The Ultimate LG LFDS22520S 21.8-Cu. Ft. French Door Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Review

French door refrigerators have become extremely popular in recent years because they offer a dash of elegance and style to kitchen cooling, but those good looks come at a price. French door refrigerators usually cost more than traditional top-freezer or bottom-freezer models, but they make up for their higher MSRPs with innovative features that are rarely found at lower price points.

The LG LFDS22520S enters the French door refrigerator fray with an impressive array of features and a capacity large enough to satisfy just about any family, but does that justify its price tag? This review will seek to answer that question with an in-depth look at the LG LFDS22520S’s specifications, features, benefits and drawbacks. We will also let you know what consumers who have purchased this refrigerator are saying. Want to skip the details? See a summary of the LG LFDS22520S refrigerator here.

LG LFDS22520S 21.8-Cu. Ft. French Door Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

Google’s Rating 4.4

Description and Specifications

French door refrigerators are usually much larger than traditional refrigerator designs, but the LG LFDS22520S bucks this trend with a relatively compact package that still offers plenty of storage space. This sleek refrigerator is finished in stainless steel, which gives it a contemporary look that will harmonize with any kitchen décor, and its cooling compartment with 21.8 cubic feet of space is deceptively large. The left door of this refrigerator features an ice and water dispenser, which should be expected on an appliance of this type.

The exterior of this LG refrigerator looks fairly conventional with French doors above a pull-out freezer drawer, but looks can be deceiving. The interior of the LG LFDS22520S is packed with advanced cooling features that are designed to ensure that temperatures remain consistent throughout. There are also digital sensors that monitor temperature and strategically placed vents in the cooling compartment that surround food with cold air to keep it fresher longer. The interior of this refrigerator has four Split Spill Protector glass shelves and seven storage bins, and the freezer has a drawer divider and pull-out shelf to keep frozen food organized.

Construction

The LG LFDS22520S is a premium refrigerator, so its sturdy construction and high-quality materials should come as no surprise. The exterior of this refrigerator is finished in smooth stainless steel and features hidden door hinges. Its shelves are made out of tempered glass. Its seven door bins are constructed out of robust impact-resistant plastic, and six of them can be easily removed for cleaning. Other notable features of this LG French door refrigerator include:

• A linear compressor: The beating heart of this LG is an inverter linear compressor that has fewer moving parts and is more efficient than standard refrigerator compressors. LG’s linear compressor reacts quickly to restore internal temperatures when the refrigerator’s doors are opened, which results in less temperature and humidity fluctuation and up to 18% less moisture.
• An advanced cooling system: LG’s innovative compressor is part of the company’s Smart Cooling system that is designed to surround food with cool air no matter where it is placed. Other components of the system include digital temperature sensors, vents placed in strategic locations inside the cooling cabinet, and a Fresh Filter that eliminates odors. This ingenious approach to cooling helps keep produce fresh up to twice as long.
• Advanced diagnostics: If this LG refrigerator ever develops a problem, its SmartDiagnosis feature allows service technicians to diagnose it over the phone. Owners of this LG model can also download an Android or iOS app to access this feature and run their own diagnoses.

Freezer and Refrigerator Capacity

LG engineers worked hard to make sure that the LFDS22520S makes the most out of its relatively compact outside dimensions. The refrigerator cabinet offers 14.5 cu. ft. of storage space, and its pull-out freezer draw adds another 7.3 cu. ft. Arranging food inside this French door refrigerator is easy thanks to its four split SpillProtector tempered glass shelves, two humidity crispers, and Glide N’ Serve drawer. This LG’s six removable door bins are large enough to accommodate large items, and one of them has a flip-up door to keep dairy items fresh. There is also a fixed-door bin for heavy items.

The four split tempered glass shelves in the LG LFDS22520S can be repositioned in just a few seconds, which makes accommodating soda bottles much easier. Because the glass shelves have a split design, you do not have to raise the entire shelf just to accommodate a few tall items. This maximizes the already large interior capacity and reduces wasted space.

The pull-out freezer draw of this LG French door refrigerator also has some useful features. Its bottom bin is very deep and divided into two compartments for long-term storage. Its upper pull-out drawer, which features a clear front panel and a removable ice bin, improves access to frozen essentials. Both the refrigerator and freezer compartments in this appliance have LED lights.

The LG LFDS22520S has a larger capacity than French door refrigerators with similar exterior dimensions, and its clever shelves and bins make the most of its already generous interior space. The result of all this engineering is a refrigerator that offers a level of convenience that is usually found only in much larger appliances.

Dimensions and Weight

This LG French door refrigerator is only 29.75” wide, which is smaller than most appliances of this type and not much wider than a standard top- or bottom-freezer design. The LG LFDS22520S is 68.5” tall. This refrigerator has a depth of 33”, which increases to 35.5” when its two stainless-steel handles are factored in. Standard kitchen counters are 25.5” deep, which means this refrigerator will protrude several inches. This is something you should bear in mind if you are looking for a refrigerator to place in a galley-style kitchen. French door refrigerators often weigh 300 lbs. or more, but this LG tips the scales at only 237 lbs. despite its robust construction and sturdy materials.

Installation and Maintenance

Installing this LG French door refrigerator should not present many problems, as all you will need is a power outlet, a water supply, a few hand tools, and sufficient space. You should only plug this refrigerator into a grounded three-prong appliance outlet, and the appliance’s internal filter needs a water supply of at least 40 psi and no more than 120 psi.

You should install this refrigerator on a level and solid floor to reduce noise and vibrations, but getting things level is made easy by legs that can be adjusted using a wrench and screwdriver. This is a step that should not be overlooked, as most refrigerator door problems are caused by level rather than alignment issues. You will need to leave at least 2 inches of space behind this refrigerator to accommodate its water connection, and you should also leave at least 1/8 inch on each side to make sure that none of its ventilation openings are blocked.

Replacing water and air filters is the only routine maintenance you will have with this refrigerator. A light on the ice dispenser will illuminate when the water filter should be changed, and this is a quick job that can be done in about a minute. All you have to do is remove one of the shelves, pull out the old filter, then push in the new filter. Just check the filter’s model number to make sure you are using the right part. Replacing the air filter is just as easy since a single counterclockwise twist is all that you need to remove the filter cover. A light will appear on a control panel to let you know that a filter change is due.

Annual Energy Consumption and Temperature Control

The LG LFDS22520S is considered an Energy Star appliance by both the U.S. and Canadian governments. This means that it is one of the most efficient refrigerators on the market and uses at least 15% less energy than federal standards require. According to its yellow EnergyGuide label, this refrigerator uses 587 kWh of energy every year and costs $70 to run. However, that annual cost is based on a rate of 12 cents per kilowatt-hour, which could be more or less than the rate in your area.

The government intends these figures to be a guide, and your energy use will be influenced by your behavior as well as the appliances you buy. Here are some things that you can do to reduce the amount of electricity your refrigerator uses:

• Don’t leave the door open: Cold air rushes out whenever you open a refrigerator door, which means the compressor has to go to work to restore the desired temperature. This LG has an alarm that alerts you when any of its doors are left open.
• Don’t set the temperature too low: The ideal refrigerator temperature is between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Choosing a temperature lower than this will not make food last longer, but it will drive up energy bills. Adjusting the temperature on the LG LFDS22520S is done by touching the control panel in the door.
• Keep your food organized: You will spend less time searching for what you need if the contents of your refrigerator are organized. This LG has adjustable shelves and pull-out drawers to make this a lot easier.

Ice maker and Defrost Type

LG has placed the LFDS22520S’s ice and water dispensers in the door, so you won’t have to open this refrigerator to access them. The ice maker can deliver up to 2.8 lbs. of ice each day and will shut down automatically when it reaches its 12-lb. capacity. The pull-out freezer drawer has an ice bin if you need to store even more ice. Both the water and ice dispensers have lights to avoid nighttime spills.

Defrosting is another chore you won’t have to worry about with this LG as it is done automatically. This refrigerator has a defrost cycle that initiates at least once each day to prevent frost buildup and maximize freezer storage space.

Certifications and Warranty

In addition to being Energy Star qualified, the LG LFDS22520S is ADA compliant. This means that it meets all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To earn this certification, refrigerators must be accessible to people in wheelchairs and have doors that can be opened with one hand in a way that does not pinch or twist the wrists.

All this LG refrigerator’s components are covered by a one-year limited warranty that protects consumers against defects in materials or workmanship. Its sealed system is covered for seven years, and its linear compressor is covered for a full 10 years. Consumers are not required to register this product to obtain warranty coverage, but doing so speeds up claims and provides extra proof of purchase.

Common Problems and Parts

Registering LG products also makes finding and ordering parts much easier as the system will know which model numbers are required. If you choose not to register an LG appliance, you can still find the parts and accessories you need by clicking on the support tab on the LG website and then entering a model number. If you prefer to shop in person, many large home improvement centers and appliance stores keep a large inventory of LG parts in stock.

The LG LFDS22520S is extremely well designed and built, so it is not surprising that few consumers report having problems with it. The parts most commonly ordered for this model number are water and air filters, bins, and shelves. When a more serious problem emerges, service technicians can identify the issue and propose a solution over the phone thanks to this refrigerator’s SmartDiagnosis system. This system can also be accessed using an Android or iOS app.

Additional Features

Here are some of the main features of the LG LFDS22520S:

Price

The LG LFDS22520S has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $2,199, but it is usually sold at a discount. LG and outlets like Best Buy and The Home Depot usually shave about $200 off this refrigerator’s list price, and visiting Amazon could save you even more as the online retailer’s current price for this model number is only $1,889. While this price may be higher than the MSRPs of most top and bottom-freezer refrigerators, it’s actually fairly reasonable for a French door model with advanced cooling and convenience features.

What Are Consumers Saying About The LG LFDS22520S?

Online reviews suggest that most people who have bought this LG French door refrigerator are very happy with it. Many reviewers say they purchased this model because it was one of the few French door designs that would fit inside their kitchens, and they report being both surprised and impressed by its features. The LG LFDS22520S gets particularly high marks for its stylish design, touch controls, and convenient storage options.

Some reviewers say they had problems with this refrigerator’s linear compressor, but these reports are rare. It is also worth remembering that LG warrants the compressor for 10 years. Some consumers complained about having to open both of this refrigerator’s doors to load large items, but this is to be expected with an appliance of this size.

Overall, the benefits and drawbacks of the LG LFDS22520S can be summed up with the following pros and cons:

Is the LG LFDS22520S for You?

The LG LFDS22520S is a stylish French door refrigerator that offers an impressive amount of storage capacity in a package that is not much larger than a traditional top- or bottom-freezer design. It also has an interior that can be arranged in several ways to accommodate items of all sizes. If you like the look of French door refrigerators and want an appliance that will run for many years, this LG could be a great choice.

However, the LG LFDS22520S may not be the best choice if water and ice dispensers are features you won’t use very often and you are looking for an appliance that will sit flush with your kitchen counters. You may also want to keep looking if you think opening two doors to load your refrigerator is something that could become tiresome.

Why Choose LG?

You may think that the initials in LG’s name stand for “Life’s Good” as that has been the company’s marketing slogan for many years, but the initials are actually short for Lucky-Goldstar. The company that became Lucky-Goldstar and then LG was founded in 1947 by a South Korean entrepreneur named Koo In-Hwoi, and the company is still owned and managed by his family. The company originally made chemicals and plastics, but all that changed in 1958 when it entered the burgeoning electronics market.

LG carved out a place for itself in a crowded marketplace by concentrating on fundamentals and focusing on features that made life better for its customers. Today’s LG is one of the world’s leading electronics manufacturers with a diverse product portfolio that includes televisions, computers, mobile devices, and smartwatches as well as household appliances.

Manufacturers known for being the first to bring new ideas and features to the market are often plagued with reliability issues, but LG has managed to avoid this stigma. The company’s research and development efforts are second to none, which may be why LG products are consistently rated as being among the best in their market segments by organizations like Consumer Reports. If you are looking for a refrigerator that is both packed with features and built to last, LG may be a brand worth considering.

FAQs

Doing research before buying an appliance can be time-consuming. To help make this chore a bit easier, here are some answers to questions commonly asked about the LG LFDS22520S.