Refrigerator quality is integral to the household. While the market may hype up some popular brands, you want to be cautious of marketing traps. Based on marketplace reviews, what are the worst refrigerator brands?
Surprisingly, based on the information we gathered, Frigidaire and Whirlpool rank as some of the worst refrigerator brands. While other specific models perform worse, both brands have more models that perform poorly across all refrigerator styles. Side-by-side and French door refrigerators performed worse than other refrigerators, with numerous brands and models performing poorly.
We’ve spent over 100 hours sifting through data to find the least reliable refrigerator brands. Here is our list of refrigerator brands to avoid:
1. Whirlpool
Some of the worst Whirlpool refrigerators include:
| Refrigerator Model | Consumer Reports Rating |
|---|---|
| Whirlpool WRF550CDHZ | 37 |
| Whirlpool WRT318FMDM | 41 |
| Whirlpool WRT541SZDM | 45 |
| Whirlpool WRT311FZDW | 49 |
| Whirlpool WRT519SZDM | 52 |
| Whirlpool WRT106TFDW | 52 |
| Whirlpool WRF560SMHZ | 58 |
| Whirlpool URB551WNGZ | 59 |
| Whirlpool WRS331SDHM | 60 |
The Whirlpool brand has stood for quality for many years. However, in recent years, quality has begun to wane. Lawyers filed a class-action lawsuit against Whirlpool for the bottom freezer series. In the case against Whirlpool, the suit was against these items as a collective series. Whirlpool’s refrigerators may not be in your best interests, with the whole series raising red flags.
Houzz reviewers noted that Whirlpool’s company didn’t “appear to care” about the quality of the service that warranty redeeming customers were receiving. Customer service’s apparent lack of concern is often the death blow of an otherwise well-designed brand, as a consumer loses confidence. This tells you that if you can get the same design function from another brand and good service, you should avoid the bad refrigerator brand and go for the other.
This is an example of a Whirlpool refrigerator model that shocked customers with its dysfunctionality. The reviewer priced this model at $3,505. They called it out for things like malfunctioning ice makers and melted cheese. Then, the reviewer checked Best Buy Reviews only to find many other users like them who reported ridiculous issues with the fridge. One even said that five different technicians had looked at their refrigerator to no avail.
According to Consumer Reports ratings, the following three models are the worst Whirlpool refrigerators.
- Whirlpool WRF550CDHZ
- Whirlpool WRT311FZDW
- Whirlpool WRT541SZDM
- Whirlpool WRT318FMDM
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.
For instance, models such as Whirlpool WRT311FZDW, Whirlpool WRT541SZDM, and Whirlpool WRT318FMDM tarnish the brand’s name. They have 49, 45, and 41 ratings on Consumer Reports.
All are rated 1 out of 5 on the ease of use perspective. The thermostat control is rated fair, and the crisper performance was rated poor. However, surprisingly, the poorly rated Whirlpool WRT318FMDM is rated good regarding crisper performance.
Many owners have also been left unimpressed with the three models. The owner satisfaction rating is 2 out of five. It is hard to determine if the users are particularly unimpressed with the three models or the brand. Even the highly rated Whirlpool WRT112CZJZ has a low customer satisfaction rating.
The same applies to the brand’s ice maker performance, rated fair at best in the Whirlpool WRT311FZDW and Whirlpool WRT318FMDM models. There’s every chance the three models are responsible for the brand’s low reputation, given their low performance in most aspects.
Whirlpool Top Freezer Refrigerators
- Whirlpool WRT318FMDM
- Whirlpool WRT519SZDM
If you are looking for Top Freezer Refrigerator models with improved ease of use, the above types should not be anywhere in your book. They are rated 1 out of 5 on Consumer Reports which is a dismal record.
Working with the models is hectic, especially the Whirlpool WRT318FMDM, which has many cons. For instance, it lacks a freezer light, so you will have to carry a spotlight every time you want to pick something from the freezer in the dark.
It will also freeze whatever you put in it, irrespective of the shelf where you place it. Additionally, it is not ideal for use in summer because its seal area gets quite hot when the outside weather is warm. Lastly, its thermostat control is also poor, given that it has only one thermostat shared by the fridge and freezer.
- Whirlpool WRT541SZDM
- Whirlpool WRT311FZDW
The primary blot for these brands is their poor ease of use. They have disappointed many users, and the models have a rating of 2 out of 5. They are also below average in thermostat control.
If you want to make ice cubes, the Whirlpool WRT541SZDM will be very disappointing, and its crisper performance is another reason you should avoid this model.
- Whirlpool WRT106TFDW
The model is excellent in energy efficiency, but unfortunately, that is the only department where it is highly rated. Many users have been dissatisfied with its performance, and as with other Whirlpool models covered in this section, the WRT106TFDW has poor ease of use rating.
Whirlpool Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
- Whirlpool URB551WNGZ
Let’s be fair, a rating of 59 is not too bad, and with such a highly-rated model, you’re tempted to ignore some of the negative aspects. Instead, you’d assume only a few minor things are off about this model.
At a glance, everything about this refrigerator looks just fine. But looks can be deceiving as it has some glaringly poor attributes. For instance, expect average performance on energy efficiency and noise. Its ice-making performance is low. The mentioned negative aspects spoil the model’s reputation, featuring other fantastic attributes, especially in thermostat control and temperature uniformity.
But that is not the only con of the model. The mother of all is the poor reputation of the manufacturer, as revealed by a reviewer on Consumer Reports. The company’s bad customer service gutted the customer after purchasing a faulty Whirlpool URB551WNGZ. According to the reviewer, it breaks down quickly, and almost every part is fragile.
For these reasons, you’d better look for another model that will serve you better.
Whirlpool French Door Refrigerators
- Whirlpool WRF550CDHZ
The refrigerator is quite efficient in thermostat control, as the rating of 5 out of 5 on Consumer Reports reveals. It is also highly rated in temperature uniformity, and 3 out of 5 customers are impressed by its performance. Additionally, you’ll experience outstanding crisper performance with the model.
But that’s all where its goodness ends. For a French Door refrigerator that costs approximately $3,438.00, you’d expect more on energy efficiency, which is rated at a dismal 1 out of 5. The ice maker performance of the device is also poor.
The rating of 37 says it’s all about the models’ incompetencies. It’s surprising because Whirlpool makes some great models, but on this one, they have much to improve on. 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.
- Whirlpool WRF560SMHZ
A rating of 58 suggests that it’s not badly off compared to some of the models we have covered here, such as the Whirlpool WRF550CDHZ. It has several outstanding features, such as efficient thermostat control and excellent temperature uniformity. Also, it features digital controls near its entrance and is also efficient in terms of noise.
Customers are also impressed with its performance. However, be wary of its ice maker performance, rated fair. If you are looking for a machine that will guarantee you a good supply of ice cubes, this shouldn’t be your first choice.
Whirlpool Side-by-Side Refrigerators
- Whirlpool WRS315SDHM
- Whirlpool WRS315SNHM
- Whirlpool WRS555SIHZ
An external water dispenser is most of the time alluring, and these models have such kinds. Their electricity use is also within the suitable range. Additionally, you’ll be guaranteed excellent temperature uniformity with the models. But do not get too carried by these features as the models also have glaring shortfalls.
First, the crisper and ice maker performances are also below par. Also, there is something that is off about the water dispenser design. Its drip zone extends outside the recommended zones, and you’ll have to keep wiping the surfaces to prevent damage to the other parts. The loudness of the motor is also something you would probably not like.
- Whirlpool WRS555SIHZ
Efficiency in thermostat control, energy use, and temperature uniformity are some of the upsides of this model. It is also rated at 60, indicating its effectiveness on various fronts. However, we fault it for failing to deliver on areas where a great refrigerator should be perfect.
In terms of ice-making and crisper performance, the model is subpar. The ice maker and water dispenser are also one of the device’s Achilles heels. You’ll frequently encounter ice left in the chute, and you must remove it manually, which is quite tedious.
The water dispenser is placed where it is hard to avoid hitting it as you remove ice from the freezer. It will thus get your clothes wet now and then while also spilling some water on the floor.
The device also produces some deafening noise when performing normal tasks that do not warrant such an outcome. It is a sign that something inside the device is off the note.
- Whirlpool WRS331SDHM
The model is another Whirlpool type that has elicited customer fury primarily due to its apparent failure to meet customer expectations. According to a Consumer Reports review, the models’ shelves are unadjustable, making them hard to operate.
Also, you cannot control the temperatures as you’d wish. Often, the temperatures will rise or fall without your hand, which is quite a challenge. It will prompt items to freeze when you don’t want it to happen.
The ice maker is also problematic, and you will experience occasional ice outages as production ceases without notice. Its fan is also faulty and starts or stops when you open the door. It is additionally noisy, compounding its insufficiencies to control the temperatures inside effectively.
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. Thus generally, the model is a pathetically assembled refrigerator wanting various aspects, as described by the reviewer. It’s, therefore, best to settle for a better type.
- Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ
First, let us discuss the upsides of this model. It’s reasonably priced and has excellent features, such as ample inside room, yet it does not cover much of the exterior space.
Its styling is also exemplary, and it has a well-assembled control panel. Also, the water dispenser nozzle is perfectly placed, meaning there’s little chance of spilling over your drink. Lastly, it also features an excellent lighting system. Thus, you do not need to carry a spotlight whenever you visit the fridge.
So why are we asking you not to choose it? There are quite a few downsides, including the refrigerator’s poor crisper performance.
Also, you will have to train your visitors to use the water dispenser as it does not stop dripping water immediately after you switch it off. A few seconds after you put the switch off, the water continues dripping, which is not great.
How the refrigerator’s fan works are also quite bizarre, as it will go on when you do not expect it to function. Sometimes, you’ll hear it’s straining to keep the inside cool, and the loud noise can be a nuisance.
Another thing that’s off about the model is that the doors do not perfectly align. What is causing that issue is the seal which does not fit perfectly. Fortunately, one may not note the misalignment unless they are pretty keen. Lastly, its shelves are not adjustable. Thus you may not customize it according to your needs.
- Whirlpool WRS325FDAM
The fundamental upside of this refrigerator is its low price. You’ll struggle to find a similar kind available at $1,050.00. It also has a few positive attributes, such as perfect ice-making.
Nonetheless, that is where its goodness ends. While you’ll seamlessly make ice, dispensing it will be the most significant hurdle as its system is relatively poor. Other problems will also start cropping up after one year of use, and probably by this time, the warranty will be over.
Expect the lights to go off without warning and the compressor occasionally breaks down. The refrigerator’s drawers are weak and easily crack, especially if you mishandle them. While its freezer is excellent, the same cannot be said of the fridge, which will cease working effectively after some time.
- Whirlpool WRS325SDHZ
The device is excellent in temperature uniformity and crisper performance. It is also easy to clean and consumes affordable units of power. Its water and ice dispensing units are also of excellent quality.
But if you are keen on arranging your stuff according to your style, the model will disappoint you. Its shelves are not adjustable, and thus you will have to put up with the set arrangement even if you may not like it.
Its compressor is also troublesome and can get noisy now and then. Some customers have also reported that its cooling is inconsistent, and sometimes it will fail promptly. The company advises repairing such a device rather than replacing it altogether, which is the best thing, especially if it is recurrent.
2. Frigidaire
Frigidaire itself is one of the nation’s favorite refrigerator brands. Yet, people dislike this French Door model despite boasting many features. There were many consumer complaints due to malfunctions.
So, while this brand may not be something you should exclude all the way, the models of this brand are something you will want to watch.
It is out of doubt that Frigidaire is a behemoth in the Fridge manufacturing industry. It has many models, and it’s arguably one of the companies that boast the most extensive assortment of refrigerators.
Nonetheless, you will also find quite a large pool of subpar models. Here is a list of the models that have been rated below 50 on Consumer Reports.
| Refrigerator Model | Consumer Report Rating |
|---|---|
| Frigidaire FFHN2740PS | 49 |
| Frigidaire Gallery LGHB2869TF | 45 |
| Frigidaire Professional FPBS2777RF | 43 |
| Frigidaire FFHT1814QW | 40 |
| Frigidaire Gallery FGHF2366PF | 40 |
| Frigidaire Professional FPBG2277RF | 40 |
| Frigidaire BFPH31M6L[M] (Best Buy) | 38 |
| Frigidaire FFPH31M6L[M] | 38 |
| Frigidaire FFTR1821QS | 38 |
| Frigidaire LFPH31M6L[M] (Lowe’s) | 38 |
| Frigidaire FFHT1614QW | 37 |
| Frigidaire Professional FPBC2277RF | 35 |
| Frigidaire FFTR1621QW | 33 |
| Frigidaire FFHT1521QW | 29 |
| Frigidaire BFPH25M4L[ ] (Best Buy) | 22 |
| Frigidaire FFPH25M4L[B] | 22 |
| Frigidaire LFPH25M4L[ ] (Lowe’s) | 22 |
Unsurprisingly, looking at many of these models, Frigidaire refrigerators are poorly rated regarding owner satisfaction on Consumer Reports.
Nonetheless, all these models will let you down in aspects like the freezer and refrigerator performance. They also have dismal ratings on energy efficiency, one of the critical aspects that no refrigerator manufacturer should compromise.
Therefore, keep off these particular brands. We’ll elaborate later on the faults that make each appear on our list of poorly performing models.
Frigidaire Top Freezer Refrigerators
- Frigidaire FFHT1621TW
A rating of 50 on Consumer Reports is not such a huge red flag on the model’s performance, but in reality, it is not a good performer. First, it is rated 1 out of 5 on owner’s satisfaction, which means many have been left unimpressed.
It also has a similar rating on its ease of use showing many clients have also found it wanting in that department. It will let you down if you want to use it to make ice because Consumer Reports have indicated that it is among the poorest models.
The crisper performance is not good either. However, we cannot ignore its excellent energy efficiency and temperature control performance. So when buying the model, you’ll have to weigh which of the attributes we have listed come first in your list.
You’ll have to sacrifice some, especially if making ice is among your fundamentals.
Frigidaire French Door Refrigerators
- Frigidaire FFBN1721TV
You cannot fault this model on many fronts, especially considering its good energy efficiency rating and perfect temperature uniformity properties. However, it won’t serve you best in ice making as it is abysmal.
Many of the customers who have had interactions with the model have been left disappointed. With a rating of 1 out of 5 is easy to see why these models are not too impressive.
The attributes above are not surprising, considering Frigidaire is lowly rated in terms of reliability and satisfaction. Of course, you can still find good models manufactured by the brand, but this is not among them.
- Frigidaire Gallery FGHD2368TF
- Frigidaire FG4H2272UF
- Frigidaire Gallery FGHG2368TF
- Frigidaire Gallery FGHB2868TF
An overall poor rating of the brand on Consumer Reports should worry you first before delving into its specifics. We have earlier stated that Frigidaire is among the worst brands, especially regarding disappointing consumers.
Among the chief complaints is that the company is not enthusiastic about honoring its warranty obligations. You will thus have to endure long spells of not using the fridge if some part gets spoiled. The above models are all too similar in design. You can, thus, expect them to share the same problems.
The noise of the fridge is also a cardinal concern for customers. One complained about the crooked make of the freezer door and was not too impressed on being told that you could do little to avert it, as reported on Consumer Reports.
The model lacks a water dispenser, and the occasional shutting of the french doors are highlights of owner complaints.
3. Kenmore
Here is a list of the Worst Kenmore Refrigerators
| Refrigerator Model | Consumer Report Rating |
|---|---|
| Kenmore 50023 | 47 |
| Kenmore 60505 | 47 |
| Kenmore 51123 | 45 |
| Kenmore 9028 (3) | 42 |
| Kenmore 61212 | 40 |
| Kenmore 71212 | 40 |
| Kenmore 95683 | 39 |
| Kenmore 9338 (2) | 35 |
Kenmore is a great brand, but some models are pretty substandard, as the above ratings reveal. There is a unique reason why each model has an assigned rating. However, generally, they all have subpar freezer performances. Also, the thermostat control is below the required level, although it’s rated fair in some models, such as Kenmore 51123.
Some are pathetic, especially the models that have ratings below 40. They are worst performing in energy efficiency and freezer performance. Also, expect these poorly rated models to disappoint you in a crisper version.
Kenmore models are usually low quality and have bad noise performance. If you want a quality refrigerator, don’t get these!
Kenmore Top Freezer Refrigerators
- Kenmore 71212 / Kenmore 61212 40 / 40
The two poorly rated top freezer refrigerator Kenmore models on Consumer Reports include:
- Kenmore 71212 Refrigerator
- Kenmore 61212 Refrigerator
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. One of the areas that both are rated poorly is the crisper performance. The reviews for this brand are not very flattering, with 2 out 5 stars telling a different story.
They are not good in ice making either, and they are both rated fair which further asserts why very few customers would recommend the brand to their friends. Additionally, both give a subpar performance and are rated fairly regarding temperature uniformity. The same also applies to their thermostat control rating.
According to Consumer Reports, the two models are also not easy to use. Consumers have rated them two out of five, meaning they were left unimpressed by the workability of the models.
You may be forgiven for thinking that the two are the worst refrigerator models ever, considering their below-par ratings in most aspects. However, we cannot fault the manufacturer in all aspects.
For example, regarding energy efficiency, the two models have excellent performance. Also, they have been rated good on noise, which is commendable considering that this is the average rating for most other brands.
Hence, you cannot entirely fault Kenmore in all areas. The two models also have a reasonable price compared to the other listed models on Consumer Reports. However, the low price comes at a compromise on some of the most critical aspects of refrigerators.
Kenmore French Door Refrigerators
- Kenmore 73105
The model is one of the reasonably priced refrigerators on Amazon, and customers have also acknowledged that it is an inexpensive option. It also performs excellently on noise and temperature uniformity.
But the model is not great in thermostat control, ice making, and crisper performance. Customers have also complained about the quality of its Freon. Complaints include the refrigerator failing to keep food fresh due to bad thermostat control.
Kenmore Side-by-Side Refrigerators
- Kenmore 41173
The primary red flag should be the owner satisfaction low rating of 2 out of 5 on Consumer Reports. Although the rating reflects all the models, refrigerators such as the Kenmore 41173 have contributed the most.
So what’s amiss about it? The crisper performance is poor, and the ice maker capabilities of the model are below par. Regarding ease of use, it is rated 3 out of 5, which is also not a good sign.
- Kenmore 51335
Customer confidence in this model is our primary issue with an otherwise great refrigerator. A particular customer on Consumer Reports explained her negative experiences with the brand.
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 second model also started developing similar problems with ice falling out and starting to melt.
It has also been challenging to keep the fridge working for some extended period, and the customer was thinking of getting a new one to replace it. Considering that it is priced at $1,430.00, you cannot just keep buying one fridge after another for the same price. Hence, it’s best to avoid the model.
4. Fisher & Paykel
Fisher & Paykel is a reputable company, but the subpar refrigerators listed below are:
| Refrigerator Model | Consumer Report Rating |
|---|---|
| Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart RF135BDLUX4 | 31 |
| Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart RF135BDLX4 | 31 |
| Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart RF135BDRUX4 | 31 |
| Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart RF135BDRX4 | 31 |
Generally, Fisher & Paykel is a highly rated brand on Consumer Reports. On average, the expected reliability of their brands is rated 4 out of five. Also, the brand has a fair rating regarding customer satisfaction.
You can’t afford to compromise on critical aspects of refrigeration, like energy efficiency and thermostat control. The best brands in the business are still looking at improving their performance, so you need a model that will last long enough for your family’s needs!
Fisher & Paykel Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
- Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart RF170WDRX5
- Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart RF170WDRUX5
- Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart RF170WDLX5
- Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart RF170WDLUX5
Fisher & Paykel is among the top appliance manufacturers, especially regarding expected reliability and owner satisfaction. Indeed, many customers have backed the high ratings by giving positive reviews about these models.
Nonetheless, we cannot ignore some of the critical shortfalls that prompted us to list them. Nothing suggests an apparent fault with the models looking at their overall ratings. But some customers have been critical of the ice maker’s poor performance.
It is, however, reliable despite its slow performance, but the ice maker’s speed is undoubtedly a turnoff. The fridge size is also a concern for some customers who feel pretty small. Additionally, some have described the models’ dispensed water as warm, which is not a good sign.
Fisher & Paykel French Door Refrigerators
- Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart RF201ADUSX5
Do not buy this fridge if you are concerned about temperature uniformity, as it ranks low on that front. Also, if you are looking forward to having an excellent device for making ice, the Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart RF201ADUSX5 will disappoint you because it cannot achieve it.
Customers have also been concerned about the thinness of its exterior stainless cover, which is far too easy to scrape off. It is also weak and will form a dent after applying the least pressure. Also, the inability to control the temperature is an issue you will have to bear because the fridge is subpar.
Pulling items from the fridge is not straightforward, as you must remove the entire bin. The freezer drawer is also problematic, especially in arranging stuff inside. It lacks dividers; thus, getting things in some order inside will require innovativeness. Otherwise, your items will be lying all over.
The refrigerator is not too bad and has some outstanding advanced features, but you deserve better for approximately $2,699.00.
Fisher & Paykel Built-in Refrigerators
- Fisher & Paykel RS36W80RU1
With a rating of 67, it will be hard to disqualify the model as the one you shouldn’t buy as it has some very commendable smart features. Its noise and thermostat control are four stars, while its temperature uniformity is rated 3 out of 5. However, the model is a power guzzler as it is not economical for electricity use.
The rating of 2 out of 5 speaks volumes about its apparent inefficiency in electricity consumption. Its ease of use is also not too great despite being an expensive model priced at $6,400.00. Such a highly-priced refrigerator should be nearly flawless, and with the above-highlighted issues, you undoubtedly deserve better value for your money.
5. Viking
Viking does have a large assortment of refrigerators. The following models have a poor rating on Consumer Reports. Here are the low rated models:
| Refrigerator Model | Consumer Report Rating |
|---|---|
| Viking VCBB5363ERSS | 48 |
| Viking VCSB5423SS | 38 |
| Viking Professional 7 Series VBI7360WRSS | 37 |
Viking refrigerators have been rated among the lowest in terms of predicted reliability by consumers. You think you’re purchasing a new fridge with all the perfect features. Still, when it comes down to using them or fixing any problems that arise from their use (defective parts), they’re not so great at maximizing your satisfaction level according to CR’s rating system, which counts as 1 out of 5 stars towards an appliance being reliable.
In addition, customers also seem disappointed enough that there aren’t many rave reviews about these products on online forums either. They are proving how risky buying Viking really might be.
Otherwise, Viking is a great brand, but not just for refrigerators. Many kitchen appliances and other stuff made by the company are worth their price.
Viking French Door Refrigerators
- Viking RVRF3361SS
Don’t get us wrong, a rating of 61 on Consumer Reports is an above-average ranking. However, we still believe that for a sum close to $3,949.00, you can get a more efficient device for ice making. The Viking model is anything but superb in that realm, which you cannot ignore after spending that much.
It has also left many users unimpressed, and while it is not clear in which regard specifically, the poor energy efficiency may be one of the reasons. It will consume much more than you’d expect, which is undoubtedly a concern as it will balloon your power bills.
Viking Built-in Refrigerators
- Viking Professional 7 Series VBI7360WRSS
- Viking VCSB5423SS
- Viking VCBB5363ERSS
Excellent temperature uniformity and noise rating inform that the brands are high-performing models. But that should not conceal your vision from the overall Consumer Reports rating of 1 out of 5 of the brand.
With the models, you will also struggle with thermostat control, and their energy use is also an issue of concern. Also, there is a low overall predicted reliability score of the model, which highlights the general weakness of the devices from the Viking brand.
6. Electrolux
According to Consumer Reports, Electrolux is one of the best manufacturers of everyday home appliances, and their washing machines are highly rated. But when it comes to refrigerators, the brand is substandard at best. Most of its refrigerators are poorly rated.
Here are the fridge models with a rating of below 50 on Consumer Reports.
| Refrigerator Model | Consumer Report Rating |
|---|---|
| Electrolux IQ-Touch EI23BC32SS | 48 |
| Electrolux IQ-Touch EI23BC82SS | 47 |
| Electrolux Wave-Touch EW23BC87SS | 44 |
| Electrolux IQ-Touch EI23BC37SS | 34 |
Primarily, the low rating is because customers have meager expectations of refrigerators. Of course, this attitude stems from most of their appliances not delivering when required.
Not all the models are poorly rated for most of the brands we have covered. Nonetheless, the case for Electrolux is different. All their refrigerator brands are rated below 50 on consumer reports, apart from Electrolux EI26SS55G[W], which has a rating of 58.
But, we must admit that the ratings on this brand are pretty unrealistic as most of the models are ranking high on most aspects apart from ice making.
But you cannot afford to ignore the views of customers who have interacted with the fridges. Many have been left unimpressed, and there’s every chance it’ll disappoint you too.
So to be safe, follow the lead and keep off the poorly rated models.
Electrolux French Door Refrigerators
- Electrolux Wave-Touch EW23BC87SS
- Electrolux IQ-Touch EI23BC82SS
Electrolux comes last in the Overall Consumer Report ratings, ranking 1 out of 5 on predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. It is, thus, unsurprising that the two French Door refrigerators make this list.
They are all not too bad as they are exemplary in some areas, such as ease of use, noise, and temperature uniformity. Nonetheless, don’t yet be hasty in buying the models as they have several other faults.
First, their energy efficiency is rated average and thus will have a significant impact on your electricity expenses. But that’s not all. Many customers have been unimpressed by several of the devices’ properties.
Some complain that they have had ice trapped on the back sheet metal of the refrigerator. Also, the ice maker capabilities of the models have been called into question by customers. One complained that he noted black specks on the ice resulting from the deterioration of the bottom part of the ice bucket.
The same customer further revealed that replacing the ice maker did not improve its performance, and that’s a red flag that something about the model is amiss. Maintaining temperature is also a problem for the refrigerator, which keeps changing abnormally. It can freeze everything inside unnecessarily.
Another customer said the company’s limited warranty terms are skewed as she was asked to pay $1000 before replacing the machine with another. The new refrigerator also developed problems after a while.
You would not want to inherit these problems, so we advise you to keep off the two models.
7. General Electric (GE)
Consumer rankings from experts such as JD Powers put GE French Door refrigerators at the bottom of customer satisfaction lists.
GE refrigerators once were the pride of American appliance manufacturing. Most of GE’s models are phenomenal regarding performance, so we are not just telling you to ignore the entire brand.
They have some of the best fridges in the market and if you are an admirer of the brand, consider buying the highly rated GE GFD28GSLSS French Door Refrigerator. It has a perfect ice maker that also features an innovative door that makes it easy to use even by kids.
But a large number of models means that there’s a high likelihood of some being deficient. Therefore, there are some models you should keep off as customers have found them wanting. Any model rated below 50 will likely be problematic to you compared to other customers.
They include:
| Refrigerator Model | Consumer Report Rating |
|---|---|
| GEGTE16GTHWW | 49 |
| GEGTE18GMHES | 48 |
| GEGPE16DTHWW | 43 |
| GEGTS16GTHWW | 43 |
| GEGMR04BAN[ ] | 26 |
| GEGMR04HAS[CS] | 26 |
| GEGMR02BAN[WW]) | 20 |
GE French Door Refrigerators
- GE GYE18JBLTS
No Doubt that GE is an excellent brand with high ratings on predicted reliability and owner satisfaction. There is not much to complain about this model. It features exceptional performance in temperature uniformity and thermostat control. Its crisper performance is also top-notch.
Additionally, it features an externally placed water dispenser with quite a large ice storage area.
However, it underperforms in aspects such as energy efficiency and ice-making. Also, one reviewer on Consumer Reports complained that it makes a lot of noise which is somewhat annoying. It’s a problem that you can ignore, but with its poor energy efficiency, it could pose problems in the long run.
GE Side-by-Side Refrigerators
- GE GZS22DSJSS
The model has an average rating on many aspects, such as energy consumption, ease of use, and temperature uniformity. The two main parameters where the brand has a high rating are thermostat control and noise. However, the model is not perfect in two respects, as it has a 4 out of 5 rating on Consumer Reports.
It is also poor at making ice, and customers have complained about it being noisy. It also does not allow you to arrange the shelves as you wish, as they are immovable. Its layout is also not appealing, making it hard to set things up.
Additionally, it has several problems after some time, such as dispenser breakdown and defrosting issues. Hence, it’s a model that will need to be replaced sooner than you thought.
- GE GSE23GSKSS
GE is a great brand, and there is a pretty good model in the GSE23GSKSS. But a few things are off, and if the brand were to get them right, we would recommend them to you.
First, the ice maker is subpar, and its crisper is also ineffective. Also, if you have seen the brand, you’ll at a glance note that its doors are misaligned. Overall, most of the customers have positive experiences with the model.
Hence, it is just a matter of the brand making the slight adjustments, and it would attain an A+ level status. Until then, we advise you to avoid it.
- GE GSS25IYNFS
The model is an impressive upgrade on the other GE’s side-by-side refrigerators. However, it is noisy, and you’ll have to put up with that sound that can get annoyingly loud sometimes. Also, the doors do not close naturally, and you must push them with quite some force. Lastly, the model has issues with frosting on the freezer, especially if you do not close the door properly.
8. Amana
If navigating through a large pool of models looking for the best quality refrigerator is a problem you often grapple with, Amana will solve it, at least in some way. The brand has many models, and fortunately, most of them are highly rated.
So you can close your eyes, pick one and be sure that you have selected a top-performing model. But still, there is a chance, although diminished, that you’ll land on the lowly-rated Amana ASI2575GRS.
The model is the only one from the brand with a below 50. You should avoid purchasing it primarily because it is poor in thermostat control. Also, it has generally left many customers dissatisfied.
The crisper performance of the model is also low. Nonetheless, most of the other models are highly rated. Hence for Amana, we only caution you against the particular type. For the other models, you’re spoilt for choice.
Amana Side-by-Side Refrigerators
- Amana ASI2575GRS
The model has reasonable prices from $1,097.00 to $1,349.00. But it should be the last model you settle for, especially if you want a refrigerator with efficient thermostat control.
Other departments where the model falls short such as crisper drawers performance. It is also fair in ice making and thus not a great choice if you are an icy drinks fanatic. The model is also poor in crisper performance.
Its door shelves are also not sturdy, and you’ll have to be careful about the weight of what you put inside. The model’s ice maker will experience frequent water drips from the water dispenser.
The device also sells with a warranty, but Amana does honor its side of the deal, as some customer complaints reveal. Some have been made to wait for a long to have their devices fixed, and even with the fixing, the company does a shoddy job.
- Amana ASI2175GRS
The Amana ASI2175GRS is a better alternative to the ASI2575GRS we have covered above. It is slightly priced higher than the formerly discussed model, but it has superior features that make the increased cost worthwhile.
But it still retains the problems of the ASI2575GRS, such as poor crisper performance. You will also not get any improvement on the ice making performance as it is still rated fair.
On noise, it is worse than the ASI2575GRS if customer reviews are anything to go by. It is noisier than you’d expect; its sides are larger than the company specified. If you’re a meat connoisseur, the refrigerator will disappoint you because it lacks deli drawers.
Also, you cannot control the humidity of the produce drawers. The lights also go on for the ice dispenser, but for the other parts, it’s total darkness. Some customers have also been disappointed by the refrigerator size as it is smaller than expected. Lastly, you have to cut the ice maker manually. If you don’t, you will have ice flowing all over.
Therefore, while its affordable cost is quite attractive, don’t forget to check out the performance of the other equally important aspects. And we are looking at the downsides we’ve listed above. We wouldn’t recommend it to you.
9. Maytag
Consumer reports ranking reliable refrigerator brands noted Maytag as one of the least reliable refrigerator brands for side-by-side refrigerators. The Maytag Side-By-Side ranked lowest in reliability scores by JD Powers and Pul’s Experts consumer rankings.
Maytag can be best rated as an average refrigerator brand that’s not so good and still not extremely bad. Therefore, it shouldn’t be your top priority, especially if you have other options.
The brand has some average-rated models on Consumer Reports. Their least ranked model is Maytag MSS25N4MKZ. The rating is not too bad, considering there are worse models that we have already covered.
But why settle for the average when you can go for the best? When choosing between different Maytag models, settle for the highly rated ones, such as the MaytagMSF25D4MDH, which has a rating of 65 on Consumer Reports.
Maytag French Door Refrigerators
- Maytag MFC2062FEZ
Maytag refrigerators have started to wane in quality and performance, but they have some great models. The Maytag MFC2062FEZ has a subpar energy efficiency rating. However, where they have fallen off most is in customer satisfaction. It has an owner satisfaction rating of 2 out of 5, which is also not impressive.
Maytag Side-by-Side Refrigerators
- Maytag MSS25N4MKZ
The model is not too great, nor is the brand rated 1 out of 5 on Consumer Reports on the owner satisfaction parameter. It will make your ice, but its performance in this respect will be fair at best, so don’t be too expectant of its capabilities.
It also has a poor crisper performance. You cannot compromise on this aspect. Also, given that customers have already given a thumbs down to the brand, avoid any of its brands with a low rating, such as the Maytag MSS25N4MKZ.
- Maytag MSC21C6MFZ
The ice maker and crisper performance for this refrigerator are rated average. Hence, this is not your ideal model if you want a better ice maker. The noise that it gives is also quite a turnoff.
Its compressor will occasionally scare you with its sudden noise. The ice drop is also quite loud, which you’d not expect for a refrigerator in this century. Also, the problems start cropping up as quickly as within six months. So it would be best to avoid the model.
10. Samsung
Is there something to be said for french door refrigerators, as two of the picks on this list already have them? It may not be that simple.
Samsung refrigerators made the worst refrigerator list because of the actions of the Samsung company. The company has been sued for knowingly selling faulty refrigerators.
Also, if you were buying a side-by-side refrigerator, the Samsung RH29H9000SR should be the last model on your shopping list. It is undeniable that Samsung is the brand to beat when manufacturing the best electronics.
But on this model, they have compromised on quite a lot of the aspects. It is the least effective model if you want to use it for milk and egg storage. Find a better type with improved temperature regulation properties.
You shouldn’t be too quick to pick the other lowly rated models, such as Samsung RS25H5000SR and Samsung RF23HCEDBSR. They are rated 51 and 53 on Consumer Reports, which suggests that they are not badly off.
Go for the other brands with a better approval rate, which means fewer problems.
Samsung Side-by-Side Refrigerators
- Samsung RS22T5201SR
Samsung rarely gets it wrong on most of its devices, but they have several negative attributes it will have to address first on this model to rebuild its longstanding good reputation. Everything about it is perfect, but there is quite a problem regarding temperature uniformity.
Consumer Ratings have given it a rating of 2 out of 5, which testifies that the brand has failed to address this imperative aspect. It is also poor in crisper and ice making. After the fourth year of using it, expect the model to stop cooling, as cited by some customers who have had a long-term experience with it.
The company also becomes quite frustrated once these problems crop up, and don’t be surprised if they take ages to repair a slight problem.
11. Blomberg
Blomberg Side-by-Side Refrigerators
- Blomberg BRFB1522SS
- Blomberg BRFB1512SS
The two Blomberg models are refrigerators that you should avoid if you are concerned about temperature uniformity, as they are both poor. Perhaps this problem is exacerbated by the refrigerators’ equally poor thermostat control. It has a rating of 2 out of 5 and will surely disappoint you in the two aspects.
Do not overlook its ice maker performance, rated poor on Consumer Reports because it will come back to haunt you, especially if you are a chilly drinks enthusiast. The only good stuff about the two models is the energy efficiency and crisper performance.
Otherwise, it is rated 39, considering its crisper performance is below average. Also, considering it is not a brand you’d consider cheap, it’s imperative to avoid it as the shortfalls above will undoubtedly hurt you.
Blomberg Built-in Refrigerators
- Blomberg BRFB1920SS
The model is perfect and also reasonably priced at $5,749.00. But our issue with it is on energy efficiency, where it is rated 3 out of five. It will affect your power bills significantly. It is also not great at ice-making, and its crisper performance is also poor.
12. Galanz Top Freezer Refrigerators
- Galanz GLR12TRDEFR
The Top Freezer Refrigerator is one of the cheapest brands, and it retails in major stores such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Home Depot. Nonetheless, the rating of 43 on Consumer Reports should inform you that something is somehow off about the model.
The company does not make any appliances, which should not be an excuse for creating poor ease-of-use models. It performs perfectly in some aspects, such as energy efficiency, which is quite outstanding considering that it is a model that is affordable to many.
The fridge isn’t the best at maintaining crispiness and makes a lot of noise. Despite this, Consumer Reports rated this model low on their list, which could mean that something is amiss with its performance or quality control—you shouldn’t settle for anything when there are better brands out there!
Therefore, while it is not badly off, it’s lowly rated. There are no consumer reviews on Consumer Reports to help perhaps understand why this could be so. It means that probably not many customers have bought the brand.
13. Danby Top Freezer Refrigerators
- Danby DFF101B2WDB
Compared to many other brands on this list, Danby DFF101B2WDB Refrigerator is a moderately performing refrigerator. Its only blight is the crisper performance rated poor on Consumer Reports. Otherwise, on other features, it has a fair rating.
So why are we advising you against it? The rating of 45 on Consumer Reports implies that it is one of the most miniature reliable refrigerators.
Also, a client on Consumer Reports revealed that he would not recommend the brand to a friend. The rationale of the assertion was that the refrigerator gets hot on the sides. The customer took about a month to realize this issue, too fast for common problems to crop up.
It probably means that the model is not generally well-built, so it’s best to avoid it.
14. Insignia Top Freezer Refrigerators
- Insignia NS-RTM18SS7
Insignia is a good brand, and it’s quite a shame that one of the company’s models is on this list. The Insignia NS-RTM18SS7 is excellent in energy efficiency and features spillproof shelves. In terms of temperature uniformity, it is also among the top-performing models.
But we ask you to avoid it because its ice-making performance is subpar. Also, its thermostat control will disappoint you, as the rating of 2 out of 5 on Consumer Reports reveals. Another area where the refrigerator ranks low is the crisper performance, rated poor.
Also, when you purchase it, you’ll have to put up with getting an item from the freezer at night while using a spotlight as it lacks a freezer light.
15. Summit Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
- Summit FFBF287SSIM
The Summit FFBF287SSIM has some ardent fans, as revealed by a reviewer in Consumer Reports who gave it a favorable rating. She praised its size for not occupying too much space while indicating its depth is what a nuclear family would need for a bottom freezer refrigerator.
However, she was also keen to indicate that its temperature control was not too good. Due to such reasons, it has made it to this list. The model indeed performs above average on energy efficiency and noise. The poor temperature uniformity is not something to take lightly.
It is also very ineffective in ice production, which is quite a concern considering that it is not a cheap refrigerator. We thus recommend you avoid it if you are keen on getting a good-performing refrigerator in those areas.
But we agree with the reviewer that it is a good model, especially if you don’t need ice production and temperature uniformity for its other superior features.
16. Hisense Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
- Hisense HBM17158SS
It’s hard to beat an inexpensive refrigerator with so many great features. For about $900, you can walk away from the store knowing your new fridge will do everything it needs to! It scored 62, which outperforms many models in its class. People who own these refrigerators seem to love them despite their shortcomings.
But we advise against buying it first due to its subpar crisper performance. Consumer Reports also rates the temperature uniformity fair, which means plenty of room for improvement.
Also, some customers have had reservations about the model’s capacity to hold deli drawers and gallon containers. The lack of an efficient humidity control system is a vital underside of the awe-inspiring model. Lastly, the inability to adjust the shelves according to one’s needs is also a shortfall that is hard to ignore.
If you are looking for a cheaply priced refrigerator, you can overlook the cons above. But we recommend buying a fridge that will serve you best, and the Hisense HBM17158SS is not one of them.
17. Kitchen Aid
We placed this refrigerator on a list of the many companies with class-action lawsuits against its products. On the surface, KitchenAid products get good reviews. There may be trouble in paradise for those who subscribe to this brand, particularly with this model, as malfunctioning is why it raised issues.
KitchenAid refrigerators are likewise in a high-price range. They sometimes go for as high as $5,000 at outlets such as Home Depot. This compares to its counterpart brands’ more moderated $1,000 to $2,000 range. For this reason, you expect higher quality, and you may be alarmed to find negative reviews about faulty behavior within this brand, raising lawsuit problems.
Kitchen Aid French Door Refrigerators
- KitchenAid KRFC300ESS
The refrigerator is exemplary in thermostat control, and you can also not fault it on temperature uniformity and noise. But energy consumption is pathetic, and you must put up with a bloated electricity bill.
We discourage you from settling for it because it has a poor crisper drawer performance and is rated fair on ice making. It is also rated 3 out of 5 in ease of use, and an efficient refrigerator should have a better ranking.
18. LG
This model of LG made a list because of both lawsuits and malfunctions reported against the brand itself. LG has hopped up its refrigerators as “the best,” and reviews are generally good. Yet, the controversy surrounding this model has recall notices attached.
LG Side-by-Side Refrigerators
- LG LRMVS3006S
- LG LRMDS3006S
LG refrigerators are the last you’d expect to find on this list, but we cannot ignore the complaints against the two devices. First, we must admit that they are both exemplary in many respects, but that could be better if they had improved ice-making properties.
Among the most prominent concerns is the cost of their devices. The price of either of them is not less than $3,398.00. Thus, if you are operating on a low budget, the prices of the two models, which can rise to $5,266.80, can be pretty scary.
Some customers have complained about poor customer service, especially when they’ve contacted the company to request repairs.
Why Avoid These Refrigerators
The criteria for getting on this list weren’t so much “worst” refrigerators versus “best” refrigerators. 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.
That’s why it’s not as simple as saying entire brands themselves are “bad.” In some cases, it’s a bit more complicated than this. We have added the brand and the brand’s model to this list, which was primarily regarded as a bad buy. This helps you distinguish between a brand you should exclude completely and a model you should avoid.
You want to avoid the refrigerators on this list because of the brand’s problems that may detract from your buying experience. We will look at the refrigerator brands to avoid each refrigerator style. Let’s get started.
Before You Shop for a Refrigerator
Before you shop for a refrigerator, you should mentally check the things that have consistently put “bad” or “worst” refrigerators on the list above. If the answer to the following questions is “no,” then the quality of a refrigerator brand is low. These quality questions give you reasonable guesses for avoiding some brands, even if some of their products have good reviews.
Do Customers Love the Service?
This may be the most critical question. If you run into a problem with a product from a highly-rated brand, you’ll want healthy and responsive customer service to fall back on.
Is the Model Cost-Efficient?
Is the price point fair, given the model complexity and size you want to buy? If the price point is comparable to other refrigerators of similar make, you’re looking at a fair buy.
Do Users Report Consistent Functioning Across a Wide Range of Reviews?
If you hear about many glitches with a refrigerator model, you will want to avoid them. You may also prevent other models in the whole brand if you simultaneously see glitch warnings on a few models. While one bad apple may not be a reason to swear off the entire brand, several glitchy machines are a warning sign that the company’s machine design may be inferior to other options on the market.
Note on Design Types
Types of refrigerators vary by design, like built-in, side-by-side, and french-door refrigerators. Unfortunately, these designs tend to have some of the worst ratings. Current refrigerator models have “free-standing” machines and those that are built into a cupboard’s interface. Consumers recommend the free-standing model above the cupboard.
Why are Brands so Important?
Investopedia defines “brand” as a “business marketing concept.” Brands serve as your introduction to a company, its culture, and its machine design process’s effectiveness (or lack thereof).
Reliable appliance brands will have no facades. Its marketing concept will match the quality of its service and products. However, a bad brand will be hyped up with many marketing tools, sometimes even with good article reviews and press relations. However, when it comes down to asking for the customer’s rating, a bad brand will show that all of the good things you could have said are not valid.
Noting brands is important because a label and name give the story of product history. The relationship other customers form with a brand gives you an idea of the kind of development within the brand and can help you decide whether you want to form a buyer relationship with a specific company.
A brand’s reputation will also give you insights into whether or not it upholds its extended warranty policies. Reputation also gauges the history and depth of customer service within the brand when a product goes wrong.
How to Spot Low-Quality Refrigerators
A single brand cannot be the “worst,” just like a single brand cannot indeed be the “best.” This is because most research defines “worst” and “best” brands from opinions and preferences. There are some general quality lapses to avoid in every brand. Keep an eye out for these quality traps before shopping for any refrigerator brand.
Signs of low-quality refrigerators include the following:
- A lack of temperature consistency
- Inconsistent freezing efficiency in the freezer compartment
- Drains on your kitchen’s power outlets.
- Leaves drippage and water puddles indicate a “leakage” problem.
- Poorly aligned doors
These quality issues can indicate serious problems with the refrigerator down the road. Ultimately, buying low-quality refrigerators results in a high cost of living because low-quality refrigerators will waste both home energy and food. Food safety costs are incurred when you toss out frozen food because the refrigerator’s freezer unit didn’t keep it at a food-safe temperature.
What to Look For in a Long-Lasting Refrigerator
Once all the bad refrigerators you could run into are safely labeled and out of the way, you’ll want to know what to look for in a good refrigerator.
In general, you will see the following:
- No water leakage is observed by floor puddles or water pooling in the freezer units.
- Efficiency keeps frozen foods frozen for a long time.
- It uses energy sensibly and does not drain the kitchen grid.
- Properly aligned doors
- No leakage in the icemaker
- A quiet motor does not make whining operating noises months after home installation.
- Moderately priced can be easily worked into a home buyer’s budget.
Next Step: Make a Buying Decision
The first step is to narrow down the good, the bad, and the stinking garbage of the refrigerator market. Listing the nice-to-haves is the second. Finally, your buying decision will be based on your personal preferences and goals.
When making a final decision, consider setting a hard budget line you will not cross. Then, narrow your selections to only refrigerators with this price as the maximum price in a range. You may be able to find cheaper valued refrigerators with similar functions to what you’re shopping for this way.
