KitchenAid offers a 5-years full warranty (labor included) on the sealed system components, then 5 years more parts-only (labor not included). But their models are upscale SxS, counterdepth, and French door ... not so much in the "affordable" range.

Thing is, KitchenAid is Whirlpool, so one can (maybe) presume that the mechanical components are largely the same between the Whirlpool brand labels. Longer warranty is likely part of the higher KA price-line.

My suggestion is check for the lowest-price topfreezer unit that meets your need for size, on the Whirlpool or Kenmore label. Try to confirm if the Kenmore model(s) of choice are sourced from Whirlpool (remember, Kenmore is a brand-label only) -- the first three digits of Kenmore model numbers (before the period) indicate the manufacturer. Translation of the codes can be found online, below is one source:

Here is a link that might be useful: Kenmore Manufacturing Codes

If you just want an all fridge model, this Kenmore is awesome. Ours has been in use for 6 or 7 years now with absolutely no problems & plenty of storage space. It's pretty basic and runs ~$500, although with certain sales, you can get it for around $450.

Hope this helps!

Here is a link that might be useful: Kenmore Freezerless Refrigerator

I suggest avoiding GE refrigerators. Search for my other post, "Young GE refrig, endless repairs," and you will see my experience with a GE unit. Long story short - in less than 2 years, I've paid almost as much in repairs as the full price of my GE side-by-side, which came only with a one-year warranty.

GE and Viking refrigerators have the worst reliability reputations. Multiple appliance stores I have visited have all said they would not recommend either even though they sell both. They know that a customer that is buying high end will be on them for repairs and problems and they would just as soon not have to deal with those problems.

In my fridge research I've been impressed with Samsung and LG so far. Their mid/high-range lines have pretty good warranties on the "sealed system" -- compressor, evaporator, etc. I haven't bought either of them yet, but the ones I've messed with at the local appliance store seem well built.

Laura