Refrigerator?

[Stelth]

Looks like time for a new refrigerator. Ours is old and decided to not get very cold all of a sudden. We had it repaired once, years ago, and it's never really been as good.

I'd like to stay under $1000, if possible. We're used to top-freezer models, which helps.

Anything I should look at? Anything to avoid?

 

[Astro14]

This is where I would pay the $25 or so to join Consumer Reports. I have always had good luck when I follow their recommendations...

We bought an LG washer and an LG dryer a few years back based on CR reports - great machines. We recently bought kitchen appliances, Stove and Micro-Hood were GE profile, dishwasher was Bosch. Both lines were pricey but they've been great in service, and we followed CRs reports on appliances. I am brand-agnostic, and my choices might not be appropriate for your situation, but point is: that $25 was worth it...

 

[Tdbo]

Save the $25 and go to the library and look it up.

However, since I have it here next to me, here it is:

Top Loaders w/o icemaker: (fewer repairs to larger #)
1. Whirlpool
2. Frigidaire
3. GE
4. Kenmore
5. Maytag

Top Loaders w/ icemaker
1. Whirlpool
2. Kenmore
3. Frigidaire
4. GE

Myself, I have had best luck with Whirlpool. To Buy: Go to Lowes, ask what they have on clearance or can deal on. If they have nothing in the store, they can check other stores in the area on computer. I've found some good deals this way.

 

[AandPDan]

Be sure to check with your electric utility too. Some will pay you a rebate to replace it, if it still runs.

They didn't say how well it has to run,

 

[wayne50]

The July Consumer reports rates a Maytag for $700 as the top buy, followed by a Whirlpool for $1100 and a Frigidaire for $700 in the top-freezer model. Also, highly rated were Kenmore and LG models. For fewer repairs (with icemaker) were top to bottom: Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Kenmore, and GE worst of the 4.

 

[JHZR2]

I'd go bottom freezer personally. We have had two issues with our 2006 GE. Samsung looked good when our GE broke and we shopped a bit. But it was far cheaper to fix (GE comped us a circuit board).

 

[SrDriver]

Our local Best Buy has some good choices. Have had good luck with Whirlpool.

One with an Energy Star Rating is a +.

Common problems with all of them is the coils are located on the bottom and attract lint and dirt like a magnet.

Once they get stoppled up and not cleaned and blown out they don't cool well, use more power, and are prone to failure.

Before you head out to buy a new one see if blowing out the coils under it will not solve your problem.

They should be cleaned out at Once a year if not more often.

I just use a can of compressed air then vacuum up the mess.

Be careful as you can damage something.

If you are seeing ice building up in the back of the freezer then chances are that the defrost timer is not working as it should. The heater itself could be bad but normally one finds the timer is bad when you see ice buildup.

They sell normally at a parts house for 5 or 6 bucks the last time I purchased one. They can be changed out in only a couple of minutes.

I am retired but worked on HVAC and refrigeration for a living at one time.

 

[Cristobal]

If you live in So Cal, get to Howard's in San Gabriel for some good deals.

 

[doitmyself]

I purchased a top freezer refrigerator and posted about here just a few weeks ago. I too, got the general impression that Whirlpool had a better reliability reputation.

I purchased a Kenmore (Frigidaire) because it was the only model that met my size and other strict specifications I (wife) had to have.

IMO, I follow the KISS principle and avoid electronic control boards, ice makers, and in-door water. No have-y = no break-y = no spend-y.

The energy savings seems a bit of a farce to me. Most energy models cost at least $100 more, yet average annual savings is only about $8. You do the math (but, I suppose its good for the planet if you are eco conscious).

EDIT: Here you go, if you can accept a Kenmore/Frigidaire:

25% off Top Freezers: http://www.sears.com/appliances/v-1020003

Additional 15% off using a Sears Card (cut it up after use).

$Additional $50 off coupon code: http://www.retailmenot.com/view/sears.com

This is some SUBSTANTIAL savings that might warrant a Kenmore vs. Whirlpool, especially a "KISS" model.

 

[wallyuwl]

Sears always has huge (20% or more off) sales on their Kenmore stuff. But they jack it up to mark it down. Kinda like Kohls. I don't know about their mid to high end, but recently my parents were looking for a lower end second fridge and the lower end Kenmores are Frigidaire.

The problem with Sears is they also have a $70 delivery charge.

Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowes have free delivery, and usually have pretty good deals as well. Especially HD and Lowes for clearance.

 

[Stelth]

Well, even though we went out to get a top freezer model, we ended up with a 25.9 cf GE side-by-side. Got it at the Home Depot across the street from the Sears, and for a couple hundred dollars less. HD had free pickup and delivery, Sears wanted $100 for that, and more for the fridge. We were under $1000 before tax, but here in the People's Republic of California (Kalifornia?), the 8.75% sales tax took it over the mark.

I couldn't resist taking a picture of this one, though:

Not sure I want to put my food in something called a Smeg.

 

[daves87rs]

Like my Whirlpool from Lowe's...Just a basic freezer top model. I like it!

 

[PandaBear]

I have personally had good luck finding like new fridge on craigslist for dad's rental use. He did have to replace a control board on a 3 year old Kenmore, but for $300 delivered before the repair, it is not bad at all.

Usually the size determine whether it is top freezer or side by side, or side by side with bottom freezer. Ideally stay away from any fridge with water and ice dispenser. Water leaks, and damage hard wood floor if not caught early enough.

 

[wallyuwl]

Originally Posted By: PandaBear
Ideally stay away from any fridge with water and ice dispenser. Water leaks, and damage hard wood floor if not caught early enough.


Never had an ice maker before we moved into our current house about four years ago. Wouldn't live without it. They aren't in the door, though. Ice maker is in the freezer itself. And the water dispenser is inside the fridge door, you have to push a button.

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: wallyuwl
Never had an ice maker before we moved into our current house about four years ago. Wouldn't live without it. They aren't in the door, though. Ice maker is in the freezer itself. And the water dispenser is inside the fridge door, you have to push a button.


My house's last owner must have done something wrong then. The floor where the fridge stand has water damage near the water dispenser. I disconnected the water inlet and just covered up the dispenser to avoid this happening again.

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: PandaBear
Originally Posted By: wallyuwl
Never had an ice maker before we moved into our current house about four years ago. Wouldn't live without it. They aren't in the door, though. Ice maker is in the freezer itself. And the water dispenser is inside the fridge door, you have to push a button.


My house's last owner must have done something wrong then. The floor where the fridge stand has water damage near the water dispenser. I disconnected the water inlet and just covered up the dispenser to avoid this happening again.


Knock on wood a few times but have never had an issue. Love the ice and water.

I'm sure there is a PM regimen for the pipes.