We are also fridge shopping. We thought we wanted a French style but have decided to stick with our side by side. They are much less expensive, for one, and for two, we have an upright freezer in our basement and also a chest freezer we converted to a fridge. So we don’t need big freezer or fridge space. We are diehard Kenmore folks, and we’ve had all Kenmore appliances since we move in 20 years ago. No issues with any of them. Unfortunately we can’t get Kenmore anymore. Everywhere we’ve gone, sales people recommend GE. We’ve heard horror stories about LG. Also, a few people have advised us to wait until February. Apparently there are good sales to be had then. They are also ramping up production on refrigerators because of the high demand, so they’ll be easier to get.
Anytime you need a refrigerator that isn’t “standard size” you pay dearly for that. And appliance makers keep changing the size of “standard”. Same thing for washers and dryers.
I’m sad that our sears went out of business. I’ve been very happy with their appliances. Our independent appliance dealer also. Only choices now are Home Depot or ABC Warehouse
As an aside…we have a friend whose fridge died in September. She immediately ordered a replacement and she wasn’t picky. She is still waiting for her new fridge to come in…issues with the supply chain apparently. Luckily she has her older fridge still running in her basement.
I’m not in a rush, so I’ll order now and hope for a delivery by…summer.
My guess is the Side by side will win with my husband…if we can order a white one.
@Thumper–One comment about the Sub-zero–mine is 18 years old. I have a fridge (one unit) and a freezer (separate unit) side by side. Both are still going strong. We bought them when did an extensive home renovation and really splurged on the kitchen because we both enjoy cooking. We filled it with a bunch of high-end appliances (Wolf, Miele, SubZero). The appliances that have never required any repairs are the Sub-zeros. I had 2 Miele dishwashers–one went at 8-9 years and the other is still working at 17 years. Go figure.
Did you know you can sometimes carve out wall space behind a refrigerator, to get a few more inches? The contractor would make an opening to slide the fridge back a bit.
Of course, this works better with a 28" depth. If studs are in the way, the contractor should know how to re-brace that wall space, plus allow ventilation.
Not simple. But possible. Then you get close to a counter depth look.
There are a lot of Samsung horror stories, there is even a FB page dedictated to people helping each other get refunds. I’d avoid them.
We are in the process of doing a upgrade to our kitchen and ordered a Bosch dishwasher and so ordered a Bosch refrigerator…we will see.
@lookingforward behind my fridge wall is my half bath powder room. The plumbing runs in that wall. It’s not moving anywhere. Nevermind that if the powder room was any smaller, there would not be room for the exit door or the sink.
Some people can move walls to do this…but this house, that isn’t an option.
I do not want a subzero or any other built in type of fridge.
In 2010, we had a 17 year old side-by-side refrigerator that needed replacement. (It was working, but water dispenser had been broken a long time and the fridge door had stretched - shelves kept falling off.) Being undecided about how we would eventually renovate kitchen after kids done with college, we opted to get something basic.
We still have not renovated the kitchen. Happily that sale $700 black matte (non-gloss) Frigidaire side by side fridge with ice/water is still going strong after 10 years, no repairs need.
Interesting footnote to the white Kitchenaid: I got a call from my sales guy and it has been “temporarily discontinued” with no idea from the manufacturer how long “temporary” is. It was supposed to come tomorrow…
Oh no! That’s horrible that they contacted you the day before it was supposed to be delivered.
That is a bummer. As I mentioned upthread we have had a KitchenAid built in ordered in early July that we are still waiting on. The delivery keeps getting pushed out. Last week the owner of the appliance store called again and apologized. He said this time they didn’t even give him a new delivery date. Our order is stainless so your issue is probably not the color.
I’ve gotten used to the loaner. It looks ridiculous in the space but it works. The dog loves it as he can easily stick his head in when I open the refrigerator portion.
Way back when, I mentioned that I ordered from an independent appliance store, for a new DW. A DW is certainly not as essential as a fridge. After a Bosch, another, etc were delayed, they sold me a floor model MIele. I’m glad I took it. The. Box stores could give me no guarantees.
I’m glad u have a loaner.
We finally got the panels for the Miele refridgerator that we ordered in August. It took the appliance installers almost 7 hours to install. The guys also finished additional installation work on the fridge (they delivered it earlier without the panels because we needed it). So in addition to the panels, they levelled the fridge and filled in cabinet area where it went and whatever else they needed to do to keep it safe and secure. At one point, they needed extra tools and left to go get them. We paid a flat fee for installation
So far, I’m pleased with the Miele. This fridge is in our vacation place where we’re staying while we have to do repairs on our primary residence.