Thursday, March 28, 2024

Samsung RSG257
Product Grade
Report Card Grade
0 Reviews
Best Feature:
Great temperature performance with external control panel
Worst Feature:
Quality issues reported with the icemaker and handles
Best Uses:
Ideal refrigerator for kitchens with limited space
Pricing:
$2349 -$2399 (see review for warranty information)
Manufacturer:

Where to Buy

Store Name
Price
$1,699.00
$2,299.99
$2,399.99
ABT
$2,399.99

Overview

We give the Samsung 24.5 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator (RSG257) an A and our "Most Popular" award. We think it is a great, mid-priced counter-depth refrigerator for smaller households. It monitors/controls temperature and humidity levels in the fridge and the freezer separately, so that internal conditions are optimal for extending the freshness of your food. The RSG257 also has a sleek, stylish look and great useable capacity thanks to Samsung’s space-saving design and features. Customer feedback has been very positive, but we had to deduct a few points because there were some complaints about the icemaker not working well and about the handle loosening and/or falling off easily. If you can afford to spend a little more, we also highly recommend the Sub-Zero French Door Refrigerator or the Kenmore Elite French Door Refrigerator.

Photos

Samsung's 24 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator in a Stainless Steel finish.
The refrigerator is available in four different finishes with matching handles including black, white stainless steel and stainless platinum.
The Samsung RSG257 is a counter-depth refrigerator that has a smooth exterior with concealed door hinges and a concealed grill.
The refrigerator has an external water and ice dispenser.
From the external water/ice dispenser, you can also control internal temperatures and instantly cool down the fridge or freezer.
Samsung is a brand known for reliability.
An LED tower lighting system keeps the interior of the fridge well lit.
The interior of the refrigerator is designed to keep all types of food fresh, organized and visible.
The door bins are not adjustable.
The cooling system features a single compressor and dual evaporators.
The Samsung RSG257 is ENERGY STAR® compliant.
There are four adjustable shelves in the fridge including one that is retractable.
The fridge has three drawers including one humidity-controlled crisper.
There is a foldable can holder built into the fridge door.
An optional wine rack.
It also features a built-in water filter.
The automatic icemaker is built into the door to allow for more usable capacity in the freezer.
The freezer drawers are great at keeping meat or dry foods fresh.
The door bins in the freezer are stationary.
The RSG257 is equipped with an automatic icemaker.
The Samsung RSG257AARS/XAA.

 
This Product
Head of Class
Head of Class
Overall Score
76%
77%
73%
Our Awards
Date Reviewed
December 2012
January 2013
January 2013
Pros
ENERGY STAR® qualified; maintains optimal internal conditions; has external digital temperature controls with child lock; quiet; space-saving icemaker design; built-in water filter; external water and ice dispenser; bonus storage (ex. egg container, wine rack and can holder); open door alert; available in multiple finishes; LED Tower Lighting
Superior temperature performance; high-quality design built to last for 20 years; highly adjustable storage design; air purification system; built-in water filter; bulk ice making feature; humidity- and temperature-controlled drawers; open door alert; can be used in a standard installation or in a flush inset installation; Star-K certified with a "Sabbath" mode
ENERGY STAR® qualified; has external digital temperature controls with child lock; maintains optimal internal conditions; quiet; great lighting; humidity- and temperature-controlled drawers; three tiered freezer storage; Tilt-N-Take freezer door easy to open; built-in water filter; external water and ice dispenser; air purification system; open door alert
Cons
Some complaints about the icemaker not working properly; some reported quality issues with the handles (loosening and/or falling off); door bins aren't adjustable; some complaints about small drawers that didn't open fully; doesn't have built-in air filter; doesn't have temperature-controlled drawer
Very expensive; useable freezer capacity is relatively limited; no gallon-size door bin; energy efficient but not ENERGY STAR® compliant
Many complaints about the icemaker not working properly; some complaints about Sears' customer service; some complaints about frost build up in the freezer; left side door bins very narrow and won't be able to accommodate many condiment jars
Refrigeration System (25%)
Storage Capabilities (20%)
Extra Features (25%)
Exterior Style/Functionality (10%)
Brand Reputation/Reliability (10%)
Customer Feedback (10%)
Type
Freestanding
Built-in
Freestanding
Style
Side-by-Side
French Door (pull-out freezer drawer)
French Door (Tilt-N-Take freezer door)
Total Capacity (cu. ft.)
24.5
21.0
30.7
Price (MSRP)
$2349 - $2399
$8,575 - $10,060
$2576 - $2812
Warranty
1-year limited warranty on parts & labor for the entire unit; 5-year limited warranty on parts & labor for the sealed refrigeration system
2-year full warranty on parts & labor for the entire unit; 5-year full warranty on parts & labor for the sealed refrigeration system; 12-year limited warranty on just parts for the sealed refrigeration system.
10-year warranty on the linear compressor. You can also purchase an additional In-Home Master Protection Agreement for either $379.99 (3-year) or $549.99 (5-year).
Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)
35.88" x 70" x 29" (taken from instruction manual)
36" x 84" x 24"
35.75" x 70.25" x 36.25"
Depth with Door Open at 90°
45.44"
43.38" (note: the freezer drawer fully open will exceed that depth at 47.5")
48.13"
Width with Door Open at 90°
36.33"
40.75"
44.25"
Weight
254 pounds
529 pounds
Unknown
ENERGY STAR® Qualified
Yes
No
Yes
Power
It uses 560 kWh/year. Samsung estimates that it could cost about $60 a year to run.
It uses 571 kWh/year. Sub-Zero estimates that it could cost about $61 a year to run.
It uses 579 kWh/year. Kenmore estimates that it could cost about $62 a year to run.
Cooling Technology
Twin Cooling Plus™ technology (single compressor / dual evaporator) offers precise monitoring and control over humidity and temperature levels in each compartment. There are also 5 temperature sensors and multiple vents to ensure that cold, fresh air is always circulating evenly throughout each compartment.
High-tech dual refrigeration system with electronic microprocessor monitors/controls temperature and humidity levels in the fridge and freezer separately. The system is able to keep temperatures within 1 degree of your preset temperature.
GeniusCool™ technology features a linear compressor and dual evaporators to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels in the both compartments.
Auto-Defrost (Frost-Free)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Temperature Controls
An external digital control panel (with a child lock) allows for precise temperature adjustments in the fridge or the freezer. Panel also has "Power Cool" and "Power Freeze" button that will quickly drop the internal temperature in the fridge or freezer.
A digital control panel at the top of the fridge allows for precise temperature adjustments in the fridge and in the freezer.
An external digital control panel (with a child lock) allows for precise temperature adjustments in the fridge or the freezer.
Built-In Air Filter
N/A
Yes, it has a built-in air purification system that reduces airborne bacteria, odors and even ethylene gas.
Yes, it has a built-in CleanFlow™ charcoal air filter to keep air fresh and clean.
Fresh Food Capacity (cu. ft.)
15.2
15.7
20.7
Shelf Material
Tempered glass
Tempered glass
Tempered glass
Spill-Proof Edges
Yes
Yes
Yes
Shelves
4 adjustable shelves including 1 that is also retractable
4 full-width shelves (3 adjustable and 1 stationary)
5 shelves including 1 stationary full-width shelf and 4 adjustable split shelves
Total # of Drawers
3
2
3
Humidity-Controlled Drawer (Crisper)
1
1 (full-width)
2 (half-width)
Temperature-Controlled Meat/Deli Drawer
N/A
1 (full-width)
1 (full-width)
Door Bins
5 stationary door bins including 1 gallon-size bin and 1 dairy bin
8 door bins including 4 adjustable bins, 2 stationary bins and 2 adjustable dairy bins (magnetically sealed)
6 door bins including 2 gallon-size bins, 3 narrow bins and 1 covered dairy bin
Additional Storage
Egg container, optional wine rack and foldable can holder
N/A
N/A
Freezer Capacity (cu. ft.)
9.3
5.3
10.0
Freezer Storage
4 shelves, 2 drawers and 3 stationary door bins
2 pull-out wire drawers that are divided into separate compartments
3 tiers of storage including 2 pull-out drawers and 1 deep bin
Icemaker
Yes, it has a factory-installed automatic icemaker that is built into the freezer door. The ice bucket is clear, so you can easily check ice levels when necessary.
Yes, it has a factory-installed automatic icemaker in the freezer.
Yes, it has a slim, factory-installed automatic icemaker built into the fridge door.
Bulk Ice-Making Capabilities
No
Yes, in "MAX ICE" mode, ice production increases by 40% for a 24-hour period.
No
Built-in Water Filter
Yes
Yes
Yes
External Water/Ice Dispenser
Yes, it has an external water and crushed/cubed ice dispenser on the freezer door.
N/A
Yes, it has an external water and crushed/cubed ice dispenser on the left-hand door.
Lighting
LED Tower Lighting systems in the fridge and freezer
40W appliance light bulbs in the fridge and the freezer
LED lighting system along the sides and top of the fridge and 2 LED lights under its doors to illuminate the freezer.
Open Door Alert
Yes, after 2 minutes
Yes, after 1 minute (optional)
Yes, after set amount of time
Product Design
It is available in 4 different finishes including Black (RSG257AABP/XAA), White (RSG257AAWP/XAA), Stainless Steel (RSG257AARS/XAA) and Stainless Platinum (RSG257AAPN/XAA). It has flat, smooth doors with concealed hinges and a concealed grill at the bottom.
It is available in Stainless Steel or Overlay (with custom panels). It has flat, smooth doors, and you can choose between 3 handle styles including Pro, Tubular or Framed.
It is available in 3 different finishes including White (72052), Black (72059) and Stainless Steel (72053). It has smooth, contoured doors and matching handles.

ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review


Specifications

Refrigeration System

The RSG257 is an ENERGY STAR® compliant refrigerator that uses 560 kWh/year, and Samsung estimates that it could cost you about $60 a year to run. It features Twin Cooling Plus™ technology, which is an impressive commercial-grade cooling system that controls humidity and temperature levels in the fridge and freezer separately. The system also has five temperature sensors and multiple vents to ensure that cold, fresh air is always circulating evenly throughout each compartment and your food is kept fresher for longer. Temperatures can be monitored and adjusted using the external control panel in the water/ice dispenser, and humidity is automatically kept at 75% in the fridge but much drier in the freezer to prevent freezer burn. The external temperature control panel also has "Power Cool" and "Power Freeze" buttons that will quickly drop the internal temperature in the fridge or freezer if, for example, the door was left open or you need to freeze something quickly. Lastly, according to Consumer Reports, the RSG257 has excellent temperature performance and is relatively quiet while running.

From the external water/ice dispenser, you can also control internal temperatures and instantly cool down the fridge or freezer.
From the external water/ice dispenser, you can also control internal temperatures and instantly cool down the fridge or freezer.
Credit: Mary Griffin

Storage in the Fresh Food Compartment and Freezer

The Samsung RSG257 has a total of 24.5 cu. ft. of capacity. The fresh food compartment has 15.2 cu. ft. of capacity with flexible storage capabilities. It has four tempered glass shelves that are adjustable and spill proof, and one of the shelves can actually be folded in half if you want to make room below for a larger item but don’t want to remove the shelf completely. The fridge also has three drawers including one designed for keeping baked goods (i.e. bread and cake) fresh and one humidity-controlled crisper for keeping fruits and veggies fresh. Samsung also includes a container for eggs and an optional wine rack that fits inside the fridge. In terms of door storage, there are four bins, but they are not adjustable and only one is gallon-sized. The door also has a can holder that can be folded up when not in use and a small, covered dairy bin. The freezer has 9.3 cu. ft. of capacity and features four tempered glass shelves, two drawers (best for storing meat or dry foods) and three stationary door bins. We really appreciate that the shelves, drawers and bins in the refrigerator are all clear and help you keep food items well organized, so you can quickly and easily find what you need.

The interior of the refrigerator is designed to keep all types of food fresh, organized and visible.
The interior of the refrigerator is designed to keep all types of food fresh, organized and visible.
Credit: Mary Griffin
The automatic icemaker is built into the door to allow for more usable capacity in the freezer.
The automatic icemaker is built into the door to allow for more usable capacity in the freezer.
Credit: Mary Griffin

Extra Features

The RSG257 has an external water and ice dispenser on the freezer door where you can easily get cold, filtered water and cubed or crushed ice. The dispenser has a child lock, can accommodate tall glasses and has a sleek design with a blue LED panel. The water filter should be changed every six months or as soon as the filter indicator on the panel turns red. To maximize usable capacity, Samsung also designed the refrigerator with space-saving features like an LED Tower Lighting system, a folding shelf in the fridge, and an automatic icemaker built into the freezer door. The icemaker also has a clear bucket, so you can easily check ice levels when necessary. Lastly, the RSG257 features an open door alert that will beep after the door has been left open for two minutes.

It also features a built-in water filter.
It also features a built-in water filter.
Credit: Mary Griffin
The RSG257 is equipped with an automatic icemaker.
The RSG257 is equipped with an automatic icemaker.
Credit: Mary Griffin

Exterior Style and Functionality

The RSG257 is a side-by-side, counter-depth refrigerator that has a smooth, sleek design with concealed door hinges and a concealed grill at the bottom. It is available with matching handles in four different finishes including Black (RSG257AABP/XAA), White (RSG257AAWP/XAA), Stainless Steel (RSG257AARS/XAA) and Stainless Platinum (RSG257AARS /XAA). It is also ADA-compliant, so it is easy for any member of your household to open.

Samsung's 24 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator in a Stainless Steel finish.
Samsung's 24 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator in a Stainless Steel finish.
Credit: Mary Griffin

Brand Reputation

As a refrigerator brand, Samsung is considered to be very reputable. Samsung ranked 1st in overall customer satisfaction in a 2012 J.D. Power and Associates refrigerator study and 2nd in its 2013 study. It has also received relatively good reliability ratings from Consumer Reports. For the RSG257, Samsung offers a 1-year limited warranty on parts and labor and a 5-year limited warranty on parts and labor for the sealed refrigeration system.

User Reviews

The Samsung 24 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator has received great reviews from customers online including a 5/5 on Samsung.com (117 reviews), 4.3/5 on BestBuy.com (202 reviews) and a 4.6/5 on hhgregg.com (52 reviews). Most customers were very pleased with the RSG257’s temperature performance, useable capacity, noise level, LED lighting and features, as well as with its overall look and style. Of the negative reviews I saw, there were some customers who had issues with the icemaker either not working, not working fast enough or getting clogged easily. Another issue that came up a few times had to do with the RSG257’s handle loosening and even falling off in people’s hands as they were trying to open the refrigerator. With that said, most customers have had a very positive experience with the Samsung 24 cu. ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator, and it sounds like an excellent counter-depth refrigerator for kitchens with limited space.


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