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Three refrigerators on pink, blue and orange background Credit: Reviewed / Beko / Haier / Samsung

The Best Top-freezer Refrigerators of 2024

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Three refrigerators on pink, blue and orange background Credit: Reviewed / Beko / Haier / Samsung

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Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

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1
Editor's Choice Product image of Hotpoint HPS16BTNRWW
best-overall

Hotpoint HPS16BTNRWW

4.4
Check Price at Best Buy

If you’re not looking to spend thousands on a new fridge, this top-freezer is a good budget buy that doesn’t skimp on temperature performance. Read More

Pros

  • Stable temperatures
  • Great value

Cons

  • Freezer temps need calibration
  • Wire racks don't handle spills well
2
Editor's Choice Product image of Samsung RT18M6215SG
Most Versatile

Samsung RT18M6215SG

4.2
Check Price at Samsung

This 18-cu. ft. fridge has spot-on temperatures for food preservation and a flexible freezer that can be made into a separate refrigerator zone. Read More

Pros

  • Can maintain consistent temperatures
  • Flexible temperature zone
  • Black stainless steel finish

Cons

  • Have to stoop to access crispers
  • Not much in the way of storage
3
Editor's Choice Product image of Haier HA10TG21SS
Best Counter-depth

Haier HA10TG21SS

4.3
Check Price at Best Buy

The Haier HA10TG21SS is a high-performance budget fridge. What it lacks in extra features it makes up for in steady temperatures. Read More

Pros

  • Counter-depth
  • Steady temperatures
  • Great value

Cons

  • No extra features
  • Lower capacity
4
Product image of Whirlpool WRT311FZDM
Best Standard-depth

Whirlpool WRT311FZDM

4.1
Check Price at Best Buy

With high-end features such as a monochromatic finish on the exterior, glass shelving, and a third drawer, the Whirlpool WRT311FZDM offers more than the average top-freezer fridge. Read More

Pros

  • Energy efficient
  • Glass shelves

Cons

  • Fridge temperatures can run a little warm
5
Editor's Choice Product image of Beko BFTF2716SSIM

Beko BFTF2716SSIM

4.3
Check Price at AJ Madison

This inexpensive top-freezer combines a great look with some solid performance in a compact package. Read More

Pros

  • Steady temperatures
  • Inexpensive
  • Interesting crisper tech

Cons

  • Low overall storage
  • Freezer requires calibration
  • best-overall Hotpoint HPS16BTNRWW
  • Most Versatile Samsung RT18M6215SG
  • Best Counter-depth Haier HA10TG21SS
  • Best Standard-depth Whirlpool WRT311FZDM
  • Other Top-Freezer Refrigerators We Tested
  • How We Test Top-Freezer Refrigerators
  • What You Should Know Before Buying a Top-Freezer Refrigerator
  • More Articles You Might Enjoy

When you’re shopping for a fridge, strolling through a home improvement store can be overwhelming. Surrounded by rows and rows of fridges that more or less look identical, it's easy to pick one at random—after all, they're just boxes that keep food cold, right?

We do have a ranked list of the best refrigerators we've ever tested. But, sometimes you don't want—or need—a fancy French-door fridge. When it comes to top-freezer fridges, our favorite is the Hotpoint HPS16BTNRWW (available at Best Buy for $656.99) , which is a good fit for people who want a basic fridge with steady temperatures at a bargain price.

Editor's Note: Appliances purchases are a large investment of both money and time. We’ve not only compiled lists of the best fridges to shop, but also the best places to buy in-stock appliances right now and the best times of year to buy appliances to take advantage of sales and new releases.

The Hotpoint top-freezer refrigerator, floating in a teal void.
Credit: Reviewed / Hotpoint
best-overall
Hotpoint HPS16BTNRWW
  • Dimensions: 61.75" x 28” x 30.5” (H x W x D)
  • Measured capacity: 9.68-cu.-ft. fridge, 3.98 cu.-ft. freezer
  • Finishes: White

The Hotpoint HPS16BTNRWW isn't just a great value, it's one of the best top-freezers we've tested. Unlike most lower-cost fridges, this Hotpoint doesn’t skimp on temperature performance, and stays remarkably consistent, straying by less than 2°F throughout both the fridge and freezer.

What you won’t get in this fridge is features, but that's typical for top-freezers. Also, you'll want to calibrate its freezer first and foremost, because it can run warm otherwise.

Read our full review of the Hotpoint HPS16BTNRWW top-freezer refrigerator

Pros

  • Stable temperatures

  • Great value

Cons

  • Freezer temps need calibration

  • Wire racks don't handle spills well

$656.99 from Best Buy
A black fridge on a yellow background next to an open crisper drawer
Credit: Reviewed / Samsung
Most Versatile
Samsung RT18M6215SG
  • Dimensions: 66.75" x 28.75" x 31.88" (H x W x D)
  • Measured capacity: 10.45-cubic-foot refrigerator, 4.14-cubic-foot freezer
  • Finishes: White, stainless steel ($45 extra), black stainless steel ($135 extra)

The Samsung RT18M6215SG is truly a unique top-freezer refrigerator. This 18-cubic-foot fridge has a sleek, black stainless-steel exterior and temperatures that are spot-on for food storage and preservation.

Where this fridge is truly innovative is in its freezer, which can either be set to normal freezer temperatures or, with a few button presses, can be converted into a second refrigeration zone. This can be a great choice for a small kitchen, a vacation home, or a garage or basement refrigerator.

Between its versatility and good looks, the Samsung RT18M6215SG is a better-than-average value.

Read our full review of the Samsung RT18M6215SG

Pros

  • Can maintain consistent temperatures

  • Flexible temperature zone

  • Black stainless steel finish

Cons

  • Have to stoop to access crispers

  • Not much in the way of storage

$1,149.00 from Samsung
Two images of the Haier HA10TG21SS top-freezer refrigerator, one with its door closed and the other with its door open, showcasing a fully-stocked interior.
Credit: Reviewed / Haier
Best Counter-depth
Haier HA10TG21SS
  • Dimensions: 59.5" x 23.4" x 25.3" (H x W x D)
  • Measured capacity: 5.97-cu.-ft. refrigerator compartment, 2.09-cu.-ft. freezer
  • Finishes: Black, white, stainless steel ($30 extra)

If you’re in the market for an entry-level, counter-depth fridge, there are are fewer options better than the Haier HA10TG21SS top-freezer.

This budget buy offers a lot for its purchase price. While its smaller stature means less storage compared to a full-size model, it has impressive temperature control and spill-capturing, adjustable shelves. Neither of those features are particularly common in a fridge this inexpensive.

If you're looking for a basic fridge and don't have much use for fancy features anyway, the Haier HA10TG21SS is one of the best values currently available.

Read our full review of the Haier HA10TG21SS refrigerator

Pros

  • Counter-depth

  • Steady temperatures

  • Great value

Cons

  • No extra features

  • Lower capacity

$656.99 from Best Buy
Two images of the Whirlpool WRT311FZDM top-freezer refrigerator, one with its door closed and the other with its door open, showcasing a fully-stocked interior.
Credit: Reviewed / Whirlpool
Best Standard-depth
Whirlpool WRT311FZDM
  • Dimensions: 66.25” x 32.75” x 32.88” (H x W x D)
  • Measured capacity: 12-cubic-foot refrigerator, 4.9-cubic-foot freezer
  • Finishes: Black, white, stainless steel

While imperfect, the Whirlpool WRT311FZDM is a fantastic deal.

Our tests show this fridge is one of the most efficient available, and it is more than adequate when it comes to preserving food. Temperatures are stable, energy consumption is low, and it makes great use of the available space. It also looks really good for its price.

However, its crispers aren't great, and you’ll want to turn down the thermostat.

Still, if you’re looking to keep costs low and don’t mind breaking out old fashioned ice cube trays to make ice, you can't go wrong with this fridge. Whether you need a replacement unit for the kitchen or an attractive second fridge, this Whirlpool top-freezer refrigerator is a great bargain.

Read our full review of the Whirlpool WRT311FZDM

Pros

  • Energy efficient

  • Glass shelves

Cons

  • Fridge temperatures can run a little warm

$799.99 from Best Buy

Other Top-Freezer Refrigerators We Tested

Product image of Beko BFTF2716SSIM
Beko BFTF2716SSIM
  • Dimensions: 67.69” x 27.59” x 26.38” (H x W x D)
  • Measured capacity: 7.01-cubic-foot fridge, 3.13-cubic-foot freezer
  • Finishes: Stainless steel

The Beko BFTF2716SSIM combines a great look and solid performance in a compact package. This top-freezer has few frills—just an internal ice-maker, some nice spill-capture glass shelves, and interesting crisper tech that could extend the shelf life of your leafy greens.

Beyond these features, the Beko BFTF2716SSIM is just a basic fridge with some seriously stable temperatures. You will need to calibrate its freezer before use, but considering what this fridge offers for its purchase price, we think it’s a small sacrifice for such steady cooling.

This fridge is on the smaller side, even compared to other counter-depths, so if space in your home is tight, it makes for an excellent budget buy. Of course, the downside of its smaller footprint is lower overall storage capacity. We'd recommend this one for anyone living on their own or with maybe one other person—households any larger might find this one a bit cramped.

Read our full review of the Beko BFTF2716SSIM

Pros

  • Steady temperatures

  • Inexpensive

  • Interesting crisper tech

Cons

  • Low overall storage

  • Freezer requires calibration

$699.00 from AJ Madison
Product image of Frigidaire FFHT1425VV
Frigidaire FFHT1425VV
  • Dimensions: * Dimensions: 60.5" x 27.625" x 31.25" (H x W x D)
  • Measured capacity: 9.9-cubic-foot refrigerator, 3.03-cubic-foot freezer
  • Finishes: Brushed steel

Top-freezer models may not experience the fanfare of their modern French-door counterparts, but this fridge is proof they can still hold their own in the kitchen. The Frigidaire FFHT1425VV is an impressive fridge for its size. While it's about 50% the size of a typical refrigerator, it maintains a fairly high capacity—certainly enough for a couple or small family to store food without issue.

The EvenTemp Cooling System keeps fridge temperatures consistent, fluctuating only one-tenth of a degree in our tests.

If you’re looking for a small, affordable fridge for an apartment or garage, the Frigidaire FFHT1425VV may be the perfect pick. Not only does its small size ensure it’ll fit in more locations, but we saw great temperature consistency throughout the fridge and freezer. It’s incredibly energy efficient as well, using about half as much energy as the average fridge.

Read our full review of the Frigidaire FFHT1425VV

Pros

  • Great size for smaller spaces

  • Good temperature consistency

Cons

  • No ice maker

$629.99 from Best Buy
Product image of GE GTS22KGNRBB
GE GTS22KGNRBB
  • Dimensions: 66.38” x 32.75” x 34.5” (H x W x D)
  • Measured capacity: 10.12 cubic-foot refrigerator, 5.56 cubic-foot freezer
  • Finishes: White, black, slate ($100 extra), black slate ($100 extra), stainless steel ($100 extra)

If you want a solid, no-frills fridge, the GE GTS22KGNRBB is a great choice.

Instead of cramming in features, the GE GTS22KGNRBB focuses on the basics—and does a great job. It doesn’t have some of the usability features we like to see, like flexible shelving or storage options. However, it maintains steady, cool temperatures.

While the GTS22KGNRBB is a bit more expensive than other bare-bones fridges we've reviewed, it doesn't have other typical problems we see—like inconsistent temperatures. If you're looking for a garage fridge or need to maximize your budget, the GTS22KGNRBB is a pretty good value for what it offers.

Read our full review of the GE GTS22KGNRBB

Pros

  • Maintains stable temperatures

  • Large freezer

Cons

  • Freezer runs a little warm on the default setting

$699.99 from Best Buy
Product image of Whirlpool WRT518SZFM
Whirlpool WRT518SZFM
  • Dimensions: 68.25” x 28” x 31.63” (H x W x D)
  • Measured capacity: 10.05-cubic-foot refrigerator, 3.05-cubic-foot freezer
  • Finishes: Black, white, fingerprint-resistant metallic steel ($150 extra), stainless steel

The Whirlpool WRT518SZFM top-freezer fridge is a pro at maintaining steady, cool temperatures—a huge bonus, since many similarly-priced refrigerators can’t say the same. Additionally, the WRT518SZFM features more customizable storage options than its competition.

We liked the cooling performance and storage options for a fridge at this price point. But while it’s an excellent option, it’s still pretty basic. If you want dispensers or smart features, this isn’t the right fridge for you.

Read our full review of the Whirlpool WRT518SZFM

Pros

  • Steady temperatures

  • Good storage options

  • Good value for its performance

Cons

  • Light on features

  • Recommended temperatures run warm

$649.99 from Best Buy
Product image of Samsung RT21M6213SR
Samsung RT21M6213SR
  • Dimensions: 67.75” x 32.88” x 31.88” (H x W x D)
  • Measured capacity: 10.97-cubic-foot refrigerator, 4.74-cubic-foot freezer
  • Finishes: White, stainless steel, black stainless steel ($125 extra)

The Samsung RT21M6213SR top-freezer refrigerator offers a beautifully sleek look with its pocket handles and fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish. The freezer can also double as a fridge.

During testing, this fridge showed spot-on temperatures. We set all the fridges in our labs to 37°F and monitor the temperature variance. The Samsung RT21M6213SR, over the course of 72 hours, averaged 37.6°F—excellent for food preservation.

Read our full review of the Samsung RT21M6213SR

Pros

  • Maintains consistent temperatures

  • Flexible temperature zone

Cons

  • Small crisper drawers

$1,249.00 from Samsung
Product image of Maytag MRT118FFFZ
Maytag MRT118FFFZ
  • Dimensions: 63.38” x 29.75” x 31.38” (H x W x D)
  • Measured capacity: 10.45-cubic-foot refrigerator, 4.37-cubic-foot freezer
  • Finishes: Black, white, stainless steel ($100 extra)

The Maytag MRT118FFFZ is one of the least expensive stainless steel refrigerators we've seen. Efficiency is this refrigerator’s strong suit. It uses power like a miser.

The fridge does have some difficulty maintaining its refrigerator temperatures: They fluctuate by about 1.5 degrees, whereas most refrigerators we've tested waver by about 0.3 degrees. The refrigerator compartment runs cold, while the freezer runs warm—both need to be calibrated before use to ensure optimal performance.

Read our full review of the Maytag MRT118FFFZ

Pros

  • Energy efficient

Cons

  • Can't maintain temperature

$749.99 from Best Buy

How We Test Top-Freezer Refrigerators

The Testers

We're Reviewed's appliance testing team. Between us, we've spent years testing major appliances, and today we’ve turned our attention to top-freezer refrigerators.

We have plenty of experience testing refrigerators in our lab, and we also make sure to use them just like you’d use your own fridge over the course of a day. This combination of rigorous, objective scientific testing and subjective user experience helps give us a holistic view of how each top-freezer refrigerator behaves.

The Tests

We spend a week putting each refrigerator through its paces, testing and scoring over 50 aspects of fridge design and performance.

To create an ideal testing environment, our temperature- and humidity-controlled testing chamber maintains temperatures of 72°F +/- 5°F, with a relative humidity of 50% RH +/- 15% RH.

A standardized testing environment ensures each fridge can perform at its best, as extreme hot or cold conditions can affect how the fridge disperses its heat, and therefore its performance.

We also pack the fridge with water-filled containers (since fridges operate best when stocked with objects that can hold in the cold).

Next, we use an array of sensors and meters to track the temperature consistency in both the fridge and freezer, the rate of humidity loss in its crispers, and how much energy is used. We also manually measure the usable storage space to ensure consistent, cross-comparable metrics across manufacturers.

What You Should Know Before Buying a Top-Freezer Refrigerator

Make Sure to Measure Everything

It’s obviously important to measure before buying anything of a substantial size for your home. This rule goes double for anyone attempting to slot their new fridge into an existing cutout in their countertops and cabinetry.

A common oversight is the fridge’s height, as those tend to be more or less the same regardless of manufacturer. It’s easy to ignore this measurement up until the exact moment you realize you need to fit a 70” fridge under a cabinet with only 68” of clearance.

You’ll also want to leave an inch or more around the sides of the fridge, to help with air circulation and keep your fridge operating at peak efficiency.

Counter-Depth vs. Standard-Depth

The term “counter-depth” refers to how much your fridge will stick out past your cabinetry.

There’s no standardized “counter-depth” number, so measurements vary between manufacturers, but a full-size fridge could be up to six inches deeper than its counter-depth counterpart. This shallow build allows counter-depth fridges to sit more flush with your cabinetry, but also means you’ll have less interior storage space compared to a full-size model.

One more thing to consider: Despite being smaller, a counter-depth fridge will often cost more than its non-counter-depth counterpart.

Top-freezers Are Great For Energy Efficiency

If the prospect of using less water and energy is appealing to you, top-freezers are some of the most efficient options for a new fridge.

Typically, the more complicated your fridge (in features and design), the more energy it uses. Because top-freezers generally don’t have as many features or complications as bottom freezer models or side by side fridges, they also tend to have some of the lower energy requirements.

We recommend checking the Energy Star rating for any refrigerator you’re researching, to get an idea of what its resource requirements are.

Fit and Finish Can Complete Your Kitchen

While you can still find black, white, and bisque refrigerators at most stores, stainless steel is a more popular style right now. Whatever your preferences, you should be able to find a refrigerator that fits in with your kitchen.

Make Sure Its Price Is Reasonable

Top-freezer fridges are among the most budget-friendly refrigerators on the market: Most hover around the $1,000 mark, with basic models generally available for less—sometimes even under $600.

While this is a general rule and not applicable to every top-freezer, if a top-freezer is in the $1,500 range it’s either packed with extras or not providing a good value.

Manually Calibrate Your Fridge’s Temperature

The ideal temperature setting is about 37°F for the refrigerator compartment, and 0°F for the freezer.

It’s important for a fridge to stay at 37°F. Temperatures naturally fluctuate throughout the day, due to defrost cycles and cold air escaping whenever the door opens. If temperatures rise to 40°F or above, bacteria can proliferate quickly. If the temperature dips below 32°F, some items will begin to freeze.

Freezer temperature and consistency is also important. Temperature matters because above 0°F, some foods might not freeze properly. Consistency matters because inconsistent temperatures are what cause freezer burn.

Meet the testers

Mark Brezinski

Mark Brezinski

Senior Writer

@markbrezinski

Mark Brezinski works on the Home Team, reviewing refrigerators, minifridges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans.

See all of Mark Brezinski's reviews
Jonathan Chan

Jonathan Chan

Senior Manager of Lab Operations

@Jonfromthelab1

Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it's likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company's efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he's a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he's plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.

See all of Jonathan Chan's reviews
Leigh Harrington

Leigh Harrington

Executive Editor, Home

@

Leigh Harrington has more than 20 years experience as a writer and editor for myriad print and digital publications.

At USA TODAY and Reviewed, Harrington oversees large appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, and laundry, and manages Reviewed's overall home content, including areas of focus like home improvement, cleaning, gardening, cooking, and parenting. She focuses on writing, but mostly editing, consumer ed content and product reviews.

Harrington is also an experienced travel writer, and has authored books including Fodor's Boston, 100 Things to Do in Boston Before You Die, and Colorful Boston, an adult coloring book.

See all of Leigh Harrington's reviews
Dr. Dave Ellerby

Dr. Dave Ellerby

Chief Scientist

Dave Ellerby has a Ph.D. from the University of Leeds and a B.Sc. from the University of Manchester. He has 25+ years of experience designing tests and analyzing data.

See all of Dr. Dave Ellerby's reviews

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