My DW is is a model DWHD64CF. It is a Thermador, which is a Bosch with Thermador name plates and I think they change one cycleor some detail. I got it over the Bosch because I was getting panels andthe Thermador panel ready version was less. It is the next to top of the line and 2 db higher sound rating that the top of the line model (46 vs 44 or something close to that). I have turned it on while talking to people in my kitchen and them had them ask about the red light on the floor because they didn't realize that I just turned the DW on right in front of them. I hear it sometimes, but that is quiet enough for me. It doesn't impact conversation, TV, phone calls, etc. One of the other factors with the Meile was that it looked like it would not load as well for us. We use a lot of glasses and bowls. What I really wanted was the racking I had in the KA we left behind at the last house, but they had changed it. I simply refuse to buy a DW where they expect me to take out rack pieces and leave them on my counter while the DW runs. I do think that loading is probably the deciding factor once you get into the top lines. The db ratings I saw were all pretty close between the KA top model adn the upper Bosch and Meile. I was told that you wouldn't notice 2-4 dbs but I would have been paying for more cycles that I wouldn't use. The good thing about a DW is that a standard 24" opening should work for anything -- some fit panels better or need a little different size panel, but the opening should work anytime you want or need to change one out. On the fridges, yes, I love the Thermadors. They made getting a built-in worthwhile to me and I've never seciond guessed that decision after planning for a couple of years to get a freestanding fridge. I think ours turned out to be a little bit more than the KA, but not that much, and less than the SZ. It seems like folks now are seeing them higher. That can be a deciding factor. I went through the same size struggle. We made that decision before we decided on the Thermador, and I'm not sure how. All I know for sure is that the wall of cabinets balanced well in the end, so look at how the wall you will put the fridge on is shaping up. If the cabinets are too small to be useful, you know the 6" should go there. If you would add 3" here and another 3" there and are not sure it makes much difference, then I'd probably getthe larger fridge. The price difference is not that great, and you can't go larger later. The size of your family and your cooking style will also be a part of that decision. As for handles, I don't believe they all have to match. none of mine are exactly the same -- two are bar handles, one has a countoured curve adn the others are behind panels and have my cabinet pulls on them. I wouldn't put strikingly diofferent ones right next to each other without a reason or wanting to draw attention to them, but you may have a choice of handle styles too. I know Thermador had a couple when we bought anad I thing they have 4 styles now -- you can get straight of curved. I think you will love ewhatever you get. These are not earth shattering decisions -- they only feel that way for a while as you try to make them. Look at the details and see if one makes sense to be the deciding factor -- if not, they'll all be good.

We have LG FD CD fridge, model LG LFC21776ST. Note that this does NOT have ice/water through the door, a specific requirement of mine. It has an icemaker in the bottom freezer which (touch wood) works perfectly. We were limited to this size because of the cabinetry in our kitchen. I originally thought the fridge was way too small, but so far I'm very happy. It's superquiet and efficient, everything is in sight, the lighting, drawers and shelf arrangements work well for us. When it was delivered DH was concerned that it was taking so long to get the temperature down so we called LG's customer service. They had a repairman at our house within a day. He told us everything was operating normally, and the fridge was slow because it's a high-efficiency appliance. Other than this, we have no complaints in about 10 months of use. Cheryl

A few thoughts.. 1. OLD FRIDGES. In my twenties I got a 1953 International Harvestor fridge for free. Yes the freezer was small and you had to fill ice trays. However, It ran flawlessly for 10 years and was still running when I moved on for a "better" fridge. Think of that. It ran maintenance free for over THIRTY YEARS! You simply cannot buy a fridge today that will do that. (btw, 66YEARS LATER these are still being traded in running condition on Ebay for $500 bucks or so!) 2. ICE MAKERS. (and thru the door et al.) Talk to ANY repairman and she will tell you that Icemakers and thru door compononets are absolutely the most common repair problem. ESPECIALLY ice makers that are inside the fridge (rather than the freezer) for obvious reasons. (you also give up valuable storage space in the frig) An ice maker in the freezer is best but still subject to failure. However, freezing ice trays is indeed a pain. THE BEST OPTION (compromise). is an icemaker in the freezer that dumps into a tray. 3. ELECTRONICS AND COMPUTER BOARDS. Again, high failure rates across the board I don't need a computer screen on my frig. I need a frig and a freezer/ice maker with good lighting inside. PERIOD 4. THE BEST FRIG. Would be a simple good looking Stainless steel frig with a simple icemaker in the freezer. That's it. I haven't found it! If anyone does let me know! cheers

It's funny, a2gemini. I originally was going to buy an Electrolux fridge until I started reading reviews - I remember a miz lizzy in particular. This was a while ago but you get this vision in your head that has water leaking on the soon to be installed hardwood, or a fridge full of food going bad a week after the warranty runs out and you say no way. Then you start to pick other contenders and low and behold they get nasty reviews too. Lol, I think I picked the Bosch partly because I can't find ANY reviews! I do know this. Anything will be better (storage wise, and big/bulky wise than what I have now- which btw is a rebadged electrolux/Frigidaire SxS. One of the things I hate about this one (other than what's mentioned above) are the wire racks in the freezer that keep falling off the rails. And guess what? The bosch has wire baskets too. I haven't seen an elux in a long time but I do remember the drawers in the fridge section were very smooth and easy to pull out. What's the freezer like? I did like the fridge portion of the bosch as well. Oh, and thanks for your post hvtech. It reminded me to call the store and ask who services the appliances and about extended warranties.