At a Glance:
How Long Do Refrigerators Last?
Refrigerator Lifespan by Brand
Signs a Refrigerator Is Dying
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Refrigerator?
How to Extend the Life of Your Refrigerator
Our Top Reliable Refrigerator Picks
Why Trust Us?
A refrigerator is a big investment and also the core of your kitchen, so when you are worried about a refrigerator that isn’t functioning properly, it can throw off the flow of the entire home. Thankfully, proper care and maintenance can keep your refrigerator running to its maximum life expectancy, and with the right brands, materials, and cooling systems, you can have a refrigerator that keeps your food cold for years. The question now is “How long do refrigerators last?” In short, refrigerator longevity depends on the configuration and brand, along with a few other factors every refrigerator owner should know—follow along!
How Long Do Refrigerators Last?
A reliable refrigerator is essential to the function and flow of any kitchen. The average lifespan of a refrigerator can range between 10-20 years, but a fridge’s lifespan can also be dramatically shorter, depending on several different factors. These factors include build material, meaning a refrigerator with a stainless steel construction will last longer than a refrigerator made of cheaper materials like plastic.
The brand you choose is also a large factor in the lifespan of a refrigerator. Choosing brands that use quality materials is important when finding the most reliable refrigerator on the market for your needs.
Another large factor is refrigerator maintenance over the lifespan of the appliance. Are you cleaning the coils regularly, defrosting the freezer, doing regular cleaning, and routinely checking the temperature? These habits can positively affect the refrigerator lifespan.
Reliable refrigeration is of the utmost importance to any home, and there are so many different configurations to choose from, that it can sometimes be overwhelming to make a decision. You may be asking yourself “How long do bottom freezer refrigerators last?” or even, “How long do built in refrigerators last?” Through independent research, we’ve put together a rough guide of the various lifespans of different refrigerator configurations to help you make an informed decision for your next refrigerator investment.
| Refrigerator Style | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Top Freezer | How long do top freezer refrigerators last? On average, a top freezer refrigerator will last about 13 years. However, they’re not the most efficient, so avoid keeping the door open too long and do regular cleanin to keep the compressor from working overtime. |
| Bottom Freezer s | While bottom freezer refrigerators last about 13 years like their top-freezer counterparts, their compressors are located at the bottom of the appliance, which creates more work for the unit to cool. |
| Side-by-Side | If you’re considering this popular configuration but find yourself wondering “How long do side by side refrigerator last?” you might be disappointed to find out that side-by-side refrigerators have a shorter average lifespan of eight to 12 years. Thankfully, investing in a quality brand and model—specifically one with two independent compressors/evaporators that reduce the work for each compartment—can change that lifespan substantially. |
| French-Door | French-door refrigerators have an average lifespan of about 10-15 years, making them one of the more reliable options on the market. Like side by side models, these last longest when they have independent compressors for the fresh food and freezer sections. |
| Built-In | Built-in refrigerators are built to last, with an average lifespan of about 20-25 years, all thanks to their durable materials and quality construction. Of course, these are typically considered luxury refrigerators, so while you get the best bang for your buck in terms of longevity, the up-front price is the cost. |
Next line of business: How long do refrigerators last based on brand? Refrigerator longevity is greatly impacted by the brand you choose to invest in. While we all want a good deal on any major appliance, the price of a refrigerator is a true look into how long the refrigerator will last.
Some of the most reliable refrigerator brands price their refrigerators to reflect the quality of materials used. Other factors that elevate certain brands over others is the kind of cooling systems used; refrigerator brands with higher price tags tend to use more advanced cooling systems that not only maintain temperatures but also keep your refrigerator running smoother and more efficiently. Many premium-priced refrigerators undergo vigorous quality and factor checks before being released on the market, and this ensures that premium-priced models are less likely to have malfunctions or defects. So, how long do refrigerators run? Here’s a quick comparison based on different tiered brands.
Affordable Refrigerator Brands
Featured: The Danby DFF180E2SSDB
- Amana: Amana refrigerators are great for those who want an appliance that performs well without a higher price tag. With the right care and maintenance, Amana refrigerators will last between 10–15 years.
- Hotpoint: Offering consumers energy-efficient and modern refrigerator options, Hotpoint is a household brand that delivers on two major fronts: quality and customer service. On average, a Hotpoint refrigerator will last about 10 years.
- Danby: Known for its competitive pricing and space-friendly appliances, Danby has been a leader in serving the appliance industry for many years. Typically, Danby refrigerators should last somewhere between 10–15 years.
Mid-Tier Refrigerator Brands
Featured: The KitchenAid KRQC506MPS
- KitchenAid: Recognized as a reliable and quality brand, KitchenAid is one of the biggest household brands on the market. High-performance kitchen appliances and outstanding strong construction mean that KitchenAid refrigerators are expected to last between 10 and 20 years.
- Bosch: Bosch takes pride in offering high-end appliances at a fraction of the cost, making them a top contender in the Mid-Tier appliance industry. With modern builds and precision engineering, Bosch refrigerators can last you 14-19 years.
- GE Profile: Part of the GE line, GE Profile stands out as a brand that is constantly progressing with their innovations and designs, but one thing that never changes is the undeniable quality of every appliance. GE Profile refrigerators should last between 10 and 12 years, although the line launched in 2009, so it’ still early to truly tell.
Luxury Refrigerator Brands
Featured: The Signature Kitchen Suite SKSFD4826P
- Sub-Zero: Sub-Zero is a top-tier brand that offers premium refrigeration with powerful performance. Made with the modern kitchen in mind, Sub-Zero refrigerators are innovative, sleek, and effortless. Sub-Zero refrigerators are known to last about 20-25 years.
- Thermador: With luxury consumers in mind, Thermador offers premium appliances with a premium user experience. Considered one of the most reliable brands in the appliance market, Thermador shows quality throughout every design. Thanks to their quality construction and premium materials, Thermador refrigerators are known to last up to 20 years.
- Miele: With a line of commercial-grade appliances inspired by the workings of professional kitchens, Miele is known for making premium appliances for the home. Thanks to an endless supply of innovative German engineering and smart construction, Miele refrigerators are designed t o last between 15 and 20 years.
Signs a Refrigerator Is Dying
If you think you have a dying refrigerator, here are some sure-fire signs your refrigerator might be on its last leg:
- The refrigerator is not cooling.
- Water is leaking.
- You are noticing loud noises coming from the fridge.
- You notice excessive frost build-up in the freezer.
- Excessive condensation in the fridge or freezer.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Refrigerator?
The average cost to repair a refrigerator can range wildly from $200 up to $1,000, or even more, depending on the cause of the damage. Refrigerator prices vary drastically as well, ranging from affordable brands offering $700 models to mid-range brands offering models $1,000 or more. When considering refrigerator repair vs replace, it can be hard to figure out which is the most cost-effective option. Let’s consider a few things when deciding whether to repair or replace your fridge.
✔ The Cost of the Repair: If your refrigerator’s repair is going to cost more than a new refrigerator would, it is best to go ahead and replace it with a new fridge.
✔ The Age of Your Fridge: If your refrigerator is more than 10 years old, it may be worth replacing instead of repairing, especially since repair technicians might have a harder time finding replacement parts for older refrigerator models.
✔ Frequent Repairs: If you find yourself constantly repairing a refrigerator, then it’s time to purchase a new model.
✔ Minor Repairs: If you find that the repair on your refrigerator is an easy fix, it is worth calling a technician to repair it for you instead of replacing the whole unit.
Learn More: Is it Better to Repair or Replace Appliances?
How to Extend the Life of Your Refrigerator
Extending the life of your refrigerator means stretching your money to its fullest. Follow these tips and tricks for the best shot at keeping your refrigerator running smoothly for many years:
✅ Regular Cleaning: Keeping the inside and outside of your refrigerator clean is important. Deep clean the inside, including shelves, bins, door seals, etc.
✅ Prevent Overcrowding: Do not overcrowd your refrigerator when filling your shelves and bins, allowing proper air circulation throughout the inside of your fridge.
✅ Clean the Coils: Clean the coils of your refrigerator regularly to keep them free of dust and debris.
✅ Routine Defrosting: Give your fridge a routine defrosting that will help prevent frost build-up, improve cooling, and preserve food quality.
Learn More: Refrigerator Not Cooling? Common Reasons Why
Our Top Reliable Refrigerator Picks
All in all, it’s not hard to extend the life of your refrigerator. It just takes a little bit of commitment and practice to get yourself into a routine of cleaning and maintenance. And when you start with a reliable refrigerator such like one of the following models, you can assure a full life of use with features you’ll love using.
Bosch® 800 Series 20.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop This Bosch Refrigerator
Considering a new French door refrigerator, but find yourself wondering “How long do French door refrigerators last?” Worry no more with this quality-built model from Bosch. Thanks to its quality stainless steel construction, MultiAirFlow cooling system, and easy-to-clean interior, you can enjoy the many benefits of this fridge for years to come. Food stays fresher than ever before with VitaFreshPro and FreshProtect.
⭐ Featured Bosch B36CT80SNS Review:“We love this fridge!! It's design is wonderful as you are able to fit a lot in the fridge. The lighting is also very trendy and bright. The best part is how it keeps the produce, you are able to set the crisper drawers at certain tempratures and it keeps the produce so much better than any fridge we have ever had.”
KitchenAid® 25.8 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
Shop This KitchenAid Refrigerator
Uniquely versatile and endlessly modern, this French door refrigerator with nearly 26 cubic feet of capacity by KitchenAid is sure to make all your refrigeration dreams come true. The first 5-door fridge in its class, this model offers a professional flair to your kitchen, while also offering an array of storage options. Bright LED lighting makes for easy access to your favorite midnight snacks, while spill-resistant shelves allow for effortless clean-up when messes happen.
⭐ Featured KitchenAid KRMF706ESS Review:“We are very pleased with this refrigerator! Besides all the nice compliments from other people about how nice it looks, it makes ice very quickly and it keeps the fruits and veggies nice and crisp. The two small drawers are perfect for keeping sodas and give you access to other quick items.”
GE Profile™ 25.3 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Shop This GE Profile Refrigerator
With over 15,000 5-star reviews, this stunning fridge by GE Profile is a top contender for all your refrigerator necessities. Its side-by-side design gives a sleek, minimalistic appeal, with an external dispenser that provides purified water through an advanced water filtration system. Sleek electronic displays effortlessly let you choose the ideal temperature settings, and quick-space shelving provides you with endless storage possibilities, even for your tallest of items.
⭐Featured GE Profile PSE25KYHFS Review:“…There's plenty of room inside and lit up top to bottom with very bright LED lights. The doors smoothly and quietly open…The child lock works very well and the water dispenser quietly delivers a large volume of water in a short time. The overall winner is how quiet the operation is, no bangs, creaks, pops, rumbling, or whistles.
Learn More: GE Counter Depth Refrigerators: 7 Top-Rated Models
LG 26.9 Cu. Ft. PrintProof™ Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
Shop This LG Refrigerator
LG’s Smart Cooling system offers a haven for all your locally grown fruits and vegetables, keeping them fresher for up to 2x longer, thanks to blasts of cool air that reaches every area of your fridge. A PrintProof Stainless Steel keeps the exterior of your fridge free of smudges and fingerprint marks, allowing you that “brand new” look long after you bring it home. Best of all, with just under 27 cubic feet of capacity, this fridge offers ample space and shelving throughout the fridge and freezer, making the storage of your grocery needs effortless.
⭐Featured LG LMWS27626S Review:“What we love: inside drink dispenser with separate ice function-easier for our kids to control and less water on the floor. Filter easy to change out. Having two freezer sections keeps items in sight and not buried. Shelves are easy to adjust and can split. Door shelves are deep and can hold LOADS of items.”
Thermador® Freedom® Collection 19.4 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator
Shop This Thermador Refrigerator
Thermador knows how to do luxury with this panel read French door refrigerator. Perks include diamond-shaped ice that adds some fun to your entertaining, with unique offerings to your favorite co*cktails and drinks. Give your kitchen a seamless design with this panel-ready option, making your fridge blend right into your cabinets. Thanks to Thermador’s premium materials and construction, you can enjoy this French-door refrigerator for years after its first use—in fact, it's designed to last at least 20 years!
Sub-Zero® Classic Series 24.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
Shop This Sub-Zero Refrigerator
Sub-Zero’s clasic design offers everything we love about contemporary and traditional styles, with a modern twist of features and technologies. SplitClimate intelligent cooling provides premium preservation capabilities, allowing your farmers market favorites to stay fresher for longer. Bright LED lighting illuminates the inside of your fridge, while “Night Mode” reduces brightness by 90% in dim environments, keeping your space cool and ambient in the middle of the night.
Constantly repairing your refrigerator and wondering “How long do refrigerators last?” or wondering when you’re finally going to have to replace your fridge? With proper care and maintenance, refrigerators have a generous lifespan. Take the time to create cleaning schedules, schedule maintenance when needed, and take precautionary measures like the proper loading of groceries, regular defrosting, and removing dust from coils. When you find yourself in need of a new refrigerator, look no further than Don’s for your refrigerator needs. With a wide range of options from reputable brands to consider, Don’s is the best retailer in the Pittsburgh area to find a fridge that will fit both your budget and lifestyle.
Why Trust Don’s Appliances?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop Refrigerators at Don’s
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop refrigerators online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you answer “how long do refrigerators last” and other questions — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
Learn More: Don’s Refrigeration Buying Guide
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