I purchased a new KitchenAid counter depth side by side (72" tall, 36" wide) back in 2006 because at the time it was the largest capacity I could find in a counter depth (24.5 cu ft). In the 6 years that we've had it, it has work fine in regards to cooling and keeping proper temps. But we have had the mechanical ice maker replaced 3 times under extended warranty. The fridge area is 15 cu ft and fits everything in it just fine. Our issue is with the freezer compartment on the left. Even though its 9 cu ft, it is very narrow in width, which makes it difficult to get a lot of larger items in the freezer. It has 3 shelves on top and 3 baskets below it, so we keep frequently used items on the shelves since that is at arms length, and packaged meats/chicken in the lower baskets. We've been thinking if we ever replace it, to get a french door, but it would still have to be a counter depth, so it doesn't stick out as much as standard-depth units. So far, the only CD FD on the market that has the largest capacity is from LG. Even though it has good reviews, we hate the position of the water dispenser. A friend has a similar LG FD SD, and we've used the water dispenser and don't like it. We've seen the new GE PFE29 FD model at homedepot and prefer the ice and water dispenser on it. But that one is a SD, though they will have a CD model out later this year. I share your concerns about having the freezer on the bottom, but most of the time we are in and out of the fridge, which would be on top. The benefit of having the freezer on the bottom is what its full width and would be easier to fit larger items in it than with our current side by side.

We have had the Jenn-air 48" built in fridge over 4 years now. I have yet to hear it run in those 4 years, it does have the variable speed compressor which (if you read the working description of that compresssor)--That was posted on GW,It does NOT RUN all the time, like Liebherrs (which does run most of the time--according to their own (Liebherr's) description. The Jenn-air (with the variable speed compressor) will first try to run the circulating fan faster to maintain set temp, if still more cool is needed, then it will start the compressor on slow, and only speed it up as needed. Once the chill has been reached, the compressor turns off and the process repeats---runs circulation fan faster---etc. I can hear a fridge running, (in case you're wondering). I have an Elux Wine Fridge, and when I hear it run more often, I know it's time to clean its filter. The Jenn-air does not warn me "Audibly" as I would really hafta struggle to tell the thing is running, fortunately is has a lite that says change filter (water for ice)--Once a year, so when I do that, I also clean and vacuum out the condensor(or is that Evaporator)The thing with Fins Compare this to Sub-Zero. Their manual says "Thou shalt clean thy filters (for sealed system) every 3 months. We have also seen posts where ppl complain about the noise from the SZ's, as with 2 compressors, more than likely at least one or both are running a good part of the time. When I did call Sub-zero to answer a posters question about "Is it normal for the compressor/compressors to run for about 70% of the time? (Course there was a big argument here on GW), ---claming the user couldnt possible tell if the Fridge was running 70% of the time-----whatever?? I sure can tell when My Elux runs a lot. The anwser I got from the Lady at SZ was, "It has 2 Compressors" sooo (Make your own assumptions here)! I guess we can compare it to a Benz, if ya like, some of them do have 2 compressors too---- A Kompressor and an AC compressor!!! I'll take the other choice, Thanks and I did!! Be careful thou, NOT ALL Jenn-air Fridges have that variable Speed compressor, and I could find nothing to substantiate that: "other Whirlpool Models use the variable speed compressor." (Someone had posted that all Whirlpools use it) Watch out for that one!!!!! Good luck with your pending decision!!! Gary

My 36" kitchenaid counterdepth works fine. One of my biggest regrets in my kitchen is getting the side-by-side style. I think the counterdepth part is essential; it's the sxs part that is the problem. The fridge seemed to have a lot of cu. ft., but it turns out not really true useable space because of the narrowness. At holidays, it's pretty impossible. Forget trays, or even a large turkey. I should have gotten a bottom-freezer configuration, or a 42" width. If you have a second fridge-freezer in the basement or garage, as many people do, you wouldn't have these problems and a side by side would be fine. People like side by sides because there is not as much bending and digging for the freezer portion. P.S. I am not one for panelling a fridge - it's just not my style. But if you want to panel your fridge, then you have to get an integrated built-in which is very expensive. A panelled fridge that is not integrated has an unfortunate look of the panelling stuck on, rather than being a part of the cabinetry. You didn't talk about whether you were going to panel or not, so I thought I'd mention.

Itsourcasa - does your KA French door have the interior on the left side water dispenser? If yes, how‘s it working? Ours drips for a bit after use causing water mineral build up on deli drawer side below. We keep a folded up paper towel there to catch after using & pumice stone to clean off orange mineral deposit. Lovely. Also, our ice maker is turned off bc of the klunking noise it’s making. Per research it’s ice maker trying to push out ice that‘s not there. Frig just had new water line installed & water disp works so not plugged. Our frig was new in 2012. If motor is failing it’s lasted longer than BeverlyFLADeziner’s sister’s did! Is your sister’s dislike of her SXS due to space only? Counter depth increases the space loss issue but we must have counter depth! Patricia, we also dislike look of ice maker & water dispenser on door which is why we have current KA French door with interior but I’ve just described problem with that interior water dispenser. The KA SXS in door dispenser looks much better than other counter depth models & the ice bucket inside doesn’t sit on freezer shelf taking up freezer space. That’s why looking at this specific model. I’ll look at Frigidaire brand though based on your recommendation. I looked only at the brands with top ratings. I know SXS are a love em or hate em deal! Since I have experience with both types I think I’m realistic about limits of SXS space & the ice maker not on shelf is big improvement. Beverly, the supply chain delays are why I want a new frig ordered before mine gives up. Getting parts is a problem too though & the couple bad reviews on the KA SXS model I’m considering are giving me pause. Don’t want new frig issue can’t get fixed either! That’s why I’m looking for specific experience with this current model.