We had this debate in our heads for 10 years. The kids all left and the larger applicance was no longer needed. So much easier to get one that fits....and really 'better' is a pretty arbitrary differance all and all.

I would just get one that fits. A taller one may look weird if you have a short cabinet above. And you never know what kind of collateral damage may result from the cabinet modifications.

Your cabinets are beautiful! I’d go for the shorter fridge and keep an extra in the basement of your short on space.

Thanks, all! I don’t need extra fridge space or cabinet space. I was hoping to get a fridge with two compressors instead of one, but they’re all 72” tall so I’ll probably just go with a single-compressor 70” model.

The GE GYE22GYNFS (https://www.homedepot.com/p312903946) did well enough in CR's tests to warrant a "recommended" rating. It's cabinet is 69" tall but while the door is 70-1/2" the refrigerator is not designed to be recessed into the cutout.

You will continue to replace and replace and replace.

The cutout is 70 inches......and you need an inch of air space beneath the cut out, and the fridge case.........and yours look like a squeeze on top and sides