Product Preview: Liebherr 2062 Series 36-inch French-door refrigerators

Liebherr says its 2062-series refrigerators "created a buzz in the design community and on consumer blogs and message boards" in the months leading up to their expected debut later this month. Since we haven't yet tested any of these 36-inch models, $5,000, we can't add to the apparent buzz, but here's what we've discovered about these German imports.

The 36-inch-wide stainless-steel freestanding and fully-integrated models keep with the French-door-refrigerator trend, a style that combines a side-by-side with a bottom-mount freezer. These Liebherrs have dual freezer drawers with telescoping rails, intended to make for easier access to frozen goods.

The sleek-looking refrigerators feature LED light columns to illuminate the refrigerator's interior, which has a claimed capacity of 19.5 cubic feet (13 in the refrigerator compartment, 6.5 in the freezer compartments). Among the interesting features are GlassLine shelves, designed to convey an airy look with strength—the manufacturer says each 6-millimeter-thick shelf can hold up to 180 pounds. These Energy Star models also have electronic controls, dual compressors, and an interior icemaker.

Essential information: Read our latest report on refrigerators, and use our new Home Improvement Guide interactive to find buying advice for appliances throughout your home.

Comments

[Nancy Linstead]

Am interested to know how this frig is working out for anyone who has received one yet.

[Jasen Haymes]

We have the fully integrated model and have a major unresolved issue about the doors not closing properly. I would not recommend at this time.

[carol bowling]

Am interested in finding out how this model is working out for anyone.

[Mary McGrade]

We just installed the HSC 2062 with 84 inch panels. We have the same problem mentioned earlier about the french doors not closing properly. The SS panels also are poorly though out, with gaps and no support where they attach to the refrigerator at the handle area. I will also add that to date, Liebherr has not been helpful. I have contacted our dealer, the regional Liebherr distributor and Liebherr corporate -- everyone I have spoken with is unfamiliar with this product, the panels and the problem. Don't buy.

[Braeg Heneffe]

I went to the UK product launch for this unit recentyly, it looks fantastic and the quality of finish is excellent.

[Richard]

I choose the Liebherr not only due to its excellent energy, green, and noise rating, but largely due to the fact that it is the only acrylic/glass interior unit of a major supplier. Why acrylic and glass? The others all stink (just smell the difference at the show room) and in my past experience the smell got into the food for months after I bought a new refrig. This is something CR should be testing as well. I wounder if it is a heath issue like the new car odor?

RE Liebherr French Door Closing issue
Nov 08 I was about to place my order for the 36" (the one with the issue) when I saw the above comments many places on the web. My appliance supplier also knew of the issue. Liebherr did a major fix release about Thanksgiving. The top service guy from my supplier went to the fix training. He is thrilled, and thinks the french door problem going forward is a non-issue. He explained the fix to me, sounds good. I will receive my unit the first week of Jan.

[Mary McGrade]

I posted earlier about problems with the French doors.The fix mentioned above did not resolve our problem. They replaced the doors and adjusted hinges, but the doors still do not close properly. We may have a defective model, but I have been appalled by Liebherr's lack of responsiveness. It has been five months since I brought this to their attention. Their first service call was in late October. They installed the new ordered parts in January. Several weeks later, I am still waiting for response. Be careful.

[A. Sheffield]

We received our new CS2062 today, and so far are quite pleased. It took about an hour to set up, and perhaps 2 hours to cool to the factory preset temps (38F fridge, 0F freezer). While it was cooling to the target temps, there was a low hum in the kitchen. Once the target temps were reached, the compressors shut off, and now there is nothing but silence.

We have not noticed any problems whatsoever with the french doors failing to close properly. They do not snap closed on their own; you have to push them gently; but they stay closed and sealed with no problem.

This is a gorgeous refrigerator -- sleek and quiet and elegant. It makes the whole kitchen look better, just by standing there.

[D. Hammond]

Refrigerator doors are not self closing in Europe. They require being gently closed by the person using them. Europeans renting our house complained the floor was uneven causing the doors to swing shut when not held open. They wondered how you were meant to take things out of the refrigerator with both hands while having to prop the door open. I preferr the manual close rather than the self close.

[C, Ishikawa]

I am seriously considering buying this model, but concerned about the French Door issue that some people had. Has anyone else have this problem or has this issue been fixed by the company recently?

Are there any other issues?

[carol]

besides the doors, has anyone had any problems with their liebherr? we are seriously consdering a cabinet depth because we don't have room for anything deeper and they certainly have all the features we want - but i don't want to spend this much money for something that doesn't work well!!! advice?

[Laurie Cowan]

I have a brand new Liebherr 36-inch fully integrated. When I pull on the handle to open the right side, the left side opens, also.

Is this the way it is engineered or is there something wrong with my refrigerator?

Wood panels are not entirely secured. But you have to get right up close to notice.

I hate SubZero which is why I chose the Liebherr. But I am wondering if I made a mistake. Thanks for any info.

[John]

I have the new 36" free Standing. Love it. Cabinet depth is why we bought it. Ice maker problem at first, but I think it was the installer. Ice maker water line was the issue.
Runs great, quiet, beautiful design. No issues with the doors.