What are the Top Rated French Door Refrigerators?
French door refrigerators are the most raved about style since its release because it is very conventional and classy at the same time. What makes the French door refrigerator from side-by-side doors is that the freezer is located separately from the entire fridge. It can be accessed by a pullout drawer at the bottom.
Located on the top is the main refrigerator body, which can be accessed by twin doors. This design is very roomy and you can fit in wide casseroles and plates, or even pizza boxes, something that was difficult to do in side-by-side fridges. Also, food items, especially the ones that you often reach for, are easily accessible because they are at eye level.
Like buying any major appliances, a French door refrigerator can greatly affect your budget because it is expensive compared to other kinds of refrigerators.
It can easily go beyond the $2,000 dollar-mark so make sure that you are sure of the refrigerator that you will pick. Take some time reading through reviews and look at different brands and their features before finally deciding on the best one.
To help you with your search, we have listed top-rated French door refrigerators. This list should give you an idea of what’s out there in the market.
LG LSXS26366D 36" French Door Refrigerator with 26.1 cu. ft. Total Capacity, in Black Stainless Steel
This refrigerator is rated 3.3 out of 5 stars. This fridge has a total of 20.5 cubic feet capacity with 10 cubic feet DuraBase freezer drawer. The left side door of the fridge has a Slim SpacePlus ice system with tall ice and water dispenser.
It features a SmartCoolingPlus system that maintains superior humidity and temperature level and the FreshAir filter helps keep the air around your food from getting stale. The freezer is very roomy, with three tiers for easier organization. LED lighting is also installed.
Whirlpool WRF954CIHM 24 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
This refrigerator is rated 4.0 out of 5 stars. It has a total capacity of 25 cubic feet. It has an additional drawer that is a bit smaller than the main tiered freezer drawer below it.
Installed in one of the double doors is a water and ice dispenser that doesn’t take up too much space inside, so you can still use the racks on either side of the door.
There is temperature control in the middle drawer, which makes it good for storing deli/snacks as well as fruits and vegetables. The motor is fairly quiet and it is also energy-star rated so you won’t have to worry about soaring bills.
Electrolux E23BC79SPS 36 Inch Wide 21.5 Cu. Ft. Energy Star Rated French Door Refrigerator with Smooth-Glide Drawers
This refrigerator is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars and is available in three finishes: Black, Stainless Steel, and White. It is a 36” standard-depth refrigerator with a total of 28 cubic feet capacity. It is great for big families who need large storage area for party trays and box of pizzas.
Some features worth mentioning about this fridge are the Pure Advantage Filtration system that keeps clean filtered air circulating inside the fridge so you’ll be sure that your food items will stay fresh and crisp and the Luxury Design Lighting that beautifully illuminates the interior of the refrigerator.
Samsung RF28NHEDBSR / RF28NHEDBSR/AA / RF28NHEDBSR/AA 28 Cu. Ft. Stainless 4-Door French Door Refrigerator
This refrigerator is rated 3.8 out of 5 stars. It has the same appearance as the Whirlpool French door refrigerator because it has the same pull out drawer for fruits and deli, to keep them fresh and crisp. This fridge is big – it has a total of 31 cubic feet capacity.
Samsung refrigerator features a twin cooling system that helps with the airflow inside the fridge to keep your food from going stale. It also has a near commercial grade humidity levels that prevents food from spoiling and drier freezer air that produces better-tasting frozen food. It comes with an ice and water dispenser that can produce up to 10 pounds of ice per day.
Frigidaire FGHD2368TD Gallery Series 36 Inch Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator in Black Stainless Steel
Buyer’s Guide
When buying a French door refrigerator, there are a few essential things that you should consider.
Size
First, the most important factor is to choose the right size for your kitchen. If you search for refrigerators online, you will notice that most of them are sorted by their internal space, usually measured in cubic feet.
However, the external space is even more critical, since you want the refrigerator to fit where you will be placing it. If you are replacing your current fridge, you will need to buy a new one of very similar external dimensions. You should measure your current fridge’s width and depth, from the wall to the front of the refrigerator, and also its height.
It is a little bit different if you are not replacing a current fridge, but just buying a new one. You have to measure the available space and decide if it will fit.
First, measure the depth, not only at waist height but also at the top and the bottom, too. Then, take several width and height measurements.
Also, don’t forget to leave an extra inch at the top, the sides, and at the back, because the refrigerator will need to have proper air circulation.
Measuring the Space
Additionally, you should measure the entryways you will have to use to get the refrigerator to your kitchen; if you are moving a new refrigerator through multiple rooms to reach the kitchen, you don’t want to get stuck. You will need to plan all of these things carefully before deciding which fridge to buy.
Also, most manufacturers put a lot of emphasis on the internal space of the refrigerator. Although it is important, it is more critical to have a good layout of drawers and shelves, than to worry about the actual volume.
Most refrigerators have a capacity that will satisfy regular families and single people, but not all of them have a handy layout.
Door Style
Besides the internal and external dimensions, it is also essential to choose the right door style of your fridge. Although French doors are very popular, you might also want to consider other styles depending on your budget and your kitchen style and layout. Note that every door style has its own set of pros and cons with individual design.
French door models have a freezer mounted at the bottom, which opens like a drawer. In the refrigerator section, there are two half-width doors. This seems to be the best style, according to those who use this type of fridge.
Besides French door models, there are also side-by-side fridges. They are split vertically, while the freezer is usually on the left and the refrigerator on the right.
There are also top-freezer models that have a freezer mounted on top, and a full-width fridge door below. This is what is often seen as the standard layout for a refrigerator. Although the French door models are very popular, top freezer models are still the most-used types of refrigerators.
You should also consider under-counter fridges or counter-depth fridges since they are shorter than the standard refrigerators, and will neatly integrate with your countertop. It will give your kitchen a more open feel. There are a few reasons why you might want to consider a counter-depth fridge. At first, they are great if you are tight on kitchen space.
Also, if you care about the actual look and feel of the kitchen space, counter-depth fridges might be a good thing to consider. They line up with the counters, giving your kitchen a very symmetric and neat look. Also, if you don’t need all the storage that a full-depth fridge can provide, this is a good alternative.
Some other refrigerator styles are not that popular. Column fridges are built-ins that have a refrigerator and a freezer completely separated. There are also integrated fridges which are similar to built-ins but can be even more concealed to look like the cabinets in the kitchen.
Types of Fridges
Now, let’s see what type of fridge is ideal for what. French-style refrigerators are suitable if you eat mostly fresh products and dairy items. This makes it ideal for most families that have three or more members.
A French-door fridge is very practical. Since the actual fridge sections are usually at waist or eye level, items like fruits, vegetables, milk, and beverages are kept in an area that is easy to reach.
A French-style freezer is also useful if you don’t mind having a less organized freezer space. French-style freezers usually have very little shelving, and they typically have two big drawers.
However, most people who have used this type of freezer state that they lose items in the drawers since they are quite poorly organized. If you eat a lot of frozen food, it might be better to consider a side-by-side or a top freezer.
Also, if you often put wide dishes and containers in the fridge, a French-door fridge might be ideal for you. No matter if it is a pizza box or a large turkey, it will more likely fit in the French-door fridge than in a narrower style, like a side-to-side fridge.
If your kitchen space limits you, a French-door freezer might be a perfect choice, since the door pulls out straight, so it is not limited by the wall on any side of the fridge. The double doors of this fridge style extend only half as far as a single, full-width door, which can save space, and is perfect for narrower environments.
Budget
Don’t forget about your budget. If you are willing to buy a French-door fridge, you should have the budget for it because with all the added features and extra freezer space, you will be paying more. For a standard depth fridge of around 36 inches, which includes an ice maker, and a stainless finish, you can expect to pay even more than a French-door fridge.
Usually, the more money you spend, the greater the capacity and additional features are. However, the higher price doesn’t guarantee longevity, reliability, or better food conservation. Usually, the higher-priced French-door fridges will include additional capacity and features.
On the other hand, there might be several reasons why you might want to consider a side-by-side fridge. At first, if you eat more frozen than fresh food, a side-by-side refrigerator can be a great option.
They have more vertical storage space which can be used for frozen food. Besides, it is much easier to organize frozen food, mainly because the frozen sections have more shelving that is at eye-level, making it easier find the product you are looking for.
Also, if you want premium features at an excellent price, a side-by-side fridge should be considered. They usually cost several hundred dollars less than French door refrigerators and have the same quality of the interior. In the end, if your kitchen space limits you, side-by-side fridges are also suitable for narrower kitchens, mainly because the swing radius of the door isn’t as wide as the door of a traditional, top-freezer unit. These are critical things to consider if you want to buy a side-by-side fridge.
There are also several reasons why you might want to decide to buy a top-freezer. If your budget is lower than $1,000, a top-freezer might be the best solution because you can find a great, high-quality freezer, with more than enough storage space in this price range. Also, it is a good choice if you care about reliability.
Top-freezers usually don’t come with too many unique features, which means there are fewer parts to break or wear out. If you are, on the other hand, concerned about energy efficiency, you should note that many of the models are energy-efficient, compared to other types of fridges.
Also, don’t buy used refrigerators, since comparable fridges made 10 years ago are much less energy-efficient. If you have a lot of space in your kitchen, a top-freezer might be ideal for you. However, be sure to measure before you buy it. No matter how much free space you have in your kitchen, note that top-freezers can still be pretty space-consuming.
So, let’s talk about the counter-depth fridges, and what they are suitable for. You should aim for a counter-depth fridge if you are very tight on kitchen space. If you have a galley kitchen or a specific kitchen layout that consumes a lot of space, these types of fridges are a good option for you.
Also, if you care a lot about how your fridge looks in your kitchen, or if the actual look of the whole kitchen is important to you, these fridges can be ideal for you.
They look trim and can give a nice, open feel to your kitchen than what standard refrigerators can offer. If you don’t need a lot of storage, like what you can get with a full-depth fridge, a counter-depth fridge can be a great choice. If you go shopping often and don’t make big, weekly shopping trips, you might not need lots of storage. In that case, you might want to opt for a counter-depth fridge.
Other Considerations
There are also some other things to consider, no matter what type of fridge you want to buy.
Finish
One of the most popular finishes is stainless steel. Besides being very durable, it will also fit in with most kitchen decors and layouts. On new models, fingerprint-resistant finishes are also available, which is an excellent choice. However, be aware that not every stainless steel fridge will hold magnets.
If you like to stick magnets on the refrigerator, be sure to take a magnet with you when shopping so that you can test the fridge. A lovely option is black stainless steel, with a dark polymer coating. It is much easier to keep clean than traditional stainless steel.
Also, in most cases, it will look much better and will add a modern feeling to your kitchen. However, regular glossy black and white stainless steel are not always available on higher-end models, and bright colors are reserved mostly for retro-style fridges.
Some people want to match the fridge with other appliances. However, no matter the color of the refrigerator and other appliances, it might still not look “matched.” The best idea is that you buy most of the appliances in your kitchen from the same brand. That way, you will ensure that it will all match properly.
Handle Style
Handle style is essential when you are buying a new fridge. It is the only part of the refrigerator that is visible when it is closed. There are two main types of handles. There is a European style, which is smooth and more ergonomic looking, and there are pro handles, which are usually straight, textural, and in some ways, “industrial” looking.
You will often need to pay for a pro handle because it is a premium feature. There are also handle-less fridges, but they are less popular and are also less practical. There is usually a groove on the side of the refrigerator which is how you open the fridge. However, an actual handle is much easier to grab.
Drawers and Shelves
When buying a new fridge, you should also consider the functionality of the drawers and shelves. Drawers with rollers will be much easier and smoother to open and close than those that glide on a plastic rail. Although it might not seem too important now, you will notice its importance after a few months or years of use.
A folding shelf is also a good option because it lets you put tall bottles in the door without having to adjust the height of the shelves. Also, a gallon door storage can free up much space, since you can keep your milk or juice in the door. Note that many French-door fridges come with a full-width drawer, which can be an excellent space for keeping snacks and fruit where kids can easily reach them.
Icemakers and ice water dispensers are other great things that you should look for when buying a fridge. Although you might not need them all the time, they can be very useful. They are very convenient. However, they have some bad sides, too. As experts say, they are the first things to break among all the parts of the fridge.
Climate Control
Note that multi-zone climate control is also an efficient and useful feature to have. However, most refrigerators have this function, and it shouldn’t be paid for as a premium feature.
Noise Level
This is a vital thing to consider when buying a fridge. It can be the one thing that drives people crazy. There are many websites online on which you can find the levels of noise that certain refrigerators provide. It can be pretty bad if the fridge is very noisy and you have to listen to it throughout the day or if it is near your bedroom and keeps you awake all night.
Smart Fridge
In today’s modern era, you can also find a new type of fridge — a smart fridge. Most of these fridges have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support, and some even have touchscreen tablets and cameras on the inside. They also come with apps that allow you to create grocery lists and decide the interior temperature of the fridge.
However, the circuit boards on these types of refrigerators are known to break, and they also have various security concerns. Like other smart technology, smart fridges are hackable, and security patches are not updated often. It happened that Samsung smart fridges were hacked, and users' Gmail information was exposed.
Energy Efficiency
So, what do you do when it comes to energy efficiency? You should know that almost all new fridges are much more energy-efficient than the older models. If you switch from an older to a modern refrigerator, you will notice a drop in your electric bill.
Using a calculator online, we have calculated that if you replace a 10-year-old fridge, you will save around $30 per year, and if you replace a 25-year-old refrigerator with a modern one, you will save up to $200 per year. That is a significant improvement.
When to Purchase
You should also think about when is the best time to buy a fridge. According to various online sources, the best time to buy a refrigerator is in the spring. In that period, most of the manufacturers release new models and cut prices of the old ones.
Depending on your budget, it can be crucial to aim for the spring when buying a new fridge. However, let’s suppose that you don’t have time to wait and need to buy a new fridge right now. If that’s the case, note that most retailers have various types of sales throughout the year, especially holiday sales, like around the 4th of July, Black Friday, and Christmas.
Lifespan and Warranty
Another vital thing to consider is how long should the fridge last. However, that might vary from one fridge to another. The usual lifespan of a refrigerator should be at least 10 to 15 years, according to most experts.
The best way to be sure about the fridge quality is to read user reviews about the model that you want to buy. Most manufacturers will state that their product is of high-quality and made to last, although that might not be the case.
It is also advantageous to purchase a fridge with an extended warranty. It is the best thing that you can do to protect your fridge in the long-term. Most manufacturers will provide you with a 1-year warranty, even on costly, high-end refrigerators.
However, experts state that if your fridge lasts for the first four years, it is very like to last to about 10 or 15 years. The first four years are the period when most failures and malfunctions will happen.
Extended Warranty
The extended warranty should be bought from the manufacturer, but only if it is less than 20 percent of the cost of the fridge. They will usually cost between $100 and $300, but note that not all warranties are the same. There are a few factors that are worth prioritizing.
Firstly, one of the things is food-spoilage reimbursement. This can typically cover up to $200 worth of groceries. Note that most fridges will take more than a day to be fully repaired and functional again.
Another thing to consider is a reimbursement if the warranty goes unused. Note that some retailers will give you back up to 50% of the cash that you paid for the warranty if you never used the warranty.
Also, there are two significant, nice-to-have, but not mandatory features. The first one should be new filters. Filters need to be changed regularly, usually every six months. The second thing should be free, yearly preventive checkups. Those are all essential things to consider when buying a new fridge.
FAQ
Which French-door refrigerator brand is the best?
When you are buying a French-door refrigerator, there are many other things to be considered than just a brand. However, some popular brands have built trust among customers over the years. These usually include LG and Samsung refrigerators, which seem to be two of the best.
Are French-door fridges better?
This usually depends on what you’re looking for, the amount of space you have, and what you need for storage areas. Before buying a French door fridge, think about the other factors that we mentioned and decide if it is a good fit for you and your kitchen.
Also, note that French-door fridges will usually cost more than the standard ones, but will also look more modern.
Which refrigerator brand is the most reliable?
When it comes to the reliability and longevity of the fridge, we have to mention LG again. However, besides the LG, there are other great manufacturers, such as Samsung, GE, and Frigidaire.
What is the best refrigerator model in 2019?
After reviewing most of the refrigerators from 2019, we like the Whirlpool WRX735SDHZ in terms of the price and the quality it provides.
Besides the spring, what is the best time to buy a refrigerator?
One of the best periods for buying a new refrigerator is in May, according to experts. That is when you can get the best deals. Also, any holiday weekend or the end of the month can be a good time for getting a new refrigerator.
What are the obvious signs that you should buy a new refrigerator?
Some people buy a new refrigerator only because they want to add a modern feel to their kitchen. However, there are some obvious signs that you need to buy a new one. If the motor is running hot, food is rapidly spoiling, or your freezer is more than 10 years old, it may be the right time for a change.
Should I repair my refrigerator or buy a new one?
If it is a minor problem, and your fridge is just a few years old, you should repair it. However, if your refrigerator is more than 10 years old, and you have a significant failure, you should look for a new one.
If it is an old fridge, even if you repair it, it is just a matter of time before another failure is going to pop up, which will cost you much more in the long-term than buying a new fridge. Also, your warranty won’t last for 10 years.
How do I know if the refrigerator door seal is bad?
A door seal is one of the essential parts of any refrigerator. No matter how good the fridge is, if the seal is bad, cold air escapes and your fridge will be working harder trying to keep the interior cold; this is obviously a waste of energy and money.
One of the best ways to test the seal is a so-called “paper test.” Just put a piece of paper between the door and the fridge, close the door, and then pull. If the paper can slip out easily, it means that the seal is bad. If that is the case, it is time for replacing the seal.
Conclusion
Make sure to check out several models of French door refrigerators and look at the reviews and ratings left by other customers. More or less, you’ll have an idea of what it’s going to like to own a certain brand of refrigerator, without actually having to try it first hand.
This is important so you’ll be sure about your purchase. French door refrigerators are very expensive and you won’t want to waste money, time, and effort returning it if it didn’t suit your needs.