My fridge crapped out. Need a new one, suggestions? (1 Viewer)

[Harry Frogfish]

I've never bought one before and know nothing. What I do know is it's for a part-time vacation rental so durability is key. I also want quality but without too many bells and whistles. Simple would be better. An astute repairman once told me that a lot of electronics and the like can be a real hassle in the end. When they break, they're harder and more expensive to fix. I also don't want something that guests have to learn (they won't) and/or don't know how to operate. At the same time, it needs to be higher-end, as it's something they use regularly and we want them impressed with the kitchen, it's an important part.

Do they even make a higher-end, but more basic fridge these days for a home? No clue. Have yet to search, but figured what better place to start, right?

Thank you.

 

[Scoresman]

Whatever you do, dont waste money on the ones that have the fancy screen. We never ever use any of that.

It has a camera and function that lets you see on the screen what is in your fridge. You know, kind of like how just opening the door would do exactly the same thing. Useless technology.

 

[odin33]

Purchased a number of brands and fridges over the years. I would avoid Fridgedaire (since you were looking higher end). I'd also avoid Samsung which was considered higher end when we were looking 13+ years ago. I have an LG currently and it has held up pretty well, far out lasting the previous 2 Samsungs. At the time Bosch was considered the highest rated fridge (as priced as such), without going into custom/subzero type.

 

[belljr]

GE Profile.. I have never turned on the wifi.

Didn't want the wifi but it was the best bang for the buck at the time

https://www.lowes.com/pd/GE-Profile-Smart-27-9-cu-ft-4-Door-French-Door-Refrigerator-with-Ice-Maker-and-Door-within-Door-Fingerprint-Resistant-Stainless-Steel-ENERGY-STAR/1001161398

 

[Harry Frogfish]

Whatever you do, dont waste money on the ones that have the fancy screen. We never ever use any of that.

It has a camera and function that lets you see on the screen what is in your fridge. You know, kind of like how just opening the door would do exactly the same thing. Useless technology.

Okay yeah, that's funny, stuff like that. The only thing I can think of is some selling point that tries to convince you how much money you lose by opening up the fridge and looking around "all the time". Um, sure, where's my piggybank?

That reminds me of the new Toyota Tacoma. Great vehicle, no doubt, but they have this new souped-up version that is probably in the 80K range I'll guess, and get this, there is an exhaust pipe that goes up the side of the passenger door (between the window and windshield) in case you'll be crossing through a river on the way to work. Amphibious! I mean come on, this isn't the Serengeti.

And the best part? At higher speeds you can hear the humming from wind resistance. LOL, oops!

 

[Harry Frogfish]

GE Profile.. I have never turned on the wifi.

Didn't want the wifi but it was the best bang for the buck at the time

https://www.lowes.com/pd/GE-Profile-Smart-27-9-cu-ft-4-Door-French-Door-Refrigerator-with-Ice-Maker-and-Door-within-Door-Fingerprint-Resistant-Stainless-Steel-ENERGY-STAR/1001161398

I liked that one, thanks, but won't fit damn it.

I'm limited to 73"H x 33"W x 32"D

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Greetings Harry, I miss your avatar

-Mrs and I bought a new fridge about 2-3 years ago and the one that broke was a freezer on the bottom, top part was the fridge
I did loads of research on YT and talked to repairmen and they all say the same thing, most of these are made to break and the more options you have the more things there are to break

We opted to get a very basic but very good quality Maytag

https://www.maytag.com/kitchen/refrigerators/top-freezer/p.33-inch-wide-top-freezer-refrigerator-with-powercold-feature-21-cu.-ft.mrt311fffe.html

It's as simple as they make them, we opted for the light in the freezer or maybe that's the way they come.
I did not want an ice maker, they don't serve much purpose for us and they just end up going south at some point.
The doors can open either way or either side, it's built to fit into whatever the set up is

We could have spent $2,500+ on a fridge, money wasn't the driving factor although I will tell you we paid a lot less, maybe $800 but it's been at least 2-3+ years
I think these come with a 10 year warranty, I doubt it craps out for at least 15-20
Look for sales or possibly a brick and mortar might have it

-Sidenote: When we had it delivered, the delivery men did not know what they were doing and they scraped it up before they even got it in the door
Maytag picked that one up and dropped off a brand new one with drivers more committed to making sure it wasn't damaged, absolutely no hassle about it either

 

[NutterButter]

I've had the same LG going on 19 years. Thing is a rock.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Buy a 20 year old one. It will last 20 years longer than anything you buy new

 

[El Floppo]

Whatever you do, dont waste money on the ones that have the fancy screen. We never ever use any of that.

It has a camera and function that lets you see on the screen what is in your fridge. You know, kind of like how just opening the door would do exactly the same thing. Useless technology.

Lol .. I can't imagine ever using that. But I had it explained to me that it's primary function is for when you're shopping- to see what's there and what you need. If only there was a list one could make for that kind of thing....

 

[El Floppo]

I've had the same LG going on 19 years. Thing is a rock.

Awesome.
What's not awesome is when it dies in the next couple years and you'll have to replace it with one that will likely last 5 years instead.

 

[NutterButter]

I've had the same LG going on 19 years. Thing is a rock.

Awesome.
What's not awesome is when it dies in the next couple years and you'll have to replace it with one that will likely last 5 years instead.

Why you got to go and say stuff like that

And Raiders says I've got another 20 years and that guy knows things

 

[Harry Frogfish]

Buy a 20 year old one. It will last 20 years longer than anything you buy new

Exactly what a repairman once said to me. He fixed my Mom's awhile back and I asked if she was due for a new one. He said no way, and to not ever get rid of it. Thing was a beast.

 

[Harry Frogfish]

Greetings Harry, I miss your avatar

-Mrs and I bought a new fridge about 2-3 years ago and we the one that broke was a freezer on the bottom, top part was the fridge
I did loads of research on YT and talked to repairmen and they all say the same thing, most of these are made to break and the more options you have the more things there are to break

We opted to get a very basic but very good quality Maytag

https://www.maytag.com/kitchen/refrigerators/top-freezer/p.33-inch-wide-top-freezer-refrigerator-with-powercold-feature-21-cu.-ft.mrt311fffe.html

It's as simple as they make them, we opted for the light in the freezer or maybe that's the way they come.
I did not want an ice maker, they don't serve much purpose for us and they just end up going south at some point.
The doors can open either way or either side, it's built to fit into whatever the set up is

We could have spent $2,500+ on a fridge, money wasn't the driving factor although I will tell you we paid a lot less, maybe $800 but it's been at least 2-3+ years
I think these come with a 10 year warranty, I doubt it craps out for at least 15-20
Look for sales or possibly a brick and mortar might have it

-Sidenote: When we had it delivered, the delivery men did not know what they were doing and they scraped it up before they even got it in the door
Maytag picked that one up and dropped off a brand new one with drivers more committed to making sure it wasn't damaged, absolutely no hassle about it either

Thanks for all that. I went and found a Maytag online at HD just now. But dimensions didn't work. Which is going to be a problem I think, after going through their inventory. Damn.

Oh, and I will find a good Frogfish avatar for you to enjoy. When I get time.

 

[El Floppo]

I've had the same LG going on 19 years. Thing is a rock.

Awesome.
What's not awesome is when it dies in the next couple years and you'll have to replace it with one that will likely last 5 years instead.

Why you got to go and say stuff like that

And Raiders says I've got another 20 years and that guy knows things

Sorry man. New appliances suck.

To the op... Not sure if Miele gets too pricey, but other than subzero that's the one my uppity clients usually request or end up with

 

[Dan Lambskin]

I’ve had this one for almost 2 years, pretty happy with it

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sku/6360730.p?skuId=6360730&sb_share_source=PDP

 

[Harry Frogfish]

I’ve had this one for almost 2 years, pretty happy with it

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sku/6360730.p?skuId=6360730&sb_share_source=PDP

Good link, thanks, gave me an idea. They show "open box" items on there in various conditions. Some are quite a bit cheaper and while there only is one fridge left in some instances, that tells me these may have been Black Friday deals that got sent back. So now they're even cheaper. I would not buy the ones in "Fair" condition that could be missing parts or are more dinged up, but the "good" or definitely the "like new" ones seem fine to me.

There is an open box $2200 LG that is down to $1200, which would work. Deal ends in like 12 hours, so they say. Delivery is only 39 bucks. Install and haul away 69, fine by me.

I had kind of forgot about Best Buy but there's one nearby so this may do it for me. Thanks.

 

[SWC]

Purchased a number of brands and fridges over the years. I would avoid Fridgedaire (since you were looking higher end). I'd also avoid Samsung which was considered higher end when we were looking 13+ years ago. I have an LG currently and it has held up pretty well, far out lasting the previous 2 Samsungs. At the time Bosch was considered the highest rated fridge (as priced as such), without going into custom/subzero type.

i invented a similar solution for those of us who arent living in penthouses up on the top of ocean cliffs sitting high and mighty on wicker furniture what you do is take a 6 inch hole saw and punch a hole right in through the front of your frigerator door and then you build a little round door sort of like a porthole cover and use a drywall screw to attach it at the top of the hole so that is sort of pivots over the hole you drilled and then when you want to use the screen you just swing that baby off to the side and look inside to see what is about to be cookin and yeah it will let a little cold out but since it looks like a porthole you just go full on pirate and say shiver me chicken timbers and then close it up and that my friends is another riddle solved by the old swcer about how to live the high life on a factory budget take that to the bank bromigos

 

[Ron Swanson]

Purchased a number of brands and fridges over the years. I would avoid Fridgedaire (since you were looking higher end). I'd also avoid Samsung which was considered higher end when we were looking 13+ years ago. I have an LG currently and it has held up pretty well, far out lasting the previous 2 Samsungs. At the time Bosch was considered the highest rated fridge (as priced as such), without going into custom/subzero type.

i invented a similar solution for those of us who arent living in penthouses up on the top of ocean cliffs sitting high and mighty on wicker furniture what you do is take a 6 inch hole saw and punch a hole right in through the front of your frigerator door and then you build a little round door sort of like a porthole cover and use a drywall screw to attach it at the top of the hole so that is sort of pivots over the hole you drilled and then when you want to use the screen you just swing that baby off to the side and look inside to see what is about to be cookin and yeah it will let a little cold out but since it looks like a porthole you just go full on pirate and say shiver me chicken timbers and then close it up and that my friends is another riddle solved by the old swcer about how to live the high life on a factory budget take that to the bank bromigos

 

[MTskibum]

Buy a 20 year old one. It will last 20 years longer than anything you buy new

We have a 1993 sub zero that came with the house. What is important about that year is that it was the last year that allowed real freon. There have only been a couple issues in the 11 years we have owned it and it is simple enough that a couple of those times i was able to diagnose the issue and replace the part.

I think we are committed to keeping it running as long as possible, even if that means a total rebuild which has a ~1500 part cost and probably about the same in labor. I watched the videos on how to rebuild a sub zero, but you need some specialty gear.

 

[ChiefD]

say shiver me chicken timbers

dammit swcer you made me literally spit up here at my desk at work.

laugh emoji times ten for this line alone.

 

[Keerock]

I'm in the same boat now. Fridge of 26 years finally bit it. Unfortunately, it's a built-in side by side which is probably the most expensive combo Looking at KitchenAid (this is what we had and what our other appliances are), SubZero, Monogram, and LG/SKS. The only one Mrs Keerock likes is the SubZero, and of course it's the most expensive by +40%. In her defense, I agree the other options all have serious flaws.

Anyway... if anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate any input.

 

[El Floppo]

I'm in the same boat now. Fridge of 26 years finally bit it. Unfortunately, it's a built-in side by side which is probably the most expensive combo Looking at KitchenAid (this is what we had and what our other appliances are), SubZero, Monogram, and LG/SKS. The only one Mrs Keerock likes is the SubZero, and of course it's the most expensive by +40%. In her defense, I agree the other options all have serious flaws.

Anyway... if anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate any input.

Fisher Paykel makes nice fridges. Miele. Bluestar is pushing the rest of their appliances beyond their fantastic ranges. Havent tried them out yet, but i like the brand.

But basically, every one of my clients gets a SubZero.

 

[massraider]

The only one Mrs Keerock likes is the SubZero, and of course it's the most expensive by +40%. In her defense, I agree the other options all have serious flaws.

They don't keep food cold?

 

[Nick Vermeil]

I'm in the same boat now. Fridge of 26 years finally bit it. Unfortunately, it's a built-in side by side which is probably the most expensive combo Looking at KitchenAid (this is what we had and what our other appliances are), SubZero, Monogram, and LG/SKS. The only one Mrs Keerock likes is the SubZero, and of course it's the most expensive by +40%. In her defense, I agree the other options all have serious flaws.

Anyway... if anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate any input.

Fisher Paykel makes nice fridges. Miele. Bluestar is pushing the rest of their appliances beyond their fantastic ranges. Havent tried them out yet, but i like the brand.

But basically, every one of my clients gets a SubZero.

I'm looking at the Miele counter depth for my next fridge. That is one sexy icebox.

 

[Keerock]

I'm in the same boat now. Fridge of 26 years finally bit it. Unfortunately, it's a built-in side by side which is probably the most expensive combo Looking at KitchenAid (this is what we had and what our other appliances are), SubZero, Monogram, and LG/SKS. The only one Mrs Keerock likes is the SubZero, and of course it's the most expensive by +40%. In her defense, I agree the other options all have serious flaws.

Anyway... if anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate any input.

Fisher Paykel makes nice fridges. Miele. Bluestar is pushing the rest of their appliances beyond their fantastic ranges. Havent tried them out yet, but i like the brand.

But basically, every one of my clients gets a SubZero.

I'm looking at the Miele counter depth for my next fridge. That is one sexy icebox.

They are super nice, but only have columns for built-ins… at twice the price

 

[El Floppo]

I'm in the same boat now. Fridge of 26 years finally bit it. Unfortunately, it's a built-in side by side which is probably the most expensive combo Looking at KitchenAid (this is what we had and what our other appliances are), SubZero, Monogram, and LG/SKS. The only one Mrs Keerock likes is the SubZero, and of course it's the most expensive by +40%. In her defense, I agree the other options all have serious flaws.

Anyway... if anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate any input.

Fisher Paykel makes nice fridges. Miele. Bluestar is pushing the rest of their appliances beyond their fantastic ranges. Havent tried them out yet, but i like the brand.

But basically, every one of my clients gets a SubZero.

I'm looking at the Miele counter depth for my next fridge. That is one sexy icebox.

They are super nice, but only have columns for built-ins… at twice the price

When you say "built-in", do you mean you've got two fridges that both need to fit into a cabinet niche?

Whats the overall size- WxHxD you need to fit?

Eta... And what's the specific model you're replacing?

 

[Keerock]

I'm in the same boat now. Fridge of 26 years finally bit it. Unfortunately, it's a built-in side by side which is probably the most expensive combo Looking at KitchenAid (this is what we had and what our other appliances are), SubZero, Monogram, and LG/SKS. The only one Mrs Keerock likes is the SubZero, and of course it's the most expensive by +40%. In her defense, I agree the other options all have serious flaws.

Anyway... if anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate any input.

Fisher Paykel makes nice fridges. Miele. Bluestar is pushing the rest of their appliances beyond their fantastic ranges. Havent tried them out yet, but i like the brand.

But basically, every one of my clients gets a SubZero.

I'm looking at the Miele counter depth for my next fridge. That is one sexy icebox.

They are super nice, but only have columns for built-ins… at twice the price

When you say "built-in", do you mean you've got two fridges that both need to fit into a cabinet niche?

Whats the overall size- WxHxD you need to fit?

Eta... And what's the specific model you're replacing?

No, it’s a single unit. It’s the Meile that has a separate freezer and fridge “column”

42x84x25 replacing a KSSS42QDW05

 

[El Floppo]

I'm in the same boat now. Fridge of 26 years finally bit it. Unfortunately, it's a built-in side by side which is probably the most expensive combo Looking at KitchenAid (this is what we had and what our other appliances are), SubZero, Monogram, and LG/SKS. The only one Mrs Keerock likes is the SubZero, and of course it's the most expensive by +40%. In her defense, I agree the other options all have serious flaws.

Anyway... if anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate any input.

Fisher Paykel makes nice fridges. Miele. Bluestar is pushing the rest of their appliances beyond their fantastic ranges. Havent tried them out yet, but i like the brand.

But basically, every one of my clients gets a SubZero.

I'm looking at the Miele counter depth for my next fridge. That is one sexy icebox.

They are super nice, but only have columns for built-ins… at twice the price

When you say "built-in", do you mean you've got two fridges that both need to fit into a cabinet niche?

Whats the overall size- WxHxD you need to fit?

Eta... And what's the specific model you're replacing?

No, it’s a single unit. It’s the Meile that has a separate freezer and fridge “column”

42x84x25 replacing a KSSS42QDW05

Tough size.

Another good brand is True (commercial background, doing nice residential models)...but also pricey.

What about a 36" and build in a pull-out pantry next to it.

 

[El Floppo]

How did you like the Kitcheanide? Any specific reason you want to shift brands...besides the Mrs?

 

[Keerock]

How did you like the Kitcheanide? Any specific reason you want to shift brands...besides the Mrs?

KitchenAid was great… lasted 25+ years. The last 5 or so was without a working ice maker, but still.

The new models have some “features” that we just don’t like. Sounds silly, but it has a grey interior which looks dark/dirty. It has a built in charcuterie board and meat marinating tray… really stupid and takes up a lot of real estate. The interior is also about 2 inches shallower. It’s a lot when it’s already “counter depth”

That being said, KitchenAid is in our top 2.

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Shop KitchenAid25.5 Cu Ft. 42" Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with PrintShield™ Finish - KBSN702MPS at Bill & Rod's Appliance, Inc. in , . Visit our showrooms or call 734-425-5040 At Bill & Rod’s Appliances, we proudly offer a wide variety of top-tier appliances to meet all your home needs...

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Sub-Zero Built In Side by Side Built In Refrigeration | Bill & Rod's Appliance, Inc.

Shop Sub-Zero42" Classic Side-by-Side Refrigerator/Freezer - CL4250S/S/P at Bill & Rod's Appliance, Inc. in , . Visit our showrooms or call 734-425-5040 At Bill & Rod’s Appliances, we proudly offer a wide variety of top-tier appliances to meet all your home needs. From laundry solutions like top...

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[guru_007]

I have no suggestions for you, but offer the following. My parents have a sub zero and absolutely love it. However, they spent an arm and a leg for it, and it went 20 years without issue, but they have spent more the past 5 years with issues/maintenance, than I had spent on my last 2 refrigerators.
Forced obsolescence is a thing. These manufacturers want a shelf life of like 10-15 years before there are issues. If you make it over 20 years, you're well ahead of the game.
I'm sure a bit of an extreme skeptic, but this his how I factor my purchases.
I've had **** luck with dishwashers. 5 or 6 the past 20 years. Yeah, I only spend 400-500 bucks on them but they never last.
My fridge has had much better luck. I needed one about 15 years ago. It's a side by side Samsung. Off the top of my head here, I spent 1200-1500 bucks on it. BUT, when Best buy or home depot or whomever delivered it, it had a VERY minor dent on the side. I didn't even notice, they point it out and boom, I received a 300 dollar credit. This machine has had a few very minor issues over 15 years which have cost me maybe 200-300 in repairs, but I am blessed with this machine. I will need a new fridge one day, and would never dream of spending big bucks on a fridge. I'm not living forever, neither is this thing If I spend 2000 now, and 2000 in 20 years, I'm still coming up way ahead of 10000-15000 on a sub zero. And food is still cold.

 

[El Floppo]

I have no suggestions for you, but offer the following. My parents have a sub zero and absolutely love it. However, they spent an arm and a leg for it, and it went 20 years without issue, but they have spent more the past 5 years with issues/maintenance, than I had spent on my last 2 refrigerators.
Forced obsolescence is a thing. These manufacturers want a shelf life of like 10-15 years before there are issues. If you make it over 20 years, you're well ahead of the game.
I'm sure a bit of an extreme skeptic, but this his how I factor my purchases.
I've had **** luck with dishwashers. 5 or 6 the past 20 years. Yeah, I only spend 400-500 bucks on them but they never last.
My fridge has had much better luck. I needed one about 15 years ago. It's a side by side Samsung. Off the top of my head here, I spent 1200-1500 bucks on it. BUT, when Best buy or home depot or whomever delivered it, it had a VERY minor dent on the side. I didn't even notice, they point it out and boom, I received a 300 dollar credit. This machine has had a few very minor issues over 15 years which have cost me maybe 200-300 in repairs, but I am blessed with this machine. I will need a new fridge one day, and would never dream of spending big bucks on a fridge. I'm not living forever, neither is this thing If I spend 2000 now, and 2000 in 20 years, I'm still coming up way ahead of 10000-15000 on a sub zero. And food is still cold.

This is spot on.

The second you get into any repair on a subzero, its 4 digits between parts and labor.

And happy to hear good things about a samsung...I've only heard the bad, which is common- people gripe about what doesnt work and are pretty quiet about what does. That said, there was an appliance store out of MA that had a phenomenal blog where they'd do deep dives comparing similar units, and listed all the repairs they saw on all their appliances... iirc, samsung was regularly at the bottom of those lists jn terms of seeing a lot of them come in for repairs.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I'm in the same boat now. Fridge of 26 years finally bit it. Unfortunately, it's a built-in side by side which is probably the most expensive combo Looking at KitchenAid (this is what we had and what our other appliances are), SubZero, Monogram, and LG/SKS. The only one Mrs Keerock likes is the SubZero, and of course it's the most expensive by +40%. In her defense, I agree the other options all have serious flaws.

Anyway... if anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate any input.

I didn't know Keerock was on the Mt Rushmore of wealthy FBGs...built in side by side

 

[Keerock]

I'm in the same boat now. Fridge of 26 years finally bit it. Unfortunately, it's a built-in side by side which is probably the most expensive combo Looking at KitchenAid (this is what we had and what our other appliances are), SubZero, Monogram, and LG/SKS. The only one Mrs Keerock likes is the SubZero, and of course it's the most expensive by +40%. In her defense, I agree the other options all have serious flaws.

Anyway... if anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate any input.

I didn't know Keerock was on the Mt Rushmore of wealthy FBGs...built in side by side

I'm not, but that's what came with the house

 

[Don Quixote]

I'm in the same boat now. Fridge of 26 years finally bit it. Unfortunately, it's a built-in side by side which is probably the most expensive combo Looking at KitchenAid (this is what we had and what our other appliances are), SubZero, Monogram, and LG/SKS. The only one Mrs Keerock likes is the SubZero, and of course it's the most expensive by +40%. In her defense, I agree the other options all have serious flaws.

Anyway... if anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate any input.

We just did a kitchen remodel and got the SubZero. It was the most expensive, but could not disagree with my wife that it was the nicest. Bought it panel-ready, so it blends in with the cabinets.

Cost an arm and a leg but happy with it so far. Does seem to keep food fresher longer than previous fridges that we’ve had. All of the interior lighting is a step above too. Lots of space — felt like we were cramming food into our previous fridge, but lots of room now. (May help that also put in a separate beverage fridge in the kitchen as part of the remodel too.)