Replacement Counter Depth Fridge

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

Have had frigidaire professional counter depth fridge (FPBG2277RF) about 10 days and am returning. Door alarm has never worked ( that part of control panel won't work at all), base trim is uneven we think because doors are not seated evenly, the fridge slopes back a ridiculous amount, so there's a variance of 2" from top to bottom of visible side of main fridge body. Its impossible to level fridge and doors. Techs have come and have agreed there's something wrong. I'm frustrated that I paid extra for a look and it looks terrible. Also it's freezing food at the front of the fridge at recommended temp. I'm disappointed because I love the smudge proof finish and the handles blend well with my new KA appliances (which have been terrific). Also it has great lighting, lots of room with no interior control panel, and great door storage. I can fit 3 gallons milk, 3 half gallon glass pitchers, half gal half and half + more in the door. I love not having all that big stuff in the main cavity of the fridge.

I'm trying to figure out what to trade in for at Lowes or Home Depot. The KA KRFC302ESS does not have great reviews and I dislike the flip up lid on deli drawer (had problems with that in last fridge). My mom think I should upgrade to the 42" KA KBFN502ESS and it looks great (love the split deli drawer and ice drawer) but I don't know that the extra 2 cu ft is worth the extra $5k and the hassle of changing cabinets (though cabinets are currently being finished so it would be a good time for the change.

We have a full size fridge in MIL apt that is usually empty so have room for overflow fridge items there, also have 2 large and 1 small chest freezer in garage. Also have an ice maker in our garage so we won't be using fridge ice maker and definitely don't want an external ice dispenser.

Things I want:

- tubular style handles to blend with KA

- counter depth

- gallon door storage

- no external ice maker

-more fridge than freezer space

- would prefer an anti smudge SS finish

Any recommendations?

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Comments (4)

upfixer
Original Author
9 years ago
I'm not sure if Lowes will give a full refund or if we will have to trade in at their store. If at Lowes, it's either GE Cafe , KA KRFC302ESS , Bosch B21CL81SNS or Maytag MFC2062FEZ . I'm leaning towards the GE Cafe (though I haven't seen in person) as it's the largest volume but it also doesn't have great reviews and it has dark gray sides (one side, facing away from view, towards corner, is exposed) , and it looks like there are holes/performations in the ice bin, how do pieces of ice not get everywhere if this is the case? I haven't looked at KA lately but remember not being excited about the interior, except I liked the extra drawer in freezer and didn't like the flip up lid on deli drawer. Also handles would match. Haven't seen the maytag but is same size has better reviews and is 1k cheaper than KA. The Bosch frig volume is smaller with bigger freezer which is opposite of my needs. Also haven't seen this model in person (with extra fridge drawer) and would have to pay extra for pro style handles.

I live in a small town with just Home Depot and Lowes. The closest specialty appliance showroom is 350 mi away. I did find a KD and a small hardware store that could order upper brands, like Viking and GE monogram but I would be ordering without physically seeing and I'm sure wouldn't have a return option if there's a problem like right now with Lowes. I do like that the Monogram has the SS sides, but it otherwise looks like the Cafe. I like the metal in the Viking rvrf336ss, but it's hard to order unseen and would probably have a special order shipping charge added.

Please let me know your opinion if you're familiar with these models. I'm really frustrated and lost. I guess I'm leaning toward the GE Cafe... this is very difficult.
lisadlu16
9 years ago
We have a KA and we are happy with it. After reading your posts I would get the GE Cafe and not look back.
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upfixer
Original Author
9 years ago
I found a GE Cafe in town. It's a full depth model but was good to see in person. I don't like it. It has rounded corners and I think it would look out of place in my kitchen because all my KA has very square lines. Also not keen on the handle style with the angled ends. It was OK inside, I just think it would look out of place in my kitchen.

I did discover another KA model, KRFC704FPS , which is 23.8 cu ft but has an ice dispenser in door. https://m.lowes.com/pd/KitchenAid-23-8-cu-ft-3-Door-Counter-Depth-French-Door-Refrigerator-Single-Ice-Maker-Printshield-Stainless/1000152049. I'm not sure how it has extra space with added dispenser. I really wish it came without it, but with its 17.5 cu ft of fridge, I'm thinking about compromising. It has KA's new printshield finish! I'm going to drive the 350 MI this weekend or next to see one that I found at sears there. Also looking at Sears website, I found this Kenmore pro which is about the same size. https://m.sears.com/kenmore-pro-23.7-cu-ft-counter-depth-french/p-04679993000P. I'm guessing it's made by LG, which I wasn't keen on before. Also, I'm leery of Sears since they look like they're going out of business and I wonder if they'll be able to warranty products. But it's similar capacity, much less expensive, and if I'm already compromising on door dispenser, at least this one blends in better since it's silver color instead of black.

Lowes is giving us a refund on the frigid aire and picking it up on Friday. They were very helpful and understanding. However, until I find a replacement, I'll have to walk a flight of stairs to use fridge in our MIL apartment, and will only have husband's office mini fridge (making him bring it home) in our main kitchen. I need to figure this out quickly. The KA will be in stock with Sears on March 21. I don't know about the Kenmore. I was told by an appliance store in the other town that the KA can't be shipped until April. My other KA appliances were back ordered almost 2 months so that's tough as well.
stevep2005
9 years ago
There's also the Jenn-Air CD stand alone with pro-style hardware option. https://jennair.com/appliances/details/JFC2089BEM I've had mine for 11 years with only a couple of minor repairs I managed myself but the door and temp alarms have never failed me.