LG LFX31945ST Door-In-Door Refrigerator First Impressions Review

Introduction

Front

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The {{product.name}} is a traditional LG fridge built on the same platform as the LFX31925 we tested a few months back. This new fridge, however, has a major distinguishing feature: Open the right door while pressing a gray button on the handle, and the front part of the door will swing away to reveal a small compartment where refrigerated foods can be stored. Just pull the door open, however, and you'll have access to the whole fridge.

It's a concept called door-in-door, and an LG spokesperson said that fridges so equipped are already on sale in Korea.

The gray button controls whether you open the whole right door or just the front compartment.

The water dispenser is a traditional LG unit.

Interior

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Inside, the fridge is no different than other LG French door units we've tested. However, access to the right door's interior is partially blocked due to the door-in-door setup.

The door-in-door opens like a book. Pull the handle and you'll get access to the whole fridge interior. Press the gray button on the handle and you'll see a small compartment.

On the inside of the small compartment is a small, shallow pair of shelves.

There's also access to shelves designed for beverages.

Those compartments are mostly closed off when the larger fridge is opened.

Back

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The back of the fridge was up against a wall, so we couldn't get pictures.

Sides

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The fridge was stacked up against another one, so we couldn't get a good shot of the sides. They appear to be light gray, however.

Ease of Access

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The {{product.name}} is just as easy to use as any LG fridge we've tested, with the added benefit of its own "mini fridge" with easy access. Perhaps its a sign of CES-induced weariness or just how heavy fridge doors have gotten, but we were pretty impressed with the door-in-door feature. It's a clever way of keeping frequently-used foods and beverages close at hand.

Controls

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Touch-sensitive controls are located on the icemaker. They're similar to the ones on the LFX31925, which we found a little difficult to use due to the lack of tactile feedback.

Cleaning

Conclusion

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LG brought their door-in-door design to the US for the first time at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show. The highlight of the LFX31945ST is a trick door that allows for a separate storage compartment that can be accessed without opening the entire fridge. When we test this fridge, we'll measure to find out whether the extra door adds to or detracts from usable storage space. Depending on the price premium, it may become a desired feature. On the trade show floor, we found the LFX31945ST very easy to use, and appreciated how easy it was to reach certain fridge compartments without opening the entire door.

We haven't tested the LFX31945ST in our labs, but LG representatives told us that average homeowners will see a moderate decrease in energy use from a door-in-door fridge, since it allows access to frequently-used items without opening the entire fridge cavity.