The narrow shelves in side-by-sides work for some families but not others. Both designs boast refrigerator shelves that are wide enough to accommodate large platters, bowls, and pizza boxes. If demand for fresh food is high, a model with a freezer drawer at the bottom, like the Whirlpool WRB119WFBW or Amana ABB1921BRW, might be more appealing and convenient. Top-freezer models, like the LG LTCS20220W and GE GTS18GTHWW, are best for users who are heavy consumers of frozen dinners and treats and prefer to keep frozen food at eye level. The split in side-by-side refrigerators, like the Frigidaire FFSS2614QP or Whirlpool WRS322FDAW, may be similar or closer to half and half. Top-freezer and bottom-freezer models offer two-thirds fresh to one-third frozen storage. For kitchens with a tight footprint, another option may be the LG LTCS24223W (starting at $989), a top-freezer refrigerator with a handle-free design.Ī related consideration is the allocation of space between the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Top- and bottom-freezer models require more door clearance than side-by-side or French door models, which are better suited to galley kitchens and layouts with a center island. Price aside, the configuration of the kitchen may knock certain refrigerator styles out of contention. Rounding out our top picks are the Whirlpool WRB119WFBW (starting at $899), an Energy Star-rated bottom-freezer refrigerator with wide shelves and three crispers, and the Amana ABB1921BRW (starting at $809), one of the least expensive bottom-freezer models and a magnet for frugal shoppers. The Kenmore 50022 (starting at $800) seems plenty spacious on paper, but the interior design proves inefficient for many users. The Whirlpool WRS322FDAW (starting at $899) is a well-regarded side-by-side that's ideal for smaller kitchens. The best cheap side-by-side refrigerator we found is the Frigidaire FFSS2614QP (starting at $799), which has a larger capacity than many comparably priced models. Side-by-side and bottom-freezer models start at about $800. Build-quality problems plague the Insignia NS-RTM18WH7 (starting at $540), a top-freezer model that might have otherwise sufficed for small kitchens.
The top-freezer Frigidaire FGTR1845QP (starting at $719) landed on our "think twice" list because it suffers from complaints about water leaks and frost, despite a frost-free billing. Our pick for overall best value among top-freezer refrigerators is the spacious and efficient LG LTCS20220W (starting at $810), followed by the GE GTS18GTHWW (starting at $539), a reliable model for consumers who just want the basics. Generally speaking, among conventionally sized refrigerators (if you need or want a more compact refrigerator, see below), top-freezer models are the least expensive, starting at about $500 for a model from one of the top brands. It’s not a true built-in, of course, but high-end built-in refrigerators can command up to $10,000. That said, if you can stretch your budget a little bit, we do name a French door model that’s very much worth considering, especially if you are in the market for a unit that’s counter depth. Other options include French door and counter-depth refrigerators, but those start at about $1,000 and climb quickly from there. With so many models in contention, we homed in on several good buys in each of three styles: top-freezer, bottom-freezer, and side-by-side, focusing primarily on the best offerings from the top brands among refrigerator makers. Types of Refrigerators and Best-Rated Refrigerators Samsung and Kenmore followed at 82 percent and 81 percent, respectively. In a recent Consumer Reports survey of brand reliability, LG also took top marks, with 84 percent owner satisfaction. Samsung and LG both sit atop the rankings for side-by-sides, but those models are typically priced beyond our $1,000 ceiling. Power found that LG gets the nod on overall customer satisfaction for top-freezer refrigerators and GE comes in second. Maytag, GE, LG, Amana, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, and Kenmore are all top brands that are well represented in the cheap-fridge market. But those who can do without a lot of extras will find that the best refrigerators under $1,000 garner high marks from owners for temperature regulation, available storage, and value for the dollar. Some inexpensive models may even force buyers to forgo a stainless steel finish or an ice maker.
For the most part, forget about smart refrigerator functions, LCD displays, freezer drawers, and adjustable-temperature compartments. Cheap refrigerators are fairly basic appliances.
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