When I asked for your refrigerator recommendations back in March, you really delivered! You told me which brands to avoid. A few of you rather wisely advised me to buy from a source that would also repair the fridge, should the need arise. After weeks of research (plus a fair amount of procrastination), I finally bit the bullet. Would you like to meet the new refrigerator?
Say “hello” to our brand new 28.7 cu. ft. General Electric refrigerator! I selected this model because it seemed to satisfy all of the criteria I set for it: French doors; bottom freezer; quiet operation (and it is totally silent); ice maker; no water dispenser; full depth (as opposed to counter-depth); roomy main shelves, and door shelves that are wide enough to hold gallon-size containers. The finish is stainless steel.
We purchased the fridge from the same “mom and pop” appliance shop that sold us our magnificent stand-alone freezer: Cocca’s Appliances in Albany, New York. Cocca’s is a dream to deal with. When you call the shop, a human being answers the phone. What a pleasant — and stark — contrast to Lowe’s, Best Buy, and all of the other generic big box dealers.
Do I love the fridge? Well, although I’m able to love a house, to love a piano, and to simply adore a recipe, I can not bring myself to shamelessly gush over an electronic appliance. But I certainly do LIKE the refrigerator! It has a full-width drawer that can accommodate a large sheet pan dinner or tray of cookies. It’s a big upgrade from our former main fridge, a Whirlpool side-by-side.
Am I recommending this fridge to you? No way! What works well for me might prove a nightmare for you. I could not handle the stress.
One more question. Is your refrigerator running? (I always liked that joke.) xKevin
mlaiuppa says
Congrats. That is a beauty and perfect for your needs. I do love those pantry drawers that are the full length of the refrigerator. I also love the bottom freezers which is why I hate my refrigerator. Loving a refrigerator may not be possible but hating on certainly is.
I love those adjustable shelves too. My last refrigerator had them and I loved them. I could move just the one half up to accommodate tall things and leave the rest alone. The current one? Just one shelf from side to side, resulting in wasted space and inefficiency. What can I say? It was the cheapest refrigerator they had for immediate delivery that fit in the space. Someday I’ll be able to order my chosen model and actually get it delivered. This will do for now.
My previous refrigerator was a GE with a bottom freezer. It last about 25 years, which is a healthy age for a refrigerator and way beyond its expected life span. I can’t complain. May you have 25 years of joy with yours.
Raine D. says
Sometimes it’s the little things — like the full-width drawer in your fridge which I think is brilliant & something I’d never thought of. We recently bought a new washer & dryer. They’re both pretty simple units & not loaded with features I’ll never use because that’s not what I wanted, but they have white interiors. Sounds like a little thing, but our old ones had black interiors & I was constantly losing small items (usually my husband’s socks) that camouflaged themselves against the black & effectively disappeared. No hiding in the new ones, & I do, actually, love it! The dryer door is also a lot bigger: another small thing but it makes a huge difference. May you & your new fridge have a along & rewarding future!
Diana says
I like that your new refrigerator doesn’t have an ice maker taking up real estate in the fridge portion. Is the ice maker in the freezer?
Congratulations on a major purchase! It’s hard to bite the bullet to spend that chunk of money and be happy with your purchase.
Catherine says
Really nice. Quiet and no water dispenser and bottom freezer is what I would prefer But Currently living in small apt. After downsize it is nice to see you enjoying yours.
Mary Lou Higgins says
Kevin, You break me up…hahaha. I mean who does this? You’re like family, sharing all the really important info. Not just recipes;). To your health! Cheers!! Mlh
A Eaton says
how about a model # …just in case we do want your same fridge 🙂
mary says
congrats! looks like our LG we purchased 10 years ago. I thought it would be easier to find things but alas, I still hunt for things that are right in front of my eyes. Good luck!
Nancy Fix says
Kevin, I don’t usually respond but just had to share my “love” of my bottom freezer, French door, pantry drawer refrigerator! I love, love, love the beauty of it…and especially appreciate my in-door ice & water dispenser since I drink voraciously all day long. No more ice cube trays for me! That being said, I understand why you prefer the extra in-refrig space minus the ice/water dispenser. That item does occupy a lot of real estate inside. And can we discuss the pantry drawer? Unbelievable how much “stuff” it will hold and all pretty much at your finger tips without moving a lot of other “stuff” around. Moveable shelves and large capacity door bins are all bonus features too. Basically my 8 year old stainless steel model is perfect!
So here’s to new appliances and the joy they bring into our lives for years to come!
Mike says
Living so close to the Hudson River, I’m surprised that you even considered a GE product, knowing what the company inflicted on the waterway, and how it dragged its feet during the remediation process.
Maraya says
Although it opens itself up to you, it’s hard to love something so cold-hearted.
Great fridge!! Enjoy!
Ellie says
Wow. What a great purchase. I need all the features that you spoke about. I’m hoping not to have to purchase a frig for a year or two but I will keep this in mind, in case. I love my bottom freezer. My great aunt had one 60 years ago, so they aren’t new. Just the smart people figure it out. lol Enjoy your purchase and thanks for sharing it with us!
Lise says
hi Kevin! our refrigerator is an LG. I am not sorry now, but in the future I’ve had handymen here that have looked at the stove and maybe had to add a piece that me ” myself and I broke in the dishwasher UGH, but whoever came said they’d never would never touch an LG , reason? they are a pain to repair, and they come from Korea. The reason I chose it was the same way as the doors open on yours, it is a 28cu ft, and also, has an ice maker in the freezer. Loads of space and I mean loads!!!! freezer in the bottom… I like it, but hope it never fails.! you made a great selection and won’t be sorry.
Mary v says
Best part of freezer on the bottom …not longer bending down to get the salad dressing! You open the door and it is right there … heaven. I love that.
Vicki says
Congratulations! Looks like a perfect fit for you! Sooo nice to have local appliance dealers that you know and trust. We do too down here in Texarkana! And yes, actual people help you!!!! Although our local Lowes’s has some great folks too.
Yes, mine’s running.!You are so funny!
Joann says
I have the same design in refrigerator. Different brand. Since I don’t use my freezer like my refrigerator, I love that it is so easy to see everything in the refrigerator. Love that big drawer. One suggestion. Since I don’t use my freezer on a daily basis and frozen things are stacked and not always easy to find, once a month, I make a new list of everything that is in my freezer and I scratch off anything used so that I always know what is in there and make sure that I use what I can before replenishing, unless there is a sale. It really helps me. Just a suggestion. Enjoy your new refrigerator!
Chantal says
Wish my refrigerator looked like yours. By that I don’t be the brand or the fancy doors, I mean the food just looks gorgeous! A work of art. Although, I do think you ”styled” it before taking the picture! Congrats on your purchase, I hate buying appliances, car, furniture, etc. I always feel that I am taking a big chance!
Irene says
I have an LG refrigerator that is now about 15 years old. Early on, the plastic started to break. Ordered replacement piece for the model but it didn’t fit. Best Buy supervisor said fridge was junk.
I have kept the refrigerator because of budget; the motor works fine; I can make do with remaining shelves, etc.; live in a single person household, so I am the only person to access it (vegetable drawers recently cracked).
Can readers comment if they have had similar experiences with other brands? Can they recommend a brand with sturdy shelves and bins? Are hey all high end?
Sarahkate says
Oh, please DO feel free to recommend this fridge to me, Kevin – because it is EXACTLY what I would buy for myself and will when my budget permits (getting closer every month…). Out here in western Oregon we do have an “indie” appliance retailer with just a few stores and they too have a business model based on customer service above all, just like your Albany store. In addition to really appreciating and enjoying all of your blog posts I also have to express my delight in the great comments posted by your readers. The sharing and sense of community, albeit an online community, is really wonderful. Thank you for hosting my favorite blog!
Polly-Alida says
Lol, one CAN love a fridge. I love ours. Ours is the counter depth GE version of yours and I do love it! We nixed the water dispenser as well. Also, like you, bought from local firm. Cocca’s competitor, earlbfeiden in Latham, both well respected local stores. We did need a repair after about 5 years. The dehumifying drain in the freezer got plugged up, sending water into the bottom of the freezer. Plug was probably from dust (I should clean more often?). Feiden was able to fix it. I’d love an upright freezer too, will check out your post on those.
SUSAN says
In 1963 whenI got married, we built a home and I chose a GE refrigerator with bottom pull out freezer! Years ago! Was still working when we sold
the house years later. Then I did not see them for years, and now back again. Very convenient and economical. Enjoy your new purchase.
Lisa says
Very nice refrigerator.
Donna Korkus says
Dear Kevin,
Congratulations on your new purchase.
That is exactly what we purchased 3 years ago, and are very pleased with it.
I firmly believe in GE products.
mlaiuppa says
Since when did they start painting the insides of washers and dryers? Both of mine have shiny metal interiors. Of course, my washer is from 1990. (It recycles water and was the only year Whirlpool made them.) Being single it doesn’t get a lot of use but still, I will file this info away for later should I ever have to replace mine. I hope if it ever needs repair, whatever part would still be available. The dryer is a front load and is over 20 years old. I bought it almost brand new from an estate sale in the late 90s. It also doesn’t get much use.
But I shall remember. White interiors only. Hmm. Come to think of it, I think the dryer does have a white interior. But not the washer. I don’t remember the specs on it at all but it might be stainless steel.
My Mother has a new washer that has no agitator inside. I have no idea how it washes clothes or how clean they get. That interior is also shiny metal. (What engineer or designer thought black would be good for the interior or any appliance?)
Rachel Rife says
LOL. No, I caught it before it got away!! You can tell our age. We were crazy calling people and asking those dumb questions!! That was one of the top ones for sure.
I love your site and all that you show and teach us. You are a very nice person. Thank you for all of it.
God bless, Rachel
Frances Wang says
I have a Bloomberg refrigerator and dish washer from local appliance dealer who does repair work. None needed in five years so far. Love the appliances. Ice maker in bottom freezer drawer. So quiet running. Samsung model broke over and over. Hate to use brand name but it was grief from day one. Had bought extended warranty that carried me til I could not stand one more bit of refrigerator grief. Bloomberg hums sweetly in my kitchen. Looks a lot like your upper fridge. Is counter width due to kitchen specs.
Yes thank you for a lovely site and your wit and great followers. Your gardening prowess amazes me. You make cooking look so easy with such delicious recipes. Almost inspires me to cook for my self!
Judy Hines says
Congrats on owning this refrigerator! Looks like a dandy.
ingmarie says
Awesome, very nice. I am a bit jealous . We retired and moved to Spain (Good idea)
but had to downsize ,it is only 2 of usunfortunately the fridge us also downsized
Patty Wall says
Hi Kevin, I have the same fridge and love it!! It’s perfect for us and I hope you enjoy it.
CJ says
Hey Kevin that looks exactly like our Samsung that we have had for a number of years….you are gonna love it! I absolutely never run out of room in this refrigerator no matter how many groceries I have to put in it! Enjoy!
BiGa says
Just small advice,
Put your lemon,limes,citrusses into a paper bag and the paper bag with the citrus products into a plastic bag.Keep them in a refrigirator!
skin will be untouched and very well preserved!
With love
BiGa
Rita says
Hi Kevin,
Please don’t buy stainless steel cleaner. Just wipe it down with some water and then polish with either olive oil or baby oil. It sounds like it would be a mess but it works better than anything. Just polish then wipe with clean dry cloth. It works like a charm. Not greasy at all and no finger prints
Love ya Kevin,
Rita
Mike says
Too big for two people, 20 to22 cubic foot would be better.. Got to have ice and water.. French doors style is good..
Robert says
Hay Kevin great timing looking for new fridge. Got a model number??
Martha says
Love the French doors and bottom freezer with ice maker. That’s what I have and it’s perfect for us. But ours is a Samsung, which I don’t recommend – it tends to freeze up in the refrigerator compartment and I have to defrost it a couple of times a year. Even after installing the recommended fix. Oh well, will keep using it for now. Next time I will go with GE though. Enjoy your new fridge!!
Lisa says
Tried Rita’s recommendation to polish stainless steel with olive oil. Worked great.
MARGARET says
Kevin, I LOVE (not like) the appliances I’ve taken time to choose. I’ve done lots of research (my spouse and I jokingly call it appliance porn!) trying to find the right refrigerator, oven, washer/ dryer, etc. Yes, jokes about “money shots” exist here ! Glad you found what you wanted!
e-lectric says
Whirlpool recommends zero degrees for the freezer section, yet their typical top freezer models struggle to maintain that in a temperate kitchen!!?
Juls Owings says
Looks like mine but I have a the water and ice on the frig door and 2 drawer freezer and love it as it has an extra ice bin for when I am blanching stuff from the garden. Hubby didn’t think he would like the 2 drawer freezer until he no longer needed to go hunting for nuts or seeds in the chest deep freezers.
Glad you got something you like.
Lyn says
I own the same style – only problem the builder of our home, that we came in from out of town and bought the model, decided to have the right frig door open up against a wall! Note to self: Never buy or build a home that makes it hard to open an appliance! Since I am a real foodie and need all the freezer space I can get we actually had the ice maker removed and that freed up a lot of room. I don’t use a lot of ice, and I find that if ice sits in the freezer too long it takes on a taste that I do not like. Our daughter just purchased a counter depth frig, and it does have it’s advantages and disadvantages as far as food storage goes. She also just removed the ice maker and is happy with the space now. She has a smaller frig for beer, wine, etc., and it has a freezer as well, and she is making her ice in that. She also says that she doesn’t like the taste of ice that sits in the freezer for a while.
Lynn says
In April I ordered a GE French door with freezer on the bottom! I won’t get it for another month or so. It has an ice maker in the freezer, no dispenser and the water dispenser is inside the fridge. Mine is 24 cubic feet. It’s standard depth but, deeper than what I have and taller so, bigger! I wanted white and needed a narrower size (33 inches) and the only way to get exactly what I wanted was to order and wait. Tried several places. Glad you like yours! I’m so excited to get mine!
Deborah & Jim says
Hey Kevin, thought you couldn’t handle one more refrigerator comment, so…I too, could never love an appliance, but they have their place in dependability and function. I always joke that while raising two sons and a husband, ha ha…I could only afford bottom of the line appliances. They served us well and at the same time people who could afford to pay for top of the line were having problems with theirs. One friend had to put a bowl on a shelf to catch constant water dripping taking up space in her frig…
Now, and much older I learned one thing. I don’t settle. I do a lot of research before I buy anything. Kudos to you on your research, now we can get on to fun things!