I need to figure out if I am going for the water chiller before I make my fridge selection. If I go with the water chiller I am thinking it will widen my options in the fridge selection. While researching fridges I found my choices were very limited since I wanted a french door fridge with water on the outside, either counter depth or possibly 42" built-in (so much more $$$ tho...). I am under pressure to decide on my fridge (or at least the size, 36" or 42") so the cabinets can be ordered. Once I decide whether I am going with the water chiller or not I am sure I will be back for more advice on the fridge! Thanks!!

I found that in person, aside from the space issues, the exterior water setup looks quite clunky. I like a more streamlined look.

Alice - I think ours would have to be installed under the sink as we have a finished basement below the kitchen and I can't really think of any other option for the location. I like the mat idea to absorb the noise-thanks for the suggestion!

Kailleanm - I should have clarified better. If I get the water chiller at the sink then I do not have to get a fridge with the water option at all. That opens up a lot more fridges to choose from. To answer your question, no I don't need to have the water on the outside. I agree with you on the look and the space issues (and there is also the water dripping down the outside of the fridge to think about) but I was leaning towards the outside water because there are seven of us (grandma lives with us too) and the fridge would be opening constantly if we have to get the water inside. I'm glad to hear that you are happy with your fridge. If I do decide to get a fridge with water, I will also look at the ones with the interior water. Thanks for your opinion!

My refrigerator looks so great without the through the door water dispensor.

You want the fridge to cool and freeze food. My advice (and what I am doing) is to buy a fridge that does just that. (Well, my SZ will come w/an ice-maker, but frankly I expect it to have troubles.) Plus, you have more room in your fridge for storing food.

I'm getting the Everpure Hot & Cold Filtered water at my sink. I too plan to mount the chiller, as well as the filter, in the basement, to reduce any noise and to permit more room under the sink. The instant hot thing will be right under the sink.

lsandler--Sounds like the Evercold is like our stand alone water cooler (which I can't wait to get rid of)--it also is very cold but not icy cold which is fine with me. Is your unit under the sink?? If so, do you notice the noise?

smarge- How did you decide on Everpure? Did someone recommend it or did you decide on your own after doing research? If you have your Everpure installed in the next couple of months, could you let me know how you like it? I would really appreciate it! I totally agree with you about the water on the fridge as a potential problem. The more bells and whistles something has-the more likely something will break! I am wondering why you expect your SZ to have problems?? My next door neighbor has had a 42" side by side now for five years and has had no problems. She loves it and it looks great. I am thinking the french door style (and I don't think SZ has one) but nothing is set in stone yet so that idea may change. Right now I am in the research mode trying to narrow down my choices before I start shopping around in person.

I won't be moving into my renovated home until approx. March 2008, so unfortunately I can't tell you how the Everpure unit is before that.

FWIW, my GC said in his opinion, the reason to put the chiller in the basement and not under the cabinet is the heat that the chiller will produce, not the noise. He said all that heat ends up being bad for the base cabinet.