msackar, if you don't want to spend the bucks for built-in but want it to match your range and have a somewhat built-in impression, the Viking SXS from Amana/Whirlpool has basically the same reviews as their parent company's mechanically similar branded units. My understanding is that the otherwise identical SXS units only have different handles (Designer vs Pro) which should not effect their energy rating. I can give this opinion not because I am a salesperson, but because I actually own one and it has performed flawlessly and closely mimics the appearance of built-in for a lot less due to the Viking trim kit. That said, I'm not sure it would be worth it for resale to spend the $3000 or so if you can get another SXS for a lot less. In my area, I have seen high end condos with Viking ranges and KitchenAid refrigerators, and the name recognition of the range alone seems to merit attention in this case, according to the realtor who was representing the property.

Thanks for the sidekick pics. I was referring to the show that the OP was talking about, but it's nice to see some other options, as well. Frigidaire and Kenmore (looks to be 1 and the same?) also offer an all fridge and an all freezer. Only thing is, they both hinge solely on the right (A couple of holes for hinges cost that much more???). Then they have a convertible fridge-freezer. That becomes either a fridge or a freezer, depending which mode you switch it to. That one will hinge on either side. 2 of these would be less $$ than a French door, with larger storage capacity, if someone needed it (like me!) We're also looking into converting a freezer into a fridge with a special thermostat add-on from Ebay. This would let us pick up a freezer off CL to turn into a fridge. Anybody tried this?

My new and wider clearance is 11-1/2 inches and that is after turning the studs behind that wall to pick up a little space, replacing a standard freestanding fridge with a built-in and keeping the same footprint on the island, but probably easing it back a bit withing the toekick space. I don't know if I had 4" before the remodel and it hadn't been a big issue for us. Folks could wait a few seconds, someone can ease the door back or the person can go around the island. You really shouldn't be sitting with your fridge door open that much. We didn't open the aisle for people passing when the fridge door was open. We wanted the space larger to allow more clearance before the exterior door hit the cabinets behind it and wanted a generally wider aisle there since that is a side door under a covered parking area and the most used entrance into our house. Had nothing to do with walking past an open fridge -- something we still don't do much even with that being near the most used entrance. I would set your fridge up for the best use of your kitchen in terms of eating and cooking. If that is going to require you to be walking back and forth past an open fridge, I would rethink the layout, not the fridge choice.

GE Appliances sells what is essentially the same 48" refrigerator under three of its brands: GE Profile PSB48YSKSS ($8000) Cafe CSB48YP2NS1 ($8200) Monogram ZISS480DNSS ($10,500)