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If the home is a family's universe, the refrigerator is the sun. Everything revolves around it, from breakfasts to-go, healthy lunches, and rowdy dinners around the table. That's why getting a new refrigerator is kind of a big deal. There are tons of factors to consider — everything from configuration and dimensions to finishes and special features. Of course, there's no getting around the price: They're expensive. But if you want a top pick from a reliable brand that will stand steady in your family's orbit for years to come, you're in the right place.
The Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Technology Lab evaluates fridges on their ability to regulate temperatures for grocery list staples like lettuce, deli meat, and frozen foods. That's in addition to looking at shelf configuration, type of controls, helpfulness of the manual, and more. (Scroll to the bottom of this story for more information on our testing process.)
Our top Lab pick is the GE Profile Series French-Door Refrigerator, complete with a Keurig K-Cup Brewing System. It scored highest on temperature maintenance and uniformity testing and wowed our Lab experts with its smart design features. It's also Wi-Fi enabled, so you can adjust settings, preheat water for coffee, and more with the downloadable app.
Overall, we think these are the best refrigerators to buy in 2019:
Best Overall Refrigerator: GE Profile Series French-Door Refrigerator
Best Refrigerator for Families: Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator
Best Value Refrigerator: Maytag Wide French Door Refrigerator
Best Door-in-Door Refrigerator: LG InstaView Door-in-Door
Best Smudge-Proof Refrigerator: Kenmore Elite French Door
Best Counter-Depth Refrigerator: GE Café French-Door Refrigerator
Best Double Freezer Refrigerator: Miele PerfectCool Series
Best Side-by-Side Refrigerator: Whirlpool 36-Inch Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Best Top Freezer Refrigerator: Frigidaire Gallery 30-Inch Top Freezer Refrigerator
Best Bottom Freezer Refrigerator: LG 24.1-cu ft Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
When shopping for a new refrigerator online or in a store, these are the main things you want to consider:
Configuration: The big players are side-by-sides, top-freezers, and bottom-freezers. Side-by-sides require less space for the doors to swing open, but you need to bend down to find food at the base of the fridge and freezer. Bottom-freezers (like French-door models) put the most-used compartment at eye level. Top-freezer fridges cost less but require you to bend to get into the fridge.
Dimensions: Your fridge typically has to fit between counter space, so you'll need to match the width to the layout of your kitchen. Built-ins and cabinet-depth models sit flush with counters and cabinets but may be more costly.
Finishes: Stainless steel is the most popular because it has a sleek-yet-neutral look, but some prefer a white or black fridge (or the recently popular black stainless steel). Built-ins typically offer exterior paneling that matches your kitchen cabinets. Many modern finishes are fingerprint-resistant.
Features: Consider the shelving and internal drawers to see if they work for your family's eating habits. If you like to store a few bottles of wine in the fridge, make sure there's amble height and/or adjustable shelving; if you order pizza frequently you'll probably want to store the box inside. Some fridges also offer humidity controls on crisper drawers, meat or deli drawers, and other features for keeping foods at the ideal storage temp.
Once you make your pick, don't miss our Test Kitchen's ultimate guide to organizing your fridge. Until then, read more about our favorite models:
And no tilde, either!
B.H.Wilson 