Refrigerators: Reviews

Traditional top-freezer refrigerators are less expensive than other types and tend to be more reliable since they have fewer features that could break down. However, these models generally don't perform as well as other… expandrefrigerators in professional tests. The 21-cubic-foot Maytag M1TXEGMYW is a strong performer in tests and is rated highly by users, who say it's roomy and very quiet. It includes an ice maker, adjustable door bins, two humidity-controlled crispers, a deli drawer and tempered glass shelves. This Energy Star-rated unit comes in white, bisque and black, and in stainless steel for about $200 more. Maytag refrigerators have had some reliability problems in the past, but we saw very few complaints of breakdowns for this particular model. collapse

Bottom-freezer refrigerators are more convenient than top-freezers for most people, since the contents of the refrigerator are closer to eye level and don't require bending over to access. On the downside, they tend to be… expanda little less energy-efficient. The LG LDC22720SW, which performs very well in professional tests, has a 22.4-cubic-foot capacity and a great feature set, including a door alarm, an ice maker, a freezer light and a reversible door. Storage options include split glass shelves, five adjustable gallon door bins, two freezer bins, two humidity-controlled crispers and a dairy bin. It's also Energy Star-rated. Available in white or stainless steel for about $200 more. collapse

French-door models have two side-by-side refrigerator doors atop a pullout freezer drawer. Unlike a side-by-side fridge, interior shelving runs the full width of the unit. This 25-cubic-foot LG model comes in white and… expandblack, or stainless steel for about $200 more. It gets high marks from professional testers, is Energy Star-rated, and includes a space-saving ice and water dispenser built into the door -- which some users say tends to clog with ice if not used regularly. Other features include electronic controls, sliding shelves, LED lighting and a door alarm. Owners say this refrigerator is both stylish and spacious, with plenty of storage options. collapse

Side-by-side refrigerators are a good choice for narrow kitchens where door clearance is an issue. However, they're the most repair-prone model, partly because the majority have through-the-door ice and water dispensers… expandthat can be problematic. The 26-cubic-foot Samsung RS265TDWP receives solid ratings in one professional test and generally strong recommendations from owners. It has a dual cooling system, a through-the-door ice and water dispenser, glass shelves, humidity-controlled crispers and LED lighting. It's also Energy Star-rated. The fridge comes in white and black, with stainless-steel and stainless-platinum finishes available for an extra $50 to $100. collapse