New refrigerator needed-help and advice appreciated

[mark_wpduet]

Well

my Whirlpool side by side is almost 10 years old. Just recently, I had to have a repair on a capacitor (not expensive) and it's still working great. The ice maker had to be replaced a few yrs ago (easy fix). I DREAD when the time comes to have to buy another fridge. I have NO CLUE what to get but I think based on what I have read it will either be Whirlpool or GE.

 

[bluejay]

We bought a new GE last year and have had nothing but issues with it. It needed a repair within the first month, as the freezer kept icing up. Now, a year later and it's started again. It was a basic model for $800; apparently GE doesn't feel their low end appliances need to be built with any sort of quality control.

 

[stricklybojack]

Just replaced...

my mothers 25 year old Hot Point with a Samsung.
I bought the Samsung online based on customer reviews and Consumer Reports. We wanted a french door model and the cabinet space was somewhat limited so that gave us only a handful of choices.
Previously we replaced the still working but starting to leak loud Whirlpool DW with a nearly silent Bosch unit. In that search i really liked the Samsung offerings but apparently the dish rack parts are known to become brittle and fail prematurely and the Bosch was clearance priced.
I avoid Samsung for electronics after a middling experience with their cell phones.

 

[stricklybojack]

Ps

The Hot Point is still working but runs too much it seems to me. I thoroughly cleaned the coils a couple of years ago. I am visiting this summer so it's a good time to let go. Delivered with all expenses including tax and haul-away came to $980 using Wayfair.com as a first customer with a reatailmenot coupon.
When it gets here i'll update on the full experience. Lots of sales this holiday weekend.

 

[stricklybojack]

Update

So the new fridge is in and it's a winner. We ended up buying the larger 25 (or 26?)cubic ft. Samsung which fit perfectly at Abt for $1400 with a 3 year extended warranty, tax(none) and free delivery. It too is a 3 door like the one I cancelled. Everything arrived undamaged, and set up was easy.
The old unit awaits free pickup and a $50 payment from our utility company. I also received $55 by using Fatwallet at purchase. So total out of pocket will be under $1300 all in.
The old Hotpoint ran loudly and nearly continuously (the door seal was fine) in the summer heat whereas the new one is comparatively silent.
In the drip tray was the wiring schematic for the old unit, nasty. I tipped the old refrigerator on it's side to reveal a rug of dust covering the coils which I vacuumed. Neglected to take a before pic, oops.

 

[carmine]

These kinds of stories make my $35 '64 Frigidaire worth every penny.

...And I think coppertone looks classy with all the chrome.

 

[stricklybojack]

This Samsung...

will pay for itself in if it holds up. It uses far less energy (the new unit having the best energy guide numbers i saw during my search), and here in San Diego electricity is very pricey compared to much of the rest of the nation. The old Hotpoint was definitely in need of servicing, and if it failed, with inflation what it is, we would stand to loose hundreds of dollars worth of food. So to keep the old would mean paying a service charge in the hundreds, paying another $100 in electric every 18 months or so and risk loosing a couple of hundred in food if it gives up the ghost after 25 good years. Oh and the new one cools the food better and it is a far more usable design.
No brainer for me. With other appliances i love the vintage stuff, but for a family of 5 new refrigerators like this one are the better choice, and keeping units like our old one are a false economy imo.

 

[a440]

Great Buy!
You will love your Samsung Twin Cooling Fridge.
You will be amazed at how long you can save vegetables, Fruits, Meat, Anything!!!! They all seem to stay fresh forever.
I have had a Samsung Side by Side for about 8 years now. Works perfect! I love the fact that the fridge and freezer do not share the same air. The fridge side stays at the correct moisture and temp. It is awesome.
I keep the fridge set at 34 and the freezer set at -2.
Congratulations!

 

[a440]

OH....Thought of another thing....
On the back of your Samsung you will see an opening where the fan draws in air to cool the coils. I bought a window unit type filter and rigged it on this spot. I pull the fridge every 6 months and it is amazing at the dust and lint that it attracts. I just throw it away and replace with a new one. I never have any dust on the coils. The underside of the fridge and the coils are like new.

 

[stricklybojack]

A440..

.
thx for the tip.
Well, a year latter and it's 2 thumbs up for Sammy. Very quiet, spacious, nothing to complain about.
Hope i didn't just jinx it!
I wonder what stchuck ended up with?