Refrigerator Purchase Opinions, Please

[doitmyself]

Well, our 30 year old Monkey Wards (Amana?) refrigerator finally gave up the ghost. I repaired the defrost element/thermostat at least once and about 2 years ago I replaced the compressor fan motor. I think the compressor is toast now.

I am looking to buy a no frills, top freezer model. No water, no ice maker, no computer control board if possible. All I read is that today's refrigerators are made of cheap components and are junk.

Simple and reliable is what I am looking for. Does this exist any more? I haven't stepped foot in any stores to look, so I am just trying to get a head start here.

Thanks for any help! Craigs list is a consideration if I think I can do better than new.

 

[OtisBlkR1]

research.. some names of old are junk now in my opinion, some "cheap junk" is solid and reliable.. everyone out there is simply trying to build it as cheaply as they can with enuff talking points and a name to make you feel warm and fuzzy, a large portion of the parts (see-guts) come from the same places..

 

[JHZR2]

Id do some calculations... Some of the more "complex" ones are actually cheaper to run so in the long run you are saving. I would agree on simple though.

Our GE did go through a circuit board and a cap on the compressor, FWIW. The board had a recall though...

 

[Quest]

As much as some posters would dismiss my opinions here, my take is to get anything mid-priced ones made by Electrolux. My reasoning are as follows:

(1) parts and schematics are very, very easy to come by. I even ordered defrost timer (OE Electrolux) for about 11bux on ePrey!

(2) it's pretty much universal in design means, meaning that other than some parts, the general layout is pretty much the same all across the board, so nothing fancy hit you when it fails..

I have so far, serviced some garbage NA brand that failed on me miserably: a serious of failures pretty much happened all at the same time after 16yrs of service: defrost timer no good, and defrost heater got stuck, etc (Norge by Maytag). OE parts was almost impossible to obtain, and basically piece of junk at the end of the day...

Also: I really don't like buying import brands like LG, etc. citing that parts and serviceability are a bit of challenge (thus the price associated with it when it breaks down).

My 2c's worth.

Q.

 

[doitmyself]

Thanks for the quick feedback.

Checking out the operation costs (electric use) is a good reminder.

Quest, I like your 2 cents worth and will keep the Electrolux in mind. Easy servicing and parts availability are high on my diy list. I have had your Electrolux type experience with Whirlpool appliances over the years.

Seems like Frigidaire is still one to avoid.

I am still drawn to Whirlpool since they are a Michigan based company. Are they any good, or have they gone down the toilet also?

 

[strongt]

I'd most likely would lean towards Whirlpool. But they closed the plant in the US back in 2010 that made the top mount fridge's.

Here's the article on the plant closing:

Link

And some info on Whirlpool from the Still Made in USA.com:

Whirlpool Corp. (Benton Harbor, MI): manufacturing facilities in U.S., making clothes washers (Clyde, OH), topmount refrigerators (Evansville, IN: Update: March 2010, Whirlpool closing the facility), dishwashers (Findlay, OH), side-by-side refrigerators, counter-depth refrigerators, trash compactors, ice makers (Fort Smith, AR), built-in ranges, cooktop ranges, built-in microwaves, warming drawers (Oxford, MS: Update: July 2008, Whirlpool announces closure), freestanding ranges (Tulsa, OK)

Whirlpool acquired Maytag Corp. in March 2006, and began integrating operations of operations of the two companies. In January 2007, Whirlpool sold the Hoover brand to Techtronics Industries (based in Hong Kong, with manufacturing in Mainland China). Hoover's production facility in Canton, OH was subsequently closed, with all machinery auctioned off in November 2007. Apparently an even bigger auction than the Rubbermaid one.


Looks like lately that Whirlpool's been busy shipping jobs elsewhere.

 

[daves87rs]

This is interesting, because I need one of these too! I want a simple basic one myself...

 

[JustinH]

I have an electrolux fridge with top freezer, the brand is tappan. Built in 2008, never had a problem with it.

This is a sub 400 dollar fridge, and I brought in my 10 percent lowes discount coupon also.

 

[jsnyder49090]

Sears, ask the salesman for a whirlpool built basic fridge they will know who manufacters it and there is a big difference. Believe it or not whirlpool still makes some of the best appliances!

 

[dishdude]

Yep. Whirlpool is the way to go.

 

[jimbeamalki]

doitmyself: was just in the same situation you are. Our 20-yr-old fridge conked. Happened around Memorial Day, which I guess is big refridgerator selling time, a lot of models were out of stock. Found a 21 cubic foot Maytag top-freezer model at Home Depot for $700--had to wait 10 days for delivery. Didn't like the configuration of other like models. Came with an ice-maker, but I've never had one, and would have to run 15 ft. of line through a bunch of cabinets to hook-up to my 50-yr-old plumbing. I use a lot of ice, still undecided. Gripes--they keep making the freezer part bigger and fridge part smaller, so you have to bend down to see top-shelf of fridge. Doors keep getting thicker (to accomodate gallons & 2-liters)--wonder how much weight a door can take before it starts to sag off the hinges? And, there's no way to tell how noisy or quiet the unit will be until you get it home and plug it in. Home Depot contracted out the delivery (I had everything basically ready), and the guys did a great job (and listened to my suggestions), so I tipped them $10 each.

 

[jimbeamalki]

Other fridge gripes: black, white, stainless, or bisque--that's it folks. I hate black, wife hates stainless, so we tried bisque hopeing to match the almond of the built-in double oven--close but no cigar. Overall, think quality (like anything else these days) is crummy. Pull out drawers seem cheap, etc. Just couldn't see spending $2500 on a Samsung, etc.--wouldn't have had room to fit it in anyway.

 

[Cutehumor]

I got a subzero fridge built in 2001 in custom cabinets. I'm dreading when it dies. I'll have to put a custom fridge back in because the dimensions are not made by other fridge makers.

 

[Turk]

A lot of newer electronic circuit boards can be classified as "cheap junk" due to the fact that they went to "Lead-Free Solder".

During the reflow process, the components, BGA solder balls and SOIC leads do not wet out, self-center and attach anywhere near what the 63/37 Sn/Pb or 62/36/2 Sn/Pb/Ag solder does.

They need to increase the reflow temperature using the Lead-Free solder, which can lead to component reliability issues.

RoHS has merit, but has many pitfalls as well.

Don't get me started...

 

[doitmyself]

Thanks for all the replies.

Are any of the "off brands" even worth considering? Haier, Crosley, etc.? Are they just "Whirlpools" with a different name badge?

I will start shopping this PM. Reason I asked about Crosley is because I found one on Craigs List that fits my needs. For the price, I could consider it a throw away if it only lasts 5 years. While I hate the concept of "throw away", I worry if even the new ones are like this.

tpitcher, that's why I don't want a circuit board fridge. Heck, I was elated a few weeks ago when I was "pre-shopping" for a possible next car and found some models with crank up windows! KISS principle for me all the way.

 

[Turk]

Here's a pic of my favorite garage refrigerator, a GE from the 50's.

It STILL works & is super quiet...

 

[Tdbo]

Originally Posted By: doitmyself
Well, our 30 year old Monkey Wards (Amana?) refrigerator finally gave up the ghost. I repaired the defrost element/thermostat at least once and about 2 years ago I replaced the compressor fan motor. I think the compressor is toast now.

I am looking to buy a no frills, top freezer model. No water, no ice maker, no computer control board if possible. All I read is that today's refrigerators are made of cheap components and are junk.

Simple and reliable is what I am looking for. Does this exist any more? I haven't stepped foot in any stores to look, so I am just trying to get a head start here.

Thanks for any help! Craigs list is a consideration if I think I can do better than new.



Whatever fridge you buy, you certainly will not get 30 years out of today.
The two that I have bought in my home ownership experience have been Whirlpools. I was told to expect a 10 year life span when I bought the first, it went 11. Replaced with another Whirlpool. This one is 8 years old. I have had one service call for a compressor relay and replaced the ice maker myself. When I had the service call on this one, I was talking to the tech for recommendations. In his words "It doesn't matter, they are all junk." I would recommend the Whirlpools because they are easy to get parts for in my opinion.
However, since you are looking at a basic top freezer model, you might have a better experience because the less fratures, the less to break. I would recommend that unless you have a good Mom/Pop appliance store in the area that you follow my strategy: Go to Lowes with one of the 10% moving discount coupons (if you can get one) and ask them what they have on clearance, Scratch/Dent, or just want to move. IF they are motivated on that day, you can usually get free delivery and removal of the old carcass. Or better yet, if your power company will buy the old fridge as an energy saving program, take the $25-$50 and run with that.

 

[65cuda]

I bought a Sears French door fridge with bottom freezer because I didn't want the ice maker/water in the door. So far it has been fine for the 3 years that I've had it. I had replaced a Wards side by side that I bought in 74, but I doubt that this one will make it half as long as it did.

 

[doitmyself]

Good Grief. Got back from 4 hours fridge shopping.

Like Model T's, you can choose any floor model color as long as it is white or stainless.

Wife insists on glass shelves, Bisque/Almond to match range, NO ice maker. I have size limitations (small,galley kitchen) i.e. - the Whirlpool that meets the boss's specs is ONE INCH too high to fit under our cabinets (anomaly for ONLY this, my preferred brand

).

Gonna have to do a google search and throw out the brand preference and shop by specifications only, it seems.

I also found it odd that the models claiming built in the U.S. seem to have the less better reliability ratings. Namely, Electrolux/Frigidaire and maybe GE. All Kenmores in top freezer style are now made by Electrolux (bummer, I hoped they were Whirlpools).

Time for some Scotch!

 

[Rock_Hudstone]

Originally Posted By: doitmyself
Good Grief. Got back from 4 hours fridge shopping.

Like Model T's, you can choose any floor model color as long as it is white or stainless.

I'd check out Craiglist, sometimes you can find lightly used beautiful older fridges at bargain prices, especially top freezer styles.

Made in USA models that will last 20-30 years easy; GE, Whirlpool, etc. http://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/app/3065002430.html

Our GE electric dryer recently died after 40 years. When I checked out new ones they were flimsy plastic junk. I went on Craiglist and picked up a mint, circa 1986 GE Dryer for $60! Should last another 20-30 years.
Don't get me started on the new so called H.E. washers.