Consumer Reports: 5 Refrigerator Brands You Should Absolutely Avoid

In a world where kitchen appliances are fundamental, the reliability of refrigerators has come into question. Recent insights from Consumer Reports highlight brands that consumers should steer clear of when purchasing a fridge. The following analysis outlines five refrigerator brands noted for their poor performance based on customer feedback, reliability ratings, and service issues.

5 Refrigerator Brands to Avoid

1. Frigidaire

Frigidaire has long been recognized in the appliance sector. However, its reputation for quality has declined. Multiple customer reviews point to problems with ice makers and water dispensers that appear shortly after purchase. Reported complaints include:

• Defective units sold with no reimbursement options.
• Poor customer service experiences, including complications with repair services.
• Frequent incidents of seal failures.

2. Samsung

Despite its strength in consumer electronics, Samsung’s refrigerators have garnered a fair share of negative reviews. A high-profile class action lawsuit highlighted the brand’s French door models, which allegedly failed to maintain safe food temperatures. Key concerns include:

• Over 600 customer complaints, with many citing food spoilage.
• Multiple repairs needed within the first few years of ownership.
• Noteworthy dissatisfaction related to their smart fridge feature advertisements.

3. Electrolux

As the parent company of Frigidaire, Electrolux shares some engineering challenges. Consumers report frequent failures with their refrigerators shortly after acquisition. Some critical issues include:

• Warranty dissatisfaction and inadequate post-sale support.
• Recurring problems with door seals and cooling efficiency.

4. KitchenAid

KitchenAid is renowned for its kitchen mixers but faces criticism in the refrigeration department. Customers have highlighted several issues, such as:

• Frequent failures of ice makers and compressors.
• Reliability doubts due to plastic components that deteriorate quickly.

5. Monogram (GE Monogram)

Monogram has gained notoriety for poor refrigerator performance. Customers report various malfunctions, including:

• Rust in freezers and mold within seals.
• Inadequate service from technicians, leading to unsatisfactory repair experiences.
• Failure to maintain desired cooling temperatures.

Consumer Ratings Overview

Consumer Reports derived its findings from detailed surveys involving over 71,000 newly purchased refrigerators from 2015 to 2025. They assessed customer feedback on:

• Overall reliability
• Temperature control
• Energy efficiency

This comprehensive analysis serves to guide consumers in making informed choices when selecting a refrigerator, emphasizing the importance of brand reputation and customer feedback.