The refrigerator is the heart of any kitchen, preserving our food and keeping our drinks cold.
With the U.S. Department of Energy estimating the average fridge’s lifespan at 12 years, it’s best to invest in a brand that guarantees quality, durability, and performance.1
However, not all refrigerator brands live up to these expectations.
1. Samsung
Samsung, a renowned global leader in technology, boasts a vast array of popular products, from cutting-edge televisions and smartphones to high-tech washers and dryers. While the brand enjoys widespread recognition, their refrigerators have garnered a reputation for unreliability, leaving potential buyers wary.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is investigating Samsung refrigerators following a Consumer Reports analysis of complaints made to the agency from January 2019 to December 2021.
The report found that Samsung had the highest number of complaints during that period, with over 600 submitted.(ref)
These ongoing class-action lawsuits against Samsung for unsafe internal temperatures(ref) and malfunctioning icemakers.(ref) Consumers have also expressed their grievances on social media platforms like Facebook(ref) and TikTok.(ref)
2. LG
LG, a popular appliance brand, is known for its innovative features and stylish designs. However, despite its initial appeal, LG appliances, particularly refrigerators, have gained a reputation for being unreliable and requiring expensive repairs over time. Additionally, customers have expressed dissatisfaction with LG’s customer service.(ref)
A federal lawsuit has been filed against LG over its refrigerators. The lawsuit alleges that the linear compressor, a component that keeps food cold, fails prematurely. While LG claims a 20-year durability for the compressor and offers a 10-year warranty, the lawsuit argues that the actual lifespan is much shorter.
The lawsuit accuses LG of fraud, stating that the company continues to manufacture and sell refrigerators with this flawed compressor despite being aware of the issue.(ref)
A previous class-action lawsuit against LG over compressor failures was settled in 2020.(ref) This new lawsuit presents a different claim of fraud due to LG’s continued production and sale of the problematic refrigerators.
3. Frigidaire
Despite being the pioneer of electric refrigerators, Frigidaire still faces challenges with the reliability of its products. While their fridges attract customers with ample storage, fingerprint-resistant finishes, and budget-friendly prices, it’s best to choose wisely.
It’s recommended to avoid models with ice makers or complex features that might require user maintenance. Opting for a simpler model is often the safer choice.
Common issues reported with Frigidaire refrigerators include ice maker malfunctions, water leakage, faulty technological features, and temperature control problems.(ref)
4. KitchenAid
KitchenAid is an American home appliance brand owned by Whirlpool Corporation. It is best known for its iconic stand mixers, which were first introduced in 1919. However, the brand has expanded over the years to offer a wide range of kitchen appliances, including refrigerators.
Some users reported experiencing problems with their KitchenAid refrigerators, such as the ice maker malfunctioning, the compressor failing, and the refrigerator not cooling properly. When issues arise, getting the refrigerator repaired can be costly, especially if it’s out of warranty.
A few users also mentioned having negative experiences with KitchenAid’s customer service, such as difficulty getting a timely response to their concerns.(ref)
5. BlueStar
BlueStar refrigerators are high-end, professional-grade refrigerators designed for both home and commercial kitchens. They are known for their exceptional build quality, powerful cooling performance, and customizable design options.
However, a few users have mentioned experiencing some noise problems with certain BlueStar refrigerator models. While BlueStar refrigerators typically come with a comprehensive manufacturer warranty, including a 1-year warranty on the unit and a 10-year warranty on the compressor, some users find the warranty terms restrictive.(ref)
6. Maytag
Maytag refrigerators are known for affordable prices for their variety of refrigerator styles, including French door, side-by-side, top-freezer, and bottom-freezer models, to suit different needs and preferences.
Don’t let the price tag lure you. Some users have reported experiencing problems with their Maytag refrigerators, such as the compressor failing, the ice maker malfunctioning, and the refrigerator not cooling properly, even within the first few years of ownership.(ref)
Also, getting the refrigerator repaired can be costly, especially if it’s out of warranty. One user mentioned paying $400 for a service agreement to replace a circuit board.(ref)
Choosing a refrigerator is an investment in your kitchen and your family’s well-being. Investing in a high-quality appliance ensures your food stays fresh, your refrigerator operates efficiently, and you get years of reliable service.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.