Its fridge and freezer temps are remarkably stable, hovering right around the ideal 37F and -2F respectively. Nonetheless, you will also find quite a large pool of subpar models. Therefore, we advise you to avoid buying it, especially if you are keen on cutting the electricity expenditure, as it will profoundly exacerbate the bill. So why are we asking you not to choose it? Manual-defrost uprights were the exception. This mini fridge offers the most storage area out of all the models we tested, measuring a whopping 3 cubic feetabout 0.5 cubic feet larger than the rest of the pack. The companys bad customer service gutted the customer after purchasing a faulty Whirlpool URB551WNGZ. On average, the expected reliability of their brands is rated 4 out of five. This Cooseon Mini Fridge is a great option if you're looking for a place to store skincare products to help preserve their shelf-life or to chill a jade roller for extra de-puffing power. Is the price point fair, given the model complexity and size you want to buy? Read More, While expensive, the Costway EP22672BK is a decent mini fridge that provides stable fridge temperatures. ft. Store snacks and drinks in style with this Galanz 4.6 cu. Any model rated below 50 will likely be problematic to you compared to other customers. Of course, you can still find good models manufactured by the brand, but this is not among them. Learn how to choose the best kitchen appliances (such as refrigerators, ranges, and dishwashers) and appliance extras (such as warming drawers and wine coolers) with our handy buying guides to find the models that are right for you. Their least ranked model is Maytag MSS25N4MKZ. However, she was also keen to indicate that its temperature control was not too good. If so what should I do. We love the sturdy handle, which makes the unit easy to open, and the adjustable door bins, which are perfect for fitting taller bottles. There's even a small freezer compartment for a little ice cube tray or an ice roller. Dimensions: 18.3" x 19.6" x 17.5" Capacity: 1.6 cu. Make sure that the unit is not exposed to temperatures above 110 F or below0 F, because that may damage the freezer. The ice maker performance of the device is also poor. Best for Dorm Rooms: Frigidaire 1.6 Cu Ft Compact Dorm Fridge with Dry Erase . We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Some companies offer more robust programs that will cover specific parts for up to five years, 10 years, or even for the lifetime of the product. But that is not the only con of the model. It is additionally noisy, compounding its insufficiencies to control the temperatures inside effectively. Chest freezers are low-profile box-shaped freezers with a hinged lid that opens from the top. Its interesting look mixes elements of classic car design with a pastel green palette. Furthermore, the less consistent a freezers temperature is, the more trouble youll have with freezer burn. To test freezers, our engineers fill each model with boxes of frozen spinach and run them in our test chambers for approximately six weeks to evaluate how well they keep the packages frozen. Defrosting a mini fridge is a relatively simple process. Consumer Reports also rates the temperature uniformity fair, which means plenty of room for improvement. It is also rated 3 out of 5 in ease of use, and an efficient refrigerator should have a better ranking. Enjoy the look and feel of the old days with this modern . Turn the temp down slightly and the freezer should be just fine. Some complain that they have had ice trapped on the back sheet metal of the refrigerator. The model is excellent in energy efficiency, but unfortunately, that is the only department where it is highly rated. However, it underperforms in aspects such as energy efficiency and ice-making. Of course, this attitude stems from most of their appliances not delivering when required. Some self-defrosting upright freezers we tested beep if their interior gets too warm. For starters, the freezer runs warm, averaging 5F instead of 0F. While most freezers have a few baskets or bins for organization, Samsung's 11-Cubic-Foot Convertible Upright Freezer provides superior organization. The controls go from 0-9 is nine the coldest. Personally, we prefer the 10 cubic foot model as it's the perfect size for apartment kitchens, dorm rooms . It features a manual defrost and drain to easily remove melting ice during defrosting. It has an owner satisfaction rating of 2 out of 5, which is also not impressive. Add to Cart. It also has a few positive attributes, such as perfect ice-making. Unfortunately, these designs tend to have some of the worst ratings. We also consider useful features like automatic defrost, flash-freeze, power-on and open-door indicators as well as included organization solutions. Prices range from $350 to $1,500. Magic Chef mini fridge In 2010, the MCA Corporation purchased the Magic. Best Refrigerators for $1,000 or Less The data also reveal that LG French-doors, side-by-sides, and built-ins were more prone to having compressors that break or are faulty than competing models. .css-lwn4i5{display:block;font-family:Neutra,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:-0.01rem;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;text-align:center;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-lwn4i5:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-lwn4i5{font-size:1.375rem;line-height:1.1;}}7 Best Refrigerators Brands of 2023, Reviewed, 6 Best French-Door Refrigerators to Buy in 2022, 7 Best Counter-Depth Refrigerators of 2020, Electrolux French Door Refrigerator EW28BS87SS, Maytag French Door Refrigerator MFI2570FEZ01, Viking 36" French-Door Bottom-Freezer RURF336SS5. A rating of 50 on Consumer Reports is not such a huge red flag on the models performance, but in reality, it is not a good performer. Lastly, its thermostat control is also poor, given that it has only one thermostat shared by the fridge and freezer. Its door shelves are also not sturdy, and youll have to be careful about the weight of what you put inside. Other options include freezer drawers and portable freezers, but theyre a much smaller part of the market (and we dont test them). Next, consider size, capacity, and energy use. We score interior features including the types of shelves in the refrigerator cavity and on the doors, the ease with which the freezer (if included) and drawers (if included) could be opened and the presence or absence of a crisper or other storage options. Hence, its a model that will need to be replaced sooner than you thought. 2023 Reviewed, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network LLC. There is also LED internal lighting which is a nifty feature that will surely spark many reactions and compliments. Not all freezers are designed to be stored in a garage's conditions, but this chest freezer from GE is garage-ready, meaning it is tested by GE to perform in ambient temperatures from 0F to 110F. An external water dispenser is most of the time alluring, and these models have such kinds. Its layout is also not appealing, making it hard to set things up. Overall, this fridge in particular has the largest can capacity. The Viking model is anything but superb in that realm, which you cannot ignore after spending that much. It may not be that simple. Expect the lights to go off without warning and the compressor occasionally breaks down. Most of its refrigerators are poorly rated. Customer services apparent lack of concern is often the death blow of an otherwise well-designed brand, as a consumer loses confidence. Though we have not tested this pick, we noted that it also includes a warming function. Read More, The Midea WHD-113FSS1 comes in a handsome stainless steel, but runs warm enough that calibration is needed to keep food safe. Our one qualm was the door sometimes bounces open. Additionally, it features an externally placed water dispenser with quite a large ice storage area. But when it comes to refrigerators, the brand is substandard at best. The rating of 2 out of 5 speaks volumes about its apparent inefficiency in electricity consumption. However, we fault it for failing to deliver on areas where a great refrigerator should be perfect. This can prevent the freeze from reaching sufficiently cold temperatures. Dimensions: 17.6" x 21.02" x 35.43" Capacity: 3.3 cu. $597.61 $979.00 (1924) We love that it comes with storage solutions like a sliding storage basket for items that you reach for often and a removable interior divider that can hold items like bags of fruits or veggies so that they don't get lost at the bottom of the freezer. This thoughtful 3-in-1 oven combines. It has several outstanding features, such as efficient thermostat control and excellent temperature uniformity. But that should not conceal your vision from the overall Consumer Reports rating of 1 out of 5 of the brand. 75" Capacity: 0.14 cu. On default settings, it was actually slightly warmer than the cutoff for food safety, 40F. You think youre purchasing a new fridge with all the perfect features. According to the reviewer, it breaks down quickly, and almost every part is fragile. Kenmore has been known for its reliable appliances for more than 100 years. Fridge and freezer run too warm and must be calibrated. Myo Quinn is a former freelance writer and analyst for the Kitchen Appliances Lab that researched top picks and consulted with the director of the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Nicole Papantoniou to write this story. ft. upright freezer but offers almost twice as much usable space. The adjustable thermostat aims to ensure an ideal temperature for your food. The company also becomes quite frustrated once these problems crop up, and dont be surprised if they take ages to repair a slight problem. This sleek stainless steel freezer has LED lighting for good interior visibility. After testing some of the most popular mini refrigerators on the market, we can definitively say the same is true here. The owner satisfaction rating is 2 out of five. Compared to many other brands on this list, Danby DFF101B2WDB Refrigerator is a moderately performing refrigerator. These models also tend to be slightly more energy efficient and are less likely to cause freezer burn on food. Its hard to beat an inexpensive refrigerator with so many great features. While the Frigidaire FFPE3322UM does technically have a freezer, it only got down to 22F: This is not nearly cold enough to function properly. Plus, it gives us a better idea of how much space is actually useful. Everything about it is perfect, but there is quite a problem regarding temperature uniformity. Between the can storage options and lack of a freezer, its great for cold drinks. Read More. If youre a meat connoisseur, the refrigerator will disappoint you because it lacks deli drawers. , which is a good fit for those looking for a high-performance mini refrigerator at a great price. Whirlpool Reliable Fridge #2 to Consider. Here is our list of refrigerator brands to avoid: Some of the worst Whirlpool refrigerators include:Refrigerator ModelConsumer Reports RatingWhirlpool WRF550CDHZ37Whirlpool WRT318FMDM41Whirlpool WRT541SZDM45Whirlpool WRT311FZDW49Whirlpool WRT519SZDM52Whirlpool WRT106TFDW52Whirlpool WRF560SMHZ58Whirlpool URB551WNGZ59Whirlpool WRS331SDHM60. This fridge is multi-functional, with three different ways to store food at varying temperatures, an H20 dispenser, and a freezer. I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. We thus recommend you avoid it if you are keen on getting a good-performing refrigerator in those areas. Its wise not to let ice build up on freezer walls, which can decrease efficiency and increase your energy bill. Manual defrost (which can be time-consuming) is the only option. Customer confidence in this model is our primary issue with an otherwise great refrigerator. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor of science in food studies, nutrition and public health and is a trained chef through the Natural Gourmet Institute. and a control panel lock so that you dont accidentally alter your selections. Nonetheless, we cannot ignore some of the critical shortfalls that prompted us to list them. Tweet Share Submit. Stand-alone freezers used to be all about utility, with no-frills designs and an open-box interior that made it a challenge to keep foods organized. As the ventilation system becomes iced up, the freezer loses some of its ability to circulate cold air throughout the compartment. 1 cu. These quality questions give you reasonable guesses for avoiding some brands, even if some of their products have good reviews. Also, the ice maker capabilities of the models have been called into question by customers. Its freezer temps were also a bit warm at 3F, but again relatively stableno freezer burn here, just a quick calibration and you should be all set. We then measure the temperature consistency in both the fridge and freezer compartments over the course of a week, the rate of humidity loss in any crisper drawers, the total usable storage space on each shelf and bin, and the total energy draw. Consumers recommend the free-standing model above the cupboard. They also allow more air to circulate around food, making food more likely to get freezer burn. The two Blomberg models are refrigerators that you should avoid if you are concerned about temperature uniformity, as they are both poor. Lastly, the water spout is another part of the refrigerator that will embarrass you as it keeps spilling water down once it has filled your container. Its controls and door were easy to use. If you are looking for a machine that will guarantee you a good supply of ice cubes, this shouldnt be your first choice. Powered by consumers. Its ease of use is also not too great despite being an expensive model priced at $6,400.00. Model # GSWWA12S1SA10 SKU # 1001554661. It's ideal for storing items like ice cream, pet food or other small frozen foods. It is, however, reliable despite its slow performance, but the ice makers speed is undoubtedly a turnoff. Through our in-Lab and at-home consumer testing, as well as our product experts' extensive research and industry experience, we're able to recommend specific models that tested well for us and recognize models with the details that stand out most. Something like this. Haier is another large manufacturer that produces models for other brands. Still, when it comes down to using them or fixing any problems that arise from their use (defective parts), theyre not so great at maximizing your satisfaction level according to CRs rating system, which counts as 1 out of 5 stars towards an appliance being reliable. While the lifespan of any appliance can vary wildly due to several factors, you should expect your fridgeeither full-size or minito last for about 10 years. So whats amiss about it? It will also freeze whatever you put in it, irrespective of the shelf where you place it. The fridge size is also a concern for some customers who feel pretty small. But our issue with it is on energy efficiency, where it is rated 3 out of five. Lastly, it also features an excellent lighting system. Other freezers have a soft-freeze optionhandy if you cant bear to wait for rock-hard ice cream to melt. A stand-alone upright or chest freezer provides additional food storage space whether you like to have a lot of frozen meals on hand or you tend to buy your meats in bulk. Its freezer performance wasn't much better, hovering around 5F instead of 0F. Galanz operates one of the world's largest appliance manufacturing centers, where we bring our smart and dependable home appliances to life, which have been ready for exporting to the globe. Myo Quinn is a professionally trained chef, recipe developer, food writer and on-air talent. For more, watch our freezer buying guide video below. The Amana ASI2175GRS is a better alternative to the ASI2575GRS we have covered above. Some hold up to 85 quarts and are equipped with wire baskets to organize food. Without opening the door and letting cold air escape, you can see at a glance whether the freezer is on. Its fan is also faulty and starts or stops when you open the door. On the con side, manual-defrost uprights had trouble keeping their door shelves as cool as the rest of the interior, with temperature differences ranging from 9 to 19 degrees. Theres only one minor drawback: Its doors auto-close mechanism can actually bounce the door back open again if you dont shut it hard enough. Even if you open the door multiple times a day, the automatic defrost function will help prevent ice from accumulating. You will thus have to endure long spells of not using the fridge if some part gets spoiled. This helps you distinguish between a brand you should exclude completely and a model you should avoid. She has tested a wide variety of kitchen appliances and gear from gas ranges to microwaves to kitchen scales to blenders and more. Hence, you cannot entirely fault Kenmore in all areas. Frigidaire itself is one of the nations favorite refrigerator brands. While we like these can holsters, theyre also not as space efficient as the storage other models provide. However, in recent years, quality has begun to wane. Why Trust Us? Free Shipping. The fundamental upside of this refrigerator is its low price. ft. Countertop SpeedWave 3-in-1 Convection Oven, Air Fry, Microwave Oven. When making a final decision, consider setting a hard budget line you will not cross. Theyre also easier to organize. The Whirlpool Dual Door Mini Fridge has multiple handy features including a crisper drawer, removable glass shelves and door storage with both a can dispenser and room for taller items like wine bottles or two-liter soda bottles. Among the most prominent concerns is the cost of their devices. Galanz 1.7 Cu ft Single Door Mini Fridge, Black 8.7 8.2 8.8 6: ft. Thus, you do not need to carry a spotlight whenever you visit the fridge. Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Below is a detailed breakdown of the winning and losing brands across the major refrigerator categories, along with some standouts in the areas of reliability and owner satisfaction. Prices range from approximately $500 to $700. However, we still believe that for a sum close to $3,949.00, you can get a more efficient device for ice making. EBAY SEE PRICE ON AMAZON 6. Well elaborate later on the faults that make each appear on our list of poorly performing models. Fresh food section has an interior incandescent light. Most of GEs models are phenomenal regarding performance, so we are not just telling you to ignore the entire brand. Pulling items from the fridge is not straightforward, as you must remove the entire bin. Whether you need to keep your favorite soft drinks or canned cocktails cold, store the fixin's for a late-night snack or chill your jade roller, a mini fridge will come in handy. She had a first poorly performing Kenmore 51335, which she replaced because it had a recurrent water-dripping issue that you could not arrest. The model is the only one from the brand with a below 50. Also, there is something that is off about the water dispenser design. Additionally, youll be guaranteed excellent temperature uniformity with the models. 25" x 10. It scored 62, which outperforms many models in its class. Keep in mind that some reviewers noted that this model can be noisy so it's best to put it in a location where it wouldn't disturb anyone. If you run into a problem with a product from a highly-rated brand, youll want healthy and responsive customer service to fall back on. If it makes sense to do so, you can also chip away at the ice and remove it by hand. This might make it a good choice if youre big on frozen foods or use a lot of ice cubes. Read More, The Insignia NS-CF26BK9 lacks a freezer, but keeps its fridge temps consistent. When we test a standalone freezer or a freezer attached to a refrigerator, we test for performance by scoring how easy it is to use and its ability to regulate temperature and keep ingredients frozen. The company does not make any appliances, which should not be an excuse for creating poor ease-of-use models. Products are widely available at retailers, including Home Depot, Kmart, and Walmart. Fortunately, some manufacturers are addingsmart storage featurestiered bins and adjustable drawers and shelvesthat make it easier to find what youre looking for. We will look at the refrigerator brands to avoid each refrigerator style. The Magic Chef HMCR320 has excellent temperature control, decent capacity, and a unique look. Galanz is most famous for its glossy exteriors and great temperature control while Frigidaire has a reputation for making durable minifridges that are energy efficient. It isnt the most energy efficient, however. There are quite a few downsides, including the refrigerators poor crisper performance. That's more than two bowling balls worth of space. Pull-out freezer drawers are popping up in high-end kitchens, usually to supplement the freezer in a standard fridge. Just be careful while stocking or grabbing items: Its flimsy plastic shelves dont support much weight, and will bow and shake as you add or remove items. In addition, we evaluate each refrigerator's ease of use, including the helpfulness of the manual, the type and ease of use of the controls and the comfort of grasping or using the door handles. Contact. The Summit FFBF287SSIM has some ardent fans, as revealed by a reviewer in Consumer Reports who gave it a favorable rating. Maybe youve always been one of those people who plans aheadmaking an extra pan of lasagna and sticking it in the freezer or stocking up on groceries at the warehouse club. Consumer rankings from experts such as JD Powers put GE French Door refrigerators at the bottom of customer satisfaction lists. The crisper performance is poor, and the ice maker capabilities of the model are below par. In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we have a long history of testing kitchen appliances, including full-size refrigerators, smart refrigerators and built-in refrigerators. Its easier to compare capacities across different models that way. For example, a 10-cubic-foot freezer is ideal for a family of four. Based on marketplace reviews, what are the worst refrigerator brands? For detailed test results, see ourfull freezer ratings and recommendations. The same went for Kenmore French-doors, which have compressors manufactured by LG. The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us. The Whirlpool WRF550CDHZ is the worst rated refrigerator in the French Door 34-inch and wider category with an overall score of 37 in Consumer Reports with poor performance cited in 3 out 5 score for reliability and 1 out of 5 score for energy efficiency. While this mini fridge does not. We dont recognize that sign in. What You Should Know Before Buying A Mini Fridge, best places to buy in-stock appliances right now, fridges operate better when theres less empty space. ft. If you dont, you will have ice flowing all over. One complained that he noted black specks on the ice resulting from the deterioration of the bottom part of the ice bucket. Here is a list of the models that have been rated below 50 on Consumer Reports.Refrigerator ModelConsumer Report RatingFrigidaire FFHN2740PS49Frigidaire Gallery LGHB2869TF45Frigidaire Professional FPBS2777RF43Frigidaire FFHT1814QW40Frigidaire Gallery FGHF2366PF40Frigidaire Professional FPBG2277RF40Frigidaire BFPH31M6L[M] (Best Buy)38Frigidaire FFPH31M6L[M]38Frigidaire FFTR1821QS38Frigidaire LFPH31M6L[M] (Lowes)38Frigidaire FFHT1614QW37Frigidaire Professional FPBC2277RF35Frigidaire FFTR1621QW33Frigidaire FFHT1521QW29Frigidaire BFPH25M4L[ ] (Best Buy)22Frigidaire FFPH25M4L[B]22Frigidaire LFPH25M4L[ ] (Lowes)22. Galanz GLR10 Retro-Look Refridgerator (10 CU FT) Galanz offer their gorgeous retro-look refrigerator in a variety of sizes, ranging from a small 2.5 cubic foot mini refrigerator all the way up to a large-scale 12 cubic foot option. Best portable: AstroAI Mini Fridge Portable Thermoelectric Cooler and Warmer . So why are we advising you against it? Frigidaire focuses on supplying high-quality kitchen wares and other home appliances. There are reasons to avoid some of the brands that made this list that have less to do with their technical value and more to do with issues that the market had with price vs. performance, quality of service, etc. Its ice-making performance is low. People who own these refrigerators seem to love them despite their shortcomings. This model has over 1,300 five-star reviews on Lowes.com alone, with one reviewer referring to this as an "excellent garage freezer," saying, "Living in the Sonoran desert, temperatures get into 115 and my garage will reach 100 degrees in the summer. For the other models, youre spoilt for choice. Fridge temperatures lower than 32F can cause some food to freeze. The ideal temperature settings for the fridge and the freezer are 37F and 0F, respectively. As with a fridge, shelves and bins inside and on the door make it easy to find things. The two poorly rated top freezer refrigerator Kenmore models on Consumer Reports include: For Kenmore, it is quite a sad story as the two are their only listed models on Consumer Reports, and both have ratings of 40.