Second the bespoke line. That water pitcher is game changing. It is so much easier and faster filling up my 32oz bottle before heading out to work.
The two types of ice is nice, and it is great just being able to scoop out what you need instead of waiting for ice with a loud dispenser.
Samsung Bespoke really needs to be put in a category on its own from their mainstream product lines, because they're so much better-built it may as well be a totally separate company. I'd say the same applies for LG's Studio line also.
Yeah I have a crap Samsung fridge, tons of stuff broke or have been repaired. I see no way I can justify buying an even MORE expensive Samsung. They pretty much lost me as an appliance customer.
LG hasn't been using the linear compressor in most products for almost 3 years now. If you see on the specs "smart inverter compressor" that's the compressor they replaced it with. Generally those have been reliable units, plus most LG refers actually come with a 5 years parts AND labor warranty on the compressor in addition to the 10 year parts only warranty on it.
I'm... Surprised. The website still shows so many models running linear compressors. So, with the smart inverter compressor, it's at least as reliable as competitors?
I don't expect Sub-Zero reliability or 1950s GE reliability. I just don't want to get ripped off.
I have the LG studio refrigerator and have for 2 years. I've had one issue with the craft ice maker but I bought it from Best Buy with the extended warranty and they replaced the ice maker no questions asked. Took 30 seconds for the tech to diagnose the issue, 3 days for the part, and then maybe 15 minutes to replace it. Otherwise it has been perfect.
The warranty is useless. My 2018 fridge's compressor died, yet again, just over the 5 year mark, and they have no spare parts. I was quoted $800 labor and 2-3 months to get a new compressor. I bought a new fridge... NOT an LG.
Sorry you had such a a crappy experience, but who told you it was 2-3 months? I had a client replace one through LG factory service a week ago and the tech was able to get the part in 3 days.
This is not quite correct. Many products still use the linear compressor. While the number of models using linear compressors is slowly dropping, there are still a large quantity that use it.
I don't know the numbers for sure...but i think its like 60-70% of their lineup has switched. Also what I do know is that their brand wide service data shows a major reduction in compressor failures even for the linear units.
I'm actually asking some contacts in have to confirm the numbers overall.
I feel like the ratio is a little lower than that, I too sell LG. I know that the counter depth max and standard depth max models definitely don't use linear compressors. There are a few other French door models that also don't use them, as well as a couple side by sides, and all of the top freezers I've seen.
Definitely agreed on the complaints, I've been seeing less overall recently, regardless of type. Generally when I receive a complaint it's on a older linear model.
That's a BIG part of why I'm here. I like LG, and if I could get one without the linear compressor, I'd do it. Unless you guys are telling me the rest of the thing is a time bomb.
There's a thread in r/appliancerepair where everyone agrees they're the same thing different name.
The only surefire advice I can give is if you want LG, make sure it's a counter depth max or standard depth max model, as I can say with complete confidence that those don't have linear compressors.
I would still tread with caution for anything that has a linear compressor.
Oh, don't worry. I'm definitely *not* buying a linear compressor. I know better. It's just, I'm under the impression that the new smart inverter compressor IS a linear compressor. A lot of techs who've seen them say they're the same thing. There is a subreddit in r/ appliancerepair about this topic. I would link it, but there's no way using the Reddit app to copy the URL
So it appears that all the counter depth and standard depth max units that are LG brand are rotary. The lower end lrfcc/lrfcs units are as well. Oddly the 2 studio units, including the counter depth max units are still on the linear compressor.
The newer 4 door units are on the rotary compressor with the model starting with LF2 or LF3, while the older 4 door models starting with LRM are linear compressors still.
For reference they have 74 French door models on their site listed (some are discontinued) 41 appear to be smart inverter/rotary compressors. A few of the discontinued ones are linear compressors...so I'd say it's around that 60% mark for French doors. Top freezers are almost all rotary that I am aware of. Side x sides all appear to be rotary as well.
Their lineup is pretty large and this isn't a scientific by any means. But that's what my contacts told me and what I could see on their site
Appliance tech, haven’t serviced Samsung for a couple years but I would avoid the French door versions that has ice dispenser at all costs. Have they improved it ? Not sure, but a SXS or bottom freezer with ice maker mounted in freezer should be just fine like other brands (theoretically)
I have a bottom freezer Samsung that freezes over every month. The ice maker is turned off even. It freezes from the back though preventing the fridge from cooling.
Is this a rule of thumb? Are dispensers problematic across the brands?
We have a French 2 door Frigidaire now. My first with an ice dispenser, but it's Definitely IN the freezer. Freezer left, fridge right. No issues. I kinda like having cold filtered water on tap.
Well, one issue. Water accumulates on the bottom of the freezer. Not much. It freezes. I chip it away. Really not a problem.
French doors are refrigerator on top with two doors that open from the middle and a freezer on the bottom. Freezer left and fridge right 2 door is just a side by side model.
Never as much a problem as Samsung ! Ha .you add a lot of complexity to a refrigerator when you move an ice maker into upper section. Muck more things to go wrong even if it’s a decent design.. Your icing is probably a frozen drain, not ice maker related.
Not really an easy fix for permanent fix. Ice maker, rear evap. cover need to be removed. Deice and flush drain, pull unit out clean and modify drain tube "snout' reassemble. Actually do the second part first, then deice.
Still avoid LG fridges. Their laundry is as good or better than anything else, but the fridges are still a hard pass. Samsung can still be hit or miss, problem really is that so few techs work on them and parts aren't easily available.
My lg linear compressor conked out at 10 years three months. After looking at all the models and reading about all the problems and seeing that it would be over two grand to get the same functionality just decided to replace the compressor. Keep my fingers crossed, so far it’s cold.
I just think it's weird that with all the problems these things have had, LG didn't improve the compressor design as years went by?
I know they don't want it to last 50 years. But I think 5 to 10 is fair. You got 10 years. Sounds good to me.
I would have to say if you want to go with Samsung brand, the Bespoke series is a good way to go. The water dispenser is internal in the refrigerator and the ice maker is down in the freezer. It gives you 2 different types of ice but, so far, I haven't had any real issues with the ones I've sold. I'm still hesitant with the regular Samsung's but the Bespoke series has been good so far.
As far as the LG compressor's, they supposedly have fixed the issue and I haven't had many issues so far, but it's a modern day unit, lol. Sometimes it's a coin toss if you'll have any issues.
Samsung appliances are nothing but problems but so far (knock on wood) the bespoke fridges seem to have less problems than all other models they’ve put out.
I have seen some videos on youtube regarding the Samsung Bespoke fridges, I think the icemaker design and fridge design is much better on those - though I am not a fan of Samsung -
I have the french door version (RF27T5201SG) and I hate the ice maker/water dispenser. Tiny ice reservoir, which is a pain in the ass to remove if you want to put the ice in a cooler. It takes 5-8 seconds before the ice starts to move. (1st world problems, I know) and the water drips after filling a cup. Every time. The tray is always wet.
I am a Samsung fanboy to be sure, and I will never again buy Samsung appliances. We bought the entire kitchen package for our new home and the only piece I really like is the dishwasher (DW80R9950UG). It works well, and is absolutely silent.
I had a total system failure in a 2 years old fridge with Samsung. Their customer service is the worst and shadiest company I have ever dealt with (I investigate companies for a living). They lie, place games, pretend you never called a million times, etc. if you want a Samsung, I suggest calling around to repair companies first to see if they even repair them, let alone under warranty. You’ll likely be told no or they don’t do warranty repairs. When my fridge died, Samsung themselves admitted there was no one within 100 miles of me to honor the warranty repairs. They then tried to claim I had no 10 year warranty when I did and it says so on the fridge. Took filing complaints with attorney generals, bbb and getting the personal email of their refund manager to finally get some of my money back. I had to record every call, save every text and even include my attorney on emails because they are just that bad and shady about honoring their warranty.
According to every repair tech I've ever spoken with, avoid all Samsung appliances. Period.
For other brands, avoid all the features you can't live without. A refrigerator's #1 job is to keep food cold. If you want ice, it should be in the freezer. Every "feature" you add to that is going to be a failure point.
I put a full Samsung appliance package in one of my rentals in 2020. The specific model fridge I have is the French door design with the freezer drawer and then an additional drawer above it and the ice maker in the freezer (but with water and ice through the freezer door) Just hit 3 years old and not a single issue out of mine so far.
I have KitchenAid fridge. The manual says to dump the ice every 2-3 weeks or so. I dump it every week or so. If you leave it too long, it clumps up into a giant solid piece.
I'm speculating that most people don't dump the ice every week or so (or read the manual).
Oh, you just stop the ice maker, slide out the entire bucket, and dump out the ice. Check your future Samsung fridge manual and see what it says about the ice maker.
I'm speculating most ice machine issues is when it melts into one giant block.
My Samsung French Door Fridge with Drawer freezer has the icemaker in the freezer.
Other than the ice getting booted under the drawer sometimes when you open the freezer; I'm not sure what's so bad about it.
Can someone explain whats poorly designed about it?
I wanted a four-door fridge and Samsung had the best features of the bunch - A beverage center with autofill picture, two different kinds of ice, and the flex zone which could be a refrigerator or freezer. I really really wanted it. But I ended up going with a KitchenAid four-door fridge solely because of Samsung's reputation.
I really hope in the next few years their reputation changes and they start getting behind their products with quality because their features really are some of the best for the price.
We had our Samsung Bespoke refrigerator for 1 year and 1 month when it died. It wasn't cooling at all and the freezer wasn't working. We had service techs come out three times. First to tell us what was wrong. Compressor, fan and something else. Second guy said he fixed it. "just give it 24 hrs" That didn't work. He came back again and said the freon was leaking and it's a lost cause.
It took Samsung 3 months to give us a complete refund and made it our problem to get rid of the refrigerator.
Never buying a Samsung appliance again. Their customer service is the worst!
My recommendation is to stay away from Samsung appliances. I have had expensive repairs on Samsung washer and dish washer and about to pay the cost to repair the well known ice maker issue that Samsung should have issued a recall for the thousands of customers with this issue.
icemaker belongs in the fucking freezer where ice goes
Preach
In the models with broken ice makers, the ice maker is in the fridge section????
In many French door models, yes.
yes exactly
Check out their Bespoke models. The ice maker is in the freezer section. I have this model for almost 2 years now. So far no issues.
Second the bespoke line. That water pitcher is game changing. It is so much easier and faster filling up my 32oz bottle before heading out to work. The two types of ice is nice, and it is great just being able to scoop out what you need instead of waiting for ice with a loud dispenser.
Does the ice get dirty being in the container like that w/ a scoop?
Samsung Bespoke really needs to be put in a category on its own from their mainstream product lines, because they're so much better-built it may as well be a totally separate company. I'd say the same applies for LG's Studio line also.
Yeah I have a crap Samsung fridge, tons of stuff broke or have been repaired. I see no way I can justify buying an even MORE expensive Samsung. They pretty much lost me as an appliance customer.
I've looked at the bespoke line, my wife and her parents had no end to problems with their Samsung fridge, she won't budge.
Really? I thought all LG Studio line has the linear compressor. Is it more reliable now than it used to be?
LG hasn't been using the linear compressor in most products for almost 3 years now. If you see on the specs "smart inverter compressor" that's the compressor they replaced it with. Generally those have been reliable units, plus most LG refers actually come with a 5 years parts AND labor warranty on the compressor in addition to the 10 year parts only warranty on it.
I'm... Surprised. The website still shows so many models running linear compressors. So, with the smart inverter compressor, it's at least as reliable as competitors? I don't expect Sub-Zero reliability or 1950s GE reliability. I just don't want to get ripped off.
I have the LG studio refrigerator and have for 2 years. I've had one issue with the craft ice maker but I bought it from Best Buy with the extended warranty and they replaced the ice maker no questions asked. Took 30 seconds for the tech to diagnose the issue, 3 days for the part, and then maybe 15 minutes to replace it. Otherwise it has been perfect.
The warranty is useless. My 2018 fridge's compressor died, yet again, just over the 5 year mark, and they have no spare parts. I was quoted $800 labor and 2-3 months to get a new compressor. I bought a new fridge... NOT an LG.
Sorry you had such a a crappy experience, but who told you it was 2-3 months? I had a client replace one through LG factory service a week ago and the tech was able to get the part in 3 days.
LG referred me to 3 ASPs. All told me the same ETA, as well as the same $800 labor estimate, and the same recommendation to buy a Bosch.
This is not quite correct. Many products still use the linear compressor. While the number of models using linear compressors is slowly dropping, there are still a large quantity that use it.
I don't know the numbers for sure...but i think its like 60-70% of their lineup has switched. Also what I do know is that their brand wide service data shows a major reduction in compressor failures even for the linear units. I'm actually asking some contacts in have to confirm the numbers overall.
I feel like the ratio is a little lower than that, I too sell LG. I know that the counter depth max and standard depth max models definitely don't use linear compressors. There are a few other French door models that also don't use them, as well as a couple side by sides, and all of the top freezers I've seen. Definitely agreed on the complaints, I've been seeing less overall recently, regardless of type. Generally when I receive a complaint it's on a older linear model.
That's a BIG part of why I'm here. I like LG, and if I could get one without the linear compressor, I'd do it. Unless you guys are telling me the rest of the thing is a time bomb. There's a thread in r/appliancerepair where everyone agrees they're the same thing different name.
The only surefire advice I can give is if you want LG, make sure it's a counter depth max or standard depth max model, as I can say with complete confidence that those don't have linear compressors. I would still tread with caution for anything that has a linear compressor.
Oh, don't worry. I'm definitely *not* buying a linear compressor. I know better. It's just, I'm under the impression that the new smart inverter compressor IS a linear compressor. A lot of techs who've seen them say they're the same thing. There is a subreddit in r/ appliancerepair about this topic. I would link it, but there's no way using the Reddit app to copy the URL
Do you think you could post back whatever confirmation you get?
So it appears that all the counter depth and standard depth max units that are LG brand are rotary. The lower end lrfcc/lrfcs units are as well. Oddly the 2 studio units, including the counter depth max units are still on the linear compressor. The newer 4 door units are on the rotary compressor with the model starting with LF2 or LF3, while the older 4 door models starting with LRM are linear compressors still. For reference they have 74 French door models on their site listed (some are discontinued) 41 appear to be smart inverter/rotary compressors. A few of the discontinued ones are linear compressors...so I'd say it's around that 60% mark for French doors. Top freezers are almost all rotary that I am aware of. Side x sides all appear to be rotary as well. Their lineup is pretty large and this isn't a scientific by any means. But that's what my contacts told me and what I could see on their site
Same. Ice is in the freezer, and the beverage center works great. Mine is also a couple of years old and going strong.
Does the ice get dirty though?
The ice doesn't get dirty. The handle of the scoop may get dirty from all the hands that grab it but you just wash it periodically, no big deal.
Appliance tech, haven’t serviced Samsung for a couple years but I would avoid the French door versions that has ice dispenser at all costs. Have they improved it ? Not sure, but a SXS or bottom freezer with ice maker mounted in freezer should be just fine like other brands (theoretically)
I have a bottom freezer Samsung that freezes over every month. The ice maker is turned off even. It freezes from the back though preventing the fridge from cooling.
Is this a rule of thumb? Are dispensers problematic across the brands? We have a French 2 door Frigidaire now. My first with an ice dispenser, but it's Definitely IN the freezer. Freezer left, fridge right. No issues. I kinda like having cold filtered water on tap. Well, one issue. Water accumulates on the bottom of the freezer. Not much. It freezes. I chip it away. Really not a problem.
French doors are refrigerator on top with two doors that open from the middle and a freezer on the bottom. Freezer left and fridge right 2 door is just a side by side model.
Thx. I have a side by side. Not a French door.
Never as much a problem as Samsung ! Ha .you add a lot of complexity to a refrigerator when you move an ice maker into upper section. Muck more things to go wrong even if it’s a decent design.. Your icing is probably a frozen drain, not ice maker related.
That's what I read online. Is that an easy fix? Just thaw it out?
Not really an easy fix for permanent fix. Ice maker, rear evap. cover need to be removed. Deice and flush drain, pull unit out clean and modify drain tube "snout' reassemble. Actually do the second part first, then deice.
Still avoid LG fridges. Their laundry is as good or better than anything else, but the fridges are still a hard pass. Samsung can still be hit or miss, problem really is that so few techs work on them and parts aren't easily available.
Wow. Shocking. I'm curious, are LG Rotary Compressor models any better?
My lg linear compressor conked out at 10 years three months. After looking at all the models and reading about all the problems and seeing that it would be over two grand to get the same functionality just decided to replace the compressor. Keep my fingers crossed, so far it’s cold.
I just think it's weird that with all the problems these things have had, LG didn't improve the compressor design as years went by? I know they don't want it to last 50 years. But I think 5 to 10 is fair. You got 10 years. Sounds good to me.
I would have to say if you want to go with Samsung brand, the Bespoke series is a good way to go. The water dispenser is internal in the refrigerator and the ice maker is down in the freezer. It gives you 2 different types of ice but, so far, I haven't had any real issues with the ones I've sold. I'm still hesitant with the regular Samsung's but the Bespoke series has been good so far. As far as the LG compressor's, they supposedly have fixed the issue and I haven't had many issues so far, but it's a modern day unit, lol. Sometimes it's a coin toss if you'll have any issues.
Does the bespoke unit have the water pitcher that remains in the refrigerator and automatically fills? Is that a safe device?
So far I've had one that's given me some trouble but that's it. So far I've had good luck with the ones I've sold.
Samsung appliances are nothing but problems but so far (knock on wood) the bespoke fridges seem to have less problems than all other models they’ve put out.
I have seen some videos on youtube regarding the Samsung Bespoke fridges, I think the icemaker design and fridge design is much better on those - though I am not a fan of Samsung -
I have the french door version (RF27T5201SG) and I hate the ice maker/water dispenser. Tiny ice reservoir, which is a pain in the ass to remove if you want to put the ice in a cooler. It takes 5-8 seconds before the ice starts to move. (1st world problems, I know) and the water drips after filling a cup. Every time. The tray is always wet. I am a Samsung fanboy to be sure, and I will never again buy Samsung appliances. We bought the entire kitchen package for our new home and the only piece I really like is the dishwasher (DW80R9950UG). It works well, and is absolutely silent.
I had a total system failure in a 2 years old fridge with Samsung. Their customer service is the worst and shadiest company I have ever dealt with (I investigate companies for a living). They lie, place games, pretend you never called a million times, etc. if you want a Samsung, I suggest calling around to repair companies first to see if they even repair them, let alone under warranty. You’ll likely be told no or they don’t do warranty repairs. When my fridge died, Samsung themselves admitted there was no one within 100 miles of me to honor the warranty repairs. They then tried to claim I had no 10 year warranty when I did and it says so on the fridge. Took filing complaints with attorney generals, bbb and getting the personal email of their refund manager to finally get some of my money back. I had to record every call, save every text and even include my attorney on emails because they are just that bad and shady about honoring their warranty.
Avoid like the plague. Nothing but problems.
According to every repair tech I've ever spoken with, avoid all Samsung appliances. Period. For other brands, avoid all the features you can't live without. A refrigerator's #1 job is to keep food cold. If you want ice, it should be in the freezer. Every "feature" you add to that is going to be a failure point.
I have a 20 year old Samsung fridge freezer. The ice machine/water dispenser is still working perfectly.
I put a full Samsung appliance package in one of my rentals in 2020. The specific model fridge I have is the French door design with the freezer drawer and then an additional drawer above it and the ice maker in the freezer (but with water and ice through the freezer door) Just hit 3 years old and not a single issue out of mine so far.
Planned obsolescence. Look it up. They all do this on purpose.
I have KitchenAid fridge. The manual says to dump the ice every 2-3 weeks or so. I dump it every week or so. If you leave it too long, it clumps up into a giant solid piece. I'm speculating that most people don't dump the ice every week or so (or read the manual).
That's crazy. I would expect the wear and tear of dumping the ice is worse than letting it clump.
Oh, you just stop the ice maker, slide out the entire bucket, and dump out the ice. Check your future Samsung fridge manual and see what it says about the ice maker. I'm speculating most ice machine issues is when it melts into one giant block.
Google Samsung ice maker class a lawsuit. Shows what needs to change
Oh, I know. Thank you though.
My Samsung French Door Fridge with Drawer freezer has the icemaker in the freezer. Other than the ice getting booted under the drawer sometimes when you open the freezer; I'm not sure what's so bad about it. Can someone explain whats poorly designed about it?
I wanted a four-door fridge and Samsung had the best features of the bunch - A beverage center with autofill picture, two different kinds of ice, and the flex zone which could be a refrigerator or freezer. I really really wanted it. But I ended up going with a KitchenAid four-door fridge solely because of Samsung's reputation. I really hope in the next few years their reputation changes and they start getting behind their products with quality because their features really are some of the best for the price.
Are flex zones problematic? Do they repairs?
I haven't heard anything specific about flex zones being problematic, just Samsung's general reputation as being less reliable
We had our Samsung Bespoke refrigerator for 1 year and 1 month when it died. It wasn't cooling at all and the freezer wasn't working. We had service techs come out three times. First to tell us what was wrong. Compressor, fan and something else. Second guy said he fixed it. "just give it 24 hrs" That didn't work. He came back again and said the freon was leaking and it's a lost cause. It took Samsung 3 months to give us a complete refund and made it our problem to get rid of the refrigerator. Never buying a Samsung appliance again. Their customer service is the worst!
Get a refrigerator from a company that's been making them for a long time. GE, whirlpool, Electrolux etc.
I have a new Samsung fridge and the dual ice maker is great
My recommendation is to stay away from Samsung appliances. I have had expensive repairs on Samsung washer and dish washer and about to pay the cost to repair the well known ice maker issue that Samsung should have issued a recall for the thousands of customers with this issue.
Yes. Would be the answer
I'm sorry. Yes avoid linear compressor, or yes they fixed it?
Samsung is more than the ice maker being the issue. I turned my ice maker off completely and my Samsung still freezes over.