[cmeisenzahl]

Woke up to a dead fridge, warm food, and water on the floor. Going to be an expensive week. ;-(

It's at least 14 years old and has been tripping the circuit breaker repeatedly over the last couple weeks. I guess that was the sign it was giving up the ghost.

Any tips or words of wisdom for buying a new fridge? I know I want a bottom freezer drawer model. Any other thoughts on efficiency, etc.? Thanks!

[osiris]

I sympathize. My hulking fridge (a 1974 Amanda ) died a few years ago.
The replacement - a Fridgidaire, lasted about one year because a girlfriend left the freezer door open for two days. The third, a Westinghouse, is now about 3 years old and showing all the wear and tear of the antiquated Amanda I had (seals getting loose, running all the time..)

My advice is to buy a large quantity of ice - keep it someplace cold, perhaps the North Pole. Because unless you spend some green, you're going to get something that lasts only a few years. Now, where are those Vikings, Wolfs and Sub Zeros....

[richwig83]

Bosch appliances are pretty good... my parents have had there tall fridge and freeze for 8 years... still going strong!

[Paco500]

I would concur that expecting 14 years out of your replacement is probably a bit optimistic. Almost all appliances are built by a small number of companies and rebranded (yes the are smaller specialty brands, I'm talking about the majors), so quality is likely to be consistent across the board. When you pay more, you are paying for better materials and features, so I would set your budget and pick the one that you like best in that price range. Obsessing about brands is not likely to do you much good.

[klb5090]

I have been out of the "game" for almost a year but i did sell appliances for 6 years.
My advice with bottom freezers would be samsung or LG. The efficiency of both is similar (50-60$ per year) but the Samsung does have some advantages.
First with samsungs "Twin-Cooling" system which allows for better airflow/efficiency/less odor transfer. The system basically still utilizes a single compressor but with two evaporators (one for the fridge and one for the freezer) therefore the fridge/freezer are sealed off from one and another (unlike most other makes which transfer air from the freezer to the fridge using a single compressor/evaporator system) its a great system and has done very well IMO over the last few years.

LG on the other hand still uses the old school single compressor/evaporator system but there quality has been on the up and up (especially with bottom freezers) the last few years and that's actually what i currently own.

Its going to come down to preference within the systems to which you like more, depending on shelf configuration, size, capacity, features, but those are some quick tips.

If you have any direct questions about models/makes i'll try and answer all that i can

Side note: i saw a Bosch recommendation and although i've never sold them, ive heard some good things.

[klb5090]

Originally Posted by Paco500 

I would concur that expecting 14 years out of your replacement is probably a bit optimistic.

Agreed, it seems in my experience the 10 year life is to be expected and anything in the 8-12 year range would be good in my mind.

[olePigeon]

Calling you at 3 AM to ask if your refrigerator is running would have been strangely appropriate.

[osiris]

Originally Posted by olePigeon 

Calling you at 3 AM to ask if your refrigerator is running would have been strangely appropriate.

No, but my refrigerator enjoys long walks.

[MrsLarry]

Originally Posted by olePigeon 

Calling you at 3 AM to ask if your refrigerator is running would have been strangely appropriate.

and probably helpful.

[RobOnTheCape]

Try craigslist. My mower died a few years back midway through the lawn. I jumped online and found someone giving away a decent one. I had the rest of the lawn cut within about two hours. I'll bet CL has a few refrigerators out there for just a few bucks.