The Bosch B36CL80SNS French door fridge freezer aims to be at the high end of the best French door refrigerators (opens in new tab) range, with a high-performance model that utilizes multiple technologies to keep food fresher, while also providing style through the dark stainless steel finish and slick, clean lines. The design is in line with Bosch’s streamlined aesthetic, which means no ice or water dispenser on the exterior of the fridge, but does mean it's a great option for those looking to complete a Bosch kitchen set. If you're attached to the idea of buying a fridge with an ice maker, check out the best side-by-side refrigerators (opens in new tab). For our Bosch B36CL80SNS review, keep reading.
Bosch B36CL80SNS review: Price
This model does sit towards the expensive end of the french door fridge freezer market with an RRP of $3,299, but there are plenty of retailers offering sizeable discounts. Abt is currently offering the Bosch B36CL80SNS at a $230 discount, making it $2,969, while appliancesconnection offers this model at $2,964.10.
Bosch B36CL80SNS review: Design/features
Overall capacity: 21 cubic feet
Freezer capacity: 6 cubic feet
Refrigerator shelves: 6
Refrigerator door bins: 6
Through Door Dispenser: None
While the timeless design may be the first thing you notice about the Bosch B36CL80SNS, it’s really been built around performance and functionality. A ‘SuperFreezing’ function prevents already frozen food from defrosting when new food is added (which usually raises the overall temperature), while the ‘SuperCool’ function rapidly drops the temperature of the fridge after the door has been opened, so an influx of warm air doesn’t affect the food inside.
To prevent the need to regularly defrost the fridge, it permanently collects air humidity in a central chiller unit, defrosting itself and channelling condensation away. Dual compressors and dual evaporators not only offer cooling and humidity control, but they also help keep the fridge smelling fresh and clean, even if you have a penchant for smelly cheese.
Capacity is good, though it's not quite up to the Kenmore Elite 73025 (opens in new tab) or Electrolux EI23BC82SS (opens in new tab).
Bosch B36CL80SNS review: Performance
Testing by reviewed.com found the Bosch B36CL80SNS had one of the best produce preservation systems they had ever tested. The full-width chiller drawer performed particularly well, with vegetables stored in there losing ten times less water per hour than their in-house lab averages.
The review also found that the interior of the refrigerator kept a near-perfect temperature, but the freezer did have some trouble keeping a consistent temperature.
It did also judge the Home Connect app to be fiddly to set up and lacking in features, although it is a positive that users can receive notifications when the ice tray was refilled.
Bosch B36CL80SNS review: User reviews
User reviews for the Bosch B36CL80SNS are glowing, averaging 4 to 5 out of 5. Reviews tend to compliment the roomy interior and ability to configure the shelving setup, as well as the wide range of features, including the cold water dispenser. Unsurprisingly, users lover the look of this french door fridge-freezer, but there was the odd doubt about its overall value due to the high price point.
Overall, it was difficult to find a complaint amongst the reviews. Many commented that months after installation they still loved their fridge freezer.
Should you buy the Bosch B36CL80SNS French door refrigerator?
While the look of this French door fridge freezer may lead many to fall in love with it before they even get to the features, it does stand-up well performance-wise too. The crisper draw, in particular, offers great performance, making it a plus point for anyone that can never eat their veggies before they turn bad.
It is, however, on the expensive side for what it does actually offer. You’ll be able to find other models with similar performance and similar features at a lower price point, but you will struggle to find one as good looking as this.