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Rachel Wharton is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. To develop this guide, she researched fridge styles (and their fanatics) for nearly two years. Commercial Upright Freezer Glass Door
We’ve rounded up our picks for the best freestanding refrigerators, including French-door, side-by-side, bottom-freezer, top-freezer, garage-ready, and counter-depth styles.
Fridges have come far in just a century. Once literally big boxes filled with ice, refrigerators are now available with flat screens, Wi-Fi connectivity, wine drawers, and water pitchers that automatically refill themselves. (And, yes, they keep your food from spoiling, too.)
No matter what kind of refrigerator you want or need, freestanding models today come in myriad sizes, multiple styles, and a blizzard of budget options.
To help you find the right fridge for you and your kitchen, we’ve assembled the best—from feature-laden French-door fridges to sleek side-by-side models and counter-depth options to budget-friendly top-freezer and bottom-freezer models. We offer some buying advice, too.
There are four key freestanding-fridge styles—French-door, side-by-side, bottom-freezer, and top-freezer models—each with pros and cons.
Our surveys found that most households are happiest with a fridge that has about 20 cubic feet of capacity (about that of a medium-size fridge).
Fridges with premium features and looks seem to please people, but a basic fridge is a better choice if longevity is the goal.
Every fridge is different: Make sure the one you buy fits into your home, with enough room that you can fully open the doors.
A French-door fridge is the most expensive (and fashionable) type of large freestanding refrigerator. A variation of a bottom-freezer fridge, in this type of fridge, all fresh food is located above knee level, accessible via half-width double doors that open up to a user-friendly interior. French-door fridges tend to look and feel a little more luxurious than traditional, single-door, bottom-freezer fridges, and they accommodate a lot of organization. You can also open just one side of the fresh-food compartment at a time, potentially keeping more cold air in.
Most French-door refrigerators are 36 inches wide, but 33-inch and even a few 30-inch models exist. Nearly all French-door models have a capacity of at least 20 cubic feet, which our research shows is plenty for most households. Read more about the best French-door fridges and the best counter-depth French-door fridges, which have a shallower profile and a bit less capacity than standard-depth models.
Consider a French-door refrigerator if:
Skip a French-door refrigerator if:
Despite its shallower-than-average footprint, this handsome, quiet 36-inch smart refrigerator is spacious. In our surveys, LG fridges consistently rank at the top for customer satisfaction.
This French-door model is similar to our top pick, but it isn’t smart, and it takes up more space. It does have a more versatile layout, however.
Side-by-side refrigerators aren’t currently as chic as French-door fridges, but they tend to be a bit less expensive (and they come in more finishes) than French-door models of similar quality and size. The half-width doors of a side-by-side model also benefit narrow kitchens, where it’s harder to open a full-size fridge or freezer door. These models also have well-organized compartments running the length of the fridge and freezer, with several shelves at various heights. That said, the half-width fresh-food and freezer compartments in side-by-side fridges are far narrower than those in any other type of fridge, and our reporting and surveys show that this frustrates many people.
Side-by-side refrigerators are typically 36 inches wide, but you can find a few smaller, 33-inch models with narrower freezers. Both sizes should have at least 20 cubic feet of capacity. Most side-by-side fridges come with through-the-door ice and water dispensers, but there are also models without either. Read more about the best side-by-side fridges and the best counter-depth side-by-side fridges (which have a shallower profile and a little less capacity than standard-depth models).
Consider a side-by-side refrigerator if:
Skip a side-by-side refrigerator if:
This spacious and efficient 36-inch fridge has an especially adjustable and sturdy interior layout and a user-friendly freezer. In our surveys, GE Appliances ranks near the top for customer service.
This model omits both an ice maker and a through-the-door water dispenser, so it's more spacious, efficient, and affordable. But it isn’t as user-friendly as our other picks.
Our reader surveys show that bottom-freezer fridges have the highest rates of owner satisfaction, and for good reason. You get most of the benefits of a French-door fridge (full-width fresh-food and freezer compartments, all fresh food sitting above knee level, a stylish facade) for a slightly lower price. Bottom-freezer models have only one full-width door instead of two, and so they are also a great choice for smaller kitchens.
Bottom-freezer refrigerators come in a wide variety of widths and heights, including tall, 24-inch-wide apartment-size versions and shallow, streamlined counter-depth models. Some pricier bottom-freezer fridges come with through-the-door ice and water dispensers.
Consider a bottom-freezer refrigerator if:
Skip a bottom-freezer refrigerator if:
This 33-inch fridge has loads of capacity and smart features. In our surveys, LG fridges consistently rank at the top for customer satisfaction.
This 30-inch fridge has ample capacity and comes in two finishes (white or black). In our research, we found that Whirlpool gets high marks for repairability.
Top-freezer fridges may not be particularly sexy, but these time-tested models are typically the most affordable, reliable, repairable, and efficient fridges available. Although pricier versions can come with a host of elevated features (including stainless steel finishes, glass shelves instead of wire, and Wi-Fi connectivity), the basic layout of a top-freezer fridge has been in use for more than 100 years. Our 2023 reader survey showed that these models have the fewest issues—service calls, repairs, replaced parts—of any type of refrigerator by far.
Top-freezer fridges come in a variety of widths and heights, though nearly all are less than 34 inches wide. (They do not typically come in counter-depth versions.) Most top-freezer models have the option to add an ice maker, for an additional cost (if one isn’t already installed), and a few come with internal water dispensers.
Consider a top-freezer refrigerator if:
Skip a top-freezer refrigerator if:
This small, 28.8-inch, no-frills top-freezer model can accommodate an ice maker. GE Appliances is known for its service.
This 30-inch, medium-size fridge has plenty of capacity and upgraded features, including humidity-controlled crispers, glass shelves, and a deli drawer.
This medium-size, mid-price top-freezer refrigerator is Energy Star–approved, and it comes from a company whose fridges consistently rank at the top for customer satisfaction.
Most refrigerators are recommended for use in areas where the ambient air temperature doesn’t get colder than around 50 °F or hotter than 100 °F. If you want to put a fridge in a non-climate-controlled space (a garage, back porch, basement, or cabin), you’ll need a garage-ready fridge.
Garage-ready refrigerators, most of which are top-freezer style, can accommodate temperatures between 38 °F and 110 °F, though a few have a low-end threshold of 45 °F. Ideally, a garage-ready refrigerator will have digital sensors that precisely track internal temperature, as well as separate controls that can independently adjust the temperatures of the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Without these features, extreme outside temps can wreak havoc on a fridge.
Garage-ready fridges are primarily sold in 30-inch and 33-inch widths, though a few 24-inch models are available. Most models come with the option for an ice maker. Read more about the best garage-ready refrigerators.
Consider a garage-ready refrigerator if:
Skip a garage-ready refrigerator if:
Designed to work in temperatures as low as 38 °F, this extra-large top-freezer fridge has loads of capacity, and it’s sleek enough to use as your primary refrigerator. But it’s only at Home Depot.
This garage-ready fridge functions the same as our top pick, and it comes in five finishes. But it’s not quite as big, efficient, or attractive.
Counter-depth refrigerators are either shallow enough to sit flush with kitchen counters or cleverly designed to look like they do. They have slightly less storage than standard-depth fridges, and they’re ideal for small, cramped, or narrow kitchens. True counter-depth refrigerators, the majority of which are expensive built-in models, are no deeper than 24 or 25 inches, and they're designed to fit flush in a custom cutout or with your cabinetry. (Standard-depth refrigerators are at least 30 inches deep and can stick out 5 or so inches from counters.)
The few freestanding, true counter-depth refrigerators sold in the US are mostly smaller, taller bottom-freezer styles with enough capacity for a small- to medium-size household. Many brands also have other styles and sizes of fridges labeled “counter-depth,” even though they don’t fit the strict definition of the term. The frame on these models is typically 24 inches deep, to line up with counters and cabinets, and the door and handles extend another few inches. Depth varies widely by brand and by model; we recommend only those fridges whose frame and door together measure less than 28 inches deep (not including the handle).
These fridges come in bottom-freezer, French-door, and side-by-side styles. Read more about the best counter-depth refrigerators.
Consider a counter-depth refrigerator if:
Skip a counter-depth refrigerator if:
A spacious, 36-inch, French-door fridge, this nearly counter-depth model is made by a premium brand known for high-quality design and functionality. Service, however, may be slower in some areas.
This affordable, 36-inch nearly counter-depth side-by-side fridge is spacious, and it has a through-the-door dispenser for water and ice. It comes in lots of finishes, but it lacks the premium feel of a higher-end model.
Buying a refrigerator requires some forethought and planning. So be sure to consider the following details:
Exact dimensions: Make sure you measure carefully. Fridges of all types are typically sold by width, generally ranging from 24 inches to 36 inches. But every fridge has slightly different dimensions and clearance requirements for airflow and door swing. In their manuals or specification sheets, most manufacturers include measurements, which tend to be more accurate than the specs listed on retailers’ websites. Your fridge must also fit through the doors and hallways of your home and under any overhead cabinets or shelving.
Freestanding or built-in model: Our recommendations cover freestanding refrigerators that have finished sides, so they can be installed anywhere, not just between cabinets or counters. Built-in models, which are pricier, are designed to fit into a custom cutout and sit flush with the cabinetry; the best-known brand in this category is Sub-Zero. And with some built-in models, you can even add panels to match that cabinetry; these are usually called “panel-ready” or “integrated” refrigerators. Freestanding refrigerators typically cost between $500 (for a small, no-frills top-freezer model) and $5,000 (for a large, premium, counter-depth fridge). By contrast, built-in models tend to start at $4,000 for the most basic model.
Standard-depth or counter-depth model: A standard-depth refrigerator is typically anywhere from 30 to 36 inches deep, and it can protrude from countertops and cabinets. A true counter-depth refrigerator is less than 25 inches deep (excluding a handle), and it fits flush with counters. Freestanding fridges this shallow, which are typically no wider than 30 inches, have much less capacity and are rare.
That said, many companies describe models that measure between 29 and 32 inches deep (sometimes even more) as “counter-depth.” Such fridges usually have a little less capacity than their standard-depth counterparts, but they have more capacity than a true counter-depth model. The frame on these counter-depth fridges is typically 24 inches deep, to line up with counters and cabinets; the door and handles extend another few inches, giving them a more streamlined look. (One example is our favorite standard-depth French-door refrigerator, which is around 29 inches deep and labeled “counter-depth max.”)
Capacity: Measured in cubic feet, capacity is the amount of fillable space in your fridge and freezer. Our research shows that fridges with a lot of capacity tend to make people happier than those with less capacity, but that happiness levels off after 20 cubic feet. A 36-inch fridge of any kind—standard-depth or counter-depth—should provide at least that. (On the smaller side, a 28-inch fridge should give you at least 15 cubic feet of capacity.)
Ice makers and dispensers: Despite their ubiquity and convenience, ice makers and dispensers are still a primary “point of failure” in a fridge, said Dan Conrad, an appliance reliability and testing expert at the commercial-refrigeration company Hussmann. They’re likely to need repairs or costly parts, to work poorly, or to stop functioning altogether. And they require a water-line connection. Through-the-door dispensers also interrupt the facade of a fridge and are among the first features to look out of date. That said, we do offer several recommendations that have that option.
Finishes: In our 2023 reader survey, many fridge owners said they were frustrated with stainless steel finishes, no matter the brand or model of fridge or whether a finish was labeled “fingerprint-resistant.” Compared with other kinds of finishes, stainless steel requires specific types of cleaning agents and more attention to keep it free of smudges or scratches—be sure to consult your fridge’s manual for the best approach. (Our guide to cleaning stainless steel appliances can help.)
Smart-home technology and Wi-Fi connectivity: Some counter-depth models come with Wi-Fi connectivity and smart features, including remote alerts if the fridge fails or a door is ajar. You can potentially adjust temperature settings remotely, get diagnostic help for issues, or even set an ice maker to produce more ice for a dinner party while you’re on your way home.
Brand reputation and reliability: We prioritize brands that have fairly wide national distribution and service teams, as well as those that earn high ratings for quality, reliability, and long-term satisfaction. Overall, according to our research, most fridges, regardless of brand, tend to perform reliably. Major problems, such as total compressor or cooling-system failures, are rare. (Such issues can crop up regardless of brand or price.) It’s what comes next—such as service access or parts availability—that is ultimately more important. Before you make a purchase, determine which local repair companies will service the model you want to buy during and after the warranty period.
Installation and service: Before you buy a fridge, determine who will install it (especially if you’re hooking up a water line for an ice maker) and who will haul away the old one. Also consider which local repair companies will service your fridge if it breaks, both during the warranty period and afterward. (Some brands, such as GE Appliances, have dedicated repair teams, which is ideal.) Many of our 2023 reader survey respondents noted that they should have learned more about these points before they bought their fridges. Familiarize yourself with your new refrigerator’s warranty and service plan, and consider purchasing any available extended warranties from the company or the seller.
Consider which local repair companies will be able to service your fridge if it breaks, both during the warranty period and afterward.
Warranty: Though a one-year warranty for parts and labor is standard, many companies also cover the compressor for a longer period, especially for larger-width models. Some companies also directly offer optional extended warranty programs (this typically pertains to more expensive fridges).
Energy efficiency and environmental friendliness: In all of our fridge guides, we prioritize fridges that have Energy Star certification. Counter-depth models are more efficient than their standard-depth counterparts (there’s simply less fridge to keep cool). Energy-efficient refrigerators in general have components that are designed to work more efficiently, including variable-speed compressors (which respond to how much cooling your fridge actually needs). The models that we recommend as being most efficient tend to use variable-speed compressors.
Some models have a separate cooling element (called an evaporator coil) for both the freezer and the fresh-food compartment, which circulates cold air from the freezer into the fridge. This dual system makes temperature management more efficient, and it tamps down odor transfer, said Jason May, head of product management for bottom-freezer fridges at GE Appliances.
Nearly all new refrigerators use climate-friendly R600a refrigerant, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. If the refrigerant leaks, it will have no effect on the ozone layer and a negligible effect on global warming.
This article was edited by Ingrid Skjong and Courtney Schley.
I am based in Brooklyn, New York, and I write about refrigerators, ranges, ovens, microwaves, cooktops, kitchen ventilation, and any other large appliances that relate to cooking, eating, or food. This work includes conducting hands-on tests and researching the best products. It also requires staying on top of environmental, health, and safety regulations, as well as related trends in cooking, smart home, accessibility, tech, and kitchen design.
The LG LHTNS2403S is a sleek and spacious garage-ready fridge from a company that ranks at the top of our surveys for customer satisfaction.
The LG LRFLC2706S is a handsome, capacious French-door refrigerator from a brand that ranks at the top of our surveys for customer satisfaction.
A counter-depth fridge is shallower than a standard-depth model and can make your kitchen feel more streamlined and spacious. But it may cost a bit more.
The GE GSE25G is a spacious, sturdy side-by-side fridge with an exceptionally adjustable interior layout from a brand known for high customer satisfaction.
Cool Rooms Parts Glass Door Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).