Here's the unfortunate reality: Refrigerators rank as the second most repair-prone appliance after larger professional ranges.
But, there’s good news - some counter-depth models are known for being reliable.
The catch?
While your refrigerator will likely keep running smoothly, your icemaker...probably won’t.
You are about to learn about one of the least reliable appliances on the market based on real service calls.
We’ll cover the most common problems and how to prevent unnecessary service calls. We’ll also share tips on how to prolong the life of your refrigerator.
This article will give you a reason to pause before you fork over $400 for an extended warranty.
Why not pick Consumer Reports or the Wirecutter instead?
These ratings are based on real service calls, not surveys and lab testing.
You won't find many reliability studies because 95% of appliance stores do not have any service.
Don't trust these ratings because you think I am a nice guy (I am).
Trust them because it's based on how you will use the refrigerator.
Fixing chronically unreliable brands is too expensive because we service what we sell.
Reliability should also be yours because getting an on any product is incredibly aggravating, even before and after the pandemic.
Let's discuss how we calculate reliability.
We have logged over 100,00 service calls in less than three years.
We now have 35 service technicians averaging 8-10 calls daily, Monday through Friday, plus another 110 calls on Saturday.
We calculate appliance reliability by dividing the products we serviced by the products we sold.
In this article, we looked at the number of counter-depth refrigerators sold and serviced over 12 months.
Many have asked for three, five, and ten-year reliability articles.
It is harder to calculate the number of years because we provide warranty service for free.
After the first year, the service rates are harder to determine, plus people move away, and builders leave jobsites.
It's unclear whether people know to call us.
Discover Refrigerator Excellence! 📘 This no-cost guide reveals the essential configurations, proven reliability data from service calls, and comprehensive brand profiles. Start your informed purchase journey with our free counter-depth buying guide by clicking here.
The following service rates are based on a minimum of 100 products sold and a total sample of over 2,000 products within 12 months.
| Service Rate | |
| LG | 8.8% |
| Bosch | 11.6% |
| GE | 11.6% |
| GE Profile | 16.8% |
| Fisher & Paykel | 18.9% |
| Café Appliances | 20.1% |
| Beko | 32.8% |
| Grand Total | 13.5% |
Yes, LG is number one for a reliable refrigerator.
In 2019, they settled a class-action lawsuit based on their new linear compressor not cooling.
However, that suit covered refrigerators manufactured in 2014-2017, now 7-10 years ago.
Theoretically, the linear compressor is more reliable because of fewer working parts and strike points.
Give them credit for improving the design and not starting over.
They also have a decent lineup of interesting refrigerators, including the incredibly popular 26.5 cubic foot Counter-Depth MAX refrigerator.
It's important to note that our service rates for LG only cover LG-branded products. This does not include subsidiary brands such as SKS, LG Studio, or LG Signature.
Once again, if you look at the most popular refrigerators at Yale, they don't have dispensers.
Most Popular LG Counter-Depth Refrigerators
Below is a list of the most popular LG counter-depth refrigerators to consider:
Bosch's service rate is number two.
Their counter-depth refrigerator line is only five years old.
Bosch's counter-depth refrigerators have many features, including a unique two-compressor system.
Two compressors keep the air in the freezer and refrigerator separately better than two evaporators, one compressor, and two evaporator configurations of other brands.
Their most popular refrigerators do not have an ice dispenser.
Bosch refrigerators do have a better temperature system and styling, but they have a smaller capacity of 20.8 cubic feet.
The norm is about 23 cubic feet, with the LG the largest at 26.5.
Below is a list of the most popular Bosch counter-depth refrigerators to consider:
Read More: Is the Bosch B36CT80SNS a Good French Door Refrigerator?
What you will like about GE has nothing to do with the refrigerator.
GE still operates its own service department.
It will be especially critical when you buy from a company without a service department, which you probably will.
GE refrigerators feature twin evaporators with one compressor to separate refrigerator and freezer air.
Turbo Freeze and Turbo Cool will allow you to freeze or cool an item quickly.
Overall, GE is a decent no-frills refrigerator.
Beko refrigerators stand out for their ability to keep food fresher for longer periods.
Their innovative BlueLight and EverPure+ technology enhances the freshness of fruits and vegetables by promoting photosynthesis.
Beko was second only to Sub-Zero in our four-week "Project Produce" tests, of which refrigerators kept fruit and vegetables fresh.
Beko is the most sustainability-oriented appliance company as well.
However, their reliability number is over 30%.
At that rate, should you consider a Beko counter-depth refrigerator?
Most of the issues were a problem with the ice maker, not the refrigerator cooling.
But you will have a service call sooner rather than later, so it's important these minor problems can be fixed.
Below is a list of the most popular Bekocounter-depth refrigerators to consider:
Read More: Should You Buy The Beko BFFD3624SS Counter Depth Refrigerator?
LG and Samsung are the best in terms of product design.
They also have the best features with cool-sounding refrigerator styles like the Samsung FamilyHub or the LG InstaView.
However, do not buy either brand without understanding who will be fixing it first. In this case, LG is much better than Samsung.
LG has made a recent commitment to service, and it takes time.
Samsung has the twin problems of being the most popular brand and no support.
In other words, you may love the product, but trust and verify the service aspect first.
These numbers may be statistically bad, but most of their issues are not. The problems are more related to ice maker issues than compressor failures. It isn't all terrible.
Below are the three most common counter-depth refrigerator problems we found.
I reached out to Paul Macdonald for this question, our former service manager.
With over 35 years in the service industry, Paul initially joined us on what was meant to be a short-term consulting basis but ended up leading our service team for a decade.
Now, he is a consultant for AVB, one of the two massive appliance-buying groups in the US.
Paul weighed in on the durability of refrigerators, explaining:
Depending on the make and model, they can last anywhere from 10-20 years.
Due to the initial acquisition cost of high-end luxury brands, homeowners of these models are willing to invest more in repairs to keep the unit running longer.
To extend the lifespan of your refrigerator, you should clean the condenser coils at least twice a year to ensure proper ventilation.
Also, keep the fridge at the right temperature, between 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit, and do not overstock it with food."
Until 16 years ago, we did not sell warranties.
You should consider a warranty for a French door refrigerator just from looking at the first-year service rates above.
You can read nightmare comments written about nightmare service experiences.
Just do not buy a warranty from a store without a service department.
You certainly won't buy a car warranty from a dealer without service. Follow the same thinking with appliances.
Third-party warranties are a joke (only you will not be laughing). They will sell you the warranty without employing service technicians.
Make Smarter Refrigerator Choices! 💡 Grab your FREE counter-depth refrigerator guide now and delve into detailed configurations, real-life reliability ratings, and in-depth brand profiles. Let us guide you to the ideal refrigerator that meets your needs.
Here's your key takeaway from this article: Refrigerators without dispensers tend to be more reliable.
I know what you are thinking: They are so convenient to place your glass and fill it with water and ice.
However, a frozen cube in a warmer refrigerator is not the best design.
Then again, a small leak could be more tolerable than bending down to reach into the freezer for ice.
You wouldn't notice the other part of what we consider reliable.
Bosch and GE are better at turning around parts and services than the others.
In addition to researching prices and features, you should know your service agent before making any appliance purchase.
Download the Yale Counter Depth Refrigerator Buying Guide with features, specs, and inside buying tips for regular, pro, and integrated counter-depth refrigerators. Well over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.