No, the brands do not have to match.

Aesthetically, yes, they do. Like all SS or whatever..IMO

Is there anyway to recess the fridge so you don't have to pay the $$$ for counter depth?

No, otherwise it will protrude approx 8 inches. This is new construction and cabinets are already in. Thanks though!

The days of having to match appliances are gone! However, if you have the funds for it, I would suggest maybe getting a temporary fridge from Craigslist and waiting the few months until the fridge you love is back on the market. If you need to finance it in the build, maybe there is a way for the builder to leave you an appliance credit at the appliance store (assuming it isn’t a big box type store). That is what I would do as I would be mad every time I walked by the fridge I had wanted after the fact! Really stinks that it got pulled off the market temporarily. Probably a supply issue of some sort. If you like the Samsung fridge equally well, then go with that. The recessed comment is where the builder actually creates an opening in the wall (imagine a door opening but with drywall on the other side) to push the full depth fridge in. However, I’ve had a counter depth fridge for 4.5 years and actually prefer the depth as I don’t loose stuff as often. Only drawback is those large pizza boxes!

I think you should do as above: get a temporary fridge and wait for the KA. I'm all about mixing appliances, but darnit, you planned your kitchen around this so it matters.

(Is the Samsung far off though? The KA shotgun shell handles are pretty distinctive but I think they are vertical on the fridge and might not show up?)

As long as the finish -- white, stainless steel, etc. matches, the brands don't need to be the same.

Better yet, go for a built-in with panels that match your cabinets. Worth the extra $$.

Thanks for all of your comments. Generally I think reliability is an issue across the board for most of the major brands. At least KitchenAid recognized the problem and was proactive about correcting it. I have been burnt by both GE and Maytag and they both got very good ratings from Consumer Reports.

Sorry but your designer should have made it very clear that appliances are bought for how you use them not because they all match . IMO there is no one maker that makes all the best appliances. I have no matching appliances in my kitchen other than they are all stainless and I encouage my clients to do the same. I agree why would you want appliances that have now been pulled for issues. Start thinking of how you use each one and get the one that works for your style of cooking and food storage. Counter depth fridges are just better all the way around IMO and almost every maker has one.Just for your info . I have frdgedaire all fridge/ all freezer with builtin kit a Bosch DW , A Bertazzoni all gas 6 burner range and KA double all electric wall ovens.If you ask on this forum you will get a resounding Bosch answer for DWs they are IMO still the best .

Actually Patricia both Bosch AND Miele dishwashers are considered the best