6 Best French Door Refrigerators (2023 Guide)

French door refrigerators have two doors that open in opposite directions, giving you a clear view of every item in your fridge. There’s also extra storage in each door and a bottom freezer drawer that easily slides out. This lets you quickly see and grab what you need, rather than digging through a freezer above the central unit, as with traditional refrigerators.

We researched the best French door refrigerators to help you find the right one for your home. Here are our top picks. 

Top 6 French Door Refrigerators

• Best Fridge Overall: Frigidaire GRMC2273BF French Door Refrigerator
• Best Large-Capacity Fridge: LG LRFOC2606S French Door Refrigerator
• Best Value Fridge: Samsung RF25C5151SR French Door Refrigerator
• Best High-End Fridge: Cafe CYE22TP4MW2 French Door Refrigerator
• Most Convenient Layout: KitchenAid KRFF577KPS French Door Refrigerator
• Best Double Drawer Fridge: GE Profile PVD28BYNFS French Door Refrigerator

Best French Door Refrigerator Overall: Frigidaire GRMC2273BF

Pros and Cons

Good for: Homeowners who want flexibility with their refrigerator without sacrificing style or capacity. 

What Customers Are Saying

Our buyer-based research revealed that customers were impressed with this refrigerator’s stylish design, unique storage features, and self-closing doors. However, others had issues with the door not closing properly, and some felt it wasn’t as well designed as other models. 

Best Large Capacity Refrigerator: LG LRFOC2606S

Pros and Cons

Good for: Customers looking for a large-capacity French door refrigerator with up-to-date features. 

What Customers Are Saying

Many customers loved this fridge’s wide variety of useful features, such as a dual ice maker and fresh water filter. Others commented on its stylish design. However, some felt the shelves and drawers weren’t designed well and misused space. Others said the right-side door closed independently, making it challenging to put groceries away. 

Best Value French Door Refrigerator: Samsung RF25C5151SR

Pros and Cons

Good for: Single people or couples who want a high-end French door fridge at an affordable price.

What Customers Are Saying

Our research indicated that customers were happy with this refrigerator’s sleek, compact design, which is ideal for small kitchens. Others also liked the fingerprint-resistant door. However, some felt the door alarm went off too quickly, and others said the shelves were too small to fit bottled milk or soft drinks. 

Best High-End French Door Refrigerator: Cafe CWE19SP4NW2

Pros and Cons

What Customers Are Saying

This fridge earned positive reviews for its distinguished look and high-tech features, such as its smartphone control and temperature-adjustable drawer. However, some customers said it scratched easily, and others said the water dispenser leaked. 

Most Convenient Refrigerator Layout: KitchenAid KRFF577KPS

Pros and Cons

Good for: Homeowners who want a large fridge with customizable features for their specific needs.

What Customers Are Saying

This product received positive reviews for its bright interior lighting, well-designed drawers and shelves, and extensive interior capacity. However, we learned that some customers had issues with the evaporator not working correctly, and others felt the ice maker was too small and inconsistent. 

Best Double Drawer Refrigerator: GE Profile PVD28BYNFS

Pros and Cons

✔ Includes an LED light tower that illuminates every shelf
✔ Is Wi-Fi enabled 
✔ Has hands-free autofill on the water dispenser

✘ Has more storage space than small families or couples need
✘ Only comes in one finish

Good for: Large families who need as much storage space as possible. 

What Customers Are Saying

Of the hundreds of reviews our team read for this model, we found that most customers were impressed with its bright lighting, ice maker, and easy-access door. However, others felt that it dented easily, while some had issues with the sound the fridge made when the door was left open. 

Buying Guide for French Door Refrigerators 

Consider the following factors to find the best French-door refrigerator for your needs.

Size

French door models vary in size, so measuring the exact space where you plan to install the fridge before you start shopping is important. Consider height, width, and depth since some models stick out farther than others.

Capacity 

Consider how much food you typically store in your fridge and how large your family is. French door refrigerators usually have a large amount of refrigerator space but smaller freezers, so they may not be the best option if you plan to freeze a lot of food.

French door refrigerators typically have a capacity of 20–29 cubic feet, with most models averaging around 22 cubic feet. In addition to the total amount of space, consider how the space is divided, as models may vary in how many shelves, drawers, and compartments they have.

Extra Features

French door refrigerators come with various features, so consider what’s most important to you to help narrow down your choices. Some standard features include adjustable shelves, humidity-controlled drawers, and built-in water and ice dispensers. Some models also have a door alarm that tells you if your door has been left open. Others come with unique smart features such as built-in Wi-Fi or app control.

Energy Efficiency 

Look for Energy Star-certified models, which means they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An energy-efficient refrigerator will help save you money on your utility bills and is better for the environment overall. 

Price

French door refrigerators can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the brand, model, capacity, and number of extra features. As such, setting a strict budget before you start shopping is important. Large French door refrigerators (over 25 cubic feet) are generally more expensive and can be over $4,000. 

Design 

Your refrigerator’s design should be less important than its function, but you’ll still want an appliance that looks great in your kitchen. French door refrigerators typically come in solid colors like white, black, or stainless steel. Some may have unique design features such as a door-in-door or special viewing door that allows you to see what’s inside without opening the fridge. Some models may also have fingerprint-resistant surfaces that help keep the finish looking new.

Installation 

Make sure you understand the delivery and installation process before you buy. Some retailers offer free delivery and installation, while others charge an additional fee. Also, check to see if the retailer will remove your old refrigerator and if they offer any recycling or disposal services.

Best Refrigerator Brands

It’s essential to buy a new refrigerator from a reliable brand. Dozens make French door refrigerators of manufacturers, but here are some of the most trusted brands: 

• Bosch
• Cafe
• Frigidaire 
• GE
• KitchenAid
• LG
• Samsung
• Whirlpool

Tips for Arranging Food in a Refrigerator 

A well-organized fridge makes it easier to find what you need and helps keep your food fresh and safe. Here are some things to keep in mind when arranging food.

Know Your Temperature Zones

French door refrigerators are divided into temperature zones, with the coldest temperatures typically at the bottom and the warmest on top. The coldest area of the fridge is usually at the back, making it an excellent place to store raw meat, poultry, and fish to prevent cross-contamination. 

The middle shelf is ideal for cooked meats, dairy, and eggs, while the top shelf is suitable for ready-to-eat foods such as leftovers, deli meats, and cheeses.

Crisper drawers can be used for fruits, veggies, and prepackaged snacks. 

Use Containers and Labels

Invest in clear, airtight containers for your leftovers and meal prep items. Clear containers allow you to easily see what’s inside without opening them, reducing the risk of food spoilage.

Labeling food can also help you keep track of what you have in your fridge and when it needs to be eaten. 

Use a marker or label maker to note the date on your leftovers and other perishable items. Labeling food is also a good way to show others in the home, such as roommates or family members, that the item is being saved for you to eat.

Clean Regularly

Regularly clean your refrigerator to prevent bacteria and mold buildup. Clean the interior and exterior of your fridge with warm, soapy water, especially the area around the door seals and other crevices where dirt can accumulate.

Store Foods Properly

Storing fruits and vegetables in separate crisper drawers can help prevent them from ripening too quickly. Use airtight containers or plastic wrap to cover food items to prevent odors from transferring to other foods in your fridge.

Consider using a vacuum sealer on foods you intend to freeze or store in the fridge for extended periods.

Avoid Overcrowding

Overcrowding your fridge can cause the temperature to rise, leading to food spoilage. Make sure to leave enough space between items for air to circulate. If you feel your overcrowded fridge has lost cooling power, it may be time to clean it thoroughly and throw out expired or unwanted items. 

Frequently Asked Questions About French Door Refrigerators

What’s the difference between a French door refrigerator and other refrigerators?

French door refrigerators have two doors that open outwards on each side, whereas top-freezer and side-by-side refrigerators have one door. This puts fridge items closer to eye level and provides more storage. The freezer is also moved to the bottom of the unit and is opened via a pull-out drawer. 

What are the biggest advantages of French door refrigerators?

French door refrigerators provide more space and make it easier to see food items. They also have a stylish design that fits well with modern kitchens. 

How long do French door refrigerators last?

French door refrigerators can last for years—even over a decade—if properly cared for. French door refrigerators have similar life spans as other fridge types but may require more frequent replacement parts since they have more doors than a typical fridge.

How do I know what capacity of the fridge I need?

Adults typically require around 4–8 cubic feet of fridge space. You shouldn’t need a fridge with more than 8-10 cubic feet if you live alone, even if you cook frequently. However, you may want a larger model to get features that aren’t often built into compact fridges. 

Couples or roommates who live together can usually make do with 12–18 cubic feet of space, depending on how often they cook and host large gatherings. 

A family of three should look for a fridge at least 20 cubic feet, while a family of four may be better off in the 22–24 range. Extra-large fridges, such as those with 27–28 cubic feet, are ideal for large families or those who need extra space for holiday gatherings or dinner parties. 

Who This French Door Refrigerator Guide Is For

A French door refrigerator is a great option for anyone, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a veteran renovator, or somewhere in between. Our Reviews Team considered various French Door refrigerators, including several high-capacity models, a budget model, and more.

Our Rating Methodology 

Our team is committed to providing heavily researched recommendations and insight into the categories we cover. We seek to earn and keep your trust by practicing ongoing transparency about our review process and the factors we consider when compiling a major appliance buying guide.

We rated the refrigerators we reviewed on a 100-point system across seven key factors:

• Features (up to 30 total points): This category accounts for the most commonly sought-after refrigerator features, such as automatic temperature control, built-in water and ice dispensers, Energy Star certification, and more.
• Finishes (up to 1 point): We rated French door refrigerators that came in more than one finish higher than products with only one option.
• Average customer rating (up to 15 points): Each product received a score from zero to 15, depending on its average customer rating. We rounded up decimal ratings to the nearest whole number.
• Capacity (up to 10 points): Refrigerators with a capacity of 22 cubic feet or more were scored higher than their smaller counterparts.
• Smart technology (up to 5 points): Products with app integration or Wi-Fi compatibility received five points.
• Manufacturer’s warranty (up to 20 points): We researched each product’s manufacturer’s warranty and awarded 20 points if it came with a refrigerator warranty or guarantee.
• Customer service (up to 14 points): We researched the customer service options available to homeowners after they’ve purchased their items. Each product received points if its manufacturer offered phone, chat/text, or access to replacement parts.

Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team

This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. 

Our small team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.

Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.

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