Buying a new refrigerator... *Update: bought one*

Jeff7181

Lifer
Aug 21, 2002
18,368
11
81
We're getting a new refrigerator, would like a side by side one... and I think we want one with an ice maker and water filter. What manufacurers should I look for, and what ones should I stay away from?

Personal experiences would be helpful if you had one crap out on you after like 6 months or something.

*Update* So we ended up getting a floor model from ABC Warehouse. It's a 26 cf. Amana (ASD2624HE). The sticker says MSRP is $1049 and we got it for $650 because it's a floor model and it has a little scratch on it. The scratch isn't actually a scratch, it looks more like paint from something else rubbed off on it, so I think I can either buff it off or put some touchup paint on it. Anyway... it comes with the manufacturer 1 year warranty. ABC Warehouse sells an extended 5 year warranty for $150. At the end of that 5 years, if it never needs to be serviced, we get half of that money back. Should we go for the 5 year extended warranty?
 

LeadMagnet

Platinum Member
Mar 26, 2003
2,348
0
0
Kenmore and Whirlpool come off the same assembly line. Maytag is goog too. I don't know about Ammana & Frigidair
 

Digobick

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,467
0
76
Frigidaire makes good refrigerators. Whirlpool, however, I have heard nothing but bad things about them lately.
 

whoiswes

Senior member
Oct 4, 2002
850
0
76
we have a kenmore - it was cheap, it's quiet, and it keeps things cold. i can't complain with that...
 

redly

Golden Member
Nov 15, 2004
1,159
0
0
My mother in law has a fridge in her basement that says "Made by General Motors" on the emblem
 

rudeguy

Lifer
Dec 27, 2001
47,351
14
61
Hello. I just happen to sell fridges for a living.

You will want to stay away from GE and Frigidaire. Kenmoores are rebadged Whirpools just so you know. If I were buying a side by side I would buy and Amana. They have all the price points covered with more features and better quality than anyone else. Amanas are the same exact thing as Maytags, but less expensive.
 

MrBond

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2000
9,911
0
76
Originally posted by: gscone
SUbzero or Viking is the only way to go..
I don't know about Viking, but Consumer Reports reviewed fridges and I don't remember Sub Zero ranking that highly.

You're in luck - I'm visiting my parents for the holiday and my mom subscribes to CR. I'll see if I can find the issue with the fridges in it for you, or at the very least, the buyers guide

 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
8
81
I don't think I've ever heard of a fridge dying after a short period of time, although I'm sure it happens..

We're using some fridge probably from the 70s, lol.
 

MrBond

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2000
9,911
0
76
OK - no luck on the actual magazine, but I did find the 2005 buyers guide.

For side by side models, they gave a Best Buy award to the GE GSS25JFP[WW] and the Kenmore 5538[2]. Price on both was $1050 and $1120 according to their guide.

FWIW, cabinet depth, side by side models, they did ranked the Viking DFSB423 the highest. The Sub Zero 680 was 6th out of 8 models. Those models are crazy expensive though - you're looking at 4 grand minimum

Edit: That CR Best Buy GE model has a water filter. They seemed pretty impressed with that model, called it a "Very good model at a very good price".
 

Jeff7181

Lifer
Aug 21, 2002
18,368
11
81
Originally posted by: FlyLice
SAMSUNG OR LG. GO for korean fridges, they are all high tech and shiz

Already bought an Amana if you finished reading the update. ;) Want opinions on an extended warranty now...
 

rudeguy

Lifer
Dec 27, 2001
47,351
14
61
buy the warranty on a side by side. That icemaker alone will cost you over $150 to replace. Which ABC did you get it from?
 

Jeff7181

Lifer
Aug 21, 2002
18,368
11
81
Originally posted by: rudeguy
buy the warranty on a side by side. That icemaker alone will cost you over $150 to replace. Which ABC did you get it from?

The one in Canton, MI.