Counter-Depth Side By Side Refrigerator GE GZS22IYNFS Review Features and Performance Explained

Description

Strengths of the GE® 21.8 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Fingerprint Resistant Side-By-Side Refrigerator

After spending some time with this fingerprint resistant stainless steel refrigerator, I appreciate how easy it is to maintain that sleek, clean look. Wiping away smudges and fingerprints takes just seconds, which is a huge relief for a busy household like mine, where kids and guests constantly leave marks. The counter-depth design is another standout feature — it fits almost flush with my kitchen cabinets and counters, making the whole space feel more streamlined and less bulky.

The Showcase LED Lighting inside is surprisingly bright and evenly distributed. It’s a game-changer when hunting for that elusive jar of pickles or the last slice of cake. The seven flush-mounted LEDs illuminate every corner without wasting space or creating shadows, which is a thoughtful design touch. I also enjoy the clear-fronted pull-out drawers that keep produce neatly organized and sealed, extending the life of fruits and veggies.

• Fingerprint resistant finish keeps the exterior looking pristine
• Counter-depth design offers a built-in, modern kitchen appearance
• Bright, energy-efficient LED lighting enhances interior visibility

Drawbacks to Consider

Despite its many perks, this side-by-side refrigerator isn’t without its quirks. The 14.23 cubic feet total capacity feels somewhat limited for a family that likes to stock up on groceries. While the freezer’s 7.56 cubic feet space is decent, the organization can get tricky with only one slide-out basket and glass shelves that don’t always hold oddly shaped items well.

The external water and ice dispenser is convenient, but the dispenser lever requires a firm push, which might be a problem for kids or elderly family members. Plus, the advanced water filtration system, which claims to reduce impurities and trace pharmaceuticals, comes with a filter replacement cost that adds up over time. The door alarm feature is helpful but can be a bit sensitive, sometimes going off when the door is only slightly ajar.

• Limited overall storage space for larger families
• Dispenser lever needs considerable force to operate
• Filter replacement costs add to ongoing maintenance

Interior Storage and Organization

The interior layout is thoughtfully designed for everyday use. Edge-to-edge glass shelves maximize storage space, allowing me to fit large platters and tall containers without rearranging everything. The adjustable door shelves are a lifesaver, especially when storing gallon-sized milk jugs or oversized condiment bottles. I’ve found that the three refrigerator pull-out drawers with clear fronts provide excellent visibility and easy access to fresh produce, which my wife especially appreciates.

The freezer compartment’s slide-out basket helps with accessibility, but it doesn’t move as smoothly as I’d like. It can feel a bit stiff when fully loaded. I also noticed that the hidden hinges contribute to the fridge’s cleaner exterior profile, but they make door adjustments a bit more complicated if you ever need to realign them.

Performance and Energy Efficiency

Operating this refrigerator has been mostly hassle-free. The electronic display allows me to precisely set temperatures for both the fridge and freezer, eliminating the guesswork that often comes with analog controls. The Adaptive Defrost with FrostGuard technology is impressive—defrost cycles kick in only when needed, preventing unnecessary energy use and reducing freezer burn. This not only preserves food quality but also helps save on electricity bills.

The automatic defrost system simplifies maintenance, sparing me from manually thawing the freezer. I appreciate that it’s quiet during operation, which is a bonus since the kitchen is open to the living area. The Shabbos mode is a unique feature that might not appeal to everyone but is a thoughtful addition for those observing religious practices.

Value Assessment: Is It Worth the Investment?

Considering the blend of features, design, and performance, this refrigerator offers a solid price-to-quality ratio. It’s not the cheapest model out there, but the stainless steel finish with fingerprint resistance, combined with clever interior lighting and organization, justifies the price for me. For someone seeking a counter-depth side-by-side fridge with modern conveniences, this unit strikes a nice balance between aesthetics and function.

However, those needing maximum storage or a smoother freezer basket might find better options elsewhere. If budget constraints are tight, there are more affordable, less feature-rich alternatives, but they usually lack the fingerprint-resistant exterior and adaptive defrost technology offered here.

Product Comparisons

Compared to other counter-depth side-by-side refrigerators in the market, this model shines in its clean stainless steel finish and user-friendly LED lighting, areas where some competitors fall short. Brands like Samsung and LG offer similar capacity but sometimes falter on fingerprint resistance or have noisier operation. The filtration system here is more advanced than many rivals, reducing impurities and even trace pharmaceuticals, which is a rare feature.

On the downside, competitors often provide slightly more freezer space or more flexible storage options like adjustable baskets or door bins that better fit odd-shaped items. Some rivals also have more intuitive dispenser mechanisms, which could make a difference for households with diverse users.

Ease of Installation and Use

Installing this refrigerator wasn’t a nightmare, but its 340-pound weight means you’ll need help moving it into place, especially because the counter-depth design requires precise alignment with cabinets. The two-door side-by-side format means the doors don’t open as wide as French door models, limiting access to some wider items.

Once in place, the electronic controls are straightforward, and the door alarm feature adds peace of mind by preventing energy waste from an accidentally open door. The external dispenser is a nice touch, letting me grab water or ice without opening the fridge, which helps maintain internal temperatures.

Good Aspects to Highlight

• The hidden hinges improve the overall sleek look of the refrigerator, giving it a professional kitchen vibe.
• Glass freezer shelves are sturdy and easy to clean, ideal for storing small or delicate frozen items.
• The bonus freezer shelf above the icemaker is a clever addition for extra storage.
• Advanced frozen ice maker lets you choose between cubed or crushed ice effortlessly.
• The adaptive defrost system saves energy and extends the life of frozen goods.

This refrigerator has become an integral part of my kitchen routine, balancing modern design with practical features. While it has some limitations in storage and dispenser ease, the overall user experience is positive and enjoyable.

Additional information