Going to pull the trigger on new frig: Which one you suggest??

Chaz · July 14, 2011, 07:45:58 AM

Hey guys,
I did a thread back in '09 about getting a new frig. I'm just now getting to it.

A buddy offered to buy my Dometic Americana ($500.oo and it's in great shape) so I can now continue my kitchen renovation. I needed to get the new frig so I could plan it. Sooooooooo........ which one??
I can tell you, I do not have the Dead Presidents for a Summit. I understand they are nice but...

I'd like to have one with at least the capability of turning off the defroster. And something around 10 cu.ft. ........ I guess. I'd just like to keep it under 6' tall or so. Depth and width don't matter.
Any recommendations??

'preciate it!!!!!!!
Chaz

belfert · July 14, 2011, 08:31:01 AM

I would not recommend most of the inexpensive 10 CF fridges out there. I know from experience that most use a lot of energy. Take a look at the Energy Guides and see how many KW they use over a year. My 10 CF fridge used as much power as my new 15 CF Energy Star model and the new one includes the defrost heater in the KW.

If height is the only issue almost no fridge is over about 68" as the standard opening in a home is 69".

I bought a Frigidaire 15 CF Energy Star fridge for about $500. I saw a similar model at Best Buy on the floor a year or so ago. You can get the non-Energy Star version of this fridge for under $400 under several brand names, but it takes a fair bit more electricity. Whirlpool makes a similar fridge, but hard to find and more expensive. GE too, but the GE model is $700+. Frigidaire also makes a 17 CF version of this fridge for about $50 more, but harder to find.

I've never seen a fridge with a switch to turn off the defrost, but they may be out there. You just have to find a fridge with a wiring diagram that you can access the wires to put in a switch. I have no idea if turning off the defrost heater would cause issues. I haven't disabled my defrost heater yet.

Van · July 14, 2011, 08:50:19 AM

Chaz, here's ours, 9cu ft.Whirlpool, paid $100 bucs C-list . We shopped every where for the right size one. looked at the Rv fridges, and that ain't happening on my watch lol! cranked up it'll cool down to almost 32 degrees, with the freezer at 22 degrees, I luv this thing, and would rather spend the high dollars for a RV generator

Keepin the Heiney's frosty

Van

robertglines1 · July 14, 2011, 08:56:04 AM

just like mine. Bob

Van · July 14, 2011, 08:58:55 AM

See Bob, great minds do think alike

Van the Man'

Chaz · July 14, 2011, 10:24:38 AM

Opps....... My bad. I meant 60" not 6 feet. I'd like to put the micro wave on top.
I know there was some talk of one that you can get from Lowe's, but I'm not particular on brand.
Thanx,
Chaz

PS. Maybe this one?? http://www.lowes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?partNumber=172183-2251-LFHT1513LW&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3202985&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

belfert · July 14, 2011, 10:54:55 AM

Quote from: Chaz on July 14, 2011, 10:24:38 AM
PS. Maybe this one?? http://www.lowes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?partNumber=172183-2251-LFHT1513LW&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3202985&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

That is essentially the model I have. The model number has changed, but everything else is about the same. The price is about $100 less than what it was at the time I was buying.

They did add a full width freezer shelf which is nice. My freeze does not have a shelf other than a little metal stand thing they included.

Edit: My post was supposed to say $100 LESS than what I paid 18 months ago.

MCI-RICK · July 14, 2011, 01:47:14 PM

Must be less on line. My wife and I were looking at the exact same refrigerator this past weekend. Though we were thinking of the black one. It's $359 at the Lowes here in Central Florida. Glad we're not alone in our choice.

Rick

buddydawg · July 14, 2011, 02:07:47 PM

I have a 9.6 cu ft Whirlpool like Van & Robert. Got it from Lowe's and it's been doing a nice job since 2008.

belfert · July 14, 2011, 02:28:58 PM

Quote from: MCI-RICK on July 14, 2011, 01:47:14 PM
Must be less on line. My wife and I were looking at the exact same refrigerator this past weekend. Though we were thinking of the black one. It's $359 at the Lowes here in Central Florida. Glad we're not alone in our choice.

The web site quotes $389 so your local store is less. The one at the store may not be Energy Star though and the one on the web is.

When I was looking for my fridge 18 months ago Lowes only had the non-Energy Star model in the stores, but things may have changed.

MCI-RICK · July 14, 2011, 02:40:07 PM

Another reason to go back to Lowes.

I'll buy it if it's the energy star model.

Rick

robertglines1 · July 14, 2011, 04:22:20 PM

Ask they usually run appliance sale Aug with about $25 off on whirlpool. at Lowe's Got Stainless model for that price.

Len Silva · July 15, 2011, 01:52:29 PM

Be careful with the measurements. The 14.8 cf you posted is 28" wide. The smaller 9.6 units are 24" wide. I have not been able to find a 24" model that is Energy Star Compliant.

Chaz · July 28, 2011, 04:40:44 PM

Well, my buddy just got my frig so I was going to pull the trigger on the Whirlpool but thought, "eh, let's just look around a little more". This is one I found:
http://www.hhgregg.com/ProductDetail.asp?SID=n&ProductID=72069
It's got 3 more cu. ft., not too big and is about the same money. Unfortunately, it's not Energy Star. That bites a little bit but then I don't use it all that much!
So do any of you know any drawbacks to this one?? Just curious.
Either way I go, I would still like to figure out how to put a switch on the defroster circuit like I have heard of others doing. Yeah, I know it voids the warranty but in the one year that you get, I will probably have it plugged in about 2 weeks total.
Thanx for the look-see.
Chaz

desi arnaz · July 28, 2011, 05:14:50 PM

wont your wife be upset if you pull your trigger on the new fridge? i think a Kleenex would be a better idea.....