Thursday, March 28, 2024

Refrigerators: Compare


Report Card Grade
Product Grade
Product Grade
Our Awards
Overall Score
76%
47%
Date Reviewed
December 2012
December 2012
Pros
ENERGY STAR® qualified; maintains optimal internal conditions; has external digital temperature controls with child lock; quiet; space-saving icemaker design; built-in water filter; external water and ice dispenser; bonus storage (ex. egg container, wine rack and can holder); open door alert; available in multiple finishes; LED Tower Lighting
Excellent value; Energy Star® qualified and is more energy efficient than some machines with less capacity and the same yearly energy costs; good useable capacity; doors are reversible; available in multiple finishes
Cons
Some complaints about the icemaker not working properly; some reported quality issues with the handles (loosening and/or falling off); door bins aren't adjustable; some complaints about small drawers that didn't open fully; doesn't have built-in air filter; doesn't have temperature-controlled drawer
Can't make precise temperature adjustments; no light in freezer; some complaints ill-fitting shelves/bins; some complaints about humidity control in crispers; some complaints about small size of crispers; doesn't have open door alert; doesn't have built-in water filter for ice machine; doesn't have temperature-controlled drawer; odor transfer possible since fridge and freezer share the same air
Refrigeration System (25%)
Storage Capabilities (20%)
Extra Features (25%)
Exterior Style/Functionality (10%)
Brand Reputation/Reliability (10%)
Customer Feedback (10%)
Type
Freestanding
Freestanding
Style
Side-by-Side
Top-Freezer
Total Capacity (cu. ft.)
24.5
20.6
Price (MSRP)
$2349 - $2399
$949 - $1149
Warranty
1-year limited warranty on parts & labor for the entire unit; 5-year limited warranty on parts & labor for the sealed refrigeration system
1-year limited warranty on parts & labor for the entire unit
Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)
35.88" x 70" x 29" (taken from instruction manual)
32.5" x 66.25" x 32.63"
Depth with Door Open at 90°
45.44"
62.25"
Width with Door Open at 90°
36.33"
34.9"
Weight
254 pounds
256 pounds
ENERGY STAR® Qualified
Yes
Yes
Power
It uses 560 kWh/year. Samsung estimates that it could cost about $60 a year to run.
It uses 410 kWh/year. Maytag estimates that it could cost about $44 a year to run.
Cooling Technology
Twin Cooling Plus™ technology (single compressor / dual evaporator) offers precise monitoring and control over humidity and temperature levels in each compartment. There are also 5 temperature sensors and multiple vents to ensure that cold, fresh air is always circulating evenly throughout each compartment.
Features an automatic moisture control system (single evaporator), energy-efficient foam insulation and the Cool Flow™ Ventilation System to maintain optimal internal conditions in the fridge and freezer simultaneously.
Auto-Defrost (Frost-Free)
Yes
Yes
Temperature Controls
An external digital control panel (with a child lock) allows for precise temperature adjustments in the fridge or the freezer. Panel also has "Power Cool" and "Power Freeze" button that will quickly drop the internal temperature in the fridge or freezer.
It has a thermostat and single knob in the fridge where you can make general temperature adjustments to the fridge and freezer.
Built-In Air Filter
N/A
N/A
Fresh Food Capacity (cu. ft.)
15.2
14.4
Shelf Material
Tempered glass
Tempered glass
Spill-Proof Edges
Yes
Yes
Shelves
4 adjustable shelves including 1 that is also retractable
3 full-width shelves including 2 adjustable and 1 stationary
Total # of Drawers
3
3
Humidity-Controlled Drawer (Crisper)
1
2 (half-width)
Temperature-Controlled Meat/Deli Drawer
N/A
N/A
Door Bins
5 stationary door bins including 1 gallon-size bin and 1 dairy bin
5 door bins including 4 gallon-size bins (3 adjustable and 1 stationary) and 1 smaller bin (retractable)
Additional Storage
Egg container, optional wine rack and foldable can holder
N/A
Freezer Capacity (cu. ft.)
9.3
6.2
Freezer Storage
4 shelves, 2 drawers and 3 stationary door bins
1 flex wire shelf and 2 full-width door bins
Icemaker
Yes, it has a factory-installed automatic icemaker that is built into the freezer door. The ice bucket is clear, so you can easily check ice levels when necessary.
Yes, it has a factory-installed automatic icemaker in the freezer.
Bulk Ice-Making Capabilities
No
No
Built-in Water Filter
Yes
No
External Water/Ice Dispenser
Yes, it has an external water and crushed/cubed ice dispenser on the freezer door.
N/A
Lighting
LED Tower Lighting systems in the fridge and freezer
Incandescent light bulbs in the fridge only
Open Door Alert
Yes, after 2 minutes
None
Product Design
It is available in 4 different finishes including Black (RSG257AABP/XAA), White (RSG257AAWP/XAA), Stainless Steel (RSG257AARS/XAA) and Stainless Platinum (RSG257AAPN/XAA). It has flat, smooth doors with concealed hinges and a concealed grill at the bottom.
It is available in 4 different finishes including White (M1TXEGMYW), Bisque (M1TXEGMYQ), Black (M1TXEGMYB) or Stainless Steel (M1TXEGMYS). It has a classic style with flat, textured doors.
 
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