the first criteria i had was storage capacity, followed closely by price. storage capacity is huge, with the perfect balance of square footage between the fridge & freezer.
side-beside refrigerators are no longer so popular, but are a far more efficient use of space, especially in the freezer vs the pull-out drawer type, which waste a ton of space accommodating sliding drawers etc.
samsung's stainless steel finish has a richness & depth to it that no other brand comes close to, & this combined with  this appliances design aesthetic made it a simple choice for me.

pro's
huge capacity
simple, elegant design
door mounted ice maker
deep freeze setting -8°f
excellent interior lighting
cold air circulation

con's
needs 1 more shelf in fridge
no lighting over ice/water dispenser