Looking to buy a new refrigerator?

**ua_guy** · 04-22-2014, 09:34 AM

There's just too many models of refrigerators, and some are store/chain specific with slight variations and model numbers.

My best advice is to figure out what configuration you'd like and then go bargain hunting to see what's out there. Especially check out scratch/dent models where the doors may not be damaged, but where they might have a scratch or ding in an area that would otherwise be inconspicuous or hidden by existing cabinetry in your kitchen.

We've had good luck with Whirlpool and also GE. Like you, we didn't want a "smart" refrigerator. We have a 25.9 cubic foot side-by-side GE with ice maker and the same configuration in a Whirlpool. We haven't had issues with either ice maker, and we use our icemaker a lot.

Definitely consider buying a new water line for your ice maker when you replace your fridge. They're cheap, and it's good to keep the line new so you don't have any leaks that could ruin the floors. The seals break down over time.

**thomasdan** · 04-22-2014, 09:48 AM

Thanks for your reply,

We've have looked at our local sears outlet, They have a bunch of refrigerator with just a few dings in it. which im totally okay with since its on the back side of the refrigerator. You dont even notice it.

But one rep did tell me that its "final Sale".

That did scare me alittle. Becasue you never know once its put to use.

Thanks for the tip regarding the water line. makes total sense

**JoeP** · 04-22-2014, 09:58 AM

We have an Amana with the freezer on the bottom. It is nice because you're not bending over to get things like milk and heavier items from the fridge; they're at a more comfortable level. Also, when the icemaker starts to go, they are plentiful and easy to replace.

**ua_guy** · 04-22-2014, 10:08 AM

Originally posted by thomasdan View Post

Thanks for your reply,

We've have looked at our local sears outlet, They have a bunch of refrigerator with just a few dings in it. which im totally okay with since its on the back side of the refrigerator. You dont even notice it.

But one rep did tell me that its "final Sale".

That did scare me alittle. Becasue you never know once its put to use.

Thanks for the tip regarding the water line. makes total sense

If it comes with a full factory warranty, I wouldn't worry about it. It probably just means they won't take it back as a return, i.e. if you find out you really wanted a bigger one, or if you truly don't like the size and location of the included scratch/dent

**snafu** · 04-22-2014, 10:59 AM

I really like Sears/Kenmore fridges. We have a cabinet 'box' the fridge must fit so if you have any space issues take measurements carefully. DH had to shave off a bit of the tiny cabinet doors above the fridge and grumbled about it for days. Make sure the doors/drawers can full extend in your space.

I took a picture of the stuff on the doors and the interior of my existing fridge and sort of compared my cell ph photo with the configuration of door shelves at the store, likewise interior 'cabinet.' I use what is often called a meat drawer to hold leftovers so I like the fact that it can go in several locations. For holidays and big family dinners it helps to be able to move shelves easily. Think about any annoying limitations of your existing fridge and solve them.

I too buy scratch and dent or showroom used for a major discount and ask for free delivery. I try to buy near end of month when sales staff are thinking of their quotas and commissions. If your fridge is functioning, will you put up an ad and sell it on Kijiiji/CraisList?

**FrugalFish** · 04-22-2014, 11:32 AM

We've had a Frigidaire for the past 9 years or so. It's been a good, quality fridge- with the exception of the original ice maker. It use to freeze up and get stuck from time to time, but has since been redesigned apparently. We bought the replacement ice maker unit about a year ago and have had no problems since.

Our decision was based on what we wanted in a fridge. First off we have a tiny kitchen, so a "counter-depth" model was in order. A bit more expensive, but well worth it if your kitchen is anything like ours. We also wanted side by side. Those two factors brought the number of suitable models down to a small number. Then the final thing for us was that this was the only model we could find at that time (that fit the above criteria) that also had 2 produce drawers and a meat drawer. Plus we had previous good experiences with Frigidaire.

Have you played around on the AJ Madison website? They have a great set up for filtering available appliances by features- sometimes that can help you narrow down your choices and you can also see reviews- that helped us a lot when we bought washer/dryer last year.

**MonkeyMama** · 04-22-2014, 11:41 AM

WE are also partial to Sears appliances. Knock on wood, because never had one that didn't last *forever*. But, I also understand that they don't make them like they used to. I haven't researched fridges in well over a decade, so I'd want to look at consumer reports and see what current trends were. (I wouldn't necessarily run out and buy a Kenmore, today).

Funny ice maker story: The ice maker on our Kenmore fridge was out for a while - maybe years. I finally asked my dad to look at it one day, while he was at our house anyway. He jiggled it a bit (something we certainly had tried!) and he said it looked perfectly fine to him. (He is very handy and should have been able to diagnose any problems). It's worked perfect since. For many many years. HA! I guess ice makers can be finicky.

**thomasdan** · 04-22-2014, 02:30 PM

how do you guys feel about extended warranty for the refrigerator?

**JoeP** · 04-23-2014, 04:14 AM

Originally posted by thomasdan View Post

how do you guys feel about extended warranty for the refrigerator?

Fridges are pretty easy to fix, so I would not get an extended warranty for one. I've repaired many major appliances with the help of applianceaid.com.

**autoxer** · 04-23-2014, 04:56 AM

Check to see if you local utility company has any programs that can help. I just got a rebate for recycling an old refridgerator.

**thomasdan** · 04-23-2014, 08:45 AM

I usually never buy extended warranty, but then we met with a saleman last night from the local sears. He started talking about circuit boards frying or just malfunctioning. He said that it would typically cost 500 dollars to fix. He didn't seem to pushy about it. But it did get me think about the extended warranty alittle more..lol. I guess he did his job.

He stated that the extended warranty for the 3 years would cover EVERYTHING, even if i broke something myself i can bring it in to sears and get it replace or just get a new fridge. and every year some one will come out and do a full inspection of the fridge to make sure its in top condition. all covered under the warranty.

3 years- 380 dollars
5 years- 580 dollars

seems alot to me.

Plus, the local utiliy company is picking up my old fridge now. Thanks. 50 dollar rebate. can't complain. PLus i dont have to haul it down my apartment from the second story. They take care of everything. awesome. I didnt know about this before.

**FrugalFish** · 04-23-2014, 10:15 AM

We just bought a pricier W/D set last year and went around a bit about whether to go with an extended warranty.

We ended up looking around repair clinic 'dot' com at parts for our particular models to see how much the most expensive and most likely to fail parts cost. Keeping in mind that a W/D may be easier to self service than a fridge. Most expensive part available for either was well less than the cost of a 3 year warranty, so we decided to take our chances. Anyway, that's what we did. I'll tell you in another couple of years if it was a good decision.

Now, my mother had a glass top stove that she went ahead and bought the warranty on. The stove top cracked- twice. That's a very expensive part so she definitely made a good call on taking the extended warranty.

So what is actually likely to fail on your new model? And what would it cost to replace? Would it give you that much peace of mind to buy the warranty?

**thomasdan** · 04-23-2014, 03:36 PM

So i just got off the phone with customer service from my Chase sapphire perfer card.

If i purchase the Appliance on my Sapphire card. They will match the the 1 year manufacturer warranty. Plus, if the price reduce in the next 90 days. If i can show proof, They will give me the difference back if the store won't price adjust. THey even have a return policy and several other benefits.HOW AWESOME IS THAT.

we will charge it to the card and then pay it off in full.

Thanks for everyones reply

Looking to buy a new refrigerator?