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⏱ 19 min read  ·  ✅ Updated Oct 2026

Choosing the right refrigerator often comes down to a battle between raw storage capacity and sleek architectural integration. After comparing manufacturer specifications, installation sheets and published documentation for both the GE Profile PVD28BYNFS and the Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS, it is clear that these two 36-inch appliances cater to entirely different culinary lifestyles. One prioritizes feeding a crowd with expansive volumetric space, while the other focuses on a flush, high-end aesthetic that blends seamlessly into modern cabinetry without protruding into your primary kitchen walkway.

When you are remodeling or simply upgrading your kitchen suite, the small details matter immensely. You notice every fingerprint, every awkward shelf adjustment, and every time a door swings too wide against an adjacent kitchen island. Putting these two specific four-door French door refrigerators head-to-head reveals distinct engineering philosophies, making your final decision heavily reliant on how you shop, cook, and entertain on a daily basis.

GE Profile PVD28BYNFS 36" 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with 27.6 cu. ft. Total Capacity in Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel

GE Profile PVD28BYNFS 36" 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with 27.6 cu. ft. Total Capacity in Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel

Included for 'GE Profile PVD28BYNFS 36 4-Door French vs Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS 36 Inch: Which Should You Buy?' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS 36 Inch Smart Freestanding Counter Depth 4 Door French Door Refrigerator with 20.5 cu. ft. Total Capacity in Stainless Steel (Bar Handle)

Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS 36 Inch Smart Freestanding Counter Depth 4 Door French Door Refrigerator with 20.5 cu. ft. Total Capacity in Stainless Steel (Bar Handle)

Included for 'GE Profile PVD28BYNFS 36 4-Door French vs Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS 36 Inch: Which Should You Buy?' because the listing lists an explicit depth/thickness, which is the attribute this article compares.

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Updated October 2026 – GE Profile PVD28BYNFS vs Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS in one line: the GE holds 27.9 cu. ft. against the Bosch’s 20.5 cu. ft. and adds an exterior ice and water dispenser plus Door In Door access, while the Bosch is a true counter-depth refrigerator rated at 568 kWh per year against roughly 758 kWh for the GE. Pick the GE for capacity and convenience, the Bosch for a flush, built-in fit.

Quick answer: Our top pick in 2026 is the Width — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.

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Quick Verdict

Choose the GE Profile PVD28BYNFS if you need maximum interior storage capacity and a fingerprint-resistant finish at a more accessible price point. Choose the Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS if you want a premium counter-depth footprint and a sophisticated aesthetic that elevates a modern kitchen design.

Availability note: GE’s own product page for the PVD28BYNFS now says the model is no longer being manufactured and does not name a direct successor, so check current retailer stock before you plan a kitchen around it. If it is sold out near you, the counter-depth GE Profile and the other 36-inch models in the Also Consider section below are the closest alternatives.

GE Profile vs Bosch 800 Series: Specs Side by Side

Feature GE Profile PVD28BYNFS Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS
Width 36-inch class (about 35 3/4 in.) 36-inch class (35 5/8 in.)
Configuration 4-door French door Smart freestanding counter-depth 4-door
Total capacity 27.9 cu. ft. 20.5 cu. ft.
Finish Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel Stainless steel (bar handle)
Price tier Upper mid-range, roughly $3,000 (varies by retailer) Premium, roughly $3,000-$3,500 (varies by retailer)
Smart features Yes (SmartHQ app) Yes (Home Connect app)
Depth style Standard depth Counter depth
Water and ice Exterior dispenser, Hands-Free AutoFill Ice maker with internal water dispenser
Annual energy use About 758 kWh (ENERGY STAR listing) 568 kWh (spec sheet)

Where A Wins

  • Superior Storage Capacity: Offering 27.9 cu. ft. of total capacity, the GE Profile easily eclipses its rival, giving you considerably more room to store bulk groceries, oversized platters, and weekly meal prep containers without playing kitchen Tetris.
  • Exceptional Value: Priced lower than the Bosch at most retailers, the GE model delivers an immense amount of usable space and advanced features for a lower financial outlay than the Bosch.
  • Fingerprint Resistant Finish: The exterior is specifically treated to resist smudges and smears, keeping the stainless steel surface looking remarkably clean even in a high-traffic family home with children.

Where B Wins

  • Sleek Counter-Depth Profile: The Bosch 800 Series features a dedicated counter-depth construction that sits flush with your surrounding kitchen counters, creating a custom, built-in look without requiring a pricey integrated panel installation.
  • Refined Handle Design: Equipped with premium bar handles, the Bosch exudes a European-inspired aesthetic that immediately elevates the overall visual luxury of modern kitchen spaces.
  • Smart Ecosystem and Engineering: Bosch brings meticulous German-influenced engineering precision to its cooling distribution and smart integration, appealing directly to tech-forward homeowners who value exact temperature management.

Real-World Use: Which One Fits You

The Busy Family Homestead

If your household goes through gallons of milk, fresh produce, and leftovers on a weekly basis, the GE Profile PVD28BYNFS is the clear winner. The extra cubic footage means you can stock up during big warehouse club runs without worrying about whether the Thanksgiving turkey or weekend groceries will physically fit inside the compartments.

The Modern Minimalist Kitchen

For homeowners prioritizing clean architectural lines and a flush, built-in appearance, the Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS shines. Its counter-depth profile ensures that the refrigerator does not stick out past your lower countertops, maintaining an uninterrupted walkway in tighter or open-concept kitchen layouts.

The Entertaining Enthusiast

If you frequently host dinner parties and need to store delicate appetizers, tall wine bottles, and large serving trays, the flexible four-door configuration of the GE Profile provides superior organizational agility. You can compartmentalize your cooling zones to keep party prep completely separated from everyday ingredients.

Dimensions, Clearance and Installation Fit

The single biggest practical difference between these two refrigerators is depth, so it is worth measuring before you compare anything else. Bosch publishes a detailed installation sheet for the B36CL80SNS: the cabinet body is 24 inches deep without doors, 28 3/4 inches deep with the doors but without handles, and 31 1/8 inches deep including the bar handles. The required cutout is 72 x 36 x 25 inches, and that 25-inch depth already includes the 1 inch of rear airflow Bosch asks for. Bosch also recommends a half-inch gap above the cabinet for ventilation.

GE lists the PVD28BYNFS at roughly 69 7/8 inches tall, 35 3/4 inches wide and about 36 3/4 inches deep. That makes the GE a couple of inches shorter than the Bosch but several inches deeper, and that extra depth is exactly where its additional capacity comes from. In a typical kitchen with standard 24-to-25-inch base cabinets, expect the GE’s doors and handles to sit well forward of the counter edge, while the Bosch is designed to line up close to it.

Measurement GE Profile PVD28BYNFS Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS
Height About 69 7/8 in. 72 in. (add 5/8 in. with leveling legs fully extended)
Width About 35 3/4 in. 35 5/8 in. (36 in. opening)
Depth About 36 3/4 in. overall 24 in. body, 28 3/4 in. with doors, 31 1/8 in. with handles
Recommended opening Follow GE installation instructions for clearances 72 x 36 x 25 in., including 1 in. rear airflow
Depth style Standard depth True counter depth

Door swing matters as much as the cabinet size. Bosch’s drawings show that opening the doors to 90 degrees is enough to pull the drawers out, and the drawers can be lifted out entirely with the doors fully open. That is helpful when the refrigerator sits beside a wall or tall pantry. Bosch also lists a net weight of 350 pounds and a maximum outlet and water-line height of 23 inches behind the unit, so confirm the utility locations before new cabinetry goes in. Whichever model you choose, measure every doorway and hallway turn on the delivery path as well as the kitchen opening itself.

Ice, Water and Everyday Convenience

This is where the two refrigerators feel most different from one day to the next. GE describes the PVD28BYNFS as a Door In Door model with Hands-Free AutoFill. Door In Door gives you a separate outer compartment for frequently used items, so you can grab drinks or condiments without opening the main fresh-food space. Hands-Free AutoFill is part of the exterior dispenser and uses sensors to fill a glass or pitcher without holding a lever. For households that pour a lot of ice water, an exterior dispenser is the convenience feature people most often miss when they move to a model without one.

The Bosch takes the opposite approach. Its spec sheet lists an ice maker plus an internal water dispenser placed inside the fresh-food section, which keeps the door fronts flat and uninterrupted. The trade-off is simple: you open the door for chilled water, and ice comes from the freezer rather than the door. In a design-led kitchen, that clean door panel is part of the appeal. In a busy family kitchen, the GE’s exterior dispenser may be worth more than the sleeker look.

Both refrigerators rely on a replaceable water filter. Bosch lists its UltraClarityPro cartridge, and GE uses its own filter line. Treat filter replacements as a recurring cost, typically every six months or so depending on water use and the manufacturer’s guidance.

Freshness, Storage Layout and Cooling Technology

Bosch groups its food-preservation features under the FarmFresh System name. According to the spec sheet, the B36CL80SNS uses two compressors and two evaporators, MultiAirFlow vents, an AirFresh filter, and a FreshProtect ethylene filter designed to slow the ripening gases that make produce spoil faster. The full-width VitaFreshPro drawer offers pre-programmed temperature and humidity settings for meat, fish and produce, and there are two additional humidity-controlled crispers.

Inside, Bosch lists five tempered-glass shelves, including four half-width split shelves, a FlexBar rail in the upper cavity for clip-on accessories such as a bottle holder or egg tray, three gallon-size door bins, and three freezer drawers. Recessed LED light bars and a stainless steel back wall give the interior a finished, built-in look that matches the exterior.

The GE’s strength is raw space and flexible access. In addition to the Door In Door compartment, GE highlights a convertible temperature drawer in the middle of the cabinet, which can be used for drinks, deli items or snacks depending on the setting chosen. If your priority is keeping fresh produce at its best for longer, the Bosch is the more specialized design. If your priority is fitting more food, larger platters and bulk purchases, the GE’s capacity is hard to beat.

Energy Use and Running Costs

Bosch rates the B36CL80SNS at 568 kWh per year and lists it as ENERGY STAR qualified. The GE PVD28BYNFS is also ENERGY STAR certified, but its larger, deeper cabinet and exterior dispenser generally mean a higher annual figure; its ENERGY STAR listing shows roughly 758 kWh per year. Check the yellow EnergyGuide label on the exact unit you are considering for the official number.

At an electricity rate of about 17 cents per kWh, 568 kWh works out to roughly $95 to $100 a year. A gap of around 150 to 200 kWh would add something like $25 to $35 a year to the larger refrigerator’s running cost. Over a refrigerator’s typical service life, that difference can recover a meaningful share of the Bosch’s higher purchase price, although it will not erase it entirely for most households.

Smart Features and App Control

Both refrigerators are Wi-Fi enabled, but they live in different ecosystems. GE connects through its SmartHQ app and lists compatibility with voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant. Bosch connects through the Home Connect app, which is also used across Bosch dishwashers, ranges and other appliances. If you already own appliances from one of these brands, staying in the same app keeps alerts and settings in one place.

In practice, the most useful smart functions on any refrigerator are temperature adjustments, door-ajar alerts and filter reminders rather than novelty features. Neither app is a strong enough reason on its own to choose one refrigerator over the other; let capacity, depth and the dispenser decide first.

Price and Value

Evaluating the financial investment requires looking closely at the hardware differences. Both refrigerators sit around the $3,000 mark, and the Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS usually costs a few hundred dollars more than the GE Profile PVD28BYNFS, depending on the retailer and current promotions. Check live prices before you decide, since appliance pricing moves often. That extra cost for the Bosch goes directly toward its specialized counter-depth engineering and luxury aesthetic touches. If raw storage volume is your primary metric of value, the GE Profile offers significantly more interior space per dollar spent. However, if your kitchen layout demands a flush counter-depth appliance to preserve floor space, the Bosch justifies its higher price tag through superior spatial integration.

Maintenance, Service and Long-Term Ownership

Both models are premium 36-inch refrigerators, so the ownership details are worth a few minutes before you order. The recurring items are similar: a water filter swap about every six months, periodic coil and gasket cleaning, and occasional checks that the doors still close squarely after the unit settles on its leveling legs.

Where the two differ is in the number of parts that can wear. The GE Profile PVD28BYNFS adds an exterior dispenser, a Door In Door panel and a convertible temperature drawer, which means more moving parts and more surfaces that collect drips. The Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS keeps its door fronts flat and moves the water dispenser inside, so there is less to clean, but its two-compressor, two-evaporator system is more specialized if a repair is ever needed.

  • Warranty: terms differ by brand and by retailer protection plan, so read the current manufacturer statement and compare what the extended plan covers, particularly the sealed system.
  • Service access: ask a local appliance technician which brand has faster parts support in your area before you buy.
  • Cleaning routine: wipe the dispenser tray on the GE weekly; on the Bosch, wipe the interior water dispenser nozzle when you change the filter.

Who Should Skip Each Model

Skip the GE Profile PVD28BYNFS if…

  • Your refrigerator space is a recessed opening built for a counter-depth unit, or a deep cabinet would crowd a kitchen island or walkway.
  • You want flat, dispenser-free door fronts that blend with surrounding cabinetry.
  • Long-term electricity use matters to you and you would rather trade some capacity for a lower annual energy rating.

Skip the Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS if…

  • You rely on through-the-door ice and water several times a day.
  • You feed a large household, buy in bulk, or regularly store big trays and party platters; roughly 20.5 cu. ft. fills up quickly.
  • Your kitchen layout has room for a standard-depth refrigerator and the extra cost of counter-depth styling is hard to justify.

Before You Buy: A Quick Fit Checklist

  • Measure the opening: height, width and depth, including the top gap and rear airflow space each maker specifies.
  • Check door swing: confirm the doors can open far enough to remove drawers if the refrigerator sits beside a wall, pantry or island.
  • Locate utilities: make sure the outlet and water supply line sit where the installation guide expects them.
  • Measure the delivery path: doorways, hallways and tight corners matter for a heavy 36-inch appliance.
  • Decide on the dispenser: exterior ice and water versus an interior water dispenser is the most noticeable daily difference here.
  • Plan for filters: both use replaceable water filters, so factor replacements into the ownership cost.
  • Read the warranty: coverage terms differ by brand and can change, so review the current warranty statement before purchase.

Final Recommendation

Go with the GE Profile PVD28BYNFS, while remaining stock lasts, for its unbeatable combination of massive 27.9 cu. ft. capacity, fingerprint-resistant practicality, and lower typical price. Choose the Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS only under the condition that your kitchen design strictly requires a flush counter-depth refrigerator to maintain an unobstructed pathway and upscale aesthetic.

Also Consider: Other 36-Inch French Door Refrigerators

If neither the GE Profile PVD28BYNFS nor the Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS fits your kitchen perfectly, these three 36-inch models cover the gaps: counter depth with an exterior dispenser, more counter-depth capacity, and a smaller GE counter-depth option.

Model Capacity Depth style Dispenser Best for
GE Profile PVD28BYNFS 27.9 cu. ft. Standard Exterior Largest households
Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS 20.5 cu. ft. Counter Internal water Flush built-in look
Frigidaire Gallery GRMC2273CD 21.5 cu. ft. Counter Exterior ice and water Counter depth with a dispenser
LG 36-inch Counter-Depth MAX 26 cu. ft. Counter Check listing Most counter-depth capacity
GE Profile 36-inch Counter Depth 23.1 cu. ft. Counter Internal water GE app and TwinChill cooling
Frigidaire Gallery 21.5 cu ft Counter-Depth 4-Door French Door Refrigerator – 36″ Width, External Ice & Water Dispenser, Convertible Temp Drawer, Smudge-Proof Black Stainless Steel (Model GRMC2273CD)

Frigidaire Gallery 21.5 cu ft Counter-Depth 4-Door French Door Refrigerator – 36″ Width, External Ice & Water Dispenser, Convertible Temp Drawer, Smudge-Proof Black Stainless Steel (Model GRMC2273CD)

Included for 'GE Profile PVD28BYNFS 36 4-Door French vs Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS 36 Inch: Which Should You Buy?' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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This is the model to look at when the Bosch’s flush fit appeals to you but the GE’s exterior dispenser is the feature you would miss. It stays in the counter-depth class while keeping ice and water on the door, and the middle drawer converts between temperature settings.

  • 21.5 cu. ft. total capacity
  • Counter-depth, 4-door French door layout
  • 36-inch width
  • External ice and water dispenser
  • Convertible temperature drawer
  • Smudge-proof black stainless steel finish

Pros: counter-depth fit with a door dispenser; convertible drawer for drinks or deli items; a little more capacity than the Bosch. Cons: noticeably less space than the GE; premium-tier pricing. Skip it if you want the largest possible interior or the Bosch’s produce-focused drawer system.

LG 36-Inch Counter-Depth MAX Smart French Door Refrigerator 26 cu. ft. – Best for Counter-Depth Capacity

LG 36 Inch Counter-Depth MAX™ Smart French Door Refrigerator with 26 cu.ft. Capacity, WiFi Enabled, ThinQ Technology, Dual Ice Maker, Slim SpacePlus® Ice System

LG 36 Inch Counter-Depth MAX™ Smart French Door Refrigerator with 26 cu.ft. Capacity, WiFi Enabled, ThinQ Technology, Dual Ice Maker, Slim SpacePlus® Ice System

Included for 'GE Profile PVD28BYNFS 36 4-Door French vs Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS 36 Inch: Which Should You Buy?' because the listing lists an explicit depth/thickness, which is the attribute this article compares.

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Buyers who find the Bosch’s 20.5 cu. ft. too tight, yet cannot give up the counter-depth look, should compare this LG. It is a Wi-Fi smart model aimed at households that want a larger interior without protruding into the room.

  • 26 cu. ft. capacity in a counter-depth cabinet
  • 36-inch width, French door design
  • Wi-Fi enabled with ThinQ technology
  • Dual ice maker
  • Slim SpacePlus ice system

Pros: the most capacity of the counter-depth options here; app control through ThinQ; a slim ice system designed to free up fresh-food space. Cons: a different app ecosystem from Bosch or GE; confirm the cutout depth and handle projection before ordering. Skip it if you want Door In Door access or already use SmartHQ or Home Connect appliances.

GE Profile 36-Inch Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator 23.1 cu. ft. – Best GE Option for Tighter Kitchens

GE Profile 36 Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator with 23.1 cu. ft. Capacity Internal Water Dispenser TwinChill Evaporator and Showcase LED Lighting in Fingerprint Resistant

GE Profile 36 Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator with 23.1 cu. ft. Capacity Internal Water Dispenser TwinChill Evaporator and Showcase LED Lighting in Fingerprint Resistant

Included for 'GE Profile PVD28BYNFS 36 4-Door French vs Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS 36 Inch: Which Should You Buy?' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.

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If you like the GE Profile line but your kitchen cannot take the PVD28BYNFS’s 36 3/4-inch depth, this counter-depth Profile keeps the brand’s fingerprint-resistant finish and TwinChill cooling in a shallower cabinet.

  • 23.1 cu. ft. capacity
  • 36-inch counter-depth French door design
  • Internal water dispenser
  • TwinChill evaporators
  • Showcase LED lighting
  • Fingerprint-resistant finish

Pros: shallower footprint than the PVD28BYNFS; separate evaporators for the fresh-food and freezer sections; same brand and finish. Cons: less capacity than the PVD28BYNFS; water comes from an internal dispenser rather than the door. Skip it if you need an exterior dispenser or maximum storage.

Is the Bosch Worth More Than the GE? Quick Answers

Is the Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS worth the extra cost over the GE Profile PVD28BYNFS?

Only if you need a true counter-depth fit. The Bosch gives up about 7.4 cu. ft. of capacity (20.5 vs 27.9 cu. ft.) and the exterior dispenser in exchange for a flush look and a lower energy rating of 568 kWh per year.

Does the GE Profile PVD28BYNFS have Door In Door?

Yes. GE describes it as a Door In Door model, with a separate outer compartment for frequently used items, and the Bosch does not offer that feature.

Is there a counter-depth, four-door refrigerator with an exterior ice and water dispenser?

Yes. The Frigidaire Gallery 21.5 cu. ft. counter-depth 4-door model below combines both, which makes it the closest middle ground between these two refrigerators.

Which is easier to fit in a remodel, the GE or the Bosch?

The Bosch, because its 25-inch cutout depth matches standard base cabinets. The GE is about 36 3/4 inches deep overall, so plan extra clearance or choose a counter-depth model.

FAQ

Does the GE Profile PVD28BYNFS resist smudges?

Yes, this model features a specialized fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior. This coating makes it significantly easier to wipe away daily smudges, keeping the kitchen looking tidy with minimal maintenance.

What is the major capacity difference between these two refrigerators?

The GE Profile offers 27.9 cu. ft. of total storage capacity, whereas the Bosch 800 Series provides 20.5 cu. ft. This gives the GE model a substantial advantage in volume for storing large amounts of food.

Are both of these refrigerators considered smart appliances?

Yes, both units feature smart connectivity integrations. You can monitor and adjust settings remotely using compatible applications on your mobile device.

Does the Bosch B36CL80SNS have an ice and water dispenser on the door?

No. Bosch lists an ice maker and an internal water dispenser located inside the fresh-food compartment, so the door fronts stay flat. If an exterior ice and water dispenser is important to you, the GE Profile PVD28BYNFS with Hands-Free AutoFill is the better match.

How deep is the Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS?

Bosch lists 24 inches for the cabinet body, 28 3/4 inches with the doors, and 31 1/8 inches including the handles. The recommended cutout depth is 25 inches, which includes 1 inch of rear airflow.

Which refrigerator uses less electricity?

The Bosch is rated at 568 kWh per year on its spec sheet. The GE is ENERGY STAR certified as well, but its larger cabinet and exterior dispenser generally lead to a higher annual figure, so the Bosch should cost less to run. Compare the EnergyGuide labels for exact numbers.

Will the GE Profile PVD28BYNFS stick out past my counters?

Most likely, yes. GE lists an overall depth of about 36 3/4 inches, while standard base cabinets with countertops are usually around 25 inches deep. That is normal for a standard-depth refrigerator, but it matters in tight galley kitchens or next to an island.

What is the Bosch FarmFresh System?

It is Bosch’s name for the group of freshness features in this refrigerator: the VitaFreshPro drawer with preset temperature and humidity settings, MultiAirFlow vents, an AirFresh filter and a FreshProtect ethylene filter. Together they are designed to help produce, meat and fish stay fresh longer.

Which refrigerator is better for a small or open-concept kitchen?

The Bosch. Its counter-depth cabinet keeps the walkway clear and lines up with surrounding cabinets, and its drawers can be removed with the doors opened to 90 degrees, which helps when the refrigerator sits near a wall.

Which model features a counter-depth design?

The Bosch 800 Series B36CL80SNS is explicitly designed as a counter-depth refrigerator, allowing it to sit much more flush with standard kitchen counters compared to standard-depth models like the GE Profile.

See also: our full roundup Best 36 Refrigerator in 2026: Compared and Ranked.

Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Width.

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