You’d be lying if you said that the best French door refrigerators never caught your eye every time you visit an electronics or appliance store. These models, aside from being attractive, offer a lot of conveniences you can’t get with a regular model. The larger creature comforts and well-laid-out spaces are often considered when a consumer upgrades their fridge.
These feature-packed options account for more than half of CR member’s purchases in the refrigerator category. Owners like that they have more cubic feet of usable space, larger bins, and spill-proof shelves. Most new models also have digital controls, so they are very user-friendly, with some even offering smart connectivity with your other digital devices.
However, even the best French door refrigerators have a weakness since they are not very reliable according to owner feedback. CR’s predictive reliability scores for each brand with French door fridges often have middling or dismal scores, except for Fisher and Paykel. The problem with the latter’s offerings is that they are very expensive and considered as the absolute high-end in the market.
Popular brands like LG and Kenmore often have issues like compressor failures, although the former still has top scores in CR’s ratings. Consumer Reports members say that they are more reliable than other brands in this category. However, the bottom line is that a top or bottom freezer should be your pick if reliability is your top consideration.
However, if these double-doored beauties are irresistible, check out Consumer Report’s recommendations. You will find something there that surpasses the expectations written above. Consumer Reports tested, evaluated, and gathered data from verified owners to come up with the results listed below.
Best 30-Inch-Wide French Door Refrigerators
French Door fridges come in three common sizes, so it’s best to measure the spot for them in your kitchen before pulling the trigger. 30-inch wide models don’t look too far from a regular fridge since they look slim, but they still offer a lot more room.
LG LFCS22520S (73)
The LG LFCS22520S isn’t very user-friendly, but its temperature control and uniformity are top-notch. It’s also very quiet, even if it’s not the most energy-efficient in the entire category. CR and its members like that it has essential features like ice makers but doesn’t have a built-in water filter.
LG LCFS22EXS (70)
The LG LCFS22EXS is a slightly easier option for those who want a through-the-door water and ice dispenser. It’s easier to use, and it has a built-in filter to add to its other basic capabilities. It’s one of the few models in this lineup that has a positive predicted reliability score.
Haier QJS15HYRFS (68)
The Haier QJS15HYRFS isn’t as sophisticated when it comes to controls, but it’s cheaper than the other French doors. It is smaller at 27 inches wide, but it can compete with the LGs’ thermostat and temperature performance.
Best 33-Inch-Wide French Door Refrigerators
33-inch-wide French door refrigerators are not very common since consumers often go for slimmer or wider variants. However, some users also want a happy medium that offers a bit more space without needing a massive slot in their kitchen.
LG LRFXS2503S (77)
The LG LRFXS2503S’s most outstanding feature is its dead-accurate thermostat control, temperature uniformity, and overall noise. It has all the desirable features, but what’s more important is it has a good reliability score unlike so many LG models.
LG LRFCS25D3S (76)
The LG LRFCS25D3S is a more affordable option with WiFi connectivity and a brilliant thermostat and temperature control. It’s energy-efficient and quiet, and it currently enjoys positive feedback from CR member-owners.
GE GNE25JYKFS
This offering from GE performs just as well as the picks above, but it’s a more affordable option that lets you get into French door fridge ownership. Its only disadvantage is its lower predicted reliability score, so getting extended protection plans for it is a must.
Best 36-Inch-Wide French Door Refrigerators
LG LRFVS3006S (80)
The LG LRFVVS3006S comes loaded with beautiful features such as a transparent door, and t wo ice makers that produce large cubes meant for cocktails. It offers top-notch cooling uniformity and accuracy, although its very pricey and not energy-efficient like the other LG models.
GE GYE22GYNFS (80)
The GE GYE22GYNFS is priced around two grand or half of what the CR top recommendation costs, but it offers comparable performance. However, its biggest advantage is its higher reliability score, and it has must-have features like a built-in filter and adjustable shelves.
LG LF29S8330S
The LG LF29S8330S is the quietest 36-inch-wide French door refrigerator with top cooling and uniformity performance in this line up. You can control it with your phone and it has a middle section that can convert from a basic fridge for fresh food to a freezer and vice versa.
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