The biggest refrigerator ever just got bigger

Samsung's new four-door behemoth is also big on features

Published: April 21, 2014 03:15 PM

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Refrigerators

The Samsung T9000 four-door refrigerator, $3,500, had been the biggest model ever tested at Consumer Reports, boasting nearly 23 cubic feet of usable capacity. But it was just knocked off its perch by its brand mate, the Samsung Chef Collection RF34H9960S4, which has an additional .4 cubic feet of usable capacity, based on our initial measurements.

Samsung's new four-door, French-door refrigerator won't appear in our Ratings until full testing—assessing temperature performance, energy efficiency, noise, and ease of use—is complete. The Samsung T9000 has one of the highest overall scores in our Ratings, on the strength of its superb temperature control and energy efficiency.

Samsung Chef Collection RF34H9960S4

The Chef Collection model has several interesting features not found on the T9000. That includes a metal storage tray, called the Chef's Pan, that's suitable for marinating meats and fish, and can also be placed in the oven and dishwasher. The new four-door is also the second Samsung refrigerator to dispense sparkling water, via SodaStream CO2 cartridges that you insert into the unit (the Samsung RF31FMESBSR was the first). And the new fridge features a unique temperature display, in the form of the LED lights that shine through micro-pinholes in its stainless steel door.

The big capacity and innovation of the Samsung Chef Collection refrigerator is matched by a sizable price tag. With an MSRP of $6,000, it's in the ballpark of expensive built-in refrigerators from the likes of Jenn-Air, Sub-Zero, and Thermador. Of course, you're paying for a certain look with built-ins, but these refrigerators tend to be short on usable space, and they rarely have the innovative user features we're seeing with more standard refrigerators.

—Daniel DiClerico