Not created equal
Feb 19 '08
The Bottom Line Buyer beware.
Having done a little research on this topic lately, my conclusion that not all refrigerators created equal, and price or a name brand no guarantee of quality. This disturbing as I'd like to think that paying over $1,000 a guarantee at least of reliability, but that apparently not the case.
No mention of brands here, as I'm not yet entirely sure on this. But indications are that some well recognized and popular brands should be avoided. Apparently some modestly priced units can be trouble free; higher end units usually so but not always.
Specific problems often mentioned trouble with circuit boards that fail, often resulting in the total failure of refrigeration. Ice makers are often cited as items which fail repeatedly. These seem to be the biggest two, but variety of other such problems as cracking inner liners, etc.
Another problem mentioned often is with warranty coverage, or rather lack of it. Many people complain of shoddy service in attitude, time and results. This seems universal, but some companies probably worse than others. A frequent complaint are repeat service calls that never adequately solve a problem, and usually absolute refusal to replace a defective product. One caution mentioned to know in advance exactly who will be making the service calls, as this may not be who you assume.
Another factor to consider is energy usage. While smaller refrigerators generally use less electricity, sometimes a unit with larger capacity actually uses less. Best way to determine this using the yellow Energy Guide tags. Beware that the cited usage number at the bottom of the tag is only an estimate based on average US electricity prices; your actual cost may be more or less depending on local electricity rates and usage in your house. The most accurate reference the kWh/year of electricity used by the unit, which again an estimate of sorts, your results may vary. In this it seems any number in the low 400's a good number for small units, 18 cubic feet or less, and that any number below 600 reasonable for larger refrigerators. Note that some 'Energy Star' rated refrigerators actually use more kWh's than some other model not so rated.
To figure this simply multiply whatever your electricity cost is (say 10¢ per kWh) times the kWh/year number. For instance, 413 kWh/year times 13¢ kWh would come to $53.69 for one year's use. But your mileage will vary.
Another consideration is noise. Newer refrigerator's are possibly, and generally, quieter than older one's. But not always. It has been suggested that one listen to one's intended in person first to know what it will sound like. Some brands and models within them offer sound dampening. This goes by various names depending on the brand. If interested, it pays to check as not all models offer such a feature. Some brands are considered to be much better in this department than others.
One way to check this is under the Specification/Performance section of Sears.com. I don't know if I would buy a refrigerator from Sears, maybe, but their online site is a great way to shop various brands and features. Very convenient and fairly thorough. Reviews are even given, if someone happens to provide them for a particular model. They offer a wide selection of refrigerators in price, size, type and brand.
My impression thus far is that one should expect to pay at least $500 for a good conventional top freezer/ bottom refrigerator, and probably at least $800 for a side by side model. Add about $300 dollars in either case for what you'll probably actually end up spending. In most cases you'll have to have a side by side if opting for ice and water in the door. Some models are better in this department than others. Something with more bells and whistles, particularly any built in model, will cost substantially more. Many built in models run in the range of $5,000 to $6,000.
Delivery cost is an item where it is suggested one may have room for negotiation. Maybe. But certainly a factor to consider in the total cost of a unit. Also the consideration if the old refrigerator will be picked up at the same time, and whether this free or at some additional cost. Some people have complained of very lackluster delivery people, others have praised them. Some companies might be better in this department than others. Another suggestion which seems prudent is to get the new refrigerator running and inspect it thoroughly BEFORE signing for it. This an area where you might be rushed, or feel like it, but probably wise not to be. Sometimes refrigerators show up other than that ordered or with dents or other problems.
If reliability matters, well, good luck. Don't count on money alone solving this problem. It seems the old saying 'they don't build them like they used to' truly applies in this. Theoretically a decent refrigerator should last for 15 to 20 years. Anymore that may be more like 5 to 10 years. Many examples are given of brand new refrigerators causing problems or totally breaking after a few months or within a year or two. The best advice in this seems to pay very close attention to brand and their actual, not perceived, reliability. Not the easiest information to come by, and if anyone has it, most welcome.
Bare in mind this a preliminary opinion, but generally it may be that foreign brands more reliable than American, save for more upscale and pricier brands.
Anyway, due diligence seems warranted when shopping for what I assumed a more or less generic appliance.
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