The Best Modern Refrigerator
1. Frigidaire FFHD2250TS Modern Refrigerator
Key Features
21.7 cubic feet capacity
PureSource Ultrall Ice and Water filtration
Even temperature
Store-more shelves
Free standing installation
Energy Star certification
Our top pick of the best modern refrigerators is high-capacity Frigidaire Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator. It boasts an impressive 21.7 cubic feet of interior space, and makes it ideal for large families, or indeed anybody who is tired of performing balancing act tricks with their butter and cheese.
It comes with an even temperature setting, and the digital display helps you see the precise temperature at any time you need. This allows you to adjust it for the best performance while also ensuring that you keep food, drink, and fresh produce in the top condition to prevent any wastage. The multiple shelves are excellent for maximizing the space, as well as maintaining superb organization, and the freestanding installation setup will save time and hassle.
Pros
Glide crisper drawers
Multi-level LED lighting
Freezer basket with divider
Cons
Very heavy and could be a challenge for one person to install
2. Danby Stainless Steel Modern Refrigerator
Key Features
2 colors
Adjustable door
Frost-free operation
9.2 cubic feet capacity
Energy Star Certification
Adjustable glass shelves
Our second option to consider is the Danby Bottom Mount Freezer. This is not as large as the Frigidaire, but it’s certainly a useful option for smaller spaces, singles, or couples looking for their first fridge/freezer together.
It is available in 2 colors to match with the existing kitchen decor and other appliances, while the 9.2 cubic feet provide enough room for a weekly shop, or even more if you’re careful with what you eat. The adjustable door can be mounted on either the right or left hinge, which makes it customizable for a range of kitchen environments, while the frost-free design will ensure a consistent amount of space in the freezer and won’t damage items at the back of the refrigerator.
Pros
CanStor beverage dispenser
Stylish spotless finish
12-month warranty
Cons
Crisper drawers don’t feel too sturdy
3. RCA Black Modern Refrigerator
Key Features
3.2 cubic feet capacity
3 colors
2 door configuration
Adjustable thermostat
Compressor Cooling
Quiet operation
Our best value pick for modern refrigerators is the RCA 2 Door Fridge And Freezer, which is a low profile, small footprint, and compact option ideal for dorms, games rooms, studio apartments, and more.
With a 3.2 cubic feet capacity, you’ll likely not be able to fit the entire Christmas dinner selection in here, but there is still temple space for all your weekly essentials, and perhaps even a treat or two here and there. There are 3 colors to choose from, allowing it to match with existing appliances, and the 2 door configuration makes it suitable for all kitchen designs.
Pros
CFC free
Built-in can dispenser
Door basket
Cons
Temperature settings can be a little confusing
4. Frigidaire FFSS2315TS Refrigerator
Key Features
3 colors
22.1 cubic feet capacity
Adjustable interior storage
Multi-level LED lighting
Dual crisper drawers
Free standing installation
The Frigidaire Stainless Steel Side Refrigerator is another large option with its massive 22.1 cubic foot capacity making it the perfect addition to your first family home, and with enough space for you, your partner, and the kids to find some space for their favorite indulgences.
This interior space is made even better by the adjustable storage options. It allows you to completely maximize the space and organize however you see fit. If possible, you can even put the treats and snacks out of arms’ reach of your younger, smaller children, or even hide them from your sweet tooth partner, if you need to.
Pros
Deli drawer
Humidity-controlled crisper
Ready-select controls
Cons
Ice maker is not as reliable as we’d like it to be
5. Vissani Modern Refrigerator
Key Features
Door shelves and racks
Interior light
Upfront interior analog controls
3 fresh food shelves
In door can dispenser
4.3 cubic feet capacity
Perfect for anybody who loves to create culinary delights every night, the Vissani Magic Chef provides all the space you could need for the week’s meals, with an orderly and logical setup that will ensure your stomachs are filled every evening.
There are door shelves and racks for cans and bottles, while the 3 fresh food shelves provide a simple organization option for fruit., veg, sauces, leftovers, meat, and more. There is an interior light to help you find long-forgotten mixtures, while the upfront analog controls, found inside the unit, help you keep everything in excellent condition and would make your groceries last a little longer than you expect them to.
Pros
2 reversible doors
Energy Star certified
Separate freezer compartment
Cons
Not large enough for bigger families or households
6. RCA Modern Refrigerator with Freezer
Key Features
7.2 cubic feet capacity
Adjustable interior temperature
Easy-open handles
Top-freezer compartment
Upright installation
Vegetable and fruit crisper
The RCA 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator is a great mid-sized option for first households or just someone who likes to purchase everything in bulk every other week. This refrigerator, complete with 7.2 cubic feet of interior space, will cover plenty of food and drink storage needs, while the sleek silver design guarantees a sophisticated look that is easy to maintain and care for, even when your kids get old enough to smudge their grubby fingers all over the doors.
There is an adjustable interior temperature to maintain high-quality performance and more, while the upright installation makes it a breeze to fit into your kitchen or even your basement if you’re using this as a backup model for additional food. The top freezer compartment gives you space for storing even more food, while the vegetable and fruit crisper gives you superb organizational options.
Pros
Lightweight and easy to move
Ideal for apartments
Sleek stainless steel look
Cons
No ice maker
7. Avanti 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator
Key Features
7.2 cubic feet capacity
4 drawers/crispers
Reversible door
2 shelves
Energy Star certified
Standalone design
Another mid-sized option perfect for growing families and the like, the Avanti 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator boasts plenty of interior space as well as 4 drawers or crispers to maximize quality and deliciousness whether you want to have a full salad for dinner or just something on the side of your main course. There are also 2 shelves for easy stacking and organization.
The reversible door is suitable for any kitchen setup or design, while the stand-alone design makes it easy to install, shift, move, and do whatever else you want with it to ensure simple operation regardless of where you are.
Pros
Water line connector type
Full range temperature control
Leveling legs
Cons
Food and drink stored in back may freeze a little
8. Danby Dual Door Compact Refrigerator
Key Features
4.7 cubic feet capacity
Energy Star compliant
Glass shelves with crisper
Tall bottle door storage
Separate freezer section
Reversible door
The Danby Dual Door Compact Refrigerator is just as the name suggests. It provides 4.7 cubic feet of space for a quick weekly shop, while its Energy Star compliance will minimize the amount of water energy and electricity to keep bills low.
Inside, there are sturdy glass shelves that provide exceptional durability and guarantee fantastic performance and a reliable platform to store all of your food. There is also tall bottle door storage to provide additional space and keep food and drink separate, while the separate freezer section gives you even more space to organize your food for the week.
Pros
Standalone design
Cycle defrosting system
Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
Customer service feels very lacking if you encounter an issue
9. GE French Door Refrigerator
Key Features
15 cubic feet capacity
Electronic temperature controls
Adjustable glass shelves
Extra boost of cold air
Energy efficient operation
Quiet
The GE Haier French-Door Refrigerator looks a lot bigger than it actually is, but you can still enjoy an impressive 15 cubic feet of interior space from this wide and versatile option. The double doors open up a wide interior space where you can control the temperature using the electronic controls, while the adjustable glass shelves provide plenty of organization options for you and your family.
Despite its size, it’s highly energy-efficient, and also runs essentially silent, so you won’t get worried about any suspicious bumps in the night. Furthermore, it delivers an extra boost of cold air to keep things fresh, and the whole unit is easy to clean, even if there is a lot of space to cover.
Pros
Easy to clean
Easy to organize and maximize space
Interior LED lighting
Cons
Not large enough for big households and families
10. Bosch French Door Refrigerator
Key Features
20.8 cubic feet total capacity
Star K certified
Dual evaporator
Automatic defrost
5 glass shelves
Free standing installation
Our final and premium choice is the mighty Bosch 800 Series French Door Refrigerator. This option comes with nearly 21 cubic feet of space and is Star K certified to guarantee excellent performance. The dual evaporator keeps both fridge and freezer compartments chilled independently, allowing for better customization, while the automatic defrost will save you hassle and energy.
There are 5 glass shelves to provide fantastic organization choices, and its free-standing installation style is perfect for the modern home. There is also a Farm Fresh system that will guarantee freshness for produce and more, and you can even connect it to your Smart Home for further personalization.
Pros
Easy-open built-in freezer
FarmFresh system
Home Connect compatibility
Cons
Can be quite noisy when making ice
Features To Consider With Modern Refrigerators
Before deciding which of the best modern refrigerators is perfect for you, check out these essential features to look for.
Accessories
Typical accessories for modern refrigerators include ice makers, but you can also consider can dispensers on the inside of the door. These accessories can help with convenience, especially if you don't have a built-in freezer, as well as an organization, which is useful if your refrigerator is short on space.
Capacity - Refrigerator, Freezer, Total
Refrigerators come in a range of capacities, from around 4 cubic feet up to 20 cubic feet, and sometimes more. This capacity covers the entire refrigerator and freezer, but you can also find specific measurements on the product information. Obviously, the refrigerator will have more space than the freezer, but a freezer capacity is still useful to know.
Depth
The depth will determine how much the refrigerator protrudes from the wall. As you need to leave a little space for the unit to 'breathe', it's worth adding a few inches when considering this. If you're looking for seamless installation, look for a freezer that measures around the same depth as your counters, although a few inches plus or minus shouldn't matter.
Display
Displays are a great feature of modern refrigerators, as they can help you get an idea of the current interior temperature. You can also adjust this temperature if you need to. This keeps everything inside the unit in the best condition and will prevent freezing or rotting, especially if the refrigerator is too warm.
Adjustable Door
Adjustable doors are ideal for those who may not have enough door-opening space on one side or another. With these doors, you can ensure you can fit your refrigerator with ease and be able to open it all the way every time.
Efficiency
Energy-efficient units can be the difference between spending a lot and spending a little less on bills. They are also better for the environment and will often work to reuse the energy generated within your unit. Look for Energy Star certification or even Energy K levels.
Frost Free
For the freezer units, frost-free features will prevent a buildup of frost along the pipes, and this will help maintain the original capacity. While this frost won’t ruin your freezer, it can be frustrating, and you may need to remove all items to defrost the freezer which can take up to a day, and may even ruin anything you've wanted to keep frozen to use later.
Height
Refrigerator height should not impact most homes and apartments, but it is always worth considering so that it doesn't interfere with existing shelves or light fixtures. Furthermore, the height may make it difficult for shorter family members to find what they need, although this could work in your favor if you want to hide certain items from them.
Lighting
Lights in refrigerators are something everyone takes for granted. We just expect them to have them, and it’s not until they stop working that we notice how much of a difference they make. Dependable light will ensure you can find everything easily, even when grabbing a midnight snack. Look for LED-based lighting for the best energy efficiency.
Temperature Settings
Temperature settings are found inside the unit and they are usually a dial that you can adjust. Typically, this dial runs from 1 to 5, but it could also be written in actual temperature numbers. Like the control panels, it helps you keep your refrigerator working in its best condition and will guarantee everything stays fresh and cool.
Water Dispenser
A water dispenser will help save space inside the door that would typically be reserved for a water jug. These water dispensers will give you the option of cold or lukewarm water, depending on what you require, but they will need regular cleaning to prevent mildew buildup. You should clean out your refrigerator as often as possible, anyway.
Width
The width of your refrigerator is another thing that will determine whether it will fit inside your house or not. If you already have a location in mind, then you will know how much space you can deal with. If you are still not sure, this may not be an issue, as you likely have plenty of space around the kitchen to place your refrigerator, but only if it is close enough to the water pipe. Outlets, or anything else you require to ensure consistent running and performance.
Types Of Modern Refrigerators
Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
As the name suggests, a bottom freezer refrigerator is one with a freezer at the bottom of the unit. This is usually a drawer that pulls out, and will sometimes have organization sections, but is most often an empty drawer where you can put your frozen goods.
Count-Depth Refrigerator
Counter-depth options are designed to measure exactly against the edges of your cabinets. They are useful for anyone who has their kitchen already built, but may not be as useful for those who are planning on a more free-standing design. Because of the style, they are ideal for modern kitchen appliance needs.
French Door Refrigerator
A French Door refrigerator has two doors that make up the fridge section and have a bottom drawer for the freezer beneath. They are wider than single door options and boast more of a luxurious look compared to your standard refrigerator designs. They are often more expensive and aren’t always suitable for smaller living spaces.
Mini Fridge
A mini fridge is just that, a small fridge. There is usually just a single shelf and little door storage options. They are suitable for dorms, bedrooms, games rooms, or to keep drinks cool. Because of their size, they are not too loud and they are also easily portable, which means you could take them to picnics or the beach if you have a generator handy to power them during.
Side-By-Side Refrigerator
With a fridge on one side and a freezer on the other, side-by-side refrigerators will minimize the amount of space you have for cooling items but make the freezer space larger. One door will open into one section, and the other door will open into the other. They are simple, but because they share similarities with French door options, they add a touch of luxury to your kitchen.
Top Freezer Refrigerator
Top freezer refrigerators contain the freezer at the top above the actual refrigerator. These are the traditional and typical options. You may have used one if you've ever rented an apartment. Their size varies, but they are usually sufficient for places with up to 3 people as there is enough space in both sections for everyone’s food and drink.