Counter-depth refrigerator - Dacor or Electrolux?

14 years ago

I'm looking for a counter-depth stainless refrigerator for my kitchen renovation. I'm not crazy about the look of a lot of refrigerators I've seen -- I don't like the curved handle look, which also wouldn't go well the oven I am planning to install (Viking). But I just found a Dacor counter-depth refrigerator on-line that looks good to me (EF36BNFSS), and also an Electrolux (EI23BC55EBI). I'm wondering if anyone has experience with either of these brands because I don't know much about either of them.

Thank you so much for your help!

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Joe Henderson
14 years ago
You know viking makes one too...or more accurately buys one from the same people as dacor does(whirlpool). That would match you're ovens perfectly

The elextrolux is going to have a lot more capacity and an in door ice dispenser.

The dacor/viking(and the other related bottom mounts) are a fairly old design having been around in one form or another for around 6 years now. They have been pretty reliable if not the best ergonomics in the freezer so I would probably recommend one of them only because electrolux has no track record with bottom freezers(that came out in april so it's really new)
nalcar
14 years ago
I LOVE my Viking CD refrigerator. It matches everything, keeps the perfect temp as set, is quiet, and as the venerable Amana/Whirlpool design under the skin, should be reliable. The Viking specific built-in trim kit makes it look more "built in" than any other CD unit I compared, even in my "only' 24" deep space.
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Hmm... This is an interesting alternative... Except these manufacturers seem to redefine the depth of counter-depth. Or is counter-depth different than built-in depth? Forgive me if I am being ignorant as this is my first time shopping for built-in refrigerators. I am shocked by the cost fro sub-zero. And from what I can tell these lower cost counter-depth products are 26.5 inches as opposed to the 24-inch depth of the built-ins. BTW, I see the Electrolux EI23BC30KS at Plesser's with ten year warranty for $1,949. I wonder which online retailer Peke was referring to?
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I have owned this fridge since 2010 (or its immediate predecessor). EI23BC56IS is the model I have - counter-depth, IQ-touch, French Door with dispensers. I like the fridge and it functions well except I have experienced two issues (one big - one smaller): 1. My ice maker has broken 3 times. Each time E-Lux paid for the repair (including the third time being outside of warranty). However, it also appeared to me that each time they were trying to fix a true product defect (i.e., swapping circuit boards, sealing the ice unit, replacing motors, etc.). The third-repair has seemed to work as I have had no further issue -- so maybe they have this worked out. That said - I do find the ice maker to slow in dispensing, and easily jammed up with ice. The ice maker also often makes odd noises -- but at least it works now. 2. The other issue is that the freezer door sometimes does not shut completely (usually caused by user error - with the freezer being over-stuffed and the upper try coming off its track and jamming the door). The issue is that the door shuts just enough that the open door alert does not go off. Just be careful to make sure that the door is shut. I have the E-Lux DW, double oven and gas cooktop as well. The Fridge would be the one item I would not recommend given the issues I had with the ice maker (and I think many others did too). See the Amazon link below. Here is a link that might be useful: Amazon reviews
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Buffalotina, we have the same frig as SVS128 does and the condensation problem that I still need to address. It does seem to go away sometimes even with some veggies in the drawer but I am noticing it is back again. Overall, we really like the frig for the many reasons shared on previous threads... the most important is the enclosed long cool zone drawer making it possible to more accurately control the humidity there. We are pretty good about using the door handles and thus the prints are right there and easy to wipe up. I would recommend getting the extended warranty because parts do not seem to be inexpensive on repairing any appliance these days. Also, on any frig you should purchase but especially this one, plug the frig in before the service people leave and if it is making any amount of loud noises, DO NOT LET THEM LEAVE because you have a bad frig. That is the problem we had and if our first delivery crew had been honest, well, it would have made our lives a lot easier. We have the Electrolux French Door no ice in the door model that ends in 36 with the Cool Zone drawer. Good Luck!
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I recently purchased the EI23BC30KS. It is really a beautiful fridge aesthetically and I found the interior fit and finish to be excellent. Unfortunately, though, it's been an awful experience. The compressor was SO LOUD it kept me up all night from across the house and caused ringing in my ears 24/7. I actually had to unplug it after a few days because I couldn't take it. I know fridges are all loud these days, but this was insanely loud and very high-pitched. I am not highly sensitive to noise. Also, the temp was off a few degrees and the gasket around the freezer had considerable condensation on it that would pool so badly it almost ran down the sides of the freezer door. To top it off, the hardware inside the freezer was already starting to rust! They replaced the compressor and gasket. The fridge was still loud, but tolerable. The new freezer gasket still had significant condensation on it that began within 24 hours of it reaching temp. Finally, after 5 or 6 service visits over 2.5 months and dozens of emails between the vendor and I, they delivered a brand new model of the same fridge. The new fridge unfortunately had the SAME issue with the freezer gasket and is off by at least 5 degrees. I'm using 4 different fridge thermometers to test. I have the fridge set on 34 which is keeping it just under 40 degrees. The freezer is set on zero and registering at -10. The model in the vignette at the store where I purchased the fridge wasn't plugged in, so after all this I went to another one of their locations to look at the Electrolux display there. It was one of the higher end models (possibly the one you are looking at). Shockingly, that fridge also had condensation on the gasket and it looked all moldy!! See photos. Yes, these photos are actually of an Electrolux on display right next to Viking's, Miele's and Sub-Zero's!!! In addition, there was terrible rust on the hardware in the freezer on this one too. So, while it's true you will read bad reviews on any appliance, based on my experience, I'm afraid that Electrolux has a real problem with these gaskets and freezer hardware. Not to mention the 2 that I've received can't keep an accurate temp as delivered. Sure, it could be a coincidence, but after the 2nd fridge I received had gasket issues and then I saw the floor model, I jumped shipped and bought a GE Cafe french door and matching range. Crossing fingers that it's better. I didn't like the inside of the GE nearly as much, but am hoping it will be a better choice over the long run. Now, I have to go back to the vendor and fight for them to return the Electrolux. On another note, I have talked to many repair people since this ordeal started and they have all recommended GE over Electrolux/Frigidaire. I'm finding purchasing appliances to be very frustrating because it's such a crap shoot it seems. Should be a fun, exciting purchase given how much they cost!! Wish I had a better report for you. Good luck! With LG and Kenmore, I would just make sure you check who is actually making the model you are looking at to assist with your decision.
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wallycat
14 years ago
Have you looked at the Jenn-air?
They make french door or sidexsides in counter depth.
The one I was looking at had gorgeous long, sleek handles "euro style" type.
cambreno
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you all for your replies!

Some more clarification about what I am looking for:
I decided (last night) that I would prefer a single-door to a French-door. The refrigerator will be at the end of a wall, next to counters. There won't be an island but a big dining table in the middle of the room. There is no problem space-wise with a single door, and I thought it might be better because then when I open the refrigerator door (left-hinge) there will be a clear path to the counter which is just to the right of it. With a French door, the right side door will be in the way a bit of moving things back and forth between the counter and the frig.

Also, I don't think I want an ice maker on the outside because I heard they take space away from the inside of the frig.

joboxes: Thanks for your thoughts on this. I didn't realize Electrolux was so new with refrigerators. I appreciate your suggestions.

nalcar: Great to hear you like the Viking so much. I considered it but was worried about having everything be too "Viking," plus I read mixed things about the quality of the frig. It's French door, too, but I may reconsider it based on your experience.

wallycat: I have seen some JennAir, and do like them. I think I read mixed things about the quality, though. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks again everyone.

Oh, P.S. Any thoughts on the Whirlpool Gold? I haven't seen one in person.
seaduck
14 years ago
Cambreno--We've been going through the same thing. Take a closer look at that Viking--we saw one and didn't think like the configuration or space; seemed smaller than some others.

We've concluded that the single door will give us more flexibility than French doors...we imagined our cartons of milk, bottles of water, juice, etc. I think there's less space for that stuff with the French doors. You might take a look at Kitchen Aid...I suspect that's what we'll end up with.

What's frustrating about researching this stuff is that websites show exteriors without a lot of detail of interior layouts.
tangential
13 years ago
My wife and I bought a French door, counter depth Electrolux in late April of this year (2010.) I have to say, I am not happy with this refrigerator at all.

First, it is occasionally very noisy and sounds like popcorn is popping inside. I think this is related to the icemaker, which also doesn't dispense very well at all.

Second, the door design on this unit is terrible. There is a moving weatherseal on the right-hand door that keeps it from just closing. You have to exert a fair amount of force to close it. With the icemaker on the left door (and after years of side-by-side units) the right hand door is the natural one to use to access the fridge. Because of the hinged seal strip, it often doesn't quite close. Why they didn't put the seal on the left door is beyond me. It also doesn't indicate that it is ajar and the icemaker actually makes noise like it is working, but it doesn't engage and dispense ice.

Finally, it is extremely easy to cause the freezer baskets to jump out of their mounts and jam up.

I would highly not recommend this unit.

Counter-depth refrigerator - Dacor or Electrolux?

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Joe Henderson

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Counter-depth refrigerator - Dacor or Electrolux?

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Joe Henderson

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cambrenoOriginal Author

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