A  standard side-by-side refrigerator will last you around 8-11 years with regular care and cleaning.

The best of the best would be Sub-Zero or maybe a Thermador. For more info check out my fridge buying guide:

You can also find some of my top picks of the year, a special piece I wrote on an upcoming BlueStar premium offering too!

Wondering if there is an issue where the seal went bad so air is entering and during the defrost cycle it’s leaking from under the door. So check the door seals and more importantly check in the back of the fridge is a drain tube usually white coming from the freezer, see if it is clogged that will cause ice to form in the freezer as well. Many times they get obstructed and cause this leaking to happen.

Its really tricky as technically they are sealed but to let heat escape the ventilation holes sometimes allow for grease build up and things to drop in there. The only way to clean it is to take the oven door off place it on a soft surface like a blanket on the table and unscrew the door from the surround. At this point you can thoroughly clean it but pay attention to what screws are removed so you put it back together.