- Energy Star-rated
- Large 26-cubic-foot capacity
- Filtered water and ice dispensers
- Very quiet
- Relatively inexpensive
- Some reliability complaints
- Customer service
Although it's expensive compared to many top- and bottom-freezer refrigerators, the Samsung RF266AEWP is relatively affordable for a French-door model, most of which sell for $2,000 or more. It includes an internal water dispenser and ice maker with filtration, spill-proof glass shelves, electronic controls, and a nice variety of bins, baskets and shelving options. It's available in white and black, plus stainless-steel and platinum finishes for about $150 more. The fridge receives very good scores in one professional test, and owners who post reviews at retailer websites praise its design, quietness and storage options. However, we read several complaints about breakdowns and poor customer service. The top-rated LG LFX25976SW French-door refrigerator (*Est. $2,200) appears to have better reliability, but it's considerably more expensive.
ConsumerReports.org editors include the RF266AEWP in their latest test of refrigerators, and the Good Housekeeping Research Institute tests a similar model. We also found numerous user reviews at BestBuy.com and Sears.com. Samsung refrigerators receive high marks for customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power and Associates most recent annual survey.
Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.org
The Samsung RF266AEWP is one of more than 100 French-door refrigerators rated at ConsumerReports.org. Each is evaluated based on temperature performance, energy efficiency, noise and ease of use. Various brands are also judged on their overall reliability.
Review: Refrigerators, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Jan. 2011
2. BestBuy.com
The Samsung RF266AEWP and its black, stainless and platinum equivalents receive a total of more than 150 reviews at BestBuy.com. Overall, the refrigerator gets very good ratings and 85 percent of users recommend it. However, we read quite a few complaints about breakdowns and poor customer service from Samsung.
Review: Samsung - 25.8 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator, Contributors to BestBuy.com, As of Feb. 2012
3. Sears.com
More than 100 users review the Samsung RF266AEWP and its black, stainless and platinum equivalents at Sears.com. They give it an overall 4.3 stars out of 5, with 86 percent of users recommending it. Its most popular features are its looks and well-organized storage space.
Review: Samsung 26.0 cu. ft. French-Door Bottom Freezer Refrigerator Energy Star, Contributors to Sears.com, As of Feb. 2012
4. Samsung.com
Unlike some appliance manufacturers, Samsung allows users to post reviews of its products. The RF266AEWP receives more than 20 highly complimentary comments from owners, all of whom say they'd recommend this fridge. Other colors are similarly highly rated.
Review: 25.5 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator, Contributors to Samsung.com, As of Feb. 2012
5. J.D. Power & Associates
In this survey of more than 5,000 consumers who have purchased refrigerators in the past two years, Samsung is among the highest-rated brands for overall satisfaction. It earns top scores for styling, features and price, and above-average scores for performance, warranty and ease of use.
Review: 2011 Home Appliance Study: Refrigerator, Editors of J.D. Power and Associates, Aug. 3, 2011
6. Good Housekeeping
Good Housekeeping Research Institute editors don't include the Samsung RF266AEWP in this test of French-door refrigerators, but the similar Samsung RF268ABWP (*Est. $2,150) is their top pick. This model includes a through-the-door water and ice dispenser and a few other features not found on the RF266AEWP.
Review: French-Door Refrigerators, Editors of the Good Housekeeping Research Institute, Nov. 6, 2009
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