They already have mastered the cooling factor, but who knew that refrigerators could also be “cool”? The LG Smart InstaView Door-in-Door MAX 4-Door French Door refrigerator surprised me with its unique color personalization and left me feeling like I just might have the coolest fridge on the block —no pun intended.

LG Smart InstaView Refrigerator: Key specs

LG Smart InstaView Refrigerator: Setup

Luckily fridges are one of those appliances where it’s the total norm to have someone haul in, install, and set up for you. Not only is that because they are quite heavy and cumbersome, but because they need specific water hookups, such as in this case, two ice machines.

I did have an issue with this set up, as the initial installers only hooked up one of two, so I did not have ice coming from the dispenser (only the bucket in the freezer) and had to call again. So if you do choose this fridge, ensure the installer is knowledgeable about its unique needs compared to older/other fridges.

Once installed, there’s a bit of a learning curve — you might not realize right away you can knock twice on the fridge door glass to turn the light on, to see if you need more milk soon. Necessary? No. Fun? Definitely.

• Score: 8/10

LG Smart InstaView Refrigerator: Design & Features

The design elements are quite unique, and have visitors asking, “Wait, what does this do?” Here’s what I noticed.

The peek door

It came to be known as the peek door in my home. You can “peek into” the fridge via a window that just opens to show the three sections usually on the full door of a fridge. You know, where you keep those sauces you never use, and might have some coffee creamer from a year ago (no? Just me?). This is where high use items should be kept, in my opinion, for easy access. For my family, this is milk, jelly, cream, syrup, and similar highly used condiments. It’s especially helpful so my kids don’t tell me they can’t find anything. “Seriously? It’s in the peek door!” The only downside is that without rearranging you can’t choose anything very bulky or tall for this area.

The snack drawer

Like many modern fridges, there is a snack drawer at the perfect height for kids. As a parent, I’ve always used this section for foods I’m fine with kids accessing in a grab and go fashion anytime they want, such as cut up fruits and vegetables, yogurt, cheese, drinks, and other items. This drawer is well designed, opens and closes easily, and has intuitive sections that align with how we naturally stock the fridge.

The freezer

The two level freezer has a pullout drawer to allow for more visibility in the fridge. This gives users the ability to see all of their options without bending over, moving stacked objects, and wondering why they never eat all the food in their fridge. Unlike some other fridges I’ve tested, the drawer and the inner pullout section all open and close very easily. There is a bin of ice on the left side that is the second icemaker’s output, and is helpful in a large setting such as a part to have.

• Score: 9/10

LG Smart InstaView Refrigerator: Performance

Temperature Performance

This fridge is, well, FRIGID. I had to lower the temperature multiple times, which had a small learning curve. I think of the buttons as having a “shift” button on a keyboard — there are multiple functions for each button, and you have to access that second row of options to get to some of them. In the first few weeks, I found frozen cucumbers, strawberries, and other produce, while I learned that this fridge’s definition of cold and mine are slightly different. But, once I played with the settings, I found a happy medium that kept my food cold, not rock hard.

Ice Maker and Water Dispenser Performance

The ice maker and water dispenser on the top front of the fridge is one of the most poorly designed features. It confuses guests, who frequent the water dispenser, and I may even eventually have to put a little sticker on the options to denote their meaning. The problem is that instead of pushing the button for what you want (ice vs. water, for example) you push the button in the front to move the “select” function over to ice. So, many a guest have been sprayed with water thinking ice was coming out.

Additionally, I have very few glasses that are able to catch all the ice cubes shooting out of this thing. Instead, unless you are using a very wide cup, some always end up on the floor. I think the designers should adjust the angle of the ice dispenser internally, so that the average cup catches the ice cubes — though my dog does enjoy catching them as half of them fall to the floor.

However, the ice maker has been more reliable overall than some, though it does take a few seconds to wake up and begin dispensing ice.

Smart Features

Ever wish your fridge would match your next party theme? Me neither, but this one does. The fridge pairs with the “Thin IQ” app that allows you to set timers and colors for your fridge light, inside that peek door, for a specific ambiance in your kitchen. It’s one of those extras that can feel kitschy or cool depending on the day — on an average Tuesday morning rolling down in pajamas to set up my kids’ breakfast, it sure doesn’t matter if my fridge light is purple or red. But, my kids have enjoyed knocking on the fridge to get the light to turn on.

• Score: 7/10

LG Smart InstaView Refrigerator: Care & Maintenance

Owners are encouraged to use a non-abrasive and non-flammable cleaner to maintain both the interior and exterior of the refrigerator. While the refrigerator and the freezer both defrost on their own, LG does recommend cleaning both portions of the appliance to prevent odors. A mixture of baking soda and water may be helpful on the inside walls of the fridge to further eliminate odors.

The exterior of the refrigerator should be cleaned using a damp microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain. This will help prevent scratching and streaking. Door gaskets and liners should also be wiped down using a soft cloth with mild detergent. Like most stainless steel appliances, I did notice that the fridge picked up all of my children’s handprints, but they were easily wiped with a microfiber cloth as LG suggested. The glass peek-through door also showcased fingerprints but nothing that required heavy scrubbing.

Finally, LG recommends cleaning the condenser cover and vents with a vacuum cleaner. This will help prevent dust buildup and ensure that the fridge runs optimally.

• Score: 9/10

LG Smart InstaView Refrigerator: Price & Value

This LG refrigerator can be purchased through the LG website for $3099. The company frequently has price reductions and rebates, so it’s worth visiting their website for the latest pricing. You can also purchase this refrigerator through Home Depot and Best Buy. Both businesses currently list the price at $2699.99.

Additionally, the refrigerator can be purchased through locally-owned appliance businesses. Price and availability may vary.

• Score: 7/10

LG Smart InstaView Refrigerator: User Reviews

Many of the owners of this refrigerator appreciate its spacious storage, noting that the height of the shelves are useful for a variety of products. Additionally, the Flex Drawer was a great asset for active households–easily switched between refrigerator or freezer storage depending on storage needs. The overall quality of the appliance was spoken highly of, and reviews indicate that owners feel they have a top-of-the-line appliance for the money paid.

Some reviewers did note that they felt the app wasn’t as functional as they’d hoped, and while the glass window on the door was helpful for some, it was a consistent positive for owners. Additionally, the dual-zone ice maker caused problems for some with owners sharing it didn’t consistently make ice or the ice produced tasted like plastic.

Would I buy the LG Smart InstaView Refrigerator?

If you're looking for a sleek, modern refrigerator with advanced technology, this model could be perfect for you. Its flat-panel doors offer a contemporary aesthetic and customizable storage. The Flex Drawer adapts to your changing food storage needs, allowing you to easily switch between refrigerator and freezer space.

For tech enthusiasts, this refrigerator is equipped with ThinkQ capabilities, keeping you informed about usage patterns, door status, and maintenance needs. Plus, you can customize the LED lighting inside to match your mood.

However, if smart technology isn't important to you, you might want to consider other options. While it's not necessary to operate the fridge, you may end up paying for features you won’t use. Additionally, the freezer’s two-tier organization could be inconvenient, as the absence of a drawer divider means you may have to dig around for your favorite snacks.

How does the LG Smart InstaView Refrigerator compare?

While this model offers a lot of great storage, if you need slightly more storage, LG does offer a similar model with a 30.7 cu. foot capacity. The main difference between the two models is the presence of the Flex Drawer, which disappears with the larger capacity fridge.

Additional brands also offer a flex drawer option for a slightly smaller price tag. GE offers a similar size appliance with a 4 zone temperature drawer for $2599. Samsung also offers a similar model for $1999.

How I tested the LG Smart InstaView Refrigerator

For more information on how we review products, click here.

Key things I paid attention to during my review of this fridge were:

Unboxing: I noted details about the packaging and how the fridge arrived. Were there scratches on the appliance and was packaging recyclable? I also reviewed the instructions to ensure that the company provided detail and clarity so the appliance could be used in short order.

Performance: I tested the fridge using my typical food products and temperature needs. I evaluated how my produce and perishable items did in the fridge and if the temperature stayed consistent or had times where it got too cold or too warm.

Cleaning, Storage, and Maintenance: With a family of 7, I paid attention to the storage options and their usefulness to my young family. I also noted the ease of opening and closing the fridge–even those times when I might have a baby or toddler on my hip. It was also important to me to evaluate how easy it was to remove all those little fingerprints from the front of it, or how quickly a spill could be contained on the fridge shelves.

While shopping for my fridge a few years ago, I focused mainly on its price, ensuring it would fit in my kitchen and verifying that the fridge and freezer provided enough space for the foods they would store. I never imagined the difference that careful interior fridge design and a touchscreen could make.

The Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub is a premium appliance equipped with smart technology. This large fridge features roll-out shelves and a four-door design for easy accessibility. Technology also helps save time, enhance the fridge’s use, and provide entertainment while cooking.

I was eager to see how the fridge and freezer stacked up against those featured in our best French door refrigerator guide and whether the included technology was worth the fridge’s high price point. I tested the fridge in my home for over a month to see how it performed.

Samsung RF29DB9900QDAA: Key specs

Samsung RF29DB9900QDAA: Price & Availability

The Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub is a premium product. The full-depth refrigerator originally retailed for $4,999 but is available for $4,199. The counter-depth model retails for $5,099 but is available for $4,299. That pricing is consistent across multiple retailers. This machine is equipped with many smart features and conveniences not found in other devices, and its price seems appropriate given those extra features and the amount of technology in the fridge.

You can buy the Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub directly from Samsung, Best Buy, and Manny’s Appliances.

Samsung RF29DB9900QDAA: Setup

Samsung sent me the refrigerator, which was delivered by Samsung’s appliance delivery service. I received a call to schedule the delivery about two days in advance, and the night before the delivery was scheduled, one of the drivers called me to go over details such as the refrigerator’s dimensions and my home’s setup. He asked me for photos of the entrances to my home and was very pleasant and courteous. The call helped ensure he brought the equipment needed to make the delivery smooth.

I was given an all-day delivery timeframe, but the driver promised he would call me and keep me updated during the day. He called and texted twice with updates and arrived in the late morning.

The two deliverymen worked efficiently and smoothly. They were able to back the truck up to my front porch and use the truck's loading ramp as a bridge so they could move the fridge directly from the truck onto my front porch. Though I had double-checked the fridge’s dimensions, fitting it through my front door was still a tight squeeze, but the couriers unboxed the fridge before moving it inside and were able to maneuver it through the door carefully.

I have a single-floor home, and they rolled the fridge about 25 feet through the home before placing it in my kitchen. They removed the protective plastic wrapping from the fridge’s interior and exterior and took all the packaging materials. The fridge was in excellent condition, and I was very pleased with the delivery process.

Samsung has a separate delivery and installation service; the deliverymen were responsible for getting the fridge into place but not for hooking it up. Since I had emptied and moved my old fridge to make room for the Samsung model, I hooked the fridge up myself.

I followed the installation guide instructions for leveling the fridge. The fridge features adjustable feet that you can turn to level it. I only had to adjust one of the feet, but I did find that the fridge, which weighs 341.7 pounds, is so heavy that the feet left indentations in my pine floor.

Next, I adjusted the top doors so that they were level. The door adjustment feature is built into the bottom of the right-hand door and involves repeatedly turning a dial to change the door angle. This adjustment worked well, and within about 10 minutes, I had the fridge and the doors leveled.

Plugging the fridge in was easy. Once powered on, the fridge walked me through a series of prompts on the touchscreen, such as choosing my language, connecting the fridge to my home’s WiFi network, and signing into my Samsung account. (I already had an account because I have a Samsung smart TV.) This initial process took about five minutes, and then I could access the fridge controls, which let me choose the fridge and freezer temperatures.

Samsung has made it easy to set the temperatures for each section. You can access the temperature controls through the touchscreen and choose from a range of temperatures. Samsung has identified the ideal temperatures for the fridge and freezer, but you can choose from higher and lower options. The FlexZone, the bottom right compartment, can function as a fridge or freezer, depending on which foods you need extra storage for.

Once I set the temperatures, I could feel the freezer cool down within about five minutes. The fridge portion took far longer; after 45 minutes, it still wasn’t cooling down. Samsung states that the fridge and freezer may take up to 24 hours to reach the set temperature, so if you’re transferring food from an old fridge, it’s best to keep that fridge in operation if at all possible until the Samsung fridge has had time to cool down. The freezer reached the set temperature within about two hours, but it took the fridge 4.5 hours to reach the set temperature.

I have limited plumbing knowledge, so I asked my handyman to help hook up my home’s water line to the fridge’s water dispenser and ice maker. I had a standard water line that had previously been used in another fridge with a water dispenser, and it was easy to connect to the outlet on the back of the Samsung fridge. The whole process took about 10 minutes.

Samsung RF29DB9900QDAA: Design

The Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub features a sleek, modern design. The stainless steel finish works well with many decor schemes. The fridge has no handles that you can see; they’re recessed into the doors, making for a clean appearance.

This is a very large refrigerator. Measuring 35.875” x 73” x 28.75”, it will be too large for smaller kitchens or possibly for those with islands where walking space is limited. Though I have an open kitchen with plenty of space, it still dominates the room. That said, its large capacity makes it ideal for families who need lots of storage.

The 32-inch touchscreen panel, located in the top right door, also enhances the fridge’s appearance. I uploaded some of my favorite photos using Google Photos, and the panel turns into a sort of screensaver, displaying a photo slideshow after I’ve used the fridge or freezer. It’s become a talking point among visitors and adds a beautiful touch to my kitchen.

The fridge and freezer interior design is convenient and easy to use. The fridge features two humidity-controlled crisper drawers that pull out smoothly and a shelf panel that can partially recess to make room for larger items, allowing you to customize the space to your needs. Each door also features three shelves for plenty of extra storage.

Similarly, the two bottom compartments each feature a pull-out drawer. The two ice bins, as do all the shelves, also pull out. This design gives you easy access to the foods stored in the back. As someone with lower back pain, I loved this feature, as I didn’t have to crouch down and contort myself to reach into the back of the fridge. Three shelves inside each door help maximize storage.

The water dispenser is located within the upper left-hand door. The door has a half-door design, which lets you open just the front panel to access the water dispenser or the water pitcher without having to open the full fridge door. This is a convenient and energy-saving option when you just want to fill up a glass of water quickly. I also enjoyed the fact that the pitcher keeps water cold, and it features an insert so you can infuse the water with vegetables or fruits.

Samsung RF29DB9900QDAA: Performance

I have used the Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub in my home for five weeks. So far, it has largely performed reliably, and I’m impressed by its versatility and convenience.

This fridge features WiFi connectivity and pairs with the Samsung SmartThings App. I already had the app because I had used it with my Samsung TV, so it was as simple as signing in and adding the fridge to the app.

Once the fridge is paired to the app, I could receive alerts and notifications, such as alerts that the fridge door was open or that the temperature was rising after a power outage. While these notifications were convenient, I was generally still in the kitchen and could hear the notifications through the fridge, so I used the app minimally.

Temperature Performance

While the fridge initially took 4.5 hours to reach its set temperature of 35 degrees, it consistently remained there once it reached that temperature. When I adjusted the temperature slightly up or down, I found that the fridge and freezer took about an hour to reach that new temperature.

The temperatures remained consistent throughout the fridge and freezer. I placed a thermometer in different locations in the fridge, including on each of the shelves, toward the front and back of each shelf, and on the shelves in the doors. I didn’t find any areas where the temperature was higher or lower. I repeated this process with the freezer and had the same results.

This fridge is noticeably quiet, even when it’s actively cooling after I’ve had a door open. It creates a very slight hum that’s barely noticeable. I measured the fridge at 34.5 decibels, but that may be affected by the sound generated by a chest freezer that I have nearby. Suffice it to say, this fridge won’t interrupt meals, conversations, or watching TV.

Ice Maker and Water Dispenser Performance

The ice maker simultaneously makes ice cubes and smaller ice bites. You can turn either option on or off, and the ice trays are on a shelf that slides out for easy access. The trays come with a plastic ice scoop, though no ice dispenser exists. As you use ice, the freezer recognizes when each type of ice gets low and automatically makes more.

The ice maker worked well from the start, but after about two weeks of use, it stopped making both types of ice. I tried various troubleshooting efforts, like turning on and off the production of each type of ice, but wasn’t able to resolve the issue. A Google search led me to a Samsung troubleshooting page detailing how to reset the ice maker by pressing a button underneath each section of the ice maker. After doing this, the ice maker resumed working, and I haven’t experienced any additional issues.

While it would be nice to have an ice dispenser alongside the water dispenser, I found it very easy to scoop out ice. I particularly enjoy the ice bits, which aren’t large and feel like the ice you would get out of a soda fountain. Having the ice available has prompted me to drink more water, and it’s one of my favorite features of the fridge.

The water dispenser is equipped with a Samsung water filter. I was impressed by how well the filter works. My home is on well water, and the water in my town has a very metallic taste unless filtered. Both the water and the ice from the fridge taste excellent, with no trace of the metallic taste.

The water pitcher is easy to remove and replace, and I like the convenience of accessing it without fully opening the full fridge door. The dispenser also works well, but a bit slowly. I could easily fit water bottles and mugs into the space and feel that the dispenser is well-designed.

Family Hub Performance

The Family Hub, which you can access via the touchscreen panel, is highly customizable and includes many apps. It’s also where you can access the fridge and freezer’s settings and controls.

The home screen can be customized with widgets, pictures, stickers, and drawings you can share with family members. It also displays the date and weather and key information from the fridge manager settings, such as the fridge and freezer temperatures.

Available apps include:

• Amazon Music
• Alexa
• Bixby
• Google Photos
• iHeartRADIO
• Pandora
• Spotify
• Timer
• Trivia
• Weather
• YouTube

The Fridge Manager controls are easy to understand. I was able to navigate these controls without reading the user manual. The buttons are large and easy to see, and I could easily adjust the temperature settings of each fridge and freezer section and turn the ice maker on and off.

The Family Hub is equipped with several apps that help with meal planning. The recipe feature pairs with the AI Vision Inside feature and can suggest recipes based on the ingredients you have in your fridge. Unfortunately, the AI Vision Inside feature only correctly recognized about 20% of ingredients (more on that below). I did find many appealing recipes by browsing through them manually, and I appreciate that they’re presented with quality photos and large fonts that are easy to read.

The Family Hub also features a meal planner app, which again pairs with the ingredients available in your fridge. You can add any recipe ingredients that are unavailable to your shopping list. You can also customize your culinary settings, removing foods that your family doesn’t like or is allergic to. Together, these apps can streamline meal planning and grocery shopping, saving you on the back-and-forth of looking up recipes on your phone or computer and writing out shopping lists. Since your whole family can access these apps, I can see the apps being helpful when you share grocery shopping responsibilities with others or want family members’ input on recipes they’d like to make.

I used the Family Hub to listen to iHeartRADIO and stream some TV shows. The speakers aren’t the greatest quality, and the sound is a little tinny, but otherwise, it is clear. The picture is clean and crisp, and the colors are vivid. It’s nice to stream shows while cooking dinner, and the generous screen size means I can glance up from across the room and easily see the picture.

AI Vision Inside Performance

I was most disappointed by the AI Vision Inside feature. Samsung promotes this feature by recognizing the items in your fridge, but the quality is lacking. The feature uses a camera at the top of the fridge’s interior to photograph items as you insert or remove them from the fridge. However, the feature doesn’t track items removed or added to the fridge doors, the freezer, or the FlexZone compartment. Additionally, the photos are very blurry, even when I deliberately held an item beneath the camera for the photo. This feature is inaccurate and doesn’t give you a true list of what is (or isn’t) in your fridge. The ability to take a still photo of the entire fridge would be more helpful.

Additional Smart Features

The Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub has an extensive selection of features, and most of them enhance its use.

• Automatic Door Open: The fridge has an automatic door open feature that you can turn on or off. When enabled, the fridge doors slowly open after a gentle tap. This feature is convenient, but I found that the doors open so slowly that I generally preferred to leave the feature off.
• Deodorizing Filter: The fridge has a deodorizing filter built into the back. I noticed that I could smell foods with strong scents, like leftover pizza with garlic sauce, but after I removed the items, the smell was gone within a day.
• Alarms: The fridge features an open door alert that sounds like a door is left open. I found this alert to be handy when I accidentally didn’t fully close a door a few times. After my house lost power for about 10 minutes, the fridge also alerted me to the power outage and the fact that temperatures had climbed while the power was out. This feature is valuable, especially if you won’t be home for an extended period and might not be aware of a power outage.

Samsung RF29DB9900QDAA: Care & Maintenance

The fridge comes with a Simple User Manual that doesn’t include information about maintenance. I was able to access additional manuals on the Samsung website, but these only focus on the Family Hub technology and not the physical fridge itself. I have not been able to locate any information about the fridge’s maintenance beyond the troubleshooting information I found for the ice machine.

After using the fridge for about a month, the water filter went from 82% to 48%. Depending on the size of your family and how much water and ice you consume, I estimate that the water filter would need to be replaced every two to three months or sooner.

The stainless steel finish is appealing but shows fingerprints relatively easily. The touchscreen shows fingerprints even more, and I needed to wipe the surfaces down with a cloth every other day to keep them relatively clean.

Samsung RF29DB9900QDAA: User reviews

Reviews on Samsung’s website are largely positive. Many reviewers praised the refrigerator’s sleek and modern appearance. Another favorite feature was the fridge’s ability to display artwork or photos, and several reviewers liked the option of choosing ice cubes or smaller ice bites.

However, several reviewers noted that the AI camera feature was not helpful and was difficult to use. The fridge’s large size was another downside mentioned several times, and reviewers described having difficulty fitting the fridge through their house’s doors. One reviewer received a damaged fridge and stated that getting Samsung customer service to resolve the issue was difficult and took several phone calls.

Would I buy the Samsung RF29DB9900QDAA?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How does the Samsung RF29DB9900QDAA compare?

The Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub is the first smart fridge I’ve reviewed. However, the fridge is an impressive upgrade to my Whirlpool fridge and freezer. Simple features like the pull-out freezer shelves make a significant difference in the overall ease of use, and the option to choose ice bites or traditional ice cubes is a great enhancement, too. The use of technology in the Family Hub also makes this fridge stand out from other products, turning it into a digital resource and entertainment center, all in one.

How I tested the The Samsung Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub

At Top Ten Reviews, we are committed to providing our readers with honest and reliable reviews of products, including the best refrigerators. Our expert reviewers conduct extensive research and thorough testing to ensure we recommend only the best products to our readers.

Our reviewers possess prior experience and industry knowledge, which allows them to identify and analyze the most critical features of every refrigerator. They put these products through a series of tests, evaluating setup, performance, ease of use, maintenance, and more, to deliver comprehensive and consistent reviews.

We test each refrigerator in a real-life setting to ensure our reviews are accurate and reliable. We aim to provide readers with authentic and trustworthy reviews to help them make well-informed purchase decisions when buying a refrigerator. For more information about our testing protocols, please visit our comprehensive guide on how we test.

The Hisense Smart French 4-Door Refrigerator is the first refrigerator I’ve ever tested, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled to have the opportunity. My family never owned the nicest refrigerators, and I never owned my full-sized fridge until I moved into my house and the previous owners left their fridges behind for me.

At 25.6 cu. ft., the Hisense Smart French 4-Door Refrigerator (model no. HRM260N6TSE) is big enough for a family of two or six. The freezer is incredibly deep, and the fridge has many shelves and drawers for organizing food and drinks. Even better, this fridge has a VersaTemp Zone, an additional drawer you can utilize as more fridge space or have it chill your soft serve ice cream. Whether you use the app or the control panel on the front of the fridge, you can choose the temperature of this zone — and the others, too.

The ice maker is somewhat small, but at least you get the option of cubed or crushed ice and a water dispenser. This isn’t the most affordable refrigerator, but it’s a good investment and will look stylish in most homes.

Keep reading for my full review, then head to our best french door refrigerators guide to see how it compares. Don’t forget to check out our guide about how to choose a refrigerator to help with the decision-making process, too.

Hisense Smart French 4-Door Refrigerator: Key Specs

Hisense Smart French 4-Door Refrigerator: Price & availability

The Hisense 25.6 Cu. Ft. 4-Door Smart French Door Refrigerator is currently available online exclusively at Lowe’s for $2,899 MSRP, with an introductory price of $1,799. 

It's not the most budget-friendly refrigerator, but considering the design and that it’s a Smart fridge with three different sections, an ice maker, and a water dispenser, I’d say it makes sense. The fridge comes with a two-year limited warranty, which is not bad. I’ve seen some high-end fridges with only one-year warranties.  

Hisense Smart French 4-Door Refrigerator: Setup

Lowe’s delivered the fridge on a scheduled date. I was notified about 30 minutes before their arrival. The refrigerator was in the back of a truck. While one man removed the fridge from the car, the other came into my house and measured the doorways. He then removed the doors from the refrigerator that I had in my kitchen, as the other man removed the box and packaging from around the Hisense fridge.

I had made the mistake of not measuring my doorways when I agreed to test the fridge. The men had to remove the door between my mud room and my garage from its hinges. Even then, they weren’t sure if the new fridge would fit. Thankfully, it was easy for the men to remove my old fridge and put it in the garage. They reassembled it for me before they left. They brought the Hisense fridge into my garage and removed the drawers and doors.

Though it was a tight squeeze — like centimeters — the men could get the Hisense refrigerator into my kitchen. They assembled everything and made sure the fridge was turned on by plugging it into the wall. When they left, I removed the plastic stickers and packaging from the outside and inside of the refrigerator and then downloaded the ConnectLife app. It took me a few minutes to connect the Hisense 25.6 Cu. Ft. 4-Door Smart French Door Refrigerator to the app.

Later, I connected the water line under my sink to the fridge. I hadn’t done that with my previous refrigerator, but after looking at the pipes under my sink, I realized that plumbing-wise, it was set up for me to do it on my own without having to call a plumber.

Hisense had provided a stainless-steel braided refrigerator water line that was about three feet in length. That length did not suit me. The water line connector was on the back left side of the fridge. My sink is on the right side of the refrigerator. Three feet wasn’t long enough. I ran to Home Depot and got a 10-foot stainless steel braided refrigerator water line and a brass split adaptor with a ¼-inch and 3/8-inch outlet. The sink line fit to the 3/8-inch outlet while the water line fit to the ¼-inch outlet.

After turning off the fridge and the cold water line, fitting the slip adaptor, and then connecting the lines, I slowly turned the water back on. I could hear the water rush to the fridge. I plugged the Hisense refrigerator back in, waited five minutes, and used a cup to try to get water. It took a few seconds, but water came through.

To be safe, I filled a gallon container with water and poured it down the sink. I also threw out the first batch of ice. I’d read somewhere that you should do this to ensure everything has been cleaned out of the line, filter, or fridge.  

Hisense Smart French 4-Door Refrigerator: Design

The Hisense 25.6 Cu. Ft. 4-Door Smart French Door Refrigerator is a fingerprint stainless steel refrigerator with three main sections—the fridge, the freezer, and a third one called a VeraTemp Zone between the two. The refrigerator's capacity is 18.67 cubic feet. The handles are along the top and bottom of the doors. 

While the right door is easy to open, the left side is more difficult because it has a door seal that suits the door. I don’t love that if I open the right door, it doesn’t stay open. It’ll swing back to the fridge, and while I can see the benefit of that (because it won’t let the cold air escape as quickly), sometimes I just want the door to stay open without holding it.  

The fridge has two shelves, which offer three levels to store food. If I wanted to adjust the shelves in the refrigerator, I could easily do this. The shelves are split into two pieces that can be unclipped and then moved up and down. One of those shelves can slide backward. It’s a great feature for taller items like gallons of milk or large soda bottles. Below the three shelves are three drawers — two mid-sized ones for vegetables and a thinner one between them where you can store snacks or cheeses.

On the inside of the right door are three shelves, perfect for sauces and dressings. The left door has three shelves, too, but they’re limited in height because the ice maker chute takes up most of that door. In the top left corner of the fridge is the icemaker, and while it may be long, it’s short in width, so it can’t hold a ton of ice — just enough for daily use.

Below the fridge is a drawer, the VersaTemp Zone. It’s not that deep, but a medium-sized removable container is on the left side. You can adjust the temperature of this drawer to whatever you need. It can be another large drawer with (nearly) the same temperature as the fridge, or it can be used as a wine chiller.

The freezer is on the bottom of the Hisense refrigerator. When you slide it out, it reveals a deep, divided drawer. Another built-in drawer extends out, allowing you to store smaller items.

The control panel, water dispenser, and ice maker are on the left front side of the Hisense refrigerator. The control panel has various buttons that allow you to see and adjust the temperature of all three fridge sections, set a child lock alarm, turn the icemaker on and off, adjust between Fahrenheit and Celsius, and activate an Eco button. The ice maker also has three buttons: cubed, crushed, and water.

Hisense Smart French 4-Door Refrigerator: Performance

It took a few weeks to get used to the Hisense 25.6 cu. ft. 4-Door Smart French Door Refrigerator. I wasn’t accustomed to the recessed handles at the top and bottom of the doors, and I reached for a handle on the front even though there wasn’t one. Visually, I like the hidden handles, but I can understand if they’re not for everyone.

I immediately tested the fingerprint-resistant finish on the front—and it works. When I wipe my fingers across the fridge, no fingerprints are left behind. That said, if something is on your hands, like lotion or food, it will appear on the fridge. 

The refrigerator emits 37 decibels of sound, which is equivalent to tapping on a keyboard. For reference, when I open the decibel rating app, it switches between 36 and 37 decibels. The fridge has an almost invisible hum. 

Regarding temperatures, I tended to keep the fridge at 40-43 degrees and the freezer at 0 degrees. I played around with the VersaTemp Zone temperatures. When the refrigerator was below 40 degrees, it tended to freeze my vegetables and cause icicles to form in my milk. The fridge can be adjusted between 36-46 degrees, the freezer between -11 and 7 degrees, and the VersaTemp Zone can be set to 27-41 degrees. The temperatures of all three sections are easily adjustable in the Hisense IoT platform, ConnectLife, or via the control panel on the front of the fridge.

The app also allows me to turn the icemaker on and off (and informs me when it’s full), adjust the child locks, and turn the fridge on energy-saving mode. There are also two other settings — Super Cool and Super Freeze. With the Super Freeze button, the freezer quickly lowers for faster fresh food freezing, best used in warm conditions. The Super Cool button quickly reduces the temperature in the fridge compartment to keep food fresh. I think the Super Freeze button would be really good to use if you need to freeze fresh-cut meat or seafood to kill any bacteria quickly. The Super Cool button is a good choice for parties or events where the fridge door will likely open throughout the evening.

I felt like the fridge was well laid out to keep my food organized, though I would have preferred at least one more drawer. I tended to have to place my greens on the shelves because they couldn’t fit in my vegetable drawer. Granted, I buy a lot of vegetables that take up a lot of room (think cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes), but I would prefer to have a drawer for these vegetables to keep them fresher. I could use the VersaTemp Zone as a fridge if I wanted the additional drawer space. However, I’m nervous that I'll forget it's there if I don’t see the food in the fridge with everything else.

My parents joke that I have a lot of sauces and dressings, and it’s true, though I’ve had to cut back on how many I get because there are fewer shelves inside the right fridge door than on my last fridge. While I could put some things on the inside of the left door, as it has some shelving, I’m limited on the item's size because those shelves are considerably smaller. The ice chute takes up a lot of space. I usually store butter, limes, garlic, and other small things there.

My favorite part of the fridge is that the bottom shelf on the right side slides back, allowing more space for tall items like my almond milk. A shelf inside the right door can fit a gallon of milk, but I use it for my dressings and sauces.

In terms of the VersaTemp Zone, I found little use for it — which is not to say it’s useless. I think it’s a good spot to store deli meats, wine, or anything that can’t fit in the fridge. I can think of many ways that families could use that extra space. For now, I keep glass mugs in there so that if I want a cold glass of beer, I’ll have a chilled glass. It’s outfitted with a long, removable rectangular container, so I filled it with ice. As long as I put the VersaTemp Zone down to 27 degrees, the ice won’t melt. Perhaps this is a good workaround for a small ice maker. Maybe when the weather warms up, I’ll chill some bottles of white wine in the drawer.  

The freezer is incredibly deep and can easily hold bags upon bags of frozen foods. Since I don’t eat frozen food, I use it to store my ice packs. Pulling out the freezer drawer, another smaller drawer appears at the top. This is where I store my frozen meats—shrimp, chicken, fish, turkey, etc. 

I was so excited to hook up my fridge to my sink because I love the convenience of a fridge that provides ice and filtered water. I can adjust the type of ice that I want on the control panel — cubed or crushed — or choose to have water dispensed. The water comes out cold and tastes great. It’s also a big enough area to fit water bottles and such. As for the ice, it does take a second or two to dispense. I prefer the cubed ice setting as the crushed ice takes longer, unlike the crushed ice you’d get at Sonic. The ice maker emits 79 sound decibels, equivalent to a louder-than-average washing machine.

I don’t have kids, so I don’t need to use the child lock function, but if you wanted to turn it on, it would lock the control panel, including the water and ice dispenser function, so kids can’t play with it. When the fridge door is left open for too long, approximately 2 minutes, a beeping sound will be heard, notifying you to close the fridge. A notification will also be sent through the app. 

In terms of maintenance, there isn't much you have to do. The water filter needs to be changed about every six months. A light will appear on the fridge's control panel, informing you when to change it. Also, occasionally clean the exterior, interior, and door seal and replace the LED light if it goes out.  

Overall, I have enjoyed using this fridge. It’s sleek, attractive, big enough for most families, and designed to organize food easily. Not to mention, the temperature variations that can be controlled through your phone are an amazing feature. What more could you ask for?

Hisense Smart French 4-Door Refrigerator: User reviews

With a 4.6 out of 5-star rating, I’d say the Hisense 25.6 cu. ft. 4-Door Smart French Door Refrigerator is liked by Lowe's customers. Granted, there are only 55 reviews on Lowe’s, but I still say that’s impressive. Customers noted how spacious the fridge is and how they liked the sliding shelf that lets you put taller items in it. The VersaTemp Zone was a big bonus to many reviewers who liked how they could adjust the temperature to their needs. A few noted that the ice maker is small and that the handles took some getting used to, but these were minor drawbacks.

Would I buy the Hisense Smart French 4-Door Refrigerator?

Buy it if...

Don’t buy it if…

How does the Hisense Smart French 4-Door Refrigerator compare?

Hisense offers a slightly larger refrigerator in the Hisense 26.6 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator. It lacks a VersaTemp Zone and smart features, so it’s about $400 less. For a few hundred dollars more, you could consider the LG Craft Ice Smart WiFi Enabled 27.8 cu. ft. 4-Door Smart French Door Refrigerator. It has the same design as the Hisense I tested, though I prefer the recessed handles of the Hisense. The most significant difference is that the LG can produce ice cubes, crushed ice, and slow-melting round craft ice. Samsung also has a Smart refrigerator — the Mega Capacity 31.5 cu. ft. Smart French Door Refrigerator. While it doesn’t have a VersaTemp Zone drawer, it does dispense filtered water and has a built-in AutoFill Water Pitcher that automatically refills and can be infused with a flavor.

How I tested the Hisense Smart French 4-Door Refrigerator

This was the first refrigerator I’ve tested. Testing took two weeks and involved utilizing the Smart features and app, filling the fridge with different food items, monitoring the temperatures, connecting the water line, and more. All of this allowed me to provide an in-depth review.

Find out more about how we test.

Are you buying something new or replacing the old one? Useful kitchen appliances are essential purchases that'll make your kitchen a stress-free environment to be in, especially in the morning, as they take the hassle out of simple everyday tasks, saving you both time and effort. This means you can just relax and read the news while these handy small and major appliances take care of everything else, from brewing your coffee to washing the dishes.

Whether you're going for a full kitchen reno or you're just looking to upgrade what you already have, we've put together our picks of eight useful kitchen appliances that are both innovative, convenient, and trendy. 

We've gone for appliances in stainless steel, which is a continuing color trend for kitchen appliances, along with metallic shades in silver and black; these classic colorways look great in any kitchen and stay fresh for years to come, too. 

So if you've been looking for one of the best coffee makers, best toasters, or best electric double wall ovens - we've got you covered, as our list encompasses these products and more, from an over-the-range microwave, a kettle, and an air fryer oven, to a built-in refrigerator and a built-in dishwasher.

8 useful kitchen appliances for 2024

We're honest here at TTR - we always prefer to review the products that we recommend in person, and there are some great reviews peppered throughout the list below. But where we've not been able to review a product in person, we'll always let you know, as well as using our research on the brand and product - as well as our knowledge of similar products - to bring you great buying advice. 

1. Breville Barista Touch Impress coffee maker

This coffee and espresso maker may be towards the more expensive end of the price scale. However, it's worth it, as our reviewer found that it creates high-quality barista-style coffee that makes coffee shop stuff pale in comparison. For a more in-depth analysis, you can read our review of the Breville Barista Touch Impress to see if it's right for you.

The Breville Barista Touch Impress is priced pretty highly at $1,499.95 and is currently available to purchase directly and from other major retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy. For a smaller, less expensive model, you could go for the Breville Barista Touch. 

You can, of course, get the machine directly from the Breville brand's website, where it's available in eye-catching modern metallic colors such as brushed stainless steel, 'black truffle' black, 'sea salt' white, and 'damson blue.' Note that the color options are only available when buying direct, not through Best Buy, and Amazon only has the steel, black, and blue options. 

2. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

Another expensive product from Breville, however, this brand knows its way around a quality product and delivers on value and style. In the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro review, our reviewer found this air fryer oven to be stylish, well-designed, and with enough features and clever functionality that it could actually replace a traditional standard oven, so it landed itself firmly in our best air fryers list, too. 

This product comes in only one size, but it is available in several design finishes: The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro has a list price of $399.95 for the silver/stainless steel finish, whereas the limited edition Dhuuyaay 'Fire Stick Farming' version that features in our review will set you back $699.95. Although it's almost double the price, we think this limited edition version and the matching appliances from that range are really cool. 

Both the stainless steel finish and the hand-painted 'Fire Stick Farming' finish can be bought directly from Breville. Alternatively, the stainless steel finish can be bought through select resellers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.

Extremely similar, and for slightly less money, is the similarly named Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer for just $349.95. 

3. Smeg 2 Slice TSF01PGUS toaster

This neat-looking toaster got our vote for 'most stylish' in our best toasters buying guide, and we stand by it. Aside from looking great, this two-slice toaster performs well, too, and in our review, our tester claimed it does a great job at toasting bagels.

Although its looks are a call-back to the past, this toaster has great modern features, like a removable crumb tray and a reheat setting, as well as the option to get it in one of seven colors; luckily, they have standard finishes in stainless steel, black and red, as well as the cutesy pastel colors. The list price at most retailers is $199.95.

You can buy it directly from the Smeg website, or from other retailers like Amazon and Best Buy - both have it listed as $199.95. It's currently at Walmart, too, although weirdly, they have it listed as $216.33. 

4. GE Profile PTD9000SNSS Electric Double Wall Oven

Whilst we haven't been able to review this particular model in person, we voted it our 'best overall' in our best electric double wall ovens buying guide due to its amazing smart features, such as air frying abilities, self-cleaning, easy-to-use touch controls via touchscreen, and gliding racks. Best of all, it even has an in-oven camera that connects to your phone, so you can keep a close eye on whatever you're cooking/baking to prevent any accidental burning.

This oven is pretty spacious, with six racks spread over the two ovens, so it's perfect for a family kitchen with lots of hungry mouths to feed or those who like to entertain, with plenty of space to cook big meals.

Although it only has one color option, it looks great in standard stainless steel and black glass - a timeless design for any kitchen. This model came out on top due to its premium features and smart-enabled tech, without the premium price tag in comparison to other electric double wall oven models.

It can be bought directly from the GE appliances website for $3,332.00 - this is a discounted price, currently down from $4,665.00, saving you $1,333.00 (29%).

It's also on sale at The Home Depot, Lowe's, and  Best Buy for roughly $2998.00. 

5. LG LMHM2237ST over-the-range microwave

Our team hasn't reviewed this microwave in person. However, we've used our research on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best over-the-range microwaves to rate this model as the best over-the-range microwave overall.

The $500 price tag may be high, but for what this model offers - sensor cooking, a 400 CFM fan speed, and built-in ventilation to reduce odor - this premium price is worth it. With its generous 2.2 cubic feet capacity, the LG LMHM2237ST is not just for re-heating small portions and leftovers but can be used to cook large meals/portions, and the Sensor Cook technology detects the humidity levels within the microwave and turns off the power before your food overcooks. With all these features, this is more than your average microwave. 

This microwave only comes in stainless steel or black steel - pretty solid color choices that are on trend, instead of the usual white for appliances that we're all used to.

It's available online at several major retailers and directly from the LG electronics website, where it's currently listed for $499.99. It's also in clearance at Best Buy, where it's on sale for $349.99, down from $549.99, so you save $200. Lowe's has it, too, for the higher price of $549.00. If you're a Prime member, unfortunately, it's currently unavailable on Amazon.

6. LG Signature LUDP8908SN built-in dishwasher

Although we've no in-person review of this model, the LG Signature LUDP8908SN dishwasher ranked as the best premium dishwasher in our best dishwashers category for several reasons, like it's stylish minimal design in trendy stainless steel, and the quiet running/operation - so quiet, you could even run it overnight.

It even has smart features like smartphone connectivity, enabling you to start and keep track of wash cycles while on the go. We feel it's these extras that justify the more premium price tag.

The LG Signature LUDP8908SN dishwasher is available direct from the LG website for $1,499.00, and for the same price at Lowe's and The Home Depot. Best Buy has it, too, but for $1,899.99. 

7. Frigidaire GRMC2273BF Refrigerator

We've not got an in-person review of this Frigidaire model. However, it's still on our list of best French-door refrigerators. This is a family-friendly choice that has an impressive capacity, as well as impressive extra smart features, like a SpaceWise system, a handy custom-flex temp drawer, and an OpenAccess door, so you can quickly grab snacks when on the go, while the water filter gives you safer water at the click of a button. All these features and an attractive, modern French door design in stainless steel? Perfect.

This model is available directly from Frigidaire for $1,998.00 and can also be found at Best Buy and for slightly less at Walmart and Amazon - their price is a steal at $1,799.00. Note that this model is no longer available at Lowe's. 

8. Cuisinart PerfecTemp® 1.7-Liter Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle

We may not have reviewed it in person, but this PerfecTemp kettle is pretty impressive. This is because not only does it have a cool stainless steel design and blue LEDs, but it also has some good-looking smart features, such as 6 pre-set heat settings for making the perfect cup of tea without overboiling or scorching your tea, 'One-touch' controls with blue LED indicators, a 30-minute Keep Warm option and 2-minute memory feature. 

You can find this model on Amazon for $69.99, where there are other colors available too, like 'brushed graphite gray' and white - but note, these other color options are more expensive. It is, of course, available to buy direct from Cuisinart for $99.95, however it is down from that price over at Best Buy for a discounted $75.99. Walmart also has it for the same price as Amazon. 

Knowing how to store a refrigerator when it's not in use is essential to ensure it remains functional and odor-free whenever you decide to use it again. Whether you're moving, going on an extended trip, or simply need to store it for a while, our step-by-step guide will walk you through the process.  

From cleaning and defrosting to securing the doors, we’ve got tips and tricks to help make it safe, easy and efficient. Follow our instructions to safeguard your appliance, preserve its longevity, and avoid any unpleasant surprises when it's time to start using it again.

The best refrigerators can be expensive to replace, so ensuring you store yours properly will save you money in the long run. Our step-by-step guide will guide you through preparing your refrigerator for storage and offer expert advice on maintaining it while it’s not in use.

Quick steps: How to store a refrigerator

1. Unplug the refrigerator   
2. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall 
3. Remove all food items  
4. Defrost any ice compartments 
5. Clean all interior surfaces  
6. Tape doors closed if moving the unit 
7. Remove condenser coil cover  
8. Clean condenser coils and back of unit  
9. Place moisture absorbers inside  
10. Prop doors open slightly  
11. Store properly  
12. Check on periodically  
13. Clean again before reusing 

Step by step guide: How to store a refrigerator

How to store a refrigerator when it’s not in use: FAQs

• Thermodynamics and cooling cycle: Refrigerators use the principles of thermodynamics to create a cooling cycle.
• Refrigerant: They contain a refrigerant fluid with a low boiling point.
• Compressor: The compressor compresses the refrigerant, making it hot and high-pressure.
• Condenser coils: Hot, high-pressure gas passes through condenser coils to release heat and condense the refrigerant.
• Expansion valve: The expansion valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, causing it to evaporate and become cold.
• Evaporator coils: The cold refrigerant enters evaporator coils in the fridge, absorbing heat from the interior air.
• Circulation: A fan circulates cold air over the evaporator coils, distributing it throughout the fridge.
• Temperature control: A thermostat monitors the temperature and activates the compressor as needed to maintain the temperature.
• Heat discharge: Heat absorbed from the interior is released through the condenser coils located outside the fridge.

Final thoughts

Properly storing an unused refrigerator is crucial to ensure it remains functional and odor-free when you need to use it again. 

Key steps include unplugging it, removing food, defrosting ice compartments, and thoroughly cleaning the interior. Taping doors closed for transit, accessing and cleaning condenser coils, and placing moisture absorbers inside will help prevent moisture buildup and mildew growth. Covering the exterior will reduce the risk of damage, such as scratches, and keep it dust-free. 

Maintaining good airflow, monitoring periodically, and cleaning again before reusing will allow your refrigerator to remain in good working order during storage for up to 12 months. Following these proper storage guidelines will extend the life of a refrigerator and avoid costly replacements.

Convenience has never been more important as modern life pulls us in many different directions, and this desire for homes that make life as smooth as possible extends to our appliances. One such item is the mini fridge, which has become increasingly popular as more and more use cases have emerged.

Compact fridges offer multiple possibilities, from helping make our lives easier to adding affordable luxury to our homes. In this guide, we will run through some expected and more unusual ways you can use a mini fridge, whether for the perfect at-home bar or for keeping your cosmetics at their best for longer.

You can find our recommendations for the best mini fridges in our guide, where we detail a range of models across all price ranges, including ultra-space-saving solutions alongside more substantial refrigerators. For now, though, keep reading for inspiration on what you could do with a mini fridge in your home.

1. Snacks on demand with a mini fridge for the bedroom

The most obvious place most people think to put their mini fridge is the bedroom, either as somewhere to put specific items (more on that later in this list) or just a place for chilled drinks and snacks on demand. Suddenly, instead of needing to head downstairs to the kitchen, there's a stash of supplies right where you are - great for people who aren't as mobile (or just lazy teenagers).

Instead of grabbing a room-temperature glass of tap water to hydrate when you wake up, you can have a freshly chilled bottle of mineral water or even an iced coffee from a can - no brewing required. As said, it's also greater for younger members of the family, who can have their favorites on hand for when they have friends over.

2. Save space with a mini fridge for your dorm

Dorm rooms are a tricky beast because they need to contain almost everything a normal-sized home has but with much less square footage. This makes mini-fridges a complete lifesaver, as - whether you have a shared kitchen or a meal plan at college - you can store everything from soda cans to creamer for your late-night caffeine fix without needing a ton of space.

You can even get locks like this one on Amazon to keep sticky-fingered roommates from sneaking a snack. The shorter height of mini fridges also means you can often fit even a compact fridge-freezer combo underneath a desk, saving even more space in your little home away from home. No more running to the food hall before class.

3. Make a 'man cave' complete with a mini fridge

What 'man cave' would be complete without a mini fridge? Adding both a useful way to store drinks and snacks and a style statement if you wish, it can be a way to boost your private space whether you're chilling out on a Sunday afternoon or entertaining guests while the big game's on. Of course, though 'lady cave' isn't a phrase we often hear, a mini fridge is an amazing addition to any dedicated relaxation space.

4. Keep cosmetics fresh with a mini fridge for skincare

A relatively new-to-mainstream concept is the mini fridge for cosmetics and makeup, essential for anyone serious about skincare. After all, who wants to store their serums and moisturizer next to the cheese and ham? The practice of ordinary people putting their beauty products in the refrigerator has grown massively in recent years thanks to social media, and a mini fridge makes it all much easier.

The products that benefit the most from being chilled contain natural or active ingredients, as the temperature and lack of light exposure extend their lifespan and ensure they don't lose their effectiveness too quickly. It also feels lovely to apply colder creams and serums to your skin - a lovely side effect.

5. Create the dream coffee bar with a mini fridge

Whatever form of coffee you're into, you can make your morning (or afternoon) beverage so much more luxurious with a dedicated coffee station in your home. This station can consist of whatever you want, whether that's an eclectic mug selection or one of the best coffee makers available.

One excellent inclusion that gets our vote is a mini fridge, which can be used to store all manner of essentials and extras like creamer, plant milks, syrups, or whipped cream for the ultimate hot chocolate. It may seem a little 'extra', but your morning pick-me-up will never feel dull.

6. Avoid cross-contamination with a mini fridge for allergens

For anyone living in a multi-allergen or diet household, keeping foods separate can be a nightmare waiting to happen. Whether you have someone gluten-free or only half of the household has decided to go vegan, it's only a matter of time before foods sharing a space will contaminate each other. But, with a mini fridge, you won't really need to think about it.

It's even more important if someone in the household is allergic to something, as accidentally leaving trace amounts on other foods can become an emergency. Store those items in a separate mini fridge, and you can rest easy.

7. Get a mini fridge for the office

Whether you work from home or you're still workplace-bound, mini fridges can make working life that much more pleasant with access to your favorite beverages, snacks, or sack lunches on demand. Many of us are guilty of not taking a lunch break, but even if we're super-busy or working unsociable hours, a mini fridge means you're kept fed when there are no other good options.

They can be a way to make your desk a bit more personal if you work away from home or keep more of a divide between work and home life if you're operating from home. There's also something to be said for stocking up on healthier foods and drinks rather than reaching for something slightly less nutritious from the kitchen.

8. Impress visitors with a mini fridge bar

Wine fridges are one thing, but traditional mini fridges can be used for much more than you might imagine. We'd all love a home bar area, but these smaller appliances can get you closer to feeling like a professional mixologist than you ever would have imagined. Imagine mixing drinks for friends on a Friday evening or pouring yourself an ice-cold glass of Pinot after a long workday.

You may think you can achieve this with your everyday fridge - and you can - but those with smaller kitchens or who want things to feel a little more special at home would benefit from a separate area just for drinks. A mini fridge makes this super-easy and accessible to most of us.

9. Use a mini fridge to store medication

If you rely on temperature-controlled medications, then this entry won't need much explanation. Much like the allergens example above, mixing medications with other things in your main refrigerator is likely to go wrong, and so an inexpensive mini fridge is often the best way to go. 

Ensure you get a well-reviewed model that's good at maintaining a consistent temperature range, as many medications can't fluctuate too much, and ensure the fridge is safe and secure away from pets, kits, or extreme temperatures. You may also want to purchase a portable model, as you can then take your essential medications with you as you travel. 

10. Elevate your travels with a mini fridge in your van

Whether you're someone who resides in a van or camper most of the time, or you're just keen to take more trips, including a mini fridge in your plans has many benefits. Relying on canned or preserved food on the go isn't the best way to eat, so installing a mini fridge means you can eat just like you would at home - storing things like fresh vegetables, dairy, and chilled beverages.

It also opens up the avenue for things like leftovers, and there is a huge range of size variations from tiny countertop models to larger half-size fridge-freezers that will fit underneath a prepping surface or dining area.

Christmas is tomorrow, and it's still a great time to invest in one of the best mini fridges! The holidays bring fantastic deals, especially during end-of-year and post-Christmas sales. Mini fridges are perfect for chilling drinks and snacks and keep medicines and cosmetics at the ideal temperature.

Despite the holiday shopping rush, choosing the right mini fridge on Amazon can be challenging. There are many factors to consider, such as shelf counts, temperature settings, and sizes.

Don't worry! We'll help you find ongoing discounts on popular mini fridge brands like Arctic King, Hisense, and Frigidaire. We'll compare prices and track pricing histories, so you don't have to.

Get the best mini fridge deals as we gear up for the new year and enjoy a stress-free Christmas!

Mini fridge deals and sales

Where to find the best mini fridge deals

Below, you can see our A-Z of the stores selling mini fridges (including Amazon) along with a handful of our editor-approved deals to shop right now.

• Amazon: shop various "limited time deals"
• Best Buy: save on Insignia, Frigidaire & more
• Target: shop portable refrigerators & wine coolers
• Walmart: discounted fridges, freezers, and combos
• Home Depot: shop these amazing end-of-year mini fridge deals
• Wayfair: countertop and retro mini fridges
• Williams Sonoma: shop the Smeg Retro 50s mini fridge

Is after-Christmas a good time to find a mini fridge deal?

The end of the year is a great time to be shopping for a mini fridge deal. Not only will this time of year help you to save top dollar, but it'll also help to provide a storage solution to the end of year (and New Year) celebrations.

What we've seen in general is that mini fridges are discounted in the weeks leading to Black Friday, and some remain at these low prices through the after Christmas sales until January. Some brands and resellers may even decide to offer deeper discounts as they clear stock to make way for newness in early spring.

When to shop for the best mini fridge deals

It's best to buy any appliance on Black Friday and Cyber Monday as this is when we see the biggest discounts and the most available choices. The same goes for small appliances, too, and we saw plenty of Cyber Monday mini fridge deals pop up last year.

So, the best time of year to buy a mini fridge is in the fall. This is because many manufacturers are clearing the way to make space for new stock to land in the spring.

It's good to keep watch during any end-of-year sales and after-Christmas sales, too, because that's generally when you'll see the return of some Black Friday and Cyber Monday prices as a last-ditch attempt to shift stock. This will also bode well with any New Year celebrations requiring additional cool storage.

Is 4th of July a good time to find mini fridge deals?

The 4th of July sales on mini fridges is often a good introduction to what we can expect through Prime Day. While Amazon do stock plenty of mini fridges, so do rivalling resellers such as Best Buy and Walmart which can make for fierce price-matching as they compete for your attention.

It would be a good idea to look out for 4th of July mini fridge deals from mid-June. This will give you the chance to get what you want in time for Independence Day. It's unlikely that we'll see discounts get deeper, and those sales will end promptly so add to cart sooner rather than later if shopping at this time of year.

Is Presidents' Day a good time to find mini fridge deals?

Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart usually make a pretty big deal out of Presidents Day sales, especially on larger appliances, but there are still good deals to be had on smaller items like mini fridges too, so keep your eyes peeled for them.

Is Labor Day a good time to find a mini fridge deal?

There's potential to find some bargains in the Labor Day sales. We see deals on a range of appliances every year, but there isn't always the greatest choice when it comes to mini fridges. Still, you'll definitely find a selection if you shop around the big retailers.

Is Amazon Prime Day a good time to find a mini fridge deal?

Amazon Prime Day is 16 - 17 July 2024, and " hundreds of thousands" brands are expected to offer discounts. We anticipate early Amazon Prime Day mini fridge deals dropping at the beginning of next month.

Amazon has one of the best selections of mini-fridges, and Prime Day usually provides heavy discounts across the board. So we wouldn't be surprised to see plenty of choices on offer, just like we did last year. You just need to ensure you are signed up for a Prime membership.

If you're not already a member or you don't fancy signing up then expect to see a bunch of anti-prime day deals from rivalling retailers as they either price match or undercut Amazon during the 2-day event.

Are Black Friday and Cyber Monday a good time to find a mini fridge deal?

All appliances, small or large, see big price drops as they compete for the best Black Friday deals. Retailers compete to offer the best prices on Black Friday mini deals, and then some, making it a great time to shop around and grab a mini fridge at potentially its best price all year (or best price ever).

How to find the best mini fridge deals

As experienced bargain hunters, the Top Ten Reviews team has plenty of advice to help you find the best mini fridge deals, especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Research mini fridges
There are many mini fridges out there, each with its own style and function. Do you need a wine cooler? A cosmetics fridge? A mini fridge/freezer for food? Knowing what you need will help narrow down your decision so you can be more focused when comparing prices.

Check different retailers
Once you've found the mini fridge you want, remember to look for it on as many different websites as you’d expect to find it. Not all retailers will discount to the same degree or start from the same starting price—as with everyday, out-of-sale shopping—which can lead to differences between the prices of the same item at various sites, so it is always worth checking.

Look at CamelCamelCamel and Honey
A handy tool for Black Friday and Prime Day, CamelCamelCamel tracks the prices of items sold on Amazon. So, if you're looking to buy from Amazon, you simply input the name of the product you’re looking at (or copy and paste the URL), and you’ll be able to see how the offer price compares with what it has been before. While it's likely that Black Friday & Cyber Monday will prove the lowest price it has ever been, it doesn’t hurt to check!

Honey is another helpful tool that shows you how much a product is selling for on other sites, with price histories for each online store. It's a great way to find out if you're getting a mini fridge at a particularly low price or if it's a deal that you can get all year round.

Bookmark this page
Some people dread the thought of monitoring all manner of retailers, which is why we have compiled this one-stop shop of the best mini fridge deals and sales.

It's LG vs Whirlpool, and the battle for the best refrigerator is on. This is where you will find the ideal brand to serve all your food and drink chilling needs. This gives you an overview but also puts the best two models from each brand against each other side by side.

While LG is a Korean brand known for TVs, white goods, and even once smartphones, Whirlpool is an American corporation focusing on home appliances.

Whirlpool offers four refrigerator types, and LG offers five – but it's the quality that we're interested in. A stand-out feature for LG is the InstaView door that lets you knock to make the screen display what is inside the fridge. Whirlpool offers huge choices with over 100 models to pick from, a main feature being superbly efficient storage options.

Two stand-out refrigerators are the LG 36-inch InstaView Door Refrigerator, while from its competition we have the Whirlpool 36-inch Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator.

So which is the best French door refrigerator for you?

LG vs Whirlpool: Features

When it comes to features, both LG and Whirlpool pack in plenty of unique extras to make their models stand out. The bottom line here is that LG appears to focus more on technological advances while Whirlpool keeps its sights set on perfecting what's already there and could be refined better.

Using the above examples, LG has added smart WiFi connectivity for app controls – which might sound great but may not actually be that useful to many people. At the same time, Whirlpool has worked on perfecting its shelf design to ensure that spills are collected, and cleaning is as easy as possible.

That isn't to say LG doesn't also offer some really useful tech, like its InstaView door. This lets you knock on the glass to view the fridge without opening the door. If you're a regular fridge checker, this could cost you in dropped temperatures as the door opens, and you need to pay as your fridge cools again – not to mention shortening the life of your fresh produce. So this no-open way of looking in is a useful feature advance. 

There are also LG models with door-in-door offerings that let you open a smaller section of the fridge to access regular items, keeping the less reached for food fresher for longer – while saving you on bills at the same time.

Both LG and Whirlpool offer models with ice makers and water dispensers in the doors. While LG offers UV light filtration, Whirlpool's measured fill is a great feature that automatically fills a cup without overflowing. It might sound simple, but not having to wait for a larger cup to fill is a really useful convenience when you're in a rush. 

It's also worth noting that many Whirlpool and LG units come with dual ice makers, meaning there is some in the refrigerator door with more waiting in the freezer – for a total of five pounds of ice. Enough even for a party, then. While Whirlpool offers quantity, LG also focuses on quality with round "craft" ice cubes which can stay cooler for longer making them ideal for drinks.

LG vs Whirlpool: Capacity

While capacity varies across models for each of the brands here, how well the storage within is laid out can make all the difference. Efficiency is key, where you get the maximum storage with easy access while keeping your kitchen's external footprint as minimal as possible. 

The five-door design of the Whirlpool model above, for example, gives a broad range of storage options in varying temperatures. You also have a freezer, dual drawers, and a fridge with two doors. But this also adds a thaw drawer which is ideal for transitioning from the frozen section ready for use from the fridge without leaving food out in your kitchen.

Customization is also a big feature, with the ability in both brands to vary how the inside of the models are laid out. Although Whirlpool stands out here, it typically has high efficiency and offers lots of smaller sections to keep food well-placed. Many offer in-door can caddies to free up shelf space, ideal for cans or bottles. Plus, you get adjustable gallon door bins, allowing you to place as you need with enough height for varying items.

You can't talk about capacity without also considering lighting, as this lets you actually find what you have laid out. While both models offer LED lighting, LG focuses on specific lighting arrangements to ensure maximum clarity throughout the refrigerator spaces. 

LG vs Whirlpool: Price

In the LG vs Whirlpool price battle, the range is so broad it can be difficult to compare. However, it can come down to sales which help make a choice here. You get a lot for your money with both models – although arguably more cutting-edge tech from LG. But it's when you see the drop in prices during sales times, like Black Friday, that you may find yourself forming a preference.

LG typically offers many models that appear in big sales, so you can expect an opportunity to pick one up for far less during these times. However, with the high upfront charges on premium LG refrigerators, that cost may be prohibitive to many. Although it's worth keeping in mind, these are built to last so that cost can be spread over many years—more on that in the warranty section below.

Most LG refrigerators come with an Energy Star rating meaning while you might pay more upfront for buying one of these units, you will save money in running costs over the longer term.

LG vs Whirlpool: Warranty

It's also worth considering how that cost is spread in terms of reliability over the longer term. With LG, you can expect to get an impressive five-year warranty, meaning it's built to last – and with the inverters on many models covered for 10 years, you can expect these to go the distance. 

With Whirlpool, the warranty is far less at a one-year standard which can be extended – but for peace of mind, this doesn't seem as reassuring after that first-year sealed parts are still covered for five years, which include compressor, evaporator, condenser, dryer and connecting tubing.

Whirlpool does include parts and labor and offers its servicing setup meaning you can expect to find a fix quickly and easily, carried out by a qualified professional. 

LG vs Whirlpool: Verdict

The LG vs Whirlpool refrigerator battle varies across models, features, pricing, and longer-term reliability. So while no one model may come out on top for you, it's worth thinking about what you need and can live without.

If you want all the latest tech features, like smart connectivity and see-thru doors, then LG is the brand for you. But if you want a simpler-to-use refrigerator that is well-refined in its offerings and storage solutions, then Whirlpool could make your life easier.

It may come down to price, and LG offers some very high prices but can be nabbed in sales. And when you consider that longer warranty, it is a very compelling choice. Specifically, if you can pick up the LG 36-inch InstaView Door Refrigerator in a sale or afford it upfront, this superb refrigerator will serve you well for years to come.

If you’ve ever had to play the equivalent of Jenga to get your groceries in and out of your refrigerator, you’re not alone. Research has found that 33% of people think storage is too limited in refrigerators, and if that’s you, Samsung’s latest launch could be the answer to your storage woes. 

The Mega Capacity French Door Refrigerator is 10% bigger than previous models on the inside while staying the same size on the outside. This means it offers the most storage space in the category without taking up any more precious space in your kitchen. Elsewhere, it has Wi-Fi controls, comes in several different designs, and features a new Dual Ice Maker for the first time in the Mega Capacity range. 

Keep reading to learn more about Samsung’s new refrigerator line, as well as where you can get your hands on it. And for more, take a look at our guide to the best French door refrigerators overall.

Samsung Mega Capacity Refrigerator: Features 

The new Samsung Mega Capacity French Door refrigerator is available as a 3-door or 4-door model with either a full-depth or counter-depth design.  

The largest 3-Door model comes in stainless steel and offers 32 cu. ft. of storage capacity makes it America’s largest refrigerator in its class. The refrigerator section offers 22.3 cu. ft., eight-door bins, and adjustable slide-in shelving to make room for large and tall items. There is then 9.2 cu. ft in the freezer. 

You can alternatively buy a 3-door model with 31 cu. ft. of space in stainless steel, Matte Black, or 25 cu. ft. Mega Capacity Counter Depth 3-Door. 

In the 4-door category, the largest model offers 30 cu. ft in the full-depth design – 21.3 cu. ft. in the refrigerator and 8.5 cu. ft. in the freezer – as well as 25 cu. ft. in the counter-depth version. 

The full-depth models have seven-door bins and the same adjustable slide-in shelving for large and tall items as the 3-door model. They then come in stainless steel and Black Matte Steel.

All redesigned refrigerators in the new Mega Capacity range additionally have Wi-Fi. This means they connect to the SmartThings app so you can monitor and manage your refrigerator's power usage from your phone. This app will send energy-saving tips and alerts to help lower your electric bill and will send alerts and notifications if you leave the door open if there’s a sudden temperature change, or it's time to change the water filter.

The 3-door, counter-depth fridge additionally comes with the Family Hub smart display fitted into the door. When connected to Wi-Fi, you can see notifications on this display, mirror what’s playing on your smart TV, look inside your fridge remotely when out shopping, and much more.

Elsewhere, the Mega Capacity range now features the Dual Ice Maker with Ice Bites feature, first introduced in Samsung's Bespoke fridges. This lets you choose from four types of ice and makes up to 38 pounds of ice per day.

Each model comes with Samsung’s All-Around Cooling feature to keep your food fresher for longer. This uses evenly spaced vents and temperature sensors to ensure the interior temperature stays the same throughout the fridge.

Samsung Mega Capacity French Door Refrigerator: Price & availability 

Prices for the 3-door fridge start at $2,099 for the 3-door, 32 cu. ft. full-depth, stainless steel model. The prices for the rest of the range are as follows: 

• 3-door 31 cu. ft. full-depth stainless steel: $2,599 
• 3-door 31 cu. ft. full-depth black matte steel: $2,699
• 3-door 25 cu. ft counter-depth stainless steel with Family Hub: $3,799

Prices for the 4-door fridge are as follows: 

• 4-door 30 cu. ft. full-depth stainless steel: $3,099 
• 4-door 30 cu. ft. full-depth black matte steel: $3,199
• 4-door 25 cu. ft counter-depth stainless steel: $3,199

All models are available from Samsung and Best Buy.

Refrigerator deals

Looking for discounted refrigerators and fridge freezers? Check out our dedicated Black Friday refrigerator deals page for the best deals on large appliances like these, especially during sales events. To keep track of when offers will start pouring in, you can also bookmark our main best Black Friday deals page for up-to-the-minute information. 

Large appliances are great when they work properly, however finding a wet patch on your floor can leave you wondering whether your fridge is leaking water. No matter whether you have a small mini version that sits next to your desk, or a grand French door style, it can encounter the same problems.

Most of the time our fridges will cause zero issues and perform efficiently, which is to keep food fresh and safe to eat, by regulating the temperature that circulates inside. Sometimes, things go wrong, and you may notice water leaking from your fridge, and even causing a puddle. The good thing is if you notice this quickly, you can then get it fixed fast. 

Inadequate domestic refrigeration or cooling is frequently cited as a factor in incidents of food poisoning, which is why you must solve any issues happening with your fridge, as soon as you catch them.

Here’s everything you need to know about what to do if your fridge is leaking water so that you can keep your food fresh and safe to eat.

What to do if your fridge is leaking water 

1. Dirty or broken door seals are stopping the door from shutting tightly

The purpose of the door seals is to stop air from entering the fridge, as this could lower the cool temperature. If the seal of your door is clogged with food or other debris, or your seal is broken, then condensation can begin in the fridge and you'll start to notice leakage.

2. Dirty coils at the back of the fridge

Condenser coils are found either at the back of the fridge or on the bottom. The purpose of these coils is to cool and condense the fridge, so if they become blocked or dirty, it can lead to leaking from the inside as the fridge isn’t keeping the temperature as it should.

3. The temperature setting is wrong

If you notice that your fridge temperature is too high and is freezing over chilled food, or is too low and is not chilling foods as well, then you may be struggling with a broken thermostat, or simply one that needs readjusting.

4. Debris has blocked the defrost drain

If your defrost drain is clogged, your fridge is likely to be leaking. The purpose of the defrost drain is to prevent the fridge from freezing, and cleverly automatically defrosts. If food clogs this drain up, then a build-up can lead to water leaking from your fridge.

5. Ice has built up in the freezer in a combined unit

This is most likely to happen when the door has been left ajar accidentally - and in that case, it’s time for a defrost! An excess build-up of ice can lead to the drains becoming blocked, and the whole freezer system failing to work as efficiently as it should.

How to fix your fridge’s leaking problem

First of all, you want to ensure that your fridge is on even ground, to allow everything to flow through the systems as it should.

1. Dirty or broken door seals are stopping the door from shutting tightly

The most likely cause of a seal that isn't working right is that it's dirty and blocked with debris, so you should give it a clean to make sure nothing is causing the door to become stuck or stay ajar. If this doesn't work, it may be that your seal is broken, and you need to replace it.

2. Dirty coils at the back of the fridge

To clean the condenser coils, you should try and remove any fluff or debris, and clean them with a coil cleaning rough brush if possible. Do this gently to prevent any damage, and then vacuum any dust that is attached.

3. The temperature setting is wrong

If your thermostat is set to the wrong setting, make sure that it's adjusted to the right temperature, which is recommended to be around 5˚C. If this doesn't make a difference, then it's likely that your thermostat has seen better days, and needs to be replaced. Temperature control should be steady and consistent to keep your food safe and fresh. Make sure to act quickly and get it seen by a technician.

4. Debris has blocked the defrost drain

You can find out if your drain is clogged up by testing it - just run some water through it, and if it doesn't come through the other side, you've got a blockage. You can try to unclog the drain by pulling out any visible debris, but if this still doesn’t improve the blockage, then you’ll need a technician to take a look.

5. Ice has built up in the freezer in a combined unit

Firstly, you should check over any ice cube trays, freeze packs, and areas that particularly attract high quantities of ice. If things look like they are due a defrost, it’s probably because they are. You may notice freezer burn on your food too or lots of white-looking ice. Defrost your freezer compartment and clean out the area before returning it to use. You also need to check over valves located near the back of the freezer to ensure that they're not leaking, if they are, you'll need the help of a technician.

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Have you got an issue with your fridge not cooling properly? Maybe your milk isn't as chilled as you would like, or you've had to throw away moldy food before the best-before date? We rely on our fridges on a day-to-day basis for keeping our food continuously chilled and safe to eat. So not only is it beneficial for your household to fix any cooling issues, but it will also reduce food waste and bills. 

Just because your fridge isn’t cooling properly, it doesn’t mean that you automatically need to purchase a new one, or even that you need to call a technician out. Even the best French door refrigerators and the best side-by-side refrigerators can have problems every now and again, and there are several possible causes of fridges not cooling properly, and many of them can be solved at home, with a few simple steps.

Here is everything you need to know as to why your fridge may not be cooling properly, and what you can do about it. We caught up with appliance expert Samantha Odo from PreCondo for the full lowdown.

Why is my refrigerator not cooling? And how to fix it

There are a few simple ways to identify the what the problem might be. And before calling out a technician or considering a new purchase, there might be an easy fix you can do yourself. 

1. Check the power (and thermostat)

Sometimes, refrigerators will need just a simple reboot to be up and running again, as most modern fridges operate electromechanically. You can do this by unplugging for a few minutes then plugging it back in, or your fridge may have a reset button that works to the same effect.

Does your fridge definitely have power? If the interior light doesn't turn on when you open it, chances are that the fridge is receiving insufficient/no power. Check the mains connection and your fuse box to see if there's an easy fix. 

Then, double check that the thermostat is set to a low temperature. Samantha explains that this is easily overlooked: "it might sound obvious, but sometimes the dial can get bumped." 

The recommended temperature is "usually around 37°F (3°C), and the freezer should be at 0°F (-18°C)," according to Samantha, and a good idea is to try the coldest setting first to test whether the fridge works properly before setting it correctly.

2. Reorganize your refrigerator

Overloading your fridge can affect the efficiency of how a fridge regulates airflow. There needs to be enough space for air to circulate, so it could be that your fridge needs some reorganizing. Make sure items aren't piled on top of each other if there isn't enough space, or figure out if a mini fridge is worth it to give yourself extra room. It's also a good chance to see whether anything is blocking the vents from within. 

Similarly, if you have too little in the fridge, it will lack the mass it needs to contain for even cooling and will struggle to cool effectively. Putting hot food straight into the fridge can also impact how the temperature regulates and may impact cooling, as it adds additional hot air into the system.

3. Make sure the door is properly sealed

The fridge door keeps things airtight by using a magnetic gasket to provide an even seal the whole way round. This is what keeps the cool air in, maintaining the temperature and keeping the food fresh.

"If they're not sealing properly, cold air might be escaping, causing the fridge to work harder," Samantha explains. Look for dirt, crumbs and debris around the gasket - it might be that the seal just needs a wipe with warm, soapy water to be working properly again.

If that doesn't work, the seal may be damaged or worn. "Inspect the seals for any visible damage and ensure they're making a tight seal when you close the door. If needed, replace the seals to maintain optimal temperature," Samantha advises.

When it comes to fixing or replacing the gasket seal, you may need a service from a qualified technician.

4. Position your fridge (and unblock the vents)

There are two things to consider when positioning your refrigerator. Is it in the right room, and is there ample space around it? 

Indoor refrigerators are designed to be indoors for a reason. They're not best suited to garages as they're often not equipped to handle sharp rises and falls in temperature. Check your model and see if it should be moved elsewhere in your home.

Then, make sure your fridge has enough space on the back and sides to allow for proper airflow. "Fridges need space to dissipate heat," Samantha explains. A lack of airflow will cause temperatures to rise inside, so be sure to avoid blocking any vents. Refrigerators often need around half an inch of space on the sides and an inch on the back, but check with your appliance as this can vary. 

5. Check the condenser coils and fan motor

A refrigerator's condenser coils are responsible for dissipating the heat absorbed by the refrigerant within. In simpler terms, they release heat into the surrounding area, helping the fridge and freezer compartments reach their desired temperature. If the coils are dirty, heat is not being released properly and the appliance will struggle to stay cool.

"Over time, these coils can accumulate dust and dirt, hindering the cooling process," says Samantha. "Grab a vacuum cleaner or a brush and gently clean the coils at the back or beneath your fridge. It's a simple yet effective way to improve efficiency."

If the condenser coils are damaged in any way, it could be that the refrigerant is leaking and the refrigerator is not able to maintain the temperature. There's also the possibility that the fan motor is faulty, preventing the condenser fan from working properly. This is not an easy fix, and would likely require a professional to take a look.

6. Defrost the freezer

If you have a fridge freezer, the freezer compartment may become congested with ice blockages, and as a result, the fridge can become affected, whereby the airflow struggles to stay maintained. 

In order to get things back working, you’ll need to defrost your freezer completely. It's good practice to defrost your freezer once a year regardless, to avoid ice build-ups and to keep it hygienic. 

Additionally, fridges with freezer compartments will have evaporator coils and an evaporator fan. These may be frosted over or broken, so be sure to check them and see if you can spot any damage. 

7. If all else fails, buy a new one

If the problem persists after doing all the checks, you may (unfortunately) need to replace your fridge. It's not an easy purchase, but our guide on how to choose a refrigerator has expert advice to make sure you invest in the right one.

Our Black Friday refrigerator deals hub will feature all the best savings when the time comes (if you're patient enough, this is likely when you'll get one at its best price). And in the meantime, be sure to see what mini fridge deals are currently live.

If you're a wine aficionado, this Samsung fridge will be the appliance of your dreams. Samsung is known for its beautiful, bespoke appliances including decorated fridges made in collaboration with artist Alex Proba. However, it's not all about aesthetics though, as the brand also comes up with some nifty innovations. 

As part of the Bespoke Infinite line, Samsung is launching an incredible wine fridge that can hold up to 101 bottles. This cooler contains two zones so you can store different bottles of both red and white wine at the appropriate temperatures, between 4 and 18 degrees Celsius. Between the two temperatures zones, there is a small pantry to store snacks and anything you might want to serve with your wine. 

This sizeable appliance takes up a whole panel of the four-compartment vertical side-by-side refrigerator – so if you only like the occasional tipple, this might not be the appliance for you!

However, one of the most impressive aspects of this Samsung fridge is the SmartThings software. Not only does it note what wines you are storing (making inventory management easier) it can even suggest pairing recommendations! Guests are sure to be impressed by this incredible feature - who knew your fridge could double up as a sommelier?

If you're already in the process of cracking open your wallet, you might want to pause. Unfortunately, this futuristic fridge is currently only available in South Korea. However, part of Samsung's Bespoke line of appliances is available in the US, and readers can find a range of beautiful and powerful fridges on the brand's website. We can only hope Samsung decides to launch its smart wine fridge in other regions soon!

If you're after a new fridge, we've compiled guides of the best French door refrigerators and the best side-by-side refrigerators so you can find the best pick for you.

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Looking to jazz up your kitchen? These limited-edition Samsung fridges, created in partnership with German multidisciplinary artist Alex Proba, might be the way to go.

Lined with an abstract array of shapes and colors, this fridge is as eye-catching as it gets. The bold, bespoke appliance will stand out in any kitchen and add a pop of color to even the dullest of environments. 

• Read more: Best side-by-side refrigerators

"My art is inspired by nature," says creator Alex Proba. "Designing an everyday object, I felt like having something that is joyful and poppy and fun would make sense." 

The design will be available in Samsung’s classic Bespoke 4-Door Flex model, and you can sign up here to be notified when it becomes available. You'd better be quick off the mark, though, as quantities are very limited! 

If you do miss out on the Alex Proba fridge, fear not! Samsung is also expanding its line of 2022 bespoke fridges. Also available to preorder are brand new color options such as Clementine Glass, Sunrise Yellow Glass, Pink Glass, Morning Blue Glass, Charcoal Glass, Grey Glass, White Glass, Emerald Green Steel, Navy Steel, Tuscan Steel, Matte Black Steel, and Stainless Steel. 

The 12 new colors across two finish options mean there are thousands of ways you can customize your appliance. Who said fridges need to be grey, white and dull? 

“We’re thrilled with the response to Bespoke appliances since their introduction to American families last year,” said Shane Higby, Head of Home Appliance Business, Samsung Electronics America. “Bespoke brings a new level of personalization and choice that wasn’t offered in home appliances before, and we’re excited to see how people express their unique style with our new products this year.”

The brand is known for its high-quality kitchen appliances, with the Samsung RF23M8570SG featuring in our best French door refrigerators buying guide. If you're after more advice on choosing the right fridge for your kitchen, give it a read. 

Most of us couldn’t imagine a life without our refrigerator now, but when were refrigerators invented and how did they look back then? Nowadays, they come in all shapes and sizes, such as side-by-side refrigerators and French door refrigerators, and we take many of their features for granted, from ice dispensers and built-in freezers to smart-enabled doors and glass viewing panels.

However, it’s safe to say that the refrigerator hasn’t always been this way. A long time ago, keeping food cool was a very different problem. Rather than chucking cheese and other perishable goods onto the fridge shelf, it was a race to eat them before they went bad, collecting foods daily and storing them in wooden boxes packed with ice - a tricky thing to come by.

In the 1930s, the earliest commercial refrigerators looked very different to the sleek, feature-rich appliances we’re accustomed to in our modern-day kitchens. We’re going to be turning the clocks back and looking at exactly how the first refrigerators came about and how they have evolved since then.

When were refrigerators actually invented? 

While a chilled drink or a cheeseboard might be your first thought when someone says the word ‘refrigerator’, the idea of a cooling machine actually began with a physician troubled by the yellow fever pandemic in Apalachicola in 1841, according to Lydia Bjournlund’s book, How the Refrigerator Changed History.

Convinced that the warm weather was causing the disease in his patients, John Gorrie strung a bucket of ice from the ceiling of the infirmary to keep them cool. In those days, ice was extremely hard to come by and his biggest hurdle was sourcing ice cubes all the way from New York and New England’s frozen waterways.

In 1845, impressed by the news of other scientists tinkering with mechanical ice systems, Gorrie quit his job and poured all his energy into inventing the first incarnation of the refrigerator, a device that could feed compressed air over metal pipes containing cool water and obtain a temperature low enough to freeze water.

Other early versions of the refrigerator

Gorrie can’t take all the credit for the idea. Before he got to work on his invention, there had been a few other attempts at imagining up a cooling device. The concept of the refrigerator was first drawn up by William Cullen in 1755, who figured out that cooling comes from the high-speed expansion of gases in a vacuum, Bjournland's book explains.

Then, in 1802, the American inventor Thomas Moore was awarded a US patent for creating a so-called refrigerator, which was essentially just a humble icebox.

The American inventor Jacob Perkins also came close to inventing a basic refrigerating machine in 1834, which was based instead on a vapor-compression cycle that used ether, an organic compound, rather than liquids.

The first prototype refrigerator

While Perkins’ closed-cycle device could compress air, Gorrie’s refrigerator was the first working model, which he finished in 1851, according to Bjournland. The prototype sent water through a collection of pipes that released heat and chilled the water enough to produce ice, the same basic process used by refrigerators to this day.

Unfortunately, society wasn’t quite ready for such a high-tech machine and his refrigerator had a frosty reception and many investors had a change of heart under pressure from the ice-harvesting industry, according to Peter Hertzmann in his report, The Refrigerator Revolution. 

After Gorrie died in 1855, other inventors took his model and started drawing up their own versions, which made their way into breweries and meatpacking businesses, including James Harrison’s beer-cooling machine for an Australian brewery in 1856 and the first refrigerator in a European brewery in 1873, according to Bjournland's research.

When was the first commercial refrigerator made?

The first domestic refrigerator was created in 1913 and named the Domelre. Invented by the American Fred W. Wolf, it was essentially a basic, insulated wooden refrigerator with a hole in the top of the ice compartment and the cooling mechanism on top.

Two years later, in 1915, another American, Alfred Mellowes, fashioned the first self-contained refrigerator suitable for home kitchens. Over the next twelve years, there were at least a hundred companies either manufacturing or trying to sell types of refrigerators without much success.

It wasn’t until 1927 that the refrigerator properly wormed its way into kitchens in the United States.  This was all thanks to the company General Electric, who produced the successful ‘Monitor Top’ refrigerator. This countertop model, which had a single door and was built on an assembly line, would be the benchmark for many years to come.

With the door finally open to refrigerators for good, other companies began to replicate and build upon this successful model. Post-war, self-defrosting ad frost-free refrigerators were thrown into the mix. Then, later in the century, and a greater variety of styles such as the French door refrigerator and energy-efficient models appeared. 

What’s the future for refrigerators?

With all the changes that refrigerators have undergone since their early inception, it’s hard to predict precisely what the future has in store. However, there are certainly a few high-tech features on the horizon. 

With brands such as Samsung or LG setting the benchmarks higher and higher for the modern-day refrigerator, smart-enabled features have become the bread and butter of a stylish and modern appliance.

Some appliances already have glass tap-to-see viewing panels that let users peek at their food from outside, but brands are now producing Wi-Fi-enabled transparent panels that will let you pull up a baking tutorial without connecting to your smartphone or send you an alert when you’re almost out of eggs.

Good news for big households and families, large, four-door models are also making their way onto the market, with a dedicated beverage center and ice makers that can pop out cubes in a size of your choice, ideal for niche drinks. Of course, you can always get one of the best freezers separately, if you're sacrificing cooling for fancy features.

Meanwhile, some of the other latest developments include trendy color-changing panels and fingerprint-resistant finishes for a sleek and adaptable exterior. So, if nothing else, we can expect to be quite spoilt for choice.

We all know the important role that a fridge plays in our day-to-day lives, but how do refrigerators work? You may think that how the best side-by-side refrigerators work differs from the process that keeps the best french door refrigerators running, but that is not the case. While there is a lot that divides refrigerators in terms of the different advantages they offer, all refrigerators work more-or-less in the same way. That is because they all feature the same basic components, and the all-important ingredient: refrigerant.  

How do refrigerators work?

We’ll go into greater depth later, but the basic function of how refrigerators work is quite simple. It depends on something we all learned in school: evaporation. A refrigerant runs between all the refrigerator mechanisms, transforming from gas to liquid, and back to gas once again, in a cycle of compression and evaporation. This creates a cooling effect inside the refrigerator and is the reason that no matter how cool it is on the inside, the back of your refrigerator will usually feel a little warm. 

Now that we’ve covered the basic process that keeps your fridge cold, let’s dive into a little more detail…

The main components of a refrigerator

There are four key components that keep your refrigerator running: 

1. The fluid refrigerant 

The fluid refrigerant cycles between a gaseous and liquid form. By transforming from liquid to gas, it creates a cooling effect that keeps your fridge cold. Think about the way that your hand sanitizer feels cool when you apply it, and leaves little to no moisture on your hands. This is usually because it contains alcohol, which has a low evaporation point, and leaves a cooling effect when it does evaporate. That’s how fluid refrigerant cools the inside of your fridge. 

2. The compressor

The compressor does as the name suggests: compresses the gaseous form of the fluid refrigerant. This converts the refrigerant back into liquid form, in turn allowing the cycle to continue. In many ways, the compressor is the beating heart of the refrigerator: pumping fluid around to keep things working. 

3. The condenser coils

Condensation should be a familiar concept. It’s most noticeable when your bathroom mirror steams up during your morning shower. The steam from your shower will meet the cold surface of the mirror and turn back into beads of water. 

The condenser coils sit at the back of your refrigerator, and they’re usually a little dusty. These coils sit outside the refrigerator because the compressor can produce a lot of heat, and this needs to be released on the exterior of the refrigerator to keep it cool. 

4. The evaporator

Now in liquid form, the refrigerator coolant turns back into gas form when it re-enters the evaporator coils inside the refrigerator. This happens through a capillary tube, which ensures that the liquid enters the evaporator coils at high pressure, so it can evaporate inside the refrigerator and lower the temperature inside your refrigerator. The refrigerant then returns to the compressor, where the cycle continues. 

How do refrigerator ice makers work?

If you have ever filled an ice tray and placed it inside your freezer, you may be surprised to learn that a refrigerator ice maker does the exact same thing. Inside the mechanism is an ice tray that is connected to a water valve. When hooked up to your home’s water supply, this valve will automatically fill the ice trays.

Using an internal thermostat, the ice maker will detect when the temperature of the tray compartment is low enough to have formed the ice fully. It will then use a heating coil to slightly warm the base of the trays, allowing the ice to be dislodged from the molds. It’s just like when you run the base of your ice tray under warm water to be able to remove the cubes. 

Then, a gear turns to tap the perfectly formed ice cubes into the ice dispenser, before starting the process all over again. 

Are refrigerators worth repairing? 

That depends on the age of the refrigerator. Many of the top refrigerators you can buy will come with good warranties, which applies to even the best mini fridges. If within warranty, the manufacturer should send out someone to repair your broken refrigerator. Of course, if it is deemed too costly to repair, it will be replaced. 

If your refrigerator is out of warranty, that will usually mean it is at least 10 years old. This is usually the expected lifespan of a refrigerator, although they can of course last much longer. Before completely discarding your refrigerator, bring in an expert who can tell you how much repairs will cost. If there is only a small problem that won’t cost too much to repair, it may be worth paying for to get a few more years of life out of your machine. Some of the easier issues to repair include a loose lining on the door that lets out the cold. If there is an issue with the central mechanisms we covered above, though, things will become much more costly. 

So there you have it. While the terminology is a little complex, the answer to your question of ‘how do refrigerators work?’ is actually very straightforward when you break it down. Got any more questions about your refrigerator? Take a look at our other features: GE vs Whirlpool refrigerators: Which should you choose? | What temperature should a refrigerator be? | 6 things to consider when buying a new refrigerator

We’re putting GE vs Whirlpool refrigerators under the microscope because there’s much more to a fridge than keeping your food cool. Let’s be real, it would be tricky to function without one of the best side-by-side refrigerators or the best French door refrigerators, so we’re comparing two huge brands to help you make a decision. 

Both brands have made their mark in the appliance world – take the well-known GE ovens or Whirlpool dishwashers, for instance. While GE has innovative designs with WiFi features and adjustable interiors, Whirlpool delivers on capacity and budget-friendly models with original easy-to-use features. But don’t worry about the details yet, as we’ll cover this throughout our GE vs Whirlpool refrigerators comparison.

GE vs Whirlpool: Prices 

Naturally, costs will weigh heavily on any decision you’ll make when purchasing a refrigerator, so first things first, you’ll want to work out how much a GE or Whirlpool refrigerator will really set you back.

First, take note that GE’s compact refrigerators are in a ballpark of their own, as these appliances are also slight in price too and cost between $299 and $519. For a regular-sized GE refrigerator, however, you can expect to pay a little more. The cheapest is $659 for a top-freezer with 15.6 cubic feet, while its most expensive model is a side-by-side smart-enabled refrigerator priced at $9,629.

Meanwhile, with Whirlpool, you won’t need to part with more than $2,299 and at the very least $549. The steeper price tag is for a 36-inch refrigerator with 19.4 cubic feet, a roomier refrigerator than GE’s top dog, so Whirlpool certainly comes out on top when it comes to buying a budget-friendly cooling machine.

GE vs Whirlpool: Product range 

French door, side-by-side, bottom freezer, and top freezer are words you’ll hear thrown around a lot in the refrigerator world, and both GE and Whirlpool have all four bases covered.

However, if you’re on the hunt for a mini fridge that will fit into a cramped space, GE has it covered, as out of the two, they have a greater variety of compact refrigerators. Aside from one compact under-the-counter model, Whirlpool only has wine or beverage centers.

Overall, you’ve got a greater pick of the bunch from GE’s product range. As well as having hundreds more options, there’s a greater variety of designs, sizes, and features throughout their product range. 

Plus, while Whirlpool doesn’t have any specific ranges, GE also has signature lines, including Profile and Café. The Café range is the roomiest, so you can afford to be more choosy. 

GE vs Whirlpool: Design 

You won’t want any bottles or cans left standing out in the cold - or in this case, room temperature - so your safest bet when it comes to space is a Whirlpool refrigerator, which has on average 25 cubic feet of space inside. That’s a good dollop of extra room to work with than in an average GE refrigerator, where there’s typically between 20 and 24 cubic feet available.

GE refrigerators do level the playing ground a little, thanks to versatile design features including adjustable shelves, multi-level drawers, and large door bins for next-level organization. But don’t be fooled, Whirlpool refrigerators can be pretty innovative too, with deli drawers or adjustable gallon door bins that you can wiggle around to free up space.

Overall, Whirlpool is a step ahead with great storage space and design features, so you’ll be better armed for your next meal with a well-stocked and less-cramped fridge.

GE vs Whirlpool: Features 

Now, where features are concerned, GE and Whirlpool initially appear to keep pace, as they both have items such as ice and water dispensers, built-in ice makers, LED lighting, and climate-controlled compartments.

The main difference arrives with smart features, something that sets apart any appliance, whether it’s refrigerators or even the best dryers. Unlike Whirlpool, GE has hatched high-end models that have WiFi connectivity, meaning that you can connect your refrigerator to a smartphone app and keep tabs on its performance or tweak temperature settings without trawling to the fridge door.

Yet, while these are missing from Whirlpool refrigerators, they do have a few original features that come in handy, such as Fast Drink and Fast Cool modes that quickly tend to lukewarm food or drink, a dinner party essential. You’ll also find other features such as:

• Digital temperature control 
• Temperature sensors 
• Automatic hibernate mode 
• Dual cooling 
• External ice and water dispensers 
• In-door ice storage 

While Whirlpool does bring a fair few handy features to the table, GE’s clever app control and WiFi features take it into a different league, as do the following features: 

• Hands-free autofill 
• Dual climates 
• Advanced water filtration 
• Spill-proof shelves 

GE vs Whirlpool: Which should you buy?

It’s clear to see that if a clever smart-enabled refrigerator is at the top of your checklist, GE is your guy. However, as with any kitchen appliance, you’re going to want a good capacity that won’t leave your provisions in the lurch. This is where Whirlpool comes in, as their winning interior makes roominess its personal business, and adds in handy deli drawers and adjustable gallon door bins while it’s at it.

That’s not to say that a GE refrigerator won’t do a good job, as there’s a real reel of different types of refrigerators in their range with the luxury of adjustable parts inside and models that are way ahead in terms of WiFi and app features. Overall, though, Whirlpool has got a roomy and reasonably feature-rich refrigerator pegged down, and generally at a far cheaper price tag than that of GE.

It's important to store chilled food at the right temperature to keep it safe and prevent spoilage. If you're wondering what the best refrigerator temperature is, you've come to the right place. Setting your fridge too low can lead to frozen food, which isn't ideal either.

If you have one of the best French door refrigerators or a side-by-side model, we've got all the information you need about setting the fridge's temperature, keeping food fresh, and fixing it.

While some high-end refrigerators have features that maintain a constant temperature across all shelves, even these models may need adjustments to stay fresh. We consulted Samsung experts to help you keep your refrigerator as cool as possible, no matter the weather outside.

What temperature should a refrigerator be? 

If you find that fruits and veggies go off very quickly in your refrigerator, one contributing factor could be that your fridge temperature is too high. So, what temperature should a refrigerator be? According to the FDA, the best temperature for your refrigerator is 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also worth monitoring the refrigerator's temperature regularly, so if your fridge doesn’t have a built-in thermometer, you can purchase one for as little as $6 from Amazon.com.

Some standard refrigerators don’t even offer cooling across all of the shelves in the fridge, so be sure to check the temperature across various shelves. Suppose you find that the temperature is regularly fluctuating. In that case, you might want to look into getting a repair on your refrigerator’s thermostat because even as little as a few degrees above 40 degrees Fahrenheit can spoil your food. 

You might be surprised to learn that the temperature on a refrigerator’s door shelves is usually warmer than in the central part of the refrigerator. Therefore, it's a good idea to keep sauces and jars that don’t rely as heavily on the optimal temperature on the fridge door shelves. 

Why is it important to keep your refrigerator cool?

If your refrigerator warms up, it can lead to issues that may affect the food's quality and safety. Refrigerators are designed to keep food at a safe and consistent temperature, usually between 35°F (1.6°C) and 40°F (4.4°C). If the temperature rises above this range, then the following problems may occur:

Your food may spoil

One of the main concerns regarding a warmer refrigerator is that the higher temperature allows bacteria and other germs to multiply. This may cause the most perishable items, such as meat, leafy greens, or dairy, to go bad. 

Your food will have a lower shelf life

When your refrigerator warms up, the shelf life of the food inside decreases. Items that usually last several days, such as buttermilk or fresh cream, may spoil in hours. This is not only a waste of food and money but also a health risk. 

Loss of nutritional value

This may surprise you, but a warmer refrigerator can cause specific vitamins and nutrients in fruit and vegetables to break down or deteriorate, resulting in an overall loss of nutritional value. 

Increased energy consumption

A warmer refrigerator must work harder to maintain a cool interior, leading to increased energy consumption - this isn't good for the environment or your wallet. 

Impact on your freezer

If your refrigerator has a freezer compartment, a warmer temperature may cause it to partially thaw and refreeze as it gets cooler. This can lead to a build-up of ice crystals in your freezer, which can impact the overall efficiency and cause some food to spoil.

How to prevent your refrigerator from warming up

There are a few steps you can take to prevent your refrigerator from warming up too much. While these may seem like common sense, it is important to follow them during the warmer summer months when your refrigerator is working overtime to keep your food cool. 

You must actively check your refrigerator's thermostat to ensure that the temperature setting is correct and set to the recommended range. If your refrigerator is warmer than the temperature set on the thermostat, there may be a problem with the door seal. 

Overloading your refrigerator can also cause it to warm up—overpacking the shelves can impede proper airflow and cooling. To avoid this, you can simply keep the refrigerator clean by removing any spoiled or expired food or things that don't need to be refrigerated, such as vinegar-based sauces or dressings.

Top tips for keeping the contents of your refrigerator cool

Keeping the items in your refrigerator cool during summer is a lot easier than it seems. These top tips can help you to keep your favorite beverages or snacks cold for when you need them most:

• Keep your refrigerator temperature set at 41°F/5°C or below and your freezer set at -0.4°F/-18°C all year round.

Maintaining a consistent temperature will allow your refrigerator to perform more efficiently during the warm summer months as there is less of a change in temperature to make.

• Make sure your fridge-freezer is situated at least 5cm from the walls on both sides and 10cm from the wall at the rear. 

If the fridge-freezer isn't well-ventilated, the freezer temperature could rise, and food may start to defrost when the overall room temperature starts to rise. Leaving an adequate gap will allow cool air to circulate around the refrigerator, keeping the contents chilled.

• Don’t keep your fridge-freezer in a conservatory or direct sunlight during summer.

These locations are likely to exceed 104°F/40°C during warmer sunny days, which can cause your refrigerator's temperature to rise dramatically. This may also lead to an increase in power consumption from your refrigerator trying to stay cool. 

• Do not keep ice creams or ice lollies in the doors

The inside of the door is usually one of the warmer parts of your fridge-freezer. This can lead the items inside to defrost faster, resulting in softer, warmer popsicles and ice creams. 

How long is food OK in the fridge without power? 

If there’s a power outage and your refrigerator cuts out, your food will be safe to eat if it’s left in the fridge for up to four hours and the door remains closed, according to the FDA. If you take food out of the fridge, the FDA recommends using the “two-hour rule,” which means that if any foods that should be refrigerated are left out for more than two hours, you should discard them. 

If you take any food out of the refrigerator and it has a bad odor, do not eat it—especially meat and dairy. Keep foods as long as possible, allow room between items in your fridge, and cover foods adequately to stop bacteria from spreading. 

How to save food if your refrigerator breaks 

There’s nothing more annoying than when your refrigerator packs up, and you’ve just filled it with fresh food. Not only will you risk foods going off and making you poorly, but a broken refrigerator could also mean a big waste of money spent on groceries. 

As we mentioned above, you’ll have up to four hours to keep your food fresh, so you need to act fast if you don’t want to lose it. Keep your refrigerator door closed as much as possible, but if you have a cooler, place the foods with the longest use-by-life left in them, along with lots of ice. It’s best to keep all raw meats together and separate from other foods, so if you have more than one cooler, dedicate a separate one to meat. 

You may have to throw some food out, so it’s best to choose items that are closest to expiring. You might also find that some foods in your fridge won’t actually need to be refrigerated—some sauces and jarred items don’t require refrigeration. 

If it’s only been a few minutes since your refrigerator stopped working, consider what you could cook or eat immediately. Some foods can be cooked to use them up, and by the time they’ve cooled down and need refrigerating, you may have found an alternative to replace your refrigerator. 

The best mini fridges are a great addition to your bedroom, office, dorm room, or garage. They are perfect for storing cold drinks or snacks and can easily be moved around. With one of these compact appliances, you can enjoy a cold soda on a hot day, and their portability makes them ideal for small spaces.

All spaces have different requirements when it comes to keeping things cool. If you are looking for a small fridge that doesn't cost much to run, energy-efficient models are available at affordable prices. Portable mini fridges are also a great option for campers or people traveling in an RV. If you plan on using it at home, the compact design makes it easy to unplug and move around as needed.

Though much cheaper than the best refrigerators, mini fridges are still an investment. If you want something to keep your drinks, snacks, or cosmetics cool and fresh or plan to host next summer, keep reading to see our pick of the best mini fridges currently available.

The best mini fridges we recommend

We at Top Ten Reviews are on a mission to review everything we feature in our buyer's guides, but while we work hard to make this a reality—or where this isn't possible—some of our guides still feature rankings based on our team's considerable expertise and research.

While we haven't been able to test any of the units in this guide in person, we've instead honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best mini fridge features to help you make the right decision for your home, all for the best price.

The best mini fridge overall

The Midea WHS-65LB1 is 1.6 cu. ft. in size and is a solid addition to your home or RV. The size also makes it a good option in dorms, apartments or as a secondary fridge for drinks or snacks when entertaining guests. 

The single door is reversible so that it can be opened from the left or right so that you don't accidentally drag the whole thing off your countertop when you open it from the wrong side (we've all been there, right?) It also features an adjustable shelf, which can be removed entirely if you need to cool something big, such as a large bottle or a pot of food. 

This mini fridge uses an efficient and quiet thermoelectric cooling system while adequately cooling drinks or food without a compressor. Its compact design allows you to place it anywhere with minimal disturbances. Some parts of this fridge are made of Iron, which can be prone to tarnishing—we recommend keeping the fridge dry and clean to avoid this. 

The best mini fridge freezer

Having cool goods right at your fingertips is cool. However, the Hisense LMT43M6AVE 4.4-cu ft Mini Fridge takes things one step further by providing a dedicated freezer space. Our expert, Paige Cerulli, tested the 4.4-cu ft mini fridge freezer in her home and loved how sleek it looked.

The freezer is spacious enough to fit an ice cube tray, two cartons of ice cream and frozen fruit, while still having some space left over. The main fridge doesn’t disappoint either, with adjustable glass shelves, in-door storage and a removable vegetable drawer.

As well as having the biggest capacity in our round-up, the model offers seven temperature settings and features you’d expect from a full-size fridge such as an in-fridge light and reverse-opening doors. Paige found it quiet (just 44.5 dB were registered), and although ice formed in the fridge on the coldest setting, the temperature was consistent throughout all the compartments. It’s quite the bargain, for $269.

Read more: Hisense LMT43M6AVE 4.4-cu ft Mini Fridge review

The best mini beverage fridge

The Koolatron KWCA4 is both stylish and compact, holding up to six soft drink cans. Featuring the iconic Coca-Cola logo and an adorable bear holding a bottle of Coke on the front door, it adds a fun retro touch to any space.

What sets this mini fridge apart is its versatility. You can power it by plugging it into a standard 110-volt AC outlet at home or a 12-volt DC outlet in your car, making it perfect for use on the go. Unlike traditional mini fridges that rely on compressors for cooling, the Koolatron KWCA4 uses a thermoelectric system, accompanied by a fan to draw heat out of the device, and a set of grilles on the back to maintain the interior cool.

With the Koolatron KWCA4, you can chill your canned beverages to as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit below the ambient temperature. Despite its powerful cooling capabilities, this mini fridge operates quietly, making it a perfect addition to any space.

The best mini fridge for dorms

Looking for the best mini fridge for your dorm? The Magic Chef MCBR440S2 is a top contender. With a 4.4 cubic-foot interior, it offers plenty of space for food and drinks. It also features a transparent crisper drawer, convenient internal lighting, and adjustable glass shelves.

The freezer is spacious, and the door has compartments for a gallon of milk, a 2-liter bottle, and more. Despite its roomy interior, it's compact and measures 9.5 x 33.1 x 22 inches, making it easy to fit into small spaces. Plus, its reversible door offers flexibility in placement. While it may be a bit pricey compared to other models, the ample storage space makes it worth the investment for dorm living.

The best mini fridge for skincare

The Frigidaire EFMIS149_AMZ is a four-liter capacity micro refrigerator designed to keep canned beverages chilled. It fits up to six 12 oz soda cans but can also chill a lunch box or baby bottles. 

This mini fridge is not Energy Star certified, but it does use CFC and refrigerant-free semiconductors, which are much better for the environment than a conventional mini fridge. This fridge is made of plastic and steel, which doesn't make it the most durable fridge on our list, but it is strong enough to be taken camping or in an RV for when you want a cold soda or a frosty beer on a hot day. 

This fridge will cost around $60, which is reasonably expensive considering its small capacity - but if you want a beautiful-looking drink cooler that will impress your friends, it is worth every penny. 

The best mini fridge with glass door

The NewAir AB-1200 mini fridge is designed to impress with its black exterior, stainless steel trim, and transparent glass door. It boasts a spacious interior that can hold up to 126 canned drinks, keeping them perfectly chilled at temperatures as low as 34 degrees Fahrenheit.

The versatile design allows you to store beverage cans either on their side or upright, and the five adjustable chrome racks offer flexibility for organizing your items. The mini fridge can also accommodate wine bottles, allowing you to store them horizontally to keep the corks moist and maintain the ideal temperature for your favorite wines. It's also perfect for storing bottled beer.

With a generous 3.4 cubic feet of interior space, this mini fridge operates quietly at just 35 decibels, making it an excellent option for any space where noise levels are a concern.

How to choose the best mini fridge

When purchasing a new mini fridge, several important factors must be considered. 

Firstly, the size and capacity of the mini-fridge are important. Choose the size based on the space that you have available and the number of items that you want to store - this is similar to capacity. Think about the mini fridge's interior space and ensure it will fit everything you need to store. If you plan on having your mini-fridge in or near a bedroom, we would highly advise looking into the noise level of the fridges. 

It is also important to consider the type of cooling you want. Depending on what you wish to cool, choose between compressor-based or thermoelectric cooling. Compressor-based mini-fridges are much more powerful and will get your sodas extra cold on a hot day. If this is important to you, we recommend looking into models with temperature control settings to ensure all your items stay at the correct temperature. 

If running cost or environmental impact is a big concern for you, you should look into the energy efficiency of the models you are interested in. Some models will be more efficient and cost significantly less to run. Some mini-fridges have more features, such as shelves, racks, and even locks. 

Last but not least, price is important. As with most things, the more you spend, the more feature-packed, efficient, and quiet your fridge will be. If you use your mini fridge a lot, then the extra cash might be worth it in the long run, but if you only plan on using it for the occasional camping trip, a cheaper option will probably be sufficient. 

The best wine coolers are a great addition to any kitchen, keeping your best bottles and vintages at the right temperature in style. 

Choosing the best wine cooler for your space can be overwhelming due to the sheer amount of options out there. Thankfully, we've rounded up the very best products out there to suit a range of needs, kitchens and budgets so you can find the perfect fit for you. 

First, you'll want to consider what kind of capacity you want your wine cooler to have: some will accommodate over 50 bottles, while others are just large enough to fit six. You'll also want to think about whether you want a freestanding, built-in, or countertop appliance to store your wine. 

Unlike standard side-by-side refrigerators or the best mini fridges, wine coolers are built to store bottles of wine at the right temperature. They also have built-in racks to support the bottles without damaging them or their labels. 

To choose the right fridge for you, you'll want to consider the types of wine you want to store: if it's just white or just red, you can go for a single-zone wine fridge. These fridges maintain a unique temperature throughout that's optimal for the type of wine you're storing. However, if you're after a place to store more than one type of wine, you'll want to invest in a dual-zone fridge to adapt the temperatures to suit them.

The best wine coolers we recommend

Top Ten Reviews is on a mission to review everything we feature in our buyer's guides. Still, while we work hard to make this a reality—or where this isn't possible—some of our guides still feature rankings based on our team's considerable expertise and research.

While we haven't been able to test any of the units in this guide in person, we've instead honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best features to help you make the right decision for your home, all for the best price.

The best wine cooler overall

If you love wine and you like to store a lot of it, the Phiestina PH-29BD is the model for you. This wine cooler can store up to 29 bottles of wine across its two compartments. With dual cooling, this is a great option for anyone that loves all types of wine. 

The Phiestina PH-29BD isn’t cheap, in fact, it’s one of the most expensive models we reviewed, but for what you pay, you’re getting a dual-zone cooler and a large capacity. This wine fridge looks the part too, with robust shelving finished in stainless steel to create a stylish finish. 

You can change the door swing direction on this wine cooler and you’ll have the flexibility of either having it as a freestanding unit or built into a cabinet but you will need to leave a little bit of space for ventilation.

There’s a good temperature range on the Phiestina PH-29BD, but it’s worth noting that its sides aren’t finished in the same stainless steel as the front. Some users also found that they struggled to fit 29 bottles of wine in this unit too. 

The best large wine cooler

The Kalamera KRC30SZB is the largest wine cooler in our round up with the space to store 39 bottles of wine. Finished in stainless steel with a long handle, the Kalamera KRC30SZB looks high-end but isn’t actually as expensive as some of the other options we reviewed. 

Ideal for those that want a built-in wine cooler, the Kalamera KRC30SZB is a great option for family homes as it’s fitted with a door lock to prevent any little ones from getting at your prized wine collection. This is also one of the only wine fridges we reviewed that featured wooden shelves - a nice finish that makes this cooler look expensive. 

If you love both red and white wine though, this wine cooler may not be for you. That’s because it’s a single-zone cooler so you will have to set the temperature for the entire fridge, rather than being able to choose two different temperatures. 

Some users found that fitting 30 bottles of wine in this cooler was a struggle. However, this cooler operates quietly and the child lock is a nice addition that not all wine coolers have. 

The best value wine cooler

The NutriChef PKCWC120 is available in a choice of two finishes, one is black, the other is stainless steel. Whichever is more to your taste, this wine cooler looks smart and has been designed to be used as a freestanding wine cooler. 

That means you won’t be able to install this cooler in a cabinet, despite its small size. The NutriChef PKCWC120 does have a wide temperature range so that you can select exactly what you want based on the type of wine you’re storing. 

The NutriChef PKCWC120 is a single zone cooler, however, so you won’t be able to choose a different temperature for different varieties of wine. The controls on this fridge are touch controls, and a digital display indicates the temperature that the cooler is set at. 

Looking sleek and stylish from the front, the NutriChef PKCWC120’s air vent is at the back of the unit which is why this wine cooler can’t be stored inside a cabinet. What this does mean, however, is that the front of the cooler doesn’t feature any unsightly vents. 

The best extra large wine cooler

The Bodega JC-145A wine cooler is big enough to fit up to 52 bottles of wine, which will suit wine enthusiasts with large collections. It's 24 inches wide and can either be built-in or freestanding. It also has adjustable feet so you can make sure the fridge is placed in a safe position in your kitchen.

It's got a sleek design with a stainless steel door and wooden shelves, complete with a blue internal LED light. The double layered glass door protects the bottles inside the fridge from sunrays and helps keep the temperature constant. UV rays from the sun accelerate oxidation which affects the quality of the wine, so this added protection keeps your bottles safe.

The wine cooler has a built-in circulating air cooling system so cold air is delivered to ever corner of the appliance without any frosting. The temperature can be adjusted between 41 and 68 degrees Farenheit, which will suit any type of wine.

If you're concerned about children or unwanted hands getting into your wine collection, fear not - the Bodega wine cooler has a safety lock built-in with two keys included.

The best mini wine cooler

The Black+Decker BD60316 wine cooler can be set up as a countertop appliance or as a freestanding one. It's ideal for wine enthusiasts with smaller kitchens who still want to keep their bottles safe and at the optimal temperature.

It fits up to six bottles, although you can upgrade to a model that can fit eight or 12 bottles. It's a single-zone so it's best if you're looking to store either white or red wine, but the temperature can be adjusted between 46 and 65 degrees Farenheit so it will suit any type of wine you choose to store in it.

This compact appliance has a triple-pane glass door to maintain a consistent temperature inside the cooler. It also means it's more energy efficient and really quiet, so it's perfect for even smaller places. You can choose to order the Black+Decker BD60316 with a clear glass door or a mirrored one, depending on what best suits your style.

The best budget wine cooler

If you need a large wine cooler but don’t want to pay a fortune for it, the Antarctic INAS90 Wine Cooler is a good choice. This model can hold up to 26 bottles of wine and it’s suitable for storing other beverages too. 

The Antarctic INAS90 Wine Cooler is a single zone model and is fairly basic in that it’s fitted with wire shelving, rather than slide-out drawers. Plus, because this cooler is a single zone appliance, you won’t be able to choose a different temperature for different types of wine. 

If you’re looking for a freestanding wine cooler suitable for a theater room, the Antarctic INAS90 is a great choice. It’s quick and easy to install and it operates quietly so it won’t be a nuisance when you’re trying to watch a movie. 

The Antarctic INAS90, unfortunately, doesn’t have a child lock and its controls are a simple dial system, so it won’t win any awards for the fanciest design.

How to choose the best best wine cooler for your home

If you're looking to buy your first wine cooler, we've rounded up some buying advice so you can make the right choice for you. 

Temperature

The right temperature depends on the type of wine you're chilling – red and white wines need to be stored at different temperatures. If you want to store both types at the same time, you need a dual-zone wine refrigerator. These models have two areas and can maintain a different temperature in each. However, if you chill only one type of wine, a single-zone cooler is a more economical option.

For red wine, it is best to keep your wine cooler between 50 degrees and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. White wine should be chilled between 41 degrees and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with 46 degrees being the optimal temperature if you’re storing both sweet and dry varieties. This is warmer than a standard refrigerator, which is kept between 32 degrees and 40 degrees to keep food from spoiling.

Size

Wine fridges come in a variety of sizes – some can hold as few as six bottles and others as many as 100. If you have a wine cellar, you probably only need a small cooler to chill a few bottles to have ready for guests. 

You should also consider the size of the bottles you buy. A cooler's advertised capacity is the number of standard-size bottles that fit comfortably inside. A standard wine bottle is between 3 inches and 3 1/2 inches around (diameter) and 12 inches tall. If you need to store a larger bottle, you can take out a shelf or two and stand it upright in the cooler. 

Compressor vs thermoelectric cooling system

There are two big differences between a compressor and a thermoelectric cooling system: energy usage and noise. There are also some differences with the temperatures they can reach – wine coolers with compressors get much colder, so they better accommodate sweet and sparkling wines. However, there are some thermoelectric wine fridges that are an exception to this rule and can get cold enough to chill these varieties of white wines as well.

As far as noise, you can expect a wine cooler with a compressor to make some noise while it runs. It typically isn’t loud enough to interrupt a conversation, but it’s still noticeable. Thermoelectric coolers are much quieter, sometimes running nearly silent.

For energy usage, thermoelectric cooling systems don’t have as many moving parts like compressors, so they don’t use as much energy to cool your wine. As such, they also cost less to run.

On the lookout for a new refrigerator? We've put together some handy tips on how to buy the right refrigerator for you online. Whether you know you need one of the best side-by-side refrigerators, or you’ve got your heart set on the best French door refrigerators, knowing where to find the top fridges can be time consuming. 

With many of us spending more and more time at home due to the coronavirus pandemic, our appliances have become ever more important. Another effect of being stuck at home, also means we’re shopping online more for things we might have previously gone to see in a store. 

There’s nothing more frustrating than paying out for a new appliance and then being disappointed with it once it arrives, so with these handy tips and tricks, we’ll give you all the advice on how to find the best refrigerator online. 

With many huge retailers offering a vast range of refrigerators, and some offering cheap refrigerator deals, here’s where you can start on your search for the perfect fridge at the right price.

1. Decide on your budget 

Whether you want a fancy fridge or just one of the best mini fridges, deciding on a budget is crucial so that you don’t overspend. Buying a fridge online can offer up an overwhelming amount of choice, and quite often, retailers will be promoting and pushing some of the most expensive refrigerators. 

Factor in extra costs that come with buying a refrigerator online, such as delivery costs, installation costs, any prep work you may need doing beforehand, and potential removal of your old refrigerator. Take note that certain refrigerators with plumbed in ice makers will need a professional to fit a water pipe if you don’t already have one. 

Aside from all that, the size of the refrigerator you need may dictate how much it costs too. For handy advice on making sure you take the right measurements, head over to our feature on how to measure up for a new fridge.

2.  Make a list of what’s important to you  

While this sounds basic, making a list of what you need from your new refrigerator is key to narrowing down what could be an enormous search. For example:

• Is the overall look of the refrigerator the most important thing to you? 
• Do you have your heart set on a certain color? 
• Do you need a large capacity for storing plenty of food? 
• Does the freezer need to have wide shelves or automatically defrost so you don’t have to manually do it? 
• Do you want a refrigerator with smart features that you can control from your phone? 

Perhaps, your list is more focused on how much you’ll need to spend and how much the refrigerator will cost you to run. Either way, once you’ve got your list, you’ll be able to use the retailer’s websites and use the search filter options to narrow down the results further, saving you time.  

3. Decide on a new or an older model 

This may sound strange as you might be thinking, why would you want an older model, but there’s good reason for this consideration. A brand new model from a brand will normally cost more and it won’t have been around for long enough to accumulate lots of user reviews. However, newer models are often, but not exclusively, more efficient and have more modern features. 

A new, but older, refrigerator model will often be cheaper as newer versions are released. However, if you are opting for an older model, consider that spare parts may not be as widely available. If you’re unsure how long a refrigerator has been in production, the full specifications should list when it was first released. 

4. Take note of the energy rating 

If energy efficiency is high on your agenda, most retailers have filter options that let you select Energy Star rated refrigerators. If a fridge has this rating, it’ll be cheaper to run in the long run, but may cost more upfront because of that. 

If your budget is tight, you may have to opt for a model that isn’t Energy Star rated, however, most modern fridges are more efficient than older ones now anyway. 

5. Look at the warranty 

Refrigerators should last around 10 years if they are of decent quality and well maintained. That’s why it’s important to take a look at how long the warranty is valid for, if it comes with one. 

Many retailers and brands will offer warranty schemes where you pay a certain amount to protect your new appliance. Check first what your refrigerator comes with in terms of the warranty, before you splash out for any additional protection. 

6. Check out the user reviews 

If you’re going to be parting with a fair bit of cash, you want to know you’re getting good value for money. Taking a look at user reviews is a great way to gauge how good, or bad, a product is. 

Whilst you obviously don’t want your new refrigerator to arrive damaged, try not to get so caught up in tales of dented deliveries, and instead focus on user reviews that state issues with the fridges themselves, as well as the benefits. 

It’s worth looking at best sellers too, as quite often, they are best sellers for a reason.  

7. Check the delivery information 

If you’re going to buy your refrigerator online, it’s likely you’ll want it delivered too. Take note of any additional delivery charges and how long you can expect to wait until your new refrigerator arrives. It’s at this point, you can also take a look at user reviews that mention the customer service each retailer offers. Just in case you’re not 100% happy with your new refrigerator when it arrives, it’s also a good idea to check the returns policy. 

If you’ve got an old refrigerator you need to dispose of, see if the retailer will take away your old model so that it can be recycled. 

Samsung always brings the goods at CES, and 2021 is no exception. Alongside its new line of bespoke refrigerators and its JetBot 90 AI+ robot vacuum, it’s also brought out a new app that’s designed to make your kitchen experience smoother. The SmartThings Cooking app, made in collaboration with Whisk’s Food AI, syncs with your fridge and oven to automatically preheat as you cook, or compile a grocery list as you plan your weekly meals. 

Samsung’s SmartThings isn’t new to us - it’s a feature you’ll find in the Samsung RF23M8570SG french door refrigerator (as well as Samsung’s newer Family Hub refrigerators). We’ve also used and reviewed Whisk in our guide to the best recipe apps and software, where we enjoyed its free and easy curation of meal plans and recipes. Now acquired by Samsung, Whisk Food AI tracks what you’ve already got in your refrigerator or pantry and suggests meals based on what you’ve already got. The meal planning feature was previously available on the Family Hub smart display found on Samsung’s newest fridges. This would show step-by-step recipes and shopping lists in real time, based on the food you already had in your fridge. With the new SmartThings app, you can forego the Family Hub refrigerator entirely, or sync to it for access at any time. 

SmartThings Cooking: How does it work? 

The app creates shopping lists that only feature things you haven’t already got at home, driving down grocery costs and creating room in your fridge for the things you really need. It allows you to enter dietary requirements or preferences, meaning you’ll receive personalized recipes designed to hit the spot every single time. You can also browse recipes to suit your specific cravings or whims either on the app or Family Hub.  One of the best features is the one-stop grocery shopping feature, which allows you to buy any outstanding items on your meal plan or grocery list with Walmart, Kroger, Instacart, and Amazon Fresh, using the Whisk network. 

If you’ve got a Samsung smart oven, it can also sync to your SmartThings Cooking app and preheat in line with the steps outlined in your recipes. Excessive? Maybe. Cool? We think so. Samsung brought out its Family Hub screens in 2019. It allows household members to upload photos, notes, and more to any screen, so that you can use all of the Family Hub screens like the Family Board feature you’ll find on its smart fridges. Think of it like a really, really smart kitchen chalkboard. 

Find out about more CES home innovations, including LG’s new self-emptying vacuum cleaner and this FDA-approved COVID-19 killing air purifier, with the rest of our news coverage.  

It might not have the visceral excitement of Wilder vs Fury 2, but the French Door vs Side by Side refrigerators face-off gets top billing when it comes to choosing a new fridge for your kitchen. Both pack a punch when it comes to standard features and both types are available with Smart capabilities - so which one takes the heavyweight appliance crown? We’ve compiled this blow-by-blow comparison of the two to help make the decision easier. You can also take a look at our guides to the Best French door refrigerators and the Best side-by-side refrigerators once you’ve reached a decision.

French Door refrigerators

French Door refrigerators tend to occupy the higher-end of the appliance market in terms of features, capacity and price. Layout-wise they have a drawer-style freezer at the bottom and a double door, full-width chiller on top which means they don’t require a lot of space in front for access yet still provide super-wide storage. French Door fridges are hugely popular right now and have been for a few years, so there’s plenty of makes and models to choose from. But be warned, they tend to be more expensive than Side by Side or Top/Bottom Freezer styles. Prices in our best French Door refrigerators 2020 round-up range from between $1,500 and $3,000, which is typical of the majority of the models on the market.

The case for French Door refrigerators

Increased capacity is a massive plus and so is the extra width of the chiller cabinet. In addition to our experiences, we looked at users who have been living with the top French Door models for years. “Everything is easy to access and I never have trouble fitting large items in either,” reports one user on Reddit. Another adds, “French Door style allows for wider items to be placed inside more easily; like pizza boxes, baking sheets, large tray cakes, racks of ribs and more!” 

Having the freezer drawer situated down below is sometimes seen as a minus point, as it requires bending to rummage for items at the bottom, but reference to user reviews and opinions reveals this can be a plus. “Most people use the fridge more often than the freezer. Having the freezer below the fridge reduces the amount of bending over you have to do, which is a big ergonomics upgrade,” is one such opinion. While, “it's easier to see everything you have, because you get kind of a bird’s eye view,” is another view in favor of drawer-style freezers.

The case against French Door refrigerators

As mentioned above, French Door refrigerators tend to be higher-end, feature-rich appliances but this isn’t always seen as a plus and our research found some users who view all-singing-and-dancing appliances negatively. “More features means more possible issues, and more possible issues means more money for repairs”, was one such sentiment.

The freezer drawer at the bottom is something that divides opinion with some claiming that it’s awkward to use and makes items hard to find. “The freezer is hard on our backs. We’re tall, and bending and moving heavy frozen items is not much fun,” said one user on Reddit with another echoing, “some drawer-style freezers have you stacking stuff on top of stuff, so you kind of have to dig to get what's lower down in the freezer drawer”. If you’re looking for mass frozen storage, it’s tough to beat the best freezers for pure volume.

French Door refrigerators: the verdict

French Door refrigerators tend to be more expensive, but overall they offer increased features, more capacity and the ability to store wider items easily. However, if something goes wrong it could be an expensive fix and some find the freezer positioning awkward.

Side by Side refrigerators

French Door refrigerators may well be in vogue right now, but there’s still a lot to be said for the Side by Side fridge. They split the storage space vertically down the middle, usually with the chilled section on the right-hand side and the freezer on the left. This means food can be stored at any height on either side to minimise bending down for frequently-used ice cream items. Most models favor the chilled section and offer it a few extra inches width compared to the freezer side, making it slightly easier to store wider items there.

There are still plenty of makes and models to choose, from full-featured Smart fridges to more basic/budget models and they’re generally slightly cheaper than their French Door counterparts. Prices in our best Side by Side refrigerators round-up start at around $1,000 and go up to around $3000, averaging out at $1,400.

The case for Side by Side refrigerators

Although French Door fridges tend to offer more storage capacity in the chiller, there are still some benefits to the Side by Side layout. For instance, Side by Sides tend to have a more even split between refrigerator and freezer space, which is good if you store a lot of frozen food. As mentioned above, some people find the drawer style inconvenient and this view was backed up by one Reddit user who reported, “I have used both and prefer the Side by Side. I’m able to rotate my freezer more easily and I have a ton of room with the ice maker completely on the door.”

The case against Side by Side refrigerators

Despite the benefits offered by Side by Side refrigerators one major complaint that became evident during our research is that the narrow compartments make storing wider items difficult. This can be particularly problematic around holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas as it’s near impossible to fit a roasting pan of leftovers on the shelves. One user noted that this is a year-round problem commenting, “simple things like putting a frozen pizza in the freezer become complicated. The freezer is not wide enough for them to fit, so you have to clear out enough space to wedge the thing in vertically, or diagonally.”

Others highlighted the ergonomic challenge presented by top-to-bottom storage in the chiller side, “80% of the time I’m opening it up to get something from the refrigerator. It doesn’t make sense to therefore keep half the chilled items at a height where I need to bend down to see them.”

Side by Side refrigerators: the verdict

Our research revealed some ergonomic issues around the layout and capacity, but in their favor, Side-by-Side refrigerators offer many of the features of French Door models but at a lower price point. While the width of the compartments can be problematic, the top to bottom layout often means more capacity for frozen food too.

MWC may have been cancelled, but thankfully The Kitchen and Bathroom Industry Awards went off this year without a hitch. Known as the launchpad of brilliant new home design and technology, this year's event was no exception. We recently revealed that people of all ages are making the most of smart home technology, and it seems that trend isn't slowing down any time soon, with voice assistants now able to control your faucets and intelligent wine coolers automatically detecting your wine's key features (and storing it accordingly). 

We've already rounded up the 5 new technologies that’ll make your cleaning routine smarter this year, and now it's your kitchen's turn. From top-loading sink dishwashers to classy craft ice refrigerators, there's a lot to be excited about. 

 1. Smart faucets  

With LG and Samsung engineering smart-home compatible refrigerators and washers, it was only a matter of time until someone created smart faucets. The U by Moen Smart Faucet won the KBIS award in smart home technology, and we can see why. Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, users can ask their faucet to dispense water of a specific temperature or amount, or even combine these two functions. You’ll be asking your Alexa to pour you a cup of 85-degree water before you know it. 

The U by Moen also comes with wave controls, meaning you won’t have to touch manual controls with dirty hands before washing them. Great for hygiene, and also pretty fun. The product launched recently, and pricing starts at $430. 

2. Top-loading sink dishwashers 

Fotile is adding a new twist to the crockery-cleaning scene, challenging the current crop of best dishwashers, by introducing an ultra space-saving and water-efficient in-counter dishwasher. We think that having a top-loading mini dishwasher adjacent to your sink for small loads (or small households) makes complete sense. After all, that’s where the dishes would pile up anyway, right? This setup also features a fruit and veg cleaner - you just need to place your fresh produce in the compartment and ionization technology removes 90% of the pesticides from your food.

Perfect for a two-person household and with a cycle running just 30 minutes, the Fotile sink dishwasher combo uses just 1.6 gallons per load, compared to 6 gallons for a standard dishwasher and 4 gallons for an Energy Star-rated model. The Fotile is on the market now, but you'll have to find a dealer if you want to get your hands on it. 

3. Craft ice refrigerators 

LG already makes some of the best home appliances out there - we even declared door-in-door, instaview model LG LSXC22396D the 'future of refrigerators' in our best side-by-side refrigerators rankings. With new developments in its ice machines, the future is definitely closer. LG refrigerators can now make clear 2-inch diameter ice spheres and store up to 25 at a time. These ice balls melt more slowly than regular ice and are a popular and stylish choice to pair with scotch, whiskey or cocktails. 

As well as dispensing regular crushed and cubed ice, the LG also makes batches of two craft ice balls at a time which are automatically stored in the freezer. Perfect for entertaining, or simply treating yourself. These refrigerators are out now, and they'll cost you about $3000. 

4. Plum, the motorized wine dispenser 

Done poorly, a wine dispenser would seem gimmicky. Fortunately, Plum is the real deal, winning this year’s KBIS Gold Award for kitchens. Plum’s motorized needle pierces your unopened bottle, preserving your wine with argon gas. You can put up to two bottles in the dispenser at any one time, and it will automatically detect the wine you’ve chosen with an integrated HD camera which scans the label, region, winery and vintage. Shaking up the best wine coolers game, Plum's silent cooling will keep your wine chilled to the appropriate level, and with a different chamber to keep your red away from your white, you won’t need to compromise. A smart sensor will light up when you approach your Plum, and displays the label of your wine on the touch-screen control panel. This lets you pour custom servings directly from the bottle to your glass. 

We also saw smart wine coolers at this year's CES, such as Matrix's new ultra-fast wine cooler, Juno. A great (and cheaper) alternative. Plum is out now, for an eye-watering $2499.

5. Delta glass rinser 

There’s nothing more infuriating to clean than tall glasses, champagne flutes or narrow glassware, but those of us who’ve worked in bars will know there’s a way around cleaning these tricky glasses in the shape of a glass rinser. This technology operates by pressing the rim of the glass into a spring-loaded pad, which will release a jet of high-powered water to blast away any hard-to-reach grime at the bottom of your glass. Thanks to Delta, you can now bring this technology to your home with a neat and compact glass rinser which sits just at the side of your sink. You can hook it up to the space where a soap dispenser would usually go, which means most kitchens will already have an ideal space for it. 

According to Delta, simply adding a drop of detergent will work miracles on the most hard-to-reach spaces. This product is out now, and you can grab it for as little as $100.