Couple weeks ago our 12 year old Kenmore side by side started making a high pitched squeal / whistle sound. Sound appears to be coming from the compressor. So I'm thinking that we are going to be looking for a replacement. We have been cleaning the coils from time to time. Since we have 3 dogs, it needs to be done. But those accordion style coils are a major PITA to clean.
So we're starting to feel it's time to start looking for a replacement. Most I've seen use those accordion style coils. Any decent brands that use a coil that's easier to clean? We're not getting any younger. Any brands to avoid? Any that put out good product these days?

Avoid LG at all costs. All Korean brands, for that matter. GE is now Hiaer, which is Chinese.

Do look at Whirlpool. Seems to be the best of what's out there.

Within the past year we bought a WHIRLPOOL. Made in Tennessee. Great refrigerator.

Whirlpool
Amana
Kitchen Aid

Seems to be the go-to group when these threads come up.

I'd add Samsung to the list to avoid. The repair guy said that the factory replacement parts don't always fit. While it's been a couple years since we needed the repair, I don't think the quality has changed.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
Whirlpool
Amana
Kitchen Aid

Seems to be the go-to group when these threads come up.

Add Maytag to that list, Maytag has been owned by Whirlpool for quite a few years now.
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quote:

Originally posted by OKCGene:

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
Whirlpool
Amana
Kitchen Aid

Seems to be the go-to group when these threads come up.

Add Maytag to that list, Maytag has been owned by Whirlpool for quite a few years now.
.

I knew there was a 4th, but the name was eluding my mind.

quote:

Originally posted by sigcrazy7:
GE is now Hiaer, which is Chinese.

GE has been owned by Haier (a Chinese company) since 2016, but their refrigerators are still made in Louisville, KY. While not perfect, at least some of the money spent would stay in the US.


We bought a GE last year to replace our 17 year old GE side by side and have been happy with it so far. The old side by side is now our over flow fridge in the basement.

i hate sxs refers. we have and 15 year old Amana. bottom freezer. Been the best refer we have ever had or been around. Has an ice maker in the freezer. No water or ice dispenser. It has been perfect. Love the thing.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
Whirlpool
Amana
Kitchen Aid

Seems to be the go-to group when these threads come up.

Ditto, and this comes from my cousin who is an appliance repairman.

Stay the heck away from Samsung French door fridges. Lousy Ice maker,started ice under the veggie,deli section,rust stains. I fixed the rust and ice issue but the build quality is terrible as was my father in laws LG side by side. Two years old and they had to replace the compressor etc.

I have a 40 year old GE. Still going strong. Probably getting near time though as the door pivot bushings are wobbly

Another thumbs down on French door Samsung’s.
They have a known defect that causes a freezing on the back panel. You must manually defrost. Junk.

I have a French door LG and it has been good for several years. My parents kenemore elite has been going for 12-15 years, which is pretty impressive these days.

I still have a 21 year old Kenmore/Whirlpool in my garage that the wife wanted to change out, still going. I'm a believer in the Kitchenaide/Whirlpool group!

Our Sami-sung lasted all of 7 years. A repairman managed to get it to stop clunking. My wife couldn't stand it and we replaced it. She insisted on GE (he father used to work for them.) We're maybe 4 years into it now, so far, so good.

The samsung problem was they don't supply replacement parts. The repair guy pulled one computer board and it stopped clunking, but also stopped making ice and delivering cold water. Times have changed. Used to be you could buy a refrigerator and it would last over 20 years. Not these days. Steer clear of Korean junk. And I'd guess China isn't any better.

I'm in the same boat as the OP and will be watching this thread. Inside fridge is starting to go but I'm fortunate to have a spare in the garage so I don't have to make a hasty, and possibly poor, decision.

I asked an appliance repair guy who has done work for me and other family members in the past. He said avoid LG and Frigidaire; other than that, shop by price.

I want an ice-maker and that's about it. I don't want a wifi/bluetooth fridge. Just more crap to fail. Leaning toward a bottom freezer but haven't ruled out side-by-side. Whirlpool is tops on my list followed by GE.

Dan

Our 1996 Kenmore is still going strong, as is the washer & dryer. I have no idea how they are now.

I was at somewhat of a ‘house warming’ get together the other week, relatives house. They are about 30 yrs old. Their fridge had about every bell & whistle known to man(or woman). Besides the ice & water dispenser in the door it had some electronic screen on the door, maybe it was just time & temps.

I’m still a fan of the simple refrigerator, maybe a throwback of sorts. We don’t use much ice, for the little we use the ice trays are enough. We do have an ‘R.O.’ faucet in the sink, temp is fine for drinking.

I suppose next time I go fridge shopping a simple one won’t be an option?

Whirlpool is NOT my friend

Whirlpool Microwave. Broke about 6-months after install. 2-service calls until they finally replaced the 'motherboard'

Whirlpool side-by-side Refrigerator. Ice maker broken almost immediately. 4-service calls to get the entire ice making system replaced, part by part.

Whirlpool washing machine. Loud, whining, squealing noise right from the get go. 3-service calls and repairman continues to say it is "normal" noise for the pump.

Whirlpool never again. Appliance Brad recommended a Maytag dishwasher years ago. BEST dishwasher I have ever had. Quiet, cleans and no repairs. Maytag will be our new go to.

quote:

Originally posted by sigcrazy7:
Avoid LG at all costs.

This. We bought an LG and it was a POS from Day 1.

There's even a class action lawsuit against LG for their awful fridges. Our model doesn't qualify, so I can't imagine how bad the others must be.