Not happy with KitchenAid fridge; looking for other brand recommendations.

[Kristal]

DH and I bought a stainless, side-by-side Kitchenaid refrigerator this past April. A few days ago, our icemaker stopped making ice. We're going out of town in a few days, so we haven't called a repairman out. But I've done some research online, and it looks like this is a very common and very expensive problem to fix. I'm kicking myself that I didn't do sufficient research before we purchased the thing. :mad:

So, does anyone have any recommendations for other brands they like? I'm hoping we can trade in this lemon for something else.

Thanks!

[Curiosity Hears]

Don't beat yourself up too much. Like you I purchased a Kitchenaide (mine was a Supurba) ss side by side unit in my last house. This decision was largely based on Consumer Report's ratings. I hated that fridge. The ice maker broke and it had fan troubles. Now we have a Sub Zero and I love love love it. They are a little pricey though but if you can swing it, it is so worth it.

[Kristal]

Yep, I believe that is the same model we have! I will look into Subzero, although I think they only make pretty large models? The space where our refrigerator goes is pretty tight, so we couldn't get some of the larger models we liked. But I will look into it.

Thanks for the rec! :)

[funnybone]

We're going out of town in a few days, so we haven't called a repairman out. But I've done some research online, and it looks like this is a very common and very expensive problem to fix.


I would think that it is covered by warranty. I'd still call a repairman now and schedule him in for when you want him to come. I have a 42" Kitchenaid Superba that came with this house. I thought it would be great at first, but it isn't very deep. It works well (almost 4 years later) but I would not choose it if I were to buy it.

Sub Zero are expensive, and usually large, but they make the fridges that are drawers. I would love a few of those. :)

[Curiosity Hears]

I just checked Subzero's website and they do make a 36" & a 30". Here is a link to the 36" over/under model: http://www.subzero.com/subzero/description.asp?id=650

As funnybone suggested it should be still under warranty. If I remember correctly is is one year on the ice maker.

[HejazSunKat]

Yep, I believe that is the same model we have! I will look into Subzero, although I think they only make pretty large models? The space where our refrigerator goes is pretty tight, so we couldn't get some of the larger models we liked. But I will look into it.

Thanks for the rec! :)

I have a 36" 661s (stainless side by side). We've had it since September and so far are quite happy with it. I would have liked a larger one but we didn't have the room. They are spendy so be prepared for sticker shock. You pay through the nose for the built-in. I've recommended this before because I can't say enough about the home forums on Garden Web. We got a wealth of good advice there for our kitchen remodel. Look at the kitchens or appliance forums:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/

[wallycat]

If money is no object, I'd get the Jade.
It is on my wish list!!!!

Barring that, whirlpool makes a decent one..not high end, but nice.
I have the side-kick (all fridge) and you can get all freezer to set it by the side.

[Vanessa]

Please don't feel bad. When we were building this house I researched every appliance etc. Went to see and check out various fridges. Went with the counter depth KAid superba. First the doors slammed on me the tech fixed and actually when the builder had installed it it was not leveled so cannot blame KA. Then the water dispenser started leaking. That drove me nuts. A call to tech (after 1 yr warranty) so $280 later she took out the plastic part that dispenses ice ordered new part ($100 part) and I must say it works well. Although the ice dispenser (reason we loved this frisge) which one can pull out for parties every once in a while frost develops and when you want ice it gives you some frost shjavings. So to compensate I dump ice cubes every 2 weeks or so make sure we do use the ice dispeser more. Still for that price of fridge it is annoying.
My BIL has Whirlpool looks a lot like ours (no counter depth) and the front although SS has a shhet that allows you to put magnetic stuff on fridge and no finger smears.
We know of several that have GE profile and have not heard of problems.

[Peweh]

It should still be under warranty and an easy, but annoying fix. Our KA side-by-side, the icemaker broke this summer after 2 years and for some reason (I NEVER buy these) I did get the extended warranty so it was covered. I was surprised the thing lasted 2 years as my DH is a Beverage Hound and really puts that thing through its paces. Good thing I bought the warranty too as my meat drawer wheel just broke and they are sending a whole new drawer. This was a flukey thing where the drawer wasn't lined up right and had a huge chicken in it, I wouldn't call it a design flaw. But the icemaker thing is interesting...

I'm sure I'd be peeved at the thing if I didn't have the extra warranty but really I enjoy the fridge. It's NOT the counter depth model and has plenty of space.

Good luck with the repair!

[IndyKF]

Barring that, whirlpool makes a decent one..not high end, but nice.
I have the side-kick (all fridge) and you can get all freezer to set it by the side.

We have a Whirlpool also (going on 4 years), and *knock on wood*, no probs. Our previous was a Kenmore (same as Whirlpool) and we still have it as a second refrigerator in our garage. That one is about 10 years old.

[Kristal]

Thanks for all the replies! The refrigerator is definitely under warranty, so we are going to get it fixed. But I'm kind of annoyed with it already and was thinking of putting it in our basement (where our second fridge is located, and that one is REALLY on its last legs) and getting a different model for our kitchen. Now I am dreaming of a Subzero. I guess I better go work on DH. :p ;)

Thanks again. :)

[MinEaston]

We know of several that have GE profile and have not heard of problems.

Good to hear that some people aren't having issues w/their GE profile fridges. My parents, on the other hand, have had nothing but problems with theirs and today are buying another one (I can't remember which brand). Their issue was that the fridge would simply stop cooling. Like, freezer at 45 degrees and fridge higher than that! They had numerous service visits and finally told GE they'd better give them $$$ to buy another one. Hopefully, theirs was just a lemon!