New Refrigerators

[gallahadesquire]

This seems to be a forum for almost anything, and my randomness is in full flow, so here goes:

 

My 20+ year old Whirlpool bottom freezer refrigerator is getting onto its last legs. Bits have

fallen off over the years, but it keeps chugging along.

 

It's time to buy something new. I really like some of the semi-behemoth Samsungs, but I've

been warned that LG and Samsung have parts issues for when they go bad, and go bad, they do.

 

I've gotten the impression that Whirlpool beats the field for reliability, but even that's questionable,

and, frankly, they seem no so well built.

 

Cost is of less concern than reliability.

 

Opinions, please.

[craigville beach]

If you haven't purchased a new refrigerator in 20 years you've done very well. For various reasons I have purchase 3 new french door style refrigerators in the past 5 years (not for performance issues or mechanical problems, my problem was my electric company "fried" all my appliances 2x after power failures in the past 3 years). The new ones use way less electricity that your 20 year old model. There are fewer manufactures today than there were 20 years ago. The Whirlpool model you are seeking is most likely just one of several makes that the same manufacture produces. Do some online research, talk to friends and neighbors. Stay away from large big box stores. I think you are located in the same geographic area as me. I've heard that Percy's in Worcester is good but I haven't shopped there myself.

[+ deej]

A lot has changed in 20 years. They're more efficient now and cost less to run, and there are fewer actual manufacturers. And your new refrigerator likely won't last 20 years. (Sad, but true.)

 

I bought a Kenmore (made by LG) five years ago, and the in-door ice unit is made by Amana (I'm told all of them are).

 

Decide on the features you want. They'll all have a model with those features. If you want ice dispenser in the front door be aware that you'll lose significant storage in the door. (Families may prefer having that room for jugs of milk or OJ. I'm not serving a family.)

 

Once you've decided what you want, see When Is the Best Time of Year to Buy Large Appliances? Confusing enough? Well that's the deal.

 

You roll the dice and you take your chances and in the end you buy what you like and hope it works out. <shrug>

[+ sam.fitzpatrick]

I've been pleased with my GE profile, which I've had for 9 years.

[gallahadesquire]

I'll sum it up quickly: Whirlpool or Samsung?

[+ purplekow]

Just bought a GE I am very pleased with. So I vote Whirlpool

[rvwnsd]

I'll sum it up quickly: Whirlpool or Samsung?

 

Whirlpool.

 

I have a seven year old Whirlpool side-by-side and it is doing just great. Other owners in my complex have GEs and they are not so thrilled. Although there us nothing wrong with it, I would like a French door refrigerator and, as it happens, Whirlpool makes one that will fit. My neighbor just bought one and loves it. In addition, when my GE microwave stopped working I replaced it with a Whirlpool and like it very much. Very intuitive controls. They are also the first and only appliance manufacturer to receive a 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index.

 

PS: The appliance repairman who came out to service my old GE dishwasher recommended Whirlpool appliances. He said they make their own products in factories they own. They build a solid product and have a reputation to uphold, so when one of their appliances does break down they do everything they can do to make it right. When my GE conked out I took his advice (and the advice of the salesman at Lowes) and replaced it with a Whirlpool. Couldn't be happier with it.

[Samfoslom]

This year, GE appliances was bought out by Electrolux. That may signal an uptick in GE product quality. they will still use the GE name for a while. The deal made Electrolux the second largest appliance manufacturer, after Whirlpool. Incidentally, Whirlpool owns Maytag now, too. The other major manufacturers are Samsung and LG. I've had a GE for 14 years now. Before that, I had a Whirlpool for 13 years, and it was still working when I got rid of it for an upgraded appliance--the GE--in 2000. Check out consumer reports for reliability and feature info.

[johnjohn]

OK I have been selling Appliance for last 40 years, Samsung and LG have parts issues , and unless you live in a major city no service people

in US there are 3 mfg, soon to be 2 , GE being purchased by Electrolux , Ge also owns Hotpoint and RCA Appliances.

Whirlpool also owns Jenn-air, Kitchen-Aid , Amana, Maytag ,Roper and Estate brands,

Electrolux owns Frigidaire , White- Westinghouse, Kelvinator , and soon to own the GE brands. I suggest you purchase the extended warranty from the mfg.

Also if you have a problem call for service and then call the company and start a file on your appliance in case you have another problem. LOOK AT THE CROSLEY Brand,there ref are made by Electroux , they have limited Models but come with the Best Warranty and an extended warranty from crosley is a lot less expensive.

IF you want a great WASHER AND DRYER LOOK AT THE SPEED QUEEN BRAND THEY ARE THE BEST.

[adriano46]

Whirlpool and make sure you have that guarantee taped to the back of it and the phone number available - they do send people quickly and efficiently when needed.

[Frequentflier]

If you haven't purchased a new refrigerator in 20 years you've done very well. For various reasons I have purchase 3 new french door style refrigerators in the past 5 years (not for performance issues or mechanical problems, my problem was my electric company "fried" all my appliances 2x after power failures in the past 3 years). The new ones use way less electricity that your 20 year old model. There are fewer manufactures today than there were 20 years ago. The Whirlpool model you are seeking is most likely just one of several makes that the same manufacture produces. Do some online research, talk to friends and neighbors. Stay away from large big box stores. I think you are located in the same geographic area as me. I've heard that Percy's in Worcester is good but I haven't shopped there myself.

 

Would a surge protector or some other device protect your appliance from the electric company?

[Frequentflier]

This seems to be a forum for almost anything, and my randomness is in full flow, so here goes:

 

My 20+ year old Whirlpool bottom freezer refrigerator is getting onto its last legs. Bits have

fallen off over the years, but it keeps chugging along.

 

It's time to buy something new. I really like some of the semi-behemoth Samsungs, but I've

been warned that LG and Samsung have parts issues for when they go bad, and go bad, they do.

 

I've gotten the impression that Whirlpool beats the field for reliability, but even that's questionable,

and, frankly, they seem no so well built.

 

Cost is of less concern than reliability.

 

Opinions, please.

 

Just 20 years? That's terrible - someone must be held accountable! (kidding). I've had good experience with GE and Whirlpool. I've used a combination of Consumer Reports and customer reviews on both Home Depot and Sears. The latter have not only been helpful but somewhat humorous to read.

[+ deej]

Would a surge protector or some other device protect your appliance from the electric company?

 

That's actually an excellent suggestion. Whole-house surge protection is a FINE idea for anyone who lives in an area where the power supply is iffy (or destructive). They look pricey at first blush but not when you subtract the cost of a new refrigerator, flat screen TV, and computer.

[craigville beach]

I have an all electric house: heat, well, hot water, cooking, each room has it's own thermostat. I had surge protectors on the computers and the tv's. The last time it happened, they surge protectors caught fire and burned a rug. The surge protectors did not work on anything that had a low voltage display (which today is just about everything). Now I have a whole house surge protector located outside on the pole. If it ever happens again, the pole will take the hit.

[MichiganMan]

I've got a Philco refrigerator running in my basement that's about 60 years old and going strong...now that's quality!!!

[rvwnsd]

Whirlpool and make sure you have that guarantee taped to the back of it and the phone number available - they do send people quickly and efficiently when needed.

 

Good point. When my Whirlpool dishwasher stopped working, the repair tech was sent out the next day. Turned out it was my own fault (a little silicon ring from one of the cats' dishes got caught in the motor) but they still replaced the part free of charge.

[bigvalboy]

I have an all electric house: heat, well, hot water, cooking, each room has it's own thermostat. I had surge protectors on the computers and the tv's. The last time it happened, they surge protectors caught fire and burned a rug. The surge protectors did not work on anything that had a low voltage display (which today is just about everything). Now I have a whole house surge protector located outside on the pole. If it ever happens again, the pole will take the hit.

 

That's excellent protection. Being in the lightning strike capitol of the world, I stopped relying on surge protectors that plug in. As far as refrigerators are concerned..."planned obsolescence"... I just purchased a GE, and if it lasts ten years, I will consider myself lucky.

[gallahadesquire]

That's excellent protection. Being in the lightning strike capitol of the world, I stopped relying on surge protectors that plug in. As far as refrigerators are concerned..."planned obsolescence"... I just purchased a GE, and if it lasts ten years, I will consider myself lucky.

 

Interesting observation. Some of us lived through it in the fifties and sixties with automobiles, until The Big Three figured out it really wasn't a good business practice. Of course, there's a whole pile of new automotive technology compared to New refrigerator technology, and I doubt that many people buy a new 'fridge just because it's more energy efficient ...