5 Best Top-Freezer Refrigerators Of 2023 | A Full Guide
Top-freezer refrigerators are BUDGET-FRIENDLY options for moms, homeowners, and kitchen connoisseurs alike. These refrigerators may not have the fanciest accessories and features. Yet, there are many reasons why people opt for this style. Specifically, they’re best for shoppers on a budget who want more fridge than freezer space. Additionally, it’s a good choice for users […]
Top-freezer refrigerators are BUDGET-FRIENDLY options for moms, homeowners, and kitchen connoisseurs alike.
These refrigerators may not have the fanciest accessories and features. Yet, there are many reasons why people opt for this style.
Specifically, they’re best for shoppers on a budget who want more fridge than freezer space. Additionally, it’s a good choice for users with little space to spare at home.
If these three things resonate with you while searching for a new fridge, a top-freezer refrigerator could be your best bet!
To simplify your shopping experience, I’ve reviewed several brands and came up with the five top-freezer refrigerators of 2023.
The Top Freezer Refrigerators of 2023: 5 Best Options
A top-freezer refrigerator features a freezer compartment at the top of the unit and a fridge compartment at the bottom.
Top freezer refrigerators are the most basic fridge models you can purchase. As mentioned, they don’t have fancy attachments and features; most are very STRAIGHTFORWARD, yet some offer more spice to their fridge models.
1. Whirlpool 18.2 cubic feet Top Freezer Refrigerator – Best Overall
What I like
- Large refrigerator capacity and flexible storage space
- Customizable temperature
- 400 kwh/year estimated energy use
- Bright interior light
What I don’t like
- No deli shelf and ice maker included
- Not Energy Star-certified
This 18.2 cubic-foot, stainless steel top freezer from Whirlpool comes first on my list despite not having as many unique features and attachments as the other products listed.
While it lacks a deli drawer and only offers an optional ice maker model, I can say it’s justifiable at its LOW PRICE of only $728.
It offers ample storage space for all your groceries, especially with the flexi-slide bins that quickly move side-to-side to make room for taller items.
Additionally, it has two crisper drawers with selectable humidity levels to keep fruits and veggies fresh, plus customizable door bins.
It also features a freezer temperature control that allows you to adjust the cold air in the freezer shelf. Hence, you can use it as an additional refrigerator compartment when you need more space.
The Whirlpool top-freezer also has an electronic temperature control, so you can set your fridge’s coolness depending on the food you’re storing.
Capacity: 18.2 cubic feet | Dimension: 67.13 x 28 inches (HxW) | Installation depth: Standard depth | Depth: 30.5 inches | Finish: Fingerprint-resistant, stainless steel coating
2. LG – 20.2 Top-Freezer with Ice Maker – Best Value for Money
What I like
- Large fridge and freezer spaces
- Impressive shelving system
- Well-maintained humidity and temperature
- Smart enabled
- Energy Star certified
- Ice-maker and water dispenser-ready
What I don’t like
- Pricey
- Might require more maintenance than other models
This stainless steel LG top-freezer fridge is pricier, but I assure you it’s worth every dollar.
It offers a HUGE refrigerator capacity, featuring 24 cubic-foot storage for both the fridge and freezer spaces. It also has an ice maker plus an internal water dispenser — a rare find in most traditional models!
I also like the multi-flow air technology that maintains superior humidity and temperature levels to keep food fresh. Its linear compressor also REDUCES temperature fluctuations.
Food storage in this LG top-freezer model is also impressive. It features spill-proof shelves designed to contain spills in the fresh food section. These glass shelves are also height adjustable, so you can customize them to your liking.
Aside from the adjustable glass shelves, it also offers door-in-door bins, a folding shelving system to fit in taller items, and a 3-tier freezer space.
One major thing that sets it apart from other top-freezer models is its integration with the LG ThinQ app. Yes, it’s SMART-ENABLED! This allows you to set the temperature using your smart devices.
Capacity: 23.8 cubic feet | Dimension: 68 x 33 inches (HxW) | Installation depth: Standard depth | Depth: 34 inches (excluding handles) | Finish: Fingerprint-resistant, stainless steel coating
3. VISSANI 18 cubic feet Top Freezer Refrigerator – Best Budget Option
What I like
- Energy Star certified
- Safe and spill-proof glass shelving
- Frost-free design
- Bright LED interior lighting
What I don’t like
- Minimal storage space
- No other added features
- Limited shelf adjustment
The most budget-friendly option on this list is this 18 cubic-foot top-freezer from Vissani. For its price, you can already expect that it offers the MOST BASIC features a top freezer has.
It has two adjustable glass shelves, two butter trays, two large compartments on the door bin, and adjustable wire shelves for food storage space. It also features crisper drawers that keep fruits and vegetables fresh.
I like how the glass shelves are made of SAFETY GLASS, as it minimizes the possibility of breaking and increases user safety.
Additionally, this Vissani freezer fridge is energy efficient and has obtained an Energy Star certification.
Capacity: 18 cubic feet | Dimension: 66.61 x 29.53 inches (HxW) | Installation depth: Standard depth | Depth: 30.91 inches | Finish: Stainless steel
4. LG Top Freezer Refrigerator w/ Multi-Air Flow and Reversible Door – Best Energy Efficient
What I like
- Energy Star certified
- Ample storage capacity
- 2-gallon storage on the door bins
- Meets the standards set by the Department of Energy
What I don’t like
- Does not freeze quickly
- Attracts fingerprints
This 20 cubic-foot stainless steel fridge from LG is your best bet if you want to go for ADDITIONAL STORAGE SPACE.
It has two crisper drawers with superior humidity and temperature controls, adjustable shelves, and 2-gallon door bins.
Additionally, its reversible door lets you decide if a left or right door swing fits your space and minimizes installation issues.
I can also say that this fridge is thoughtfully designed since it features contoured doors, hidden hinges, bright LED lighting, and other great internal features, which make it look and feel sophisticated.
It is also equipped with a digital sensor and smart diagnosis to consistently monitor the conditions of the fridge, maintain its cool temperature, and even help you troubleshoot issues.
Capacity: 20.2 cubic feet | Dimension: 65.5 x 29.75 inches (HxW) | Installation depth: Standard depth | Depth: 33.8 inches (excluding handles) | Finish: Stainless steel
5. Frigidaire 13.9 cubic feet Top Freezer Refrigerator – Best for Small Spaces
What I like
- Great storage organization
- Best fit for small homes
- Budget-friendly
- Energy Star certified
What I don’t like
- Limited storage capacity
If you live in a small home and don’t need as much storage space, this 13-cubic-foot stainless steel fridge from Frigidaire is your best choice.
For a $500 fridge, you get two full-width glass shelves, a half-width deli drawer to store your meat products, and humidity-controlled crisper drawers.
It also has three full-width racks for door storage, a glass shelf for the freezer, and two freezer door racks to store all your frozen foods.
The EvenTemp technology on this fridge also ensures that its airflow is evenly optimized for a consistent temperature.
Capacity: 13.9 cubic-foot capacity (10.0 cu. ft. fridge and 3.9 cu. ft. frozen foods) | Dimension: 59.88 x 27.63 inches (H x W) | Installation depth: Standard depth | Depth: 31.25 inches | Finish: Stainless steel
Quick Comparison Of Top-Freezer Refrigerators
| Top-Freezer Refrigerators | Capacity | Dimension | Installation Depth | Depth | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whirlpool Top-Freezer Refrigerator | 18.2 cubic feet | 67.13 x 28 inches (HxW) | Standard depth | 30.5 inches | Fingerprint-resistant, stainless steel coating |
| LG Top-Freezer with Ice Maker | 23.8 cubic feet | 68 x 33 inches (HxW) | Standard depth | 34 inches (excluding handles) | Fingerprint-resistant, stainless steel coating |
| VISSANI Top-Freezer Refrigerator | 18 cubic feet | 66.61 x 29.53 inches (HxW) | Standard depth | 30.91 inches | Stainless steel |
| LG Top-Freezer Refrigerator | 20.2 cubic feet | 65.5 x 29.75 inches (HxW) | Standard depth | 33.8 inches (excluding handles) | Stainless steel |
| Frigidaire Top-Freezer Refrigerator | 13.9 cubic feet | 59.88 x 27.63 inches (H x W) | Standard depth | 31.25 inches | Stainless steel |
What is a Top Freezer Refrigerator?
As previously mentioned, top-freezer refrigerators feature a freezer compartment at the top of the unit and a fridge at the bottom — they’re the most similar to traditional styles of refrigerators and come in counter-depth and standard sizes.
Top-freezer fridges are straightforward, simple, and budget-friendly. Most top-freezer models don’t include as many attachments and special features as other options.
A top-freezer refrigerator offers adjustable shelves, compartments, storage bins, and LED lighting. It also offers MORE FRIDGE SPACE than freezer shelf space.
Benefits of Top Freezer Refrigerators
Despite its straightforward design and functionality, many prefer purchasing a top-freezer model for their homes.
If you’re looking for more reasons why you should go for top-freezer fridges, here are some of the benefits these models offer:
- Cost-effective – given its simple and traditional style, top-freezer fridge manufacturers didn’t spend too much time and resources to re-design these models, making them budget-friendly options for shoppers—most top-freezer refrigerators’ cost range from $600 and $1000. You can already get a decent and highly-functional fridge at this price point.
- Simplistic design – although it doesn’t have as many attachments and special features as other refrigerator styles, the simplistic design makes it easier for users to access the freezer and fridge of these models. They’re not too complicated to use and don’t require the user to bend over to access the fridge and freezer compartments. Additionally, these types of fridges are not difficult to clean and maintain. With fewer repairs and maintenance issues, you’re also ensured that your fridge will last long.
- Space-saving – most top freezer refrigerators are designed to be compact, plus there are counter-depth options to choose from. They are great for users living in small apartments with less room to spare. They’re also not difficult to install, unlike other refrigerator styles on the market.
- Extra storage capacity – if you’re looking for a unit that offers ample storage space, a top-freezer fridge might be a good choice. The freezer in some models can even be converted and used as a fridge alone, which means it can provide adequate space to keep food cold and fresh and also makes it a good fit as a second fridge.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Top Freezer Refrigerator
At this point, you already know why you should (or shouldn’t) consider buying a top-freezer fridge for your kitchen, plus great models to choose from, as provided in this list.
But it’s still crucial that you know the factors and minute details you shouldn’t miss when shopping for the best top freezer refrigerator.
This way, you can choose the model that would fit your and your family’s needs. I suggest that you always look for these details to narrow down your choices:
Dimensions
Considering the size of the top-freezer fridge is essential in ensuring it will fit your space. Should you get a counter-depth or standard-depth fridge?
While a larger fridge means greater storage capacity, you should note the maximum dimensions your place can cater to.
Hence, before shopping, measure the space where you plan to install your new fridge. Additionally, ensure that it can handle the width of an open-door swing.
Capacity
Top-freezer models are designed to be smaller and more compact compared to modern styles, such as French door models.
A top-freezer has an average storage space of 16 cubic feet for your groceries, with the freezer occupying four cubic feet of this space. You can already picture that this is ideal for smaller family sizes or couples.
High-capacity top-freezers offer up to 24 cubic feet and an adjustable shelving system to free up the fridge and provide more storage space. But we can’t deny the fact that its capacity is generally limited.
Cost
You must also consider your budget when shopping for a new refrigerator. If you are looking for budget-friendly options, you’ve hit the jackpot; this is probably the best fridge you can get.
Plenty of top-freezer models you can choose from are HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL at a low price. But these don’t come with modern features like the others.
The less sophisticated the fridge is, the lower the cost. But, if you’re looking for additional attachments and features, like built-in ice makers and a sliding deli drawer, you should expect they’d cost a bit more.
Style
These traditional refrigerators aren’t as impressive when it comes to style. Its color options are limited to black, stainless steel, and white. Other brands offer several colorways (black stainless steel, red, and bisque), yet rarely.
The style would also determine how to install the fridge in your home.
Others are meant to sit on your counter (like a counter-depth fridge), making it appear like it’s built-in. This is contrary to the standard-depth fridge that needs to sit on the floor.
Energy Efficiency
One of the benefits of top-freezer fridges is energy efficiency because of their freezer placement.
You can also check if the fridge you’re eyeing is Energy Star-certified to ensure that the fridge model is indeed energy-saving.
By saving energy, you’re not only being eco-friendly. You’re also cutting the cost of your utility bills!
Deli Drawer
If you don’t know it yet, a deli drawer is used to store meat products to keep them fresh.
This is common in the side-by-side, French door, and bottom fridges but not in traditional models, so adding this to top-freezer models makes it a STANDOUT FEATURE.
When integrated into top-freezer refrigerators, it mostly features a half-width deli drawer which might not be enough for some. So, try looking for a model that offers a full-width deli drawer.
Flexible Interior Storage System
Freezers are supposed to consistently have low temperatures to maintain the freezing point. But, some models allow you to adjust the internal temperature to double as a refrigerator compartment and increase capacity.
From 0, you can crank it up to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, so it will be cool enough to store food and keep them fresh without freezing them completely.
Note
If your freezer refrigerator has this feature, make sure to give it enough time to adjust to the newly set temperature before stashing in fresh food, extra produce, or leftovers.
Ice Maker
An ice maker is a total giveaway for fridges. Many people like options with a built-in ice maker or those suitable for an ice maker kit. This is a great feature, especially when you like preparing drinks at home.
Having a built-in ice maker in your fridge eliminates the need for separate ice cube trays or the hassle of installing one separately.
Just a heads up; an automatic ice maker is NOT COMMON for top-freezer refrigerators. If you ever find one, you shouldn’t be surprised it would cost more than the other top-freezer models.
Temperature Control and Cooling Performance
Temperature control and cooling performance are probably the most important criteria you shouldn’t miss.
Obviously, if you’re looking for the best top-freezer refrigerator, you should choose one with outstanding cooling performance since that’s the primary purpose of a fridge.
Cooling performance is indicated by the EQUAL DISTRIBUTION of cold air in the fridge, compressor performance, and integrated cooling technology.
Warm spots in a fridge are a major red flag, and it’s less likely to keep your food fresh for a long time.
Additionally, you should be able to control the temperature to adjust to seasonal temperature swings and maintain the performance of your fridge despite hot weather.
Allow me to answer more of your questions before I wrap up my top picks and give you my final thoughts on these fridges.
Top-freezer refrigerators feature a freezer shelf at the uppermost part of the unit, contrary to bottom-freezer refrigerators. However, aside from freezer placement, they also differ in energy consumption.
Top-freezer refrigerators use 10% to 25% LESS ENERGY, making them energy-efficient choices and cheaper to operate. But, if you’re looking for more freezer space, bottom-freezer fridges are the one to go for.
Most freezer fridges are built to last between 10 and 15 years due to their lack of attachments and other features that need frequent maintenance. Compared to modern fridges that last 6 to 8 years, this is a great bargain.
An average top-freezer costs between $600 and $1000. Other brands and models are a bit cheaper, while the others are more expensive and can exceed $1000.
The price greatly depends on the brand, features, and technology integrated into the fridge.
Top Freezer Refrigerators Related FAQs
My Top Picks
Here are my top 3 choices:
Best Budget Option – Vissani 18 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator
For a fridge costing only $498, you can benefit from its 18 cu. ft. combined storage capacity. Aside from that, it features safety glass shelves that minimize future breakage.
This fridge even has an Energy Star certification, which means you’ll spend less money in terms of energy consumption. And given its lack of special features (ice makers and smart integration), it will require less maintenance.
Best Value for Money – LG – 20.2 Top-Freezer with Ice Maker
This stainless steel fridge is on the pricey side, but it’s the most modern out of all the top-freezers I reviewed.
It offers large fridge and freezer spaces, an impressive shelf system, and it’s equipped with an ice maker and water dispenser, which are rare finds in traditional models.
Additionally, it’s Energy Star certified, which makes it energy efficient and eco-friendly.
Best Overall – Whirlpool 18.2 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator
Overall, the Whirlpool top-freezer is the one that stood out to me. It’s budget-friendly, has customizable temperature, and has flexible storage. I think these features are exceptional for such a traditional model.
Its 18.2 cu. ft. size is not too big nor too small and will surely fit tight home spaces. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this to couples, small families, and those living alone.
Like the Vissani, it doesn’t include sophisticated attachments, which means it calls for lesser maintenance and repairs.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap! I hope you can find the best top-freezer of your choice in this article. If not, it’s your call! Just remember to consider the important factors when shopping for one.
Feel free to refer to this guide if you have more top-freezer concerns.
Happy shopping!
