Monday, March 18, 2024

KitchenAid KBRS22KW

KitchenAid KBRS22KW Review

Refrigerators

Product Grade
Report Card Grade
0 Reviews
Best Feature:
Budget-friendly and has very flexible storage space in fridge
Worst Feature:
Doesn't have a factory-installed icemaker
Best Uses:
Spacious, affordable refrigerator from trusted brand
Pricing:
$1,699 - $1,799 (see review for warranty information)

Where to Buy

Store Name
Price
$1,799.99
$1,799.99

Overview

We give the KitchenAid 22 cu. ft. Standard Depth Architect® Series II Refrigerator (KBLS22KW & KBRS22KW) a B+ because it is an affordable, bottom-freezer refrigerator with flexible storage space that keeps food visible and well organized. We had to deduct points because it lacks a few of the bells and whistles that other refrigerators in this price point have including a factory-installed icemaker, accelerated freezing technology and LED lighting to name a few.

You can see how the KitchenAid 22 cu. ft. Standard Depth Architect® Series II Refrigerator (KBLS22KW & KBRS22KW) compares to other refrigerators in our Refrigerator Review.

Photos

The KitchenAid 22 cu. ft. Standard Depth Architect® Series II Refrigerator (KBLS22KWMS6).
The KitchenAid's model number is located inside the refrigerator.
The KitchenAid 22 cu. ft. Standard Depth Architect® Series II Refrigerator is ENERGY STAR® qualified.
There is an electronic control panel inside the fridge at the top where you can make general temperature adjustments to the fridge or the freezer.
The interior of the fridge has very flexible storage options.
The fridge has two FreshSeal™ humidity-controlled crispers and one full-width, FreshChill™ temperature-controlled deli drawer.
You can adjust the humidity depending on whether you are storing fruits or vegetables.
The shelves in the fridge are adjustable for more flexible storage capabilities.
The door has a sealed dairy bin and a gallon-size door bin that are both stationary, as well as four smaller door bins that are adjustable and lined with a mat to prevent items from slipping around.
A closer view of the adjustable door bins.
The pull-out freezer drawer in a Monochromatic Stainless Steel finish with matching handle.
The wire bins have dividers to help keep frozen items better organized.
A side view of the freezer drawers.

 
This Product
Head of Class
Most Popular
Overall Score
57%
77%
76%
Our Awards
Date Reviewed
February 2013
January 2013
December 2012
Pros
Relatively affordable; ENERGY STAR® qualified; humidity- and temperature-controlled drawers; built-in water filter; open door alert
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
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
Cons
Can't make precise temperature adjustments; odor transfer possible since fridge and freezer share the same air; no factory-installed automatic icemaker
Very expensive; useable freezer capacity is relatively limited; no gallon-size door bin; energy efficient but not ENERGY STAR® compliant
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
Refrigeration System (25%)
Storage Capabilities (20%)
Extra Features (25%)
Exterior Style/Functionality (10%)
Brand Reputation/Reliability (10%)
Customer Feedback (10%)
Type
Freestanding
Built-in
Freestanding
Style
Bottom-Freezer (pull-out freezer drawer)
French Door (pull-out freezer drawer)
Side-by-Side
Total Capacity (cu. ft.)
21.9
21.0
24.5
Price (MSRP)
$1,699 - $1,799
$8,575 - $10,060
$2349 - $2399
Warranty
1-year limited warranty on parts & labor for the entire unit; 5-year limited warranty on parts & labor for the cavity liner and sealed refrigeration system; 10-year limited warranty on parts for the sealed refrigeration system
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; 5-year limited warranty on parts & labor for the sealed refrigeration system
Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)
32.63" x 69.94" x 33.38"
36" x 84" x 24"
35.88" x 70" x 29" (taken from instruction manual)
Depth with Door Open at 90°
62"
43.38" (note: the freezer drawer fully open will exceed that depth at 47.5")
45.44"
Width with Door Open at 90°
35.13"
40.75"
36.33"
Weight
325 pounds
529 pounds
254 pounds
ENERGY STAR® Qualified
Yes
No
Yes
Power
It uses 459 kWh/year. KitchenAid estimates that it could cost about $49 a year to run.
It uses 571 kWh/year. Sub-Zero estimates that it could cost about $61 a year to run.
It uses 560 kWh/year. Samsung estimates that it could cost about $60 a year to run.
Cooling Technology
FreshChill™ Temperature Management System uses multiple sensors, a ventilation system and a single evaporator to monitor and maintain optimal internal conditions in both the fridge and the freezer.
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.
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.
Auto-Defrost (Frost-Free)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Temperature Controls
An electronic control system in the fridge only allows for general temperature adjustments in the fridge and freezer (Levels 1 - 7).
A digital control panel at the top of the fridge allows for precise temperature adjustments in the fridge and in the freezer.
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.
Built-In Air Filter
N/A
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.)
15.6
15.7
15.2
Shelf Material
ClearVue™ tempered glass
Tempered glass
Tempered glass
Spill-Proof Edges
Yes
Yes
Yes
Shelves
5 shelves including 1 stationary full-width shelf and 4 adjustable split shelves
4 full-width shelves (3 adjustable and 1 stationary)
4 adjustable shelves including 1 that is also retractable
Total # of Drawers
3
2
3
Humidity-Controlled Drawer (Crisper)
2 (half-width)
1 (full-width)
1
Temperature-Controlled Meat/Deli Drawer
1 (full-width)
1 (full-width)
N/A
Door Bins
6 door bins including 4 adjustable bins and 2 stationary bins (1 sealed dairy bin and 1 gallon-size bin that are both stationary and 4 smaller bins that are adjustable and lined with a mat
8 door bins including 4 adjustable bins, 2 stationary bins and 2 adjustable dairy bins (magnetically sealed)
5 stationary door bins including 1 gallon-size bin and 1 dairy bin
Additional Storage
N/A
N/A
Egg container, optional wine rack and foldable can holder
Freezer Capacity (cu. ft.)
6.3
5.3
9.3
Freezer Storage
2 pull-out wire baskets (lower basket is divided into 2 sections)
2 pull-out wire drawers that are divided into separate compartments
4 shelves, 2 drawers and 3 stationary door bins
Icemaker
Sold separately for about $129 (Part #IC-13B).
Yes, it has a factory-installed automatic icemaker in the freezer.
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.
Bulk Ice-Making Capabilities
No
Yes, in "MAX ICE" mode, ice production increases by 40% for a 24-hour period.
No
Built-in Water Filter
Yes
Yes
Yes
External Water/Ice Dispenser
N/A
N/A
Yes, it has an external water and crushed/cubed ice dispenser on the freezer door.
Lighting
40W incandescent light bulbs in fridge and freezer
40W appliance light bulbs in the fridge and the freezer
LED Tower Lighting systems in the fridge and freezer
Open Door Alert
Yes, after 5 minutes
Yes, after 1 minute (optional)
Yes, after 2 minutes
Product Design
It is available in 3 different finishes including White (KBRS22KWWH), Black (KBRS22KWBL) and Monochromatic Stainless Steel (KBRS22KWMS or KBLS22KWMS). It has flat, smooth doors and matching door handles.
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 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.

ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review


Specifications

Refrigeration System

The KitchenAid 22 cu. ft. Standard Depth Architect® Series II Refrigerator is ENERGY STAR® qualified.
The KitchenAid 22 cu. ft. Standard Depth Architect® Series II Refrigerator is ENERGY STAR® qualified.
Credit: Mary Griffin

The KitchenAid KBLS22KW/KBRS22KW is an ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerator and uses 459 kWh/year. KitchenAid estimates that it will cost you about $49 a year to run. It is designed with KitchenAid’s FreshChill™ Temperature Management System, which uses a single evaporator for cooling the fridge and freezer. With automatic defrosting technology, multiple sensors and vents, the refrigerator is able to ensure that temperature and humidity conditions are at optimal levels throughout each compartment. If necessary, you can make general temperature adjustments to the fridge or the freezer using an electronic control panel inside the fridge, but KitchenAid recommends just always keeping both on Level 4 (levels range from 1 to 7). Since it only has a single evaporator, you won’t be able to make precise temperature adjustments to the fridge or freezer, and, since the fridge and freezer will share the same air, there is potential for odor transfer.

You can make general temperature adjustments to the fridge and freezer from inside the fridge.
You can make general temperature adjustments to the fridge and freezer from inside the fridge.
Credit: Mary Griffin

Storage in the Fresh Food Compartment and Freezer

The KitchenAid KBLS22KW/KBRS22KW has a total capacity of 21.9 cu. ft. The fridge has 15.6 cu. ft. of capacity and is designed to keep food items not only fresher for longer but also easy to find and well organized.

The interior of the fridge has very flexible storage options.
The interior of the fridge has very flexible storage options.
Credit: Mary Griffin

All of its shelves, drawers and door bins are made with ClearVue™ tempered glass. There are five spill-proof shelves including one full-width shelf and four adjustable, split shelves. The fridge is also equipped with two FreshSeal™ humidity-controlled crispers for keeping fruits and vegetables fresh and with one full-width, FreshChill™ temperature-controlled drawer for keeping deli/meat items fresh.

The fridge has two FreshSeal™ humidity-controlled crispers and one full-width, FreshChill™ temperature-controlled deli drawer.
The fridge has two FreshSeal™ humidity-controlled crispers and one full-width, FreshChill™ temperature-controlled deli drawer.
Credit: Mary Griffin

On the door, it has one sealed dairy bin, one gallon-size bin and four smaller, adjustable bins that are lined with a rubber mat. Adjustable shelves and door bins are very convenient because they allow you to maximize your fridge’s useable capacity and make room for bulky/large food items.

The door has a sealed dairy bin and a gallon-size door bin that are both stationary, as well as four smaller door bins that are adjustable and lined with a mat to prevent items from slipping around.
The door has a sealed dairy bin and a gallon-size door bin that are both stationary, as well as four smaller door bins that are adjustable and lined with a mat to prevent items from slipping around.
Credit: Mary Griffin

The freezer has 6.3 cu. ft. of capacity and a pull-out drawer design. It has two wire baskets for storing items, and the lower basket is divided into two sections for improved organization.

The wire bins have dividers to help keep frozen items better organized.
The wire bins have dividers to help keep frozen items better organized.
Credit: Mary Griffin

Extra Features

The refrigerator doesn't have a factory-installed icemaker, but you can purchase an automatic icemaker separately for about $129 (Part #IC-13B). It does have a built-in water filter to supply the icemaker if you choose to buy it. It also has a bright, incandescent lighting system in the fridge and the freezer to keep food items well lit (40-watt bulbs in each area). Lastly, the refrigerator comes with an open door alert and will start to chime after the door has been left open for over five minutes.

Exterior Style and Functionality

The KitchenAid Architect® Series II is a bottom-freezer, standard depth refrigerator with a pull-out freezer drawer. The fridge has flat, smooth doors, and it is available with a left-hand door swing (KBLS22KW) or a right-hand door swing (KBRS22KW). The right-hand door swing model is available in three different finishes including White (KBRS22KWWH), Black (KBRS22KWBL) and Monochromatic Stainless Steel (KBRS22KWMS). The left-hand door swing model is only available in Monochromatic Stainless Steel (KBLS22KWMS). Both models have matching door handles.

The pull-out freezer drawer in a Monochromatic Stainless Steel finish with matching handle.
The pull-out freezer drawer in a Monochromatic Stainless Steel finish with matching handle.
Credit: Mary Griffin

Brand Reputation

In a Consumer Reports study, customers of KitchenAid refrigerators with icemakers reported slightly more issues (repairs and serious problems) with their refrigerators than customers of other refrigerator brands. In a J.D. Power & Associates study on refrigerator manufacturers, KitchenAid refrigerators ranked on the lower end in terms of price and they received average marks for overall customer satisfaction and above average marks for styling and appearance. In terms of warranty for this model, KitchenAid offers a 1-year limited warranty on parts & labor for the entire unit, a 5-year limited warranty on parts & labor for the cavity liner and sealed refrigeration system, and a 10-year limited warranty on parts for the sealed refrigeration system.

User Reviews

The KitchenAid 22 cu. ft. Standard Depth Architect® Series II Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator (KBLS22KW & KBRS22KW) hasn’t received many customer reviews online, but, as a brand, KitchenAid has a solid reputation for manufacturing quality appliances. While there are some drawbacks of having a single evaporator cooling system, you won’t find a refrigerator that has a dual cooling system within this price range. We do appreciate that KitchenAid included an automatic defrosting system, which is especially convenient for keeping the freezer frost-free when it shares the same air as the fridge. We also love that the refrigerator has great storage space and that its shelves and door bins can be adjusted to accommodate a wide variety of food items. Additionally, we love that it is ENERGY STAR® qualified and will help you save money on your energy bills. We wish that the KitchenAid KB(L/R)S22KW had some more of the extra bells and whistles found on a similarly priced refrigerator (like the LG LDC22720), but, overall, we think that the KB(L/R)S22KW is a great fridge for the price.


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