Buying a frig

[Master of None]

I am getting ready to purchase a new Refrigerator. I would like some feed back on the different brands, which to stay away from, repair history and life. I am looking at a side by side (Fake Stainless look so magnetic will stick and easy to to keep clean) with ice & water in the door. Any input will help - like pros and cons of side by side compare to freezer on bottom etc...., Budget - just over $1000


Thanks

[SSN596]

On quality GE and Whirlpool/Kenmore are it. Maytag is definitely problematic; most other brands are now owned by one of the above . Stick with the biggies.

Within any brand, the basic "guts" are the same on all models; I mean the basic refrigeration sealed system. So the extra money does not but more quality, but bells and whistes. Shop for the features which are important to the way you use the appliance: spill proof shelves; adjustable shelves; separate contols for veggie compartments; water in the door; etc.etc.

[LazyPup]

In regards to the statement "Fake Stainless". The Term stainless steel applies to a whole list of steel alloys. Most stainless steel used for appliances, plumbing fixtures and other homeowner products are made from stainles steel which is on the low end of the scale.

Although it does shine well and does not rust the stainless used in homeowner grade products does contain a substantial amount of iron in the allow and will retain magnets.

The super high quality stainless steels such as Hasaloy-X or Inconel will not retain a magnet, however, they are a dull brownish color and will not shine either. Their chief advantage is the ability to withstand exteme heat, which explains why they cannot be cut with a oxy-acetelene torch. Those grades of stainless are normally only found in extemely high temp industrial or commercial applications such as the combustion chambers and tailpipes of jet engines.

In recent years we are seeing more and more use of the high quality stainless steel in automotive exhaust systems, because they will hsndle extreme temperatures, dont rust out and are impervious to the acids produced by auto emissions.

[Dan O.]

** Fake Stainless look so magnetic will stick and easy to to keep clean **

I thought only Hotpoint (made by GE BTW) had that. Maybe others do too now??

** On quality GE and Whirlpool/Kenmore are it. **

I wouldn't recommend one of GE's electronically controlled units. They appear to be a real service headache. I personally wouldn't purchase a GE built appliance if I had a choice of ANY other brand.

** I would like some feed back on... repair history and life. **

You can try Consumers Reports web site. For a small fee you can have full access to their product information for a month.

JFYI

Dan O.
www.Appliance411.com/?ref411=Refrigerators
The Appliance Information Site
=D~~~~~~