Well...I have a perfectly working SxS and I just can't deal with the cramming of items. The door space is great though. But had to go with a FD/ BF because I need the wider layout. Problem with me is that I really like the TOP DOOR BOTTOM FREEZER like a Sub Zero. Big $$$$ and no water or ice service on the outside door. Will you be storing large amounts of food? Because this could be an issue to address as we speak.

There have been many threads about SxS vs FD bottom freezers and access to food. I think that each has advantages and disadvantages. As much as DH and I like the look of the FD Bottom freezer, because of his back issues we're going with a SxS

To Plum specifically -- taking into consideration what Mangotoo has discussed, have you looked at the GE 29.1 (or maybe it's .2) SxS? It is a plain GE -- not a cafe, profile, or monogram, so it is less $$$. It has the same footprint of a 25 CF frig, but the inside is larger. I can fit my cookie sheets in it lenghtwise, and my smaller sheet will fit in the freezer. At Home Depot it's called the GE Adora, and they have it now for 1528.00. Check it out for sizes. And as far as reliability, I think the major brands are all a crapshoot. The price of this specific one certainly allows for a protection plan.

Thanks for your input. My DH also has back issues which is why I want the side by side. Even without back problems I prefer the sXS. It's just us so we don't have a ton of food. We have an old top freezer 30" wide now. I think it's 22 cu ft inside. I may have seen the reg GE though I didn't like how GE used up the top of the freezer on the door and inside since for DH the top shelves in both freezer and fridge are prime real estate. Ease of opening and closing as well as interior top shelf space are my main requirements, which is how I narrowed to KA LG and Samsung.
water in door and ice may come in handy though I don't like the look of the door dispensers at all. I'm not set on them. Thanks for your help.

I have a KA KSRG25. It's a SxS. I have never had a moment's trouble with it in seven years. My only complaint is that is about impossible to change the water filter. You have to lie on your stomach on the floor to get at it. I stopped changing it, in fact I couldn't get the last filter to click into place at all. We have perfectly good water coming from the tap so I don't need to filter it.

Next time I will not get a SxS. I will get a bottom freezer. I don't like the narrowness of the shelves, but that has nothing to do with how well it has held up. I recommend it.

dedtired - if your fridge is like mine - it's MUCH easier to remove and replace the filter if you remove the grill first - I discovered that the first time I tried replacing the filter.

Thanks. I think I tried that once, but maybe not. I'll give it a try again.