Best French door refrigerators 2024: top picks for more space and extra features, chosen by experts

French-door refrigerators are a unique blend of style and convenience. Their two-door design allows quick access to food and beverages and maintains optimal cooling efficiency. The spacious interior provides ample room for groceries, from condiments to fresh produce. With a greater capacity than other types, such as the best side-by-side refrigerators, they are a convenient and stylish addition to any kitchen.

Aside from their sleek and spacious design, French-door refrigerators have various money-saving features. Ice and water dispensers and humidity-controlled storage drawers help reduce food waste and lower running costs. Some high-end models even feature touch screens that allow you to control the temperature and monitor contents without opening the door, making them a smart and cost-effective investment.

For those on a budget, excellent French-door refrigerators with fewer features or smaller capacities are still available. These models may lack the smudge-proof, fingerprint-resistant finishes found in high-end models, but they come with sliding drawers and door bins as standard features. If you're not planning to buy one of the best freezers, consider getting a French-door refrigerator with a large bottom freezer and at least six or seven cubic feet of capacity.

The quick list

Below, we’ve provided an overview of the important details you need to know about each product immediately so you can buy quickly if you're in a hurry. If something catches your eye, use the links to delve deeper into the analysis provided for each product further down the page.

The best French door refrigerators we recommend in 2024

Top Ten Reviews is on a mission to review everything we feature in our buyer's guides. Still, while we work hard to make this a reality—or where this isn't possible—some of our guides still feature rankings based on our team's considerable expertise and research.

While we haven't been able to test any of the units in this guide in person, we've instead honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best central air conditioning unit features to help you make the right decision for your home, all for the best price.

The best French door refrigerator overall

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The Hisense 25.6 Cu. Ft. 4-Door Smart French Door Refrigerator is a modern and stylish appliance designed to help families keep their food organized and fresh. Its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish and smart features make it an appealing choice for those looking for a high-end refrigerator.

Through the accompanying app, our reviewer was able to control the fridge and freezer temperatures as well as the VersaTemp Zone, a versatile drawer that could be adjusted to different temperatures. The fridge provides easy access to fresh ice and water with an icemaker and water dispenser. While the icemaker could be larger, it performed well on a daily basis.

The fridge has three main sections — the fridge, the freezer, and the VeraTemp Zone. Its capacity is 18.67 cubic feet, and the handles are located along the top and bottom of the doors. While the right door was easy to open, the left side was more difficult due to the door seal that suctions to the door. One drawback is that if the right door is opened, it doesn't stay open, which could sometimes be inconvenient.

The fridge has two shelves with three levels to store food. The shelves can be adjusted to accommodate taller items like gallons of milk or large soda bottles. Below the shelves are three drawers — two mid-sized ones for vegetables and a thinner one between them for storing snacks or cheeses.

The right door has three shelves on the inside, perfect for sauces and dressings. The left door also has three shelves, but they're limited in height because the ice maker chute takes up the rest of that door. The icemaker is located in the top left corner of the fridge and can produce enough ice for daily use.

The VersaTemp Zone is located below the fridge and is not that deep of a drawer, but it does have a medium-sized removable container on the left side. The temperature of this drawer can be adjusted to suit different needs. It can be used as another large drawer with nearly the same temperature as the fridge or as a wine chiller.

The freezer is at the bottom of the fridge and has a deep, divided drawer. Another built-in drawer extends out, allowing for the storage of smaller items.

The control panel, water dispenser, and icemaker are on the fridge's left front side. The control panel has various buttons that allow for viewing and adjusting the temperature of all three sections of the refrigerator, setting a child lock alarm, turning the icemaker on and off, switching between Fahrenheit and Celsius, and activating an Eco mode. The icemaker also has three buttons—cubed, crushed, and water.

Read more: Hisense HRM260N6TSE review

The best French door refrigerator for efficient storage

This Frigidaire fridge is a great pick for busy households. It's designed with lots of space and handy features like the SpaceWise system and the custom-flex temp drawer, allowing you to store extra wine or load up on frozen food, all tailored to your needs. 

The OpenAccess door and water filter make grabbing snacks and drinking clean water a breeze. Plus, the freshness system with advanced crispers and air/water filtration keeps your food tasting great while cutting down on waste. With features like the CrispSeal Fresh crispers, SpaceWise Organization System, Custom-Flex Temp Drawer, and PurePour Connect Water Filter, this fridge is all about smart storage, reducing waste, and ensuring clean water.

The counter-depth design gives it a built-in look without needing a remodel, and the enhanced LED lighting and PureAir AF-2 Air Filter keep the inside fresh and well-lit. And don't forget the auto-close doors – they help save energy and keep your food fresh by closing on their own.

The most stylish French door refrigerator

The Café CVE28DP4NW2 French door refrigerator is a stylish and practical addition to any modern kitchen. With four unique finishes and an LED-backlit wall, the refrigerator exudes elegance while offering efficient features. The temperature-controlled drawer, Wi-Fi connectivity, and spacious capacity cater to your family's needs, while the built-in dividers ensure effortless organization.

Café's Customizable Professional Collection allows you to customize the appliance's finish with a choice of six handles and knob options, including brushed bronze, brushed black, brushed copper, brushed stainless, brushed brass, and flat black.

You can experience the flexibility of the convertible drawer with five temperature settings, from Soft Freeze to Wine, and revel in the uniform LED lighting that illuminates the fresh food section for easy visibility. The Auto Fill button dispenses filtered water on demand, and the Humidity Control System keeps leafy greens fresh longer.

The smart refrigerator also features built-in WiFi, dual evaporators for optimal food freshness, an integrated dispenser with a sensor, and enhanced Shabbos modes. The fingerprint-resistant exterior and removable, easy-to-clean gray liner also ensure a clean and chic look.

The best French door refrigerator for fresh food

The Frigidaire French door refrigerator is a top choice for keeping food fresh. With its sleek and minimalist design, it offers reliability and efficiency. The refrigerator features innovative CrispSeal drawers that use a seal to keep out air and extend the freshness of fruits and vegetables. It also comes with an ice maker and a water filter that utilizes PurePour technology to remove 99% of contaminants, delivering crystal-clear water while reducing the need for bottled water.

The EvenTemp cooling system in the freezer prevents freezer burn by consistently circulating cool air and responding quickly to temperature changes. The refrigerator includes a full-width deli drawer for storing cured foods, and the PureAir Ultra II filter eliminates unwanted odors, providing superior performance to traditional methods like baking soda and lemon juice.

Spacious storage options such as large door bins and a 28.8 cu ft capacity also ensure ample space for organizing groceries. The auto-close doors feature prevents accidental spoilage by automatically closing if left ajar. 

The best French door refrigerator for families

The top choice for families searching for a French-door refrigerator is the GE PVD28BYNFS. This model is known for its spacious interior, convenient in-door features, and unique sectioning, making it perfect for households. Despite its higher price, the refrigerator's in-door sectioning offers ample grocery space and quick access to favorite snacks.

The in-door compartment can accommodate wine bottles, making it ideal for hosting gatherings. It also features Wi-Fi connectivity, which provides real-time updates on the refrigerator's status and sends notifications when the door is left open. 

The refrigerator includes a fully convertible temperature zone, dual-dispense AutoFill pitcher, door-in-door storage, LED light wall, convenient freezer organization, soft-close drawers, advanced water filtration, built-in WiFi, and triple evaporators. These features enable remote monitoring, voice activation, and precise control over the refrigerator's settings.

The advanced water filtration system removes 98% of certain pharmaceuticals from tap water, ensuring safe drinking water and ice. The built-in WiFi system sends instant alerts to a smart device, allowing customization of interior settings. The triple evaporator system creates separate climate zones, maintaining foods at their optimum freshness.

The best large French door refrigerator

Regarding spacious French-door refrigerators, the LG LMWS27626S stands out as a top contender. With a generous 29.6 cubic feet of storage space, it's ideal for large households, providing ample room for organized storage. While the minimalist exterior may not appeal to everyone, it offers a sleek and modern look. The convenience factor is high, with two easily accessible freezer compartments for hassle-free access to ice and frozen items.

Although it may lack flashy smart features, the LG LMWS27626S is a reliable refrigerator with a robust warranty. It boasts a 27 cu. ft. capacity, providing ample space for all your family's favorite foods while keeping them organized. The double freezer drawers ensure easy and organized access to frequently needed items, with lower space for less frequently accessed items.

Features like the PrintProof finish, fresh air filter, internal water dispenser, Door Cooling+ technology, Smart Cooling system, and smart diagnosis make it a sophisticated and functional appliance. An ENERGY STAR qualification positively affects your energy bill and the environment. Plus, the 10-year limited warranty on the linear compressor offers peace of mind, ensuring the refrigerator's long-lasting performance.

The best French door refrigerator water dispenser

The Whirlpool WRF555SDFZ is a top choice for a French-door refrigerator with a water dispenser. It features the EVERYDROP water filtration system, which consistently delivers clean, filtered water. The added dispenser lock is a great safety feature for families with kids, preventing accidental spills. Its spacious 25 cubic feet capacity offers plenty of room for all your food and drinks. The adjustable gallon-sized door bins provide flexibility, and the spill-proof shelves help contain any leaks.

While the fridge is not smart-enabled, it is energy-efficient, which can lead to cost savings on electricity bills. Its 24.7 cu. ft. capacity ensures enough fresh food for the family, with additional features like two humidity-controlled crisper drawers and an external water dispenser.

The two-tier freezer storage also offers ample space for frozen items. Plus, the contoured doors and fingerprint-resistant finish complement any stylish kitchen design. It also includes temperature-controlled full-width drawers, generous storage with a slide-out wire basket, LED interior lighting, automatic defrost, a door alarm, and an automatic ice maker for added convenience. 

French door refrigerators: side-by-side comparison

How to choose the best French door refrigerator for your kitchen

There are a lot of features to look for when it comes to the best French door refrigerators, so it can often be overwhelming when trying to choose a new model. Storage should be the first thing to look for, with high capacities being suited for large families (or people who like to stack their refrigerator with ten different types of soda) and small capacities being better for couples or people with limited space in their kitchen. 

If you are low on space, the adaptability of a counter-depth French door refrigerator can save room for other appliances, making your kitchen more functional. It's worth mentioning that the larger the capacity, the more expensive the refrigerator, but the counter-depth design ensures you make the most of the space you have. 

If you are a fan of smart technology, touch-control refrigerators with smart features could be a fascinating choice. Smart models often feature climate controls and the ability to auto-fill cups, making your daily routine more convenient. Non-smart models, on the other hand, often have features such as ice cube dispensers or water coolers - these are worth considering, especially if you want cold water whenever you want.

Some models feature a door-in-door design, a practical innovation that allows you to slide open a panel to grab a snack or cold can without letting the cold out from opening the door completely. Models with a viewing door will let you pick a cold drink or snack without chilled air escaping into your warm house, giving you a sense of reassurance and confidence in your choice.

Brian Johnson, Appliance Expert

Brian Johnson has been an appliance expert for MyJobQuote for four years and has been in the industry for over 25 years. He continues to work for clients, providing appliance diagnostics and repairs while also providing expert advice to industry professionals and homeowners. His expert tips have been featured in various reputable publications over the years.   

Brian Johnson, Appliance Expert at MyJobQuote, said: "It’s important to take a moment to check the dimensions. Refrigerators vary in size, so you need to make sure they will fit into the space you have.

"Make sure the shelf, rack, and crisper layout are right for your storage needs. Is a wine rack handy, or is it wasted space? Do you need extra compartments to keep all your fruit and veg fresh?"

He also advises shoppers to consider long-term costs of their chosen refrigerator, adding: "With bills a big concern at the moment, it’s important to look at the energy costs and the purchase price of your refrigerator. A double fridge with all the bells and whistles will cost more to run than a simple, compact model. However, some basic fridge-freezers and under-counter models can be just as inefficient."

French door refrigerator FAQs

What are the benefits of a French door refrigerator?

French door refrigerators stand out from regular refrigerators in several ways, practically and aesthetically. French doors usually have larger storage spaces than normal refrigerators due to their wider shelves, which allow for more storage for things like milk and other drinks. 

Also, French-door refrigerators usually have a dedicated refrigerator drawer, so you can better organize and store fresh fruit and vegetables or packets of raw meat. Some models also feature gallon bin doors, can caddies, and dividers within the refrigerator door.

In addition to being more practical, French-door refrigerators are also more aesthetically pleasing. The door is split down the middle into two panels instead of one large door. This looks much nicer and means you don't have to open a big door to get a snack or a cold drink. 

How much do French door refrigerators cost?

French-door refrigerators, with their stylish design and spacious interiors, are a popular choice in modern kitchens. Prices vary based on brand, size, features, and energy efficiency. On the lower end, they start at around $1,200 and go up to $1,800.

Frigidaire and Hisense, for example, offer budget-friendly options without sacrificing essential functionality. They have adjustable shelves, a freezer drawer, and temperature controls. Mid-range French door refrigerators usually cost between $1,800 and $3,000.

This price range includes models with advanced features like water dispensers and ice makers, dual cooling systems, and smart technology that lets you control it from your phone. French-door refrigerators can cost between $3,000 and $10,000. Samsung, LG, and Whirlpool offer a variety of choices in this range, balancing quality and affordability.

Usually, luxury models come with high-end features like custom cooling zones, advanced filtration, and super-efficient compressors. A high-end kitchen needs appliances that perform well and look good. Brands like Sub-Zero, Bosch, and Miele serve the upscale market well. Besides installation and delivery fees, extended warranties can also cost a lot.

When buying a French-door refrigerator, consider your budget, the space in your kitchen, and the features that suit your lifestyle.

How long does a French door refrigerator last?

Refrigerator lifespans vary widely, with Nachi.org suggesting a range of nine to 13 years. This estimate doesn't account for the different types of fridges, such as French doors or side-by-side, which are assumed to have similar lifespans. However, some sources project a longer lifespan of up to 15 years. This variability underscores the importance of individual research and consideration when purchasing a refrigerator.

Elise Barsch, Social Media Manager for iFixit, said a study done in Europe and published on ScienceDirect suggests that refrigerator lifespans have decreased over the past couple of decades, down from an average lifespan of about 20 years in 2000 to about 14 years for the refrigerators sold now. 

While modern refrigerators may not last as long as their predecessors, they are more energy efficient. Barsch Pointed out that European legislators are working to ensure that refrigerators are more energy-efficient and repairable throughout their lifespan.

She referred to a set of legislative proposals that European member states have voted on, designed to make refrigerators more repairable and less impactful on the environment. Importantly, she noted that future legislation will extend these efforts to other products like washing machines, offering hope for a more sustainable future and further improvements in appliance efficiency.

When is the best time to buy a French door refrigerator?

It's important to consider timing when getting a French-door refrigerator deal. Major sales events are usually the best time to buy. For example, holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday often offer big deals on refrigerators. It's a great time to buy a refrigerator because retailers usually offer promotions to get people to shop.

There's another time to consider, especially in September and October. Manufacturers release new models during the fall, so retailers are eager to eliminate old inventory. As a result, last year's models can be marked down significantly, so savvy shoppers can get a high-quality French door refrigerator at a great price.

Spring is also a good time to shop for appliances. Many retailers have spring sales to encourage home improvement projects, so you might be able to find great deals on kitchen appliances. In slow sales periods, which vary by region but usually take place in late summer and early fall, retailers often discount appliances. 

How we chose the best French door refrigerators for this guide

Since we began reviewing French door refrigerators in 2011, we have conducted extensive research to find the best units available. We understand that purchasing a refrigerator is a significant investment, so we have dedicated countless hours to research, providing you with well-informed advice.

We assessed refrigerators with a range of features, capacities, and price points to ensure that our reviews are useful to individuals with varying needs and budgets. Our research involved thorough online comparisons of product pages and the identification of standout features in different models.

More expensive models often come with additional features such as door-in-door access, which allows for quick access to snacks and saves energy by minimizing the amount of cold air that escapes. Smart features, which enable you to monitor the temperature from your smartphone, are also more prevalent in these higher-priced models.

While this technology is impressive, opting for a high-quality French door refrigerator is not essential, especially for those on a budget or those with specific size and capacity requirements. We also evaluated some more straightforward French door refrigerator models for individuals who prefer to invest in reliable and well-crafted appliances without fancy extras.