NFRC: New refrigerator - Brand suggestions, energy rebate?

C

colleenmomof2

Well-known member
I'm just starting to investigate replacing our Sub Zero from 1980 - it needs to be repaired again. There is a very slow freon leak from a failing part that a freon recharge almost 2 years ago "repaired." The part is expensive and with the energy savings and rebates, I wondered if anyone has any suggestions or experience with what's available out there or the rebates. Any discussion will be most appreciated! Colleen

 
Well...after buying and hating for 5 years...then having to buy another...

Make a lot of notes now about what you expect your new purchase to do, that you don't want to change. TAKE MEASUREMENTS of the space you have now. Carry a tape measure with you. You won't necessarily want a salesman helping until you've weeded out the first dozen or so. Once you start looking and looking, space starts appearing differently. I finally made my decision with a pan in hand. If it doesn't fit...you get the idea. Refrigerator space has been redistributed. There's more space inside the door now. Insulation is different. The theory of heat rising has been compensated for. Third door technology has come into play... I'm much happier with the new fridge. I hated the side by side the week after it arrived. It only looked like it would work for us. It never really did. And enjoy the hunt! That's the fun part after all!!

 
Some places to start...

If you are looking built-in: a friend told me her brother had nothing but problems with Sub-Zeros in 3 different homes (in just one of those homes it was replaced 3 times; each had problems and he vowed to never get another) so she bought a GE Monagram and loves it.

If you are looking free standing, when I bought mine and wanted bottom freezer the best for features/desgin I found was the Kenmore Elite Treo (see link) and I looked at everything on the mkt. To me it beat out the Amana that makes it on design/features. I ended up with the Fisher/Paykel because the design was so pretty and the wine rack/compartments suckered me in but it would not be big enough for a family. If I needed to feed a family I would have gone Kenmore, but I'm with Glennis -- measure, measure measure! Inside and out. For example when I took a closer look at some Kitchen Aid and the 4-door GE the salad crispers would require you to cut celery in half to use the drawers.

http://www.kenmore.com/shc/s/c_10154_12604_Kenmore_Refrigerators?adCell=AH

 
I have to say, I LOVE my Sub-Zero. I have the fridge and freezer, and

food really stays fresher longer, thanks to the temperature control accuracy. I'm not sure if another has better use of the space (I don't have a water or ice dispenser in either one), but I wouldn't trade it. I buy ice at the gas station.

 
Thanks for your help with my research!

I do love our Sub-Zero. We always had free standing refrigerators - still have a 20+ yo GE one in the basement - before moving here in 2000. At almost 30 years old, this Sub Zero is a champ. And I love the shallow shelving of a built-in.

I'm almost done with my holiday clean-up. I'm hoping to get out to tour the dealers for pricing and face-to-face info in the next couple of days. Thanks again! Colleen

 
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