Not LG, Not GE: Consumer Reports Says This Side-By-Side Refrigerator Is More Reliable

Your refrigerator is possibly the most important appliance in your home because it's constantly running and you use it every day. Considering the average refrigerator repair can cost up to $400, it makes sense that finding a highly rated refrigerator that is worth the money is an important consideration for shoppers. Thankfully, Consumer Reports' recent survey results can help you sort through the less-reliable models to find the refrigerator that scored the best in reliability.

Consumer Reports surveyed more than 70,000 of its members about refrigerators purchased within the last ten years. In the survey, participants rated brand reliability, satisfaction, thermostat performance, and temperature uniformity. About 14% of members owned side-by-side refrigerators, which are ideal for narrow kitchens. In the side-by-side refrigerator category, Amana scored the highest for reliability, outperforming several other well-known refrigerator brands, including LG, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, and GE.

While Amana received excellent scores for reliability, its owner satisfaction score was significantly lower. However, Consumer Reports found this was the case for most of the refrigerator brands reviewed by its members, indicating low customer satisfaction may be a trending issue in the refrigerator industry. In fact, LG was the only brand that received mid-level satisfaction scores.

Shopping for a new refrigerator may not be the most exciting task on your to-do list, but it's important to find one that works best for you. The right choice will depend on your budget, food storage needs, and the amount of space you have in your home. For example, understanding the differences between a side-by-side or French door refrigerator can help you pick the best model to fit into your kitchen.

Refrigerators have an average lifespan of around 12 years, according to the Department of Energy. So, finding the most reliable option can help you avoid a major headache down the road. But that's easier said than done. Consumer Reports' survey found that around 31% of refrigerators will experience some kind of issue within the first five years of ownership. The two most common problems involve the icemaker and the water or ice dispenser.

Finding the most reliable refrigerator brands may feel overwhelming because there are so many options on the market. You can use Consumer Reports' survey to guide your research, but keep in mind there are several factors that play into overall reliability, like material and age. When shopping for a fridge, be sure to consider the manufacturer's warranties and any additional guarantees, as these can be an indication of whether the company is confident in the quality of its product.