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Refrigerators: Ratings of Sources
Total of 17 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. ConsumerReports.org
Oct. 2010
Refrigerators
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAbout twice a year, ConsumerReports.org publishes large roundups like this one on its website, which includes more than 100 top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, built-in and compact refrigerators. No other reviewer comes close to testing this many refrigerators. The editors evaluate temperature performance, noise, usable capacity and ease of use. A sidebar to this article is a chart demonstrating results from reliability surveys. Refrigerators with through-the-door ice and water dispensers seem to be the most problematic. User reviews are also now available for many models.
2. Good Housekeeping
Nov. 6, 2009
French-Door Refrigerators
by Editors of Good Housekeeping
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentGood Housekeeping editors test 12 French-door refrigerators by measuring temperature fluctuations and evaluating ease of use. Although energy use and noise aren't evaluated and individual models aren't given any kind of performance scores, the write-up for each refrigerator is detailed and insightful. Each of the 12 fridges is ranked in order from best to worst in a slideshow with photographs of each model.
3. HomeDepot.com
As of Feb. 2011
Refrigerators Reviews
by Contributors to HomeDepot.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentHomeDepot.com allows users to post reviews of products they own. The site has recently switched to a new review system that allows users to quickly browse products based on the rating or number of reviews received. This is a little confusing because the model name and number are not easily visible, unless users click on the review. Although most refrigerators receive only a few reviews, several have more.
4. AJMadison.com
As of Feb. 2011
Refrigerators Reviews
by Contributors to AJMadison.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentLike HomeDepot.com, AJMadison.com recently switched to a new review system that allows products to be browsed based on average rating or number of reviews. One advantage is that AJMadison.com verifies that reviewers actually own the product being discussed, which cuts down on some of the noise sometimes seen on other consumer review sites. The manufacturer and model number are easy to see. The LG LRBP1031W gets more than 50 reviews, with almost perfect ratings. This model has been discontinued, but it's still available at this retailer. One owner does say the crisper drawer cracked; another reports a problem with the main circuit board.
5. BestBuy.com
As of Feb. 2011
Refrigerators
by Contributors to BestBuy.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBestBuy.com is a great place to read user reviews of refrigerators. Lots of models are listed, and the rating and number of reviews each refrigerator gets is listed right on the main navigation page. While most refrigerators only receive a review or two, others have enough feedback to form a good impression of how happy owners are with their purchase. A summary line neatly states what percentage of buyers would recommend the refrigerator to a friend.
6. Sears.com
As of Feb. 2011
Refrigerators
by Contributors to Sears.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentSears.com is another retailer that allows readers to review appliances on its website. This is pretty much the only place to find user reviews of Kenmore refrigerators, since this brand is only sold by Sears. Although there is feedback on lots of models, only a handful receive more than a few reviews. Still, it's worth checking here for owner reviews once you've already narrowed down your choices.
7. ENERGYSTAR.gov
As of Feb. 2011
Refrigerators for Consumers
by Editors of EnergyStar.gov
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe Energy Star program identifies refrigerators that consume 20 percent less power than the current federal standards, and 40 percent less power than typical refrigerators sold in 2001. A continually updated list identifies current refrigerators that are Energy Star-compliant, as well as models that have been discontinued in the last year but still might be available at retailers. Other useful tools here include purchasing tips and a savings calculator.
8. J.D. Power and Associates
Aug. 2010
2010 Home Appliance Study: Refrigerators
by Editors of J.D. Power and Associates
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentIn a survey of about 6,000 consumers, Samsung is deemed the best refrigerator brand for customer satisfaction. Samsung receives a perfect score in all categories. LG and Kenmore Elite are also highly rated, while Hotpoint and Frigidaire receive the poorest scores overall. Survey respondents are not asked about specific models, however, only brands, so the results are geared more toward gauging brand loyalty and associations rather than the quality of specific types or models.
9. TheGreenGuide.com
March 2010
Refrigerator Buying Guide
by James Robertson
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentTheGreenGuide.com, a green-living resource produced by the National Geographic Society, offers advice on buying an energy-efficient refrigerator and tips on reducing your fridge's power consumption. TheGreenGuide.com no longer rates refrigerators.
10. PlanetGreen.com
Jan. 26, 2009
Buy Green: Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
by Brian Merchant
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPlanetGreen.com, part of the Discovery.com network, offers a buyer's guide on bottom-freezer refrigerators. There's some interesting information on eco-friendly fridges here, along with five picks that appear to have been chosen based on efficiency, features and price rather than any formal testing. Unfortunately, most of the recommended refrigerators are now discontinued.
11. Viewpoints.com
As of Feb. 2011
Best Refrigerators
by Contributors to Viewpoints.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentViewpoints.com allows users to review brands and models of numerous products, including refrigerators. Side-by-side refrigerators receive the most reviews here; highly rated models include the KitchenAid KSRG25FVMS and the recently discontinued (but still widely available) Whirlpool Gold GS5VHAXWQ. Kenmore refrigerators (as a whole) also receive very high ratings, but LG and GE Profile fridges get mixed reviews.
12. Choice magazine
Dec. 24, 2010
Fridges: Review and Compare
by Martha Psiroukis
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis is the website for the Australian Consumers' Association, the Australian contemporary of ConsumerReports.org. Editors test 35 frost-free refrigerators for energy efficiency, noise, temperature control and ease of use. A few brands available in the U.S., including Samsung, LG and Whirlpool, are included. However, the model numbers don't correspond due to differences in voltage and features.
13. Which? magazine
Not Dated
Fridge Freezer Reviews
by Editors of Which?
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWhich? magazine is Britain's equivalent to ConsumerReports.org. In their latest round of testing, editors evaluate 159 refrigerators for ease of use, usable space, noise, cooling power, freezer compartments, uniform temperatures and temperature stability. Results from a reliability survey are also included. Seventeen models are named best buys. Many brands tested are available in the U.S., but the model numbers are different.
14. Epinions.com
As of Feb. 2011
Refrigerators
by Contributors to Epinions.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEpinions.com is often less helpful regarding large appliances than in some other product areas. Owners typically give their refrigerators high ratings in reviews, or use the site as a forum to complain about a problematic model. Most models only receive one or two reviews, so there aren't enough write-ups here to give us much confidence in the indication of top models. The lowest-rated models seem to garner the most reviews.
15. GardenWeb.com
As of Feb. 2011
Appliances Forum
by Contributors to GardenWeb.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentGardenWeb.com features forums where users can discuss household questions and issues. There are several posts in the appliance section about refrigerators, but it takes some time to search through the hundreds of topic threads. The focus here is primarily on luxury appliances. Recent threads include advice on freezer compartment doors vs. drawers, a comparison of Electrolux, Bosch and KitchenAid fridges and a discussion of the Miele KF1911Vi bottom-freezer refrigerator.
16. Abby'sGuide.com
As of Feb. 2011
The Best Refrigerators
by Editors of AbbysGuide.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAbbysGuide.com offers information on many topics relating to refrigerators, including how to keep your energy costs down, how to clean a unit and brief overviews of refrigerator types. Although some refrigerators are mentioned, none are tested. The editors recommend top-freezer models for "best overall capacity, energy efficiency, and cost."
17. RefrigeratorPro.com
As of Feb. 2011
Top 10 Refrigerators
by Editors of RefrigeratorPro.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWe are not sure what to make of this site. While there's a ton of useful information here, there's also a heavy -- and sometimes heavy-handed -- emphasis on marketing. With that in mind, we think a visit here could be worthwhile as part of information gathering, but specific refrigerator recommendations probably should be taken with a grain of salt.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

Read more about our Ratings Criteria by clicking the link at the top of the page.
 
 
 
  
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Refrigerators Runners Up:

Amana AFD2535DEW *Est. $1,300

2 picks including: AJMadison.com, RefrigeratorPro.com…

Samsung RF267AEWP *Est. $1,700

2 picks including: BestBuy.com…

     
 
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Amana 25 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator, AFD2535DEW, White
In Stock.
Average Customer Review:  
  
 
 
 

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