Software
Houzz Logo Print
dptaylor2

French door vs. single door with bottom freezer in bisque

8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago

We're getting ready to replace our 25 year old almond fridge (see photos)—had to remove the upper and side cabinets since the fridges are taller now, but that's fine since I am so short those above the fridge were empty anyway. I want bisque to coordinate with my other current appliances and because it's the best color for my small kitchen. I was set to get the Kenmore Elite single door bottom freezer (no ice/water in door!!) but am wondering if the French doors might be better. I have a full size all-refrigerator and a full size all-freezer 12 steps away in my garage so storage is no problem—I mostly store bagels, ice cream, and such in kitchen freezer—everything else in garage full freezer. I have enough space for the single door to open so that's not an issue. Don't know if I'd go crazy having to open both doors to get to the full size deli drawer. Any advice appreciated.





Comments (26)

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    You're right--I plan to go with hubs to the store and try both. For sure I would never to back to a top freezer (had that 30 years ago) and side by side would drive me nuts! Thankfully I can get either with plain front (no ice/water dispensers).

  • 8 years ago

    FWIW, my mother bought the 33” Kenmore French door in bisque about a year ago, and she loves it. The version without the ice/water dispenser. Choices are so limited in bisque, but I think it is a classic.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Me, too (bisque is classic)!!!! Not as stark as white, nor as dark as black nor as cold as stainless. Since my almond fridge is across the room it doesn't look terrible with my bisque range, dishwasher and Kohler Smart Divide Langlade sink with racks which I LOVE (keeps water HOT)

    stock photo, not my sink
    rack in bottom of each side to prevent scratches



  • 8 years ago

    I got the french door b/c of space to open door, and it's okay if you have to have it, but I would prefer a single door.

    Smart Blonde thanked daisychain Zn3b
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I have a single door bottom freezer from Amana in bisque. My BIL has a French door bottom freezer. After using it at various events, I found the double doors cumbersome. I prefer my single door.

    BTW, the Amana has been trouble-free for 20 yrs, and I believe it still rates well. Excellent flexibility on shelving.

  • 8 years ago

    I'm thinking my first instinct to go with the single door is the right one; it's what we've owned for 25 years and we're used to it. I'm glad the new one has a drawer within a drawer (instead of the door I have now)

  • 8 years ago

    I think the French door looks really nice and that was what I planned to replace my second fridge with when my current one died. After using my daughters french door for a couple of months over a few visits I decided that would drive me nuts. Great where you have a narrow aisle space and can still get the advantage of the full width (improvement over the side by side), but given a choice I would go with the single door. I have a single upper door with two bottom drawer all fridge and love it!

    Smart Blonde thanked Kim G
  • 8 years ago

    It depends on where your grocery landing space is! :)

  • 8 years ago

    Thanks everyone. Going with single door—hubs definitely prefers it, and loading groceries/cooking using French doors just doesn't feel right to me now. I'm thankful I have the choice!

  • 8 years ago

    I think it's a very personal choice about what you like to use - the pull, the weight of the door, the space, etc. I personally hate French door fridges, so I went single door and a bottom freezer.

    Smart Blonde thanked Toronto Veterinarian
  • 8 years ago

    Just wondering, is there a problem with your old refrigerator or do you just want an updated unit?

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    With your peninsula being so close to the fridge, you would have more pass-by room with a french door. BUT, if it hasn't bothered you so far, it probably won't with your new fridge unless the new one is wider too.

  • 8 years ago

    Runs CONSTANTLY, makes weird loud noises it never did before--and I am fearing that Sears will totally do away with the bisque color in the stye I want since every other retailer has.

  • 8 years ago

    This is my exact dilemma too. Moving from s/s to bottom freezer but contemplating doors, Mine has always made weird noises, but a new strange noise recently sent me into a neighborhood Sears Homestore. I found Whirlpool was keeping a few bisque in their lineup too.

  • 8 years ago

    I love my french door fridge. We got it because we did have to worry about passing space, but I find I really like it. Yes, it is a pain to have to open both doors fully to get to the deli drawer, but you’d have to open a single door all the way to get to an equivalent drawer. I usually just open one door to grab out what I need, so it’s much easier than pulling open a big door - especially for stuff that is in the door near the hinge.

  • 8 years ago

    So this morning I was grabbing various things out of the fridge to make a big breakfast for us. The single top door stayed open nicely; it seems like the French doors would be harder to keep both open while getting out everything. True?

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    The french doors have no problem staying open all the way. Depending on where your landing countertop is, one door may be in the way. If you tend to pull thing out and put them on the peninsula, it won't be in your way.

  • 8 years ago

    FYI for those that are thinking Whirlpool. Sears is divesting themselves of that brand and will shortly no longer be carrying it. Was on one of my sites this morning. Most of the appliances that Sears sells can be found at other stores. Which is a good thing as many of the Sears stores are being closed and the company is in danger of closing also.

  • 8 years ago

    Sears has been selling Whirlpool-BRANDED appliances only since 1988 when their Brand Central concept came into play. Whirlpool has been manufacturing some Kenmore-branded appliance since at least the 1940s, if not some years earlier, and that arrangement is to continue.

  • 8 years ago

    thankfully, the fridge I plan to buy is a Kenmore twin of an LG fridge.

  • 8 years ago

    "Meantime, Whirlpool will continue to manufacture items for Sears' Kenmore nameplate, the companies have confirmed."

  • 8 years ago

    I have a single door in my house and French door in the second house. I prefer the single door. Because the doors are so small, you lose a lot of storage in the door shelves.


  • 8 years ago

    I totally get that. Thanks!

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    "Sears is divesting themselves of that brand and will shortly no longer be carrying it. "

    That might be the spin, but I bet it's the other way around. Whirlpool is dropping back to only the obligated rebadged material until Sears finishes going down the tubes. Less risk to have inventory in their warehouses and stores. I believe they are on a Pay by Scan arrangement there. I may be out of date on that though.