Freezer set itself @ -10F/Refrigerator 59F; can't be reset
Written: Feb 01 '09 (Updated Feb 03 '09)
Product Rating:
Ease of Use:
Durability:
Ease of Cleaning:
Style:
Pros: Layout of freezer (bottom), refrigerator (french doors, top) is excellent.
Cons: Poor reliablity, esp. for an $8000, top-of-the-line product. Ours broke down after 6 months.
The Bottom Line:
No--unreliable; Kitchen Aid built-in 42" stainless steel, $8000. At that price point, consider other brands w/ better reliability (e.g., SubZero) and which have individual compressors for refrigerator/freezer.
m_reviews's Full Review: KitchenAid Architect ® Series II KBFC42FTS St...
Product: Kitchen Aid built-in, stainless steel Architect II Series refrigerator, model # KBFC-42-FTS.
Price: $8099
Length of use: 6 months
Problem: Freezer set itself at -10F/Refrigerator at 59F; stuck at these settings; cannot reset.
We bought this to replace our older model built-in Kitchen Aid refrigerator, believing that the new product would be improved over the old one. We were mistaken.
This is Kitchen Aid's top-of-the-line refrigerator (price: $8099) and is supposed to be the best. But, after 6 months, it is non-functioning.
All of a sudden, all on its own, the freezer decided to set itself at -10F; the refrigerator at 59F. We could not reset it.
We called Kitchen Aid service. Their technician said this is a common problem with this refrigerator. He did not need to spend much time and sort-of knew right away; said the problem was the controller board & the sensors. And, because of those two problems, our compressor would have to be replaced, since it has been running non-stop for days.
We have had to buy fresh groceries daily, in small amounts, because foods in the main compartment spoil due to the high temperature. On the other side, the freezer contents are so cold, we have to use an oven mit to handle them. The compressor is running non-stop--it is very noisy.
Our old Kitchen Aid refrigerator NEVER had any such problems. We had it for 10+ years. We replaced it because we thought the newer models would be improved. Instead, the newer model is unreliable. After only 6 months, the sensor, controller board and compressor need to be replaced. We have also been greatly inconvenienced by having to basically live without a refrigerator.
The newer model refrigerator has been a big disappointment.
Positive points: Layout of the freezer at the bottom + French doors for the main compartment is a winner--functional, and might also be an energy-saver too. The stainless steel finish is very nice-looking, but fingerprints are a constant problem that makes daily upkeep a chore. We would have preferred to get the same as our older model built-in, which had cabinet-like white panels that blended without decor, but the s.s. was the only choice available at the time we purchased.
Recommended: No. An $8000 top-of-the-line refrigerator, should not break down in 6 months. Newer model products should have improvements over the older ones, but not at the expense of reliability. At the $8k price tag, consider other manufacturers who have better reliablity. Also consider the benefits of a refrigerator that has individual compressors for the refrigerator AND for the freezer, such as SubZero's models. After this experience, I can appreciate why individual compressors might be worthwhile.
This built-in French door refrigerator provides room for endless possibilities with the widest refrigerator space and largest capacity of any built-in...More at Abe's Of Maine
Widest Refrigeration Space Available - Accommodates Platters up to 36 in. Wide. Star-K Certified. 16.7 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator Compartment Volume. 5.9 Cu...More at AJ Madison
This built-in KitchenAid French door refrigerator provides room for endless possibilities with the widest refrigerator space and largest capacity of a...More at US Appliance
KitchenAid Architect Series II: KBFC42FTS 42'' Built-In French Door Refrigerator with Glass-Touch Electronic Contols, Automatic Ice Maker & Max Cool S...More at Home Everything
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.