GE GSS25IMNES Side-by-Side Refrigerator Review

Our testing shows that the GSS25IMNES runs a little warm, more so than the average fridge. When we set it to the recommended 37°F, our sensors periodically picked up temperatures of around 40°F. This is not a deal breaker or a health hazard; it just means we recommend that you set this fridge a few degrees lower. Overall, its temperature level remains consistent.

About the GE GSS25IMNES

• Dimensions: 34.75” x 69.5” x 35.75” (D x H x W)
• Finishes: Black, black stainless, stainless steel, white, slate
• Measured capacity: 9.2 cu. ft. in the fridge and 4.8 cu. ft. in the freezer
• Dispensers: Water, cubed ice, and crushed ice

What we like

Its interior is brightly lit

The appliance’s refrigerated section features four large LED lights, angled in such a way that its interior is evenly and completely illuminated, i.e. you won’t lose those leftovers in a back corner.

Typically, side-by-sides are narrow, which makes viewing all that’s inside them difficult. Having enough light, as this machine does, helps you keep track of your produce and fresh groceries.

Its temperature levels remain consistent

When we test a fridge’s performance, we look for two things: absolute temperature and temperature consistency.

Consistency is all about having the temperature stay with a certain range. Fridges spend most of their time idle, only starting up and running when temperatures get too warm. In some cases, they wait too long before starting up, which puts your food in jeopardy of staying fresh.

Our tests show that the GSS25IMNES does a pretty good job maintaining a temperature and avoiding getting too warm. The fridge bounced between 37.2°F and 40.1°F, and the freezer bounced between 0°F and 2°F. This is good because the fridge and freezer temperatures never entered the range in which harmful bacteria start to grow.

It boasts a family-friendly design

GE specifically designed the GSS25IMNES to be family-friendly. Its exterior is fingerprint-resistant and easy to clean. In fact, we smeared margarine on the door of the fridge and were able to clean it spotless within seconds with just a paper towel. Try that with a stainless steel fridge and you’ll need to bust out the specialized cleaners and microfiber cloths.

The GSS25IMNES model that we tested also has a matte finish. This helps in making sure this fridge at least looks clean. When it comes to shiny fridges, think about your mirror in your bathroom—every smudge is easy to spot. On the GSS25IMNES, all grime just blends in, which is half the cleaning battle, at least where busy moms are concerned.

Let’s also note that an interior drawer sits at a height that’s accessible for children, making it a great place to store snacks. It might squeak when your kids open it, but they’re already screaming about being hungry, so you won’t notice. There are also storage bins all along the side of the fridge door. While this isn’t unique to the GSS25IMNES, it is additional kid-friendly storage space.

What we don’t like

Squeaky drawers are irritating

While fiddling with the fridge’s drawers, we noticed the lower ones tend to squeak on opening and closing them. Opening lower-level drawers causes an especially ear-grating noise, because you tend to pull up as well as out.

You can ease the screech by making sure you pull straight out or by applying a food-safe lubricant of your choice, like paraffin wax. But, maybe you won’t want to if you’re trying to curb your kiddo’s snacking habit.

This side-by-side fridge is pricey for what it offers

Side-by-sides like the LG LSX26366S offer more flexible storage and better features at a lower price.

Another issue that makes it a little more cumbersome to shop for is its finish. We tested the slate finish, which as far as we can tell, is unique to GE. For the style conscious consumer, this means you can’t mix-and-match appliances from other brands; instead, you’ll have to get a GE suite. It’s not the worst problem, but this fridge will always be the odd appliance out if you have appliances from other brands in your kitchen.

The fridge runs a little hot

When we set the fridge to 37°F, our sensors picked up an average temperature of 38.8°F. This is perfectly fine from a food safety standpoint, and to achieve a cooler environment, just set the fridge’s temp a little lower to compensate.

However, in our ideal scenario, we like to see fridges that are both consistent and reach a temperature they claim to be producing.

What are users saying

Out of 8,281 reviews across The Home Depot and Lowe’s, 89% of people recommended the GE GSS25IMNES. Users like the size of the ice maker and its brightly lit interior.

However, there were complaints about the squeaky drawers and condensation build-up on the side of the door.

Should you buy the GE GSS25IMNES?

Maybe, if you have kids and don’t care about matching kitchen appliance finishes. There’s nothing exceptional about the GSS25IMNES that makes it stand out among the crowd of side-by-side fridges. Plenty of side-by-sides can cool well and offer child-height drawers.

It does have a uniquely well-lit interior, but that’s not enough to push it over the top. However, if you do purchase this GE, you could have chosen worse.