Refrigerator Review

Refrigerator tests and reliability ratings

Though very few reviewers do extensive comparison testing of refrigerators, Consumer Reports is a notable exception. Testing is reasonable, balanced and clearly explained. Best choices are named in a variety of refrigerator types, and top values are further singled out. ConsumerGuide.com also reports on lots of refrigerators. Unfortunately, the reports are more centered on features than performance, and there's no sign that extensive testing is being conducted. Still, the site does point out important ergonomic and functional factors that could be important considerations when buying a new refrigerator.

Some overseas testing organizations, such as Great Britain's Which? and Australia's Choice magazines, do good comparative testing of refrigerators as well. However, while the brands are the same as those sold here, model numbers are different, making those reviewers most useful to potential buyers in their own countries.

When it comes to refrigerators, one of the biggest issues is long-term reliability, which is something that professional reviewers often don't have the ability to comment on. That's why user reviews play an especially important role in pointing the way to the best refrigerators. Sites where you can read owner-written reviews include Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, Sears.com, HomeDepot.com and more. Refrigerator discussions and recommendations can also be found at user forums such as GardenWeb.com's appliance forums.

Speaking of reliability, certain types of refrigerators, and certain refrigerator features, are more problem-prone than others. For example, if you're interested in a model with a through-the-door ice maker and water dispenser, be aware that this component is responsible for the great majority of repair issues. On average, 20 percent of these refrigerators end up needing repair, according to owner surveys. Refrigerators with interior ice makers can also be problematic, but not as much as side-by-side or French-door refrigerators with a through-the-door ice maker/dispenser.

Among specific refrigerator brands, surveys say that GE Monogram, Whirlpool and Kenmore side-by-side refrigerators are generally more reliable than Frigidaire, Maytag, KitchenAid and Amana side-by-sides.

When it comes to refrigerators without an ice maker, Maytag leads in breakdowns by a fair margin, according to large owner surveys, but performance-wise, Maytag doesn't fare much better or worse than others. Note that in March 2009, 1.6 million Maytag side-by-side and bottom-freezer refrigerators were recalled. Possible electrical failure represents a fire hazard. Also affected are some Jenn-Air, Admiral, Crosley and Magic Chef refrigerators. As of the date of the recall, 41 fires and 16 reports of kitchen damage had been reported to the Consumer Products Safety Commission. Maytag has set up a recall website to answer questions and schedule free repairs to affected models.

You might be surprised to know that only a few companies actually manufacture refrigerators, often under several brand names. For example, in 2001, Amana was acquired by Maytag, which merged with Whirlpool in 2006. Whirlpool also makes most refrigerators for the Kenmore label. So that means Whirlpool now owns a huge share of the appliance market, offering refrigerators and other products under Maytag, Amana, KitchenAid, Kenmore, Jenn-Air and a few lesser-known brands. GE, Samsung, Sub-Zero, Viking and LG remain independent -- at least for now.