Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Refrigerators: Compare


Report Card Grade
Product Grade
Product Grade
Product Grade
Our Awards
Overall Score
77%
73%
47%
Date Reviewed
January 2013
January 2013
December 2012
Pros
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
Excellent value; Energy Star® qualified and is more energy efficient than some machines with less capacity and the same yearly energy costs; good useable capacity; doors are reversible; available in multiple finishes
Cons
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
Can't make precise temperature adjustments; no light in freezer; some complaints ill-fitting shelves/bins; some complaints about humidity control in crispers; some complaints about small size of crispers; doesn't have open door alert; doesn't have built-in water filter for ice machine; doesn't have temperature-controlled drawer; odor transfer possible since fridge and freezer share the same air
Refrigeration System (25%)
Storage Capabilities (20%)
Extra Features (25%)
Exterior Style/Functionality (10%)
Brand Reputation/Reliability (10%)
Customer Feedback (10%)
Type
Built-in
Freestanding
Freestanding
Style
French Door (pull-out freezer drawer)
French Door (Tilt-N-Take freezer door)
Top-Freezer
Total Capacity (cu. ft.)
21.0
30.7
20.6
Price (MSRP)
$8,575 - $10,060
$2576 - $2812
$949 - $1149
Warranty
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).
1-year limited warranty on parts & labor for the entire unit
Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)
36" x 84" x 24"
35.75" x 70.25" x 36.25"
32.5" x 66.25" x 32.63"
Depth with Door Open at 90°
43.38" (note: the freezer drawer fully open will exceed that depth at 47.5")
48.13"
62.25"
Width with Door Open at 90°
40.75"
44.25"
34.9"
Weight
529 pounds
Unknown
256 pounds
ENERGY STAR® Qualified
No
Yes
Yes
Power
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.
It uses 410 kWh/year. Maytag estimates that it could cost about $44 a year to run.
Cooling Technology
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.
Features an automatic moisture control system (single evaporator), energy-efficient foam insulation and the Cool Flow™ Ventilation System to maintain optimal internal conditions in the fridge and freezer simultaneously.
Auto-Defrost (Frost-Free)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Temperature Controls
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.
It has a thermostat and single knob in the fridge where you can make general temperature adjustments to the fridge and freezer.
Built-In Air Filter
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.
N/A
Fresh Food Capacity (cu. ft.)
15.7
20.7
14.4
Shelf Material
Tempered glass
Tempered glass
Tempered glass
Spill-Proof Edges
Yes
Yes
Yes
Shelves
4 full-width shelves (3 adjustable and 1 stationary)
5 shelves including 1 stationary full-width shelf and 4 adjustable split shelves
3 full-width shelves including 2 adjustable and 1 stationary
Total # of Drawers
2
3
3
Humidity-Controlled Drawer (Crisper)
1 (full-width)
2 (half-width)
2 (half-width)
Temperature-Controlled Meat/Deli Drawer
1 (full-width)
1 (full-width)
N/A
Door Bins
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
5 door bins including 4 gallon-size bins (3 adjustable and 1 stationary) and 1 smaller bin (retractable)
Additional Storage
N/A
N/A
N/A
Freezer Capacity (cu. ft.)
5.3
10.0
6.2
Freezer Storage
2 pull-out wire drawers that are divided into separate compartments
3 tiers of storage including 2 pull-out drawers and 1 deep bin
1 flex wire shelf and 2 full-width door bins
Icemaker
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.
Yes, it has a factory-installed automatic icemaker in the freezer.
Bulk Ice-Making Capabilities
Yes, in "MAX ICE" mode, ice production increases by 40% for a 24-hour period.
No
No
Built-in Water Filter
Yes
Yes
No
External Water/Ice Dispenser
N/A
Yes, it has an external water and crushed/cubed ice dispenser on the left-hand door.
N/A
Lighting
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.
Incandescent light bulbs in the fridge only
Open Door Alert
Yes, after 1 minute (optional)
Yes, after set amount of time
None
Product Design
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.
It is available in 4 different finishes including White (M1TXEGMYW), Bisque (M1TXEGMYQ), Black (M1TXEGMYB) or Stainless Steel (M1TXEGMYS). It has a classic style with flat, textured doors.
 
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