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Thursday, December 5th
KitchenAid is another American home appliance brand owned by Whirlpool Corporation. Founded in 1919 by The Hobart Manufacturing Company, KitchenAid initially produced stand mixers that became famous on Cooking Channel shows and with popular chefs around the world. Over time, the company expanded its product line to include dishwashers in 1949 and even more options later on. Today, KitchenAid offers a wide range of appliances, from classic suites to individual refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, and ranges.
Appliance Overview
Basic model: Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator with Interior Dispense
While none of the KitchenAid appliances really seem to count as "basic” when the base prices start so high, this model is the cheapest of the lot and has the most basic features out of the offerings. This french door refrigerator comes with a counter-depth design, which gives it a built-in look for your kitchen. Inside the refrigerator, you can expect an ExtendFresh Temperature Management System and Produce Preserver that works together to keep your food fresh for a longer period. The Humidity-Controlled Crispers offer adjustable humidity levels, allowing you to customize the storage environment for your fruits and vegetables. The FreshChill Temperature Control provides a manual temperature setting, giving you complete control over the freshness of your ingredients, and the Max Cool feature lets you quickly chill groceries or drinks with the touch of a button. This refrigerator is ENERGY STAR Certified and priced at $1,999.
Top-tier model: Built-In Side-by-Side Refrigerator with PrintShield Finish
This model isn't actually the #1 at KitchenAid, but because the top model (along with lots of other refrigerators at KitchenAid) was completely out of stock, we settled on giving you a rundown on the second best. So, this model includes all of the features of the base model along with an Under-Shelf Prep Zone includes a sliding storage tray, while the ExtendFresh Plus Temperature Management System and FreshChill Temperature-Controlled Drawer work together to keep your food fresh. The adjustable spill-resistant glass shelves make cleaning a breeze, as they have a nano-etched surface that contains spills and allows for easy cleaning. One of the major upgrades is that this model offers touchscreen controls. Plus, the Star-K Certified Sabbath Mode meets kosher requirements for customers who need such considerations for their meals. This upgraded model is one of the most expensive in our review, costing $10,529.
Flat shipping fee of $29
When you purchase a refrigerator from KitchenAid, you'll be able to get in-home delivery. For a flat fee of $29, an authorized delivery team will handle the transportation of your appliance, which is especially convenient for large items that can't fit through standard shipping carriers. KitchenAid will keep you informed throughout the process by contacting you via phone or email to notify you when your appliance leaves the factory, reminding you the day before delivery, and informing you when it's about to arrive.
Returns within 15 days and no fees
KitchenAid offers totally free returns, which is a huge bonus considering it charges you for shipping. You can return any major appliance (including a refrigerator) within 15 days from the date of delivery. To initiate a return, you'll need to contact KitchenAid and provide your order number or product serial number. The product must be in its original condition, without any signs of use, and not damaged during initial testing by the delivery team.
Mixed reviews and frustrations
KitchenAid's reputation is mixed depending on where you look. While the company holds an "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau, it also shows over 5,000 complaints from customers in the last three years. The BBB also shows an average rating of 1 star out of 5. This sentiment is mirrored in some third-party review sites like Trustpilot where KitchenAid has a 1.4-star rating average. While the company does get praise from some experts like USAToday, the reviews for refrigerators specifically aren't as high as competitors. At different retailers, KitchenAid refrigerators range between 3.9-4.1 stars on average. Customers who complained said that the dimensions inside the fridge are not organized properly, making it hard to store items. Others complained about issues with the ice dispenser within weeks of getting the new appliance.
Not affordable or reliable
Considering the high cost of the KitchenAid appliances, it's a little difficult to recommend the company with all of the complaints surrounding elements from organization to reliability. Considering that there are companies out there with far more reliable refrigerators and higher ratings from reviewers, KitchenAid falls near the bottom for both value and reliability.
When purchasing a new refrigerator, choosing your new appliance can be a daunting decision that requires careful research and consideration. You're not just investing in a household appliance; you're making a choice that will impact your daily life for years to come. Whether you're moving into a new home and need a reliable appliance to keep your food fresh, or you're replacing an old fridge that's been giving you trouble for years, you want to make sure you get a model that meets your needs and fits your budget.
Refrigerators have come a long way in recent years, offering a range of features and designs to suit different lifestyles and preferences. From basic side-by-side models to cutting-edge designs with touchscreens and Wi-Fi capabilities, there's a refrigerator on the market to suit every taste and budget. Some models offer advanced features like smart sensors that can detect when food is spoiling and alert you to its presence, while others offer sleek designs that blend into your kitchen decor.
No matter which style you want, with a new refrigerator you're definitely in for an upgrade in quality or reliability. While you might be a bit worried about cost, don't worry, we've got your back. With refrigerators ranging from under $500 to over $5,000, there are new refrigerators out there for any budget. The top model on the market might be pricey, but you can find tons of comparable options for reasonable prices as well.
As long as you know what you're looking for in terms of features, size, and other key elements, you can easily stay within your budget without compromising on the tech side. Not everyone wants an in-door water/ice dispenser or Wi-Fi connectivity, so figuring out your refrigerator priorities can help you find the best deals for your new appliance.
Once you've determined what kind of refrigerator will best suit your needs, it's time to research different brands and models. Some manufacturers have a reputation for producing reliable appliances with excellent customer service, while others may be more prone to issues or recalls. All manufacturers are known for something different, with some focusing on more high-end options and others concentrating on the essentials. Make sure you find a brand that aligns with your refrigerator checklist.
However, with so many different brands out there, it can be difficult to know where to begin. If you need a starting point, here are several factors you might want to consider to help you find the perfect brand, model, or style of refrigerator:
To help you find the best refrigerators for your home and style, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the top refrigerator brands and models on the market. We hope our research will help you find a top-notch addition to your kitchen appliances.
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