Are you shopping for a new refrigerator but can’t decide between GE and Frigidaire?
Both brands offer a variety of models, features, and technology. But what are the differences? Which is better?
In this comparison of GE vs. Frigidaire refrigerators, you’ll learn how they differ in reliability, price, warranties, styles, features, and technology.
I also share what appliance repair experts say about both brands.
Use the links below to navigate the comparison:
- Difference 1: Reliability
- Difference 2: Price
- Difference 3: Warranty
- Difference 4: Features
- Difference 5: Technology
- Difference 6: Models and Options
- Difference 7: Top Rated Models
- What Others Say About GE and Frigidaire Refrigerators
- Bottom Line: Should You Buy a GE or Frigidaire Refrigerator?
Difference 1: Reliability
Reliability is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing between GE and Frigidaire refrigerators.
Bells and whistles are nice to have, but most people want a fridge that will last long with minimal issues along the way.
So how do these brands stack up in terms of reliability?
I recently published a guide to the most and least reliable refrigerator brands. To pick the winners and losers, I spoke to several appliance repair companies.
I asked each company a simple question: which refrigerator brands are the most and least reliable?
Of the seven companies I talked to, three mentioned GE as one of the most reliable brands. One company said GE is one of the least reliable fridge brands, and two said Frigidaire is prone to issues. None of the companies said anything positive about Frigidaire.
Here are the full results of my interviews.
Brand | Votes for Most Reliable Refrigerator | Votes for Least Reliable Refrigerator |
---|---|---|
Whirlpool | 4 | 1 |
GE | 3 | 1 |
KitchenAid | 3 | 1 |
Bosch | 2 | 0 |
Maytag | 2 | 0 |
Jenn Air | 1 | 0 |
LG | 0 | 6 |
Samsung | 0 | 7 |
Frigidaire | 0 | 2 |
Electrolux | 0 | 1 |
Blomberg | 0 | 1 |
Beko | 0 | 1 |
Hunter Appliance in Littleton, Massachusetts, said, “We tend to see the lowest service call rates on Bosch, GE and KitchenAid French door fridges, and the highest on Samsung, LG, and Frigidaire.”
Harrison Refrigeration & Appliances in Hyde Park, Massachusetts, said, “GE, GE Profile, and Bosch are the most reliable refrigerator brands. These brands are built more sturdy, the parts are generally in stock, and they offer better customer service. Electrolux, Frigidaire, Samsung, LG, Blomberg, and Beko are the least reliable refrigerator brands. These brands have frequent service issues and poor customer service, and their parts are frequently on backorder or no longer available. They’re also more susceptible to premature failures.”
Ray’s Appliance in Taunton, Massachusetts, said, “The brand we recommend above all others is GE. They have the best service and parts availability of all of the brands we carry.”
Hub Appliance in Boston, Massachusetts, put it simply. They said, “Stay away from LG, Samsung, and GE. Whirlpool refrigerators are the most reliable.”
In addition to contacting appliance repair professionals, I also reviewed Yale Appliance’s annual reliability reports. These reports show service rate data for popular refrigerator brands. Service rate is calculated by dividing the number of service calls by units sold.
For example, if Yale sells 1000 GE refrigerators and 100 units need service within the first year, the service rate is 10%.
In the most recent four reports, GE Appliances’ service rate was 11.6% (tied for 2nd place in 2024), 19.6% (7th place in 2023), 16.5% (7th place in 2022), and 12.21% (1st place in 2021).
GE Profile’s service rate was 16.8% (4th place in 2024), 16.5% (5th place in 2023), 10.2% (3rd place in 2022), and 22.8% (7th place in 2021).
Unfortunately, Yale doesn’t sell Frigidaire refrigerators so there’s no data in the report we can use to compare to GE.
Here are the full results so you can see how GE compares to the broader industry.
Refrigerator Brand | Service Rate 2024 | Service Rate 2023 | Service Rate 2022 | Service Rate 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|
LG | 8.8% | 6.9% | 4.5% | 27.8% |
Bosch | 11.6% | 10.7% | 14.9% | 16.9% |
GE Appliances | 11.6% | 19.6% | 16.5% | 12.21% |
GE Profile | 16.8% | 16.5% | 10.2% | 22.8% |
Fisher & Paykel | 18.9% | 5.0% | N/A | N/A |
Café Appliances | 20.1% | 9.9% | 12.6% | 21.9% |
Beko | 32.8% | 25.9% | 32.6% | 18.1% |
KitchenAid | N/A | 25.5% | 17.0% | 21.6% |
Samsung | N/A | N/A | 8.4% | 20.9% |
JennAir | N/A | N/A | 15.8% | 36.7% |
Overall, GE is known in the industry as one of the most reliable refrigerator brands. Most repair companies work on GE and the parts are readily available.
Frigidaire has a less than stellar reputation among professionals, Yale doesn’t carry the brand, and had the lowest owner satisfaction rating according to The New York Times’ survey.
Difference 2: Price
GE and Frigidaire refrigerators have a similar price range, although GE offers more models. You have more options across a range of prices with GE.
In addition to Frigidaire’s standard refrigerator models, the brand offers upgraded models in its Frigidaire Gallery Series. Models in this series range from $780 to $2,500.
GE Profile is the brand’s luxury appliance line. These fridges have a sleek design with added features but cost more. Expect to pay between $2,000 and $4,000 for a GE Profile fridge.
The exact price depends on the retailer and any store or brand promotions running at the time of purchase.
The chart below shows the number of GE and Frigidaire models across standard pricing tiers.
Price | GE Refrigerator Models | Frigidaire Refrigerator Models |
---|---|---|
Under $2,000 | 117 | 33 |
$2,000 to $2,500 | 10 | 11 |
$2,500 to $3000 | 17 | 5 |
$3,000 to $3,500 | 8 | 3 |
$3,500 to $4,000 | 5 | 2 |
Over $4,000 | 1 | 0 |
Difference 3: Warranty
For its full size, non-built-in models, GE offers a warranty on any part of the refrigerator that fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship within one year, including all labor costs.
The warranty covers any part of the sealed refrigeration system, including labor and related services changes for five years and the full extension slides for the lifetime of the product.
Full extension slides are the mounts on the interior side walls of the fridge that allow you to move the drawers and shelves.
For the compact models (GMR02BAN, GMR04AAM, and GMR06AAP), the one year warranty doesn’t include labor and related service costs.
GE offers a two-year warranty for its built in models (PSB42LSR and PSB42LGR), including all labor and in-home service to replace the defective part. The five year warranty covers service and labor costs for the sealed refrigeration system. For years 6-12, the limited warranty covers replacement parts.
Frigidaire offers a one year warranty on the entire refrigerator and a five year warranty on the sealed system and cabinet liner on models sold in the United States. In Canada, Frigidaire offers a one-year warranty covering all repair costs due to defective parts, including service and labor, and a 10-year warranty covering repair costs for the sealed refrigeration system.
If you’re confused by all these terms, the table below comparing GE and Frigidaire warranties should help.
Warranty Period | GE* | Frigidaire |
---|---|---|
One Year | Full replacement for any part that fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship | Full replacement for any part that fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship |
Five Years | Full replacement of any part of the sealed refrigeration system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, and tubing) | Full replacement of any part of the sealed refrigeration system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, and tubing) and cabinet liner |
Years Six – Ten | For GE Profile 42- and 48-inch built-in fridges: Full replacement of any part of the sealed refrigeration system | N/A |
Lifetime | Replacement of extension slides (parts only) | N/A |
Difference 4: Features
GE and Frigidaire refrigerators offer a wide range of features.
The most notable difference is that GE offers models with a door-in-door feature, which allows you to access often-used items without opening the main door and letting cold air out.
The chart below compares the various whistles and bells offered by both brands.
Feature | Explanation | GE | Frigidaire |
---|---|---|---|
Ice and water dispensers | Usually located on the front of the fridge | ✔ | ✔ |
Dispenser light | Dispenser lights allow you to see how much water you’re putting into the cup at night | ✔ | ✔ |
Hidden Hinges | Hinges are concealed inside the refrigerator, giving the appliance a seamless look | ✔ | ✔ |
Reversible door hinge | Reversible door hinges let you change the swing direction of the fridge doors to fit your kitchen layout | ✔ | ✔ |
LED lights | Energy-efficient LED lights illuminate the inside of the fridge | ✔ | ✔ |
Wheels | Wheels are located on the bottom, making it easier to move | ✔ | ✔ |
Door alarm | When you accidentally leave the fridge door open, an alarm will sound | ✔ | ✔ |
Child lock | Child lock disables the front control panel, preventing children from changing the temperature and disabling/enabling the ice maker | ✔ | ✔ |
Sabbath mode | Disables the lights, door alarms, and dispenser in observance of the Sabbath and other Jewish holidays | ✔ | ✔ |
Smudge-proof | Smudge-proof refrigerators won’t have unsightly finger smudges when you touch the door or handle | ✔ | ✔ (Frigidaire Gallery) |
Digital temperature control | The digital temperature controls on the front of the fridge let you adjust the temperature with the push of a button | ✔ | ✔ |
Door within door | Door-in-door fridges have an outer door and an inner door. You can grab items from the outer compartment without letting out cold air from the inner compartment | ✔ | ✘ |
Self-closing door | These doors close automatically, so you don’t have to deliberately push them closed | ✘ | ✔ (Frigidaire Gallery) |
Flat-back design | Flat-back fridges do not have any raised areas on the back, allowing them to sit against a wall without any gaps | ✔ | ✔ |
Garage ready | Designed to maintain the proper temperature, even in extreme heat and cold | ✔ | ✔ |
LED wall | Brighter LED lights along the entire back wall | ✔ | ✘ |
Difference 5: Technology
GE refrigerators offer superior technology compared to Frigidaire models. However, tech isn’t always a good thing.
Similar to care, refrigerators with more technology have more systems and parts that can break down. The appliance repair expert I spoke to at Hub Appliance put it simply, “Fancy models have fancy (and expensive) problems.”
Some of the main technology features in GE refrigerators include:
Remote control: You can control many of your fridge’s features remotely through the SmartHQ app, including temperature, hot water function, ice maker, Sabbath mode, and TurboCool and TurboFreeze modes.
Alerts: The GE SmartHQ app will send notifications to let you know when the door has been left open, the fridge temperature is too high, or when the water filter needs to be replaced.
TurboCool and TurboFreeze: These modes allow you to rapidly cool the fridge or freezer after you put hot items inside or if the door is opened frequently enough for the fridge temperature to increase.
Autofill: The autofill feature allows you to set your water dispenser to fill a precise amount with the touch of a button. For example, if you use the same water bottle every day, you can program autofill to release the correct amount.
Built-in Keurig: Some GE fridges have built-in Keurig single-serve coffee machines. You can control this space saving feature through the SmartHQ app, even scheduling the hot water function so it’s ready when you need it.
Frigidaire also has an app, but it’s less comprehensive than the GE tech. The Frigidaire app is mostly for alerts. It lets you know if a door has been left open, when a water filter needs to be replaced, or if your fridge loses power or gets too warm.
If you want advanced tech features, GE not only offers more features but more models with advanced tech.
Difference 6: Models and Options
GE and Frigidaire both offer several refrigerator models and options. Many options overlap, such as colors (stainless steel, black, and white) and styles (French door, side-by-side, bottom freezers, and top freezers).
The main difference between the brands is the number of models — GE has 73 options compared to Frigidaire’s 34.
GE Options
- Number of models: 73
- Styles: French door, side-by-side, top freezer, and bottom freezer
- Finishes: Stainless steel, white, black, slate, black slate, silver, and bisque
Frigidaire Options
- Number of models: 34
- Styles: Top freezer, bottom freezer, French door, side-by-side
- Finishes: Stainless steel, black stainless steel, stainless look, white, black, and gray
Difference 7: Top-Rated Models
GE and Frigidaire have extensive catalogs of refrigerators. But to understand each brand better, let’s review the details about two of their top-rated models.
GE French Door Refrigerator: This top rated and Energy Star Certified model features French doors and a bottom freezer drawer. You can choose from four color options: black, white, slate, and stainless steel. There’s no need to worry about fingerprints because the stainless steel option has a smudge-resistant finish. This fridge has quick-space shelves that push back easily, creating more space for tall items. This model also features bright LED lighting and an easy-to-use digital temperature control panel.
GE Side-by-Side Refrigerator: This GE model includes side-by-side fridge (right side) and freezer (left). You can choose from five colors: stainless steel, white, black, bisque, and slate. The slate and stainless steel options include the smudge-resistant finish to keep your fridge looking clean. You can also adjust the edge-to-edge glass shelves to various heights. The flush mounted LED lights save space with a streamlined design.
Frigidaire Gallery 4-Door Refrigerator: This top-rated Frigidaire model features two levels of French doors for both the fridge and freezer units. It’s available in smudge-proof stainless steel, reducing the risk of fingerprints. It features the Custom-Flex Temp Zone, allowing you to customize the temperature of the storage spaces and the SpaceWise Organization system, including expandable door bins, adjustable shelving, a SnackZone, and flip-up shelf to accommodate taller items. It’s Energy Star Certified.
Frigidaire Side-by-Side Refrigerator: This EnergyStar Certified side-by-side fridge (right) and freezer (left) model is available in black stainless steel, stainless steel, white, and black. The stainless steel options include a smudge-proof finish to keep your fridge looking clean. This model’s large capacity includes flexible organization, including adjustable door bins, removable glass shelves, and two produce drawers. It also features the EvenTemp Cooling system, which reacts to temperature fluctuations and constantly circulates cold air to keep your food fresh and freezer burn free.
What Others Say About GE and Frigidaire Refrigerators
Let’s take a look at what other independent experts and outlets have to say about GE and Frigidaire refrigerators.
The New York Times included GE French door refrigerators in its review of the Best Refrigerator Brands. The article mentions that GE fridges received the second best ratings in the reader survey (after LG refrigerators). The article mentions the GE Profile PVD28BYNFS model because of positive customer reviews about the ice and water dispenser and a motion sensor light.
Reader’s Digest includes both GE and Frigidaire in its review of the Six Best Refrigerator Brands. The article calls out Frigidaire for the best budget refrigerators, specifically mentioning its range of budget friendly models, customizable shelving, and Energy Star certification. The article also recognizes GE for providing the most reliable fridges. GE models are recognized as long lasting and durable against dents, stains, and scratches. The author also mentions the excellent customer service provided by the brand.
The Spruce also includes both GE and Frigidaire in its review of the Eight Best Refrigerator Brands. GE’s French door fridges are praised for the swiveling door bin that provides easy access to your favorite items without having to open the entire door, as well as the LED light wall that brightens the entire interior of the fridge. The article also features the Frigidaire Gallery GRMC2273BF model, calling out its collapsible shelf and Custom-Flex Temp drawer.
US News and World Report includes the Frigidaire 13.9 Cubic Foot Top Freezer and the GE 27.0 Cubic Foot French Door models in its review of the Best Refrigerators. The article calls out the Frigidaire model for being energy efficient and budget friendly. The GE model, on the other hand, is recognized for its smart features including WiFi connectivity, the SmartHQ app, and the customizable temperature settings.
Bottom Line: Should You Buy a GE or Frigidaire Refrigerator?
Now that you know the key differences between GE and Frigidaire refrigerators, it’s time to decide which brand is right for your kitchen. First, let’s recap the details.
- GE refrigerators are more reliable than Frigidaire, according to the professional appliance repair experts I interviewed.
- GE and Frigidaire both offer a wide range of models and price points, although GE’s price range is greater, with more options on the higher end.
- Both brands offer warranties that cover defective parts and materials for one year and sealed refrigeration systems for five years. Although GE’s warranty covers the sealed system for 10 years (select models only) and the extension slides for life.
- Both brands offer a wide range of features, although GE fridges are equipped with more advanced technology and “smart” options.
Bottom Line — GE and Frigidaire are both respected appliance brands that have been making quality refrigerators for decades. But if you’re on the fence, go with GE. It has a better warranty, offers a wider range of models and features, and it’s recognized as a more reliable brand.
With GE, you can opt for a model with a door-in-door feature, remote management via the SmartHQ, and even a built-in coffee machine. Most Frigidaire models are pretty basic. They keep your food cold, but that’s about it.
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