Consumer Reports' Highest-Rated French Door Refrigerator Isn't From LG Or Samsung

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Buying a new refrigerator is a costly investment. There's the price of the unit itself, which can range from $800 to $12,000, depending on your penchant for smart features and slick design. Then there's the installation fee, which could set you back $75 to $200 – and that's all before you've even considered the running cost of the behemoth now nestled in the corner of your kitchen. It's not a decision to take lightly, which makes Consumer Reports' ranking of French door refrigerators all the more compelling. After conducting a series of lab tests on French door models from big-name appliance brands, the Thermador refrigerator — the T36FT820NS to be precise — came in ahead of reliable companies like Samsung and LG.

Before we get into the specifics of what makes the Thermador unit such a standout option, you might be wondering: What is the appeal of a French door refrigerator? The days of an off-white fridge with a few wobbly shelves and a tiny box that constituted a freezer are all but behind us. Side-by-side models feature double doors with vertical sections for chilled and frozen produce, or a French-door refrigerator and a separate freezer compartment below. These configurations offer storage flexibility and a sleek aesthetic that adapts to many kitchen decor styles.

Sometimes more is more, and in the case of French door refrigerators, consumers seem to agree. These fridges are known to last and are easy to organize, with spacious shelving and delineated sections. The rise of meal prep is one reason for their ongoing popularity. They're efficient too, with one door opening at a time so less cold air seeps out. And there's no pretending the look of it isn't one of the main draws. With clean lines and touch-screen technology, the Thermador T36FT820NS is a modern fridge that exemplifies these qualities and makes an impression in the kitchen.

The Thermador T36FT820NS costs a whopping $5,299.00, but its glowing Consumer Reports rating and feature-packed design strive to justify its price (think Wi-Fi-enabled remote temperature control and digital notifications if the door is left open). Clever LED lighting brightens without creating warm patches, a Free Flow Cold Air System circulates air evenly, and the built-in water dispenser is equipped with a state-of-the-art water filter. CR praised the Thermador model for its thermostat performance and ease of use.

Not all customers agree that the features warrant the hefty outlay, though. "The fan/condenser unit on the freezer section was just replaced and we are still having issues," complained one Reddit user. "Top two drawers are only 3 to 4 inches deep, just enough to clear a small Häagen-Dazs Ice cream container," said a Best Buy customer review. Still, Thermador has its fans. Designer Appliances backed the brand heartily, writing, "Thermador is one of the best high-end kitchen appliance brands ... you get excellent performance, reliability, and better user experience."