you to create more fresh-food storage space as needed. Other features that claim to extend the life of your food include air filtration systems, sealed crisper drawers, and door-in-door compartments that limit how often you have to reach into the refrigerator's main compartment. These innovations are worth considering, but it's still the day-out performance that matters most. That's what our tests are designed to capture, measuring things like temperature control, noise, and energy efficiency. Our buying guide will help you zero on the best fridge for your needs and desires.