We got an LG but a simpler one..decided we didn't need this door in door, etc. Even though that feature looked cool. Did get the model with handles. Why LG? Well, because the sales guy told us that between LG and some other fridge(sorry don't remember which-appliances are my DH's territory..he just takes me with him for a sort of visual approval..))-LG is better. BTW we also looked for open box and such, because we always do that..:) but couldn't find any. If we had time-we'd hunt some more. We were sure we'd take our old fridge(which is really nothing special..but it refrigerates lol), but decided, last minute, to leave it behind.

That 71 7/8" measurement is probably at the front on top where the door hinges and little plastic covers are.

I agree with less is more. I personally stay away from all the extras, including water in the door which has been around a long time, and still doesn't seem to be done to last. The lower measurement is probably the fridge box, and the higher one would include the hinges which should not affect your space.

You are right Kathy and Sherri -- I measured models at the store -- 71 7/8"is the measurement at the front of the top of the refrigerator where the hinges are and 70.75" is the height measurement at the back of the refrigerator case, so I sure hope that the refrigerator fits in my 71" space which I have measured and remeasured obsessively.

As to other issues -- there is a lot written in online reviews that expresses distress over both Samsung and LG ice/water through the door dispensers... does anyone who has one of these new models want to weigh in on this? Have they fixed this problem in the newer models? Is it a true problem or a matter of initial installation? (They say that you need to flush 5 gallons of water out of the dispenser initially to get rid of air in the line and then you won't have a problem..... is this true?)

Also, as to different refrigerator model designs -- they actually recommended online that the refrigerator design with the four quadrants and the vertical lineup of drawers and door bins in the freezer is easier for shorter people than the big cavernous bottom freezers. I am actually on the taller side (5'8"), and to be honest I do not like bending over at all LOL! But at least it might be easier to find things below in a freezer composed of door bins and drawers, versus one big bin even if it has two levels.

What do people who have actively used these different types of refrigerators, think of the new refrigerators by LG and Samsung with the tiered organization versus the old French Door/Bottom Freezer design?

We bought an LG French door fridge a year ago and have had zero problems with the ice and water dispenser on the door. I don't have any experience with the 4-door model you're considering.

I just realized that Kitchen Aid (and perhaps Whirlpool too) makes a very well thought out, well sub-divided refrigerator -- the KRMF706EBS 5 drawer French Drawer refrigerator in either black stainless or regular stainless. Does anyone have any experience with this model that costs more and is not currently on sale (and one review mentioned that Whirlpool makes an identical model (what model? and is it really identical in all features and does it come in black stainless?)

And what are the pros and cons of black stainless vs. regular stainless steel?

That Samsung Flex is one of my top choices, but I do prefer the way the LG look-a-like opens. It just feels more natural.

However, the Samsung doors don't close on their own. If you don't push enough, they swing back open. The LG doors do close.

My husband won't buy an LG... so my next top choice is the Kitchenaid 5-door, with the two fridge drawers, where one is a flex (but can't freeze). Those doors/drawers all close easily on their own with a light push. If I had to buy a fridge today, that would be my pick. ETA: I didn't buy it then, but over the summer, I got a quote for the KRMF706ESS model for $2899. So... it does occasionally go on sale!

Got an extension of time, so I can still get more advice.....

I am leaning towards the Samsung Flex RF28K9380SR in regular stainless steel or the Whirlpool WRV986FDEM in regular stainless steel. (still considering Black Stainless, but I was told that it scratches easily...)

The KitchenAid KRMF706EBS is very similar to the Whirlpool, but is more expensive, and has a very organized, compartmentalized interior. It comes in regular stainless or black stainless and does anyone know if KitchenAid's black stainless is more durable than Samsung or LG?

Also what are the true differences between a KitchenAid and Whirlpool model when they look so similar?.... I really did not like the "platinum" grey interior color of the KitchenAid.

I am now leaning towards the Samsung FLEX 4-Door Refrigerators RF28K9380SR with the door-in-door or the RF28K9070SR without the "food showcase" feature, and I am considering the one with all the bells and whistles -- the Samsung RF28K9580SR Family Hub French Door Refrigerator -- I can actually imagine using most of the apps on the touch screen because I use All Recipes, Pandora, and I like the calendar and photos features on the touch screen. (I guess I'm a closet techie because my son is a computer science/robotics major! But for me. it's got to be pretty easy.....) Has anyone out there actually used these models -- especially the last one??