Submitted by MitchTobol on

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Four years ago we needed a new refrigerator. After researching them, reading countless reviews and consulting Consumer Reports. I decided on a Samsung french door. This beautiful looking appliance (pictured here) The Frigworked well until about a year ago. It started making really loud grinding noises and the entire unit stopped keeping things cold.

 

Since I bought the service contract, I had the store's repair service come in and fix it. Those repairs only took 3 weeks for parts, scheduling, etc.

 

Two weeks ago, guess what. Yup, it started making the same grinding noise. Once again, the repair guy came and told us he had to order a part. I waited over a week and called. After being on hold for 12 mintues, the woman came back and told me that this particular part was going to take a very long time to get and they would give me a credit for the full original purchase price I paid.

 

Within a day, I was back at the store. No research, no reviews, no Consumer Reports...just buying a new refrigerator. The salesman asked me what I wanted and I said "Does it really matter? I don't think any of them are built well anymore." He actually agreed with me.

 

My new Frigidare is being delivered this morning. How long do you think this one will last?

Comments

Rona Gura

We had a very similar experience with an LG. Ours looks a lot like your except our freezer has two drawers. I actually repurchased the same refrig because I just liked the way it was set up. So far the second one has been ok. But my fingers are crossed.
Corey Bearak

My issue remains dishwashers.
The top racks seem to separate from the wheels. I authorized purchase of a new one as summer began. Not sure what we are waiting on besides finding one where the wheels do not easily come off the rack. We replace our fridge at same time as dishwasher I want gone. Generally happy with it.
Joshua Zinder

Yes it matters!! Sorry to say that buying a refrigerator is much like a good bottle of wine. Manufacturer only tells you one thing it depends on the place it came from and the year it is made. It also is helpful if the person you are getting it from knows their stuff. In a world where design obsolescence is rampant you are better off just putting your bottle of wine on ice. :)
John Buscarello

Well your first problem was Consumer's Reports. I've been designing Kitchen & Bathrooms for over 25 years and whenever a client uses Consumer's they end up getting something that they don't really want and that's not the best choice for them. I question Consumer's choice very often.

In my opinion, today's appliances are not made any worse then years ago - they are just way more complex, (filters, alarms, sensors to name a few) hence more can go wrong. Most appliances are made well and last. There many iconic brands that are as good as ever: Amana, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, GE, etc. Can you buy a lemon, it happens, but for the most part today's appliances perform well.

I also work with several appliance retailers that are just outstanding at what they do, they know the product....be wary of places that sell everything from TV's to microwaves.

Submitted by NeilHollander on Sun, 09/23/2018 - 07:41

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Neil Hollander

In 2008 we decided to tear down some interior walls and construct a brand new kitchen . Diane and I love to cook and after years of traveling for a living we decided to indulge . We researched the appliances thoroughly . We did our due diligence . We chose to go high end because we we were finished spending money at expensive restaurants . It is true that you get what you pay for in the appliance world . The warranties are stronger and customer service is of non pareil. We went with a Sub Zero refrigerator . Double Viking ovens and a 6 burner Wolf stove with a center flat top grill . We live in a remote mountain location . The Sub Zero needs to have the compressor and condenser fan compartment vacuumed about 2-3 times a year . I understand that this is the case with all refrigeration units . If this process is ignored your integral components will overheat and need to be replaced for beaucoup dollars . Sub Zero and Wolf have merged and now boast an extremely efficient customer service department . One stop shopping and in most cases same day service . The truck arrives fully stocked with spare parts . The communication is flawless . Appliances need continuous preventative maintenance . Most people don't realize this . Just like your automobile .


Hollander sends

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