Who makes a good, basic refrigerator?

BlueFox

BlueFox

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After 29 years I need a new refrigerator. All I want is a freezer on top, and a refrigerator on the bottom. I would like it to work at least 10 years. Everything I read says new appliances aren’t reliable, but there must still be good manufacturers. Any suggestions? Thanks.
 
Wow, 29 years, that's incredible. The problem is these appliances don't stay consistent.

I've gotten at least 10 years each out of Whirlpool. My only complaint the insides can sometimes be flimsy. But if you don't have rowdy kids it may be fine. My last Whirlpool still was working after 10 years but my wife and kids had the crispers and such all busted up. I really don't like the LG she replaced it with.

I don't know how Kenmore is these days, that was our first frig. That thing worked for 5 or so years, then went with us from Missouri to Atlanta, back to Missouri after a couple years, then worked for several more. I don't remember it breaking. Maybe it didn't fit in my current house. hmmmmm :)
 
I run built in SubZero’s but like audio there’s a point diminishing returns.

When I see new Samsung, LG and others at Lowe’s, they seem to look decent with better features then our selection - in the end they all break down.

The one challenge if it matters is they all seem to deep, protruding past the counters.


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Bud

If you don't want to pay the prices that Sub Zero and Viking command then the companies under the Whirlpool umbrella are probably your best bet. I would stay away from the LG and Samsung appliances. We have been looking for several years but I don't want to pay the $3500-$5000 premium for the remaining "cabinet depth" units so I am going to just let my 20 year old Amana run till it dies. It's still in good shape and parts for now are still available plus it has never been abused by kids.

Kenmore appliances are bought by Sears under contracts with the actual manufacturers so it is important to know who actually made that unit. They were Whirlpool for their upper end units for years but who knows who they are buying from now.
 
Another factor affecting longevity is regular maintenance. Keeping the coils free of dust, pet hair, etc. goes a long way toward extending the useful life.

You might also consider looking at Consumer Reports and JDPower for their recommendations.
 
We bought a new LG side by side with ice/water. It’s been working flawless and has a lot of room. It also has two freezer drawers on the bottom, one you can make into “extra freezer space” or set the temp for “extra fridge space”.
 
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