10 Best Sabbath Mode Refrigerators [Star-K] for Shabbos & Jewish Holidays (2020)

Remember the days you had to manually turn off the refrigerator lights before Shabbat?
Ugh…
I remember I had to unscrew the lightbulb, cover the switch with scotch tape and find all sorts of creative (read: annoying) workarounds.
Well, not anymore!
Thankfully, some of the biggest refrigerator brands came to the rescue and created Sabbath mode refrigerators to make our lives much easier.
In fact – the only problem now is that there are too many Sabbath mode fridges to choose from.
Everyone is throwing buzzwords, deals, coupons our way – all in the attempt to catch our attention.
- Where do we even begin?
- How do we know which refrigerators are truly Kosher?
- What does Sabbath mode and Star-K even mean?
I spent 3 days writing this monster guide – to help you find the answers to all those questions and to help you find a brand new Sabbath mode refrigerator that’ll serve you well for MANY years to come.
Let’s begin…
Click here to jump straight to the best Sabbath mode refrigerators.
Table of Contents
What is “Sabbath Mode” on a Refrigerator?
Sabbath mode is a special setting that disables the electronic pieces of the refrigerator and therefore prevents Shabbat-observant Jews from accidentally breaking Shabbat every time they open/close the fridge.
Everything from interior lights, digital displays, buttons, sounds and any other fancy electronic feature your Sabbath mode fridge has.
Jews are prohibited from performing certain activities on Shabbat (i.e Melachot Shabbat). That includes restrictions such as lighting a fire, preparing food or using electricity-based products (like refrigerators).
Oy vey! That pretty much throws most refrigerators out the window right there (and throwing refrigerators out the window isn’t exactly considered neighbor-friendly), doesn’t it?
Except: Sabbath mode refrigerators.
Thankfully, several refrigerator brands decided to come to our rescue. Over the years, they developed modern technology solutions that make life easier on us, so we can continue observing the Sabbath without sacrificing our lifestyle. Such sweethearts! (don’t worry, we’ll look at some of the best “sweethearts” in a moment)
What does a “Star-K Certified” Fridge Mean?
Star-K is a certification agency that provides Kosher certification to kitchen appliance manufacturers.
They work with brands who are looking to “Kosherize” their products to make it available for Shabbat-observant Jews who follow strict Halachic requirements.
Many Sabbath mode refrigerator brands (like KitchenAid, Frigidaire, Electrolux) certify their refrigerators through Star-K, while others (like GE, Samsung, Bosch) decide not to for various reasons.
Should you only buy a “Star-K” certified refrigerator?
It depends on how strict you are.
Some Jews (like Orthodox Jews) require a Star-K certified refrigerator, while others don’t mind buying a Sabbath mode refrigerator without one.
In this guide, I included the best of both worlds – so you can choose the best refrigerator that fits your needs.
Top Sabbath Mode Refrigerators
Now that we know what “Sabbath Mode” and “Star-K certified” means, allow me to introduce you to the top refrigerators with Sabbath mode (including our Amen V’Amen award winners!).
Refrigerator | Pros | Cons | Rating | |
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Top Pick
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| Our Rating: | Get it Here |
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| Our Rating: | Get it Here |
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| Our Rating: | Get it Here |
Our Favorite
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| Our Rating: | Get it Here |
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| Our Rating: | Get it Here |
Best Value
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| Our Rating: | Get it Here |
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| Our Rating: | Get it Here |
Premium Choice
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| Our Rating: | Get it Here |
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| Our Rating: | Get it Here |
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| Our Rating: | Get it Here |
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| Our Rating: | Get it Here |
KitchenAid KRMF706ESS French Door Refrigerator
Top PickLet’s start with the design: magnificent. And I mean the kind of sleek design that captures the attention of your guests if you let them in the kitchen (expect “Ooooh and Aaahs”)… and yes, it gives you the urge to show them the kitchen… after all, who doesn’t love compliments? That includes KitchenAid’s innovative 5-door configuration (including 2 soft-close drawers) – who here the first in the industry to introduce such a design. You know what that means… No more stuffing everything on one shelf, and no more spending 30 minutes finding what you’re looking for every time you open the fridge. But it’s not just the design… you know, let’s not judge the refrigerator by its cover…but by its size! KitchenAid’s French door refrigerator has a TON of space – it has 25.8 cu ft. capacity. How much is that exactly? Well, it can hold approximately 26 bags of groceries (!). I don’t know about you, but given my size, even I could fit in that thing… The massive amount of space and adjustable shelves allow you to organize any way you want, without getting lost in it. The ice maker, let’s put it simply, isn’t “the best”. Quite often, it starts causing trouble after consistent use. For example, if you experience a power outage for too long, the ice maker may actually leak (yikes!). So, my advice for you is this: if an ice maker is a MUST – then this might not be the best option for you. Best suited for large families, especially if you have kids running around with big appetites. That also means it requires a certain amount of kitchen space – so keep that mind. Also, If you’re used to your fridge being full (I certainly wish that for you), so much so that you often need to stretch your body to grab those drinks from the back of the fridge – then this refrigerator is a blessing. You’ll FINALLY be able to organize your fridge without searching where every single thing is. Notable Features CertificationsWhy Should You Get It?
Why Not?
Who is it For?
Pros
- TONS of storage space
- Plenty of features
- Impressive sleek design
- Includes ice maker & water dispenser
- Star-K certified
Cons
- Not cheap
- The ice maker isn’t the best
Our Rating:
Haier HRQ16N3BGS 4 Door Refrigerator
Haier’s Sabbath mode refrigerator is a great option if you’re looking for a small fridge, and are on a relatively tight budget. From a design perspective – it has a solid style. Although it’s not as chic as KitchenAid’s 5-door refrigerator, it does have a sleek stainless-steel look. Plus, the fridge is counter-depth, so it’ll blend in nicely in any small-medium size kitchen. It has a cool & quick freeze function – meaning it will quickly cool those dairy products you’ve been carrying around all day in your car, and protect your food from going bad. It’s easy to use (especially for you technophobes out there), easy to clean, and very reliable. The storage space is quite limited – both in the fridge as well as the freezer. Here’s just a small example: you can’t fit a gallon of milk in the fridge door. Now, you might be thinking: “Oh common, That’s no big deal”… Fair enough… but if you’re a heavy coffee drinker like me – it sure is… Try putting a huge gallon of milk in the center of the fridge, in an an-already limited-space refrigerator – and you get a pain in the ass. Ideal for small families with limited kitchen space. It’s counter-depth, so it can blend in perfectly with any kitchen style, without requiring too much space. Notable Features CertificationsWhy Should You Get it?
Why Not?
Who is it For?
Pros
- Counter Depth
- Doesn’t take a lot of space (great for a small kitchen)
- Very quiet
- Affordable
Cons
- Not Star-K certified
- Too small for large families
- No ice/water dispenser
Our Rating:
Electrolux EI23CS35KS Side by Side Refrigerator
Electrolux is a famous brand choice among Orthodox Jewish families. They regularly certify their appliances with a Star-K certification (as well as other certifications), so all is good in that regard. The design is also quite attractive: the LED lighting gives it a nice, luxurious look. It also comes with built-in water & ice dispenser (it does have its issues though… keep reading), which is useful. Here’s where it becomes tricky… Large families who choose this “Jewish” fridge, end up struggling with storage space issues. As a result – food gets put on top of each other, and soon enough, you end up with a food tower in your fridge… good luck reaching your dairy products at the back. Another common issue is the ice maker. Many people complain that ice often gets jammed, or that the ice dispenser button gets stuck. Also, this refrigerator is NOISY. At least when you compare it with the alternatives. If I base my opinion on size only, then I would say it’s a good option for a small-medium sized Jewish family. However, I honestly think you’re better off one of the other refrigerators with Sabbath mode for a similar price, even cheaper. Notable Features Certifications Pros Cons Our Rating:
Our Favorite
GE is known for its high-quality appliances, and their Shabbos mode refrigerator definitely fits the bill. There’s a HUUUGE amount of space in this refrigerator… and I’m not just talking about the fridge part… I’m talking about everything: from the fridge, doors, drawers, all the way down to the freezer. You could literally store food for an entire Jewish extended family (and that’s saying something), and still have room left. The price is pretty fair, considering the value and peace of mind you get in return. This refrigerator is very close to perfect… But there are a few drawbacks: Tip: You can choose to remove the ice maker if you don’t need it. That will clear out some extra storage space. It’s rare to find a Sabbath mode refrigerator that fits any Jewish household. GE’s fridge is one of those rare exceptions. Their refrigerator works great whether you’re Jewish Orthodox, conservative, small family or large: Tip: When you put all of these together – you get a terrific option for Kosher homes (even Kosher workplaces)! Notable Features Certifications Pros Cons Our Rating: If there’s one phrase I would use to summarize Fisher & Paykel’s Sabbath mode refrigerator, it would be “straight to the point”. In other words, they focus on what you actually need from a refrigerator, and less so on fancy gadgets. I’ll give you a few examples: You probably noticed the empty “Certifications” area. Unfortunately, Fischer & Paykel didn’t go out of their way to certify their refrigerator… So if a Star-K certification and/or an Energy Star certification are a must for you, then this Sabbath mode fridge is probably a “no-go”. The ice maker is also a bit shaky and might cause problems over time. Note: Although to be fair, Fisher & Paykel aren’t the only ones suffering from a challenging ice maker (as you’ve probably noticed by now). Small families, AND big families. But wait, aren’t counter-depth refrigerators limited in space? There seems to be a common belief that counter-depth refrigerators are often too small for big families. Well, this Sabbath mode fridge completely busts that myth. So yes – you CAN have your cake and eat it too. Speaking of cakes – the adjustable trays and removable bins make organizing your food a real piece of cake, and very easy to clean too. If organization and ease-of-use are important to you, and you don’t mind the (lack of) certifications – then you’ll really like this fridge. Notable Features Certifications Pros Cons Our Rating: Recommended: Sabbath mode refrigerators keep your drinks cold on Shabbat. What if you want a hot cup of coffee? That’s where Shabbat hot water urns come into play! If you go to your neighborhood synagogue, and randomly ask 50 observant Jews what refrigerator they have, there’s a pretty good you’ll hear “Frigidaire” come up most of the times. Jewish households have welcomed Frigidaire’s beautiful and reliable appliances into their homes for many years. And this Star-K certified refrigerator is right at the top of that list. Wonderfully designed, with an impressive amount of space in the fridge to accommodate a large family. The cool part is the full-width drawer – which means you can safely store your Shabbat pans, platters, and other food and enjoy it for the rest of the week, without bloating your refrigerator. Like many other refrigerators, the ice maker is a “hit or miss”. After a while, you may run into issues with ice not being dispensed properly, or a jammed button. Great for strict Jewish observant families (this refrigerator is Star-K certified) who need a durable Sabbath mode fridge with lots of storage space that can last them for years, without having to pay a small fortune to get one. Frigidaire is a very reputable brand, with great customer support (but hopefully you won’t need it). Notable Features Certifications Pros Cons Our Rating: To be frank? You shouldn’t get it if you ask me. The only reason I included this fridge is that many people seem to recommend it, especially as a “premium fridge” … So I figured I’d chime in with my own two cents. Don’t get me wrong, this fridge does have its benefits: Now that we’ve given this refrigerator it’s due, let’s jump into the “Why Not”s… Story Time A few years ago, I was looking for a new car… I had a pretty limited budget, which helped me narrow down my options to 3 different car brands: I was leaning towards Daihatsu… but then my friends & family persuaded me to look for a Volkswagen instead. Why? “Because it’s German, and German cars are more reliable”, they claimed. Being the clueless, naive youngster that I was, I decided to follow their advice and bought a cool VW Golf for a decent price. I was stoked! Until things started breaking… …Then it was the exhaust system. …Then it was the window motor. …Then it was the timing belt. Things kept breaking one piece at a time… finally, I decided enough is enough and sold the car at a huge loss (for scraps, basically). Sure, it was a big loss… but it was an even bigger lesson! Now, you might be wondering: what the hell does that story have to do with a refrigerator? Because I’ve heard too many people going through similar things with their Liebherr refrigerator… Don’t repeat the same mistake! If there’s anything you should take away from my little rant, it’s this: Traditional wisdom might say: “For people looking for a premium refrigerator”. And from a design standpoint, that’s actually true, I’ll give em’ that… But it completely falls through when it comes to reliability (or lack thereof). For such a high price point, you’d at least expect a premium Sabbath mode refrigerator to last a couple of years without problems… but odds are, you’ll be sorely disappointed. Notable Features Certifications Pros Cons Our Rating: Just looking at the “Pros” column will get you a pretty good idea of why you should get it… but allow me to elaborate here: I can go on and on…but you get the point. Only one reason I can think of: the price. Other than that, this refrigerator is nearly flawless. If you can afford it – then it’s as good as it gets. Shabbat-observant families (this Sabbath mode fridge is Star-K certified) that don’t mind spending top dollar for top quality, sleek design, and reliability. There isn’t much more you could hope for from a Kosher refrigerator. Notable Features Certifications Pros Cons Our Rating: Also Recommended: Cold food on Shabbat is no fun. Check out our favorite Shabbat hot plates that’ll heat up what your cool refrigerator so generously cooled down! Albert Einstein famously said: “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler.” Whirlpool’s Sabbath fridge is a good example of just that: not a whole lot of features, no bells, and whistles – but it does what it’s supposed to do, and does it really well. Small enough to fit in any kitchen, or even smaller rooms like your basement (if you’re looking for a “backup” refrigerator). It’s cheap, it’s durable and it’s reliable… if that’s all you’ll ever need – then you’ll be satisfied with this refrigerator. If you DO want the cool features, like an ice & water dispenser, adjustable shelves, showcase door or any of the other cool features you saw in the other refrigerators, then you’re better off going for one of the other refrigerators on this list. And obviously, if you require a Star-K certification, this isn’t a good fit either. Whirlpool’s counter-depth refrigerator is ideal for small-medium sized kitchens. If you don’t need all the cool toys and functionalities most of the other Sabbath mode refrigerators on this list have, then this is a great choice to consider. Tip: Could be a great 2nd refrigerator too… you know, a “backup fridge” to put in the basement for the food that isn’t worthy of space in the main fridge. Notable Features Certifications Pros Cons Our Rating: There’s a fridge you don’t see every day. With all those stainless steel refrigerators out here that all look the same (let’s be honest…), I thought it was time for a refreshing change (including for me, I’ve been writing for 5 hours straight!) After all, what if you don’t like your refrigerator to stand out and bully the rest of the poor kitchen cabinets? What if you want your refrigerator to seamlessly integrate with the rest of your kitchen? You want your kitchen to “play” in harmony, just like the Cleveland Orchestra. And to do that – your kitchen appliances need to follow the same dress code. That’s what being a Jewish refrigerator is all about! (I know – weird analogy, but you get the idea) In other words – unlike most other refrigerators, this Bosch Sabbath mode fridge accepts custom panels. That means you can match it perfectly to the rest of your kitchen design. You know, just like those kitchen designs you see on brochures all the time. Like you’d expect – luxury comes with a price. Bosch is a premium brand when it comes to kitchen appliances, and you definitely feel it in your pockets. I definitely don’t recommend this Shabbos mode refrigerator if you’re “just looking for a fridge“. If that’s all you need – then there are lots of “regular” (read: cheaper) refrigerators on this list you can choose from. This is NOT one of those. Plus, Bosch’s refrigerator also lacks a Star-K certification. That’s a non-starter if you require one. Unlike the other refrigerators on this list (and unlike 99% of the refrigerators in the world) – you can install Bosch’s Sabbath mode refrigerator, and make it “blend in” with the rest of your kitchen. It’s small, too, so it won’t take up a whole lot of your precious kitchen space. It’ll look just like any other kitchen cabinet (only fancier). A (Jewish) interior designer’s dream. Notable Features Certifications Pros Cons Our Rating: Flexibility, period. Imagine this scenario: You wake up late… “OMG, I’m late for work”… You rush down to the kitchen to have a quick cup of coffee and a yogurt. You open the fridge. “Damn, what a mess… Where the hell is that yogurt?!” Before you know it – you just spent 3 minutes mindlessly staring at the refrigerator, throwing things around trying to find that damn yogurt – making an even bigger mess. Not to mention you haven’t even started making coffee! And now you’re late for work again… and you can kiss that promotion goodbye. Sound familiar? Here’s the solution: Another smart thing Samsung did is they allowed us, the consumers, to choose how to organize our fridge. If the storage space isn’t big enough, then you can turn your bottom section into extra fridge space – which is quite unique. Not to mention you can connect your fridge to your WiFi, and control it from your smartphone (not on Shabbos! naughty!)… how cool is that? The most irritating part of Samsung’s refrigerator is the limited door space. The door shelves are all fixed, and they can barely fit a single large bottle – so you’ll have to store your bottles on the main shelves. Another thing I found slightly annoying, is that the door handles attract fingerprints fairly easy (and they’re pretty noticeable). If you have kids running around the kitchen, then it’s a matter of time until you notice it. Thankfully, they’re easy to clean, so I wouldn’t say it’s a big deal. Mostly for people who like having control over their refrigerator. Notable Features Certifications Pros Cons Our Rating: Top Pick: KitchenAid KRMF706ESS French Door Refrigerator Sleek design + extra storage space + great functionality + Star-K certification = Top Pick award. Not a lot more you can expect from a Sabbath mode refrigerator, and that’s exactly the sort of quality you’d expect from a brand like KitchenAid. Our Favorite: GE GNE29GMKES French Door Refrigerator How lucky are we one of GE’s most popular French door refrigerators comes with a Sabbath mode? It would’ve been perfect if it was Star-K compliant (it would probably win our “Top Pick” award if it was). Because unfortunately, Orthodox Jewish families are missing out. Who knows, maybe someone from GE is reading this and taking notes? Best Value: Frigidaire FFHB2750TS French Door Refrigerator There’s a reason why Frigidaire is so popular among Jewish households: it’s affordable, looks great, has lots of space, and of course, its Star-K certified. If there’s one Kosher refrigerator that would be a good fit for almost any Jewish family, religious or not – it’s Frigidaire’s French door refrigerator. Premium Choice: KitchenAid KBSD608EBS Side by Side Refrigerator KitchenAid’s side-by-side Kosher refrigerator is in a league of its own… But if you expect a lot (and I mean that literally) from your refrigerator, and you’re willing to pay to get that level of quality – then you’re looking at one of the top refrigerators you can put your hands (and food) on. Making your refrigerator Shabbat-ready used to be a hassle. Not anymore. Thankfully, the top refrigerator brands introduced Sabbath mode in some of their refrigerators, and all of a sudden it Shabbat became a breeze (get it?). Thanks to these “Jewish” refrigerators, you can now cook your food for Shabbat and keep it cool & fresh for the rest of the week, without having to worry about an unwelcomed lightbulb getting the best of you. Shabbat Shalom! 🙂Why Should You Get It?
Why Not?
Who is it For?
GE GNE29GMKES French Door Refrigerator
Why Should You Get It?
Why Not?
The first, and potentially the biggest downside – it’s not Star-K certified.
The device is compatible with over 100 GE refrigerators (here’s the full list), including this one.Who is it For?
Fisher Paykel RF170ADUSX4 French Door Refrigerator
Why Should You Get It?
Why Not?
Who is it For?
Frigidaire FFHB2750TS French Door Refrigerator
Best Value
Why Should You Get It?
Why Not?
Who is it For?
Liebherr CS2062 French Door Refrigerator
Why Should You Get It?
Why Not?
Who is it For?
KitchenAid KBSD608EBS Side by Side Refrigerator
Premium Choice
Why Should You Get It?
Why Not?
Who is it For?
Whirlpool URB551WNGZ Refrigerator
Why Should You Get It?
Why Not?
Who is it For?
Bosch B30IB800SP Built-In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Why Should You Get It?
Why Not?
Who is it For?
Samsung RF22K9381SG 4-Door French Door Refrigerator
Why Should You Get It?
Why Not?
Who is it For?
Final Verdict
Top Pick
Our Favorite
Best Value
Premium Choice
KitchenAid KRMF706ESS French Door Refrigerator
GE GNE29GMKES French Door Refrigerator
Frigidaire FFHB2750TS French Door Refrigerator
KitchenAid KBSD608EBS Side by Side Refrigerator
Our Rating: Our Rating: Our Rating: Our Rating: Get it Here Get it Here Get it Here Get it Here Conclusion
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Thank you very much for this. I finally chose a refrigerator (with sabbath mode) for my new apartment. let’s hope it all goes well 🙂
I need a Sabbath mode side by side, counter depth AR. 24.5, as I have a small kitchen approved Kosher by Star K. Does Whirlpool 21 CU. FT. model #WRS571CLHZ and or Frigidaire Gallery 22.1 CU FT. model FGSC2335TF – are they both on Sabbath mode?
Hey Pauline,
I’m unfamiliar with the Whirlpool model you mentioned, so I can’t be sure If it has a Sabbath mode and/or a Star-K Certification.
Regarding the Frigidaire Gallery refrigerator – are you referring to this one? If so, then yes – it has both a Sabbath mode and a Star-K certification.
By the way, it’s a little cheaper on AJ Madison.
Why don’t u have the LG LRFDS3006S
Hey Fayga,
Unfortunately we can’t cover every possible refrigerator.
I will take a look into that one though.
We just purchased the Samsung
22.1 cu. ft. 4-Door Flex Food Showcase French Door Refrigerator in Black Stainless, Counter Depth. How do we turn it on sabbath mode?
Hey Rachel,
Try pressing + holding the freezer and door alarm together, as instructed on Samsung’s website: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00062340/
Hi I wanted to inquire about 2 models, Frigidaire #FFSS2615TS and GE #GSe25GSHSS if they have sabbath mode and certifications. If you can let me know I would greatly appreciate it.
Hi Esther,
Neither of these models has Sabbath mode.
Is it ok to use this on Shabbos? I am about to order one. Frigidaire #FFSS2615TS
Hi Marsha,
The model you mentioned doesn’t have a Shabbos mode. Check out the other Frigidaire models I mentioned in the guide.
Hi, I’m shocked you didn’t discuss the zman technologies GE refrigerator add on. It is OU certified and developed BY GE. It controls the Shabbas Mode to automatically go on and off based on the Shabbas and Yom Tov calendar. They claim it also does more than the regular Shabbas Mode, but I’m not sure. It does cost another $200. That would solve your biggest issue with the GE not being properly certified.
Hey Joey,
Thanks for this!
I haven’t heard of GE’s Shabbos Keeper till now (turns out it’s pretty new. It didn’t exist when I first published my article).
I just looked it up – and it does indeed look very interesting… a very creative move by GE to bypass the certification issue.
I’ll definitely look more into it and update the article accordingly!
Thanks!
Great to hear. I am very interested in your research for the Shabbas keeper. Their sales says it does more than just auto start and stop the Shabbas Mode. The GE support says it doesn’t do anything else,which would mean the regular GE Shabbas Mode is back handedly certified by the OU and I don’t need the zman technologies.