• don’t get fridges with in-door ice cube makers or in-door water dispensers or other complex features
• if you have in-door water or ice, clean those systems every few weeks. they get disgusting and unsanitary very quickly
• don’t get samsung appliances, especially not with complex features
• chinese appliances can be very hit and miss
• (america) don’t get kenmore appliances
• sometimes a higher price / better brand really is better overall
• top mount or bottom mount freezer are most reliable
• check local consumer reports ratings (not always compatible with technician’s uncerstanding of fridges but usually a great starting point - if you have the means then ask a local independent technician for their appliances of choice)
• keep a bit of space inside the fridge near the walls
• keep space behind and next to the fridge for the compressor to function properly (see manual)
• proper compressor/condenser maintenance like cleaning of the coils can add more years to the life of a fridge and make them perform better
• if you don’t have it, get a surge protector
• if you need an independent freezer, get a chest style freezer

video from an american technician comparing fridges and giving tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n76TXuDcok his channel is great in general for americans who want to buy appliances