Thanks for making these videos. Fwiw, I recently discovered a Samsung FB group (80k members), a class action suit, and it was very helpful in steering me to get a Bosch and return a Samsung Flex 4 door that we just gotten delivered (which admittedly had awesome features).
I have a counter depth Jenn-Air French door with freezer on the bottom, ice maker in the freezer only. That thing is a work horse. Came with the house we bought six years ago, no idea when the previous owners bought it. I had zero issues with it.
These products are total junk! Our fridge died after 15 months. Buyer beware.... This company "Electrolux/Frigidaire will not stand behind their products. Two repair people , one of which they sent out said this should be replaced. But the replacement was denied,and they won't even repair it. Once again when your product dies....do not expect any results from this company.
A 20% average repair rate in the first year is scary. Our house came with a Sub-Zero fridge and the ice maker supposedly didn't work. We didn't care because we hate the taste of refrigerator ice so were already buying quality ice at the store, it is only $2 for a 20 lb bag at Costco. I have been able to do the needed maintenance to keep it running strong, but watching this video makes me concerned it will someday break since it is nearly 30 years old.
First year is ridiculous. It’s like, “initial quality” that Chevrolet came up with. The American industries actually have service as a revenue line item. This is why German production has historically been in such high demand. They actually believe in LIFE LONG QUALITY, which is the only definition of quality. If it’s being repaired in the first year it’s trash!
We only count repairs in the first year because we personally handle all repairs within the first year. That's our most reliable statistic. We aren't purposefully omitting repair stats from 2 years on, it's just that the first year of repairs are almost exclusively handled by us.
@@YaleAppliance1 I don't direct the comment at you or your business. I am speaking only about the fact that there are ANY repairs required within the first year. That is the definition of poor quality, period.
30-40 years ago, I used to swear by Whirlpool for all major appliances (stove, fridge, washer, and dryer). These days, there is no way I would buy a Whirlpool anything.
I have had nightmare stories from most every major brand [and major store] of large appliances since 1977. The only exception is a very basic Kenmore fridge bought in about 1987 and still going strong, and an Asko dishwasher that was wonderful [unfortunately destroyed by a home health care worker]. I will never have a Maytag, LG, GE, Samsund, Electrolux brand anything in my home because there is zero integrity in the manufactuer, parts suppliers, warranty companies, big box stores, local mom/pop appliance stores, and especially the so-called repair industry. ALL RIP OFFS!
I do not understand why any fridge would need service in 15 years, much less the first year. Fridges of the 1970s easily worked 15 years or more. They were moved from house to house and kept on working. Add modern solid state electronics and computer controls, they should be even more reliable. Which makes me think manufacturers are purposefully building obsolescence. Is there any model of fridge that lasts like the ones made 40-50 years ago?
Unfortunately we really can't say that any products offer that kind of life anymore. We say that you should expect 6-10 years of life most of the time now.
Bosch dual compressor uses the same technology as Subzero but Beko comes second with the blue light after Subzero. So, is fair to assume that if Subzero is out of my price range Beko should be my best second option? because at the end of the day , food preservation is why we buy refrigerators, no need for all the other bells.
Yale has had good things to say about most Beko items they’ve covered. “Who will service” is probably the critical question if you’re cross-shopping against other mfrs.
We've been really pleased with Beko so far. They have incorporated some interesting technology into keeping food fresh. We included them in our Project Product video comparison also.
Service tech. here , 40 years experience, first of all there is no such a thing as best or most reliable anymore, - LG, Samsung, GE, are you kidding me ? Hellooooo ?
I love your videos! You are getting better and better. I have watched them all. Now, the question is who does Bosch servicing in the Taos, NM area (87529), 2 hours from ABQ, for example, Home Depot doesn't even deliver up here, etc. We like the counter depth for its appearance in our small kitchen, and the stainless steel sides on the Outside, so that one doesn't see the pebbled gray exterior on the side when one enters the house, etc..
Our best advice is to ask an appliance dealer you're considering specifically who will be servicing the appliances if necessary. If they won't offer one, then look up local independent appliance service companies and check their reviews.
I wish I found your site several years ago, great info provided thanks. I think I hit the trifecta of bad results with my fridge. #1- I got the dreaded terrible ice maker outside of the freezer with leaking. 2- the terrible 3rd party warranty takes weeks just for approval of a repair. #3- terrible & limited expert service repair techs.
1) 1 really don’t understand the fascination with French-door refrigerators. Yes each door is shorter so the “swing radius” is lower than for a full-door, but how many kitchens don’t have enough room to open a full-door? And, the place where the two doors meet lowers the amount of usable door shelf space possible for a given width of door. 2) I like how the RUclips scroll bar is divided into segments that are “index labeled.” Nice touch there. 3) You conducted a Project Produce Experiment? We can haz video? 😁
French door looks much better than full size (let say) 36in door. And if you add a water and ice dispensers in the middle of the huge door, it really looks odd. On the "French door" you can add Door-in-Door - and take stuff without warming much inside the fridge. Not possible on single large door. It could be more organized - knowing what you put on left vs on right door. So - there are few positives for the French door.
In my kitchen, the layout dictates that the only thing that will fit is either a side by side or a 4-door French door (the ones that look like a side by side). Heck todays fridge's a seem so much bigger (depth wise) than my current 24 yo side by side fridge that I'm even feeling relegated to looking at counter depth only.
I guess we all have our own experience :) Me on the other side will never buy another GE product again. We had the GE Cafe series and this thing was a nightmare from the beginning till end. Shitty service, all around horrible. But again, other people may have more luck.
KitchenAid makes a fine product but they are not as reliable (at least by our service records) as the others on this list. Truth is no unit is service free so the most important decision to make is to purchase whatever fridge you end up with from a retailer who performs their own service.
I'm looking to buy a panel refrigerator for my new house I'm building. I've narrowed down my decision to the Frigidaire Professional 32" column all fridge and all freezer combo and the Electrolux 19cu in all fridge and all freezer columns (EI33AF80WS and EI33AR80WS) . My question is that I'm having trouble finding information on the Electrolux regarding quality and reliability so I can compare it to the Frigidaire. Which has better reliability according to your data and service calls in the past and which option would you recommend?
I am also leaning towards the Frigidaire dual columns. I have an older pair that have been working since 2004 and moved many times. The freezer in the older pair has the dreaded and well known drainage line blockage that builds up ice on the bottom inside. Other than that, they have been workhorses. Seems that the newer models have all of the previous kinks worked out and a heck of a lot more features. I have been watching the progression of their newer models through the years. In my research, the Electrolux models are a no go. Many complaints. The Frigidaire connection kit, includes two heaters that are to be placed top and bottom where their sides meet when connected. Seems pretty well thought out to me. My only other picks are the Bosch and the Beko units. Price, keeps me returning to the Frigidaire, since my full kitchen remodel I’ve budgeted $30k for the appliances. Bluestar 48-60” rangetop, Thermador dual steam ovens plus speed and micro drawer and 2 Miele knock to open DW flanking the farmers sink. Who knew that appliances would be the price of a new home back when I was a kid? LOL Good luck on your venture.
First, they are the same product so pick your favorite aesthetic and go for it. We haven't sold the brands in a while so wouldn't be your best resource for service and reliability for these brands. I will say we ended our partnership due to unresolved service issues on the manufacturer side.
Hi Steve, great review for 1st year service calls. We’re impressed with Bosch dishwashers and found out recently that they started selling refrigerators in the US. NICE! Are there any caveats that you know of in the different models (different OEMs, different quality builds and components across the line)?
All of their counter depth units are built equally except for their external ice and water unit. That is a lower series and does not have two compressors and is a little shorter.
The people at AJ madison say that the Bosch French door is only dual evaporators not dual compressors. Its confusing because o the specs page it says dual compressors and dual evaporators.. sometimes, that is it depends on the model that one is looking at. Annnd, the sales tech kept insisting that it was dual evaporator not compressor, well which is it? Thanks, Ben
Sorry for any confusion in the video. In terms of reliability they are fairly comparable. Bosch has a two compressors, and two evaporator systems which gives the user some other advantages over the Beko.
I am about to buy a new fridge. Thank you. I am thinking about a LG. I didn't hear that it had a lot of service call 2020. Maybe I should buy a LG then:)
True. The machines are built very similarly as they are sister companies. Much the same way that Bosch makes Thermador's dishwashers as well. It depends on the features you want and your budget.
This video was for freestanding (able to pull in and out of space freely) counter depth units. A Subzero is Built into a cabinet so would be (and is) mentioned in another video.
LG is complete garbage - I've had 2 of them (regrettably I didn't learn my lesson the first time). Issues with ice makers, temperature stability and compressor failures. Recently i was notified of a class actionaw suit regarding LG fridges. I chose a Bosch as a new unit.
so LG not being on this list means what? No reliable french door models? Im looking at LG v Bosch. The LG seems to have a "1 Year Parts & Labor, 5 Years Sealed System and Compressor, 10 Years Linear Compressor." warranty and Bosch a 1 Year warranty. Not sure which is better. Or should we consider GE also... tough. (looking at a reliable French Door without ice/water dispenser.). Thanks.
French door models seem to be the most unreliable. My brother has an LG that had to have three major components replaced inside the five year warranty. Next repairs will be out of his pocket.
Thanks for making these videos.
Fwiw, I recently discovered a Samsung FB group (80k members), a class action suit, and it was very helpful in steering me to get a Bosch and return a Samsung Flex 4 door that we just gotten delivered (which admittedly had awesome features).
I have a counter depth Jenn-Air French door with freezer on the bottom, ice maker in the freezer only. That thing is a work horse. Came with the house we bought six years ago, no idea when the previous owners bought it. I had zero issues with it.
We were leaning towards GE and after watching this we are pretty sold on them. Thank you for your hard work and content.
The only thing about GE is that they were bought out by China
@@Nikolasto77 True, bought by Haier which now owns GE
Glad I could help!
These products are total junk! Our fridge died after 15 months. Buyer beware.... This company "Electrolux/Frigidaire will not stand behind their products. Two repair people , one of which they sent out said this should be replaced. But the replacement was denied,and they won't even repair it. Once again when your product dies....do not expect any results from this company.
@@Nikolasto77 they still manufacture their refigerators in the U.S. That's why it's easier to get parts for them.
A 20% average repair rate in the first year is scary. Our house came with a Sub-Zero fridge and the ice maker supposedly didn't work. We didn't care because we hate the taste of refrigerator ice so were already buying quality ice at the store, it is only $2 for a 20 lb bag at Costco. I have been able to do the needed maintenance to keep it running strong, but watching this video makes me concerned it will someday break since it is nearly 30 years old.
First year is ridiculous. It’s like, “initial quality” that Chevrolet came up with. The American industries actually have service as a revenue line item. This is why German production has historically been in such high demand. They actually believe in LIFE LONG QUALITY, which is the only definition of quality. If it’s being repaired in the first year it’s trash!
We only count repairs in the first year because we personally handle all repairs within the first year. That's our most reliable statistic. We aren't purposefully omitting repair stats from 2 years on, it's just that the first year of repairs are almost exclusively handled by us.
@@YaleAppliance1 I don't direct the comment at you or your business. I am speaking only about the fact that there are ANY repairs required within the first year. That is the definition of poor quality, period.
Very fair point. We've invested in service because we feel it's responsibility to support the products we sell.
@@YaleAppliance1 Thanks for that. What is the first year service rate on the SubZero counter depth lower freezer units please?
where did LG, Frigidaire and Whirlpool fall in this survey?
And kitchen aid
30-40 years ago, I used to swear by Whirlpool for all major appliances (stove, fridge, washer, and dryer). These days, there is no way I would buy a Whirlpool anything.
I wish I would’ve seen your channel a month ago, before I purchased my set. Thank you this is a very informative channel
You're very welcome
I have had nightmare stories from most every major brand [and major store] of large appliances since 1977. The only exception is a very basic Kenmore fridge bought in about 1987 and still going strong, and an Asko dishwasher that was wonderful [unfortunately destroyed by a home health care worker]. I will never have a Maytag, LG, GE, Samsund, Electrolux brand anything in my home because there is zero integrity in the manufactuer, parts suppliers, warranty companies, big box stores, local mom/pop appliance stores, and especially the so-called repair industry. ALL RIP OFFS!
Hello SafePet! What appliances will you purchase?
I do not understand why any fridge would need service in 15 years, much less the first year. Fridges of the 1970s easily worked 15 years or more. They were moved from house to house and kept on working. Add modern solid state electronics and computer controls, they should be even more reliable. Which makes me think manufacturers are purposefully building obsolescence. Is there any model of fridge that lasts like the ones made 40-50 years ago?
Unfortunately we really can't say that any products offer that kind of life anymore. We say that you should expect 6-10 years of life most of the time now.
Bosch dual compressor uses the same technology as Subzero but Beko comes second with the blue light after Subzero.
So, is fair to assume that if Subzero is out of my price range Beko should be my best second option? because at the end of the day , food preservation is why we buy refrigerators, no need for all the other bells.
Yale has had good things to say about most Beko items they’ve covered.
“Who will service” is probably the critical question if you’re cross-shopping against other mfrs.
We've been really pleased with Beko so far. They have incorporated some interesting technology into keeping food fresh. We included them in our Project Product video comparison also.
Service tech. here , 40 years experience, first of all there is no such a thing as best or most reliable anymore, - LG, Samsung, GE, are you kidding me ? Hellooooo ?
If you had to choose any reliable brand or model what would it be ?
I have a Fisher Paykel and love it. The interior of this fridge is smartly designed and efficient. The GE is nice but not as well planned out.
The Summit counter depth refrigerator has worked great for years, no ice maker, comes in many sizes.
Thanks for sharing
what is a Summit?
I love your videos! You are getting better and better. I have watched them all. Now, the question is who does Bosch servicing in the Taos, NM area (87529), 2 hours from ABQ, for example, Home Depot doesn't even deliver up here, etc. We like the counter depth for its appearance in our small kitchen, and the stainless steel sides on the Outside, so that one doesn't see the pebbled gray exterior on the side when one enters the house, etc..
Our best advice is to ask an appliance dealer you're considering specifically who will be servicing the appliances if necessary. If they won't offer one, then look up local independent appliance service companies and check their reviews.
I wish I found your site several years ago, great info provided thanks. I think I hit the trifecta of bad results with my fridge. #1- I got the dreaded terrible ice maker outside of the freezer with leaking. 2- the terrible 3rd party warranty takes weeks just for approval of a repair. #3- terrible & limited expert service repair techs.
Sorry to hear that! Feel free to comment with any questions you may have.
Get one without an ice maker/water dispenser in the door and that will solve 80% of your problems.
1) 1 really don’t understand the fascination with French-door refrigerators. Yes each door is shorter so the “swing radius” is lower than for a full-door, but how many kitchens don’t have enough room to open a full-door? And, the place where the two doors meet lowers the amount of usable door shelf space possible for a given width of door.
2) I like how the RUclips scroll bar is divided into segments that are “index labeled.” Nice touch there.
3) You conducted a Project Produce Experiment? We can haz video? 😁
French door looks much better than full size (let say) 36in door. And if you add a water and ice dispensers in the middle of the huge door, it really looks odd. On the "French door" you can add Door-in-Door - and take stuff without warming much inside the fridge. Not possible on single large door. It could be more organized - knowing what you put on left vs on right door. So - there are few positives for the French door.
In my kitchen, the layout dictates that the only thing that will fit is either a side by side or a 4-door French door (the ones that look like a side by side). Heck todays fridge's a seem so much bigger (depth wise) than my current 24 yo side by side fridge that I'm even feeling relegated to looking at counter depth only.
I guess we all have our own experience :) Me on the other side will never buy another GE product again. We had the GE Cafe series and this thing was a nightmare from the beginning till end. Shitty service, all around horrible. But again, other people may have more luck.
Same experience
I have a GE cafe dual fuel stove It’s been great. I had a chipped rack and they immediately sent one out free of charge. No trouble at all.
What about KitchenAid? I know this is an older video but thought I would ask as I’m looking to get one and would run me over $4k.
KitchenAid makes a fine product but they are not as reliable (at least by our service records) as the others on this list. Truth is no unit is service free so the most important decision to make is to purchase whatever fridge you end up with from a retailer who performs their own service.
I'm looking to buy a panel refrigerator for my new house I'm building. I've narrowed down my decision to the Frigidaire Professional 32" column all fridge and all freezer combo and the Electrolux 19cu in all fridge and all freezer columns (EI33AF80WS and EI33AR80WS) . My question is that I'm having trouble finding information on the Electrolux regarding quality and reliability so I can compare it to the Frigidaire. Which has better reliability according to your data and service calls in the past and which option would you recommend?
I am also leaning towards the Frigidaire dual columns. I have an older pair that have been working since 2004 and moved many times. The freezer in the older pair has the dreaded and well known drainage line blockage that builds up ice on the bottom inside. Other than that, they have been workhorses.
Seems that the newer models have all of the previous kinks worked out and a heck of a lot more features. I have been watching the progression of their newer models through the years. In my research, the Electrolux models are a no go. Many complaints. The Frigidaire connection kit, includes two heaters that are to be placed top and bottom where their sides meet when connected. Seems pretty well thought out to me. My only other picks are the Bosch and the Beko units. Price, keeps me returning to the Frigidaire, since my full kitchen remodel I’ve budgeted $30k for the appliances. Bluestar 48-60” rangetop, Thermador dual steam ovens plus speed and micro drawer and 2 Miele knock to open DW flanking the farmers sink. Who knew that appliances would be the price of a new home back when I was a kid? LOL Good luck on your venture.
First, they are the same product so pick your favorite aesthetic and go for it. We haven't sold the brands in a while so wouldn't be your best resource for service and reliability for these brands. I will say we ended our partnership due to unresolved service issues on the manufacturer side.
Hi Steve, great review for 1st year service calls. We’re impressed with Bosch dishwashers and found out recently that they started selling refrigerators in the US. NICE! Are there any caveats that you know of in the different models (different OEMs, different quality builds and components across the line)?
All of their counter depth units are built equally except for their external ice and water unit. That is a lower series and does not have two compressors and is a little shorter.
Is Whirlpool/ Kitchenaid that bad? Worse than even Samsung?
I live in NE Ohio. My local dealer said Samsung has no parts or service availability. They are considered a throw-away appliance when they fail.
@@ohioguy215 your lucky to get 10 years out of any brand....
The people at AJ madison say that the Bosch French door is only dual evaporators not dual compressors. Its confusing because o the specs page it says dual compressors and dual evaporators.. sometimes, that is it depends on the model that one is looking at. Annnd, the sales tech kept insisting that it was dual evaporator not compressor, well which is it? Thanks, Ben
All of their fridges are dual compressors, unless you are looking at their unit that has ice and water in the door, that one does not.
excellent content, thanks.
You are welcome!
So which is more reliable, below or Boche? You’re giving contradictory info through your videos, please confirm
Sorry for any confusion in the video. In terms of reliability they are fairly comparable. Bosch has a two compressors, and two evaporator systems which gives the user some other advantages over the Beko.
I am about to buy a new fridge. Thank you. I am thinking about a LG. I didn't hear that it had a lot of service call 2020. Maybe I should buy a LG then:)
Glad I could help
What are your thoughts on Sub Zero refrigerator with French doors?
Sub-Zero makes the best refrigerator on the planet. It doesn't matter what size or configuration. Buy it with confidence.
Do you know anything about Thermadore vs Bosh, I heard that it's like Bosh and no difference? Is it true, is it really just a different sticker?
True. The machines are built very similarly as they are sister companies. Much the same way that Bosch makes Thermador's dishwashers as well. It depends on the features you want and your budget.
I want to buy a new fridge but I don’t want water or an ice maker in it. It’s so hard to search for that 😩
Easy. Dont use it even if it has it. But, any appliances store will have just a regular, basic fridge
Why didn’t you mention sub zero
This video was for freestanding (able to pull in and out of space freely) counter depth units. A Subzero is Built into a cabinet so would be (and is) mentioned in another video.
What about Lg….?
LG makes great refrigerators but did not make this particular video.
@@YaleAppliance1 what’s your opinion on those new Lg knock knock refrigerator’s…?
Well crap! I just purchased an LG. Now I'm afraid!
LG is complete garbage - I've had 2 of them (regrettably I didn't learn my lesson the first time). Issues with ice makers, temperature stability and compressor failures. Recently i was notified of a class actionaw suit regarding LG fridges. I chose a Bosch as a new unit.
so LG not being on this list means what? No reliable french door models?
Im looking at LG v Bosch. The LG seems to have a "1 Year Parts & Labor, 5 Years Sealed System and Compressor, 10 Years Linear Compressor." warranty and Bosch a 1 Year warranty. Not sure which is better. Or should we consider GE also... tough. (looking at a reliable French Door without ice/water dispenser.). Thanks.
In February 2021, LG settled a class action lawsuit for refrigerators bought between 2014 and 2017. French door most likely.
French door models seem to be the most unreliable. My brother has an LG that had to have three major components replaced inside the five year warranty. Next repairs will be out of his pocket.
Don't EVER BUY Electrolux!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wawoooooo