Best Door-in-Door Refrigerators From Consumer Reports' Tests

Refrigerator manufacturers continue to introduce new bells and whistles, such as sparkling-water dispensers, touch screens, and cameras that let you view the inside of your fridge from a smart device. But how do you know whether you’re paying a premium for a fad?

Innovative features with staying power address a genuine consumer need—and Consumer Reports’ experts put the door-in-door configuration in that class.

A door-in-door is a hidden compartment behind an exterior panel—typically on a French-door refrigerator—that pops open with the press of a button. The design allows you to reach for often-used items without heaving open the entire door and letting warm air rush into the rest of the refrigerator. It’s handy for anyone who likes to loiter in front of an open fridge deciding between, say, a squeezable yogurt and a cheese stick, or maybe a Heineken and a Pabst Blue Ribbon. On some Samsung models, they’re styled as "beverage centers" and incorporate the water dispenser.