Consumer Reports rates certain Bosch s/s 800 models as being quieter than Elux models. To be sure I'd have to confirm w model #s.

CR also noted that a similar Bosch fridge was so similar to the 800 series that they didn't bother testing separately, but rated them the same. However the othe model may be $500 cheaper.

We have a coated steel fridge, which looks very similar to stainless, is cheaper, & magnets stick.

Also for refrigerators there are customizable panels available, eg blackboards. http://www.applianceart.com/Instant_Chalkboard_Side_by_Side_Refrigerator_Cover_p/11536-11537.htm. Since how it looks is so important, maybe you could get a fridge you want, then use aftermarket panels or skins to get the look you want.

Interesting -- I will check out the panels!

Sadly, the 500 and 800 Bosch series both seem to have lots of problems, though I have the Bosch 800 dishwasher (which also caught some flak out there in review-land, as I recall), and it's my favorite thing in the whole kitchen. So who knows?

Thanks,

Heather

Interesting -- I will check out the panels!

Sadly, the 500 and 800 Bosch series both seem to have lots of problems, though I have the Bosch 800 dishwasher (which also caught some flak out there in review-land, as I recall), and it's my favorite thing in the whole kitchen. So who knows?

Thanks,

Heather

Even though my remodel took "potential buyer's impressions" in mind over my own preferences, I had to break my "suite of appliances" order after reading reviews of the Bosch free-standing fridges. I ended up with a Samsung with which I'm not entirely thrilled but that's neither here not there for you as it's a FD and has curved handles.

I could probably live with a FD, if push came to shove, but the old fridge I have now is a Frigidaire with curved handles that definitely look out of place with the harder angles of the rest of the kitchen.

Has anyone tried the Bosch FD? It seems to get somewhat better reviews than the side-by-side...