7 Best Smart Refrigerators, Tested by Kitchen Appliance Experts
You can check if you have eggs in your fridge while you're at the grocery store.
Reviewed by Nicole PapantoniouKitchen Appliances Lab Director
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Smart refrigerators can do much more than keep food cold. The best models connect to Wi-Fi and your phone, letting you adjust temperatures, get alerts when a door is left open, and monitor your fridge remotely. Some also offer built-in touchscreens for grocery lists, calendars, and recipes or connect with other smart home devices.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Samsung 4-Door Flex with AI Family Hub+ and AI Vision Inside
- Best value: Hisense Pureflat 4-Door Smart French Door Refrigerator
- Best for large families: LG Craft Ice Smart French Door Refrigerator
Experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab have tested more than 50 refrigerators and surveyed nearly 2,000 consumers about their experiences with different refrigerator brands. For smart models, we also evaluate features such as Wi-Fi setup, app functionality, notifications, smart home compatibility, and built-in displays. Based on our refrigerator testing and hands-on experience with connected appliances, these are the best smart refrigerators to buy in 2026.
Best Deal
Pros
- Large, responsive touchscreen
- AI-powered camera for food tracking
- Auto-refilling water pitcher
- Flexible storage and organization
Cons
- Ice scoop is positioned a bit low so cubes can fall out
This year’s best overall smart refrigerator is packed with features that make it stand out—some incredibly useful, others more for fun—but overall, it offers the best balance of smart technology, organization, and design.
The large, responsive touchscreen is a standout, offering weather updates, calendar reminders, and easy access to music and video streaming. Our testers really liked being able to follow recipes on YouTube or listen to music on Spotify while cooking—and yes, the speakers can get loud! It also doubles as a digital photo frame and has a fun drawing app for kids and adults.
One of the most impressive features we’ve tested is the AI-powered camera inside the fridge, which automatically tracks what you add and remove. You can check what’s inside remotely and even get recipe suggestions based on what you have—though our testers noted that the tracking isn’t always perfect. Wi-Fi setup was seamless, quickly pairing with our phones so we could manage settings and receive alerts.
Our tests found that the hidden water dispenser keeps the design sleek while remaining easy to access, and the auto-refilling pitcher is a great perk for families who use a lot of water. It also makes two types of ice, standard cubes and smaller nugget-style pieces, but the ice scoop placement could be improved, as cubes sometimes spill out. Our testers liked the adjustable sliding shelves and deep door bins, which offer plenty of storage and help keep everything organized.
If you’re looking for a fridge that does more than just keep food cold, this one has smart features that actually add convenience, along with a well-thought-out design that makes daily life easier.
| Model | RF29DB9900QDAA |
| Type | French door |
| Finishes | Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel, fingerprint-resistant white glass |
| Dimensions | 35.875" x 73" x 34.25" |
| Compatibility | Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Google |
| Energy Star | Yes |
Pros
- Adjustable middle drawer for extra storage
- Smart app controls temperature and sends alerts
- Spacious interior
Cons
- Prone to scratches and odors
This budget-friendly model (and Good Housekeeping Home Renovation Award winner) from Hisense delivers smart design at a lower price than most competitors. It features French doors on top, a middle convertible drawer, and a bottom freezer, offering a claimed 25.6-cubic-foot capacity with plenty of adjustable storage features that make it feel even bigger.
One of the highlights that stands out for a fridge in this price bracket is the middle drawer, which can be adjusted between 27°F and 41°F, letting you customize it as a fridge, beverage chiller or soft freezer—a feature our testers found especially useful for families. The adjustable shelves offer great flexibility, with one that slides back to make room for taller items. Gallon door bins provide additional storage for drinks and condiments.
The app allows remote temperature adjustments and sends maintenance alerts, such as when the water filter needs replacing. One home tester noted that the controls were so intuitive that even her 10-year-old figured them out quickly.
While the fridge performed well in independent testing and months of in-home use, we did note some drawbacks. The exterior is more prone to dents and scratches than on other models, and odors tend to linger longer than expected—our test fridge held on to a garlic scent for a long time and smelled like chocolate after we stored chocolate bark in it.
| Model | HRM260N6TSE |
| Type | French door with two bottom drawers |
| Finishes | Stainless steel |
| Dimensions | 36" x 70" x 34" |
| Compatibility | Android and IOS |
| Energy Star | Yes |
Pros
- Stainless steel interior
- Dual ice maker
- Adjustable shelves and storage
Cons
- Left door bins are small due to ice maker
This LG model tops our list of the best refrigerators for performance and ease of use, but let’s not sleep on its smart capabilities: It’s Wi-Fi-enabled and connects to LG’s ThinQ app. This feature allows you to monitor and control the fridge remotely, making it easy to adjust the temperature, receive maintenance alerts, and troubleshoot issues before they become bigger problems. This is particularly useful when the water filter needs replacing or if the door has been left open too long.
From a performance standpoint, one of the biggest advantages of this fridge is its bright, open interior. The stainless steel back panel helps regulate temperature, and the adjustable shelving and wide door bins make it easy to store and see all your ingredients at a glance. The large 30.7 cubic feet of internal capacity will hold meals for families of all sizes.
The dual ice maker is another standout feature. The built-in ice and water dispenser on the left door keeps the design streamlined, though it makes the bins on that side shallower than those on the right. Meanwhile, the freezer offers LG’s signature round cocktail ice balls, perfect for entertaining.
| Model | LL31H6530S |
| Type | French door |
| Finishes | Stainless steel |
| Dimensions | 70.25" x 35.75" x 36.88" |
| Compatibility | Alexa, Android, IOS, Google |
| Energy Star | Yes |
Pros
- Includes door-in-door compartment
- AutoFill water dispenser
- In-the-door ice maker
Cons
- Handle design is a bit dated
This smart fridge from GE comes packed with features that impressed our experts, including IFTTT (If This, Then That), a tool that lets you create custom automations between different devices. For example, you can set it up so that if your fridge door is left open for too long, your smart lights flash or you get a phone notification. It helps your appliances and apps work together in ways they normally wouldn’t on their own, making your kitchen even smarter.
The fridge is also compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, and it includes a useful door-in-door configuration that lets you access ingredients without opening the entire fridge. It’s a useful feature when you want to quickly grab items like condiments or a water bottle. The door handles are a bit dated, as most brands have moved away from the arched designs for their premium models.
We were also pleased with the AutoFill water dispenser, which lets you set your glass down and walk away while it fills, and with the bright LED lighting inside the fridge. The temperature-controlled middle compartment felt spacious for storing frozen foods, cheese platters, champagne, and more, and we appreciated that the bins and dividers inside are removable so you can easily store a larger item like a frozen pizza if needed.
| Model | PVD28BYNFS |
| Type | French door |
| Finishes | Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel |
| Dimensions | 70" x 36" x 37" |
| Compatibility | Google Assistant, Alexa, IFTTT, SmartHQ app |
| Energy Star | Yes |
Pros
- Adjustable temperature refreshment compartment
- Customizable interior
- Sleek design
Cons
- Doesn’t include external ice and water dispenser
- No Alexa or Google Assistant compatibility
This refrigerator stands out not only for its futuristic design and high-quality construction but also for its customizable interior setup. Our experts liked the adjustable FlexBar on the back wall, which uses space you typically wouldn’t and lets you organize small items such as eggs or condiments. We were also impressed by the glass display refreshment center compartment, which can hold up to 35 cans or 17 wine bottles and features touch-control settings to adjust humidity and temperature.
The water dispenser and ice maker are located inside the fridge and freezer, resulting in a sleeker design. Some may find this to be a nuisance, but we like being able to scoop the ice (with the included scoop) quickly and efficiently. And it wouldn’t be a smart fridge without the ability to connect to the Bosch Home Connect app on your smartphone, where you can control the fridge’s temperature, adjust the lighting, or run diagnostics. We do wish it had Alexa and Google Assistant capabilities.
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| Model | B36CL81ENG |
| Type | French door |
| Finish | Stainless steel |
| Dimensions | 36" W x 72" H x 29" D |
| Compatibility | Home Connect app |
| Energy Star | Yes |
Pros
- Clever scanning and food-monitoring features
- Excellent storage, organization, and bright interior
- Convenient door-in-door design and auto-fill water dispenser
Cons
- No dedicated meat drawer
The GE Profile 4-Door Refrigerator with Kitchen Assistant was one of the standout smart appliances we saw at CES 2026. It’s currently undergoing testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, but our first impressions have been strong: It’s a stunning refrigerator with a bright interior, generous storage, and thoughtful organization throughout.
Its biggest draw is the suite of smart features. A built-in scanner lets you scan packaged foods and add them directly to a shopping list, while interior monitoring technology helps you keep tabs on foods stored in the refrigerator drawers. This feature is exclusive to this GE model and helps with weekly meal planning and shopping. We also liked the auto-fill water feature, which dispenses a measured amount of water without requiring you to stand at the fridge.
There are some clever convenience features beyond the connected tech, too. The right refrigerator door incorporates door-in-door storage, so you can quickly access frequently used items on a couple of shelves without opening the entire compartment, just like the other GE model listed here.
One thing we noticed was that this GE lacks a dedicated meat drawer, which can be problematic for those who like to separate meats from produce and other items.
We’ll update this review once we get the final testing results from our Lab.
| Model | PVD28HYYFS |
| Type | 4-door French-door refrigerator |
| Finishes | Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel |
| Dimensions | 69.9" H x 35.6" W x 36.8" D |
| Compatibility | SmartHQ app, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT |
| Energy Star | Yes |
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Middle drawer can be used as a fridge or freezer
- Autofill water pitcher
Cons
- Water filter needs to be replaced every one to two months
This French-door refrigerator from Café combines standout style with smart, flexible storage. After testing it in the Lab, GH Nutrition Director Stefani Sassos has used it in her home for more than a year.
The platinum glass finish gives it a sleek, high-end look. "I have a mix of stainless and gold accents in my kitchen, and somehow this fridge ties everything together,” she says. She also appreciates the recessed, handle-free design: “It’s way easier to clean, and I don’t bump into bulky handles anymore.”
Inside, four adjustable shelves, bright lighting, and a softly illuminated back panel help keep food organized. A standout feature is the built-in auto-fill water pitcher, which stays hidden inside the door. “I love that it refills on its own,” Sassos says.
The independently accessible middle drawer can be adjusted from 23°F to 42°F for use as a fridge or freezer. “It’s super easy for the little ones to grab their own fruit or yogurts, which I love.”
Our main complaints: The pitcher can be noisy while refilling, and the water filter may need frequent replacement.
| Model | CGE29DM5TS5 |
| Type | Four-door French convertible, regular depth |
| Finishes | Platinum glass |
| Dimensions | 69.75" x 35.6" x 34.25" |
| Compatibility | SmartHQ, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Energy Star | Yes |
How we test smart refrigerators
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, we’ve been testing fridges for decades. When evaluating them, we consider key criteria such as performance, efficiency, ease of use, and the fridge’s interior layout.
✔️ Performance testing: In previous tests, we’ve rated fridges on their ability to regulate the best temperatures for grocery list staples like lettuce, deli meat, and frozen foods.
- Food preservation: For each model, we assess uniformity of temperatures across shelves in the refrigerator and freezer compartments, as well as temperature variations within individual areas over time. We test fridges’ ability to maintain moisture on both refrigerator shelves and in crisper drawers.
✔️ Ease of use: In addition, we evaluate each refrigerator's ease of use, including the helpfulness of the manual, the type and ease of use of the controls, and the comfort of grasping the door handles.
✔️ Customizability: We score interior features, including the type of shelves in the refrigerator cavity and on the doors, the ease with which the freezer drawer and baskets could be opened, the presence or absence of crispers with humidity controls, and the presence or absence of a meat keeper or deli drawer with temperature controls.
✔️ Real-world use: Through extensive testing and real-world evaluations, we’ve assessed several smart refrigerators both in our Lab and in our homes, evaluating them just as we would traditional models—assessing performance, temperature regulation, ease of use, and storage design.
✔️ Technology: Smart fridges come with additional features, so we also review integrated technology, Wi-Fi connectivity, smart home compatibility, built-in hubs, displays, cameras, sensors, and app functionality.
✔️ Survey: Since smart refrigerators are a newer category, we’ve tested a handful so far but have drawn from our expertise and past refrigerator testing, where we’ve evaluated more than 50 models and surveyed nearly 2,000 consumers about their real-world experiences. Our recommendations are also informed by firsthand insights from CES (Consumer Electronics Show) and KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show), where we’ve seen the latest innovations shaping the future of kitchen appliances.
What to look for when shopping for a smart refrigerator
✔️ Smart home type: Smart refrigerators run the gamut of smart integration. While all smart refrigerators have built-in Wi-Fi that connects to the manufacturer’s app, they won’t always support your voice assistant or existing smart home ecosystem. Some advanced smart fridges will include apps to play music, stream video, or access online calendars. Standard smart features will provide alerts and allow temperature control.
✔️ Maintenance: Most smart fridges can alert you about maintenance issues and general troubleshooting, such as if a door is accidentally left open or a filter needs to be changed. Such alerts can help prevent serious issues from developing down the line while keeping your fridge in pristine condition.
✔️ Cameras and sensors: Some smart refrigerators give you the ability to view the inside from your smartphone or tablet. This way, if you forget to make a grocery list, you have a real-time view of the items in your fridge. Though a built-in camera isn’t a necessary feature for everyone, it does save you the hassle of accidentally forgetting a key ingredient while you’re out shopping. Others have a built-in auto-opening door sensor, so you can access your fridge hands-free.
✔️ Display features: Today’s smart refrigerators can double as your home media center. Your refrigerator can be a new place for family photos, calendars, recipes, and media, reducing clutter in your kitchen. Some even offer a custom user experience, such as recommending recipes that incorporate soon-to-expire grocery items, reducing food waste and saving you money. And with certain models, you can manage automatic food deliveries with third-party services like Amazon Prime.
✔️ Style: Modern smart refrigerators come in a variety of styles, but the most popular ones you’ll see today are top- or bottom-freezer refrigerators, French door refrigerators, and side-by-side refrigerators:
- Top- or bottom-freezer refrigerators have a freezer located either above or below the fridge, with the main contents at eye level.
- French door refrigerators feature two doors that meet in the middle, with a bottom freezer and, often, a middle compartment for extra storage of beverages or snacks that can be temperature-controlled to function as a fridge or freezer.
- A side-by-side refrigerator, on the other hand, features a freezer on one side and a fridge on the other. These often require less space for doors to swing open, but mean you’ll have to bend down to reach certain items.
✔️ Size: Consider how big your family is and what the right fridge capacity is for your home. Does the fridge's interior offer ample storage for the amount of food you regularly keep on hand? Are there convertible sections so you can organize your food so that regularly reached-for items are easily accessible? Does the ice maker take up a large chunk of space? Always triple-check the fridge's dimensions to ensure it will fit between your cabinets, allowing enough airflow around the sides and enough space to open the doors.
What are the downsides of smart refrigerators?
We love to chase shiny objects, but buying a smart fridge with all the bells and whistles may not be the best choice for your family. Consider these drawbacks before buying.
- High upfront cost: Smart refrigerators are significantly more expensive than standard models, often costing hundreds to thousands more for features that may not be essential.
- Potential repair and longevity issues: With more complex technology, smart fridges have more components that can break, and repairs can be costly and require specialized service.
- Limited smart home integration: Not all smart fridges work with Alexa, Google Assistant, or other smart home systems, which can make some features less useful if they don’t integrate with your existing devices.
- Features you might not use: While touchscreen displays and entertainment options seem appealing, some users find they rarely use them after the novelty wears off.
- Shorter software support: Some manufacturers discontinue software updates after a few years, leading to outdated features and potential compatibility issues over time.
Are smart refrigerators worth it?
A traditional refrigerator is already a major investment, so it’s fair to ask whether smart features are really worth paying extra for. “If you’re happy with your current refrigerator, don’t swap it out just so you can have a smart one,” advises Dan DiClerico, Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab director. “But if you’re in the market for a new unit, paying more for a smart fridge makes sense.”
Smart refrigerators add connectivity, automation, and convenience. Wi-Fi-enabled models can let you adjust settings remotely, receive door or temperature alerts, and, in some cases, troubleshoot problems before they become costly repairs. Interior cameras can help you check what’s in the fridge while grocery shopping, while built-in screens may offer calendars, shopping lists, recipes, and entertainment.
Some features are more luxury than necessity, but the best smart fridges can make kitchen management easier, help reduce food waste, and simplify maintenance. Manufacturers can also improve functionality through software updates, potentially making the refrigerator more useful over time.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab, where she’s been testing fridges since she started working at Good Housekeeping in 2019. She attends the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show every year, where she learns about the latest and best large appliances, such as fridges and ranges, and has visited many showrooms to get her hands on fridges that she and the team haven’t tested yet; she’s a trained cook and has worked in product development since 2013—a pleasant user experience is always front of mind for her.
Senior Reviews Writer and Analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from tech to travel, appliances, parenting, home, and more. She frequently collaborates with the Kitchen & Cooking Lab to help readers make better buying decisions by testing and reviewing the best kitchen tools and gadgets to hit the market.
Timothy Dahl has spent nearly two decades covering home products and appliances for trusted outlets like Popular Mechanics, This Old House, Lifehacker, and Bob Vila. A passionate home cook, he values a roomy fridge that can handle everything from weekend BBQ supplies to ingredients for big family dinners.
Nicole (she/her) is the senior director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab. She oversees all content and testing related to kitchen products, food, and recipes. She has worked at GH since 2019, and is a trained cook, published recipe developer, and seasoned product tester with nearly 15 years of experience. She has worked in test kitchens for national magazines and kitchen appliances brands, where she also helped develop products for the home cook. She earned a degree in journalism from SUNY New Paltz, graduated with a Grand Diplome in Classic Culinary Arts from the French Culinary Institute, and studied culinary nutrition at the Natural Gourmet Institute (both now part of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.)
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