That can hurt its ability to hold the proper temperatures and might wear out the cooling system faster than its intended lifespan (usually 10 years, according to most manufacturers we’ve talked to). If you jam your fridge in tighter, the fridge’s heat exchange might have to work harder than it was designed to. Make it about 1 inch on the top and sides and at least 2 inches at the back. Build in some buffer space for ventilation.Remember to measure any baseboards or trim. Seriously-take multiple measurements of each dimension in case your floors turn out to be crooked. Take multiple measurements of your space (rather than the existing fridge) to find the maximum width, depth, and height.This guide will be most useful for people who are shopping for a full-size, freestanding refrigerator that costs up to $4,000. We’ll walk you through some of the major choices you need to make, and we’ll point out some of the brands, designs, and features that real-world owners tend to like. We’ve also found that shallower, counter-depth fridges with less capacity (and that tend to use a bit less energy) are big enough for most households.īeyond that, it’s mostly a matter of homing in on what fits your space and budget, followed by many other individual preferences. Among the most popular fridge styles, the French-door design (with half-width fridge doors and a pull-out bottom freezer) is the most beloved type. LG refrigerators seem to make the most owners the happiest, at least among major-brand models, which usually cost less than $4,000. Turn the thermostat down about two degrees for optimal chilling.We haven’t done rigorous hands-on testing of any fridges in this guide, but we have touched most models we mention here at appliance showrooms. A gap of less than 0.1☏ from top to bottom is excellent, but the shifts over time-about ☐.94☏-could be better. Despite being set to 0☏, the top and bottom of the freezer averaged 1.84☏ and 1.89☏, respectively-bad news for frozen foods, as temperatures that warm lead to freezer burn. The freezer, however, wasn’t quite as accurate. An average temperature fluctuation of ☐.28☏ isn’t as consistent as we’ve seen in other models, but it's still well within an acceptable margin. Based on our data, the top shelving area averaged 38.55☏, the middle hit 37.87☏, and the bottom hovered around 39.74☏-which is actually good, since produce does well with a little extra warmth. To start with some good news, the main fresh food storage area was actually spot on in terms of temperature output. Our comprehensive test regimen illuminates what this affordable French door fridge does well, and where it could use some improvement. The Kenmore 70343 (MSRP $2,374.99) definitely has its mixture of highs and lows. Just make sure to do some comparison shopping before making your final decision. If you’re not looking for something outrageously fancy, there’s no harm in checking out this model a bit more. Also, the fit and finish leaves a bit to be desired. Regardless of which fridge you choose, you'll find food preservation performance that's a tad spotty compared to more expensive models, especially in the freezer. Unfortunately for Kenmore, the Frigidaire it's based on sells for $100 less. The Kenmore 70343 will keep food cold, it looks decent, and the retail price of about $1,899 is quite low for a French door fridge. You Get What You Pay For An affordable entry into the French door format It's a standard warranty for appliances in this price range. Sears offers extended coverage for either three or five years at additional cost. Kenmore's standard one-year limited warranty covers part failure (should the icemaker stop working, for instance) or any defects out of the box. The control list looks a bit intimidating, but it's mostly display options and filter monitors. ![]() Slide 1 of 9 Stainless handles look sleek, but be wary of smudging. Slide 1 of 9 The pullout freezer employs both wire and hard plastic drawers to organize your food. Slide 1 of 9 Right-hand door storage is adjustable, plus there's a slot for a Kenmore air filter right under the dairy bin. Slide 1 of 9 Left-hand door storage is limited due to the ice dispenser chute. Slide 1 of 9 The bulky icemaker takes up a fair amount of space, but at least it holds a lot of cubes. Slide 1 of 9 Even at their most retentive, these crisper drawers were rather disappointing. Slide 1 of 9 The not-quite-unobtrusive water filter is found in the upper right corner of the main section. Slide 1 of 9 No bells and whistles here-just standard adjustable shelves and sliding drawers. ![]() ![]() ![]() Slide 1 of 9 A standard internal layout gives this basic French door a very familiar feel.
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