What's the best and most reliable refrigerators brand for home use? What should I look for when shopping for one?
EDIT: I'm looking for some more in-depth information rather than the obvious "what features and conveniences to get". I want to know stuff about wether there are some better compressor brands than others and long-term reliability and maintenance, etc.
Thanks!
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M$9 Answers
Reliable:
GE, Kenmore and Whirlpool for both top-freezer and side-by-side models; Amana and Kenmore for bottom-freezers
Among the more repair-prone:
Sub-Zero for side-by-sides
Most repair-prone:
Maytag for top-freezer models; Sub-Zero built-ins for bottom-freezers
Here are the Top 10 Refrigerators for 2008:
http://www.refrigeratorpro.com/Top-10-Refrigerators.html
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M$They have quite a bit of info on the units. depending what will work the best for your needs/kitchen situation.
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M$
I saw a refrig recently (but I'm sorry that I don't remember the brand) that had a single door refrig on top and a single door freezer on the bottom. What struck me was that the freezer on the bottom had a door that swung open rather than pulled open. The shelves were much easier to get into. I do remember that the unit was at Lowes.
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M$
They looked at the quality of available features, durability, price, cleaning ease, functionality, and styling as their main elements in judging which is the best.
Based on the above criteria they came up with handful of models that qualify for their top 3 refrigerators.
These are:
1. Dacor Epicure EF36LNFSS 19.8 French door refrigerator - this is one of the most popular refrigerators among consumers for this is the best in the market when it comes to overall durability, styling, capacity and features. This one got a rating of 5 stars out of 5.
2. Viking VCFF 136SS French door refrigerator is one of the favorites among consumer and the best reviewed. It is durable and efficient as well. This product got a rating of 5 stars out of 5.
3. Samsung RFG237AA French Door Bottom Freezer Refrigerators is consistently on one of the best viewed refrigerator available. It tops with consumer's design, it is spacious and has functional interior.
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M$Capacity: How large is your family? Is that going to change? Do you cook meals in advance? Do you buy specials in larger quantities? In other words, buy the size that fits your needs.
Conveniences: The interiors of refrigerators vary widely. Look at the interiors and ask if these features are going to be used. Wider drawer storage, can coolers, easily adjustable shelves, icemakers, etc. can be useful to some people but not all.
Configuration: Basically there are 4 main configuations of refrigerators, Top freezer, bottom freezer, side ny side and french door. Each of these will offer different convenience features but you need to think about how your kitchen is laid out. For example, do you have a narrow kitchen? If so, the top freezer or bottom freezer units may pose a clearance problem, the door may not open without hitting something. The french door refrigerators are the most popular right now. They offer a better freezer set up than the side by sides do. They used to be the most popular.
Exterior size: Make sure that the refrigerator you want fits in the space you have and there is a way to get it in the room. One of the biggest return issues we have is people don't check out access or available space.
Energy Star: Energy usage is a consideration now days. Low energy usage refrigerators will pay off in the long run.
Good brands include GE, Maytag, and Whirlpool for the more domestic units. Imports include LG & Samsung.
There are many other types of refrigerators such as built-ins but these may require cabinet changes to accomodate the size. The cost on these is usually significantly higher.
Certified Kichen Designer
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M$
http://www.samsung.com/au/consumer/subtype/subtype.do?group=homeappliances&type=refrigerator&subtype=sidebyside
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M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$1)
I reccomend that you pop into your local Home Depot. The folks in the appliance department are trained on the specific models they carry. They know the little "ins and outs" of the units. For example, on some fridges the door can be easily switched from left to right, on some they can't. Some fridges have an advanced defrost mode, some don't. These folks know about all of these little things are are especally difficult to figure out online.
I would take the information that you learn there and shop for the best price from Sears, The Brick, Futureshop, etc. Remember that it's a buyers market for large ticket items right now so don't be afraid to negotiate hard directly with the manager in each store. It'll take some time, but the effort will save you money.
2)
Also, be sure to check out the discounted appliance selectionthat many stores have. Often, there is nothing wrong with these units at all but they are the last one, were returned, or have minior defects that you can often live with. This could save you hundreds of dollars.
3)
If you have bought a new home, or have several large ticket items to buy in the next little bit, I reccomend that you subscribe to Consumer Reports. http://www.consumerreports.org. This is a great resource for information on things like fridges. They test and rate each one.
4)
Depending on where you live, there may be a strong used appliance market. There are appliance brokers where I live that purchase whole lots of used / demo / misc large appliances and often sell them at significantly discounted prices. The Yellow Pages is the best place to look for these people. Also, these people generally accept cash and negotiate well. However, keep in mind that the warrenty on the equipment may change - you'll want to contact the manufacturer with the serial number before making a purchase.
5)
Above all else, consider what type of fridge you want. Top freezer, bottom freezer, split freezer, no freezer, stainless steel, white or black. Personally, I prefer white with a bottom freezer.
6)
If you're looking for something quick and easy, check out this one from Futureshop: http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0770HDS0010114574&logon=&langid=EN
This one also looks very good:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010088633&catid=
However, if you trip into the store, you'll likely be able to negotiate free delivery or a reduced price especially if you have other items that you would like to purchase at the same time.
7)
There is a GST rebate avaliable for Energy Star rated appliances.
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/corporate/incentives.cfm#products
Just look for the little "energy star" sticker or the product manual and you'll know for sure that you can receive the GST back!
8) CONCLUSION
First, consider the size and style of the fridge that you want. Then, visit a store like the Home Depot where employees are trained on the models that exist. Armed with this information, you'll be ready to find the best price on the exact unit you'd like.
Negotiate hard and if you have any other large purchases (washer, dryer, stove, microwave, heck even a TV or computer) try to negotiate all of these at the same time to obtain a truly outstanding price. At the very least, don't pay for delivery.
I hope that this helps Paulius!!!
I live in Toronto and have bought my fair share of appliances.
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M$
Isn't going to a store and looking at the models there one of the worst things that a buyer could do? Most stores are deliberately designed so that you only make uninformed choices by comparing the features of the models on the showroom floor.
You think that these sales people know what they're talking about? Being a computer geek, I find what salespeople know about computers and technology to be absolutely preposterous. They constantly give out laughable information with the only intention to sale the brand which gives them the higher commissions or any bonuses.
I would presume that it's the same for appliances, right? Those people probably just read over the spec sheets that they got from the different manufacturers and memorized the profit margins.
I'm not sure if I'd trust ConsumerReports either. Once again, judging on what they said about computers, they've gotten most of the information wrong.
Is there any reason for why you picked out these two fridges from FutureShop?
Thanks.
PS: That GST rebate is expired, it was until October 2008 and is only for the BC province. I'm in Quebec.
1)
Isn't going to a store and looking at the models there one of the worst things that a buyer could do?
No. A combination of offline and online research has always led me to good decisions. My current Fridge has worked flawlessly for 10 years and has no signs of giving up yet. I decided on a GE at the conclusion of my research. Employees at non-commissioned stores that are trained in a variety of products can offer a lot of good advice. However, I did mention that you could use the advice from a store like Home Depot and take it to other stores for the best price.
2)
You think that these sales people know what they're talking about?
For the most part, no. They can however point out a very large number of differences between models and manufacturers. This information is particularly difficult to find online. Importantly, once in a while when given the opportunity a retail store employee can give you exceptional service or advice.
I've found the trick is to have an open mind when asking for advice and using the best of it to make my decision.
3)
I'm not sure if I'd trust ConsumerReports either.
Consumer Reports does a good job of ranking manufacturers and models to give you a comparison of features at a glance. The absolute best decision will only come from your decision. However, Consumer Reports (even if you consider it bias) will help you narrow down the choices quickly.
4)
Is there any reason for why you picked out these two fridges from FutureShop?
Futureshop has an accurate inventory system. You can find accurate prices and know whats in a store in your area easily. Their prices are usually comparable to other retail stores and importantly, they show good quality pictures with accurate product information. I thought this would help you more than any other similar website.
5)
PS: That GST rebate is expired, it was until October 2008 and is only for the BC province. I'm in Quebec.
I didn't know you were in the mighty P.Q! While I can't find any information to back it up, I highly suspect that there may be a renewed Energy Star program. I would ask at the courtesy desk of the Home Depot (or maybe even the Reno Depot). They often have up-to-date rebate information and are happy to help.
Also checkout the Mahalo refrigerators page
http://www.mahalo.com/refrigerators