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Help choose an under counter integrated drawer refrigerator

13 years ago

Hi, we're thinking drawers will be more useful for our kitchen remodel than a beverage center, but are having trouble deciding which to pick. We are limited to the 24" versions, so that rules out Sub Zero. Our appliance salesperson says that the options she carries that can be integrated with panels are the KitchenAid (but she says it will not sit flush with our inset cabinets), Marvel, and U-Line. The prices range from about $1500 to 2100. They also carry Electrolux, which would not accept an overlay panel and would be stainless steel (which is OK if that is the best choice).

Consumer reports gave the GE Monogram the highest rating three years ago, but I have not been able to find one on display anywhere locally and I suspect it too would not mount flush with our inset cabinets. They gave the Marvel and U-Line horrible ratings due to poor temperature consistency, poor energy efficiency, and noise.

Can those of you who have the drawers comment on how well they have worked for you and the noise factor? This would go in the island for our kitchen and is right beside the breakfast room and opens to the family room.

I've read about Perlick, but there is not a dealer locally that we could go see a floor model.

John

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Comments (5)

lascatx
13 years ago
John, I can't say that I'd have done it when I was in your shoes, but I can tell you that ordering the Perlick unseen would not be a crazy thing to do. Chances are there are commercial units near you (have you seen the lists of places they are used?). After I bought mine, the folks who did my cabinets and appliances took out another brand and installed the Perlick in one of the luxury suites they did at a sporting venue. Their heavy use and frequent opening during events meant beverages were not staying cold. They loved the Perlick.

If you've read about them, I don't know if I can tell you more about them, but I would be happy to try to answer any questions. The only one I think may be comparable would be the Subzero and that one is 3" wider at 27" -- we needed to keep it at 24".
plllog
13 years ago
I have Marvel 24". I chose it because it seemed to hold more than any of the others.

I use it for produce, but also wine, juice and milk. It works very well. And it's true that you can put tall bottles upright in the lower drawer. As far as I can tell it holds temperature fine, but I haven't measured. The produce stays fresh as well as in my Miele fridge.

Cons: It's true that it is noisy, especially when it's first cooling down. It doesn't cycle on that often, and in a busy kitchen it's not bad, but in a family room or similar it might be too loud. Also, the gasket on the lower drawer is kind of puffy and it doesn't line up quite right. I'm sure I could get someone out to try to fix it, but I've had too much else to do. Or I might be stuck with it. It's no big deal. Just a minor irritation. In a more prominent location it would be another story.

I agree with Lascatx on the Perlick reputation for quality.
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antss
13 years ago
Be sure you allow xtra depth into your cabinet design or none are going to be flush with inset cabinetry.
lascatx
13 years ago
While we made our hutch 27" deep to fill an existing space, the cabinets are a standard 24" depth pulled forward. The fridge panels do not stick out any more than the standard drawers beside them.
ulinesalesguy
13 years ago
The U-Line unit that was tested by Consumer Reports is 2 generations old; the current unit is Energy Star rated, along with being CEE Tier 2 rated (meaning it is at least 25% more efficient than Federal Energy Standards). In addition, it is designed to work with inset cabinetry. I would recommend you consider this piece as well.

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