bit-tech Shopping: LG Electronics LFX21980ST 20.5 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3 Months

Strengths: cabinet depth, ice/water dispenser, large pitcher dispenser, cool LED lights

Weaknesses: cubic feet, no freezer door basket

Summary: We too needed and wanted only cabinet depth. Half the price of built-in, and looks just as good! We've never had dispensers on the outside so that was a must too. Love the fact that the new fridges have filters, we can finally get rid of that darn Brita pitcher and free up some space. I chose this b/c of all those great options. My husband just said ok, and he too loves it. He thinks it's so cool with the LED lights. Haven't noticed the difference in cubic feet, probably b/c our last fridge was 13 yrs old and a bottom freezer model as well. We have a full freezer in the garage so no problem there. In our manual, it discussed a freezer door basket, but we don't have one and would like it since it's a tilt door. I'm still checking into if we can get one and if it will work with our model. Many people have told us to stay away from LG, but when checking all reviews, even consumer reports, we realized that with appliances, no one manufacturer really rocks in anything. Sure you can always get a lemon, but so far so good. We also checked about LG repairmen in our area before buying just in case. Tons of them. One more thing. I noticed a cold draft coming from the dispenser one day. My husband said that after getting ice, if you move the glass away too fast, the flap will not close. It can be done manually by just sticking your hand up, but even easier if you patiently take your glass away. DOn't know but I'll try it.Good Luck and Enjoy!

Rating: 8

Time with product: 5

Strengths: - High-tech looks, LED lighting- Counter-depth makes kitchen looks bigger- Small on the outside but equivalent to a bigger fridge (25 cf) on the inside

Weaknesses: - Water filter is expensive ($40 or more)- Ice-maker is kinda small

Summary: I have a family of five with three kids. I bought this fridge to replace a 10-yr old, 25cf side-by-side from whirlpool. I personally think that a lot of fridge pretty much the same with similar reliability. The main reason I bought this fridge is because of the looks. I was willing to pay about $1k for the counterdepth feature. Since it's counterdepth, it's going to be smaller than a regular fridge, then you'll want to optimize the interior space. I think, for the same displacement, a french-door fridge gives you more usable space than a side-by-side. So far, the fridge has met my expectation.When pushed against the wall, the front surface (not counting handle) sticks out about 2 inches past the counter. I was really amazed at how my kitchen looks after I replaced my standard-depth black fridge with this. It's like a whole new kitchen, roomy and bright. The counterdepth allow you to see past it from the side and the stainless steel reflects light, making it brighter. The control center in front is high-tech looking with real stainless steel and white LEDs everywhere. The main interior is lit by LEDs too. The light in the freezer is not LED (I think). The shelves are all made out of stainless steel and glass - not cheep steel and plastic like many others. Even though LG is new in the US, they really know how to add class to the boring appliances business. My biggest complaints would be for the relatively small icemaker. I understand that's because it's in the door and doesn't take up room in the fridge, but I think they could make it a bit bigger. LG uses this icemaker for their full-size french door versions too so it's not due to counterdepth. I haven't run out of ice yet but I know I will. My plan is to manage the situation by storing extra ice in the freezer. Still, that's work and a fridge should make you think about it too much. The last thing is that the water filtration works pretty well but the filter cartridge is not easy to find and kind of expensive. As far as I could tell, you have to go to either go to Sears on online to buy the filter. All in all, I would recommend this fridge.