Things to Consider
The category of top freezer refrigerators is relatively uniform, as most brands offer budget and midrange models with a similar set of features. Though it may initially be troublesome, you can easily narrow down your options once you have outlined your budget and the main requirements of your kitchen.
Total capacity
Since top freezer refrigerators are made for kitchen settings of all sizes, their gross volumes naturally range from as small as 3.4 cubic feet and all the way up to 25 cubic feet. If you are looking for a model that can fit in smaller spaces such as dorm rooms or office rec rooms, look out for compact or undercounter refrigerators carrying between 3-8 cubic feet of total capacity. Always measure the available space designated for refrigerator installation to match up with product dimensions.
Finish
While the classic white finish remains to be the standard for many top freezer refrigerators, some brands offer their newest top mount series in other colors, some of which are meant to match themed designs. Other frequently sought finishes are stainless steel and black, though in recent years models with retro designs have become rather popular, with red and bisque finishes landing at the top of the list.
Energy efficiency
When compared to other designs, top mount units are generally more energy-efficient, but there are still more options left to work with. If your living space can only take appliances that require the lowest possible amount of power consumption, consider smaller top mount units as well as models that feature ENERGY STAR® certification.
- Review of the Top-Freezer Refrigerators
- Frigidaire FFTR1814TW Top Freezer Refrigerator
- Whirlpool WRT311FZDW Top Freezer Refrigerator
- GE GTS18GTHWW Top Freezer Refrigerator
- Maytag MRT118FFFH Top Freezer Refrigerator
- LG Electronics LTCS24223S Top Freezer Refrigerator
- Magic Chef HMDR1000WE Top Freezer Refrigerator
- Hotpoint HPS15BTHRWW Top Freezer Refrigerator
- Haier HA10TG21SS Top Freezer Refrigerator
- Amana ART104TFDW Top Freezer Refrigerator
- Avanti RA7316PST Top Freezer Refrigerator
- Premium PRN10050MW Top Freezer Refrigerator
- Galanz GLR10TRDEFR Top Freezer Refrigerator
- COSTWAY 22756WH-CYPE-1
- Danby DFF100C1BSLDB
Review of the Top-Freezer Refrigerators
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Specs
- Total capacity: 18 cu. ft.
- Freezer capacity: 3.9 cu. ft.
- Exterior finish: White
- Dimensions: 30”W x 66.6”H x 30.125”D
- Energy consumption: 404 kWh/year
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Features
- Energy-saving operation
- Humidity controls
- Extended door storage
- Flexible sliding shelves
- Greater cabinet accessibility
The Frigidaire FFTR1814TW is a freestanding refrigerator with top freezer configuration and 18 cubic feet of total capacity.
The fresh food cabinet features 2 sliding glass shelves, 2 Store-More™ crispers with humidity controls, and 3 door bins with gallon storage and a dairy compartment.
For added flexibility, all shelves can be adjusted to accommodate taller items, while the crispers can house large amounts of fruits, vegetables, and deli goods.
Located inside the cabinet, electronic climate controls allow you to adjust the temperature and humidity of the refrigerator based on your stocking habits.
The freezer compartment comes with 3.9 cubic feet of storage and offers a full-width wire shelf and 2 full-width door bins for storing ice, drinks, or various frozen foods such as desserts and pre-prepared meals.
The pristine white finish combines color-coordinated elements of exterior design such as hinge covers, removable gaskets, textured cabinet surface, and short UltraSoft™ doors. Both doors are reversible, allowing you to change the swing direction in case you need to adjust for your kitchen layout.
This Frigidaire refrigerator is ADA compliant and energy-efficient, consuming only 404 kilowatt hours annually and meeting industry standards for environmentally-friendly cooling.
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Specs
- Total capacity: 20.51 cu. ft.
- Freezer capacity: 6.09 cu. ft.
- Exterior finish: White
- Dimensions: 32.25”W x 66.25”H x 32.75”D
- Energy consumption: 388 kWh/year
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Features
- Sizeable fresh food cabinet storage
- Humidity controls
- Optional ice maker
- ADA compliant design
- Automatic defrost
The Whirlpool WRT311FZDW is a freestanding refrigerator with top freezer configuration and 20.51 cubic feet of total capacity.
By including 3 frameless glass shelves, the fresh food cabinet not only adds more style to the interior storage, but also allows the interior light to freely shine through see-through shelving and illuminate the entire compartment.
At the bottom of the cabinet you can find 2 humidity-controlled crispers, while the door storage features 6 clear bins with gallon and dairy sections. In addition, a small pantry storage with a Flexi-Slide™ bin lets you store various snacks just within hand’s reach.
The freezer compartment offers 6.09 cubic feet of space and an automatic defrost function for greater ease of operation. All types of frozen goods can be stored on top and under the wire shelf as well as inside 2 wide door bins. The ice maker is optional and can be installed with the EZ Connect Icemaker Kit.
Both compartments provide responsive temperature controls to let you regulate the interior cooling environment however you see fit. The pristine white finish and matching reach-through handles create a clean, classic look able to suit any kitchen settings. This Whirlpool refrigerator is also ADA compliant and energy-efficient.
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Specs
- Total capacity: 17.5 cu. ft.
- Freezer capacity: 4.02 cu. ft.
- Exterior finish: White
- Dimensions: 28’’W x 67.375’’H x 32.5’’D
- Energy consumption: 399 kWh/year
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Features
- Space-efficient design
- Humidity controls
- Spill proof shelving
- Adjustable temperature
The GE GTS18GTHWW is a freestanding refrigerator with top freezer configuration and 17.5 cubic feet of total capacity.
The spacious fresh food cabinet features 3 spill proof glass shelves, 2 of which are adjustable, 4 door bins with gallon and dairy storage, 2 adjustable humidity-controlled crispers, and a clear half-width drawer located under the top shelf and designed for storing various snacks.
The upfront temperature controls are made available on the top interior panel, allowing you to adjust climate settings inside both sections. Additionally, the efficient LED lights ensure full illumination of the fresh food cabinet for easier stocking and restocking.
The frost free freezer adds a full-width wire shelf, 2 fixed door bins, and easy to clean spill proof floor, making it perfectly suitable for long term storage of frozen goods. Should you require it, optional ice maker can be installed with the IM4D ice maker kit.
To make the appliance customizable for any kitchen space, the GE included reversible door hinges, smooth door stops, never clean condenser, and easily removable door gaskets.
Reinforced with a durable steel case and coated in white finish, this GE refrigerator matches its textured rounded doors with reach-through handles and delivers a simple clean design.
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Specs
- Total capacity: 18.15 cu. ft.
- Freezer capacity: 5.09 cu. ft.
- Exterior finish: White
- Dimensions: 29.75”W x 63.375”H x 31.375”D
- Energy consumption: 411 kWh/year
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Features
- Fine air filtration
- Humidity controls
- Fast cooling options
- ADA compliant design
- Low energy intake
The Maytag MRT118FFFH is a freestanding refrigerator with a top freezer configuration and 18.15 cubic feet of total capacity.
The fresh food cabinet is equipped with 3 glass shelves, 6 door bins, a clear dairy compartment, 2 humidity-controlled crispers, and a full-width deli drawer located under the top shelf.
In addition, the interior fresh flow air filter ensures all pure air is distributed evenly throughout the cabinet to facilitate better temperature balance and extend the shelf life of all products.
Offering the neat automatic defrost feature, the freezer compartment also provides enough space with its full-width glass shelf and 2 fixed full-width door bins. Ice maker installation is also possible with the separately purchased Icemaker Kit ECKMF95.
The cooling performance is improved by the PowerCold® function that allows you to speed up the chilling process in order to compensate for the cabinet door being opened too frequently.
Placed on the upfront interior panel, electronic controls allow you to adjust inside temperatures to accommodate different products, from greens and vegetables to dairy and deli meats.
Both compartments are illuminated by BrightSeries™ LED lights that turn on automatically whenever any of the two doors is opened.
Completed with a clean white finish and smooth swing doors with reversible hinges, this Maytag refrigerator is ADA compliant and meets height, side and front reach standards for accessible design.
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Specs
- Total capacity: 23.8 cu. ft.
- Freezer capacity: 6.2 cu. ft.
- Exterior finish: Stainless steel
- Dimensions: 33"W x 69"H x 34"D
- Energy consumption: 501 kWh/year
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Features
- Compact design
- Spacious top mount freezer
- Certified energy rates
- Humidity control
- Improved cooling system
- Extended fresh food storage
The LG LTCS24223S is a freestanding refrigerator with a top freezer configuration and 23.8 cubic feet of total capacity.
Offering up to 17.60 cubic feet of space, the fresh food cabinet is able to store a variety of foods and packaged goods of all types and sizes.
The cabinet comes with 3 white-trimmed glass shelves, 4 clear door bins with gallon storage, a bottle rack, and a dairy pocket. In addition, 2 humidity-controlled crispers and a full-width Glide N’ Serve® pantry drawer can be found at the bottom of the compartment where you can store snacks, deli cheese or meat, party trays, and chilled beverages.
The freezer compartment offers a full-width glass shelf, 2 clear door bins, and an automatic ice maker with its own ice bin relegated to the upper left corner. By including automatic defrost function, the freezer is able to initiate the defrost process only when needed.
When it comes to the cooling performance, this LG refrigerator goes as far as using digital sensors to adjust the cooling and humidity settings of its Multi-Air Flow system, thus extending the freshness of all products regardless of where you place the items in the fridge.
For easier reach, the electronic controls are installed on the upfront interior panel, allowing you to customize climate parameters in both compartments as well as monitor temperature levels on the digital monitor.
Both compartments are equipped with LED light bars that make sure all interior space is completely visible whenever you open the door. In addition, the SmartDiagnosis™ function gives you access to tech support provided by trained specialists.
This is an ENERGY STAR® certified model with an efficient inverter linear compressor and LoDecibel™ sound package. Coated with smooth stainless steel finish, this LG refrigerator perfectly matches its contoured doors with contrasting pocket handles and smooth casing design.
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Specs
- Total capacity: 10.1 cu. ft.
- Freezer capacity: 7.4 cu. ft.
- Exterior finish: White
- Dimensions: 23.6’’W x 59.4’’H x 26’’D
- Energy consumption: 297 kWh/year
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Features
- Space-saving dimensions
- Low energy intake
- Reversible hinges
- Automatic defrost
The Magic Chef HMDR1000WE is a freestanding refrigerator with top freezer configuration and compact design.
The fresh food cabinet features 3 glass shelves, 2 produce crispers with glass covers, and 4 door storage sections including a full-width bottle rack, a glass-covered dairy bin, and 2 in-door can holders.
In order to make climate adjustment easier, the electronic controls are located on the upfront interior panel, also aided by the bright LED lights that ensure satisfactory illumination of the main cabinet.
The freezer compartment also offers LED lighting as well as automatic defrost feature for added efficiency. The interior capacity amounts to 7.4 cubic feet, giving more than enough space for all types of frozen goods. Additional storage can be found in 2 full-width clear door bins and on the full-width wire shelf.
This ENERGY STAR® certified Magic Chef refrigerator is able to dramatically reduce energy usage thanks to its compact configuration and compressor design.
Equipped with easily reversible hinges, both single swing doors can be adjusted to fit your kitchen configuration better. Moreover, both doors feature different handle design to suit the clean white finish, with the refrigerator section offering a neat pocket handle and the freezer compartment concealing its handle to complete the seamless style of the unit.
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Specs
- Total capacity: 14.6 cu. ft.
- Freezer capacity: 3.98 cu. ft.
- Exterior finish: White
- Dimensions: 28”W x 61.75”H x 29.5”D
- Energy consumption: 375 kWh/year
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Features
- Space-efficient design
- Flexible storage
- Temp adjustment
- Low energy consumption
The Hotpoint HPS15BTHRWW is a freestanding refrigerator with top freezer configuration and 14.6 cubic feet of total capacity.
The fresh food cabinet features 3 door bins with gallon storage and a dairy pocket, 2 adjustable wire shelves, and a see-through shelf that doubles as a glass cover for the 2 clear crispers located at the bottom.
The frost free top freezer provides plenty of storing space atop its full-width wire shelf and inside 2 fixed door bins. Additionally, the compartment supports ice maker installation with the optional IM4D ice maker kit.
The upfront temperature controls are located above the top shelf in the fresh food cabinet to let you adjust the interior cooling settings with greater ease. All freezer temperature controls can be accessed in the compartment itself.
This Hotpoint refrigerator is ADA compliant and highly efficient in terms of reduced energy intake. With its smooth white finish, recessed handles, and textured rounded doors with reversible hinges, this model delivers a cleaner, more modern final design.
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Specs
- Total capacity: 9.8 cu. ft.
- Freezer capacity: 2.42 cu. ft.
- Exterior finish: Stainless steel
- Dimensions: 23 5/8"W x 59 1/2"H x 25 1/4"D
- Energy consumption: 327 kWh/year
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Features
- Humidity controls
- Spill proof shelving and floors
- Stainless steel design
- Adjustable temperature
The Haier HA10TG21SS is a freestanding refrigerator with top freezer configuration and 9.8 cubic feet of total capacity.
The fresh food cabinet comes with 7.39 cubic feet of space, offering 3 spill proof glass shelves, 2 clear door bins, and a full-width crisper with humidity controls.
All temperature management controls as well as LED lights are located on the air tower, providing both easy access and better visibility.
The freezer compartment features a full-width glass shelf and 2 clear bins, with the ventilation taking up the upper half of the wall and freezer temperature controls located underneath the shelf.
In addition to spill proof floors, the freezer compartment is equipped with frost free technology that prevents harmful accumulation of frost.
With its stainless steel finish and contrasting pocket handles, this Haier refrigerator makes for a compact and stylish addition to your kitchen. The smooth doors come with easily removable gaskets and reversible hinges, allowing you to adjust the swing to fit your kitchen layout better.
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Specs
- Total capacity: 14.3 cu. ft.
- Freezer capacity: 3.87 cu. ft.
- Exterior finish: White
- Dimensions: 28"W x 62.875"H x 30"D
- Energy consumption: 332 kWh/year
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Features
- Seamless exterior design
- Optional ice maker
- Adjustable temperature
- Produce storage
The Amana ART104TFDW is a freestanding refrigerator with top freezer configuration and 14.3 cubic feet of total capacity.
The fresh food cabinet features 3 door bins with a dairy corner, 3 anti-frost shelves, and a full-width crisper located at the bottom of the compartment. Two of the shelves have wire construction and the ribbed bottom shelf doubles as a cover for the crisper.
Adjusting the climate in this model is much easier with the upfront temperature control system located on the top interior panel. Bright incandescent lights, installed behind the thermostat dial, provide better visibility of all stored products.
The freezer compartment offers a half-width wire shelf, leaving more space for larger items in the right side of the freezer as well as underneath the shelf itself which can be used as a spot for desserts.
The 2 full-width door bins can hold a variety of pre-prepared meals and other compact packages with over-ready food. In addition, the freezer shelf can be removed and replaced with the optional ice maker that you can install with the help of the ECKMF95 ice maker kit.
This ADA compliant model is also low on energy intake and comes with reversible door hinges in order to accommodate all kitchen layouts whenever the change of swing direction is required.
The overall design matches its white finish with hidden pocket handles and smooth textured doors, presenting a crisper final look.
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Specs
- Total capacity: 7.4 cu. ft.
- Freezer capacity: 0.4 cu. ft.
- Exterior finish: Black cabinet with platinum finish doors
- Dimensions: 21.75"W x 55.5"H x 22.5"D
- Energy consumption: 251 kWh/year
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Features
- Adjustable storage
- Certified energy efficiency
- Platinum door finish
- Counter depth design
The Avanti RA7316PST is a freestanding refrigerator with top freezer configuration and compact apartment-friendly design.
Featuring 4 adjustable glass shelves, 4 removable door bins, and 2 clear crispers, the fresh food cabinet amounts to 7 cubic feet of storage. In addition, the cabinet provides interior illumination as well as full range temperature controls.
The cycle defrost freezer houses a full-width wire shelf that divides the compartment equally, providing enough space for pre-prepared meal packages and desserts. The freezer can also fit an ice cube tray and a few additional mouds if needed.
This ENERGY STAR® certified Avanti refrigerator is outfitted with smooth platinum door finish, contrasting black casing, and neatly tucked pocket handles for easier reach.
As both doors are equipped with reversible hinges, the refrigerator can be re-configured to fit different kitchen layouts, and the counter depth unit design allows for flush installation in small apartments and dorm spaces.
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Specs
- Total capacity: 9.9 cu. ft.
- Freezer capacity: 2.62 cu. ft.
- Exterior finish: White
- Dimensions: 24"W x 59.8"H x 26"D
- Energy consumption: 329 kWh/year
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Features
- Removable glass shelves
- Clear produce crispers
- Certified energy efficiency
- Manual temperature controls
The Premium PRN10050MW is a freestanding refrigerator with top freezer configuration and 9.9 cubic feet of total capacity.
The fresh food cabinet comes with 3 sliding glass shelves, 2 full-width door bins, and 2 see-through crispers for produce and snacks. The neat electronic controls are located on the upfront interior panel, and the interior light displays all products clearly whenever the door is opened.
The compact freezer offers 2.62 cubic feet of storage, providing enough space for frozen goods on its full-width wire shelf and inside 2 white door bins. Under the shelf you may also find a manual dial for freezer temperature control for precise adjustment of freezing settings.
As an ENERGY STAR® certified appliance, this compact top freezer model consumes only 329 kilowatt hours per year. Combining its universally fitting white finish and integrated handles, this Premium refrigerator makes for a suitable addition to kitchen with most designs and space restrictions.
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Specs
- Total capacity: 10 cu. ft.
- Freezer capacity: 2.47 cu. ft.
- Exterior finish: Red
- Dimensions: 23.7"W x 61.8"H x 27.5"D
- Energy consumption: 292 kWh/year
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Features
- Certified energy efficiency
- Stylish retro design in red finish
- Quiet operation
- Flexible can storage
- Adjustable temperature
The Galanz GLR10TRDEFR is a freestanding refrigerator with top freezer configuration and stylish retro design.
In contrast to the 50s-inspired exterior, both interior compartments of this compact model come with modern storage section design. The 2 sliding glass shelves can be adjustable, and the lower-level shelf doubles as a glass cover for the full-width clear crisper.
The door storage offers 4 bins of various sizes to accommodate different types and shapes of products, from large bottles and carton beverages to dairy and condiments. Additionally, the upper right side of the door features 2 wire can racks able to fit up to 6 cans 12 fl oz each.
Located on the upfront interior panel, the electronic controls are easier to access, allowing you to adjust the temperature settings inside the fresh food cabinet. The interior light is positioned slightly behind the control panel and provides sufficient illumination of the entire compartment.
With 2.47 cubic feet of storage, the top freezer holds a full-width plastic shelf and 2 door pockets for various packaged items. On the rear wall you can find manual dial that lets you adjust thermostat settings and control freezing intensity.
This Galanz refrigerator is ENERGY STAR® certified and produces the noise level of only 42 dBA, making sure your kitchen remains peaceful and quiet.
As for the exterior, the glossy era-appropriate red finish matches zinc coated handles and, together with rounded door design and decorative chrome lining, delivers the most charming retro look.
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Specs
- Total capacity: 3.4 cu. ft.
- Freezer capacity: 0.4 cu. ft.
- Exterior finish: White
- Dimensions: 17.5"W x 38.5"H x 17"D
- Energy consumption: 277 kWh/year
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Features
- Compact undercounter dimensions
- Efficient energy rates
- Adjustable storage
- Manual temperature controls
The COSTWAY 22756WH-CYPE-1 is a freestanding undercounter refrigerator with compact design and 3.4 cubic feet of total capacity.
Designed specifically for small kitchens or living spaces such as dorm rooms, office rec rooms, and portable homes, this COSTWAY refrigerator stands at 38.5 inches tall and takes up only 17 inches in width.
Equipped with 2 swing doors and a space-efficient top freezer, this model is able to fit both fresh products and frozen goods in sufficient amounts as well as preserve all items for extended periods of time.
The fresh food cabinet features 3 adjustable glass shelves, 3 door bins with extra egg trays, and a deep crisper. Manual thermostat controls are located in the upper right corner closer to the front, allowing you to adjust interior temperatures with greater ease.
The compact freezer compartment offers enough space for desserts or oven-ready meals, ensuring you always have enough snacks or ice cubes when the occasion calls for it.
The classic white finish is easy to clean, and the overall unit design provides accessible maintenance and efficient operation.
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Specs
- Total capacity: 10 cu. ft.
- Freezer capacity: 2.47 cu. ft.
- Exterior finish: Stainless steel
- Dimensions: 23.8"W x 59.8"H x 26.4"D
- Energy consumption: 330 kWh/year
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Features
- Stainless steel finish
- Adjustable storage
- Low energy intake
- Eco-friendly cooling
The Danby DFF100C1BSLDB is a freestanding refrigerator with top freezer configuration and 10 cubic feet of total capacity.
The fresh food cabinet comes with 2 adjustable glass shelves, 3 door bins with gallon storage, and a full-width crisper. Equipped with bright LED lighting, the cabinet allows total illumination thanks to its transparent shelf design.
The frost free top freezer compartment offers flexible loading space with its adjustable wire shelf and 2 fixed door bins. All temperature settings can be adjusted via electronic controls in the fresh food cabinet located on the far wall.
On the exterior side, stainless steel door finish is given contrastic black pocket handles and smooth casing to achieve a more modern, high end look. This compact Danby refrigerator uses eco-friendly refrigerant and knocks down energy usage to only 330 kilowatt hours per year.
In Conclusion
How wide is a top freezer refrigerator?
Top freezer refrigerators come in both standard and counter depth configurations which may affect their width. Average top mount refrigerators measure at 28 inches in width, with more compact models ranging from 17-24 inches. Larger top freezer units have 30-33-inch widths.
Why are top freezer refrigerators more energy efficient?
The energy efficiency of top mount models is a product of the cooling process itself. While bottom freezer units have to put more power into circulating the coolant from bottom to top by making the compressor work harder, top mount refrigerators require less compressor power as the coolant travels naturally from top to bottom. At colder temperatures, the coolant travels down where it heats up and naturally rises to the top again, thus creating a cycle of circulation based on the density changes of the refrigerant.
What is the best top freezer refrigerator?
One of the best overall top freezer models is LG LTCS24223S in stainless steel that comes with its own ice maker and delivers high quality cooling performance.
How long do top freezer refrigerators last?
Depending on the brand, configuration, and setting in which the appliance is used, a top freezer refrigerator can last anywhere between 12 and 27 years. To make sure your refrigerator lasts longer, it is recommended to conduct regular maintenance such as cleaning, defrosting, and troubleshooting. Learning proper stocking etiquette is also a great way to boost the lifespan of your appliance.
