Refrigerators!!

[simple987]

Ok, I need some advice from all you experienced folk out there. I am moving to my own place in a few weeks and will have to buy a refrigerator. If you can recommend any specific brands or things to look out for I would appreciate it.


My parents have a side-by-side GE and they are not happy with it. A lot of maintenance calls. I am looking for either a side by side or bottom freezer model, with approx 20-21 sq ft. I am fine with a white appliance, no need for stainless steel.


Thanks!

[Ima saver]

Don't buy a Kenmore! I have had them pick up the first one, and this one is already leaking. (less than 2 months old) I never have had any problems with my GE.

[filifefc]

Just got a LG side-by-side one couple of months ago, really happy with it and would recommend it.

[sweeps]

Ima, your Kenmore may have actually been made by GE. Kenmore appliances are made by lots of different manufacturers.

I only buy Kenmore appliances and have had very few problems. But I know others who have had problems.

OP, you may want to check Consumer Reports. It's not perfect, but it's better than relying on anecdotal reports.

[disneysteve]

Go to your library or bookstore and checkout the Consumer Reports buying guide and make your decision from there. It often doesn't matter what name is on the unit as it may be made by someone else - Kenmore is a perfect example of that. Not all Kenmore models are made by the same company.

Also, check if there are any rebates, free delivery promotions, etc.

[cschin4]

Keep in mind that a side by side frig, it is difficult to fit some things into it like a frozen pizza. If you want the best value, I would just get the freezer on top. And, if you want a really good value, buy a used frig it will work just fine.
As for the ice/water in the door thing, ours is totally useless because we have poor water pressure. Nobody wants to stand there while water trickles out into a glass. So, a completely useless feature. Next frigde I get will just be a traditional one.

[simple987]

Yeah I'm not so thrilled with water through the door. If you don't use the ice dispenser enough, the ice sits in there and becomes an ice berg. But if you have lots of people over it cannot keep up. And the water does barely trickle out which is really annoying.

Although side by side seems to be a little more bang for your buck compared to the bottom freezer models. I will probly go with the freezer bottom model since I don't have an island in my kitchen.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

I'm not seeing the connection between freezer on bottom and not having an island. Could you explain please? TY

[simple987]

A traditional refrigerator has a large door that swings wide, compared to a side by side. If you have an island, it will usually prevent you from opening the big door all the way. Not in all kitchens, but some.

[PrincessPerky]

I bake alot and I make some candy things that I put on large trays in the fridge to chill, so a side by side like my ILs wouldn't work at all.

And the water in the door thing is practically useless, if you really want to stand in the way to fill a glass for 5 minutes fine, but I prefer the filtered pitcher personally..not to mention my son is tall enough to pour water, but too short to judge how much water is in his cup from the door.... So for the sake of me not having to do extra work, I like traditional doors.

As to brand, totally go with consumer reports, even if I told you what I have that works fine it might not still be the same quality... it has been 5 years.

[herm4]

Don't get stainless steel unless you don't mind the mantinance of keeping it shiney. I have all stainless steel appliances and wish I had all something else. Too much work!! Also, we have had very bad luck with GE products.

[Daylily]

Let's not forget about efficiency here! The models with the freezer on the bottom are more efficient (less expensive to operate) than comparably sized ones with the freezer on the top. Side-by-side models are more expensive to run.

Personally, I'd buy from an American company. I'd also make sure that it was manufactured in the U.S. Several of the American companies now have plants in Mexico and the units get shipped from Mexico. Additionally, some of the American companies outsource the product to other countries. In that case, a totally different company makes the appliance and then slaps on the brand logo of the U.S. company.

And yes, I used to work for a refrigerator manufacturer.

[simple987]

Thanks for all the great advice! I will probly get a bottom freezer model, but I would like to have one with the hinge on the left side, since I am left handed and there is a wall on the left of the refrigerator. Is it possible to get one like that?

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by simple987

Thanks for all the great advice! I will probly get a bottom freezer model, but I would like to have one with the hinge on the left side, since I am left handed and there is a wall on the left of the refrigerator. Is it possible to get one like that?

Most doors are reversible. When we got our fridge, it was hinged on the left but there wasn't room to open the door without hitting the counter that way, so we just reversed it and it opened fine. The bottom freezer pulls out, so that isn't an issue.

If you are left-handed, though, you may want it hinged on the right. That way you open the door with your right hand and reach in with your left hand. If you are going in for a gallon of milk, for example, you will probably want to lift it with your dominant hand.

[cschin4]

Let's not forget about efficiency here! The models with the freezer on the bottom are more efficient (less expensive to operate) than comparably sized ones with the freezer on the top. Side-by-side models are more expensive to run

Didn't know that. Why would the freezer on the bottom be more efficient than on top?

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by cschin4

Why would the freezer on the bottom be more efficient than on top?

Bottom freezers are drawers, so open on top. Top freezers have doors that open on the side. Cold air is heavy. In a chest freezer or drawer freezer, opening the freezer doesn't let as much cold air escape as when you open a door/upright freezer.

[Hot dog]

I have a bottom freezer and the top opens down the middle like a side by side but is only a fridge. that way you can put vegetable trays and the like in there. Also make sure you ask the sales person if there is any in the back that were returned for any reason they sell them way cheap. That is how I got mine A builder had it put in a house and the buyer did not like it so he returned it but they sold it at a discount plus different sales also applied. I got the top of the line stainless for the price of a normal side by side. I also just got a top of the line dryer because someone bought it and said it is dented I don't see it but I still get the warranty and everything and bought it for half price. I have kenmore and no problems

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by Hot dog

Also make sure you ask the sales person if there is any in the back that were returned for any reason they sell them way cheap.

Also, do you have a Sears Outlet near you? We've bought several appliances there and saved a bundle.

[Daylily]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

Bottom freezers are drawers, so open on top. Top freezers have doors that open on the side. Cold air is heavy. In a chest freezer or drawer freezer, opening the freezer doesn't let as much cold air escape as when you open a door/upright freezer.

Not all bottom freezer units have a drawer. Mine is a swing-open door.
I believe the reason that the bottom-freezer models are more efficient than the top-freezer models are more efficient than side-by-sides (all other things being equal) has to do with how hard the condenser has to work to get the colder air all the way up to the top of the unit.