When it comes to buying a new refrigerator, one of the most important factors to consider is the durability and reliability of the appliance. You want a fridge that will keep your food fresh and cold for years without breaking down or needing frequent repairs. But how do you know which brand of refrigerator lasts the longest? According to our research, the most reliable refrigerator brands are GE, Bosch, and Whirlpool. These brands have consistently received positive ratings from experts and customers for their performance, quality, and customer service. In this article, we will explain why these brands are the best choices for long-lasting refrigerators, and what features and factors you should look for when shopping for a new fridge.
GE is one of the oldest and most trusted appliance brands in the US, with a history of over 100 years. GE refrigerators are known for their innovative features, such as smart technology, water and ice dispensers, adjustable shelves, and door-in-door design. GE also offers a wide range of styles, sizes, and colors to suit any kitchen and budget.
GE refrigerators are also highly rated for their reliability and durability. According to a survey of more than 5,000 Wirecutter readers and an AI-assisted analysis of 28,000 customer reviews, GE was one of the top brands for customer satisfaction. GE also has a low service rate, meaning that fewer of their refrigerators need repairs or replacements. According to Yale Appliance, a leading appliance retailer, GE had a service rate of 16.5% in 2023 and 10.2% in 2022, which is below the industry average of 18.4%.
GE also offers better customer service than most brands, according to the experts we interviewed. GE has a network of authorized service technicians across the country, and their replacement parts are usually in stock and easy to order. GE also provides a one-year warranty for all their refrigerators, and an extended warranty option for some models.
Bosch: A Premium Brand With High-Quality Standards
Bosch is a German brand that is renowned for its high-quality standards and engineering excellence. Bosch refrigerators are designed to be energy-efficient, quiet, and stylish. Bosch also offers some unique features, such as VitaFresh drawers that keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer, and Home Connect app that lets you control and monitor your fridge remotely.
Bosch refrigerators are also among the most reliable and durable in the market. Bosch has a reputation for being a customer-centric brand, and they invest heavily in research and development to improve their products. Two of the seven appliance repair experts we interviewed rated Bosch as a top brand for reliability. Yale Appliance’s service rate data supports this, showing a decreasing service rate from 16.9% in 2021 to 10.7% in 2023. A 2020 Puls survey showed Bosch as the third most reliable appliance brand.
Bosch also offers a two-year warranty for all their refrigerators, and a five-year warranty for some parts. Bosch also has a dedicated customer service team that can assist you with any issues or questions you may have.
Whirlpool: A Simple and Affordable Brand With a Long History
Whirlpool is another American brand that has a long history of making quality appliances. Whirlpool refrigerators are known for their simplicity and affordability, without compromising on performance and functionality. Whirlpool offers a variety of models, from basic top-freezer fridges to advanced French-door fridges with smart features.
Whirlpool refrigerators are also very reliable and durable, according to the experts and customers we consulted. Four out of seven appliance repair experts we interviewed recommended Whirlpool for its reliability. While service rate data is unavailable for Whirlpool (Yale Appliance does not sell Whirlpool), the consensus among repair companies is that Whirlpool refrigerators are simple, which often translates to greater reliability. Whirlpool also has a loyal customer base, and many of their fridges have high ratings and positive reviews online.
Whirlpool also offers a one-year warranty for all their refrigerators, and a 10-year warranty for some parts. Whirlpool also has a good customer service team that can help you with any problems or inquiries you may have.
What to Look for When Buying a New Refrigerator
Besides the brand, there are other factors and features that you should consider when buying a new refrigerator. Here are some of the most important ones:
Size and capacity: You should measure your kitchen space and choose a fridge that fits your dimensions and needs. You should also consider how much food you store and how often you shop, and choose a fridge that has enough capacity for your household. The average fridge capacity is around 18 to 22 cubic feet, but you can find larger or smaller models depending on your preferences.
Style and layout: You should choose a fridge style and layout that suits your taste and convenience. The most common fridge styles are top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, and French-door. Each style has its pros and cons, such as accessibility, storage space, energy efficiency, and price. You should also look for a fridge that has a flexible and adjustable interior layout, such as shelves, drawers, bins, and compartments, that can accommodate different types and sizes of food items.
Features and functions: You should look for a fridge that has the features and functions that you need and want. Some of the most popular and useful features are water and ice dispensers, door-in-door design, smart technology, LED lighting, temperature and humidity controls, and air filters. However, you should also be aware that more features may mean more complexity and potential problems, so you should balance your needs and wants with your budget and reliability expectations.
Energy efficiency and environmental impact: You should look for a fridge that is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. You can check the Energy Star rating and the annual energy consumption of the fridge to compare different models and brands. You can also look for a fridge that uses natural refrigerants, such as propane or isobutane, instead of synthetic ones, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), that contribute to global warming. You can also look for a fridge that has a low noise level, which can improve your comfort and well-being.
Buying a new refrigerator is a big decision that requires careful research and comparison. You want a fridge that will last long and perform well, without causing you any headaches or hassles. Based on our research, the most reliable refrigerator brands are GE, Bosch, and Whirlpool. These brands have proven their quality, performance, and customer service over the years, and they have received positive feedback from experts and customers alike. However, you should also consider other factors and features that are important to you, such as size, style, functions, and energy efficiency. By following our guide, you can find the best fridge for your home and enjoy fresh and cold food for years to come.
