Refrigerators: Reviews

Traditional top-freezer refrigerators are less expensive than other types and tend to be more reliable since there are fewer features to break. However, these units don't perform as well as other types of refrigerators in… professional tests. The 21-cubic-foot Maytag M1TXEMMWW is a strong performer in tests and is rated highly by users, who say it is very quiet and roomy. It includes an ice maker, adjustable door bins, two humidity-controlled crispers, deli drawer and tempered glass shelves. This refrigerator is Energy Star-rated and comes in white, bisque, black and (for $150 more) stainless steel. Note that while some Maytag refrigerators have a poor track record for reliability, we saw very few breakdown complaints for this particular model.

See more photos, specs, and reviews

This inexpensive GE refrigerator has just an 18.2-cubic-foot capacity and is only 28 inches wide (most refrigerators are 32 or 34 inches wide), making it a good choice for apartment kitchens or other small spaces. It's… also worth considering if you're on a tight budget. While it doesn't have many extra features such as ice and water dispensers, users can store gallon jugs in its door. It has two crisper drawers and a snack drawer, but its wire shelves aren't spill-proof. Although this inexpensive refrigerator isn't included in professional tests, it receives an abundant amount of positive owner reviews. It's only available in white and bisque.

See more photos, specs, and reviews

French-door models have two side-by-side refrigerator doors atop a pull-out freezer drawer. Unlike a side-by-side refrigerator, the interior shelving is the full width of the unit. This Samsung refrigerator is available… in white and black, and in stainless-steel and platinum finishes for $200 more. The top-rated 26-cubic-foot Samsung French-door refrigerator costs less than most refrigerators of this style. It has a filtered interior ice and water dispenser, electronic controls and a quick-chill feature to rapidly cool down drinks or other items. Owners say that it is exceptionally quiet and spacious, with plenty of storage.

See more photos, specs, and reviews

Side-by-side refrigerators are a good choice for narrow kitchens where door clearance is an issue. However, they are the most repair-prone type of refrigerators, mainly because most have through-the-door ice and water… dispensers that can be problematic. The 25-cubic-foot GE GSH25JFXWW receives strong expert and user recommendations and has fewer than the usual number of reliability complaints for this type of refrigerator. It has a filtered, through-the-door ice and water dispenser, spill-proof glass shelves, adjustable door bins and is Energy Star-rated. It's available in white, bisque, black and (for about $200 more) stainless steel. Note that the stainless-steel version has black sides, so it may not be the best choice if the sides of the refrigerator are exposed in your kitchen.

See more photos, specs, and reviews