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LG vs. Whirlpool Refrigerators: What’s the Difference?

Are you shopping for a new refrigerator but can’t decide between LG and Whirlpool?

Both come with solid warranties, advanced features, and a range of styles and sizes. So what’s the difference? Which brand is better?

In this comparison of LG vs. Whirlpool refrigerators, you’ll learn how they differ in reliability, price, features, sizes, technology, product offerings, and more.

I also share what appliance repair professionals say about both brands.


Use the links below to navigate the comparison:


Difference 1: Reliability

One of the most notable differences between LG and Whirlpool refrigerators is reliability. Simply put, Whirlpool fridges are less likely to have issues, and they’re easier to fix when they do.

I recently conducted a study to find the most and least reliable refrigerator brands. To collect data for that study, I interviewed seven appliance repair professionals and asked them which brands they get calls for the most.

Six of the seven repair companies I spoke to said to avoid LG. Four of seven recommended Whirlpool, but one said the company’s customer service had declined recently, and parts can be hard to find.

The general sentiment I got from the repair professionals was that LG fridges have the most advanced technology but also encounter the most issues. And when something breaks or malfunctions, LG customer support is lacking, and parts are often unavailable. Because of that, few companies service LG.

Whirlpool refrigerators are simpler but less likely to encounter issues, and almost all appliance repair companies will service them.

Hunter Appliance, a repair company in 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.”

Appliance Services LLC, a New Hampshire-based company, said, “Stay away from LG and Samsung. Few companies service these brands. We suggest Whirlpool. Not because they’re better but because everyone will service them, including us. As a rule of thumb: the fewer bells and whistles, the better.”

The service technician at Another Cycle Appliance Repair, Inc. said, “We recommend Whirlpool, Maytag, and KitchenAid refrigerators — those brands are the most reliable. Samsung and LG Refrigerators are the least reliable.”

Harrison Refrigeration & Appliances, a Boston-area appliance service company, said, “KitchenAid, Jenn Air, Maytag, and Whirlpool are reliable, but their customer service has declined lately, and parts are often on backorder. 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.”

The expert at United Appliance Parts in Schenectady, New York, said, “The only brands I don’t recommend are Samsung and LG because they are more expensive on parts and harder to get parts for. Also, most service companies won’t work on Samsung and LG.”

Hub Appliance, a company that’s been repairing fridges in Massachusetts for over 35 years, said,  “Stay away from LG, Samsung, and GE. Whirlpool refrigerators are the most reliable.”

Besides interviewing several repair professionals, I also analyzed thousands of customer testimonials on sites like HomeDepot.com and Lowes.com. While both brands get a mix of good and bad reviews, LG has a higher percentage of 1 to 3-star reviews, with common complaints about door misalignment, broken or leaky water filters, and problems with temperature control.

In fact, LG settled a class-action lawsuit in 2020, which claimed the company sold over 1.6 million refrigerators from 2014 to 2017 with defective compressors. Although LG denied any wrongdoing, they’ve updated the design, and fewer issues have been reported since the settlement.

Difference 2: Price

Another notable difference between LG and Whirlpool is the cost.

In most cases, LG refrigerators are more expensive, even when you compare models with similar features.

LG is a tech-focused brand that invests a lot in research and development. They offer cutting-edge features, but more technology means higher manufacturing costs.

That’s not to say that Whirlpool doesn’t offer high-end choices, like its French door black stainless steel models with in-door ice storage and water filtration. But overall, expect to pay more for LG refrigerators.

The chart below links to similar models across LG and Whirlpool so you can better understand how the brands compare.

StyleLG PriceWhirlpool Price
French DoorLG.comWhirlpool.com
Side by SideLG.comWhirlpool.com
Top FreezerLG.comWhirlpool.com
Bottom FreezerLG.comWhirlpool.com

Difference 3: Warranty

With Whirlpool, you get a one-year parts and labor warranty. That ensures your refrigerator is delivered in good working condition and performs well in the first year. Whirlpool also covers the parts and labor for the sealed refrigeration system for the next four years.

The sealed system includes:

  • Compressor
  • Evaporator
  • Condenser
  • Dryer
  • Connecting tubing

Whirlpool also offers a 30-day warranty on the water filter for units that have one.

LG fridges come with a one-year warranty on parts and labor and a five-year warranty on the sealed system (parts and labor) that includes:

  • Condenser
  • Evaporator
  • Dryer
  • Connecting tubing

The compressor has a 10-year warranty. For the first five years of ownership, it covers parts and labor in the event of failure. In years six through 10, it only covers parts and requires the owner to pay for labor.

Difference 4: Features

LG refrigerators have significantly more features than Whirlpool. If you’re looking for the latest bells and whistles, LG is a step ahead.

The chart below provides an overview of the general features offered by each brand.

Note: Features vary by model.

FeatureDescriptionLGWhirlpool
Ice and water dispensersProvides cold water and/or ice without opening the fridge
In-door ice storageIce bin is built-in to the door for more room in the fridge
Hidden hingesHinges are concealed inside the fridge, offering a seamless look
Reversible door hingeMakes it possible to switch the door to open to the left or right
LED lightsBright, long-lasting, energy-efficient lights to see inside
WheelsMakes it easier to move the refrigerator
Door alarmMakes a sound when the door is not fully closed
Child lockSafety feature to prevent children from opening the door
Smudge-proofHides fingerprints well
Digital temperature controlAllows you to quickly change the temperature
Middle drawerDrawer between the fridge and freezer where you can adjust the temperature.
Door-in-doorAn exterior door to access cold items without opening the main door
Dispenser lightA light that makes it easier to see when you are dispensing water or ice
Sabbath modeDisables lighting, door alarms, and water/ice dispenser in observance of the Sabbath and other Jewish holidays
Wi-Fi connectivityControl certain features with an app on your phone or via voice commands with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa✘ 
Self-closing doorThe door closes automatically, you don’t have to push it to make sure it closes ✘
See-thru doorAllows you to see inside of the fridge through the door✘ 
Flat-back designAllows the refrigerator to be flush with a wall ✘
Garage readyRefrigerators are designed to withstand extreme heat and cold and maintain the right interior temperature✘ 
Triple evaporating cooling systemCooling technology that ensures all foods are properly cooled by multiple vents and that the compressor adjusts to maintain fresh food, longer✘ 

Difference 5: Technology

Similarly, LG refrigerators are packed with more technology. Depending on the model, LG refrigerators feature Wi-Fi connectivity and respond to voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

LG Stainless Steel Refrigerator
LG Stainless Steel French-Door Refrigerator

With the LG ThinQ app, you can manage features, like activating the IcePlus mode to trigger your refrigerator to make extra ice. You can also get notifications that alert you to problems like an open door or a fan motor not working.

With voice assistants, you can speak commands to your LG fridge to play music, create a grocery shopping list, or suggest a recipe.

Some other advanced features include:

  • Craft ice maker: A feature that makes round, slow-melting ice for drinks.
  • Vacation Mode: You can use the LG ThinQ app to program Wi-Fi-connected fridges to conserve energy usage while on vacation.
  • Remote Temperature Controls: You can change the fridge temperature remotely through the ThinQ app.
  • InstaView: Some LG door-in-door fridges feature a glass screen you can tap on to activate a light so you can see what’s in the compartment. Then, you press a lever on the door handle to open the exterior door.
LG InstaView
LG InstaView

Whirlpool refrigerators aren’t controlled by an app. They don’t offer voice assistant compatibility or features like the craft ice maker or remote temperature controls. However, the brand makes other smart appliances like ovens and dryers.

Whirlpool refrigerator on display
Whirlpool refrigerator on display

In the past, Whirlpool offered a door-in-door model with Wi-Fi (unveiled at Consumer Electronics Showcase in 2016), but it’s not currently available.

LG is a tech brand known for consumer electronics like TVs and computer monitors. It makes sense they offer so many advanced features. Whirlpool isn’t positioned as a tech brand, so it doesn’t focus on the technology extras.

However, the more high-end tech features in a refrigerator, the higher the chance that some particular part or setting can fail and be expensive to fix or replace.

Difference 6: Options

Whirlpool and LG refrigerators are available in various styles, including French door, side by side, and top freezer.

They also come in a variety of finishes, such as traditional stainless, fingerprint-resistant stainless, black stainless, black, and white.

There are some color variations as well. For example, Whirlpool offers colors like biscuit and monochromatic stainless.

In terms of options, the main difference between LG and Whirlpool is the number of models they have within each category. For example, LG offers significantly more French door models than Whirlpool.

The chart below shows the number of models each brand has across the four major styles. View all the options on LG.com and Whirlpool.com.

StyleExplanationLGWhirlpool
French doorTwo doors on top for the fridge, one or more drawers on the bottom for the freezer7311
Side by sideTwo vertical doors with the freezer on one side and the fridge on the other1915
Top freezerThe freezer is on top, and the fridge is on the bottom822
Bottom freezerThe fridge is on top, and the freezer is on the bottom66

Difference 7: Capacity

The average refrigerator capacity is between 9 and 30 cubic feet. The more people you have in your home, the larger the capacity you’ll need. For example, if you have a five-person family, you’ll need a fridge with at least 20 cubic feet (assuming you have space).

You can use a space planner to help you decide:

Most LG models have a capacity of at least 20 cubic feet, while only about half of the Whirlpool models have over 20 cubic feet of space. So if you are looking for a larger refrigerator, LG provides more options than Whirlpool.

Difference 8: Top-Rated Models

As you just learned, both brands offer a range of models. Below are the key features of both brands’ top-rated fridges.

LG Door-in-Door Smart Refrigerator: This 28 cu. ft. fridge works with Smart Home devices and is Wi-Fi enabled to connect with the LG ThinQ app. It features fingerprint-proof stainless steel, InstaView, door-in-door, double freezer drawers, and a slim-designed ice system to provide more shelf space. It’s available in traditional or black stainless steel.

LG French Door Smart Refrigerator: This 26 cu. ft. model is compatible with Smart Home devices like Amazon Alexa and the LG ThinQ app. It comes in fingerprint-proof traditional and black stainless steel. It has a bottom freezer, water/ice dispenser, dual ice maker, and employs the LG Smart Cooling System, which maintains an optimal temperature.

Whirlpool French Door: This 26.8 cu. ft. option with French doors is spacious. The ice bin is built into the door to provide room for an extra shelf. The shelves are designed to contain spills. It offers a bottom freezer with additional ice storage and tiered shelves for organization. It is available in fingerprint-proof traditional and black stainless steel.

Whirlpool Top Freezer: This 18 cu. ft. fridge features a top freezer with its own temperature control, adjustable shelving, and a sliding bin. Despite its small size, it can hold about 18 bags of groceries. Its LED interior lighting makes it easy to see everything you need. You can choose black, white, stainless steel, and fingerprint-proof traditional or black stainless steel.

What Others Say About LG and Whirlpool Refrigerators

Independent media outlets often feature LG and Whirlpool in their refrigerator buying guides. To get a broader perspective, let’s review what these outlets say about both brands.

Wirecutter, a New York Times company, chose LG and Whirlpool as two of the four best refrigerators. LG was at the top of the list with the highest number of satisfied customers. Reviewers praised LG’s quiet operation, storage space, and features like the craft ice maker. But they pointed out that LG fridges have had issues over the years with proper cooling.

Wirecutter reviewers thought that Whirlpool models were plain but reliable. They may not have the bells and whistles like LG, but they work well, hold up, and are affordable. However, they lack the capacity options that LG offers.

The Spruce chose LG as one of the best refrigerator brands. Reviewers lauded LG for having a range of models from basic to high-end, adding thoughtful and efficient features — like door-in-door for easy access to cold beverages and InstaView to see what’s in the fridge without opening it. But reviewers found the smart fridges pricey and weren’t impressed with LG customer service.

Whirlpool also made The Spruce’s list. Reviewers praised Whirlpool for dependability, energy efficiency, and simple design. They called the refrigerators “well-made” and “budget-friendly.” However, they found the brand’s lack of premium features disappointing.

In its list of the best refrigerator brands, Insider named Whirlpool as the best refrigerator overall and LG as the best smart refrigerator.

Whirlpool took the top honor for its reliability, high customer satisfaction rating, and straightforward design. But the most affordable options are noisy, and if you want bells and whistles, you’ll need to look at a brand like LG. 

LG smart fridges provide even cooling, multiple high-tech features, and custom controls. But they are expensive to buy and repair.

Whirlpool’s French door refrigerator came in third place in the Popular Mechanics guide to the best refrigerators. Reviewers liked the design and capacity of the Whirlpool model but didn’t like the absence of an ice maker.

Reviewers chose LG in fourth place as the best side-by-side fridge. They liked the large capacity and water filtration but noted complaints about how slowly the model made ice.

Bottom Line: Should You Buy an LG or Whirlpool Refrigerator?

Now that you know the key differences between LG and Whirlpool refrigerators, it’s time to decide which brand is best for you.

I’ll give my recommendation at the end, but first, let’s recap the differences:

  • Six of the seven repair companies I spoke to said LG is one of the least reliable fridge brands. Four of seven recommended Whirlpool.
  • LG refrigerators are more expensive than most Whirlpool models.
  • LG has a longer warranty (10 years) on its compressor than Whirlpool (5 years).
  • LG fridges have more features than Whirlpool, including Wi-Fi connectivity and a compatible app. Whirlpool fridges are less tech-focused.
  • LG has more French door options available.
  • LG offers more high-capacity (20 cu. ft. or more) models than Whirlpool.

Bottom line — I recommend Whirlpool if you want a reliable option that is built well. They may not come with as many features as LG, but you’re less likely to need service. And if something stops working, parts are easier to replace, and almost all appliance repair companies can help.

LG fridges are certainly more advanced with features like Wi-Fi connectivity and the InstaView door. But if you’re just looking for a refrigerator to keep your food cold and safe without causing many headaches, Whirlpool is a better option.

Andrew Palermo Founder of Prudent Reviews

Andrew Palermo - About the Author

Andrew is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Prudent Reviews. He began his career in marketing, managing campaigns for dozens of Fortune 500 brands. In 2018, Andrew founded Prudent Reviews and has since reviewed 600+ products. When he’s not testing the latest cookware, kitchen knives, and appliances, he’s spending time with his family, cooking, and doing house projects. Connect with Andrew via emailLinkedIn, or the Prudent Reviews YouTube channel.

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