Friday, March 29, 2024

Refrigerators: Compare


Report Card Grade
Product Grade
Product Grade
Our Awards
Overall Score
77%
47%
Date Reviewed
January 2013
December 2012
Pros
Superior temperature performance; high-quality design built to last for 20 years; highly adjustable storage design; air purification system; built-in water filter; bulk ice making feature; humidity- and temperature-controlled drawers; open door alert; can be used in a standard installation or in a flush inset installation; Star-K certified with a "Sabbath" mode
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
Very expensive; useable freezer capacity is relatively limited; no gallon-size door bin; energy efficient but not ENERGY STAR® compliant
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
Built-in
Freestanding
Style
French Door (pull-out freezer drawer)
Top-Freezer
Total Capacity (cu. ft.)
21.0
20.6
Price (MSRP)
$8,575 - $10,060
$949 - $1149
Warranty
2-year full warranty on parts & labor for the entire unit; 5-year full warranty on parts & labor for the sealed refrigeration system; 12-year limited warranty on just parts for the sealed refrigeration system.
1-year limited warranty on parts & labor for the entire unit
Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)
36" x 84" x 24"
32.5" x 66.25" x 32.63"
Depth with Door Open at 90°
43.38" (note: the freezer drawer fully open will exceed that depth at 47.5")
62.25"
Width with Door Open at 90°
40.75"
34.9"
Weight
529 pounds
256 pounds
ENERGY STAR® Qualified
No
Yes
Power
It uses 571 kWh/year. Sub-Zero estimates that it could cost about $61 a year to run.
It uses 410 kWh/year. Maytag estimates that it could cost about $44 a year to run.
Cooling Technology
High-tech dual refrigeration system with electronic microprocessor monitors/controls temperature and humidity levels in the fridge and freezer separately. The system is able to keep temperatures within 1 degree of your preset temperature.
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
A digital control panel at the top of the fridge allows for precise temperature adjustments in the fridge and in the 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
Yes, it has a built-in air purification system that reduces airborne bacteria, odors and even ethylene gas.
N/A
Fresh Food Capacity (cu. ft.)
15.7
14.4
Shelf Material
Tempered glass
Tempered glass
Spill-Proof Edges
Yes
Yes
Shelves
4 full-width shelves (3 adjustable and 1 stationary)
3 full-width shelves including 2 adjustable and 1 stationary
Total # of Drawers
2
3
Humidity-Controlled Drawer (Crisper)
1 (full-width)
2 (half-width)
Temperature-Controlled Meat/Deli Drawer
1 (full-width)
N/A
Door Bins
8 door bins including 4 adjustable bins, 2 stationary bins and 2 adjustable dairy bins (magnetically sealed)
5 door bins including 4 gallon-size bins (3 adjustable and 1 stationary) and 1 smaller bin (retractable)
Additional Storage
N/A
N/A
Freezer Capacity (cu. ft.)
5.3
6.2
Freezer Storage
2 pull-out wire drawers that are divided into separate compartments
1 flex wire shelf and 2 full-width door bins
Icemaker
Yes, it has a factory-installed automatic icemaker in the freezer.
Yes, it has a factory-installed automatic icemaker in the freezer.
Bulk Ice-Making Capabilities
Yes, in "MAX ICE" mode, ice production increases by 40% for a 24-hour period.
No
Built-in Water Filter
Yes
No
External Water/Ice Dispenser
N/A
N/A
Lighting
40W appliance light bulbs in the fridge and the freezer
Incandescent light bulbs in the fridge only
Open Door Alert
Yes, after 1 minute (optional)
None
Product Design
It is available in Stainless Steel or Overlay (with custom panels). It has flat, smooth doors, and you can choose between 3 handle styles including Pro, Tubular or Framed.
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.
 
Product Grade
Product Grade