I was really peeved last year when fridge shopping for our re-done kitchen. I wanted top freezer, but was told that none of that configuration was available in 36" wide, or CD. I hate hate hate bottom freezers. I particularly dislike appliance salesmen who try to tell me that this design is "better" than top freezers. Like, was everyone just STOOPID for the first 50 yrs of home refrigeration technology??? I ended up with a SxS with ice/water through the door, which I didn't want. Was told you can't get a SxS without them. My new Electrolux is okay, but I'm not in love.

Price negotiations are variable. In this case I would deal only with the manager, in person, using cash and figure the price you want including tax to get the deal done. Go to him, ask him to work with you to get a deal done, point out the damage, finalize the warranty, make the offer and be ready to walk. In fact, taking a lap around the area to let him think about losing your sale can be the decider. It kind of restarts the process and almost requires him to modify his position.

After MUCH research , I bought a Kenmore French Door w/ice & water in the door. I previously had 3 different side by sides. My last SBS was two years old and ruined by Hurricane Ike. I also had a separate freezer in the garage that wasn't replaced. I discovered that I didn't need a separate freezer due to the extra freezer space gained with the French Door model. The French Door style accommodates larger items that will not fit in the narrow side by side freezer. I love the french door style. The ice and water feature on the outside causes the loss of some fridge space, but I was willing to make that sacrifice. My first SBS was one of the very first made by Sears, a Coldspot. It lasted 26 years or so. I hope this Kenmore will last as long. (I know I won't last that long)

It really is ALL about your cooking style, and how you think that might evolve over time - and when the very hungry teenager turn into their own visiting hungry families. We are only a fam of four - two younger kids, with a 36" range top, dual 30" ovens, and FD CD fridge. The CD FD fridge is fine but the freezer is too limited so we picked up a small upright freezer (it was an inexpensive 11 cubic Fridgidair) for the basement that is perfect for our needs. I hear many say that dual ovens is mostly a waste but we use the heck out of our dual convection ovens - mostly every weekend and heavily often. My one kitchen do-over would be to get a 48" BS range top with grill and 6 burners instead of just my 36" BS 6 burner range top. I don't do much griddleing and have a large all-clad electric I pull out when I do. But that's just a preference thing.