Hi simmtalker, I have the Maytag MBF2258DEM which I think is the same (at least looks the exact same) as the model you are considering. I love this refrigerator and have had zero problems with it in the 4 years I have owned it so far. I had to work with size constraints as well--but I am so glad I went with the single door vs French door. I agree with you, however, that refrigerator drawer quality for this model is obnoxious. But the drawers have not broken down at all for me either--though I was definitely expecting them to. No too warm or too cold spots. Door holds ALOT.

Also, I love the ice "bucket" in the freezer so much more than an ice dispenser through the door. It is easy to clean; and easy to remove for parties or large quantity ice dispensing. Lighting for upper "fridge" portion is lovely. Honestly--the reviews are what led me to this refrigerator--and now I am raving along with the rest of them :) Let me know if you have other questions.

I remember when someone asked to compare a Whirlpool refrigerator and a Maytag refrigerator. When I read through the warranties on both, the Whirlpool warranty covered the costs for labor and parts for repairs of cooling system components within the first 5 years, whereas the Maytag warranty only covered the cost of parts of cooling system components and not the cost of labor. You might want to read through both warranties to see what is covered and what is not covered. Even though Whirlpool owns both KA and Maytag, they still could have different warranty terms / coverage between the 2 refrigerators you are considering. Reading through the fine print in the warranty is a bit tedious, but in my opinion it's a valuable factor in the decision making process when you've narrowed it down to 2 models.

My experience with Whirlpool with my KitchenAide appliances has been very bad. Too many problems and details to go into but the quality is bad and they do not stand behind the products. I’ve had major repairs on gas range and refrigerator, and they finally replaced the 2 year old dishwasher when they could not supply the major part to repair it... 2 years later I just spent another $400 to repair this one! And I have NEVER been treated as rudely by any “customer no service” people! Run from any Whirlpool product!

I have had a couple of KA bottom mount fridges. The only issue that I had was a water intake valve that recently needed replacing at about the 6 year mark. I'd buy them again.

I have that KitchenAid model - it's been about 18 months and it's working well. I thought it felt the most solidly built (with respect to shelves, drawers, door bins) of any of the other non-French door, non-water dispenser fridges I looked at. Call me a happy camper at 18 months into ownership.

friedajune -- Yep, I know. I think KitchenAides often has better quality finishing of features. I bought a KitchenAide dishwasher, and the thing that sold me on it was the smoothly sliding racks, MUCH better than any other brand I had tried. Doesn't mean it will last any longer, but at least I will enjoy pulling and pushing those racks every time I use it :)

chocolatesnap -- I am SUPER HAPPY to hear your experience with the Maytag. I thought the door would hold a bunch of items, so I'm glad to hear it works in the real world. Thank you very much!!!

oneandonlybobjones -- Good point!! I will definitely check the respective warranties.

mradkie -- Yikes, sorry to hear about those problems. I have read some pretty bad experiences in the reviews of KithcenAide products online -- they certainly don't seem like the quality product it used to be.

Toronto Veterinarian & sherri1058 -- Glad to hear some positive KitchenAide reviews!! Thank you for posting :)

KitchenAid refrigerators in the past (10/12 years ago) had a longer warranty than Whirlpool, which was leveraged by KA's higher price which positioned it as the premium brand in the family. Don't know if that's still the case regards to warranty.

I have a 1997 KA topfreezer which has had no repairs for the duration. It was relegated to garage-fridge in 2005, and the ice maker has not been used since then. My parents have one of similar vintage, maybe 2 to 3 years older, had a couple repairs on the ice maker. I'm citing our experience just for anecdotal purposes, they don't directly reflect one purchased today.