Why do top-freezer refrigerators tend to last so long? “Top-freezers are usually bare-bones models,” says Breann Chai, CR’s test engineer for refrigerators. “The more complicated refrigerators become, the more prone they are to breaking.” Many top-freezers, for example, lack the components that seem to break most frequently: an icemaker and dispenser.
Of course, there’s a downside to that simplicity. Top-freezers typically have few of the features found on French-door and side-by-side refrigerators. And the controls are often hard to reach and are not very intuitive, especially on narrower models.
Still, these models are undeniably friendlier to the wallet. In fact, two of our top-rated models cost $700 or less.
CR members can read on for ratings and reviews of the six best top-freezer refrigerators in a variety of widths. Samsung and LG dominate this list, but you’ll also find a model from Whirlpool. If you’re interested in other styles, explore our complete refrigerator ratings. And if you’re not sure where to start your refrigerator shopping journey, consult our refrigerator buying guide.
