Here is what I've learned so far about finding a side-by-side replacement for the "contractor grade" refridgerator that we currently have:
Due to the way our counters have been built right up to the edge of the current fridge, we are limited to the dimensions of the current one, although we could go higher. Our current dimensions are 32"W x 32"D x 67"H. Our over-fridge cabinets allow up to 4" extra height
We found a very good one at Lowes. It's a Whirlpool, with a very minimal icemaker ("In-Door"), 32"x32"x66". It's in black (the salesperson made the claim that they can get it in white). I was curious if it would be possible to get one with more height.
The Whirlpool site shows only two 32"W side by side fridges, but the ice dispensers don't look much like the model at Lowes, so these probably don't have the good in-door icemaker. Here are the two models:
ED2VHEXVQ:
http://www.whirlpool.com/catalog/product.jsp?src=REFRIGERATORS&cat=96&prod=2094
ED2DHEXWQ:
http://www.whirlpool.com/catalog/product.jsp?src=REFRIGERATORS&cat=96&prod=1568
The ED2DHEXWQ has handles that look similar to the Lowes model.
So, looking for skinny side-by-side models that are taller, I found the following info:
This GE fridge is taller, but has a skinnier freezer section and it's even more insanely expensive than the whirlpool models. It supposedly can be bought through Applianceland and Bray&Scarf. The stupid flash loader on this webpage is broken:
GSHF3KGZWW:
http://products.geappliances.com/ApplProducts/Dispatcher?REQUEST=SpecPage&Sku=GSHF3KGZWW
Suggestions by Google led to this other GE model that doesn't have a broken website, and seems to fit all our needs, aside from the skinnier freezer. It's also just $800 at a sears outlet store.
GSHF3KGZCC:
http://products.geappliances.com/ApplProducts/Dispatcher?REQUEST=SpecPage&Sku=GSHF3KGZCC
The GE models have a good digital temperature readout, but the same bad internal filter that knocks out a bunch of food space as Dad's fridge (and probably taints the water like his too).
This review page, for yet a different GE model, is interesting because one reviewer describes the model's compressor as having the exact same nasty grinding noise as our current refridgerator's. He even goes into detail as to which type of compressor it is.
http://www.buzzillions.com/reviews/ge-appliances-black-23-1-cu-ft-side-by-refrigerator-gshf3kgz-reviews
The only 32" side-by-side that Kenmore sells is this model, which aside from looking miserable, is also short:
http://www.kenmore.com/shc/s/p_10154_12604_04641262000P?vName=Kenmore&cName=Refrigerators&sName=Side-by-Side+Refrigerators&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=L1
Interestingly, this KithenAid model looks more like the Lowes one than the Whirlpool ones. I.e. short also.
http://www.refrigeratorexpert.com/kitchenaid-architect-ii-KSRV22FVSS.html
