At a Glance:
Two Recommended Models, Compared
When it’s time to buy a new refrigerator, how do you decide which brand to choose? Often, people rely on recommendations from friends and family about what brands they’re loyal to or have had a bad experience with. These glowing recommendations and cautionary tales can get confusing, and it can be hard to take a step back to consider all your options. GE and Whirlpool are popular brands for refrigerators and all types of home appliances. They are both American-based appliance manufacturers known for being innovative in the industry. How can you determine which brand is superior: GE vs Whirlpool refrigerator?
In this article, we will compare reputations, energy efficiency, finishes, and price range before exploring different refrigerator styles and recommending two fantastic refrigerator options.
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Discover RefrigeratorsBrand Reputation
GE has been a major player in pioneering innovative technology for over 125 years. Their mission is to rise to the challenge of building a world that works. GE has built a strong brand reputation over its long history. The company is known for its commitment to innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of technology.
GE has also prioritized sustainability and social responsibility, making significant contributions to clean energy solutions. Customers trust GE for its emphasis on quality and reliability, particularly in sectors like aviation, healthcare, and power generation. Despite challenges and strategic transformations, GE's brand reputation remains strong, positioning the company as a reliable and forward-thinking industry leader.
Whirlpool has established a robust brand reputation as a leading appliance manufacturer. Whirlpool is dedicated to improving how families give and get the care they need. Their innovations are geared toward the greater purpose of serving families and making life more convenient. The company is widely recognized for its commitment to quality and reliability, offering a wide range of home appliances that consistently meet customer expectations.
Whirlpool's reputation is built on its long-standing history, innovative product design, and technological advancements. The brand's focus on customer satisfaction and after-sales service has garnered trust and loyalty among consumers. Whirlpool's reputation as a dependable and trusted brand in the appliance industry has solidified its position as a go-to choice for households around the world.
The Verdict: It’s a tie! Both brands have a history of award-winning innovations and quality products.
Energy Efficiency
Both brands have dozens of ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator models and a handful of models that are not as energy efficient. It is important to research specific models from both brands to find out whether it is the most eco-friendly refrigerator option.
ENERGY STAR is a trusted certification program that identifies products meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). GE and Whirlpool's ENERGY STAR appliances help consumers reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills, and minimize environmental impact. These appliances are designed to use less energy while maintaining high-performance standards. GE and Whirlpool's dedication to offering ENERGY STAR-certified products showcases their efforts to provide environmentally conscious solutions and support sustainable living.
The Verdict: It depends on the specific refrigerator model more than the brand.
Finishes
GE and Whirlpool, two renowned appliance manufacturers, offer a range of different finishes to suit various aesthetic preferences. GE provides customers with finishes like stainless steel, black stainless steel, slate, and white, allowing homeowners to create a modern or classic look. Whirlpool, on the other hand, offers finishes such as stainless steel, black, and white, providing a more traditional and versatile appearance. GE and Whirlpool both offer fingerprint-resistant finishes as well, which makes for a family-friendly kitchen that’s easy to maintain.
The Verdict: It’s a tie! Both brands prioritize durability and functionality, ensuring their appliances deliver high performance. Whether it's GE's contemporary finishes or Whirlpool's timeless options, homeowners have the freedom to choose appliances that seamlessly blend into their kitchen or laundry room designs.
→ Learn More: 6 Stainless Steel Refrigerators Ranked by Price
Price Range
GE and Whirlpool both offer a wide range of refrigerators for every price point. What refrigerator style you choose has a major impact on the price, which we will cover in the next section.
- A basic GE top freezer refrigerator may cost as little as $600 while a spacious GE French door or side by side refrigerator can cost up to $2500-2700.
- A basic Whirlpool top freezer refrigerator may cost as little as $530 while a Whirlpool French door refrigerator may cost up to $2000-3450.
Whirlpool offers both the least expensive and most expensive refrigerator, but both brands have very similar price ranges and average prices. According to Prudent Reviews, GE offers more entry-level refrigerator models and offers more options across all price ranges.
The Verdict: GE is slightly more budget friendly, but it is a close call.
→ Learn More: Refrigerator Clearance Sale Tips: What to Look For
Different Refrigerator Styles
GE vs Whirlpool refrigerators both offer a range of options in the most common refrigerator styles: top freezer refrigerators, bottom freezer refrigerators, side by side refrigerators, and French door refrigerators.
Top Freezer Refrigerators
Generally, top freezers are the most affordable type of refrigerator. They are the most energy-efficient refrigerator style, the best for small spaces, energy savings, and budget-minded shoppers.
Bottom Freezer Refrigerators
As the name suggests, the freezer is located on the bottom of this type of refrigerator, most often in the form of a pullout drawer. The major appeal of this refrigerator style is the organizational and storage potential of the freezer drawer. They are best for people who prioritize freezer space and easy access to their frozen goods.
Side by Side Refrigerators
Two full-length side-by-side doors open to reveal a freezer compartment on one side and a fridge on the other. Oftentimes, this style features an exterior door ice maker and water dispenser. All your items are easy to see and access, and you don’t have to bend down like you do with a bottom freezer. Side by side refrigerators are best for people who want ample storage and accessibility without the higher price tag of a French door refrigerator.
French Door Refrigerators
French door refrigerators feature two side-by-side doors on top and a freezer drawer on the bottom, so they combine elements of bottom freezer and side by side refrigerators. This style has gained popularity in recent years because of their ample storage space and luxurious feel. There are many ENERGY STAR certified French door options. They are best for larger kitchens and shoppers who want a top-of-the-line refrigerator.
→ Learn More: 4 French Door Refrigerators Under $2000
Bonus: Counter Depth Refrigerators
What about counter depth refrigerators? Any refrigerator style could be counter depth. This simply means the refrigerator lays flush with your cabinetry, rather than sticking out further into the room. For harmonious design and a uniform look, many prefer a counter depth refrigerator.
Two Recommended Models, Compared
Next, we will compare a GE vs Whirlpool refrigerator so you can determine which is the right fit for your kitchen.
GE 27.0 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
The GE 27.0 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator is an excellent choice for a sleek, beautiful, and practical kitchen. To achieve a simple aesthetic, the water dispenser and ice maker are located in the refrigerator and freezer compartments, respectively. We love the spill-proof shelves and the unique Quick Space shelf, which slides out the way to make room for tall items. With gallon door storage and two-level freezer storage baskets, this GE refrigerator is equipped with dream storage. It is not counter depth, but it is ENERGY STAR certified.
Whirlpool 28.5 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side by Side Refrigerator
The Whirlpool 28.5 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Side by Side Refrigerator offers an exterior door ice maker and water dispenser. Keep your food cool with the Accu-Chill™ Temperature Management System that senses fridge conditions and adapts to create the ideal environment. Humidity-controlled crispers and an adaptive defrost feature further keep your food fresh at the ideal temperature. We love the frameless glass shelves that span the width of the fridge so you have all the storage you need.
Like the GE model, this Whirlpool refrigerator features gallon door bins and LED interior lighting. One standout feature is the FreshFlow™ air filter, which is 15x more effective at minimizing odors compared to baking soda. It is important to note that this Whirlpool refrigerator model is neither counter depth nor ENERGY STAR certified.
Shop this Whirlpool Refrigerator
The Verdict: Both GE vs Whirlpool refrigerators offer convenient and practical technology features for your family. If energy efficiency is at the top of your list, research specific models from both brands. If you are most concerned about budget, GE is the superior choice. In the end, the best strategy is to compare GE vs Whirlpool refrigerator models in person and discuss your options with the friendly experts at Bekins.
Why Trust Bekins Appliances and Electronics?
Bekins is a local, family-owned, internationally acclaimed appliance and electronics company in West Michigan. It started as a service company in 1975 when Harvey and Barbara Bekins started their own appliance repair business out of their home in Grand Haven. We still view ourselves as a service company today, but now we also sell, install and service both appliances and electronics across West Michigan.
Scott started in the business as an 8-year-old holding the flashlight for his father. Scott rolled in the first appliances when Harvey and Barb opened our Grand Haven showroom in 1982. After Scott bought the company from his parents, Bekins started offering custom electronic services and then expanded with another state-of-the-art, interactive showroom in Grand Rapids.
In all, Bekins has earned more than 21 national and international honors. That does not include their Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics or their Grand Haven Tribune People’s Choice Award for Best Appliances (17 years and counting!).
Shop Refrigerators at Bekins
Stop by Bekins Grand Haven location to see what a difference buying local with an experienced staff can make. Or shop refrigerators online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you compare GE vs Whirlpool refrigerators — whether you call us at 616-288-1020, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
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