It's not the refrigerator brand that determines compressor longevity (or so my fantastic appliance repair guy tells me) it's the installation. On a record high temperature day in July, we were his seventh service call for the day. "Counter depth- skip it", he said. "Anything where the compressor's upfront pushing the air out fails sooner or later. If it's a lower end fridge with one compressor instead of two, count on sooner." He added, "get a regular depth fridge and give it some space back there. It's no accident that I get at least five calls a day to replace compressors when the temperature hits triple digits. You want a minimum of 3" wall space behind the unit, 5" is better. People used to do that when the idea was that a fridge stuck out a bit. A wall vent at compressor height would be even better. Give it room to breathe." He likes kitchenaid, said he has fewer repair calls on that one. He had trouble 2 years ago getting parts for Samsung in a timely way. I don't know if that's still the issue, my appliances haven't needed service since. Diva

I hope so, xedos. This was definitely a first-world issue, no question, but ouch. We had many issues with the cabinet designer. But back in 2003 when the kitchen was planned there were basically 2 high end built in options -- SZ and Viking. Also Monogram. My cabinet dimensions were standard for both at the time. Cannot fault the fit on this really. Instructions said a 25" cabinet would allow it to fit flush. But having seen the design of the frame, which is about 36-1/4 or so to cover the cut out, I don't see how that would work.What's interesting is that the Miele door is much slimmer than the SZ. It doesn't protrude as much. And having the grill hidden on the bottom makes a difference in the look -- at least for me. It's very neat. I spoke to the dealer about the water filter. When the time comes, I spend $60 on a bypass. End of story. We have a very good water filter on our well pump so it's not needed on the fridge.

Just passed 3 years ownership and still completely satisfied. I would definitely buy them again and recommend them without reservation. About a year ago, one of the units (I think it was the freezer) started making a louder than normal noise when the compressor started up, but it went away right around the time I considered calling someone about it - go figure! I have not been keeping track of the year to year model evolutions, but just looking at the comparison page on Frigidaire's website, I have no idea why they make two lines - the Professional and the Gallery are virtually identical but for a few tiny details. BTW, I did not receive any incentives to write this - just a satisfied owner.

I have found, real world experience, that in many cases older appliances are just better made and last way beyond. Think of all the latest greatest E- stuff we somehow all of a sudden don't seem to be able to live without; it just adds more layers of parts to malfunction and go haywire. I submit to you my ~mid 80's era Maytag dryer. Stopped heating, had to replace thermostat. Did some due diligence online research and once I figured out the little details on how and what I was absolutely amazed at the simplicity and overall quality of design and manufacturing. Took about 30 minutes start to finish, $35 part, and voila. All done. If parts remain available this dryer will run literally forever at very little repair/ maint. cost. Curren t appliances with all their additions of whistles and bells and E-tronics (vs solid state) that create an Achilles heel - they are designed to fail, NOT to be repaired. This would be acceptable, somewhat.....if only they are cheap. But they are NOT. Like...$1500 for a new fridge not cheap....Ermagawd....you have to be kidding me! Relevance to this thread? I own a 1991 Kenmore Sears GE made in USA fridge. Always cold. Never fails. And just overall awesome (has the front 'convenience entrance-door or whateveryacallit - its just awesome and why i got it. Best feature EVER!. Sure its getting a bit long in the tooth, but as this one found its spot as 'backup' I've purchased and replaced 2 other newer fridges alongside it, both more fancy. So yeah...back up already.... From here on if it breaks it gets replaced with the absolute most basic least parts to malfunction cheapest model. Just sayin.