We’re putting GE vs Whirlpool refrigerators under the microscope because there’s much more to a fridge than keeping your food cool. Let’s be real, it would be tricky to function without one of the best side-by-side refrigerators or the best French door refrigerators, so we’re comparing two huge brands to help you make a decision.
Both brands have made their mark in the appliance world – take the well-known GE ovens or Whirlpool dishwashers, for instance. While GE has innovative designs with WiFi features and adjustable interiors, Whirlpool delivers on capacity and budget-friendly models with original easy-to-use features. But don’t worry about the details yet, as we’ll cover this throughout our GE vs Whirlpool refrigerators comparison.
GE vs Whirlpool: Prices
Naturally, costs will weigh heavily on any decision you’ll make when purchasing a refrigerator, so first things first, you’ll want to work out how much a GE or Whirlpool refrigerator will really set you back.
First, take note that GE’s compact refrigerators are in a ballpark of their own, as these appliances are also slight in price too and cost between $299 and $519. For a regular-sized GE refrigerator, however, you can expect to pay a little more. The cheapest is $659 for a top-freezer with 15.6 cubic feet, while its most expensive model is a side-by-side smart-enabled refrigerator priced at $9,629.
Meanwhile, with Whirlpool, you won’t need to part with more than $2,299 and at the very least $549. The steeper price tag is for a 36-inch refrigerator with 19.4 cubic feet, a roomier refrigerator than GE’s top dog, so Whirlpool certainly comes out on top when it comes to buying a budget-friendly cooling machine.
GE vs Whirlpool: Product range
French door, side-by-side, bottom freezer, and top freezer are words you’ll hear thrown around a lot in the refrigerator world, and both GE and Whirlpool have all four bases covered.
However, if you’re on the hunt for a mini fridge that will fit into a cramped space, GE has it covered, as out of the two, they have a greater variety of compact refrigerators. Aside from one compact under-the-counter model, Whirlpool only has wine or beverage centers.
Overall, you’ve got a greater pick of the bunch from GE’s product range. As well as having hundreds more options, there’s a greater variety of designs, sizes, and features throughout their product range.
Plus, while Whirlpool doesn’t have any specific ranges, GE also has signature lines, including Profile and Café. The Café range is the roomiest, so you can afford to be more choosy.
GE vs Whirlpool: Design
You won’t want any bottles or cans left standing out in the cold - or in this case, room temperature - so your safest bet when it comes to space is a Whirlpool refrigerator, which has on average 25 cubic feet of space inside. That’s a good dollop of extra room to work with than in an average GE refrigerator, where there’s typically between 20 and 24 cubic feet available.
GE refrigerators do level the playing ground a little, thanks to versatile design features including adjustable shelves, multi-level drawers, and large door bins for next-level organization. But don’t be fooled, Whirlpool refrigerators can be pretty innovative too, with deli drawers or adjustable gallon door bins that you can wiggle around to free up space.
Overall, Whirlpool is a step ahead with great storage space and design features, so you’ll be better armed for your next meal with a well-stocked and less-cramped fridge.
GE vs Whirlpool: Features
Now, where features are concerned, GE and Whirlpool initially appear to keep pace, as they both have items such as ice and water dispensers, built-in ice makers, LED lighting, and climate-controlled compartments.
The main difference arrives with smart features, something that sets apart any appliance, whether it’s refrigerators or even the best dryers. Unlike Whirlpool, GE has hatched high-end models that have WiFi connectivity, meaning that you can connect your refrigerator to a smartphone app and keep tabs on its performance or tweak temperature settings without trawling to the fridge door.
Yet, while these are missing from Whirlpool refrigerators, they do have a few original features that come in handy, such as Fast Drink and Fast Cool modes that quickly tend to lukewarm food or drink, a dinner party essential. You’ll also find other features such as:
- Digital temperature control
- Temperature sensors
- Automatic hibernate mode
- Dual cooling
- External ice and water dispensers
- In-door ice storage
While Whirlpool does bring a fair few handy features to the table, GE’s clever app control and WiFi features take it into a different league, as do the following features:
- Hands-free autofill
- Dual climates
- Advanced water filtration
- Spill-proof shelves
GE vs Whirlpool: Which should you buy?
It’s clear to see that if a clever smart-enabled refrigerator is at the top of your checklist, GE is your guy. However, as with any kitchen appliance, you’re going to want a good capacity that won’t leave your provisions in the lurch. This is where Whirlpool comes in, as their winning interior makes roominess its personal business, and adds in handy deli drawers and adjustable gallon door bins while it’s at it.
That’s not to say that a GE refrigerator won’t do a good job, as there’s a real reel of different types of refrigerators in their range with the luxury of adjustable parts inside and models that are way ahead in terms of WiFi and app features. Overall, though, Whirlpool has got a roomy and reasonably feature-rich refrigerator pegged down, and generally at a far cheaper price tag than that of GE.
