Software
Houzz Logo Print
mistman68

BlueStar Refrigerators

11 years ago

Anyone taken a look at the new BS refrigerators? If they're a decent unit, here come the colors :)

I didn't see them on their website but they're on their FB page.

Comments (98)

  • 8 years ago

    I was told not out yet.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    I just got delivery of our Bluestar Refrigerator this morning and boy is this thing heavy! Haven’t installed it yet; had a dent in the door which the retailer would have to replace but overall I’m impressed. I’ve spent countless hours looking through stainless steel refrigerators from Subzero (the Pro) and Dacor and this was definitely a good buy.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Got it in Stainless steel any case anyone’s wondering. IMO, SS’s always the way to go; no noisy colors, all refrigerator. We also own a Bluestar 60” Rangetop and this really complements it.

  • 6 years ago

    Just had our BS Refrigerator 36" Pro installed, so very new, but it is HEAVY and impressive. I am anxious to get it loaded and see how it works.


  • 6 years ago

    Keep us posted!

  • 6 years ago

    Sorry, just saw Jeff G's question -- yes, the shelves are big enough for a ½ gallon milk carton, wine bottles, etc.

  • 6 years ago

    I will. Just getting moved in and things arranged.

  • 6 years ago

    Okay, folks, ready to update you on this BS 36" Pro built-in

    We moved in and started using it and the temp would NOT go to zero for freezer. I was not making ice. Called. They gave us two service providers, one only works on ranges not refrigerators. The other one could come, 2 weeks later. I will say it was the holidays, so okay. We bought ice for two weeks. Actually we are still buying ice.

    We chose BS because we "thought" buying in America was a "good" thing.

    Long story short, after many emails to many different BS folks, texts, phone calls, with very little communication back, and three service visits later and parts replaced, we still have no ice and the BS is NOT going below 14, and the right door is not properly opening and closing. We like the refrigerator. It holds a ton. The French door style we have does not hold a lot in the doors, but the space, the lighting, the stainless steel surround is great. We are MOST disappointed in the LACK OF COMMUNICATION/FOLLOW UP. We call, get a hold of someone, then you can't ever reach that person again, etc. So here we are, January 30th, and YESTERDAY my husband finally reached SOMEONE he thinks can remedy the situation: which means a new refrigerator. It's a "lemon" and no one can figure it out. I confess I did not look at "who" in our area can service a BS refrigerator, and that's my bad. I live in San Diego, btw. It never occurred to me it would be a problem.

    I will repost when I have something (I hope good) to share.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Checking in on your ongoing experience with this issue. Hope you’ve been able to find a definite resolution to the freezer/ icemaker

  • 6 years ago

    Toni,
    We are seriously considering the Pro BS built in refrigerator as well. We are looking at the 36 over and under, we have the BS range and love it, I was curious how it’s been going with your BS issues, did BS replace it? If so, how has the new unit been since it was installed?

  • 6 years ago

    They did replace, but it took prodding. After much consternation and calling, I turned it over to my husband. Funny how men will take notice of other men's frustration and demands versus a woman's. Anyway, a new one came, the ONE BS installer here came and installed it, and it has worked perfect ever since. We are VERY happy with it.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    Good stuff.

  • 6 years ago

    @Toni, that’s great to hear! I’m glad BS replaced it (sorry it took some aggravating calls) and the replacement is working perfect. We went ahead and ordered the BS Pro 36 over and under and I’m excited to get it.
    Thanks for letting us all know how it went!

  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    @ggtandy, I looked at it today.









  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    @Toni Christy, we had our BS Pro installed 2 weeks ago, as far as the looks and the Interior space goes, it’s an awesome refrigerator. However problems have already been an issue. First off the door came with a dent in it and then the touchscreen froze, it won’t work at all, it has an awful rattle on and off while the compressor is running, and the amount of condensation that builds up on the interior surface below the drawers is insane! It literally covers the whole panel and then drips down into the freezer seal and makes a small river in there, I wipe it up a couple times a day and the drawers are supposed to be cooler on the inside more than the refrigerator are warmer than the refrigerator by about 4 degrees, which I suspect is related to the compressor or the evaporator. Then there’s the loud knock that happens once or twice a day, just a single loud knock. No ice falling after or anything, just a loud knock (dog runs and barks at the door, it’s funny and frustrating as well). Called BS, which they did answer with just a little wait time every time I called, and they arranged for a repair tech to come out, said they’d send a new door prior to him coming after I sent pictures of it, they would not send the touchscreen tho, 2 weeks later the tech arrives unlike the door, listens the fridge, tries the touchscreen, shuts off the fridge, I assume to try and reboot it? to no avail, he said he’s never seen so much condensation inside a fridge before, he’s not sure about the evaporator. Calls BS tech line 3 times with no answer, so he leaves, unreal. I call the repair company today to ask if the tech got ahold of BS and they said that BS is sending out a new touchscreen, the door “should“ arrive soon, and that the rattle is just a fan that needs an adjustment and condensation inside the fridge is normal... WHAT? I was not happy to say the least. I tried calling BS but they were closed by the time I hung up with the repair company. They will be getting a call on Monday. It’s so frustrating to have this many issues on a brand new very expensive unit, I understand it’s a machine and things happen, so replace the door, ok, replace the touchscreen, ok adjust the fan, ok....but what’s up with the loud knock? What is that? all they say is “it’s a normal sound“ normal for what? the condensation is absolutely ridiculous and they say it is normal, it’s all over be door hinges, seal gasket, panels and everything in the refrigerator is wet.... if I don’t wipe it up a couple times a day it would, I’m sure, run down the front\sides of the freezer door and wind up puddling on the kitchen floor. Not to mention crisper drawers that are over 41 degrees inside.

    Toni, does your refrigerator have any condensation inside it like this? Does it random knock either? Its such a let down to wait for 11 weeks for it to be delivered and then have so many things that need addressed literally right after it’s installed.

  • 5 years ago

    That BlueStar FBFD360 is identical to the Beko BFFD3624SS and Blomberg BRFD2230SS. It's $1000 to $1200 extra for the plaque on the door.

  • 5 years ago

    Jo

    Sorry I have been preoccupied not spent time on here. That co sensation sounds irregular. We did not have an issue like that. Where does it stand now for you? Did they repair or replace? No random knocks either, FYI. I do crInge at the thought of ever having repairs done it’s so heavy!!

  • 5 years ago

    Toni,
    It was a nightmare. The condensation continued to get worse, dripping down off the interior walls, outside on the hinges, dripping down on the floor, I literally had to keep towels next to the fridge, as well and the growling noise started to get worse also, every time the fridge kicked on it would make that noise continuously, it was awful. BS at first wanted to argue nothing was wrong with it except for the touchscreen and maybe a fan. Crazy. They kept saying they were gonna fix it, but couldn’t get parts in because of the pandemic. I had lots of videos and pictures and finally had some “words” with the manager at BS and they finally agreed to take to back after a a couple months. we at that point told them we did not want a replacement. After they came and removed it, we found we had to repair the floor and subfloor under the fridge from all the water damage from all the dripping water off it. We weren’t happy to say the least. Then with the pandemic, getting any fridge was almost impossible, and we had to buy something that was in stock since we had no fridge. It’s not what we want long term, but until the appliance factories are up and running at full capacity, it’ll do for now. It was a fraction of the cost of the BS and has run perfectly since it was installed.
    The BS was really a beautiful fridge, but with so many problems from the day it was installed, we were so disappointed with it, especially after waiting 11 weeks for it to come in.

    Is your BS replacement fridge still working well?
    I hope so 😊

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Just to add my experience we own the 36 Pro fridge with lower freezer drawer. big negatives are:

    -ice maker- when you pull out the up freezer drawer with the ice tray - almost daily an ice cube or two or three gets pushed back and falls out the back of the tray and then falls down behind the lower door. the big issue after repetitive times of this - the ice falls down to

    the lower floor of the freezer compartment and ultimately you can not close the main door to

    the freezer. The worse part is getting all the Ice out is extremely difficult When things fall back. The only was I can get all the ice out is by using a telescopic campfire screwer. I do this every two Weeks or do... there is no way to get your hands back there.


    worse yet is when something falls behind like a box food or bag... it’s happed multiple times and is a pain to get out.


    i havent had condensation issues but do have a big issue with the refrigerator compartment with respect to food freshness. The us honestly the biggest issue. Food molds and goes bad in this refrigerator left and right and I’m hearing an issue with moisture levels That is likely related to this problem.



    having come from a termador column 60“ combo that thing was

    amazing.... and blew this bluestar unit away. i can not recommend anyone buy bluestar. I think the have a lot of refining and just not as the build level as other big names.


    two things that send flags up for me is poor customer service from bluestar and difficult servicing. very sad to hear stuff like this..


    warning to those considering Bluestar.

  • 5 years ago

    That’s a beautiful looking fridge❣️it appears from the comments it has some issues.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    i bought one and have had it for 8 months. all works OK but there is a condensation problem. i get a puddle on my floor. so much so that in the time it's been installed it has eaten away the paint on the adjoining cabinetry. and caused the flooring to buckle a bit. i'm in michigan outside of Detroit and the dealer - Heydlauff's in Chelsea is no help with a certified Bluestar tech, and neither is Bluestar in PA. Wish i would have known before i dropped a ton on this unit.

  • 5 years ago

    That BlueStar FBFD360 is identical to the Beko BFFD3624SS and Blomberg BRFD2230SS. There appear to be some appliance stores in the Detroit area that sell Beko appliances. Perhaps you can get help from one of them.

  • 5 years ago

    Blue Star BBB36SSL2 frig. Having ice build up issues with the back wall. The temp won't raise above 44 deg. Freezer is fine. The service company that BS recommende thought we needed to clean the filter more often. We did that and it worked for a day. As I write this I am waiting for a another service schedule. The frig is hands down the best design I ever had (SZ, Libeir) but the most unreliable. It was new on the market when we purchased '17. Worthless now. The warrantee was only 1 yr. Unfortuntely we didnt get an exteneded didnt think we needed it for this high end price.

  • 5 years ago

    Generally speaking with no frost refrigerators if your condenser gets blocked up with dust and pet hair your compressor will run longer and longer trying to compensate which can result in an iced over evaporator. Once that happens air can’t flow through your evaporator and ironically the temp rises. It won’t self correct. Vacuum your condenser about every 3 months and you may have to manually defrost that evap so it can start fresh.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Thank you so much for your helpful imput. The problem was likely dust, no pets here. Our home was purchased '17, we did a total kitchen remodel and also had an electric heating system. We changed to gas heating which has made a huge impact and resolved the dust issue.

    This Fri the repair service is replacing the condenser and evaproator, fortuantely Blue Star parts and labor are guranteed for 5 yrs, such a releif. So much better than the 1yr which was told to me by the place we purchased. Going forward I will be vacuuming the condenser every single month.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    @rozannj "fortuantely (sic) Blue Star parts and labor are guranteed (sic) for 5 yrs, such a releif. (sic)"

    No, the five-year warranty covers only certain parts, not labor:

    "One Year Warranty. For one (1) year from the date of
    installation, this Warranty covers all parts and labor
    necessary
    to repair or replace any part on the Product that proves
    defective.
    "Five Year Warranty--Sealed System.
    For five (5) years from the
    date of installation, this Warranty covers all parts
    on the
    compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier and all connecting
    tubing." --
    FBFD360 Limited Warranty

  • 5 years ago

    I think theres some confusion with some people on this thread thats confusing the BS $3000 fridge that is made by Beko with a BS badge, the PRO BS is actually manufactured by BS themselves in their factory and the base starting price is just shy of $12,000 and goes up depending on if you add anyting to the unit, such as custom paint or handles.

    The PRO unit is what we purchased in late 2019 and we had serious issues from the start. We had a complete kitchen remodel too, with custom cabinets to surround this huge fridge.

    The electronics froze up within days, the condensation literally started the day it was installed, I'm talking dripping down the inside and outside, puddles of water everywhere, we had to kept towels on the floor to mop it up.

    After many service calls and back and forth with BS about this issue, the fridge was returned. Sounds like some other people are having the same issue as we did. Maybe the design of this fridge needs a second look by the engineers who designed it? We were super disappointed to say the least, its a beautiful, very large fridge, and we loved the glass and all stainless steel interior and 2 huge interior drawers, but the very poor performance of the fridge obviously outweighs the beautiful look if it, at least the unit we had did. Maybe it was just our fridge? Maybe theyve made some internal changes to it? These are certainly questions Id ask before purchsing one.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Jo we also have the Pro is why it was very frustrating with the issues. As us many have condensatiion problems which continue with the new ones. Two weeks ago I was frig hunting, the store did carry the Pro BS. I mentioned the condensation issues to the salesperson he opend the door, the metal space between the frig and feezer was significantly wet. He was surprised and said yea that's condenstaion for sure. I hope this repair is the final repair as I said there is no other frig with the space and features as the Pro has.

  • 5 years ago

    rozannj, I agree, the space and features were great on the Pro, just the problems outweighed them, we had the same tech out multiple times to try and fix the problems to no avail. The new fridge we did get after the return of the Pro doesn't compare in space or features, our choice of fridges were limited to what was in stock unfortunately, however, with this new fridge, everything stays nice and cold and no condensation whatsoever.

    I hope you have better luck and yours gets fixed :)

  • 5 years ago

    I am beginning to think these large frigs can't handle the load. I had the SZ all frig years back which constanrly leaked freon, replaced it in 2015 with Liebherr replaced condensor after 2 ys. UGH


  • PRO
    5 years ago

    The features are nice but the condensation problem is a MAJOR issue. Just came home to a 2 foot puddle in front of the fridge last night. Bluestar has promised they will replace the unit as it is only 9 months old but my new wood floor is buckling / de-laminating at the fridge area, and the paint on the cabinets has gotten wet and peeled too.


  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Sorry to hear about this common problem of BS. Tho I never had a condensation issue at all as many do. They came yesterday to install the condensor and evaporator. This group said there's a leak in the freon pipe to the refrigerator which caused the evaporator to fail. The compressor was fine. He said they order condensors to be on the safe side.

    The new evaporator, was installed and this morning wokeup to perfect temperatures, the freezer was always fine. Hoping we won't need the condensor replacement anytime soon it's tucked away in the basement incase since it has 1 more year left under the 5 yr warranty so I kept it. I wasn't charged for the parts or labor but no frig fro a month was an inconveience, fortunately I have a small frig in the basement.

    BS really need to get their R/D to work on the condensation issue. As I posted earlier their model was leaking water into the freezer at an appliance store while I was hunting for a new frig 3 weeks ago. I showed the salesperson who was stunned. Not good for BS sales. Good luck with yours.

  • 5 years ago

    I can say after we finally got the replacement BS because the first one was not working properly, we have been very happy with our BS Pro No condensation issues, which after reading these posts I am thankful for, and it works well. I will say I think from all of these posts they have work to do in their R/D dept I am counting my blessings right now.

  • 5 years ago

    We had the same issue with the water damage and we had ours for only a couple months before it was returned. BS offered a replacement or refund and after what it took to get this far with them (3 months of back and forth and countelss tech trips) we chose the refund, mostly because we were nervous about having the same issue with a second unit and not wanting to deal with it again. We were so tired of arguing with BS over the fridge, that we didnt ask them to fix the damage to the woodwork, we figured we would just repaint it, had we known of the damage UNDER the unit we woud have definitely told them to fix or reimburse us as the subfloor was water damaged along with the actual floor, it all had to be replaced. The guys that came and uninstalled the unit literally said “thats not good” when they saw the floor after the unit was out, everything was wet and buckled and had to be replaced before the new fridge was installed. The whole ordeal was awful.

  • 5 years ago

    Alas, most companies’ warranties don’t cover collateral damage like floors, cabinetry or spoiled food…

  • 4 years ago

    I have a Bluestar BBB36L2, it came with the brand new house we brought a year ago. A few months ago we found out it builds up water on the floor that has made the hardwood floor to warp. We contacted Bluestar and they had a appliance repair company came and try to fix it five times, every time they said the issue is being fixed but hours after we put paper towel on the floor it is still getting wet. It is some water or condensation building up at the bottom ledge at the back of the fridge.

    I am wondering what to do now. We’re been patiently working with them to fix this fridge for 3 months. The water is still getting on the floor. They damaged our build in cabinets panels. I can’t just keep trying to repair this indefinitely. Every time they come for repair ended up throw away a bunch of food because of they needed the fridge to be emptied and the food gone bad in room temperature.

    I don’t know if this is a design issue or just the issue of this fridge. Want to see if any one has any suggestions on what to do?

  • 4 years ago

    Nicola- Appears from other comments water leakage is an issue with their refrigerators. Altho mine never leaked, I had ice buildup 3" thick on the backwall. First repairman came out and said we neede to vacuum the condensor more often. Did that and had the same issue. The second repairman said we needed a new Evaporator. Replaced it and haven't had an issue since. Fingers crossed.

    I hope you get your =issue resolved, IMO Bluestar has hte best feature designs than any other frig I had (SZ all refrigeration, Libeheer). Frustrating I know, Don't give up. Good Luck.


  • 4 years ago

    Nicola, since the refigerator came with a new build house, any chance you could ask the builder to replace the unit, especially if you can show that you've had to have repairmen out several times to no avail. Some builders offer a warranty on the home for year. Couldn't hurt to ask.

    Good Luck!

  • 4 years ago

    Rozannj, I’m glad that yours worked after replacing the condenser. They looked at mine 5 times just kept applying more sealant to it. I don’t know if it’s a design issue or a defect. If it’s a condensation that sounds like would be a design issue.

    At this point I wonder if I should ask them for a replacement or a refund.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Builder's usually buy from big retailers; they should be on your side in this & at least put you in touch with their source, tho that might depend on if you're demanding they repair your floor for free..sounds tricky!

    A refund also sound's tricky; I got one, but my family has shopped ABT for 2 generations, going above and beyond to help satisfy me when I pressed for it was really just good business sense! You might just be an invoice to some faceless distributor that will tell you it's all on Bluestar to help you out. dunno...but it sounds like that might be where you're at.

    If so, you might want to switch to their french-door version. Single doors vs. french ones are not just different facades, but, in fact, the design & 'architecture' of the each version are VERY different, inside & out, which can only help in your situation! I found it interesting that Subzero's 36" non-"PRO" french & single-door fridges are so different, they're made in separate FACTORIES (WI and AZ), and If memory serves, Thermador's versions are made by different COMPANIES.

    If you get a refund, buy a SZ Pro36; don't think, just do it!! ;-) If limited to a replacement, a new version of your model might well do the trick; good mfgs make changes to fix flaws as a model's production run goes along & problems are found. Or if you can live with a french door, might have better luck with that because it's fundamentally different inside (hopefully in a good way!)

    Personally, I think it's great you have/chose a single-door fridge; having had both in a short span, I think french doors really kinda suck. you lose a LOT of storage space due to the gap in the door-shelves...something that doesn't show up in specifications which only measure the volume of the 'box', not usable storage space!! And they just look & feel less 'Pro', IMO...that's probby why SZ doesn't make a french door PRO model...or True, or any super-high-end/quasi commercial mfg in this space

  • 4 years ago

    Nicoa - Reading dcp's comments the SZ Pro36 may be the way to go. As mentioned the former SZ at 11k was underwhelming, the condennsor was replacd 3 times with in 2 yrs, same issue with the Liebherr. As a professional baker I was impressed with BS's wide pullout shelf that easily acomodates 18x26 full sheet pans; as do their ovens. The pullout shelf also gives easy access for those little jam jars tucked in the back, this shelf is it's best feature. Their icemaker is poorly designed. You have to watch the levels or it will overflow. It continues to make ice when full. No auto shutoff.

    I am 5'1 the BS's condensor is located on top (plus for me) which brings the shelves lower for reaching that top shelf. The Liebherr's condensor was on the bottow which raised the the shelves, I could not reach anything on the top shelf. It was a waste of space for me.


    Earlier this year I was frig hunting when the BS was failing me-so dissapointed what was out there, nothing compared with BS features. I don't remember if the SZ Pro36 was an option. I will def keep it in mind 'if' BS fails me again. So far so good.

    Thanks for the update dcpsmith!

  • 4 years ago

    Thanks dcpsmith and rozannj for the suggestions

  • 4 years ago

    Keep us updated how it goes. Good Luck!

  • 4 years ago

    Hi Everyone, Are there anymore comments, suggestions or discoveries on the condensation/water accumulation on the refrigerator floor under the drawers? Mine started happening 6 months ago and has gotten worst now. I have a 2016 unit.

    I called BS to get a response that they need to refer me to a service call. I called, wanting to just get a diagram of the drain pathway. I have had subzero unit in the past and the drain line would get gunked up every 4-5 years. But, it was very obvious and I could pull up pdf files on line. BS doesn't make those available and they said that they have a policy to delineate between the consumer and repair service techs.


  • 4 years ago

    bluestar?? like the warrior cat?? also this is straight up abbreviated as BS like bruh.

  • 3 years ago

    Any updates with the Bluestar fridge? Are the ranges okay to buy?

  • 3 years ago

    @Terrance James: "Any updates with the Bluestar fridge?"

    Don't be fooled. These freestanding, 36" French door refrigerators all the same except for minor differences in appearance:

  • 3 years ago

    We have a Pro and have been very happy after the ice maker issue!! (see way up above) We also bought 8-burner range top and I absolutely LOVE it

  • 3 years ago

    Hi Terrance,

    As far as their Pro built in refrigerator, which we no longer have, I heard from a repairman, BS moved the location of the condenser, wether or not thats true, you would need to clarify with BS to be sure.


    As far as their ranges, we’ve had their 36 inch open burner gas range for almost 3 years and we absolutely love it, its only had one or 2 very minor issues, like an air valve that needed adjusting, nothing major, and it was handled quickly, I will say we would definitely buy this range again if we ever moved.