Review of Kenmore refrigerator (stores, deal, online, purchases)

[reviewer]

One of the major purchases for our new home was the refrigerator. Building "green" we were concerned with energy efficiency and cost for our construction and furnishing of our home. We had decided that any purchase would be a "Blue Star" rated appliance. After researching many sources online and shopped at the big box stores as well. MSRP was XXX.XX at our local Sears outlet. I found it pleasurable to deal with the sales personnel as they were well trained and willing to answer our myriad questions.

My wife and I decided on a Sears Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator with water and ice dispenser in the door. Since our family uses a great deal of ice year around this feature weighed heavily in our decision. Purchase of bagged ice is costly and we have very good water quality where we live. Additionally, we enjoy the ease of changing the water filter when it is needed. The location of the filter in the refrigerator compartment makes the job relatively easier than models that locate the filter behind the refrigerator

Delivery was timely and the installation was professional with the refrigerator working as expected. Exterior maintenance is very easy and the dimpled skins of the doors are very easy to clean and food spots wipe away with a damp sponge.

The icemaker is somewhat noisy when it cycles through the ice making process. It is not a terrible inconvenience but it could be improved somewhat. The through the door ice discharge requires paying attention as it may throw ice all over the floor if the user is not careful. This more of an operator error .

If you happen to have a large family, you might want to consider a different model as the freezer may not be large enough for large family. It would be the perfect refrigerator if you happen to own a separate freezer.

One of our disappointments came when we placed a milk container in the door shelf and it cracked where it mounts to the door and broke. When we went to the local Sears parts outlet, we found that the parts personnel were not experienced in new model despite online computer assistance. We had to provide the part number and description which necessitated a second trip to the store. Once given the information the part was in stock and available, though pricey, $24.00 for a plastic shelf.