Refrigerator Purchase Opinions, Please
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Originally Posted By: strongt
I'd most likely would lean towards Whirlpool. But they closed the plant in the US back in 2010 that made the top mount fridge's.
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..... side-by-side refrigerators, counter-depth refrigerators, trash compactors, ice makers (Fort Smith, AR),
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Looks like lately that Whirlpool's been busy shipping jobs elsewhere.
The Arkansas factory closes for good at the end of this month, as Whirlpool has moved all production from this plant to Mexico. Production slowed down months ago, but there still might be a few U.S. made machines from this factory in someone's inventory.
I would avoid Bosch.
I'd most likely would lean towards Whirlpool. But they closed the plant in the US back in 2010 that made the top mount fridge's.
......
..... side-by-side refrigerators, counter-depth refrigerators, trash compactors, ice makers (Fort Smith, AR),
.......
Looks like lately that Whirlpool's been busy shipping jobs elsewhere.
The Arkansas factory closes for good at the end of this month, as Whirlpool has moved all production from this plant to Mexico. Production slowed down months ago, but there still might be a few U.S. made machines from this factory in someone's inventory.
I would avoid Bosch.
For what it is worth the Maytag is the top rated top freezer model according to CR. With my experience with a Maytag washer and their customer service I wouldn't probably go very far with that but it is their result:
Maytag M1TXEMMW[W]
Price as tested:
$700
Overall score
100
0
68
This 33-inch-wide top-freezer from Maytag offers exceptional value. Solid temperature performance and energy efficiency should help extend the life and freshness of your food while saving energy, especially if you're replacing a decades-old unit. Just don't look for too many added features and flourishes with this Maytag, like ice and water dispensers, temperature-controlled bins, or touchpad controls. It is available in stainless steel, however, which could provide a touch of style to the fridge's fairly basic design.
Maytag M1TXEMMW[W]
Price as tested:
$700
Overall score
100
0
68
This 33-inch-wide top-freezer from Maytag offers exceptional value. Solid temperature performance and energy efficiency should help extend the life and freshness of your food while saving energy, especially if you're replacing a decades-old unit. Just don't look for too many added features and flourishes with this Maytag, like ice and water dispensers, temperature-controlled bins, or touchpad controls. It is available in stainless steel, however, which could provide a touch of style to the fridge's fairly basic design.
65cuda,
That one was on my list. On sale at Menards for about $600. My opening is exactly 33 inches wide, so no go for the ONLY Bisque model they make.
Did a thorough Craig's list search. Only an off brand Crosley comes up for $200. Checked local second hand stores...found one 1987 model, but that's getting pretty old.
Our 30 year old 20 cu. ft. double door is only 31" wide, 66" tall, and several inches less deep than ANY of today's models. They must put more insulation (thicker walls/dimensions) on the new models, making them bigger. The core market is really aimed at people with McMansions.
Unfortunately, my only choices are a Sears Kenmore (Electrolux) OR go with a better brand with WIRE SHELVES (wife will remind me daily about them with spills or chipping/rust). Remember, the boss requires Bisque, glass shelves, 16.5 cu. ft. min., and she won't let me modify the cabinet space (new cabinets).
Kenmore will win, which will make Quest the winner here regarding advice.
Other FYI: The avg. energy saving models run about $8 cheaper per year and cost an avg. $100 more. So there is at least a 10 year payoff...not really much.
On sale, with a coupon code, I won't be too upset if this one only lasts 10 years.
Thanks all.
That one was on my list. On sale at Menards for about $600. My opening is exactly 33 inches wide, so no go for the ONLY Bisque model they make.
Did a thorough Craig's list search. Only an off brand Crosley comes up for $200. Checked local second hand stores...found one 1987 model, but that's getting pretty old.
Our 30 year old 20 cu. ft. double door is only 31" wide, 66" tall, and several inches less deep than ANY of today's models. They must put more insulation (thicker walls/dimensions) on the new models, making them bigger. The core market is really aimed at people with McMansions.
Unfortunately, my only choices are a Sears Kenmore (Electrolux) OR go with a better brand with WIRE SHELVES (wife will remind me daily about them with spills or chipping/rust). Remember, the boss requires Bisque, glass shelves, 16.5 cu. ft. min., and she won't let me modify the cabinet space (new cabinets).
Kenmore will win, which will make Quest the winner here regarding advice.
Other FYI: The avg. energy saving models run about $8 cheaper per year and cost an avg. $100 more. So there is at least a 10 year payoff...not really much.
On sale, with a coupon code, I won't be too upset if this one only lasts 10 years.
Thanks all.
Will this help:
CU Best Buy Maytag M1TXEMMW[W] see here $700
68
CU Recommended Kenmore 7930[2] see here $960
overall score
67
CU Recommended Whirlpool WRT771REY[W] see here $1100
overall score
67
CU Best Buy Frigidaire Gallery FGUI2149L[P] see here $800
overall score
65
CU Recommended LG LTC22350[SW] see here $850
overall score
64
CU Best Buy Frigidaire Gallery FGHT2144K[F] see here $800
overall score
64
CU Best Buy Frigidaire Gallery FGHT2134K[ ] see here
Similar to tested model:
Frigidaire Gallery FGHT2144K[F]
Looks like the Frigidaire Gallery line is rated pretty decent.
CU Best Buy Maytag M1TXEMMW[W] see here $700
68
CU Recommended Kenmore 7930[2] see here $960
overall score
67
CU Recommended Whirlpool WRT771REY[W] see here $1100
overall score
67
CU Best Buy Frigidaire Gallery FGUI2149L[P] see here $800
overall score
65
CU Recommended LG LTC22350[SW] see here $850
overall score
64
CU Best Buy Frigidaire Gallery FGHT2144K[F] see here $800
overall score
64
CU Best Buy Frigidaire Gallery FGHT2134K[ ] see here
Similar to tested model:
Frigidaire Gallery FGHT2144K[F]
Looks like the Frigidaire Gallery line is rated pretty decent.
I have a kenmore Dishwasher, Range, and Fridge I just want to take a sledgehammer to whomever produced thems face. Cheap quailty for expensive prices.
I used to own Kenmore Washer/Dryer also, needless to say I now have Frigidaire washer and dryer.
Next time I ever buy a home appliance its going to be Frigidaire or Samsung. If I am gonna buy chinese/asian [censored] I am going to buy a Samsung product, theyre pretty sturdy.
I used to own Kenmore Washer/Dryer also, needless to say I now have Frigidaire washer and dryer.
Next time I ever buy a home appliance its going to be Frigidaire or Samsung. If I am gonna buy chinese/asian [censored] I am going to buy a Samsung product, theyre pretty sturdy.
and yes, that Kenmore fridge may appear nice, sturdy, etc. But You will see, oh yes.
Gumby Jarvis,
Your post is confusing. You say that you hate Kenmore and love Frigidaire. Kenmore refrigerators ARE Frigidaires.
Kenmore = Frigidaire. Interesting link to who makes Kenmore appliances: http://www.appliance411.com/purchase/sears.shtml
Anyone else fridge shopping: Sears is currently 25% off all brands/models. Extra 5% off TODAY ONLY. And, there is a $35 dollar off coupon code if you order off the net.
I am blessed in that I can do any fridge repair cheaply myself, excluding the sealed coolant system.
Happy Father's Day all.
Your post is confusing. You say that you hate Kenmore and love Frigidaire. Kenmore refrigerators ARE Frigidaires.
Kenmore = Frigidaire. Interesting link to who makes Kenmore appliances: http://www.appliance411.com/purchase/sears.shtml
Anyone else fridge shopping: Sears is currently 25% off all brands/models. Extra 5% off TODAY ONLY. And, there is a $35 dollar off coupon code if you order off the net.
I am blessed in that I can do any fridge repair cheaply myself, excluding the sealed coolant system.
Happy Father's Day all.
I own a frigidaire washer, dryer, the only ill effects I have are the door lock, stupidly made of plastic, breaking.
Now on to the Kenmore, I have had many, many kenmore appliances, and it went from great stuff, to total [censored]. From here on out, I will buy Samsung or LG appliances, as I know many people who have had LG and Samsung appliances with NO issues
Now on to the Kenmore, I have had many, many kenmore appliances, and it went from great stuff, to total [censored]. From here on out, I will buy Samsung or LG appliances, as I know many people who have had LG and Samsung appliances with NO issues
What's so sad about your choice is that the only two brands (Frigidaire/Electrolux and GE) that advertise "made/assembled in the USA" have the worst reliability ratings.
"Sad" not aimed at you, but at our mfg. status.
LG and Samsung did not fit my criteria.
"Sad" not aimed at you, but at our mfg. status.
LG and Samsung did not fit my criteria.
I own a 2005 Frigidaire (made by Electrolux) and had to replace 2 controller boards within a year. The water filtration leaks, so I disconnected the $40 filters they try to pass off to you, and bypassed it. Then, I added my own, external filter under a cabinet in the kitchen, that lasts several months for only $10 per filter.
If I could, I'd avoid controller boards like the plague. But, that's nearly impossible with new units.
I really like my old Amana. It's out in the garage.
If I could, I'd avoid controller boards like the plague. But, that's nearly impossible with new units.
I really like my old Amana. It's out in the garage.
Got a whirlpool side-by-side from HD last year. 10% off but no free shipping. Sears had the same deal, to the penny. Also got fifty bucks from the state/electric utility. I think they flip flop between 10% /cash and carry and full retail/ free shipping gimmicks. Sears of course you can ALWAYS get cheaper by buying online. Mention this to the commissioned salesperson if you have to touch your stuff before you buy it.
This fridge is much easier on my generator, has a cap (soft start) on the compressor motor. In fact it will easily run off a 800 watt 2 stroke HF generator! Kill-a-watt says it varies its power draw too depending on what it's doing. Our electric bill was record-small this May, also, but that's anecdotal as we dodged dryer use with good weather and a clothesline. Having soft start is nice if you have an old kitchen and other stuff on the circuit, you won't have lights dim etc.
Also have a full size old school freezer covered in rust barnacles in my humid basement. Found this on the side of the road with a "free" sign. Manual defrost, how it should be. Didn't add much to the power bill, $5-10 a month maybe if that. Will get the name off it later.
This fridge is much easier on my generator, has a cap (soft start) on the compressor motor. In fact it will easily run off a 800 watt 2 stroke HF generator! Kill-a-watt says it varies its power draw too depending on what it's doing. Our electric bill was record-small this May, also, but that's anecdotal as we dodged dryer use with good weather and a clothesline. Having soft start is nice if you have an old kitchen and other stuff on the circuit, you won't have lights dim etc.
Also have a full size old school freezer covered in rust barnacles in my humid basement. Found this on the side of the road with a "free" sign. Manual defrost, how it should be. Didn't add much to the power bill, $5-10 a month maybe if that. Will get the name off it later.
We have a Frigidaire Gallery model in our kitchen, and it's a fine unit. Because of space issues, we had to get a standard side-by-side rather than a french door style that my wife really wanted. I'd rate the Frigidaire as a 6 or 7 out of 10. The lower door hinge already pops a bit when the door is moved from open to closed (something is catching somewhere) and the soft buttons on the freezer door for water/ice selection are already worn to the point where the vinyl covering has started to break over the water selector button (if that makes any sense).
Our old GE is out in the garage, still humming along. Funny how you can live with one fridge for ever, and after two years with two fridges, can't fathom going back to one.
Our old GE is out in the garage, still humming along. Funny how you can live with one fridge for ever, and after two years with two fridges, can't fathom going back to one.
My personal opinion is that you should buy a model that is as common as possible and as simple as possible, so it is easy to repair and parts readily available via mail order.
My LG dish washer and microhood purchase gave me a bad taste of Korean appliances. The LG microhood did not have the mounting holes for thin profile cabinets that are common among American brands like GE and Whirlpool, the LG dish washer have a funny location for the water inlet / outlet that force me to cut a notch in my cabinet, and it took quite a while to fit it into the existing dish washer location. They may be reliable, but I do not know if their design is common enough that when it needs to be serviced I can do it or buy parts for it.
My LG dish washer and microhood purchase gave me a bad taste of Korean appliances. The LG microhood did not have the mounting holes for thin profile cabinets that are common among American brands like GE and Whirlpool, the LG dish washer have a funny location for the water inlet / outlet that force me to cut a notch in my cabinet, and it took quite a while to fit it into the existing dish washer location. They may be reliable, but I do not know if their design is common enough that when it needs to be serviced I can do it or buy parts for it.
Originally Posted By: doitmyself
What's so sad about your choice is that the only two brands (Frigidaire/Electrolux and GE) that advertise "made/assembled in the USA" have the worst reliability ratings.
My "guess":
Today's Made in USA stuff are largely boutique and small volume items that aren't cost effective to outsource, not because the companies are patriotic and want to keep jobs in the US.
With small volume and boutique items, they focus on features rather than reliability, and without long enough production duration and volume, it is very difficult to make multiple revisions that fix the previous problems soon enough, so the customers get shafted.
What's so sad about your choice is that the only two brands (Frigidaire/Electrolux and GE) that advertise "made/assembled in the USA" have the worst reliability ratings.
My "guess":
Today's Made in USA stuff are largely boutique and small volume items that aren't cost effective to outsource, not because the companies are patriotic and want to keep jobs in the US.
With small volume and boutique items, they focus on features rather than reliability, and without long enough production duration and volume, it is very difficult to make multiple revisions that fix the previous problems soon enough, so the customers get shafted.
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