LG LFX31945 First Impressions

Introduction

Design & Usability

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When one door closes, another opens.

The LG LFX31945ST 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 while it's new to the US similar fridges are already popular in the rest of the world.

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 small compartment offers a small, shallow pair of shelves on the door. There’s also access to shelves designed for beverages—those compartments are mostly closed off when the larger fridge is opened.

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Features

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The door-in-door feature is the star of the show.

The LG LFX31945ST is just as easy to use as any LG fridge we’ve tested, with the added benefit of its own “mini-fridge-within-the-fridge.” Perhaps it's 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. Also, if you have messy kids, putting their favorite foods in the front part of the door-in-door may keep the rest of the fridge interior clean.

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

Conclusion

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An easy-to-use fridge that could be a big hit in the American market.

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 eventually 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.