sjprep06
join:2008-04-01
Philadelphia, PA
| Refrigerator recommendations? It seems that our fridge is on its last knockings since a good amount of food has gone bad over the last week. It's a 40 year old Hotpoint, no idea of the model. What is the best brand of fridge to buy for $400-500? It doesn't need to have a lot of bells and whistles, nor does it need to be a HUGE fridge, just something that works and won't break every time the wind changes.... | |
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Jahntassa
What, I can have feathers
Premium
join:2006-04-14
Conway, SC
| Re: Refrigerator recommendations? I got a Roper from Lowe's about a year and a half ago. Managed to get it for $320 because it was a 'scratch & dent' kinda deal. I think the people that ordered it had backed out or something..
Side-by-side, Ice/water dispenser in the front. It was a darn good deal. (Roper is made by Whirlpool, btw)
When you go out looking, don't be afraid to ask for any clearance or 'off floor' stuff, you could get a deal.. | |
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CylonRed
Premium,MVM
join:2000-07-06
Bloom County | WE have a basic Kenmore - bought it it '99 I think - it has a automatic ice make and that is fancy as it gets - no troubles at all.
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Brian
It drops into your stomach like a Abrams's tank.... driven by Rosanne Barr... | |
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dgilbert
Good Bye My Friend
Premium,MVM
join:2002-06-15
none
clubs:
1 edit | we have a decent kenmore, ice and water in the door. only thing i hate is the water is filtered and you HAVE to use the filter!
meant to add that if you buy from Sears, DO NOT get teh extended warranty/maintenance plan. they WILL screw you. my parents ahve paid at least 3x the cost of a new high end fridge inteh 18 years they stupidly paid sears maintenance. compressor went out last week, maintenance does not cover it. the only thing maint has covered in the whole time was the lever for teh water!
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Lack of Preparation on YOUR Part does NOT Constitute an Emergency on Mine! | |
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sjprep06
join:2008-04-01
Philadelphia, PA
| Thanks for the replies so far. It seems that both Home Depot and Best Buy don't carry Kenmores  . Any reviews on GEs,Frigidaires or Whirlpools? Jahntassa mentioned Roper models but I haven't seen one in those stores.
I know we'll most likely be buying a top freezer since my mom doesn't like side-by-sides. And even an ice maker function is something we probably won't use because of where the fridge will be located (on the other side of the kitchen supply line pipes). | |
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 | robbin
Premium,MVM
join:2000-09-21
Leander, TX
| Re: Refrigerator recommendations? said by sjprep06  :Thanks for the replies so far. It seems that both Home Depot and Best Buy don't carry Kenmores . Any reviews on GEs,Frigidaires or Whirlpools? You should have stated up front that you were only interested in buying from Home Depot or Best Buy. Sears does sell GEs, Frigidaires and Whirlpools. One of them may even be labeled as Kenmore.
Point being -- if you go to Sears and ask, they will tell you who made the Kenmore. If you have some obsession not to buy from them that's OK -- but Sears is a good place to buy appliances -- whether they are labeled as Kenmore or the actual brand. | |
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| | sjprep06
join:2008-04-01
Philadelphia, PA
| Re: Refrigerator recommendations? said by robbin :said by sjprep06 :Thanks for the replies so far. It seems that both Home Depot and Best Buy don't carry Kenmores . Any reviews on GEs,Frigidaires or Whirlpools? You should have stated up front that you were only interested in buying from Home Depot or Best Buy. Sears does sell GEs, Frigidaires and Whirlpools. One of them may even be labeled as Kenmore. Point being -- if you go to Sears and ask, they will tell you who made the Kenmore. If you have some obsession not to buy from them that's OK -- but Sears is a good place to buy appliances -- whether they are labeled as Kenmore or the actual brand. The only reason that I said HD and BB is because they were the first two places to pop up in my mind. I haven't been to Sears in years. I probably won't go to BB now because their selection seems small and a bit over-priced. | |
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CylonRed
Premium,MVM
join:2000-07-06
Bloom County | Kenmoers are a Sears brand - no one else can sell them. Kenmoers are rebadged appliances from other manufacturers. | |
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Summit
join:2005-03-14
Marion, OH | Re: Refrigerator recommendations? I work for Whirlpool Corp. Kenmore is made by us for Sears. | |
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| | | sjprep06
join:2008-04-01
Philadelphia, PA
| Re: Refrigerator recommendations? said by Vathral :said by rawgerz :I have to ask, do you know off hand what your power bill was (& $ per KWH) with that old thing? Yeah. Wondering the same thing. Such old equipment can't be as energy efficient as things are now No idea what the typical usage and charge was for it as I don't handle the bills. I'll ask her and see if she has a bill laying around somewhere.
said by Summit :I work for Whirlpool Corp. Kenmore is made by us for Sears. Thanks for that info. It seems like Sears charges a lot for just a badge and cosmetic changes. Also, their listings are the most expensive so far out of all the places I've checked.
So it looks like I'll be buying something Made by Whirlpool. So far, most of the recs have been for Whirlpool/Kenmores, Consumer Reports like Whirlpool/Kenmores and I haven't seen any reason why I shouldn't buy one... | |
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sawman
Premium
join:2002-04-25
BC KS
 ·Mediacom
1 edit | Re: Refrigerator recommendations? Seriously look at the EnergyGuide. I just did a little comparison and there was a 14.8 cu ft for $450 and it used 479kWh/year while a 18.9 cu ft for $799 used only 393kWh/year. Differences like this are present in identically sized units too. The more efficient cost a little more but you'll make that up in savings quickly.
edit: The blue EnergyStar emblem shows it's better than most in it's class. | |
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mityfowl
join:2000-11-06
Dallas, TX
1 edit | Re: Refrigerator recommendations? Let say you pay $.133/kWh. 90kwh/year difference equals about $12/year so I wouldn't get to hung up on that number.
Don't get me wrong, I thinks important to save as much energy as possible but sometimes the payback is negligable or non existant. | |
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sawman
Premium
join:2002-04-25
BC KS | Re: Refrigerator recommendations? I'm not counting on my cost of electricity staying the same in perpetuity. If one frig costs a hundred more but is that much more efficient the difference is paid in eight years or less and after that the savings are gravy. | |
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mityfowl
join:2000-11-06
Dallas, TX
1 edit | Re: Refrigerator recommendations? My example was for a price difference of about $300 and it wasn't apples to apples.
Now you also have to take into account the life span of a product. In this case 8-14 years. I think 8 years to get even for a $100 is meaningless in this example. »repair2000.com/lifespan.html Ya, I usually get a longer life out of my products too but this is what people think.
Basically I'm just saying it takes a long time to make up a big price difference just for some energy efficiency.
Edit. Here's a little different take on appliance life span that I put more stock in: »www.theinspector-home.com/life.html | |
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sawman
Premium
join:2002-04-25
BC KS
·Mediacom
| Re: Refrigerator recommendations? My comparison was to show the range in efficiency, I should have spent more time looking for two apples to compare.
The OP's original unit lasted 40 years. The frig in our kitchen was made in Sept 1990. I just extended the life of an old range with a $30 heating element. Interesting that $100 is meaningless to you. CFL light bulbs and driving slower probably aren't worth the savings to you and the environment either, eh? | |
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mityfowl
join:2000-11-06
Dallas, TX | Re: Refrigerator recommendations? Actually I was going to say that 2 $3.00 CFL's would save you over a $100 during their lifespan.
Now that's an investment. | |
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sawman
Premium
join:2002-04-25
BC KS | Re: Refrigerator recommendations? Good point. | |
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rawgerz
In Debt we trust
Premium
join:2004-10-03
Grove City, PA | I have to ask,
do you know off hand what your power bill was (& $ per KWH) with that old thing? | |
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Vathral
Premium
join:2002-08-26
New York, NY
clubs:
·Earthlink Cable Mo..
| Re: Refrigerator recommendations? said by rawgerz :I have to ask, do you know off hand what your power bill was (& $ per KWH) with that old thing? Yeah. Wondering the same thing. Such old equipment can't be as energy efficient as things are now
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Anime / F@H | |
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treetop1000
join:2003-11-07
Lexington, KY
| I do not like Sears. Six months back, I began searching for a new unit to replace the el-cheapo Whirlpool I'd had for ten years.
Mind you there was nothing wrong with the old unit, just needed a bigger one (family size had increased).
First stop, Sears.
Lots and lots of different units, all kinds of options. Wait a minute, there's a refrigerator that has internet access??? What the hell?
Yep, I could surf the net while digging for a beer.
Someone tell me the reason for this.
I could see a tv mounted on the door, but a net-enabled fridge?
BEWARE of pricing changes on the same model with different exterior finishes, like pricing structure that says black paint is higher in cost than the white paint. Or that the stainless steel model is 20% more expensive than the no-mark plastic for the same model...
Sears has started using the value added marketing, that's the one where the attractive units cost much more (as much as $100-150 more) than the same unit in plain old white.
I said no thanks... and went over to Lowes. Better selection and the same price for different finishes/same model.
Mind you, I'm -not- pimping for Lowes, but any place that doesn't have pressurized salesmen running to meet you is a plus in my book. I'd rather take my time to check out the display, rather than play 20 questions with a guy trying to sell me more than I need.
I'm sorry, I do go on sometimes... | |
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CylonRed
Premium,MVM
join:2000-07-06
Bloom County | Re: Refrigerator recommendations? The main reason for internet is/was for many things - getting recipes and not have to print it off and when available - automatic grocery ordering. | |
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james
join:2001-02-26
antarctica
| said by treetop1000 :I do not like Sears. Six months back, [...] a refrigerator that has internet access??? What the hell? So you dont like Sears because they offer a feature that you don't want? Yeah, it's a really stupid feature, but I think it's just as stupid as a TV on a fridge. It doesn't make me dislike the company though.
said by treetop1000 :Someone tell me the reason for this. It's probably pretty useless for now, but I could see it being used to alert you if the fridge stopped working, or keep track of groceries for you and order them automatically someday. You gotta start somewhere. | |
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KoolMoe
Aw Man
Premium
join:2001-02-14
Annapolis, MD
clubs:
 ·Verizon FIOS
 ·Speakeasy
| For such large appliances, we generally shop HD, Lowes, Best Buy, and Sears, find what models are in our price range. Do a websearch on those models for customer ratings, see if there are any coupons or specials for those we like, then make the buy.
That's usually a week-long process 
We bought our last side-by-side from HD, a Maytag I think. Works just fine so far! But, it is still in the warranty period. Will see how well it works in about 6 months...
Looking for a traditional fridge will definitely help keep your costs down.
Check the stores, find models you like, spend an hour looking at sites with customer reviews.
KM
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Don't Lie - Be Kind - Realize your Potential | |
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wave_sailor
join:2001-04-23
Bloomingdale, NJ
clubs:
1 edit | Consumer Reports last issue had a review of appliances as well as retailers like Sears/Lowes etc.. If you have login to website, you can see more. | |
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sawman
Premium
join:2002-04-25
BC KS
·Mediacom
| A new refrigerator will use well less than half the electricity your old one did. Check out the May 2008 Consumer Report issue. Whirlpool needs the fewest repairs with or without icemaker in top & bottom freezer models(and one tops the list for top freezers). GE Monogram & Whirlpool best in side by sides(although the Amana was their top pick in that category). If you really want the most efficient pay attention to the consumption number on the EnergyGuide label. You can compare a lot of Kenmores and Whirlpools on the Sears website. The savings should quickly pay for the new unit, I kind of wish our old frig would die;) | |
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Alakar
Facts do not cease to exist when ignored
join:2001-03-23
Milwaukee, WI
·AT&T U-Verse
| I've had good luck with Amana, Whirlpool and Roper. I would also suggest looking beyond the big box stores. All of my stuff has been bought from local or regional stores. What I've found is while the list price maybe cheaper at Home Depot or Sears, the smaller places usually have free delivery, hook up and haul away of the old appliance. Their delivery/hook up guys are usually better as well.
I found a bunch of places in Philly that fit this bill and alot seem to also sell scratch and dent.
»maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&safe=···lts&cd=1
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"Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom; it is the arguments of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves." William Pitt the Younger | |
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tahoejeff
join:2001-07-01
Wisconsin Dells, WI
clubs:
| one consideration since you are replacing such an old unit:
refrigerators have been growing in height. make sure you know the maximum height that will fit in your space before you shop.
i've been looking for a larger refrigerator, but mine has a short kitchen cabinet over it, and this severely limits the selection i can look at.
i'm considering chopping a couple inches off the bottom of the cabinet.
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The Geek Shall Inherit the Earth | |
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N3OGH
Bear patrol must be working like a charm
Premium
join:2003-11-11
Philly burbs
·Verizon FIOS
·Verizon Online DSL
| First off, scratch & dent is the way to go.
I bought my current fridge (another Kenmore) at the Sears outlet off I-95 in Newark, De. The exit for SR 273. If you have access to a pickup truck, and you live south of Billy Penn's hat, I guarantee it's worth the trip.
The fridge I got is a nice stainless steel model with the filtered ice & water, electronic control, etc etc. I paid $1000 less for it because of a few scratches. It has held up well, and I am happy with it. I also have a Whirlpool in my basement that I've converted into a "Keg-orator" with brewmeister parts. My parents bought it in 1982 and it can still freeze water in cold box, let alone the freezer.
Also consider if you drive to the outlet in DE, you will pay NO SALES TAX. On a $1000 fridge, that's a cool $60. No pun intended.
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Petty people are disproportionably corrupted by petty power… | |
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russotto
join:2000-10-05
Collegeville, PA
| IMO, GE and water don't mix. So if you're considering a fridge with icemaker or water dispenser, stay away from GE.
I had the kitchen cabinet problem as well; top-freezers and side-by-sides would fit but bottom-freezers would not. Fortunately I found one shorter than average LG (no, not the one with the TV!); they probably don't make it any more but they may make a similar model. | |
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RockyBB
Premium
join:2005-01-31
Longmont, CO
| When everything else is equal, I always liked having Kenmore appliances because they include a blow-up parts listing of every single component part, and they are generally available (though not necessarily cheep) at the Sears parts outlets. this lets you do the minor stuff (broken handle, cracked shelf, etc) without having to engage a repair man. | |
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cyclone_z
join:2006-06-19
Ames, IA
·Qwest.net
| I have a whirlpool in my apartment and it is a real piece of sh*t. It makes all kinds of clanking and banging noises. It also causes electrical interference that, when I'm listening to music on headphones, makes me immediately take them off. zzzzzzzzzt.
Whirlpool sucks. | |
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8744675
join:2000-10-10
Decatur, GA
| There are only about 3 manufacturers who make all the name brand appliances. The same goes for hot water heaters.
Whirlpool and Roper are the same, just sold under different names. Kenmore brands are made by other major manufacturers. As stated, currently Whirlpool.
Magic Chef, Jenn-Air & Hotpoint are also made by the same manufacturer, just different names.
When you buy replacement parts, that's why 1 part fits many different brands and models. | |
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| russotto
join:2000-10-05
Collegeville, PA
| Re: Refrigerator recommendations? There are only about 3 manufacturers who make all the name brand appliances. Three US-headquartered manufacturers (though they largely manufacture in Mexico). There's also the Korean manufacturers (LG, Samsung), the European ones (Bosch, Miele, etc), Chinese (Haier) and even New Zealand (Fisher & Paykell) | |
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