When considering the essential features of any home, you’ll find refrigerators quite high on the list. In fact, if it isn’t first on the list, the fridge usually comes close, besides the master bed and washing machine. It’s also undoubtedly one of your important investments so it would be wise to consider only the best refrigerators 2018 that will last you years and years without diminution in performance.
Let’s look into 6 of the best refrigerators as well as the factors you’ll need to look at, so you get the perfect one for you.
Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
The Buyer’s Guide to the Best Refrigerators
Purchase Considerations
Before you go to your nearest appliance store or online shop, why not take a look at this buyer’s guide and see the important factors you should consider before purchasing your next refrigerator.
Types of Refrigerators
When you browse through refrigerators, you’ll notice that they often come in 6 categories or styles which are listed below.
Top Freezer
The most common refrigerator style would be the Two-door style where the freezer is mounted on top of the fridge.
Bottom Freezer
Those who desire a larger freezer capacity may opt for a two-door style fridge where the freezer compartment is on the bottom of the unit.
French Door
A French Door style fridge sports two narrow cabinets on top with a relatively large freezer on the bottom. At times, the lower section of French Door style fridges may have another drawer that can contain either a dedicated fridge or a dedicated freezer.
It’s very common for French Door Style fridges to feature external water and ice dispenser.
Side-by-Side
Another fridge style that may feature a water dispenser is the Side-by-Side. In this category, the refrigerator is divided lengthwise with a fridge on one side and the freezer on the other.
Built-in
Built-in refrigerators may be models that designers specifically made to fit perfectly flush with your kitchen cabinets and counters and may even sport matching panels. Otherwise, these fridges are the models that have the right dimensions to fit into your particular counter size.
Compact / Mini
Compact fridges are the miniature versions of their bigger kin. You’ll most often see this style of the refrigerator in hotels, offices, dorm rooms, and other places where space is lacking. Sometimes, the mini fridge serves as an auxiliary fridge in addition to a family’s regular-sized refrigerator in the kitchen.
Capacity
A bigger size isn’t always better when it comes to fridges especially since the size of your refrigerator will directly affect your electricity bill. Hence, ensure that you’re getting the right-sized fridge for your needs or your family’s needs. Consider, as well, the size ratio of the fridge and the freezer.
Here’s an approximate guide to refrigerator capacities:
- 5-6 Cu. Ft. = 2-3 people
- 7-8 Cu. Ft. = 3-4 people
- 9-14 Cu. Ft. = 5-6 people
- 15-18 Cu. Ft. = 6-8 people
- 20-26 Cu. Ft. = 7-10 people
- 30 Cu. Ft. + = 10 + people, commercial use
Energy Rating and Efficiency
A refrigerator’s energy consumption is a significant factor that you should also consider.
Typically, you’ll see those large yellow stickers that display an appliance’s energy guide. Refer to these guides carefully as they will give you an approximate value as to the energy consumed by the device.
Take a look at this helpful video for reading and understanding energy guide labels:
A good sign when it comes to energy efficiency is the Energy Star Certification which the government regulates. A refrigerator will only obtain this qualification if it is “at least 15% percent more efficient than the required federal standard.”
Dimensions
Another factor you should never forget to consider is the fridge’s dimensions. Ensure that you accurately measure the fridge you’re planning to buy as well as the area in the kitchen where you will eventually put it. Measure also all the entrances that you’ll have to go through when you bring your new refrigerator home.
Take a look at this video on measuring a new fridge
Remember, accurate measurements are vital especially if you’re considering counter depth.
Warranty
Warranties aren’t just to assure you and give you peace of mind. A product’s warranty is also a great gauge of a manufacturer’s faith and confidence in its product. Naturally, you’ll want a good long warranty period. Often, the best brands offer ten-year- warranty on their compressors and shorter periods on parts and labor.
The 5 Best Refrigerators 2020
AVANTI 2-Door, Apartment Size Refrigerator Review
The Avanti RA7316PST is another two-door refrigerator with the freezer mounted on top and reversible doors. Conversely, distinguishing the Avanti from the Danby is its black trim with a platinum finish and its smaller frame.
Capacity
The 7.4 Cu. Ft Avanti allocates 7 Cu. Ft. for its refrigerator and the remaining 0.4 Cu. Ft. for its freezer. This small freezer capacity may be a deal-breaker for some.
Energy Rating and Efficiency
Another distinguishing mark for the Avanti RA7316PST is its Energy Star qualification giving it a yearly energy consumption of 251 kWh/Year or roughly $30 per annum.
Exterior Dimensions
The compact Avanti sports a tall height of 55.5 inches, a width of 21.75 inches, and a depth of 22.5 inches.
Conveniences / Extra Features
Besides the usually adjustable shelves and manual thermostat, the RA7316PST features dual crisper drawers. Due to the two separate compartments, you’ll be able to sort food and produce depending on their humidity needs. Lastly, the Avanti also runs on the eco-friendly R600A refrigerant.
WarrantyExpect a warranty of 1 year for the Avanti’s parts, including labor. Meanwhile, the compressor carries a warranty of 5 years.
Pros
- Energy Star qualified as well as CFC free
- ADA Compliant
- Adjustable shelves
- Energy cost-efficient
- Reversible doors
- Eco-friendly refrigerant
- Dual crisper drawers
- Counter-depth
- Compact
Cons
- The freezer door has no bins
- No egg trays
- Average-quality build
- Incandescent interior lighting
- Small freezer capacity
Best for:
The Avanti’s small frame will be ideal for a small family just starting or buying their first fridge, especially if they live in a humble apartment or condominium unit. This fridge is also great for those looking for bargains and is keeping an eye on their electric bills.
With the right budget, this fridge can be a good buy for dorm rooms.
DANBY Reversible Refrigerator Review
With its polished black edges, spotless steel door finish, and integrated handles, the top freezer Danby DFF100C1BSLDB will fit well in any kitchen especially with its smooth back design. Additionally, its use of the R600a refrigerant makes this refrigerator very attractive if you have a green thumb. This attractiveness will still be true whether you are right or left-handed, owing to the Danby’s reversible doors.
Capacity
The Danby DFF100C1BSLDB has a total capacity of 9.9 Cu. Ft. – 7.1 Cu. Ft. for the fridge and 2.8 Cu. Ft. for the freezer.
Energy Rating and Efficiency
Despite the absence of an Energy Star rating, the apartment-friendly Danby comes at a low 330 kWh per year, which is roughly an annual cost of $40.
Exterior Dimensions
Leaving a small, slender footprint, the Danby measures at the height of 59.8 inches, a width of 23.8 inches and a counter friendly depth of 26.4inches
Conveniences / Extra Features
Despite its relatively affordable price range, the Danby doesn’t skimp on features. With its purchase, you’ll get a fridge with an auto defrost system, handily adjustable feet for leveling, separate temperature controls for the fridge and the freezer, as well as a large glass-covered crisper drawer.
WarrantyThe warranty period for the Danby DFF100C1BSLDB is 12 months. This coverage is a limited warranty for labor and parts.
Pros
- Space-saver
- Frost-free
- Low-maintenance
- LED lighting
- Adjustable feet
- Reversible doors hinges
- Large crisper drawer
- Counter depth
- Eco-friendly refrigerant (R600a)
Cons
- No Energy Star qualification
- Average-quality handles
- Short warranty
Best for:
The Danby DFF100C1BSLDB top-freezer refrigerator will prove useful for a couple or small family on a budget. Also, the fridge will be ideal for houses or apartments with limited space.
COSTWAY Compact Studio Size Refrigerator Review
Finally, we have the Costway Compact Refrigerator with a unique Two-door Top freezer design among fridges of similar size. Moreover, the visual design of the fridge comes in a stainless steel finish with black plastic trim.
Capacity
Overall, its total capacity is 3.2 Cu. Ft – 2.2 Cu. Ft. for its fridge and 1 Cu Ft. for the freezer. This refrigerator is also incredibly light at 52 pounds when empty.
Energy Rating and Efficiency
The Costway Compact Refrigerator rates at around 270 kWh/year to 330 kWh/year or roughly $30 to $35 per annum.
Exterior Dimensions
The Costway Compact Refrigerator tiny frame measures in at 33 inches high, 19 inches wide, and a depth of 19.5 inches.
Conveniences / Extra Features
You can’t expect much from a fridge of this stature. However, just being a two-door at this size is already an asset for the Costway Compact Refrigerator. Another good feature is the horizontal compartment on its door dedicated for canned sodas.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Dedicated soda can holder
- Affordable
- Incredible space-saver
- Great mini fridge
- Two-door design despite a small frame
- Low energy costs
- Great value
- Counter-depth
Cons
- Sensitive to temperature changes
- No egg tray
- No self-defrost feature
- Doors are scratch-prone
Best for:
If you live in a studio type accommodation or a single bed dorm, then this compact fridge will be handy.
Business owners who run hostels, or small hotels and offices should also consider Costway Compact Refrigerator. Don’t forget that this little refrigerator can also be an excellent personal fridge for your bedroom, den, garden shed, or garage.
Atosa MBF8005 Top Mount (2) Two Door Refrigerator Review
Atosa 2 door refrigerator comes with Standard safety door lock, Magnetic door gaskets. Its sturdy 304 stainless steel construction speaks to the durability of this fridge as well as its quality.
Capacity
Also, at a capacity of 49 Cu. Ft., the MBF-8005 refrigerator is certainly the roomiest on our list, which is quite fitting for a freezer-less Reach-in model with soft-rounded corners and recessed door handles.
You should bear in mind, though, that expert installation may be needed if you purchase this fridge.
Energy Rating and Efficiency
The size of this commercial fridge shouldn’t worry you as it carries an Energy Star qualification and a yearly consumption rate of 867 kWh. At the rate, you’ll need roughly $106 annually to keep the fridge running.
Exterior Dimensions
Carefully consider the dimension of the MBF-8005, especially its height at 81.9 inches. Then, you’ll note its width at 51.7 inches and its depth at 33.3 inches.
Conveniences / Extra Features
Since manufacturers designed the MBF-8005 refrigerator for commercial use, it’s no wonder that it comes with a high-quality compressor, door looks, removable castors, and six heavy-duty shelves. Additionally, you’ll also get a digital temperature display and similar controls.
Moreover, you’ll notice that the heavy-duty compressor is on top of the fridge. This design allows you to push the fridge very close against the wall, thereby saving you precious space.
WarrantyThe MBF-8005 refrigerator from WP Restaurant Fridges is under a five (5) year compressor warranty, which also includes a one (1) year on all additional parts.
Pros
- Option to add more shelves
- Energy Star qualification
- External digital display provides temperature
- Top-mounted compressor saves space
- Castors for easy movement. Also, they are removable.
- Self-closing & stay-open door
- Removable shelves
Cons
- Considerable humming noise
- Expert installation required
- No freezer
- Generic brand
- Not recommend for a family or for those who need a freezer
Best for:
MBF-8005 refrigerator from WP Restaurant Fridges is best suited for commercial kitchens, company or school canteens and mess halls, large cafés, or even as an auxiliary fridge in an ultra-luxurious home or mansion.
SAMSUNG 4-Door, Luxury Refrigerator Review
Competing with this list’s LG for the best luxury fridge is another French door refrigerator: Samsung RF28JBEDBSG. Unlike the French door LG though, the Samsung RF28JBEDBSG features four doors and comes in sleek black stainless steel.
Capacity
At 27.8 Cu. Ft., the Samsung RF28JBEDBSG is also considerably larger than its competitor. The main fridge takes up 15 Cu. Ft. while the dedicated FlexZone™ Drawer takes up another 3.8 Cu. Ft. On the other hand, the Samsung’s freezer takes up 8.3 Cu. Ft.
Energy Rating and Efficiency
With an Energy Star qualification, this Samsung French Door rates at 720 kWh/year, which roughly translate to $86 per annum. Although its consumption is a tad higher than the LG before it, the difference is negligible especially considering the price range of these two upper-level refrigerators.
Exterior Dimensions
The Samsung RF28JBEDBSG stands at a tall 70 inches; is 35.75 inches wide, and runs a depth of 36.5 inches.
Conveniences / Extra Features
The 27.8 Cu. Ft Samsung refrigerator comes with the typical features present in luxury French doors such as external water and ice dispenser system, a digital display with touchpad controls, spill-proof tempered glass shelves, as well as the door-in-door construction.
However, in spite of their many similarities, the Samsung RF28JBEDBSG clearly defeats the LG LFXS24663S when it comes down to its unique features and the lower price (around 16% less than the LG).
For instance, the Samsung refrigerator has variable crisper drawer controls and can produce up to 10 pounds of ice per day and store around half of that ice. Moreover, its food showcase compartment doesn’t just let you see and access the door’s immediate contents, but you’ll also have access to the inner compartment. This improvement on the door-in-door feature gives the Samsung RF28JBEDBSG an upper hand.
If you’re the type who frequently opens their fridge to get condiments, beverages, or just a tub of butter, the Samsung’s food showcase compartment will be invaluable.
Another advantage that the Samsung fridge has is in its twin cooling system. What this system means is that the fridge uses two separate evaporators thereby increasing air circulation. Better airflow will then aid the fridge in maintaining and controlling its internal humidity.
However, what really sets the Samsung fridge apart is its “FlexZone™ Drawer with Metal Cooling.” Separated from the main fridge, this dedicated counter-height drawer allows you to store food and produce at their optimum temperature. With its preset temperature controls, you can expect a quick temperature response.
Warranty
Covering the Samsung RF28JBEDBSG is a warranty of one (1) year for parts and labor, five (5) years for parts and labor only for the sealed refrigeration system, and lastly, ten (10) years for parts and then five (5) years for labor on the Digital Inverter Compressor.
Pros:
- Tempered glass shelves
- Energy Star qualification
- Sleek and classy finish as well as design
- Large capacity
- Spill-proof shelves
- Frost free
- Quick temperature control response
- Built-in water filter for the external water dispenser and ice system
- Resists smudges and fingerprints
- Dedicated fridge drawer with quick-response temperature controls
- Adjustable and foldable shelves allow for more space
- Great value for a luxury French Four-door fridge
- The door-in-door feature allows remarkable access inside the fridge
- The food showcase compartment stays cooler than competing brands
- Twin Cooling feature reduces freezer burn
- Enhanced LED lighting
- Large ice production
- Variable crisper humidity controls
Cons:
- Not counter depth
- Awkward placement of the ice maker system
- Slightly higher energy costs than LG LFXS24663S
Best for:
A large family of 8 to 12 people will benefit greatly from the 4-door Samsung RF28JBEDBSG. Included also are affluent households that appreciate form, function, as well as innovation in their home appliances.
So, whether you’re alone doomsday prepper, a person who buys wholesale, or a family head with a substantial budget, this Samsung RF28JBEDBSG will be a purchase without regret.
Conclusion
After considering the best refrigerators 2018, you now undoubtedly have a better idea of your next purchase. After examining your budget, as well as the needs of you and your family, you’ll surely be able to narrow down on the ideal refrigerator!
The fridges from Danby and Avanti are great all-around models that will be perfect for small families and humble homes. Meanwhile, the luxurious refrigerators from LG and Samsung will be excellent for families that are better-off and are interested in the latest that technology has to offer.
Of course, for those with seemingly unlimited resources, why not get three? A French door for your large and stylish kitchen, A Reach-in for your wine and produce, and then the Compact for your room!
Laura Smith
I'm Laura, I like all the kind of delicious grilled foods which makes me hungry all the time I see them. That's why I built this blog to share with you all of my Grilling experiences, recipes, and all the tips about foods that I've learned from food experts.