I did extensive research and picked an LG french door model (no ice/water dispenser since they always break - about $1,500). I'm very happy with it. BTW, that slate color was GEs attempt to introduce something new, but the public did not go for it - which means it could be phased out at some point, making it difficult to find matching appliances.

Well, we have a GE French door fridge that we bought in 2008 and it has always worked perfectly, but it cost quite a bit more than $600. Maybe you should consider paying more for a better quality model this time? But I do like the idea of repairing instead of replacing. You didn't say what broke, but it could be something as simple as component in your fridge's electronics that a repairmen could find and replace for a lot less than you'd pay for a decent new replacement.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Am I a fool for being tempted by another GE fridge? This one has good 300+ good reviews, and yet, I've already been burned by GE. Thoughts?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-33-in-W-22-7-cu-ft-French-Door-Refrigerator-in-Slate-GNS23GMHES/205494628

Yes you are a fool. As others said, get the fridge that's the best reviewed and most reliable. GE is junk and I won't buy another GE appliance. It seems like the fridges with the freezers on the bottom tend to have issues (speaking from experience). The most reliable ones seems to be the freezer on top models or side by side fridges. We have a nice looking 4 yr old Whirlpool with the freezer on the bottom and I've fixed it 3x now. I would recommend googling your problem and trying to fix it yourself, often times it's not complicated. I hate modern appliances since they're all made like s**t.

OP here. Am I a fool for being tempted by another GE fridge? This one has good 300+ good reviews, and yet, I've already been burned by GE. Thoughts?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-33-in-W-22-7-cu-ft-French-Door-Refrigerator-in-Slate-GNS23GMHES/205494628

According to consumer report the best are Samsung, LG and Kenmore.
But Kenmore =Sears = huge cost for extended warranty.
We just got LG

What ever you get buy 5 year warranty.
I never considered extended warranty before, but you need it for current fridges on the market.
At a minimum some trays or shelf will brake!
Do not buy from Sears. Their extended warranty astronomical! (like $500)
Best Buy, Lowes and HD have reasonable warranty cost (depending on original cost of appliance)

I'd check the reviews, like from Consumer Reports. This is not that hard.

I have a Jenn-Air, the high-end Whirlpool. It cost $3500, and has had several repairs within the warranty period. I asked the repair guy what's the difference between Whirlpool and Jenn-Air, and he said "length of warranty" and the name. That's it. I think this fridge is a piece of junk, because the plastic pieces keep breaking, but it does keep our food really cold and I do like the French doors above the freezer. Plus it's a counter-depth, so not so huge and bulky, but not $5K for a built-in fridge.

Ikea fridges are made by Whirlpool and have a 5-year warranty, so that's something to look at. I don't know if they have a French door model, but they might be less expensive than the regular Whirlpools. My last two fridges were Kitchen Aid (also made by Whirlpool) and they were great, no problems whatsoever.

You could try Sears Scratch and Dent if you have (Sears Outlet) near you. You can find some good deals there. My fridge already has a dent on it, so I'd love to pay half price for a new machine with a dent. When this fridge goes, I'm getting a Kitchen Aid. It's only 2 years old, so I'm hoping it lasts 4 or 5 at least!

They don't make appliances like they used to!! Maybe some of the really high end brands will last a long time, but nothing seems to last (washing machines, dishwashers, cooktop, etc.) in my experience.

We've had two Samsung fridges in a row (different houses) and really love them both. Our #1 was freezer space.

I would not replace a four year old fridge. I'd at least get a repair person out to look at it. My appliance fixes have all been cheap.

Our GE fridge broke 3 times in 5 years -- after the 1 year warranty expired. They ultimately replaced it because it was part of a class action warranty of total lemon fridges. But in the absence of the class action, the bills all fell on us.

We are very happy with our fridgidaire fridge.

Anonymous wrote:Four years old? That's really unusual. If you bought it from a reputable dealer they may fix it free. It's worth a phone call.

You are funny. Our fridge broke in two years. Sadly, they are just crap now

Anonymous wrote:Four years old? That's really unusual. If you bought it from a reputable dealer they may fix it free. It's worth a phone call.

LMAO! Unless OP purchased an extended warranty, nobody is repairing or replacing it for free. Sorry, OP. Check online reviews from Sears and Best Buy. Get a name brand fridge with the fewest features you can. While it's nice to have a water and ice dispenser, that is usually the first part to break down.

Four years old? That's really unusual. If you bought it from a reputable dealer they may fix it free. It's worth a phone call.

Our four-year-old fridge (a GE) is broken. It's a cheap fridge ($600), so probably not worth repairing. I am willing to spend more for something I like that won't break on me. Looking at the french door fridges, but am feeling overwhelmed by price and reviews -- it seems like even the well reviewed fridges aren't hassle free. Any advice?