I find CR just another tool in the box of comparison info, often not having the right models lined up against each other or missing critical bits of info.
A trip through appliance dedicated forums expands ones info way beyond what CR can deliver in deep dives offering first hand users experience without the limitations CR imposes.
I totally agree company experiences can change over time.
There are some brands that can still be relied on and offer superb product.
Speed Queen, Miele, Liebher, for an example.
On fridges I havent seen anything drastic in the last 30 years.
Not much has changed in the way compressors, you got your piston, scroll, screw rotary, swing types.
Then you have control boards, you have some with dual compressors, a variety of features, housings and hinges.
For sure models change and circuitry. Accountants reach is absolute and cheapening over time seems to be the way of the world.
After reading our posts in this thread it reminds me we discussed this before.
All good, we all have our methods. I never had a refrigerator fail me. My entire life on Kenmore Elite ice maker failed I replaced the part myself.
I dont agree that not much has changed with the way they work, compressors and control boards had to be adapted to much tighter design standards (ex. amount of condenser coils used and maybe evaporator coils too) and gasses used for least amount of electric. There are no longer coils on the backs of refrigerators or accessible under them, heck I dont know where mine are, darn thing is silent and I need to pull it out because I used to always clean the coils. SO the amount of coils are incredibly little.
Newer models of the last decade or even two decades are constantly changing, using new gasses, new expansion valves, new electronics, new cheaper ways to construct them. Durability can be in the toilet with some cheap brands, shelving, the plastics used etc. My wife and I were astounded at the construction of Whirlpool which we sought out to buy when moving into our new home, no freaking way would we have settled for that. We couldn't believe it.
But the big one is like everything else on our world. All of this driven by regulations and desire for the most energy efficiency. This is what changed, EnergyStar and the least possible use of electricity as well as the gas used.
This is why I do not disagree with the way you purchase either. We all buy what works for our use. I know you are a thinker and I am as well, just different tracks on this subject. We have a beautiful new, LG side by side, water and ice in the door. Gorgeous fit and finish, compliments the kitchen. Good old trustworthy linear compressor
which I know issues have been worked out. LG has been working with Linear since around 2001, they had a run of a few bad years. Many people here most likely to do know linear compressors are used in a lot of ductless AC units. I already know the issues are corrected but even that said, it is just as important to my wife and I the entire every day experience of the unit.
I know some choose $5,000 to $12,000 units, all good but they aren't any more reliable running wise. Its a design thing much the same way my wife choose ours. Depending on brand, the repair frequency puts some of these expensive units much lower than cheaper brands. Think Honda vs. Mercedes.
That is not us. (or our budget) I would call replacement every 12 + reasonable life in today's world. As of right now, anyone with an old reliable refrigerator are burning up the kWh's in electricity.
Its all good but I have to stand by my statement the brand you buy today is not the brand you bought 10 or more years ago, even 5 years ago in some cases and even then, many brands are owned by the same corporation.
BTW- my post is based on our own use, not a rental property.
So for us and taking into account design, looks, quality feel it came down to the two Korean brands, Samsung and LG. LG had the highest ratings off all in CR. GE (China) was very nice in their Cafe' brand. I had a hard time with the other brands.
Whirlpool just didn't look and feel high end and Kitchen Aid (another Whirlpool brand) had a REALLY nice interior (at double the price of the Korean brands) YET we weren't impressed with the handles, for some reason they were all loose in the stores we saw them in, though price was the reason we got turned off.
BTW- 10 years ago I would not have considered Samsung or LG.... times change
Ps, my comments are on side by sides. We aren't French door people, would not work well in the kitchen and just doesn't make sense for our use. Prefer freezer height to be the same as refrigerator, bonus is no draws, rollers and hardware to cause issues too.