I just bought and had installed a whirlpool side by side fridge the only on that would fit in my space. I waited 7.5 months to get it because I needed black , 2 days in the noise is driving me nuts it is the motor I can tell shuts off when either door opens . I locked the ice water dispenser on the door and it stopped but was that a fluke? but the others here want to use that feature. I looked into ways to sound proof the noise and will try that , like putting a rubber matt under it and sound proofing material behind it on the wall as what I have read the motor noise is in the air ( make sense who knows ) , the decibel reading , using a phone app, was 52 - 69 that was holding the phone in different places. I emailed my rep no response and now I know why they are all louder I think, I miss my 24 year old one ( except the way it was too cold inside who wants fresh frozen veggies ha ha ) why does this have to be very upsetting.

Freshman, You asked if I saw the Whirlpool Latitude (their new ~28 cu ft French-door refrigerator). Sorry it's taking me so long to respond, but construction to repair flood damage here has kept me busy. Yes, I did look at the Latitude on a couple of occasions. I think it will be strong competition for the Samsung, containing most of the same features. The Latitude does offer a superior ice maker that is in the door and the bin is easily removable. The display has more info than the Samsung, such as the TOD, and the water dispenser is adjustable, so you can fill large vessels. What it is missing is the twin-cooling, but I haven't been convinced that's important. I dismissed the Whirlpool for my application solely because of esthetic design considerations. My kitchen and family room are one open space, and the fridge dominates, so getting the prettiest "monster" is very important. I need a black refrigerator (only because SS have grey sides -- anyone know of a SS with black sides?), and the Whirlpool black is a tinny looking metal vs the shine of the Samsung. I also am not wild about the design of the handles, but I could live with them if the finish suited me. I was told that KA will probably introduce a similar FD in about a year after the bugs have been worked out of the Latitude. I would expect the KA to have a bit more "polished" look. I think the Latitude would be a nice addition to many kitchens, it just doesn't seem to fit mine. I hope this helps. Ellencr

>>>"1) I will have the ice maker installed. With the bottom freezer basket being wire instead of solid, if an ice cube fell out of the ice bin where would it end up?"In my freezer, it would wind up on top of something else. My freezer is usually pretty full. If you have an otherwise empty freezer, I suppose an ice cube could fall through the baskets to the floor. Does not seem likely as the wire bail/arm thingie projects down in side the ice bucket. I have not hooked up the ice maker so I'm not able to comment further. >>>"2) Does your freezer drawer extend out beyond the open french door? Whirlpool Customer Service says that depth with freezer drawer open information is "not available" for the KBFS20EVMS. I realize your refrigerator is 33" and I am looking at 36", but I suspect a wider freezer drawer would not open further than the one you have."Well, actually, mine will project out further than with a KBFS20 because mine is standard depth, not counter depth. As I pointed out in your thread, the CD model will only project out about 18 or 20 inches. The KBFS22 model that I have is several inches deeper to there is more room freezer drawerr. With a CD model, the drawer will project out about as far as the larger door. >>>"Any negatives you have noticed with wire rather than solid freezer basket?"Had not given it any thought but, now that you mention it, I think a solid basket (inner drawer?) might hold the cold a bit better, as with a chest freezer. On the other hand, I think wire baskets may give better air flow for more rapid cooldowns and more even temps throughout the compartment.

I remember your previous posts regarding the concern about your tile. I think there is quite a contrast between the dark cabinets and the countertops with the tile providing a balance between the tow. Each time I see the fire and ice tile up, it is in a much different setting than the last and I really enjoy each persons vision on how to use such a beautiful material. Now.... with regards to your use of it, I love it. It may not have turned out exactly how you pictured it as I know you had to make a few changes from the original layout. I think you did a wonderful job though. The completion of the paining with the wonder materials you have used make your kitchen one of the standouts on the board right now. I doubt if you are going to change anything about it at this point, and I would really enjoy seeing the whole kitchen posted on completion in the FKB with al of the required details. You have a fabulous space and I for one have appreciated your allowing us to view it and share in your struggles for acheiving the "perfect" kitchen. G