Best Refrigerators in India - Reviews and Comparison 2021

The capacity of the refrigerator is the first thing to look for. The choice of a refrigerator depends on the habits of the user and the number of family members. Like most storage appliances, the refrigerator capacity is also measured in litres. Here’s a small table for reference that gives you a snapshot of how much capacity can suit you based on the number of users in a family.

The most important consideration after the capacity of a refrigerator is its dimension or size. The refrigerator must fit in perfectly in the storage space available at your home.

Another vital aspect to consider is that there is enough space to let the refrigerator door open freely. Though the refrigerator door doesn’t need to be opened more than 90 degrees to pick and put things, and it can be easily cleaned in that state. Also, it is important to keep some space around the sides so that there is proper circulation of air.

Single Door Refrigerators

Generally using a direct cool Technology, single door refrigerators are also synonymous to direct cooling refrigerators. These refrigerators have an average capacity of up to 300 litres. However, these are perfect for small families and bachelors.

They are highly power-efficient and consumes 30 to 40% less energy compared to the refrigerators of the same capacity. They are also easy to fit and economical. However, they need to be manually defrosted periodically. 

If you are someone who stocks up food regularly, you should prefer to go with a refrigerator of higher capacity.

Double Door Refrigerators

Double door refrigerators have two doors for different segments. Featuring a capacity between 200 to 800 litres, and they are perfect for medium families of 4 to 5 members. They have a frost-free and automatic mechanism for defrosting, (depending on model), unlike the single door refrigerators.

This feature makes these refrigerators a slightly costlier, and a little less power efficient than the single door refrigerators. Double door refrigerators are further categorised into two broad categories, namely top mount and bottom mount. 

• Top Mount – In the top mount set up, the freezer compartment is on the top part of the refrigerator. It is common and one of the buyer’s favourite models.

• Bottom Mount – In the bottom mount refrigerator, the freezer is present on the bottom part of the refrigerator. It is more user-friendly as compared to top mount models, but at the same time, it consumes more power than the top mount.
  

Side-By-Side Refrigerator

The side by side refrigerator is a relatively new type but its popularity is increasing day by day. The advantage of a side-by-side refrigerator is that they have larger capacities which is a great fit for large families especially in a nation like India.

Some high-end models also have features including an ice dispenser, which provides access to ice and cold water without even opening the refrigerator. 

The side by side refrigerator can consume major space at your home, so make sure you have enough space for the refrigerator to fit inside conveniently. 

Also, the related power consumption of this refrigerator is very high as compared to the other two types of refrigerators.

The compressor is one of the vital elements that make the refrigeration effective. It's considered the heart of the refrigerator as it circulates the coolant inside the whole refrigerating unit by converting it into vapours. In the absence of a compressor, the refrigerator will lose its cooling capacity.

The compressor is the most significant part of the refrigerator and it should always be in the best condition. Optimized performance of the compressor always leads to the greater durability of the refrigerator. And the inverter technology is a smart way to make it possible.

While in the case of normal refrigerators, the compressors work at a uniform speed and go on and off regularly, which cause excess use of power as the refrigerators function with the same intensity. Whereas in appliances embedded with Inverter Technology, the compressor works at a different speed based on cooling needs.

This leads to greater power savings which could be even 30-40% at a stable temperature.

Defrosting refers to the process of melting the uneven frost that has been accumulated inside the refrigerator due to constant cooling. The defrosting technology used in the refrigerator has two major classifications, namely, direct cool defrosting technology and frost-free refrigeration. 

• Direct cool defrosting is where the natural convection process generates the cool inside the appliance and the temperature distribution can't be controlled which leads to uneven cooling and ultimately frosting. Periodic defrosting has to be done to keep the refrigerators fully functional.  This is normally featured in small size energy-efficient refrigerators. 

• Frost-free refrigeration is a unique technology that leads to a balanced distribution of cool air around the refrigerator using special electric fans and run the defrosting cycle on its own. This technology is present in side-by-side, double-door and triple door refrigerators. Although, the technology is less energy efficient but at the same time, it is durable and effective. Moreover, it is highly useful for households requiring frequent refrigeration.

The design of the refrigerator is also an important part to consider. You should consider the number of shells and the capacity of shells inside the refrigerator. Most shelves are adjustable. You can remove them or change their position to make space for an extra or bigger vessel.

• Double Door Action

The double door action function lets you see the inside of the refrigerator without even opening the door. The refrigerator has an opaque glass front panel that lights up whenever you try to sneak inside the appliance.

• Indicators

Indicators are those components of refrigerators, that notify you with a beep in case a refrigerator is kept open for an unusually long time.

• Built-In Voltage Stabilizer

A voltage stabilizer comes built-in and is an essential part of a refrigerator, that is used to neutralize and handle the voltage fluctuations ensuring uninterrupted working of the refrigerator. This feature also enhances the durability of a refrigerator to a significant extent.

• Cool Pack

The cool pack act as a backup when there is no electricity for a longer duration. The cooling gel present inside the cool pack keeps the refrigerator cool and moist while maintaining the airflow even in absence of electricity.

• Quick-Freeze Compartment

The quick freeze compartment is used to freeze ice quickly.

• Separators

Separators are used to keep different varieties of food in different segments of the refrigerator.

• Deodorizer

Deodorizer has some strong filters which remove the unwanted smell of the food and helps in maintaining the fresh airflow within the refrigerator.

• Noise

Average quality refrigerators may produce a lot of noise while they function and this is the last thing that you want from an appliance. While the average noise level ranges from 30 to 49 decibel, but it's better to have a refrigerator that produces noise of less than 40 dB.

• Build Quality

Build quality is important to consider as buying a refrigerator means incurring the substantial expense. You should always go for a refrigerator that has been built using a sturdy material like stainless steel. This could be a bit costly, but it's all worth it.

• Door Handles

The placement of the door handles is important to consider because it should be in compliance with your height and convenience. Also, the closing and opening of refrigerator doors should be easy and effortless.

• Adjustable Shelves

We have talked about adjustable shelves previously. They stand as an important part of a refrigerator. It greatly impacts the space available for storing food inside, and the shelf should be really easy to slide and flip from hinges.

• Air Filtration

Air filters are a built-in carbon filter that is meant to absorb bad and unwanted odours.

Refrigerators nowadays come with a unique feature called conversion which allows converting a freezer into a refrigerator whenever required. This feature is useful when some extra storage space for perishable items is needed.

This is yet another innovation done to the refrigerators that help to keep the food fresh even during power cuts. This is much like the backup that we have in electrical devices that keeps them going in the absence of electricity (for 2-6 hours). However, you are more likely to get this feature in high-end models only.

This is a welcome aspect that most reputed manufacturers have paid attention to in recent times. Due to issues like global warming and the associated consequences, manufacturers are adopting novel ways to go eco-friendly. Some brands have added R-134 or R600A refrigerant over CFC refrigerant which is a major cause for greenhouse emissions.

Choosing a refrigerator with two separate temperature controls for the food compartment and freezer is a better choice any day. Firstly, the temperature of the two compartments cannot be properly controlled with a single regulator. Secondly, the items placed in the food compartment and freezer have different cooling needs.

Energy efficiency is a matter of concern not just in the case of a refrigerator but all the electrical appliance you buy. Apart from all the features and functionalities, it is imperative to check that the power consumption does not exceed the obvious. To control and indicate this, appliances these days have specific power ratings attached to them ranging from 1-5 where 5 means most energy-efficient while 1 means the least energy-efficient.

A government certified agency, called BEE, assigns the power rating to home and kitchen appliances and the ratings are known as BEE ratings. It is advisable to check for these energy ratings prior to the purchase.

LG is one committed and trusted brand for kitchen and home appliances. It is bearing a long legacy of championing the needs of the common household in India, and that’s pretty visible with the kind of products the brand has brought in ever since.

The LG Double door refrigerator is anyway one of the most popular appliances and the models have been improving themselves over the years while still keeping the price reasonable.

This 3 Star energy-efficient appliance has an auto defrost mechanism which prevents the frequent build-up of ice. This refrigerator also features a smart Inverter Compressor which means the compressor provides cooling as necessary for the ingredients placed inside. This results in energy efficiency, longer freshness, and less noise on function.

Multiple cooling air vents help circulate the air inside the appliance to ensure uniform cooling. The LG smart diagnosis app is your one-stop solution if you see any issues or encounter any defects in the refrigerator. Another novel addition is the Auto Smart Connect Technology which connects the refrigerator to the inverter while the power goes off. This prevents the deterioration of perishable food.

The refrigerator features toughened Glass, a Vegetable box with 23 L capacity, 2 F door baskets (full), 4 R door baskets (Full+half), egg cum ice tray, Double Twist(14 Ice/tray), and a full GPPS Shelf.

This Samsung refrigerator features a stylish design, digital display and other user-friendly features. It keeps your food items chill and edible for up to 12 hours even amid a power cut. The Digital Inverter Compressor guarantees a hassle-free, long-lasting, energy-efficient cooling besides equal airflow in every corner.

The deep door storage can incorporate large drink cans and the sliding shelf helps to access the deep corners. It also has toughened glass shelves with a weight-bearing capacity of 150kg. The refrigerator bears a comfortable recess handle. 

The moist Fresh Zone Controls enables the air circulation to maintain the needed humidity. Moreover, it has an LED light inside and a vegetable drawer as well.

This refrigerator has a great operation range of 100v-300v due to which it needs no external stabilization. Furthermore, it features a 1-year warranty and a 10-year warranty on the compressor.

Whirlpool WDE series come with the fastest ice technology. It helps in maintaining an optimum cool temperature inside the fridge. And due to the insulation technology, the refrigerator gets a 9-hour cooling backup in the absence of electricity.

The refrigerator calls for manual defrost technique which results in hassle-free operation and ensuring effective cooling. Moreover, the 3-star refrigerator has toughened glass shelves which is great for keeping large and heavy utensils comfortably. And the Jambo Bottle racks let you store large bottles inside easily.

We really like the aesthetic appeal of the fridge which is enhanced by the chrome handle. It has two adjustable pair of front levelling legs to adjust the refrigerator height easily.

The Vegetable Crisper features a Honey Comb Moisture Lock-in slider which helps in maintaining enough moisture for the veggies and fruits keeping them fresh. Whirlpool 190 L refrigerator comes along with a large freezer with stackable ice trays, to make the most optimum use of the freezer.

It can keep up with high voltage fluctuations, so you don't need an external voltage stabilizer. Moreover, it has a 1-year product warranty and a 10-year compressor warranty.

Haier is a very well-known brand in the arena of kitchen appliances in the Indian market and is one of the most respected manufacturers around. 

Hair offers a value for money direct cool refrigerator with one-hour icing technology which ensures fast ice formation. With a capacity of 195 litres, this Haier refrigerator is an absolute fit for a midsize family.

With an impressive energy rating of 4 stars, this refrigerator has an annual energy consumption of 130 kilowatts/year.

Featuring a reciprocatory compressor, and a PUF insulation to retain the inside cool, this refrigerator ensures optimum cooling in a short span of time.

The shelf of this refrigerator is made up of toughened glass. Besides, the fridge has a voltage stabilizer and a door lock among the special features. This refrigerator posses R600a coolant gas.

It has a 10-year compressor warranty and a 1-year product warranty from the manufacturer.

With a 4 star and direct cooling technology, this LG refrigerator is no less than its counterpart. It has a compressor which runs at variable speed, thereby offering superb performance and silent operation.

The refrigerator comes with the Smart Connect Technology due to which it connects itself to the home inverter and keeps your food fresh even in case of a power failure. Also, it has the highest speed ice technology providing ice cubes in just 108 minutes.

This energy-efficient refrigerator works on solar energy thereby helping you by reducing the power bill. This BEE 4 star rating fridge works on a wide range of voltage (from 90 volts to 310 volts) so there isn't any requirement for an external stabilizer.

This refrigerator ensures to maintain the optimum moisture inside the vegetable compartment. There are two toughened glass shelves that are capable to hold a weight of 175 kg, and the door features an antibacterial gasket keeping your refrigerator clean for long.

The Haier frost-free double door refrigerator is characterized by an intelligent design and a freezer at the base.

One Hour Icing Technology brings down the temperature of the freezer up to -5 °C in just about an hour. Also, there are cool pads to retain the cooling effect for up to 10 hours in case of a power failure.

The refrigerator has a twin twist ice tray collector box and a huge crisper to store veggies and fruits. It even has dedicated storage for bottles and cans on the sides. With an 86L separate freezer unit, it has enough room for ice and frozen foods. It also has toughened glass shelves for heavy utensils. The 360 Degree Cooling technology ensures that the cold air is circulated thoroughly inside the fridge.

This double door refrigerator is capable of handling voltage fluctuations by itself. 

This Whirlpool refrigerator will give you two times freshness with its 6th sense active fresh technology. Coming with 3-doors, it features 32 litres of Active Fresh storage zone. You can use crisper to store fruits, whereas the bottom drawer can be used to store vegetables. This also prevents the mixing of food odours within themselves.

The refrigerator boosts of Zeolite technology which helps in preventing the excessive ripening of fruits and vegetables. This technology helps to keep fruits and veggies fresh for long durations.
With a moisture retention technology, the freezer compartments retain the moisture optimally. Further, the compartment is equipped with ice twister which ensures you can collect the ice cubes in the collector box easily.

The “deli” zone allows you to customize the temperature to your need. Items like cheese, chocolates etc can be stored to preserve their freshness. Violin embedded air booster controls the air circulation inside the compartments so that the food inside receives a uniform cooling. This is also highly energy-efficient appliance.

This multi-door refrigerator has a 1-year product warranty and a 10-year Compressor warranty. Checkout buying guide, reviews and comparison of best deep freezers in India.