Kenmore 72023 24.7 Cu. Ft. French-Door Stainless Steel Review
$2,349.99- Sections:
- Specs
- Design
- Performance
- Storage Space
- Usability
Specs
Sometimes there's only one or two differences between appliances, but even a small number of differences can make a world of difference when making a large purchase. In the case of the GE Profile PFSS6PKXSS and the Kenmore 72023, consumers are presented with two fridges that are nearly identical in design and performance. The prices tags, however, are not quite so equal—the Kenmore has an MSRP of $2349.99, while the GE Profile has one that's $250 more expensive. Ironically, it's the cheaper fridge that comes out on top, with energy use and storage capacity turning out to be the deciding factors. If you have the space in your kitchen for this sizable appliance, the Kenmore delivers greater interior volume and superior energy efficiency, so not only does it cost less upfront, it results in long-term savings derived from a lower electric bill.
Design
If you looked at them quickly, these two fridges may appear to be identical both inside and out. Both are stainless steel French-door fridges with a pull-out freezer, half-width shelves, and a through-the-door ice maker. However, there are nevertheless a few differences between them. The GE Profile has an additional wide drawer set below the crispers, as well as a bottle rack attachment, giving this fridge a bit more versatility with respect to storage. On the other hand, the Kenmore possesses an ice maker that takes up no space in the fridge interior, giving you additional space for food items.
Performance
Both of these fridges had a very similar set of test results, making them equally good in terms of actual refrigeration. Neither appliance had perfect temperature output in either compartment, but the issues in each fridge were rather minimal, and the freezers both had temperature differences from top to bottom of no more than two degrees Fahrenheit. The crisper drawers lost moisture at almost exactly the same rate, and freezing time was within 10 minutes of each other.
Storage Space
While they may appear to be roughly the same size on the outside, the Kenmore actually has a full two cubic feet worth of space more than the GE in the fridge section, in no small part due to the Kenmore's use of a fully self-contained ice maker on the fridge door. It also has an extra half cubic foot in the freezer. Whether you prefer fresh or frozen, the Kenmore is the one to go with if you have a big family or a big appetite.
Usability
These two appliances are equally accessible, a result of their very similar designs. Food can be reached without much fuss, though tall consumers or those with back issues may find the deep freezer drawers a problem—a potential issue with all French-door models, not just these two. Controls are intuitive all around, and drawers slide smoothly in every compartment. The only major difference is with regards to the ice maker. The Kenmore utilizes an ice maker that takes up space only on the fridge door, so there's extra storage room in the fridge, and the container that houses bulk ice is very easy to remove. The GE, however, has a more traditional, bulky machine that can be harder to access due to its high placement in the fridge and its unwieldy size.