Your fridge is by far the heart of your kitchen. This is the heart of storing the most delicious dishes and the main ingredients and drinks. Thus, each person in your family will use the refrigerator several times a day.
It goes without saying that it's worth investing in a refrigerator from a trusted brand that matches the design of your home.
However, the thought of spending days researching on the Internet is exhausting. However, if you don't think enough about your purchase, you run the risk of buying a kitchen appliance that doesn't meet your expectations and needs.
As a result, the refrigerator may break. Since time is the most important commodity in which we live, I have researched and created this simple guide to make the purchase process easy and safe.
Today you'll learn all about the fridge brands to avoid from now on, as well as some actual trade names that are worth your attention.
So feel free to check out the list below and learn more about the worst refrigerator brands. Also, learn how to make the right decision from now on.
Warning labels indicating a fridge brand to avoid
There is nothing wrong with saying that a refrigerator can be the most important investment in kitchen organization. But when people prefer to buy the lowest price and quality, their decision may cause money loss and trouble. In addition, an inferior device can also endanger health.
A refrigerator must function properly to keep food and drinks at the right temperature. But how can you be sure you're making the right choice and buying a refrigerator that will keep your food fresh, healthy, and safe?
Well, a good place to start would be to do a lot of research.
But first, let's review some of the more common problems that make a refrigerator an unreliable product. After reviewing the points below, you'll know what to look for when evaluating your options.
What are the main red flags that will help you spot unreliable refrigerator brands?
If you notice any of the following irregularities, it's a sign that you may need to skip branding a device:
1.Poor quality construction and materials.
Do the refrigerator materials look flimsy and of low quality? When manufacturers commit to refrigerator design, they are more likely to have long-term negative experiences.
On the other hand, high-quality materials and accessories have a significant impact on the longevity of the refrigerator. The best test to verify the build quality of the refrigerator is to check the comments of other customers.
Are you satisfied with the purchase and construction of this particular refrigerator?
Above!The best and strongest material for building a refrigerator is stainless steel. This timeless material helps the fridge stand the test of time (both in terms of strength and appearance).
2.The doors don't close well
One of the main criteria when choosing a refrigerator is to look at the overall dimensions of this indispensable device. Therefore, buyers will carefully measure the place where they need to repair a refrigerator at the same time as measuring the space so that there are no errors.
On the other hand, many customers would consider the capacity of the fridge and freezer. Especially for storing drinks and building your wine fridge, it is important to choose a fridge of the right size.
While the depth of the refrigerator is a key part of this unit, there is another aspect to consider for future customers: do the doors fit correctly? Do they form the perfect seal if left closed?
If the doors don't fit correctly and don't seal evenly, there can be ongoing efficiency issues. The consequences are cold air leaks, insufficient refrigeration temperatures, and extra energy to keep food and drinks frozen.
3.Forehead
Some specific failures can damage refrigerators and cause failure. When looking for the best refrigerator models and companies, it's important to look for complaints about ice makers, the cooling process, WiFi connection issues, and water sources.
These are all specific features of smart fridges.
- Short or limited warranties
Whether you're looking for a single door refrigerator, perhaps a side-by-side, a retro unit, or the most modern refrigerator on the market, be sure to check the warranty. Does the contract meet your expectations? Or are you limited by parts and labor?
The longer and more complete the warranty, the more people will understand that the repair should be resorted to. On the other hand, the more incomplete your insurance coverage, the more expensive a service that is easy to pay for can become.
Also, there are warranties from world-known brands that are really complicated. These files are difficult to read and understand, and the last thing you want is high cost or little help from the manufacturer.
- leaks
Leaks are one of the common problems when it comes to refrigerators. For example, if you buy a refrigerator with a water pipe and a water dispenser, there are possible leaks on a daily basis.
Keep an eye out for potential leaks early on to avoid potentially worse problems.
- expensive fridge items
Let's go back to the guarantee points. What happens if parts of the fridge and freezer break? Does the warranty cover replacement? If the answer is yes, reconsider buying a specific type of refrigerator and look for a better brand under the terms of the contract.
- long waiting times
Another aspect that says more about the quality of a fridge is the waiting time and talking to customer service. The easier it is for customer service to resolve a problem, the more trustworthy the refrigerator brand is.
How long did customer service take? Ten minutes? Half an hour? Maybe more? While some companies are notorious for slow customer service, others excel at resolving customer issues quickly and efficiently.
You also don't want to wait long for the replacement part. Imagine some refrigerator features that once broke; the device no longer works.
Also, what if you need someone to fix the broken fridge and they're late?
If you have to wait weeks, the freezer or refrigerator will not work and the food will spoil.
Therefore, people need to consider the huge amounts of food that they will end up wasting.
- bad customer service
Last but not least, one of the worst things that can happen when buying a refrigerator is lousy customer service. Always check what people are saying about their experience and get stuck with lousy customer service.
So look for brands with fast, informed, helpful, and courteous customer service. When customer service is poor, especially when it comes to critical solutions, your stress levels will be quite high.
Fridge Brands to Avoid: Stay Away From These Models
Now that we have a better understanding of the key benchmarks related to refrigerator features, it's time to get down to the facts. Here is a complete list of the worst fridge and freezer brands that people should look twice.
So, let's talk about some of the underperforming brands:
Frigidaire (FGHB2866PF - French Door)
Although Frigidaire is one of the highest-rated consumer and commercial appliance brands in the United States, sometimes things don't go as smoothly as expected. The portfolio is complete and combines different refrigerators and freezers in different sizes and designs. Thus, people can choose between column freezers, French doors and top freezers.
However, the Frigidaire FGHB2866PF model was the failure of this brand. Customers were not satisfied with their purchase and encountered many problems. These are some of the features that the manufacturer has promised:
- adjustable interior storage
- digital temperature control
- sharper drawers
- Quick freeze
- Scratch-proof stainless steel
Despite the many advanced features offered by the brand, there have been many complaints; Customer forums talked about the quality and guarantee of this brand of refrigerators. Take a look at the solution some users are experiencing:
- Bad warranty and customer service.
- misaligned doors
- Problems with the cooling function
- faulty ice maker
- Expensive and long wait to call a handyman
- The water dispenser and the handle are very delicate.
KitchenAid Refrigerators
The next brand to pay more attention to when it comes to refrigerators is KitchenAid. While this is also a popular name in the appliance space, the brand has had some issues with some refrigerator models.
The company makes models of side-by-side, counter-depth, and French-door freezers. Although the quality was lower than expected, KitchenAid refrigerator types are very expensive.
Some of them are over $9,000. Customer forums give almost 4 out of 5 stars overall rating. There have been various complaints about KitchenAid products, such as:
- problems with water leaks
- Terrible customer service
- Strange snoring after a few months of use
- Design flaws that cause problems with the ice maker
- The material starts to rust after a while.
Most of the complaintsRefrigerator features such as lights, doors, or ice maker. I bet you don't want to buy from a brand that has similar problems as their products. However, most of the bad reviews are related to long wait times for repairs.
Whirlpool (fingerprint resistant)
Who has not heard of Whirlpool products? This is one of the best refrigerator brands with a rich history and reputation in the home appliance industry.
Whirlpool produces a wide range of refrigerators in different sizes and styles at really competitive prices. The main models of Whirlpool refrigerators are French doors and freezers.
Although people generally love and buy Whirlpool products, the anti-fingerprint refrigerator is of poor quality. While features like a stainless steel finish, a dual vaporizer sensor, or auto deforestation are quite attractive, there are a few critical points our readers need to keep in mind:
- Internal space allocation problem
- The drawer handle is not strong enough
- French Door Alignment Issues
- Terrible customer service
- Unfortunate interior layout
- Leaks in the ice maker
Nevera Maytag
Another brand that people should avoid or think twice before buying is Maytag. This brand produces different models such as French Door, Bottom or Side by Side freezers.
Although the overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars, there may be some issues to be aware of when purchasing.
Customers complain about this company's refrigerator filters, which can be a bit expensive.
Other questions related to refrigerators or refrigerator doors, as well as policies and guarantees of the brand. Also, customers were upset by the company's support team.
Bosch (800 series refrigerator)
Bosch is by far one of the most trusted and innovative home appliance brands out there. The brand has a rich product portfolio with innovative features in its product line.
However, some of the future customers will be happy to see the Bosch name on the list of the worst refrigerators. And here's why: Bosch's 800 series isn't as glamorous as people used to think:
- Poor shelf design resulting in less interior space
- Problem with water leaks.
- Problems with the ice machine.
- Some of the components are of low quality.
LG (LRMDS3006S)
LG is by far one of the most trusted brands when it comes to refrigerators. But they also have problematic products. For example, your LRMDS3006S model should not be on people's shopping lists. The reason?
Well, they promise innovative technologies like:
- Stainless steel version for doors
- Smart wifi control function
- elegant interior design
- bright LED lights
- constant internal temperature
- double ice maker
- Compatible LG SmartThinkQ app
But many people have encountered the following problems:
- bad compressor
- leaky friend
- The ice maker stopped working after 3 months.
- bad customer service
Instead, look for these trusted brands.
Since buying one of the above types of refrigerators would be pointless, you should go for a more reliable model. Don't worry about the overwhelming research because we've already done the scanning for you and found the most durable refrigerator makes and models.
As in this guide, we have mentioned some brands and models to avoid. It's time to talk about the most reliable types of refrigerators.
Geladeira Side by Side Kenmore 36″
This is a slim model where the freezer and refrigerator are next to each other. In addition, it has a perfectly functioning ice machine dispenser that offers you ice cubes whenever you need to make a good cocktail.
It has more than enough storage space and is very easy to clean.
Advantages:
- efficient energy
- compact size
- Suitable for storing taller items.
- Flash LED
Unlike:
- a little expensive
Galanz GLR10TBKEFR
This retro-looking template is very eco-friendly, very affordable, and allows you to manually control your article. This means that you can keep your food at exactly the temperature you want.
Advantages:
- Comes in many colors
- adjustable temperature
- Low energy consumption
- cools down quickly
Unlike
- It is smaller compared to other models.
frequent questions
Last but not least, let's see what people looking for a new refrigerator want to know before they make a purchase.
Q: How long do the refrigerators work?
A:On average, a refrigerator works perfectly for about 10-15 years. It matters though, and the US Department of Energy claims that a refrigerator will run for 12 years. After this time, the efficiency of the refrigerator may decrease, leading to high maintenance costs.
Q: What are the top rated refrigerator brands?
A:The most reliable refrigerator brands on the market are LG, Bosch, GE or Beko. However, many other brands on the market are worth people's attention, but they may need to do some research first.
Q: What are the signs of replacing the old refrigerator?
A:After getting past the 12-year average, your freezer may start to show signs of wear. Here are some of the tips to replace the old refrigerator with a new one:
- snoring
- freezing temperature fluctuation
- The back of the refrigerator is warmer than before.
- Food spoils before expiration date has passed
- Signs of ice or condensation
Q: What to do first when the refrigerator stops working?
A:Once the freezer stops working, people have to stock it with lots of ice cubes to prevent food from spoiling.
last thoughts
These were the cooler brands that didn't fare as well this year. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to trying to store food properly. Choose the best models in 2021 and enjoy the main brands of home appliances.
Also read:
The 5 Worst Kitchen Faucet Brands To Avoid – Learn To Spot The Warning Signs
The 10 Worst Dishwasher Brands You Should Avoid At All Costs!
The Worst Brands of Ovens: Avoid These Brands If You Want To Stay Warm
FAQs
Which refrigerator has the most complaints? ›
Samsung refrigerators have been cited in hundreds of complaints to the Consumer Product Safety Commission because of unsafe temperatures and malfunctioning ice makers.
What is the number 1 refrigerator brand? ›LG: The major brand with the highest satisfaction
Among refrigerators from the five major brands, LG fridges seem to make their owners the happiest.
- Best overall refrigerator brand: LG.
- Best budget refrigerator brand: Frigidaire.
- Best high-end refrigerator brand: Sub-Zero.
- Best smart refrigerator brand: Samsung.
- Best energy-efficient refrigerator brand: Whirlpool.
- Most reliable refrigerator brand: GE.
Least Reliable Refrigerators: Bosch and Frigidaire
Puls notes in its report that named Whirlpool and KitchenAid as the most reliable refrigerators, that Whirlpool ranked highly among repair technicians, in part, because of its brand reputation and because many of its appliances are easier to use and repair.
- GE (16.4%)
- Whirlpool (16.0%)
- Frigidaire (13.4%)
What refrigerator styles are the most reliable? French door refrigerators and side-by-side refrigerators tend to last longer than bottom-freezer and top-freezer refrigerators. How long should a refrigerator last? Refrigerators should generally last around 12 years.
Which brand refrigerator is best for home? ›- LG 260 L Frost Free 4-Star refrigerator (GL-I292RSFL) ...
- Whirlpool 340 L Frost Free 3-Star refrigerator (Arctic Steel, IF 355 ELT 3S) ...
- Haier 320 L Frost Free 3-Star refrigerator (HRB-3404PKG-R/E) ...
- Samsung 253 L Frost Free 4-star refrigerator (RT28M3424S8/HL)
Whirlpool. It is a well-known American brand with a large selection of refrigerators, including french doors, side-by-side models, top freezer models, and many others. The premium design and unique features of the Whirlpool refrigerator set it apart from competing brands.
Which refrigerator model is best? ›- Haier refrigerator.
- Samsung refrigerator.
- Dawlance refrigerators.
- Gree refrigerator.
- Kenwood refrigerator.
Unfortunately, many LG users have reported that they have had problems with their compressors. The most common culprit is a faulty seal, which can stop the compressor from being able to run. So, if your fridge is running but not cooling, then there is a good chance you have an issue with your compressor.
Do French door refrigerators have more problems? ›
The average repair on a French door refrigerator is 26 percent more costly than the average repair for side-by-side units. Failures include malfunction of the crushed-ice maker, the bottom freezer not maintaining temperatures, or the icemaker leaking and making loud noises.
Do bottom freezer refrigerators have more problems? ›Heavier Items on the Bottom
Frozen foods can be weighty, especially frozen turkeys and hams. Because your freezer is on the bottom, removing these items will require more work. This can be a safety concern for seniors and anyone who has trouble bending and lifting heavier objects.
- Make sure it'll fit! ...
- Check the EnergyGuide sticker. ...
- See if parts are available. ...
- Find out what your old refrigerator is costing you. ...
- Ask about haul-away and delivery. ...
- Use a braided stainless supply line. ...
- Make sure doors will clear.
Control Board. The control board is one of the most expensive refrigerator parts to fix, at between $80 and $800, because no part of the appliance can function without it.
What is the most common cause of refrigerator failure? ›The three most common reasons for failures that we see as a result of wear & tear are a mechanically locked compressor, failure of the fan motor, and dirty condenser coils. The refrigerator's compressor is the heart of the cooling system; without a working compressor the refrigerator cannot function.
Is Maytag or Whirlpool better? ›Both brands will deliver a durable product and a quality clean. Maytag washing machines provide a greater value and display of features compared to Whirlpool, whereas with Whirlpool, you will find a greater selection of top-load and front-load products with a wider range of price points.
What month are refrigerators on sale? ›Ozkuzey says generally retailers offer the best deals on appliances around Independence Day, Labor Day and Black Friday, with Black Friday being the biggest of the three. "You can find more moderate savings around Memorial Day and Christmas, and minor savings around Martin Luther King Jr.
What shortens the life of a refrigerator? ›A loose or torn gasket (or one caked with gunk) doesn't seal tightly. This wastes energy and causes the fridge to work harder, shortening its lifespan. Make it a habit to clean the gasket with warm water twice a year to remove any residue. Then check the seal for tears and replace it if you find any.
Which style of refrigerator is the most energy efficient? ›side-by-side fridges or top-mount freezer vs. side-by-side fridges — yes, it does matter where that freezer sits: The most energy efficient refrigerator style is a top-mount freezer refrigerator.
What is the biggest problem with Samsung refrigerators? ›Unsafe internal temperatures are among the serious issues cited in hundreds of consumer complaints submitted to the CPSC's federal safety database. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has confirmed it is investigating Samsung refrigerators.
Has LG fixed their refrigerator compressor problem? ›
LG has knowingly not made any changes to their compressors and despite the reply om this post is pit out most likely by a PR yes man by LG. It is now 2021 and I am still replacing LG compressors on a weekly and sometimes daily basis.
Is LG a good fridge to buy? ›Samsung and LG are some of the top and popular refrigerator brands across the globe. This gives them a reason to value their reputation above profit. Collectively, their refrigerators are some of the most reliable in the market. Due to their popularity too, it is also easier to fix an LG or Samsung refrigerator.
Which French door refrigerator has the least problems? ›Whirlpool is the top choice for a reliable French door refrigerator brand, according to the J.D. Power's report. KitchenAid and Samsung follow in second and third place, respectively. Another notable finding: The Puls report also named Whirlpool as the overall most reliable home-appliance brand.
Are side by side refrigerators better? ›A side by side refrigerator features more freezer capacity and lets you store both fresh and frozen items at eye level. Both types of refrigerators are available in standard- or counter-depths, as well as freestanding or built-in installation styles. They both tend to offer the most overall capacity vs.
Which is better side by side or top freezer refrigerator? ›Top freezers have more room than bottom freezers in comparably-sized refrigerators. They are also the most energy efficient. The Department of Energy says top freezers use up to 25 percent less energy than side-by-side or bottom freezers, so they save money.
What's better top or bottom freezer? ›The compressor is much closer on a bottom freezer unit, so it can be harder to keep heat out. As reported by the U.S. Department of Energy, top freezers use about 10 to 25 percent less energy than bottom freezers, which helps reduce your energy bill, electricity consumption, and carbon footprint.
Which is better top or bottom refrigerator? ›The appliances' Energy Star ratings and particular usage will vary depending on make and model, but it's a safe bet that a top-freezer fridge is more energy efficient. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, refrigerators with top freezers use 10 to 25 percent less energy than ones with bottom freezers.
Why is bottom freezer better? ›Most of the time, bottom freezers have more storage. “Bottom freezers generally offer larger sizes, better organization [with features like] pull-out baskets, and varied configurations and colors. Some go up to five doors,” says Johansson.
What's better Samsung or Whirlpool? ›Both of them have inverter compressors that have different speeds. They make the appliance more energy efficient. But, Samsung is more advanced than Whirlpool in terms of the compressor. They have significantly invested in the Digital Inverter compressor.
Which is better Samsung or Frigidaire? ›Should you get a Frigidaire or Samsung electric range? If you want an affordable and dependable electric range but don't need a ton of fancy features, Frigidaire is the way to go. If you're looking for dual ovens or the ability to control your range via Wi-Fi, look for a premium Samsung range.
What brand is the same as Frigidaire? ›
Electrolux brand appliances have been making housework easier for more than a century. Established in Sweden, the Electrolux company currently owns Frigidaire, Tappan, Kelvinator and Gibson appliance brands.
How much should I spend on a refrigerator? ›That really depends on the size of the fridge (how much cubic feet of space it has), extra features, the type of freezer, and similar factors. The cheapest fridges are generally $800 to $1,000, although small fridges can go even lower. More standard refrigerators starts at around $1,500 to $2,500.
What color refrigerator is most popular? ›What are the most popular appliance colors? You can count on stainless steel being a consistently popular option for appliances for years to come. White, black and black stainless are also among popular choices for appliances, and panel-ready appliances can be customized to blend in with your cabinets.
What is a good price for a refrigerator? ›Type of refrigerator1 | Average cost1 |
---|---|
Bottom freezer | $750-$4,000 |
Side-by-side | $1,000-$10,000 |
French door | $1,200-$11,000 |
Built-in | $2,900-$12,000 |
Whirlpool Refrigerators
As the largest of all the American Appliance companies, the answer is yes. Based in Benton Charter Township, Michigan, with major manufacturing centers throughout North America, Whirlpool employs tens of thousands of American workers. The company has been making refrigerators since 1955.
8 Million. (Yicai Global) March 29 -- Antitrust regulators around the world have approved Chinese home appliance manufacturer Galanz Group's acquisition of the Chinese unit of US white goods maker Whirlpool.
Is Frigidaire owned by China? ›Frigidaire is owned by Electrolux, a Swedish Co. Labels show an address of Charlotte, NC.
Which fridge is best quality? ›- LG 260 L Frost Free 4-Star refrigerator (GL-I292RSFL) ...
- Whirlpool 340 L Frost Free 3-Star refrigerator (Arctic Steel, IF 355 ELT 3S) ...
- Haier 320 L Frost Free 3-Star refrigerator (HRB-3404PKG-R/E) ...
- Samsung 253 L Frost Free 4-star refrigerator (RT28M3424S8/HL)
Dirty condenser coils are the most common cause for a Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling. Condenser coils dissipate heat as the refrigerant passes through them. If the coils are clogged in dirt and debris, they can't release the heat properly.
What is the most common problem with Samsung refrigerators? ›Samsung buyers cited malfunctioning ice makers, overfreezing in the ice compartment, water leakages, fire hazards, food spoilage, and multiple stomach-related ailments they blamed on refrigerators running above the temperature at which products can be safely stored.
Do LG refrigerators have ice maker problems? ›
A malfunctioning ice maker is a common problem in LG refrigerators. There could be many reasons for this, including jammed ice buckets, inadequate water pressure, ice on water lines, defective auger motors and clogged water filters. Sometimes the cause may be as simple as a switch that hasn't been turned on.
Is Whirlpool better than Samsung? ›The more star it has, the more energy efficient it becomes. Whirlpool fridges are more energy-efficient compared to Samsung. Most of the Whirlpool appliances have 4-star ratings.
Is Whirlpool made in USA or China? ›Are Whirlpool refrigerators made in the USA? As the largest of all the American Appliance companies, the answer is yes. Based in Benton Charter Township, Michigan, with major manufacturing centers throughout North America, Whirlpool employs tens of thousands of American workers.
Which Samsung refrigerators are in the lawsuit? ›According to the complaint, the Samsung fridges at issue all feature a twin-door (or “French door”) design at the top with a freezer drawer on the bottom. Affected model numbers include, but are not limited to, RF28HMEDBSR/AA, RFG298HDRS/XAA, RF28HDEDBSR/AA, RF26HFENDSR, RF26J7500SR, and RF27T5201SG.
Should you buy a Samsung refrigerator? ›Samsung is consistently ranked one of the most reliable refrigerator brands by appliance industry experts. Samsung appliances are also well-regarded among consumers, consistently earning JD Power awards for customer satisfaction.
Which Samsung refrigerator has a lawsuit? ›One class action lawsuit against Samsung cites a number of complaints from consumers as posted on ConsumerAffairs.com and other websites. These include: “My Samsung French door refrigerator Rf267AERS started making fan noise and frost built up exactly one year after I purchased.”