Dilemma #1:
French Door vs Side-By-Side
Some people are complaining that side-by-side fridges are too narrow and they can't fit simple things in it (birthday cakes or pizza boxes). French door fridges offer wider space across which can be used more efficiently. However, French door is less energy efficient than side-by-side and there are less choices compare to side-by-side fridges.
Question: French Door or Side-By-Side - pros and cons. Should you just go for basic fridge with freezer on the bottom?
Dilemma #2:
Ice/Water Dispenser
We have water provision for fridge so why not use it since it's there. The problem is that there are not many French door fridges with ice dispensers and only a few side-by-side. Reviews are saying that fridges with water/ice dispensers are more prone to breaking.
Question: Does this feature makes the fridge more vulnerable? Unfortunately, no basic fridge offers this feature; only French door and side-by-side fridges... any reasons why not?
Dilemma #3:
Brand
Looking at multiple reviews kind of set me off getting BOSCH branded fridge. All other appliances by BOSCH seems to be excellent quality however consumer reports are saying that BOSCH fridges are amongst the most repairable fridges in the market. True or false?
The top of the range Liebherr and Sub-Zero is out of the question, since I don't think any fridge should cost more than $5000. If it does, it better be making golden cubes and washing the kitchen floor.
The next in line (quality wise) Electrolux and Westinghouse.
I read someone expressed their opinion by splitting fridges into 3 categories:
Best : Electrolux, Westinghouse
Midrange: LG, Sharp
Worst: Samsung, Whirlpool, Fisher & Paykel
As you can see there is no Bosch or Miele or Smeg on that list, so don't know what to think about these brands. Miele by the way only have one or two fridges in their collection that are suitable.
Conclusion:
After eliminating fridges that are not French Door or Side-By-Side, and have ice/water dispenser we are left with few Samsung fridges (which are big no-no apparently as they constantly break) we are left with the hand full of fridges, but... which one to choose so it doesn't break after warranty runs out in 3-5 years and doesn't cost $10,000 but have ice/water dispenser.