Just bought mine so I fall into the "recent purchased happy customer". After owning a very troublesome LG FD fridge, I already see some basic features improvements in the Samsung. The LG doors would often not close all the way. Enough for the alarm to not go off but not enough to seal. Also, in the first month we cracked the rail on the deli drawer because if the drawer is left open even a little the main door hits it at just the right angle to crack. The Samsung doesn't seem to suffer from either of these problems. The unit has two ice makers so the typically anemic upper icemaker is augmented by extra ice production in the freezer compartment. There are also some nifty little features like the convertable shelf for tall items and LED lighting. The LG I had had two 60w bulbs which due to a fault would stay on even with doors closed turning the fridge into a giant ez bake oven.

Don't know about reliability yet but happy with the features so far. I'm including a link to a good deal going on right now if you are interested.

Good luck.

Here is a link that might be useful: Incredible deal on Samsung 29cu-in at Lows...

Thanks for the feedback. I'll check into that deal at my local Lowe's to see if we can get that same awesome price!

I have the smaller cabinet-depth french door Samsung fridge -- the model from Lowes with two ice makers (one in door; another in the freezer below); I think its #238 (but forget). Installed around Labor Day; no problems so far, so I can't say anything about customer service or repairs.

[Note that my counter-depth french door model with the two ice makers was only available through Lowes, last summer. Other stores sold a slightly cheaper model (#237?) with just the upper (in-the-door) ice maker. Perhaps this has changed; it also may not correspond to the options available with standard-depth FD models -- I dunno.]

First, I think it is important to check out who actually will service this fridge, if needed, in your area. Ask Lowes, or whoever you buy it from. Obviously, if there aren't any certified Samsung fridge service people where you live, that would be a very significant negative. I haven't needed service for my smaller model, but I do know what local company is said to fix them around here.

Regarding the three- vs. four-door models, I believe there is a cost (in terms of usable storage space inside) to adding that extra door. Perhaps the convenience is worth it -- and that may depend on the ages / heights of your kids -- but its something for you to consider.

Third, you can easily turn off either or both ice makers (with my model; presumably with yours as well). Just toggle through various options via the control panel on the door. So, for example, you can have just water through the door and use only the ice maker below, if that's what you want -- and its easy to change, if there's ever a reason to. The manuals, available in PDF on Samsung's website, explain how.

Finally, I'm happy with my little Samsung FD. It works well, its quiet, and I like various design features -- my impression was that they'd actually thought about things here, rather than just slapped stuff together willy-nilly. So far (~2 1/2 months), all's well with mine.