Monica Hewitt is an accomplished chef with an extensive background in setting up kitchens around the world. From selecting kitchenware and kitchen utensils to menu planning, Monica has been responsible for establishing complete restaurants from the ground up. As the Kitchen and Cooking Expert at Homesthetics, Monica is in charge of reviewing and curating all cooking and kitchen-related content on the platform. In her free time, Monica is a good sport, enjoying critiquing our homemade meals around the clock and telling us what could have been improved in sandwiches.
Sometimes, when looking for a refrigerator, you might already know what can be considered some of the best refrigerators in the market.
Everyone is familiar with those fancy refrigerators with side-by-side doors on top and drawers at the bottom. They always look visually pleasing in any kitchen.
Those are French door refrigerators, and they come in different shapes and sizes. If you're interested in buying one of these, you might get overwhelmed with all the features it can give.
I've gathered the best French door refrigerators to help you find the one that would best fit your kitchen space, as well as a guide on what makes them so special.
Best French Door Refrigerators
Here's the list of the 8 best french door refrigerators on the market today, perfect for adding both style and functionality to your kitchen.
LG fridges are some of the best, especially when it comes to these types. It wasn't surprising then that this 26 Cu. Ft. is one of the best French doors on this list.
It features a huge storage space, providing a decent number of shelves, crisper drawers, and door bins for your food. The freezer capacity also lets you have more meat inside.
Both the fridge and its freezer drawer are made with a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish, making them easy to maintain.
The external water and ice dispenser gives you easy access to these resources. This can encourage you to hit that eight-glasses-a-day goal.
It's also equipped with smart technology, allowing you to take control of everything from your mobile device.
It makes adjusting temperatures so much easier and even notifies you when you leave your door open for too long.
This is the best French door refrigerator for most kitchen spaces, especially if you want to upgrade your kitchen appliances.
Dimensions: 36 D x 70 W x 35 H inches | Total Capacity: 26 Cu. Ft | Installation Depth: Standard | Dispensers: Ice maker and water dispenser | Available Finishes: Stainless steel | Energy Star Certified: Yes
This 20.5 Cu. Ft. French door refrigerator from Bosch is one of the most expensive on this list.
However, If you're the type who loves to organize, prefers smart technology, and want a special drawer specifically for your wine bottles, then this fridge is worth it.
This refrigerator is known for its reliable and adjustable glass shelves and dividers, helping you make the most of your storage space. You can get the freezer door open with ease as it pulls out like a drawer.
Its interior comes with efficient cooling and humidity control, helping retain freshness. It reduces odor which also helps maintain the cold air inside.
You don't need a separate wine refrigerator with this model, as it can hold up to 17 wine bottles, making it great for keeping your drinks cool. It's also great for stocking up during a party.
You can pair this refrigerator to your phone and other mobile devices, making it easier to control and monitor settings. Adjust your refrigerator temperature and interior LED lighting easily with a single tap.
When it comes to splurging for the best French door refrigerators, this Bosch fridge is the most functional one you can get.
Dimensions: 29 D x 35.63 W x 72 H inches | Total Capacity: 20.5 Cu. Ft | Installation Depth: Counter-depth | Dispensers: Ice maker and water dispenser | Available Finishes: Stainless steel | Energy Star Certified: Yes
LG 30"" Wide, Large Capacity 3- Door French Door...
What I like
Quiet
Affordable
More compact design
What I don't like
Not fingerprint-resistant
No smart technology
If you're looking for an affordable yet high-end French door refrigerator, this 22 Cu. Ft. LG fridge is one of the best choices. Despite being cheap, it has most of the functions of the other refrigerators on this list.
Even though it has a lower capacity, it has multiple organization options, from its two crisper drawers to its Glide N' Serve and spill-proof glass shelves.
It also has a smart cooling system that keeps the temperature consistent in both the fridge and the freezer compartments.
While it's not a smart refrigerator, it does an excellent job of providing reliable food storage for your household.
It also has contoured doors and hidden hinges for a more sleek look. Unfortunately, you'd still have to clean it occasionally since it's not fingerprint-resistant.
When it comes to the best French door refrigerators, it doesn't always have to be the most expensive. Despite being the cheapest, this fridge is one of the best in the market.
Dimensions: 71 D x 38 W x 32 H inches | Total Capacity: 22 Cu. Ft | Installation Depth: Standard | Dispensers: Internal ice maker | Available Finishes: Stainless steel | Energy Star Certified: Yes
When it comes to more aesthetic choices, people usually choose a counter-depth refrigerator—this 20.5 Cu. Ft. from the Bosch 800 series is one of the best and most well-known when it comes to that.
This French-door refrigerator has many ways to organize the inside, helping you quickly find the food you need when you need them. It also comes with a separate crisp drawer for your produce.
It has a smart design for its central chiller unit, letting the fridge defrost as necessary.
Instead of having its dispensers on the refrigerator door, they're internal, so it doesn't have to disrupt the refrigerator's smooth stainless steel finish.
When it comes to the best counter-depth French refrigerator, this model from Bosch is one of the top recommendations.
Dimensions: 31.13 D x 35.63 W x 72 H inches | Total Capacity: 20.5 Cu. Ft | Installation Depth: Counter-depth | Dispensers: Ice maker and water dispenser | Available Finishes: Stainless steel | Energy Star Certified: Yes
HUMIDITY CONTROL - Includes 2 half width removeable crisper...
EASY TO CLEAN - 3 full width glass shelves that slide out...
What I like
Humidity control
Affordable
Space saver
Quiet
What I don't like
Dim lights
Small capacity
If you're living in a small space, this 16 Cu. Ft. refrigerator might be ideal for you. Given its width, it also comes with a lower capacity, which is best for those living in apartments or small households.
It has a great way of organizing food through its shelves and racks. It also has an ice maker that can produce up to 3 lbs. of ice daily.
Thanks to its technology, this refrigerator is also known for being quiet and energy-saving. Keep things cool efficiently and quietly without contributing to global warming.
It has a stainless steel finish for a sleek look, maintaining aesthetics despite its small size.
Besides its capacity, its dim interior light may be a downside for people, especially those who can't see well.
This model proves that not all French door refrigerators have to be massive.
Dimensions: 28.4 D x 31.1 W x 70 H inches | Total Capacity: 16 Cu. Ft | Installation Depth: Standard | Dispensers: Ice maker | Available Finishes: Stainless steel | Energy Star Certified: Yes
There are several smart refrigerators on this list—however, this 27 Cu. Ft. Family Hub refrigerator from Samsung is one of the smartest ones up to date.
This refrigerator from Samsung comes with spill-proof shelves and crisper drawers that help maintain your food and keep them ready for consumption.
It also has a high freezer capacity to help you keep frozen food in top shape, especially for big households.
It has a through-the-door dispenser, making accessing your ice and water easy.
The most notable part of this refrigerator are its intelligent functions. The right door can help you access the internet for recipes, music, and other things to make food prep much more manageable.
If you're a tech-savvy family looking for a refrigerator that can double as a kitchen assistant, this French-door refrigerator is the best choice.
Dimensions: 37.5 D x 72 W x 37.5 H inches | Total Capacity: 27 Cu. Ft | Installation Depth: Standard | Dispensers: External ice maker and water dispenser | Available Finishes: Stainless steel, black stainless steel | Energy Star Certified: Yes
Easily access favorite items with door in door and rotating...
Fill containers with filtered water hands-free using...
What I like
Water and ice dispenser
Large capacity
High-tech in-door technology
Door-in-door feature
Door alarm
What I don't like
Expensive
Takes up too much space
Whether you're a member of a large household or tend to shop in bulk, this 27.9 Cu. Ft. refrigerator from GE Appliances is an excellent addition to your kitchen.
It's designed with a smudge-proof stainless steel finish, making it easy to maintain and clean, especially in a household with kids running about.
The interior has plenty of shelves, door bins, and soft-close crisper drawers to keep everything organized and fresh. Its freezer capacity also lets you stock many portions of meat and other frozen goods.
It also features a door-in-door feature, making it easier to access snacks and beverages without opening the whole door. Not only does it add to your refrigerator's Cu. Ft., but it also makes the most of your space.
It even has a through-the-door dispenser, making accessing your water and ice easier without opening anything.
When it comes to large capacities, this French-door refrigerator is one you can count on.
Dimensions: 35.63 D x 36.75 W x 69.88 H inches | Total Capacity: 27.9 Cu. Ft | Installation Depth: Standard | Dispensers: Through-the-door ice dispenser and water dispenser | Available Finishes: Stainless steel | Energy Star Certified: Yes
A French-door refrigerator is best known for its configuration. The top half would always have side-by-side doors for the refrigerator compartment. These take up the majority of the container space.
At the bottom is usually the freezer. Most French door refrigerators feature a freezer drawer rather than a door.
Depending on the design, these refrigerators can have up to 3 drawers at the bottom. Not all of them have to be a freezer drawer.
These separate drawers can be a variation of fridge and freezer compartments, able to hold different kinds of products depending on the temperature settings.
Its configurations and combinations are flexible and almost endless, making them the dream refrigerator for many people.
They're also best known for combining style and sleekness with efficiency in keeping food fresh and providing ample storage space. It can match almost any kitchen appliance, giving you a more aesthetic kitchen.
What are the Benefits of French Door Refrigerators?
The main advantage of a French door fridge is its premium features, especially when compared to a top freezer or side-by-side models.
These standard features include custom-temperature flex drawers and a through-the-door dispenser. Depending on the manufacturer or model, they also tend to have smart features.
It's a great pick if you're looking for a large-capacity refrigerator. They tend to have wider shelves and drawers specifically for produce.
You can also find features like gallon door bins, dividers on the fridge door, and you can even add caddies to keep your refrigerator organized.
They also tend to mesh well aesthetically, matching and blending in with most kitchen interiors. That makes them easier to integrate into your kitchen design.
If you're looking for these features and don't mind spending a little extra on your refrigerator, this type is for you. Just make sure you know which features are helpful for your household.
When is the Best Time to Buy French Door Refrigerators?
Buying a new refrigerator usually depends on the lifespan of your previous one. The general timeframe for replacement is 9 to 13 years after purchase.
The lifespan can depend on how you maintain your refrigerator. Other factors, such as environment and usage, can also affect its lifespan.
If you're ready to buy a new refrigerator, see if you have the space for this type. French door models tend to need to take a lot of them.
It's also important to consider your budget when deciding if it's time to buy this kind of refrigerator.
Lastly, see if there's a need for an upgrade. A French-door refrigerator isn't the cheapest type, and there are many things to consider before investing in one.
How I test French Door Refrigerators
Besides being some of the best in rankings, I had to test these refrigerators to give an honest and reliable review.
I've listed and observed factors, which will be discussed later on, which I have tested to see if these refrigerators are genuinely the best and which households they can work with.
One of the most notable factors I looked into was capacity. Despite their size, some can have a lower Cu. Ft., which can affect how a household uses them, especially since they're expected to hold a lot of food.
Reviews by professionals and other consumers also helped me cross-reference my findings to identify discrepancies.
These reviews can be subjective, and consumers can have various experiences based on how they received the product and how it ran in their household.
Doing a lot of research on the appliance and putting in the effort and patience to test out each one gave a more objective result that helped me understand the pros and cons of each model.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a French Door Refrigerator
French door refrigerators tend to have many features which can be overwhelming to review. You might be bombarded with many details about your potential fridge when you're looking to purchase one.
That said, you can zero in on some factors when choosing your refrigerator.
These are the important things to consider when choosing a French-door refrigerator.
Material
The best French door refrigerators are built with the best materials, both with their exterior and interior.
When looking through French door fridges, it's best to consider what they're made of. See if they're made of durable materials or come with spill-proof shelves and sturdy drawers.
It's also vital to verify that any additional features are working well. Repairs and exchanges can be a hassle once you've had the refrigerator for a while.
Its exterior can have different finishes, depending on the model and brand. You can consider the following finishes for your French door refrigerator:
White
Black
Stainless steel
Matte black stainless steel
Black stainless steel Slate
While these are classic finishes, some brands may have more unique colors to fit their brand and motif.
Aesthetics
As mentioned, refrigerators can come in different colors, depending on the manufacturer and model.
It's important to check the refrigerator's aesthetic and ensure it matches the rest of your appliances. Once you've added the appliance, it should give your kitchen a more cohesive finish.
Note which color would coordinate with your countertops and cabinets as well.
Many would prefer a built-in finish, making the refrigerator look purpose-built to fit your interior space.
However, by getting a counter-depth refrigerator, you might have to sacrifice storage space for the sake of aesthetics.
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of your French door refrigerator affect how it will work for you. They tend to have the largest capacity compared to the other refrigerators.
The capacity of an average French door refrigerator falls between 21 and 30 Cu. ft. The freezer space has a total Cu. ft. measurement that tends to be lower than the refrigerator space.
Consider the capacity of the freezer bin and refrigerator and how it can affect the overall size of your appliance. A counter-depth refrigerator may look hefty, but it will have lower Cu. Ft. because of its depth.
Measure all the dimensions of the space where you plan to put the refrigerator. Ensure an allowance between the appliance and the other walls and appliances.
Allowances will also make the refrigerator look like it belongs in your kitchen rather than just being wedged into a specific space.
If you think that the size and capacity of a French door design are too much for your household, you can try out a top freezer type instead. The best top freezer refrigerators tend to have more limited space for smaller households.
Energy Rating
The Energy Star Certification of a refrigerator informs the consumers if the appliance is energy-efficient. Experts try and test these because it affects the fridge's performance.
These are tested to see if they can meet high standards to help households reduce their environmental footprint.
Having an energy-efficient appliance helps you save on your electric bills. Sometimes, even if you end up with an expensive refrigerator, it can pay back dividends in the long run.
Energy Star Certified models don't have to be expensive. There are plenty of affordable models that can help you have a better impact on the environment while keeping fresh and frozen foods for your household.
Configuration
The configuration of your French door refrigerator can affect how it works in your household. You'll have to consider the versatility and usability of your interior compartments.
Even with their door, refrigerator space can still be used through door bins and can racks for additional storage. The double doors are a great way to make the most of the appliance.
Some refrigerators can also feature a door-in-door design, while others don't.
Some even allow you to lower your frozen food storage temperature, creating additional fridge space if you just had a big party.
Features
French door fridges tend to come with different features, which usually affect their price.
On top of its luxurious look, it's nice to have features that add function to your refrigerator beyond just keeping your food fresh longer.
Here are some common additional features your French door refrigerator can have.
Ice and Water Dispenser
An ice maker and water dispenser aren't usually a top priority for some people. However, it's a great feat to have, especially if you're looking to get that eight glasses of water goal going.
Some may prefer an internal ice maker and water dispenser to maintain a sleek appearance. However, opening the door to access these can be a hassle for some people.
Most tend to prefer through-the-door ice makers and water dispensers. It gives them quicker access to the ice and water dispenser without having to open their refrigerator doors.
This feature may depend on personal preference and how it can improve your household.
Water Filters
A water dispenser on a fridge usually comes with a filter to help you get fresh and clean water.
These water filters must be changed regularly to ensure you only get the best water.
Door-in-Door Design
A door-in-door refrigerator design is a great way to quickly access your food and beverages without opening your refrigerator.
This feature keeps the cool air in, helping you save energy and electricity.
Fingerprint-Resistant Finish
A fingerprint-resistant finish for a refrigerator is one way to keep your appliance sleek and aesthetically pleasing.
Most stainless steel refrigerators come with this finish, making it easier to maintain, especially for large families with children who love to play around.
Programmable Controls
Most French door refrigerators have smart technology that helps them retain temperatures and defrost the freezers as needed.
With programmable controls, you can easily adjust your refrigerator with a tap on your smartphone.
Smart Technology
Smart refrigerators, or connected refrigerators, are known for their advanced features. These features allow your refrigerator to connect to your portable devices or home assistant.
It can have sensors that help you list down what you need to buy and advanced settings that can affect temperatures inside. It can even go as far as providing entertainment in the kitchen.
Some are designed to help you see what's inside your fridge with a tap on the refrigerator door. You can find what you need without letting the cold air out.
This technology is usually seen as a luxury since it can raise the price of your refrigerator. They are best for tech-savvy households that need this technology daily.
Cost
It's no secret that French door refrigerators are some of the most expensive ones in the market. On average, buying this type of refrigerator can cost about $2,000 to $3,000.
A more high-end French door refrigerator cost can even reach up to $5,000, depending on the brand and design specs.
Additional features can also contribute to the cost of the refrigerator, especially with smart features.
It's best to have a set budget and only get the features you'll use daily when you're shopping for one.
French Door Refrigerator FAQs
You may have more questions about French door refrigerators.
I’ve answered the most common questions to help you with your research.
What Size Refrigerator Do I Need for a Family of Four?
A family of four with average shopping habits usually needs a 19 to 22 Cu. Ft. refrigerator.
This capacity is usually found in other types of refrigerators. However, plenty of French door models can accommodate this range perfectly, especially those with a counter-depth design.
What Are the Disadvantages of a French Door Fridge?
The most significant disadvantage of a French door refrigerator is its size. They tend to take up a lot of space, which isn’t ideal for tiny houses and apartments.
Depending on the configuration, some can have a lower Cu. ft. measurement when it comes to freezer capacity, especially the more narrow ones.
Since one of the defining characteristics of a French door refrigerator is how its freezer is placed, the bottom drawers tend to be useless for people who do more take-out than home cooking.
These disadvantages are also important to consider if you want to upgrade to a French refrigerator.
My Top Picks
Now that you know more about French door refrigerators, you might already be considering your next purchase.
With the many refrigerators on this list, you need a starting point to help you decide when purchasing.
Here's a quick recap of my top 3 picks for French door refrigerators which you can look into for your home.
If you don't mind splurging a bit, getting the most advanced French-door refrigerator on the market should definitely be considered. This 20.5 Cu. Ft. refrigerator from Bosch is one of the best.
It may be expensive, but its functions and features make it worth the price.
When it comes to the best of the best French door refrigerators, this 26 Cu. Ft. model from LG is the overall favorite of many families.
Its many features and storage options help keep your food fresh longer.
Conclusion
Having a French-door refrigerator can be considered a luxury. If you're interested in purchasing one, it's best to know which would best fit your lifestyle.
This refrigerator is an excellent addition to most kitchens, especially with how much space it can provide without ruining your space's aesthetic.