Our top choice is the Whirlpool WRT518SZFM Top Freezer Refrigerator, a no-fuss option with ample space for small families, LED interior lighting, and four finishes to choose from. Here are the best top-freezer refrigerators for your home. What do buyers say? 4,000+ Home Depot reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. This top-freezer refrigerator from Whirlpool combines style and value, making it our top pick overall. Available in multiple exterior finishes, including a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel for easier cleaning, this fridge measures 28 inches wide and 32 inches deep. It has 17.6 cubic feet of interior space, which breaks down to just under 14 cubic feet of space in the refrigerator portion, and about 4 cubic feet in the freezer. While there are models that stretch these dimensions slightly, these are average dimensions for a full-size, top-freezer refrigerator. This build is also great for small families. When it comes to the interior of this fridge, you’ll find two full-width shelves, two produce drawers, and a door that can accommodate gallon-sized containers, in addition to dairy products like butter or cheese. An added amenity is a sliding deli drawer, which you can adjust to either side of the interior if you need to make space for taller items on the shelf below. The bright, crisp LED lighting is a plus for those who appreciate being able to see everything inside at a quick glance. Some customers note that the freezer doesn’t always close well, so make a note to check that the door is secure. Other than that, we only wish that this refrigerator was even bigger so larger families could enjoy this excellent model, too. Price at time of publish: $1,240 Despite a smaller price tag, you’ll find practical and useful features inside, such as full-width glass shelves that contain spills and are also easier to clean. Plus, the in-door shelving can hold gallon-size containers of milk or orange juice. The freezer accommodates an optional add-on ice maker, and the whole fridge can be described as quiet. All in all, this model is a great option, and lives up to the EnergyStar rating it’s received. With an estimated yearly energy usage of about 332 kWh, it won’t rack up any major bills. Price at time of publish: $779 However, the supersized freezer is one of the best features of this splurge-worthy refrigerator. Many top-freezer fridges tap out around 4 or 5 cubic feet of capacity, but this model stretches the freezer to an impressive 6.68 cubic feet. Another full-width tempered glass shelf makes it easy to organize frozen foods. You can also install an optional ice maker if you want ice on demand. You can choose from five different finishes, including three fingerprint-resistant options that make cleaning the exterior of the fridge less of a chore. Price at time of publish: $1,500 Inside this top-freezer refrigerator, you’ll find two adjustable shelves and two produce crispers. Compared to some other compact fridges on the market with a single produce drawer, these are significant improvements that make this choice feel and function more like a full-size model. The refrigerator compartment has 7.4 cubic feet of space, while the freezer has the remaining 2.7 cubic feet of space. Just keep in mind that the freezer is not equipped with an ice maker, so you’ll need to use standard ice cube trays to keep your drinks cool. Price at time of publish: $829 With a depth of 26 inches and width of 24 inches, this fridge doesn’t take up too much space while giving you 11.1 cubic feet of interior storage. The fridge portion is 8.49 cubic feet and the freezer is 2.62 cubic feet. While it’s not very roomy, it is well laid-out and functional. The two glass shelves, a sliding tray, and a produce crisper drawer contribute to the organized layout of this top-freezer refrigerator. Price at time of publish: $699 In addition to cool functionality, this model from GE is available in four finishes, including a stylish slate option, if you want something different from well-loved stainless steel. Price at time of publish: $1,079
Counter-Depth vs. Standard-Depth
A refrigerator’s depth impacts how much you can store inside of it, and how the model will look in your home. A counter-depth model sits flush with your counters and cabinets, and gives the fridge a built-in look and feel. The downside to this design is that it’s not very spacious, so your food storage will be quite limited. In contrast, a standard-depth model is very spacious, but will be a bulky addition to your living space. Be sure that you have the footprint for this model, before purchasing it.
Ice Maker
Many top-freezer refrigerators have a factory-installed ice maker, or are compatible with an ice maker kit. Although this amenity can dip into the capacity of your freezer, it can be useful for any home that frequently entertains, prepares drinks, or enjoys doing active activities. It eliminates the need for any separate ice trays, which can be a hassle to both fill up and keep organized on a shelf. If an ice maker sounds like a good fit for your household, you should ideally shop for a fridge with a factory-installed one, as it typically has less issues than one you install separately. Just know: the fridge may be more expensive upfront.
Standout Features
Flexible Compartment
Some top-freezer refrigerators can be turned into entirely refrigerated units. Their freezer can be set to a lower temperature, and dubbed a “flexible compartment.” To use this feature, simply adjust your freezer’s internal temperature to 32 degrees Fahrenheit for fresh food, instead of 0 degrees for your frozen food. Give the freezer time to adjust, before filling it with trays, extra produce, or leftovers for the rest of your household. Typically, this feature is most suitable for homes with children or multiple people.
Deli Drawer
While a deli drawer is a standard feature in many side-by-side and bottom-freezer refrigerators, it’s not a guarantee in top-freezer ones. The standard design of a top freezer fridge can often leave out this feature, which is convenient for storing meats and cheeses at the proper temperature. In some models, the deli drawer slides to make organizing the rest of your fridge a breeze. Ultimately, it’ll be most helpful for households who frequently buy deli meats and cheeses.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was edited and updated by Marisa Casciano, who is the large appliance expert for The Spruce. Throughout her career, she’s researched the ins and outs of air purifiers, dishwashers, cooktops, and more in the home and lifestyle space. She’s lived in multiple apartments, and loves her current top freezer fridge, and its storage options and reliable operation.
