800 Series 20.5 cu. ft. Smart Energy Star Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator With Internal Water Dispenser B36CL80SNS

Despite its counter-depth footprint (35.6 inches wide, 31.1 inches deep), this model offers 20.5 cubic feet of capacity and reviewers consistently report it feels surprisingly spacious. Many owners who downsized from larger fridges note they can actually fit more usable items, thanks to the well-designed interior layout with full-depth shelves, large door bins, and a dedicated middle drawer. The French-door design and flexible shelf configuration maximize storage without feeling cramped.

Most owners praise the quiet operation of this model. However, a few reviewers report it can be noisy when the compressor runs, with one noting a high-pitched sound. A certified Bosch technician confirmed in one case that some units in this line do operate at higher noise levels than expected. If quiet operation is critical, it's worth testing in-store or confirming the noise level before purchase.

The ice maker is a standout feature for most owners—it produces abundant ice and keeps the bin consistently full, even with heavy use. However, some reviewers note the ice cubes are smaller than expected, and a few report the ice maker can overflow, causing cubes to spill into the freezer when the door opens. One owner reported their ice maker stopped after producing only 13 cubes, though this appears to be an isolated defect rather than a widespread issue.

The middle drawer is a temperature-controlled compartment designed for items like fresh produce, cheese, and deli meats. Reviewers consistently praise its convenience and find it more useful than expected, noting it keeps vegetables and produce fresher longer and provides easy access to frequently used items. The drawer features a soft-close mechanism, though some owners report it can be somewhat difficult to open and close.

Most owners report excellent build quality and long-term reliability. However, several reviewers note that the plastic crisper/cheese drawer in the main refrigerator compartment feels flimsy and can be difficult to open and close for the price point. A few owners also reported receiving units with minor shipping damage (dents on doors) or incomplete installation (unsecured door handles). Some early failures have been reported (compressor issues, electronic failures), though these appear to be isolated defects covered under warranty rather than systemic problems.

One reviewer reported that despite the product description claiming fingerprint resistance, the exterior shows every touch and is not actually fingerprint resistant. However, another owner specifically praised the smudge-free exterior and lack of fingerprints. Results may vary by finish or unit.

Reviewers consistently praise the bright, even interior lighting and thoughtful layout. The design minimizes dark corners where food gets lost, and the adjustable shelves, spacious drawers, and logical compartmentalization make it easy to keep items visible and organized. Many owners note the layout feels intuitive and helps prevent food waste.

One reviewer noted that the refrigerator doors fall back onto you when accessing the fridge and do not pull themselves shut like the drawers do, so they can be left slightly ajar. The soft-close drawers are praised, but the doors themselves lack this feature, which may require more attention to ensure they close fully.