Pros
Maintains consistent temperatures
Temperature-controlled drawer
Cons
Warm freezer temperatures
No through-door dispensers
For 2017, Electrolux is substantially improving its French door fridge game. Of course the bar wasn’t set very high, and they’re not going to beat out ourabsolute favorites, but at least Electrolux is now serving up a fridge that you might actually want to buy.
There are five fridges new to 2017:
•EW28BS87SS—the only full-sized French door, comes with through-the-door ice and water
•EI23BC37SS—counter depth model with Energy Star certification, equipped with through-the-door ice and water
•EI23BC32SS—counter depth model with Energy Star certification, but no through-the-door dispenser
•EW23BC87SS—the same as the 37SS, but without the Energy Star badge
•EI23BC82SS—the same as the 32SS, but without the Energy Star badge
Apart from which ones have through-the-door dispensers and Energy Star certifications, these are all basically the same. They all look like higher-end fridges with stainless steel exteriors and LED interior lighting.
Design
- The models without a through-the-door dispenser have a conventional stainless exterior. Credit: Electrolux
- The EW28BS87SS and 23BC models feature the new Wave Touch control panel; the EI23BC37SS does not. Credit: Electrolux
- The new 2017 models have redesigned LED lighting that makes for bright illumination, plus lots of accessible storage space. Credit: Reviewed.com / Matthew Zahnzinger
- For all models, the water filter is found nested in the upper right hand corner of the fridge. Credit: Reviewed.com / Matthew Zahnzinger
- Door storage offers gallon-deep buckets that can be adjusted to a number of different heights. Credit: Reviewed.com / Matthew Zahnzinger
- Models that lack a through-the-door dispenser has door shelving on the left that mirrors what you get on the right. Credit: Reviewed.com / Matthew Zahnzinger
- The crispers—while not terribly smooth to handle—did a great job retaining moisture. Credit: Reviewed.com / Matthew Zahnzinger
- The Perfect Temp Control drawer has nine preset temperature options, plus the ability to save three customizable settings. Credit: Reviewed.com / Matthew Zahnzinger
- For models without through-the-door dispensers, you get an ice maker in the freezer, complete with large cube bucket. Credit: Reviewed.com / Matthew Zahnzinger
- The pull-out freezer in all models is quite straightforward, and includes a small wire shelf just inside the door. Credit: Reviewed.com / Matthew Zahnzinger
Compared to older models that we’ve tested, the 2017 lineup does offer some subtle improvements.
• Improved touch screen controls (on the EW28BS87SS and EW23BC87SS) that are more responsive and look much less cluttered
• A Perfect Temp Drawer with 9 different independent temperature settings for specialty storage (available on models without EStar badges)
• A revamped shelf design that gives the interior a higher-end feel
• Repositioned and brighter lighting compared to older models
• A revamped limited warranty that offers three years parts coverage and one year of labor
We specifically tested the EW23BC87SS and the EI23BC82SS, and we’ve got to say, we’re impressed. Compared to Electrolux’s past offerings, these models have more stable temperature output in the fridge and freezer, much lower energy consumption, and impressive moisture retention in the crispers.
Controls
- Two of the models with external controls get the new Wave Touch control panel, which cuts down on visual clutter for a more pleasing aesthetic. Credit: Reviewed.com / Matthew Zahnzinger
- Models with through-the-door dispensing get a rather bulky internal ice maker, as well as adjusted door shelving to accommodate it. Credit: Reviewed.com / Matthew Zahnzinger
- Models without through-the-door dispensers have a touch control panel found on the inside edge of the fridge door. Credit: Reviewed.com / Matthew Zahnzinger
If Electrolux keeps upping their game this way, we may see them become a serious threat to other manufacturers with similar products currently on the market. That said, we still think that they're a bit overpriced despite the aesthetic and functional overhaul.
They range from about $3,550 for the EW23BC87SS (the fanciest counter depth model) down to about $2,300 for the EI23BC32SS. Even at its most affordable, it feels somewhat pricey, so you may want to wait for a holiday-based sale or look for a package deal. If you can find a good deal, though, definitely consider one of these models for your next kitchen overhaul.
Meet the tester
Matthew is a native of Brockton, MA and a graduate of Northeastern, where he earned a degree in English and Theatre. He has also studied at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin and spends most of his free time pursuing a performance career in the greater Boston area.
Checking our work.
We use standardized and scientific testing methods to scrutinize every product and provide you with objectively accurate results. If you’ve found different results in your own research, email us and we’ll compare notes. If it looks substantial, we’ll gladly re-test a product to try and reproduce these results. After all, peer reviews are a critical part of any scientific process.
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