As I have mentioned in a few of my other reviews and my profile, I am an Interior Designer. For the past five years I have worked for a building contractor and my primary function is to help home buyers make selections for their new homes that are both aesthetically pleasing and fit within their budget. Most people don't associate Interior Designers with "appliances", but believe it or not this seems to be one of the areas of concern of most of my clients. I can spend ten minutes on selecting a slab of granite for a counter top that will probably never be replaced, yet spend hours with my clients on choosing appliances.

I used the KitchenAid KSCS25FKSS stainless steel refrigerator in one of my model homes. It has been the best selling refrigerator with my clients to date. I find that if the client is not being price conscious they will tend to lean toward an actual built-in unit.

Since we had just bought a home with some pretty hideous looking appliances, we decided to upgrade the kitchen. The first thing to be replaced was the dishwasher All the other appliances where white and for some reason this was black.

I was about to have my housewarming party, to which many of my clients would be attending, and decided I had better complete the kitchen in order to avoid embarrassment. As you will note below, I paid only $1,870.00 for this refrigerator; however, you will probably find it for about $2,200 - $2,600 retail (I got it at dealer cost – one of the perks of my job).

AESTHETICS

One of my favorite features of this refrigerator is that it is counter-depth. Basically counter-depth refrigerators have a more built-in look because the refrigerator is the same depth as a standard 24” kitchen cabinet (this measurement does not include the door itself). This particular unit requires 72” of height clearance. If you have existing cabinets above your existing refrigerator, make sure you have this clearance; otherwise you will have to remove the cabinet, as I did. I love the look of the all-stainless “architectural” pulls and the sleekness of the stainless steel doors. Please note that the body of the actual unit is black. I also have the matching microwave (model not yet listed on Epinions) and I am waiting for the matching freestanding electric oven to be released early this year.

FEATURES

There are just so many features and so much to say about each one, so I am going to be brief. For a more detailed explanation of some of these features, please visit www.kitchenaid.com

~24.5 Cu. Ft. Capacity (14.9-Fridge/9.6 Freezer)

~AquaSense water filtration system with Ice/Water dispenser in door(easy access to filter)

~ExtendFresh continuous temperature control

~FreshSeal humidity control crispers (clear viewing of fruits and veggies)

~SpillClean RollerTrac adjustable glass shelves (sustain up to 60 lbs!)

~FreshChill convertible meat locker (separate temp range from 28-32 deg F)

~FreshSeal Dairy Locker System (Pyrex butter dish included)

~FreshSeal Humidity-Controlled Crispers (provides over 80% humidity retention)

The refrigerator also comes with adjustable gallon door storage bins, a beverage chiller and wine rack

The freezer features 3 slide out baskets, 3 shelves, and adjustable door bins, a lighted compartment and is “frost free”.

OVERALL EXPERIENCE

When they first delivered and installed the refrigerator I was in awe. Even though I had seen it in my model home and in some of my client’s homes, it was absolutely stunning in mine. For about an hour after we got it, I found myself constantly wiping the doors because the water dispenser appeared to be leaking. Perhaps that’s because I couldn’t stop playing with the darn thing! Luckily this subsided after about three hours. I am assuming the unit was “breaking in”.

I must say that we have not had a problem fitting anything into this refrigerator due to its versatility. One word of caution…You have to remember that this is not a very deep unit, so if you want to put large items such as sheet cakes or party platters you may run into a problem. Since we entertain quit a bit, we use our old fridge (now located in the garage) to house these items, when necessary.

We’ve had the refrigerator for about two months now and it has stayed remarkably clean inside. In addition, things don’t seem to get “lost” inside and turn up weeks later in an unrecognizable state. Our meat, fruits and veggies also seem to stay fresher longer. I find that the freezer space is more than adequate and the filtered water is clear and palatable (I’m more of a soda drinker myself).


WARRANTY

The Unit comes with a One-year full parts and labor warranty which excludes the water filter (which can be purchased for 29.95 at the KitchenAid website and carries its own 30 day warranty). It also comes with a 2nd – 5th year warranty on the cavity liner and sealed system parts. There is a Lifetime Limited Warranty on door bins and racks. Please read the warranty on the website for exclusions and limitations.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

This product uses approximately 643 kWh per year (scale is from 618-727, 618 being the most efficient rating) and the estimated operating cost is $53/year (this may vary due to your local electric companies per kWh charge).

I have to say I will probably always be partial to KitchenAid products until one breaks on me (which hasn’t happened yet). I truly recommend this model if you are searching for something sophisticated looking with many of the bells and whistles of a built-in refrigerator but without the high price tag.

Happy Appliance Hunting :)
staysee

**The picture should be up soon - it's a beauty!







Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 1,870.00