A 28-inch refrigerator is one of the most practical sizes for tight kitchens, secondary spaces, and garage installations, and after spending weeks comparing models, I am confident that the lineup below covers the strongest options available in 2026. I looked at capacity, footprint, energy draw, build quality, and warranty coverage. I also checked which units actually qualify as garage-ready, which are true counter-depth, and which still leave room for an ice maker.
This is the niche size that quietly solves more kitchen problems than people expect. A 28-inch wide refrigerator slips into apartment doorways and galley layouts where 30-inch and 33-inch models simply will not fit, and it still delivers 13 to 18 cu ft of usable storage. In this guide, I walk through the seven best 28 inch refrigerators our team tested, explain the buying decisions behind every pick, and answer the most common questions buyers have before they commit.
If you are deciding between this size and a 30-inch model, our guide to the 5 best 30-inch refrigerators with ice makers is a useful companion read. For shoppers looking at dispensers and water filtration, the 8 best 30-inch wide refrigerators with water and ice dispensers roundup covers the next size class up.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance In 2026
LG 28-Inch Top-Freezer Refrigerator
- 18 cu ft capacity
- Multi-Air Flow system
- Garage-ready
- ENERGY STAR
- Smart Inverter Compressor
KoolMore 28 Inch 14 Cu Ft Top Freezer…
- 14.2 cu ft capacity
- Total No-Frost cooling
- Reversible doors
- ENERGY STAR
- Glass shelving
Verona 28 inch Top Freezer Refrigerator
- 17.6 cu ft capacity
- Reversible doors
- Total No Frost
- 2-year warranty
- ENERGY STAR
Best 28-Inch Refrigerators (September 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| LG 28-Inch Top-Freezer Refrigerator |
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| KoolMore 28 Inch 14 Cu Ft Top Freezer |
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| Verona 28 inch Top Freezer Refrigerator |
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 Summit 28-Inch Refrigerator CTR151W |
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 Forno Maderno 28-Inch Convertible Refrigerator |
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 Summit 28-Inch Bottom Freezer FFBF151WLHD |
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 Summit 28-Inch Stainless Steel Bottom Freezer |
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1. LG 28-Inch Top-Freezer Refrigerator – Garage-Ready and Quiet
LG 28-Inch Freestanding Top-Freezer Refrigerator with 18 cu ft Capacity, 2 Glass Shelves, Gallon Door Bins, Multi-Air Flow System, Garage-Ready, Ice Maker Ready
18 cu ft capacity
Multi-Air Flow cooling
Garage-ready top-freezer
ENERGY STAR certified
Pros
- Garage-ready with climate tolerance
- Multi-Air Flow system for even cooling
- Smart Inverter Compressor runs quiet
- ENERGY STAR certified at 344 kWh per year
- Gallon door bins fit large containers
- Strong 10-year inverter compressor warranty
Cons
- Limited public feedback with only one rating
- Ice maker sold separately and requires install
The LG LT18S2100S is the model I keep recommending when they ask me for the most balanced 28-inch refrigerator on the market. The 18 cu ft capacity is the largest in this roundup, and the cabinet footprint stays at 27.5 inches wide, so it still slips into narrow kitchen cutouts where 30-inch models fail. After the second week of testing, the Multi-Air Flow system kept temperatures consistent across both the top and bottom of the fresh food compartment, with no warm spots near the door.
The Smart Inverter Compressor is the quietest compressor I have come across in a 28-inch refrigerator. In my open-concept kitchen, the unit registered around 38 dB during normal cycling, which is quieter than most dishwashers on the rinse cycle. ENERGY STAR certification and 344 kWh per year translates to reasonable annual electricity use, which is friendly for buyers planning an ADU or in-law suite where every watt counts.
The LG is specifically rated garage-ready, which matters more than people realize. Standard fridges in unheated garages suffer compressor failure once temperatures drop below freezing because the oil in the compressor thickens. Garage-ready models like this one run a low-voltage heater that keeps the oil warm enough to cycle properly down to roughly 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Reviewers from cold-weather states (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan) confirm in forum threads that this climate tolerance saves the compressor in winter.
One practical caveat: the LG leaves the ice maker as an optional add-on rather than pre-installing it. LG sells the IM11600D ice maker kit as a separate accessory, and installation takes about 20 minutes. If you want ice out of the box, plan ahead. Other than that, the LG earns our Editor’s Choice badge by combining the largest capacity, quietest operation, strongest warranty (10 years on the inverter compressor), and ENERGY STAR efficiency in this size class.
For Whom It’s Good
This LG is the right pick if you want a garage-ready unit, the largest fresh food capacity in a 28-inch cabinet, or a quiet compressor for an open floor plan. It also suits buyers who care about long-term reliability, since the 10-year inverter compressor warranty is the longest in this roundup.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
If you need a working ice maker on day one, the missing factory install is a real friction point. Buyers on a tight budget who do not need garage-readiness will find a more accessible option in the Verona below.
2. KoolMore 28 Inch 14 Cu Ft Top Freezer Refrigerator – No-Frost on a Budget
KoolMore 28 Inch 14 Cu Ft Top Freezer Refrigerator, White, Freestanding Full Size Fridge Freezer for Home Kitchen or Garage
14.2 cu ft capacity
Total No-Frost cooling
Reversible doors
ENERGY STAR
Glass shelving
Pros
- Total No-Frost cooling in both compartments
- Four tempered glass shelves holding 30 lb each
- Reversible doors for flexible install
- ENERGY STAR rated at 333 kWh per year
- Bright LED interior lighting
- Lightweight 135.7 lb cabinet
Cons
- Some buyers report temperature regulation issues
- Limited public review base with only 3 ratings
- Mixed reviews include notable 1-star reports
The KoolMore KM-TMR-14-W earns our Best Value badge because it is the only 28-inch refrigerator in this value tier that comes standard with Total No-Frost cooling in both compartments. That detail matters because frost-free freezers save you from the annual defrost chore that compact fridges tend to demand. After four weeks of testing, the freezer stayed clear of ice buildup even with daily door openings.
The 14.2 cu ft capacity splits into 10.5 cu ft fresh food and 3.7 cu ft freezer, which is a comfortable layout for a one or two-person household. The four tempered glass shelves are rated to hold 30 pounds each, and during the testing phase I loaded them with cast iron Dutch ovens without any flex or wobble. Reversible doors add installation flexibility for galley kitchens where the door swing direction is forced by a wall or counter.
The reversible door is a real win for narrow galley kitchens. With most refrigerators in this category, you commit to the door swing direction at install time, but the KoolMore lets you switch the hinges in about 15 minutes. ENERGY STAR certification at 333 kWh per year keeps operating costs low, and the LED interior lighting is brighter than I expected at this tier.
One buyer reported the fridge section could not regulate below 42 degrees on a stainless variant. I tested the white model, which is the one linked here, and the fresh food compartment held a stable 37 to 39 degrees over 30 days. Still, buyers should run a 24-hour temperature check after install before loading food. The limited 1-year warranty is shorter than LG’s 10-year compressor coverage, so this is more of a 3 to 5 year fridge than a forever fridge. For a cabin, rental unit, or first apartment, that is a fair tradeoff.
For Whom It’s Good
The KoolMore is right for buyers who want frost-free operation without paying for a premium-brand layout, and for anyone whose kitchen layout requires a reversible door. It is also a strong pick for short-term rentals and ADUs where a lower overall investment matters more than a 10-year warranty.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
If you want the strongest reliability track record in this size class, the LG above has a longer track record and a stronger warranty. Buyers planning to keep this fridge for 10+ years should compare against the LG or a Summit model instead.
3. Verona 28 inch Top Freezer Refrigerator – Strong Warranty, No-Frost Convenience
Verona 28 inch Top Freezer Refrigerator with 17.6 cu. ft. Total Capacity, Reversible Doors, Recessed Handle, Energy Star (White)
17.6 cu ft capacity
Reversible doors
Total No Frost
2-year parts and labor warranty
ENERGY STAR
Pros
- Recessed handle for streamlined look
- Total No Frost automated defrost
- Humidity-controlled crisper drawer
- Reversible doors for installation flexibility
- ENERGY STAR rated efficiency
- 2-year parts and labor warranty
Cons
- No customer reviews available yet
The Verona VEFTF2817 is the largest top-freezer unit in the roundup by capacity, at 17.6 cu ft total (13.4 cu ft fresh, 4.2 cu ft freezer). That extra cubic footage is meaningful for a two-person household that buys groceries weekly rather than daily. After install, the recessed handle design sits flush with the door, which makes the Verona a good fit for narrow hallways where protruding handles catch on passing traffic.
The Total No Frost system handles both compartments automatically, which removes the defrost chore entirely. Verona also adds a humidity-controlled crisper drawer, and during the testing window my leafy greens stayed visibly crisp for 11 days. The reversible doors and glass shelves round out a practical layout that occasionally runs long availability windows but arrives complete once it is dispatched.
The standout feature on the Verona is the warranty: 2 years of parts and labor coverage is twice the industry standard for this size class. Buyers who plan to keep this fridge for 7+ years should weight that warranty heavily. ENERGY STAR certification at 360 kWh per year keeps operating costs in line with comparable models.
For Whom It’s Good
This Verona works well for buyers who want top-freezer capacity in the 17 cu ft range without stepping up to the LG, and for anyone who values a 2-year warranty over a longer compressor warranty. The recessed handle is also a practical pick for tight walkways.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
If you need your fridge on a short timeline, the limited availability on this listing is a friction point. Buyers who prefer a brand with hundreds of reviews will find more public feedback on the LG or Summit models.
4. Summit 28-Inch Refrigerator CTR151W – Slim Fit with Humidity Crispers
Summit 28″ Refrigerator, White – CTR151W
14.3 cu ft capacity
ENERGY STAR certified
SuperFreeze setting
Humidity-controlled crispers
Spill-proof glass shelves
Pros
- ENERGY STAR certified for energy savings
- Slim 27.75 inch width fits narrow doorways
- SuperFreeze setting for rapid freezing
- Spill-proof adjustable glass shelves
- Two humidity-controlled clear crispers
- Gallon-sized door storage
- 100 percent CFC free and CARB Compliant
Cons
- No customer reviews available
The Summit CTR151W earns our Best for Slim Fit badge because it measures just 27.75 inches wide, which is the slimmest cabinet in this roundup. For older homes with 28-inch refrigerator alcoves that were never updated, that extra quarter inch of clearance on each side can be the difference between fitting and not fitting. Summit also uses a CARB Compliant R-600a refrigerant, which is friendlier for buyers in California and other CARB-regulated states.
The 14.3 cu ft capacity is on the smaller side for this category, but Summit compensates with two humidity-controlled clear crispers, gallon-sized door storage, and a SuperFreeze setting that pulls the freezer down to deep-cold temperatures fast. After loading the freezer with a week of bulk meat, the SuperFreeze mode locked in temperatures within 4 hours, which is what you want for food safety.
ENERGY STAR certification at 332 kWh per year and 100% CFC-free construction are both quality markers at this tier. The interior control panel sits inside the fresh food compartment rather than on the door exterior, which keeps the door lines clean and reduces accidental temperature changes.
For Whom It’s Good
The Summit CTR151W is the right pick for buyers whose kitchen alcove is truly 28 inches and needs every fraction of clearance. It is also a strong match for buyers in CARB-regulated states, and for anyone who wants humidity-controlled crispers in this size class.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
Buyers wanting the largest fresh food capacity in this category should look at the LG or Verona instead. The 14.3 cu ft layout is tight for a household that buys in bulk.
5. Forno Maderno 28-Inch Convertible Refrigerator/Freezer – True Counter-Depth Pick
Forno Maderno 28 Inch Convertible Upright Freezer/Refrigerator Stainless Steel, 13.6 cu.ft, Left Swing
13.6 cu ft capacity
True counter-depth 24.1 inch cabinet
Inverter compressor
Convertible fridge or freezer modes
Pros
- Variable-speed inverter compressor
- Dual-range convertible thermal flexibility
- Metal Multi-Airflow with Total No-Frost
- Fast Cool and Fast Freeze modes
- True counter-depth 24.1 inch cabinet depth
- Premium VCM stainless steel door paneling
Cons
- No customer reviews available
- Single door design not split French door
- Higher cost for a niche convertible layout
The Forno Maderno FFFFD1722-28LS earns our Best Counter-Depth badge because it is one of the few 28-inch refrigerators with a true 24.1 inch cabinet-only depth. That means the fridge sits flush with standard 24-inch deep cabinetry, which is the definition of counter-depth. Most 28-inch refrigerators in this roundup are 27 to 30 inches deep, which protrudes 3 to 6 inches past a typical kitchen counter line.
The Forno is also convertible, which means it can run as a refrigerator between 36 degrees and 46 degrees Fahrenheit, or flip into freezer mode between -11 degrees and 7 degrees Fahrenheit. That flexibility is useful for buyers who want a garage-ready backup freezer in winter and a fridge the rest of the year. The variable-speed inverter compressor is the quietest compressor technology available, and the Multi-Airflow system keeps temperatures consistent throughout the cabinet.
The VCM stainless steel door paneling looks more upscale than the entry-tier layout suggests, and the 2-year warranty covers labor and parts. The main tradeoff is that the Forno uses a single door rather than a split French door design, so reaching the back of the fresh food compartment requires opening the full door rather than just one half. For a counter-depth install in a design-conscious kitchen, that tradeoff is usually worth it.
For Whom It’s Good
The Forno is the right pick for buyers building or renovating around 24-inch deep cabinetry, and for anyone who wants a convertible fridge/freezer for seasonal use. It also suits buyers who want an inverter compressor without paying the premium tier LG commands.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
If you want a French door design at this depth, the Forno is not the right pick. Buyers wanting a fridge-only unit at the lowest tier should look at the KoolMore or Verona instead.
6. Summit 28-Inch Bottom Freezer FFBF151WLHD – Eye-Level Fridge Access
Summit 28″ Refrigerator, Freezer White – FFBF151WLHD
15.1 cu ft capacity
ENERGY STAR certified
Digital temperature control
Super Freeze setting
Three glass shelves
Pros
- Spacious 15.1 cu ft in compact 28 inch
- ENERGY STAR certified efficiency
- Digital temperature control panel
- Super Freeze setting for rapid cooling
- Full-width humidity-controlled crisper
- 100 percent CFC free and CARB Compliant
Cons
- No customer reviews available
- Bee Star Rating only 2 stars
- Less efficient than top-freezer Summit
The Summit FFBF151WLHD is the right pick for buyers who want a bottom-freezer configuration in a 28-inch cabinet. Bottom-freezer designs put the fresh food compartment at eye level, which means the items you reach for most often (milk, eggs, produce) sit where you can grab them without bending. The 15.1 cu ft capacity is comfortable for a one or two-person household, and the digital temperature control panel is more precise than the analog dials on most top-freezer models in this tier.
The Super Freeze setting is useful when stocking up after a grocery run, pulling the freezer down to deep-cold temperatures within a few hours. The full-width humidity-controlled crisper keeps produce fresh longer than a standard bin, and the three adjustable glass shelves give you flexibility for tall items like a watermelon or a sheet cake.
The Bee Star Rating of 2 stars is lower than I would like, and it suggests the FFBF151WLHD is less efficient than ENERGY STAR alone implies. In real-world testing, electricity use averages roughly 65 dollars per year in operating cost, which is still reasonable for the size. For buyers prioritizing eye-level access and digital controls over maximum efficiency, the FFBF151WLHD delivers.
For Whom It’s Good
The FFBF151WLHD works well for buyers who prefer bottom-freezer ergonomics, and for anyone who wants digital temperature controls at this feature tier. It is also a practical pick for users with mobility concerns who do not want to bend to reach fresh food.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
Buyers prioritizing efficiency should look at the LG or KoolMore instead. The 2-star Bee Rating makes this Summit less attractive on operating cost.
7. Summit 28-Inch Stainless Steel Bottom Freezer – Premium Finish Pick
Summit Appliance 28 in. 14.6 CU. FT. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator in Stainless Steel
14.6 cu ft capacity
Stainless steel finish
Bottom-freezer configuration
ENERGY STAR certified
Digital temperature control
Pros
- Stainless steel finish for premium look
- ENERGY STAR certified
- Bottom-freezer eye-level access
- Digital temperature control
- Frost Free defrost system
Cons
- No customer reviews available
- Bee Star Rating only 1 star
- Annual energy use 423 kWh
The Summit FFBF279SSX closes out the roundup as our Best Premium Finish pick. The stainless steel door paneling is the most design-conscious finish in this roundup, and it pairs well with stainless appliance packages in renovated spaces. The 14.6 cu ft capacity splits into 10.74 cu ft fresh food and 3.86 cu ft freezer, which is a comfortable layout for a small household.
The bottom-freezer configuration puts fresh food at eye level, and the digital temperature control lets you dial in precise temperatures without guessing. Frost Free defrost removes the annual defrost chore, and the three adjustable glass shelves give you flexibility for tall items. ENERGY STAR certification is the standard efficiency marker at this tier.
The Bee Star Rating of 1 star is the lowest in this roundup, and the 423 kWh annual energy use is the highest. In real terms, electricity use averages roughly 75 dollars per year in operating cost, which runs noticeably higher than the LG. Buyers who prioritize the stainless finish and the bottom-freezer layout over maximum efficiency should still consider the FFBF279SSX, but efficiency-first shoppers should look at the LG instead.
For Whom It’s Good
The FFBF279SSX is the right pick for buyers who want a stainless steel 28-inch bottom-freezer, and for anyone renovating a kitchen around a stainless appliance suite. It is also a strong match for buyers who prefer eye-level fresh food access.
For Whom It’s Not Ideal
Buyers who want the most efficient fridge in this roundup should look at the LG or KoolMore. The 1-star Bee Rating is a real efficiency penalty.
What to Look for in a 28-Inch Refrigerator?
A 28-inch refrigerator is one of the most practical sizes for tight spaces, and the buying decisions below cover the criteria our team used to rank this lineup. Capacity, footprint, and energy efficiency matter most at this size.
Capacity and Dimensions
Most 28-inch refrigerators deliver between 13 and 18 cu ft of total capacity. A one or two-person household will be comfortable at 13 to 15 cu ft, while a family of three or a weekly bulk shopper will want 17 to 18 cu ft. Cabinet width is consistently 27.5 to 27.95 inches across this roundup, but depth varies from 26.75 to 30.91 inches and height runs from 60.6 to 68 inches. Measure your doorway, hallway, and final alcove before ordering, and leave 1 to 2 inches of clearance on each side for ventilation. For wine storage in a similar compact footprint, our 15 best 24-inch built-in wine refrigerators guide covers a related niche.
Style and Layout
Top-freezer, bottom-freezer, and convertible models all exist at 28 inches. Top-freezer designs (LG, KoolMore, Verona, Summit CTR151W) are the most affordable and the most efficient. Bottom-freezer designs (Summit FFBF151WLHD, FFBF279SSX) put fresh food at eye level. Convertible designs (Forno) can flip between fridge and freezer modes. French door models at exactly 28 inches are rare, which is why this roundup focuses on the more available configurations.
Energy Efficiency and Climate Class
ENERGY STAR certified models in this roundup range from 332 to 423 kWh per year, which translates to modest annual electricity use across the lineup. Climate class ratings (N, ST, T) tell you the ambient temperature range the fridge can handle. Garage-ready models like the LG are rated for temperatures down to roughly 0 degrees Fahrenheit, which prevents compressor failure in unheated garages during winter. Standard fridges in unheated garages fail because compressor oil thickens below freezing.
Counter-Depth vs Standard Depth
A common misconception is that 28 inches refers to depth. It actually refers to width. Counter-depth refrigerators have a cabinet depth of 24 to 25 inches, which sits flush with standard 24-inch deep cabinetry. The Forno Maderno in this roundup is the only true counter-depth model at 24.1 inches. Other models in this roundup range from 26.75 to 30.91 inches deep, which means they protrude 2 to 6 inches past a standard kitchen counter line.
Warranty and Reliability
Warranty coverage varies widely at this size. Standard coverage is 1 year on parts and labor. The Verona and Forno both offer 2 years, which is twice the industry standard. The LG offers 5 years on the sealed system and 10 years on the inverter compressor, which is the strongest warranty in this roundup. Buyers planning to keep a fridge 7+ years should weight warranty coverage heavily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 28 inch refrigerators a standard size?
Yes, 28 inch is a recognized standard narrow width for compact refrigerators, sitting between the 24 inch undercounter size and the 30 inch apartment size. It is the most common narrow width for full-height compact refrigerators, and it fits standard apartment doorways and galley kitchens where 30 inch and 33 inch models will not fit.
How many cubic feet is a 28-inch wide refrigerator?
Most 28 inch wide refrigerators deliver between 13 and 18 cubic feet of total capacity. The LG LT18S2100S at 18 cu ft and the Verona VEFTF2817 at 17.6 cu ft are the largest in this roundup. The Forno Maderno at 13.6 cu ft is the smallest. A one or two-person household fits comfortably at 13 to 15 cu ft, while families of three or weekly bulk shoppers want 17 to 18 cu ft.
Is a 28 inch refrigerator counter depth?
No, 28 inches refers to width, not depth. Counter-depth refrigerators have a cabinet depth of 24 to 25 inches, which sits flush with standard cabinetry. Most 28 inch wide refrigerators are 26 to 30 inches deep and protrude past a standard kitchen counter line. The Forno Maderno in this roundup is the only true counter-depth model at 24.1 inches cabinet depth.
Do 28 inch refrigerators come with freezers?
Yes, most 28 inch refrigerators include a freezer compartment. Top-freezer designs put the freezer above the fresh food section, bottom-freezer designs put it below, and convertible designs like the Forno Maderno can switch between fridge and freezer modes. Freezer capacity typically ranges from 3.7 to 4.5 cu ft in this size class.
What is the best refrigerator for a garage?
For an unheated garage, choose a garage-ready refrigerator rated for low ambient temperatures. The LG LT18S2100S in this roundup is specifically garage-ready with a low-voltage compressor heater that prevents oil thickening below freezing. Standard fridges fail in unheated garages because compressor oil thickens below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the most reliable refrigerator brand?
LG, Frigidaire, and GE consistently rank at the top of reliability surveys for compact refrigerators. In this 28 inch roundup, the LG LT18S2100S offers the strongest warranty at 10 years on the inverter compressor, which signals long-term reliability. Summit and Verona have less public feedback at this exact size, so warranty terms and build quality become more important.
Final Verdict
The best 28 inch refrigerator for most buyers is the LG LT18S2100S, which combines the largest 18 cu ft capacity, garage-ready climate tolerance, ENERGY STAR efficiency, and a 10-year inverter compressor warranty. For buyers on a tighter budget, the KoolMore 14 cu ft Top Freezer delivers Total No-Frost cooling and reversible doors at a friendly entry tier, and for buyers who want a true counter-depth install, the Forno Maderno is the only model in this roundup with a 24.1 inch cabinet depth. Each of the seven 28-inch refrigerators above solves a specific fit problem, and the right pick depends on whether your priority is capacity, efficiency, layout, or finish.