Why did GE Stop Making the Drop Down Shelf Feature for Refrigerators?

by Judy
(USA)

Just wondering if you know why GE stopped making refrigerators with the drop-down shelf on the door.


This is a great feature for families. Juice, milk, etc., can be stored in space on door, glasses can be placed on shelf, and beverages can be poured, all without opening the fridge door itself.

I have one that is now 20 years old, and the only problem we have ever had was with the icemaker, which, a dealer told us two years ago, cannot be repaired.

Anyone have any ideas?


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Comments for Why did GE Stop Making the Drop Down Shelf Feature for Refrigerators?

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Jun 08, 2023
 I need help on how to put the Drop Down shelf back in NEW
by: Laurie

I removed my drop down shelf to clean it thinking that I would remember how to put it back in. I am so confused. I did it only one other time and finally figured it out but I am giving up. Does anyone know how to do this?
Feb 27, 2022
 Dropdown Door
by: Janet

I have 2 of these, my original GE was purchased Dec 1989 in NY, and it STILL works! The 2nd one I bought was black Friday in 2008 in AZ.

They had stopped making them for quite a few years, and when I spotted the one in 2008, I had to have it.

I must say the original is of much better quality. It withstood four boys! I wish they would bring them back too. I am redoing the kitchen in NY and dread giving it up.
Jul 13, 2021
 Maybe I'll move to Europe!?!
by: Anonymous

Bought this GE in 1989 and it has served me well all those years until now when it no longer cools enough. I hate to have to buy another because of the drop-down-door feature that is no longer available anywhere (except in European and other country models wired for their electrical load). Just can't understand why something so great has been discontinued for the US market. Obviously there are loads of people who feel as I do!
Oct 08, 2020
 Awesome feature
by: Anonymous

I hope mine never breaks. There is nothing out there that can replace it. I use the shelf all the time.
May 04, 2020
 Has anyone found one?
by: Taylor

We are looking to replace our 1991 GE and I can’t believe none have the drop shelf feature? Has anyone found one?
May 01, 2020
 Drop front GE come back
by: Howard

I have one that is at least 35 years old and the only time it has not been running is when we moved from NJ to FLA. Even the ice maker was working. We put it in the garage here and it keeps on ticking. Love it.
Nov 27, 2019
 Broken door hinge
by: Anonymous

Anyone have one broken that has extra parts my door hinge broke
Feb 05, 2019
 drop down shelf is the best
by: Spotswood

Luckily mine is still working but if I had to get a new one then I would probably measure doors and switch just that one. Wouldn't care if it was teh same color or not. Don't want to even think about doing without it.
May 21, 2018
 I still have my drop down door (kenmore)
by: Angela

My Kenmore drop-door refrigerator is fantastic. I have never had anything go wrong with it; people don't know what I am talking about when I talk about it.

So yes, I took to my computer about it, put in the description, and requested to see images; nothing came up except this—refrigerator pro.

So for a few minutes, I thought to myself, am I the only one in the USA with this great refrigerator? and yes, I did purchase it in 1994-1995. I don't quite remember. But I love it, and I truly understand what everyone says about this remarkable product.

I don't understand why Kenmore no longer makes this product. I own a gem. I love it and hope I never have to replace it. I remember it costing about $3000.00, incl taxes and delivery.
Oct 10, 2017
 Is America out of good ideas?
by: Anonymous

Why is this no longer available in the States!?!
Oct 09, 2017
 Wish a company made this again.
by: Anonymous

Had our fridge for 20+ years.
Things wear out, but once I realized how impossible it was to find a replacement, the repair bill was always worth it.
Till it fell off a truck as we were having it moved.
Sad days not having this awesome feature.
Weird that a door in door design that opens to the side is somehow more energy efficient then a hatch shelf?
I also like how symmetrical the fridge looked.
Fridges now all look odd.

And good luck trying to explain this to anyone who has never seen one.
Jul 18, 2017
 Love my drop down
by: Anonymous

Well lightning knocked out some circuitry in the panel of my GE drop down fridge many years ago. But it is still going strong to this day.. It actually freezes stuff inside the fridge if you put the food next to the freezer side. We have turned it way down to stop that but we still find sometimes frozen food.
I am looking to buy another one that works as good as this one. I don't want to loose it but, I know 1 day all good things come to an end.
Maybe GE will bring it back if we all keep persueing it???
Jun 04, 2017
 BOO HOO
by: Anonymous

Just lost my fridge with drop-down door/shelf today. My model is a Kenmore and we've had it for 26 years. I, too, can't find anything close to it; I also do not want to spend upwards of $3,000 on the door-in-door models that still don't offer the he shelf aspect which is the highlight of the design!
Feb 02, 2017
 Drop down door best feature ever
by: Anonymous

I have loved my GE for 22 years and cannot bear to lose this feature😩 I see they have door in door but its notbthe sane as the drop down - please please please bring it back!
Sep 27, 2016
 Bring it back
by: Anonymous

I had one of these with the drop down door also. It was the best frig I ever had and if GE came out with one again, I would but it in a heartbeat!!!
Jul 20, 2016
 samsung make one
by: christine harris

we have had a Samsung, American style fridge freezer for many years, which has a drop down shelf. it is excellent. I think LG also make one.
Jul 10, 2016
 Drop down door
by: Rhonda

Omg yes! That's what I'm searching for now.
Apr 11, 2016
 Plz Bring Back Drop Down Door Refrigerator
by: Val

We too wish someone would sell a refrigerator with the drop down door. My GE is still working but need to buy new frig but cannot find anything with the drop down door. It's such a convenient feature. I can't for the life of me figure out why some brand doesn't have this available! I did find one online but it's too small (18cu ft). Brand is: Summit Ingenious Series FF1935PLIM.
Feb 16, 2016
 Bring Back the fold down beverage shelf
by: ET

Great to see there is a list for this and just had to add my thoughts in case anyone is listening (hint GE!)... we've had our 'beverage center' refrigerator for over 20 years. The compressor clunks around whenever it shuts off so not long for this world but can't imagine buying a new one without this feature. I literally might cut this door out of the old one when it dies and find a way to install it in a new one. Hard to imagine why they would discontinue it. New Door in door features just miss the point.
Jun 28, 2015
 Drop Down Shelf Refrigerator
by: Anonymous

I love that feature. We bought one in 1972, yes 1972. I read somewhere in my search that the drop down shelf was not energy efficient; but I have never had a problem with it. To me the drop down feature is very energy efficient because you don't have to open the big door. I need to replace it due to an issue in the freezer; however, I cannot find another one I like. Sure wish I could find one.
Jul 15, 2014
 Drop down shelf
by: Susan Dykstra

I want a french door refrigerator with a drop down shelf.
I have now had two and they are perfect for families with children,teenagers, guests, anyone!
So convenient to put a bowl of cereal on the shelf and pour mild on it.
Whey did GE discontinue it????
Aug 27, 2013
 Drop-Down-Shelf is most admired feature
by: Ron

Add me to the list of those mystified about why such an obviously useful and convenient feature was discontinued. Is there a manufacturer anywhere who actually listens to consumers? My guess is that it was sacrificed during the Holy Grail search for energy efficiency (18 mpg on a big SUV is still o.k. tho!). Saw a Samsung model marketed in Australia, and may have to look seriously if our 1988 model isn't repairable.
Jun 28, 2013
 Drink Hatch in the Samsung model
by: Cindy Loo Who

702L Samsung Side By Side Fridge SRS702GDHSS

I found this high end fridge with drink hatch.
Jun 28, 2013
 I have seen new ones!
by: Cindy Loo Who

Still trying to google but I have recently started watching Korean Dramas (bear with me there is a point) and watch have I seen!!???? New fridges with the juice drop down door!!! so far the only thing I can google is the french door with an extra door inside but it does give me hope that since I have seen them they are possible out there!
May 16, 2013
 I too am looking for the drop down door
by: Phil

When you get use to a convenience and its no longer available, life goes on but I have to be retrained. When our last ge died I searched to no avail. I ended up with a lg, its OK but just OK.
I sure miss that door and shelf. Do you hear us GE?
May 16, 2013
 I too am looking for the drop down door
by: Phil

When you get use to a convenience and its no longer available, life goes on but I have to be retrained. When our last ge died I searched to no avail. I ended up with a lg, its OK but just OK.
I sure miss that door and shelf. Do you hear us GE?
Jan 18, 2013
 Dedperately want drop down door!!!
by: DK

Any chance drop down door returns? It is the most important feature on our old fridge. Repairing water line will cost almost $500, but worth it to keep drop down door, unless there's a newer model with drop down door.
Jan 18, 2013
 Dedperately want drop down door!!!
by: DK

Any chance drop down door returns? It is the most important feature on our old fridge. Repairing water line will cost almost $500, but worth it to keep drop down door, unless there's a newer model with drop down door.
Nov 26, 2012
 Ge fridge with handy door 1987 model
by: Anonymous

I love my refrigerator had it since 1987. The handy door feature was the best feature on this fridge. Please ge think about making the side by side with this feature.

My fridge is getting old . I don't have much time Please Put on the market again
Oct 24, 2012
 Ice maker
by: Anonymous

I love ours too.
My ice maker went up a few months ago.
It looks like there are several newer replacement that just plug right in and hang on screws.
Look on eBay
I found the exact replacement on eBay for like $16.00
A week later.....fixed.
Jun 04, 2012
 DROP DOWN DOOR REFRITERATOR
by: MELODY

I too am holding out on a new fridge b/c I LOVE my drop down door. My refrigerator is about 27 years old and has had only minor issues. Now my door is not closing properly and it takes extra effort to make sure its shut. My husband wantS me to get a new one but I keep holding out in the event there is another drop down door. Why don't somebody make one?????
Jan 09, 2012
 Totally Agree
by: Anonymous

I am also in the market for a new refrigerator but am holding off to see if they hopefully bring the drop down shelf feature or door in door feature back.
Nov 14, 2011
 Drop Down Shelf
by: Anonymous

I am in total agreement with the drop down shelf. I have absolutely loved it, all the years that I have had my fridge. It is so handy. Why do away with a wonderful feature?

I keep hoping that I can find a refrigerator with that feature. Nothing comes close.

RefrigeratorPro Tip: LG has just created a Door In Door fridge that comes close but doesn't have the shelf to pour drinks on. Take a look to learn more. Click here - LG Door in Door model
Jun 15, 2011
 I'd like to find a drop down shelf too!
by: Pat

I totally agree!!!! I love the drop down shelf.

I'd buy a new fridge today if I could find one with that drop down door. Our fridge is dying, and leaks... but I don't like any of the new fancy fridges that aren't practical enough to have that drop-down door.

Sure wish some appliance maker would smarten up and make them again. The 3-door system leaves me.. cold.

I repeat... I'd buy a new fridge in a heartbeat if someone would make one with that dropdown door! I can't believe a lot of other people wouldn't like it, and that they couldn't sell it as more energy efficient because you don't have to open the entire door to get to the drinks!

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Jan 27, 2011
 We love that GE with Drop Down Door in front
by: Larry

I agree with Judy. We want to remodel our kitchen, but are reluctant to give up this wonderful, convenient feature. We also love the storage bins that slid out. This was an outstanding refrigerator!

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