
Specifications
Amazon
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This does not impact our reviews and comparisons.
The GE® ENERGY STAR® 21.1 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator (GIE21GSHSS) offers superior quality and dependability, designed to meet all your refrigeration needs. This model is particularly praised for its energy efficiency, receiving ENERGY STAR certification, which means it meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The upfront temperature controls allow for easy adjustments to both the fresh food and freezer sections, ensuring that all your groceries stay at optimal temperatures. With a width of 32-7/8 inches, it optimally fits many kitchen spaces, and features adjustable spill-resistant glass shelves that help contain spills for easy cleaning - Available at Fridge.com.
The Internet’s Verdict
68%positive
3.8★ weighted·across 300 ratingsHow We Score It
Gathering the reviews
We continuously collect owner reviews and public discussions from major retailers and community forums, de-duplicate them, and set aside anything we can’t tie to a verified purchase.
Calculating the average
Averaged across every source we found (Amazon, AJ Madison, and other retailers). Each source counts in proportion to how many ratings it has, so a store with thousands of reviews moves the number more than one with only a handful.
✓ Updated regularly · No manufacturer input
What owners talk about most
“I think its a great product compared to my last refrigerator. Plenty of space. my food is cold and I live in a desert. Only features I wish I would have requested were water dispenser and refrigerator on top of freezer. Other than that its a great product for the price.”
Owners Answer
The questions shoppers ask, answered from real owner reviews and discussions across the web — not the manufacturer spec sheet. See the spec FAQ below for the official numbers.
This model has a total capacity of 21.1 cubic feet with a notably large freezer compartment on top and flexible shelving in the main fridge section. Most owners praise the spacious layout and deep storage drawers, though some note that the central temperature control dial on the top shelf can limit usable space for tall items like gallon jugs or milk containers.
Most owners report that this model operates very quietly during normal use. However, a few reviewers note that the ice maker can be audible from other rooms when it cycles, which is typical for this type of appliance.
Owners consistently report that this model cools quickly and maintains consistent temperatures throughout both the fridge and freezer compartments, keeping food crisp and drinks chilled. The cooling performance is reliable, though a few users have experienced difficulty balancing temperature settings between the two compartments with the single dial control.
While many owners report that the ice maker works well and produces ice reliably, a recurring concern is that some units have experienced failures within 6 months to a year, with issues including slow ice production, undersized cubes, or overflow into the freezer. A few owners also report the ice maker stopped working shortly after purchase. If you experience ice maker problems, contact service promptly as warranty coverage is typically limited.
No, this model does not include a light in the freezer compartment. Several owners have noted this as a drawback, especially for a top-freezer design where the freezer receives minimal ambient light from the kitchen.
The shelves are fixed or have limited adjustability due to the central temperature control dial positioned on the top shelf, which restricts how you can customize spacing. Some owners find the shelf heights work well for their needs, while others report difficulty fitting tall items or gallon-sized containers, and note that the design limits flexibility compared to modern refrigerators with adjustable shelving.
Most owners report solid, reliable performance, with some noting their previous GE models lasted many years. However, a few users have experienced issues including loose door handles, doors that don't close securely, squeaky hinges, and seal degradation over time. Early failures in some units (defrost timer, ice maker) have also been reported, though these appear to be isolated cases rather than a widespread pattern.
Yes, owners frequently report that this refrigerator is energy efficient and uses less power than their previous models. The unit consumes approximately 480 kWh per year, making it a solid choice for those concerned about energy costs.
Fit & facts
Sources reviewed
Research done. Amazon has the best price today — $1,715
View DealSpecifications
Side-by-Side
How this top freezer stacks up against close alternatives on Fridge.com.
| Spec | ![]() GE GIE21GSHSS Energy Star Stainless Top-Freezer Refrigerator GE · GIE21GSHSS | ![]() Summit Appliance · CTR21WLHD | ![]() Kenmore | ![]() Black+Decker · BR2010JIMB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,715 | $1,391.30 | $1,399.99 | $1,210.99 |
| Capacity (cu ft) | 21.1 | 20.5 | 20.2 | 20.1 |
| Width | 32.87 | 29.5 | 29.72 | 29.5 |
| Height | 66.75 | 66 | 68.78 | 66.6 |
| Depth | 34 | 32.88 | 31.69 | 31.1 |
| Top features |
| — | — |
|
| Where to buy | View Deal | View Deal | View Deal | View Deal |
What Owners Say
296 ratings
Love the space it haves big storage bins there is always ice in the bucket it’s freeze very fast better than my big refrigerator that I have before great store shelves deep space I am very happy with my refrigerator
We love our new refrigerator. Overall the size is good not giant and actually very stylish look. Big freezer and side departments and shelves look very compact and have big wide space. Only thing is me personally not really satisfied with heights of shelves. They are wide but…
Very roomy! Nice and quiet. Shelving is just right. Love it!
Really well-designed and works great This fridge came with the house, and I’ve honestly been really happy with it. The design is super thoughtful, tons of space and the shelving layout makes it easy to keep everything organized. There’s a spot for all the essentials without it…
The new fridge works perfectly. It's quiet and runs smoothly keeping the contents super cold. It's more energy efficient than my last fridge. The shelving doesn't offer much for configuration changes but it's spacious and the setup is actually pretty optimally designed for…
Convinced? Amazon has it for $1,715
View DealWatch First
Sourced and aggregated by Fridge.com.
Documentation
Official manufacturer documents for this model — owner's manuals, spec sheets, installation guides, and warranty terms.
Manufacturer documents archived by Fridge.com so links keep working when manufacturer URLs change.
More from GE
Other models in the same family — useful for comparing capacity, finish, and feature mix.

White
GE 15.6 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator in White
$680.43

GE® ENERGY STAR® 16.6 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator
$931.76

White
GE GTS19KGNRWW 19.2 Cu. Ft. White Top Freezer Refrigerator
$703.26

White
GE GTE18DTNRWW 28" Energy Star Qualified Top Freezer Refrigerator with 17.52 cu. ft. Capacity, LED Lighting, Adjustable Wire Shelves and Upfront Temperature Controls in White
$881

GE GPV10FSNSB 24" Top Freezer Refrigerator with 9.93 cu. ft. Capacity 12V DC Power Only LED Lighting and Adjustable Spillproof Glass Shelves in Stainless Steel and Black
$923.67

White
GE GTS17GSNRSS 28" Top Freezer Refrigerator with 16.63 cu. ft. Capacity, LED Lighting, Adjustable Glass Shelves and Upfront Temperature Controls in Stainless Steel
$869.57
Brand Background
GE Appliances represents one of the most enduring names in American refrigeration, with roots stretching back to 1905 and headquarters still firmly planted in Louisville, Kentucky. Now operating as a subsidiary of Haier, the brand maintains a comprehensive presence in the refrigerator market that spans budget-conscious shoppers to those seeking premium features. Fridge.com currently tracks 105 active products from GE, with French door models comprising the largest segment at 40 units, followed by 18 top-freezer configurations and 10 full-size refrigerator-only units. This distribution reflects GE's strategy of emphasizing the popular French door format while maintaining strong representation in traditional layouts. Among the most-tracked models in the Fridge.com catalog is the GNE27JYMFS French door refrigerator, which has accumulated 8 consumer reviews averaging 4 out of 5 stars. The brand's lineup also extends into specialty categories including wine coolers, beverage centers, and various freezer configurations, demonstrating the breadth expected from a mainstream manufacturer serving diverse household needs across multiple price points.
Before You Buy