Buying a new refrigerator is a big decision that you want to get right the first time. No doubt it’s important to get your desired features for the price you’re willing to pay.
However, it’s equally important to choose the right brand for your fridge because the quality of the build heavily influences its lifespan.
When weighing your options, you must consider brand reputation, customer support, and warranty options. You also have to look at the average lifespan of fridges.
Here, we’ll show you how long Samsung fridges last compared to other models from major brands.
How long can Samsung refrigerators last?
A Samsung refrigerator can last up to 15 years provided that it is cleaned and maintained regularly.
Some Samsung fridge models may last longer than others because of how well they are constructed. Other factors such as installation and usage may also affect the longevity of a unit.
Is Samsung a reliable refrigerator brand?
Samsung is consistently ranked as one of the most reliable smart refrigerator brands by industry experts. Its high-quality and competitively-priced refrigerators have great features that fit the needs of modern households.
Lifespan of a Samsung Fridge vs Other Major Brands
The United States Department of Energy states that the average lifespan of a refrigerator is 12 years. However, this can vary per brand and per model.
According to the 23rd Annual Portrait of the US Appliance Industry Saturation report, compact refrigerators have an average lifespan of 8 years. They can last up to 12 years with proper maintenance.
On the other hand, standard refrigerators have an average lifespan of 14 years. You can extend that to 18 years by maintaining your fridge properly.
Below, we’ll show you the average lifespan of refrigerators from different major brands.
| Brand | Lifespan |
| Samsung | 15 years |
| LG | 12 to 13 years |
| Whirlpool | 10 to 19 years |
| General Electric (GE) | 14 to 20+ years |
| Frigidaire | 13+ years |
Samsung
Samsung is one of the world’s leading brands in electronics. Thus, it’s no surprise that it’s a top choice for smart refrigerators.
However, not all Samsung refrigerators are made equal. Some models might last longer than others due to the types of components and materials used in the build.
Samsung side-by-side refrigerators with counter-depth designs tend to last longer than other models. Made with a stainless steel finish, these fridges can last up to 13 years or more with proper maintenance.
Smart features now have a crucial role to play when it comes to fridge maintenance and care. Family Hub models, for instance, can notify you when vents are blocked, allowing you to troubleshoot the issue as soon as possible.
You can even adjust the temperature settings from your mobile device. All you need to do is connect your smart fridge to the SmartThings app.
With Samsung smart fridges, you can be more proactive with maintenance and ensure the prolonged operation of your unit.
LG
LG offers a wide array of refrigerators that fit different budgets and lifestyles. It manufactures the core components that go into its fridges, such as motors and compressors.
Since it manufactures the components in-house, you can expect your LG fridge to last a long time and run efficiently without needing frequent repairs.
On the other hand, this means that LG parts and components tend to be on the expensive side. Thus, it’s best to get good warranty coverage on core components just in case you’ll need to replace a faulty one.
The LG LRFCS25D32 French-door model comes with a 10-year warranty on its compressor. It’s a great starter fridge for most households.
Out of all its refrigerators, its side-by-side models tend to last the longest. The average lifespan of LG refrigerators is 12 to 13 years.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool is a household name in the market of household appliances. It offers side-by-side, bottom-freezer, and top-freezer models.
However, Whirlpool is best known for its French-door refrigerators. Although these models don’t have the standout features of smart fridges, they make up for them in terms of quality and functionality.
Whirlpool French-door models tend to last a long time and require minimal repairs. They have a dependable temperature management system, which automatically adjusts the fluctuations in temperature to achieve optimal cooling and efficiency.
With this system in place, your fridge’s core components won’t have to work harder to keep your food cool. You can prevent premature wear-and-tear that shortens your fridge’s lifespan.
Depending on how well you maintain a Whirlpool fridge, it can last anywhere from 10 to 19 years.
GE
General Electric (GE) Appliances is a major home appliances brand with 100+ refrigerator models.
Most of its refrigerators are competitively priced, but its French-door models are more expensive. Perhaps it’s because of their sturdy build and smart features that make them last longer than other models in the brand’s selection.
For instance, the GE Profile PFE28 series has some of the most reliable French door refrigerators out there. They have WiFi connectivity and app controls that alert you about temperature issues, door problems, and more.
One of the best things about GE is that its fridge components and parts are almost always in stock, allowing you to troubleshoot component failure as soon as possible. You can prevent minor issues from getting more serious.
Its reliable customer support and services can help you extend the life of your fridge.
Frigidaire
Frigidaire models are durable, long-lasting, and budget-friendly. For years, they have been the go-to choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
Although the brand’s fridges lack smart features, they are still well-favored by consumers due to their affordability and reliability.
The Frigidaire FRSS2623AS is the most reliable by far. Although it has been around for years, it has one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in its roster.
These fridges are low-maintenance and dependable. They can last up to 13 or more years if you take good care of them.
Factors That Influence Samsung Refrigerator Lifespans
Different factors can influence the lifespan of Samsung refrigerators, such as build quality, model, proper installation, usage, and maintenance.
Build Quality
The quality of the build, parts, and components inside a refrigerator can affect the lifespan of your unit. This is why you should purchase from a trustworthy brand, preferably one with a good reputation in the home appliances industry.
Most major brands will manufacture the core components that go into their refrigerators to ensure that you get nothing but the best quality.
Model
In general, French door and side-by-side refrigerators tend to last longer than top-freezer and bottom-freezer units. However, this can also vary per model.
Some modern refrigerators now have intelligent features, which notify you when it’s time to clean your unit or replace a filter. They allow you to address potential issues before they spiral into something more serious.
With smart features and app controls, you can take better care of your fridge and make it last longer.
Proper Installation
How you install your fridge affects its performance and efficiency which, in turn, influences its lifespan. For instance, one of the most important factors you need to consider when installing a fridge is ventilation.
If your fridge isn’t getting enough ventilation, it may overheat. Its essential components may gradually deteriorate, increasing the risks of malfunctions and problems ranging from loud noises to cooling issues.
All Samsung fridges need at least two inches of space on all sides and four inches on top to ventilate properly.
You should refrain from turning the top of the fridge into an extra shelf. That’s because placing items on top can trap heat and affect your fridge’s cooling performance.
To prevent the compressor from overworking, you should also keep the fridge away from heat sources. This includes direct sunlight, microwaves, dishwashers, ovens, and more.
Usage
Overfilling or underfilling your fridge can lead to cooling issues.
If the vents are constantly blocked with food, your fridge will struggle to circulate cool air to keep the food cold. This forces your motor to work harder, which can eventually lead to failure.
The same goes if you underfill your fridge. If there isn’t a lot of food inside, it will work harder to keep the open space cool.
Ideally, you should keep a fridge ⅔ full without overcrowding the shelves, especially around the vents.
Maintenance
How you maintain and care for your Samsung fridge will affect its life span. For instance, if you never clean your fridge or you don’t address minor issues, you might start seeing serious problems after only a few years.
To keep your fridge in tip-top shape, you need to clean the interior and exterior parts regularly. Among other things, you must also remove debris from the coils, defrost ice buildup, and keep the seals clean.
Tips to Prolong the Lifespan of a Samsung Refrigerator
To prolong the lifespan of a Samsung fridge, clean and defrost it regularly. You should remove dirt and frost buildup inside your fridge to prevent serious issues like component damage from happening.
Here are a few other tips to help you prolong your fridge’s life:
- Keep fridge ⅔ full.
- Don’t place your fridge in a spot where the temperature range is between 10°C and 43°C.
- Keep your fridge away from heat sources, such as direct sunlight, ovens, and dishwashers.
- Organize the fridge properly by keeping food and beverage in their designated compartments.
- Avoid blocking the fridge vents.
- Clean the fridge door seals.
- Maintain proper ventilation space around the fridge.
- Don’t use the top of your fridge as a shelf.
- Vacuum your condenser coils.
- Defrost your fridge regularly.
- Repair minor issues as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should replace your refrigerator if it has been around for 10 years and maintenance-related issues keep recurring. Instead of spending your money on hefty repair costs, you should invest in a new refrigerator.
Even with proper maintenance, fridges may become less efficient over time due to aging components. As your fridge becomes less efficient, you may see a gradual increase in energy consumption in your household.
Thus, it’ll cost you more money to keep an old appliance. An older fridge model may consume 66% more energy than a modern one with Energy Star certification.
Your fridge is dying if it’s over 10 years old and its contents are spoiling more quickly than before. If you notice recurring issues, such as excess frost, loud buzzing, and hot coils, your fridge is now struggling to work properly.
Wall cracks can also be a sign that your fridge is dying. Unlike door seals, your fridge walls are difficult to fix. You need a professional to take a look at the crack and determine if it’s reparable or not.
If not, you’ll have to replace your fridge.
