Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

KitchenAid Review

Thursday, December 5th

2024 Refrigerator Reviews

KitchenAid Review 2 Star Rating

KitchenAid

2 Star Rating
  • Prices from $1,999 to $10,529
  • 42 refrigerators
  • 20 Cu Ft.-30 Cu Ft.
  • Side-by-side, top freezer, bottom freezer, beverage, french door
  • 1-year warranty
  • $29 delivery
  • 15-day returns
  • "A+” rating from the BBB

KitchenAid is another American home appliance brand owned by Whirlpool Corporation. Founded in 1919 by The Hobart Manufacturing Company, KitchenAid initially produced stand mixers that became famous on Cooking Channel shows and with popular chefs around the world. Over time, the company expanded its product line to include dishwashers in 1949 and even more options later on. Today, KitchenAid offers a wide range of appliances, from classic suites to individual refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, and ranges.

Appliance Overview

  • Price range: $1,999 to $10,529
  • Types: Side-by-side, top freezer, bottom freezer, beverage, french door
  • Different models: 42
  • Capacity: 20-30 Cu. Ft.
  • Colors: 4
  • Energy Efficient: Some models
  • Return policy: 15 days with free shipping
  • Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
  • Additional protection plans: Yes
  • Financing: Yes
  • Shipping: $29

Basic model: Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator with Interior Dispense

While none of the KitchenAid appliances really seem to count as "basic” when the base prices start so high, this model is the cheapest of the lot and has the most basic features out of the offerings. This french door refrigerator comes with a counter-depth design, which gives it a built-in look for your kitchen. Inside the refrigerator, you can expect an ExtendFresh Temperature Management System and Produce Preserver that works together to keep your food fresh for a longer period. The Humidity-Controlled Crispers offer adjustable humidity levels, allowing you to customize the storage environment for your fruits and vegetables. The FreshChill Temperature Control provides a manual temperature setting, giving you complete control over the freshness of your ingredients, and the Max Cool feature lets you quickly chill groceries or drinks with the touch of a button. This refrigerator is ENERGY STAR Certified and priced at $1,999.

Best Refrigerators

Top-tier model: Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with PrintShield Finish

This model isn't actually the #1 at KitchenAid, but because the top model (along with lots of other refrigerators at KitchenAid) was completely out of stock, we settled on giving you a rundown on the second best. So, this model includes all of the features of the base model along with an Under-Shelf Prep Zone includes a sliding storage tray, while the ExtendFresh Plus Temperature Management System and FreshChill Temperature-Controlled Drawer work together to keep your food fresh. The adjustable spill-resistant glass shelves make cleaning a breeze, as they have a nano-etched surface that contains spills and allows for easy cleaning. One of the major upgrades is that this model offers touchscreen controls. Plus, the Star-K Certified Sabbath Mode meets kosher requirements for customers who need such considerations for their meals. This upgraded model is one of the most expensive in our review, costing $10,529.

Flat shipping fee of $29

When you purchase a refrigerator from KitchenAid, you'll be able to get in-home delivery. For a flat fee of $29, an authorized delivery team will handle the transportation of your appliance, which is especially convenient for large items that can't fit through standard shipping carriers. KitchenAid will keep you informed throughout the process by contacting you via phone or email to notify you when your appliance leaves the factory, reminding you the day before delivery, and informing you when it's about to arrive.

Returns within 15 days and no fees

KitchenAid offers totally free returns, which is a huge bonus considering it charges you for shipping. You can return any major appliance (including a refrigerator) within 15 days from the date of delivery. To initiate a return, you'll need to contact KitchenAid and provide your order number or product serial number. The product must be in its original condition, without any signs of use, and not damaged during initial testing by the delivery team.

Best Refrigerators

Mixed reviews and frustrations

KitchenAid's reputation is mixed depending on where you look. While the company holds an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, it also shows over 5,000 complaints from customers in the last three years. The BBB also shows an average rating of 1 star out of 5. This sentiment is mirrored in some third-party review sites like Trustpilot where KitchenAid has a 1.4-star rating average. While the company does get praise from some experts like USAToday, the reviews for refrigerators specifically aren't as high as competitors. At different retailers, KitchenAid refrigerators range between 3.9-4.1 stars on average. Customers who complained said that the dimensions inside the fridge are not organized properly, making it hard to store items. Others complained about issues with the ice dispenser within weeks of getting the new appliance.

Not affordable or reliable

Considering the high cost of the KitchenAid appliances, it's a little difficult to recommend the company with all of the complaints surrounding elements from organization to reliability. Considering that there are companies out there with far more reliable refrigerators and higher ratings from reviewers, KitchenAid falls near the bottom for both value and reliability.

Where Can You Find the Best Refrigerator?

When purchasing a new refrigerator, choosing your new appliance can be a daunting decision that requires careful research and consideration. You're not just investing in a household appliance; you're making a choice that will impact your daily life for years to come. Whether you're moving into a new home and need a reliable appliance to keep your food fresh, or you're replacing an old fridge that's been giving you trouble for years, you want to make sure you get a model that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Refrigerators have come a long way in recent years, offering a range of features and designs to suit different lifestyles and preferences. From basic side-by-side models to cutting-edge designs with touchscreens and Wi-Fi capabilities, there's a refrigerator on the market to suit every taste and budget. Some models offer advanced features like smart sensors that can detect when food is spoiling and alert you to its presence, while others offer sleek designs that blend into your kitchen decor.

The Best Refrigerators Compare Refrigerators Compare Refrigerator Reviews What are the best Refrigerators Best Refrigerator Reviews

Refrigerator FAQ

In the past, the only option was the freezer-on-top, fridge-on-bottom style, and then customers got the option for side-by-side styles. Today's refrigerators also offer the French door design, usually with two doors on the top and a pull-out freezer drawer (or two) on the bottom. Even more modern features include see-through doors, doors with touchscreens that can display calendars or stream music, and ice makers for cocktail-sized cubes!
Prices vary widely: by brand, features, size, and so forth. You could buy a mini-fridge for a dorm room for under $100, or a top-of-the-line professional model for almost $15,000! Fortunately, most refrigerators for average home use cost somewhere between $7,000 and $4,000.
Yes. Maybe you want a fridge in the house and a freezer in the garage. You can indeed buy refrigerators with no freezer, but be ready for a much more limited selection.
Yes. Not everyone wants to give up the space in their fridge that's taken up by the components of a water dispenser. You can find a decent range of options for refrigerators with no water dispenser in the door.
Most refrigerators will take anywhere from 3 to 24 hours to reach the FDA-recommended temperature of 40 degrees. Keep that in mind as you're planning the logistics of clearing out your old fridge and getting the new one set up: you'll want a way to keep food cold while you're waiting for your new appliance to cool down.
Refrigerators have the longest lifespan of most home appliances: about 13 years, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Your fridge also comes with a manufacturer's warranty, usually about a year. You can buy extended protection if you like, which generally extends that coverage for up to 5 years.
Buying your refrigerator online makes it much easier to narrow down all of the possibilities and zero in on the appliance that best fits your needs. In an appliance store, you could easily wander back and forth between several models, trying to keep all of the features and differences straight in your head. Shopping online, you can easily compare two models side-by-side (pun intended) and keep track of your favorites. Plus, most stores near you will have a very limited floor selection, as opposed to the vast inventory featured online.
That will depend on the store where you get your refrigerator. You could get free delivery or pay a small fee to have it brought to your home and installed. If you need your old fridge hauled off, that's usually included at an extra cost as well.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

No matter which style you want, with a new refrigerator you're definitely in for an upgrade in quality or reliability. While you might be a bit worried about cost, don't worry, we've got your back. With refrigerators ranging from under $500 to over $5,000, there are new refrigerators out there for any budget. The top model on the market might be pricey, but you can find tons of comparable options for reasonable prices as well.

As long as you know what you're looking for in terms of features, size, and other key elements, you can easily stay within your budget without compromising on the tech side. Not everyone wants an in-door water/ice dispenser or Wi-Fi connectivity, so figuring out your refrigerator priorities can help you find the best deals for your new appliance.

Once you've determined what kind of refrigerator will best suit your needs, it's time to research different brands and models. Some manufacturers have a reputation for producing reliable appliances with excellent customer service, while others may be more prone to issues or recalls. All manufacturers are known for something different, with some focusing on more high-end options and others concentrating on the essentials. Make sure you find a brand that aligns with your refrigerator checklist.

However, with so many different brands out there, it can be difficult to know where to begin. If you need a starting point, here are several factors you might want to consider to help you find the perfect brand, model, or style of refrigerator:

  • Style. Do you want a traditional side-by-side refrigerator or do you want something that changes up how you use your space, like a top freezer or bottom freezer? Knowing how you like to pack your perishables can help you easily narrow down which brands to shop with. Some have more options than others in a particular style.
  • Features. Check the features and options available on different refrigerators. Do you want food sensors and specialty drawers to keep food fresh? Do you want Wi-Fi connectivity?
  • Reputation. Invest in a high-quality refrigerator from a reputable manufacturer. This way, you'll know you can get years of reliability out of your new appliance. Look for models with impressive warranties and solid reputations to make sure you're getting the most for your money.
  • Price. Set a budget for your refrigerator and compare options in your range across different brands. Not all brands are made the same and you might find high-end features for low-end prices, depending on where you shop. While it's important to stay within your budget, remember that quality can last for years to come, so investing in a more expensive refrigerator can pay off over time.

To help you find the best refrigerators for your home and style, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the top refrigerator brands and models on the market. We hope our research will help you find a top-notch addition to your kitchen appliances.

The Best Reviews of Refrigerators