At first I wasn't sure about the middle drawer, but after being in my kitchen for a couple weeks, I'm a big fan. This middle drawer can be either freezer or fridge. We've chosen to use it as a fridge to keep drinks, lunch meets and cheese in. It reduces the number of times we open the larger compartment. If needed, it can be switched to freezer mode. We have also come to appreciate the wider right door which has minimized how often we open both doors. And the slow close main door is a bonus. This has now become the standard.