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How NOT to go Refrigerator Shopping

April 24, 2017

I have some friends with that have one of those refrigerators with the freezer on the bottom that opens as a huge drawer. I fell in love with it. So, when it came time to look for a refrigerator, I looked at those.

A quick run thru the refrigerator section at Lowes/Home Depot is not enough for me. Of course, I did that. But then I had to return home and research what I saw.

I initially thought the four door refrigerator – the fourth being a small slide out drawer between the refrigerator doors and freezer drawer) – was silly. Once I read the marketing hype and thought about it – I started liking it. The idea that caught my attention is that one puts the frequently accessed items (snacks, sodas, fruit, etc…) in this drawer and then the big doors do not need to be opened as frequently. Which then requires less power consumption for cooling. Yes… I was sucked in by the marketers… I am ashamed…

Missy 1998 MCI 102-EL3 coach refrigerator freezer couch appliances

After several trips looking thru the refrigerator department, I was convinced the Samsung four door, counter depth model was for me and Missy. I then began price shopping.

Lucky for me, there is a Sears Outlet nearby. They had several of the models that I wanted so I went to look. Looking at these units is critical, for me at least, as they are returns, scratch and dents, floor models, etc. I found one that had a couple of very minor scrapes but otherwise looked brand new, inside and out. I bought it for 60% off the list price.

Yay me!

My typical style of shopping is in and out – very quick, very efficient (very much NOT enjoyed by most of the woman with whom I have been shopping).

However; I had my Mom with me on this trip and she wanted to look around a bit. Oh… that is always a mistake.

I wondered over to the furniture, found a nice looking recliner couch and sat down.

Ooopss….

It was SOOOOO COMFORTABLE!!!

I then stood up and took a closer look at it. I actually loved the look. It was even the recliner of that type that does not go backwards into the wall (whatever that is called).

Then, I made the final and biggest mistake. I looked at the price tag.

Oh… noooo…

They were almost giving it away.

I had to have it.

Missy 1998 MCI 102-EL3 coach refrigerator freezer couch appliances

Missy now has a refrigerator AND a couch!!

Missy 1998 MCI 102-EL3 coach refrigerator freezer couch appliances

Oftentimes, getting a residential refrigerator into a motorhome is a MAJOR undertaking. I’ve heard horror stories of having to remove windows/doors, disassemble the refrigerator, and so forth. Getting both of these items into Missy was really not that difficult.

We simply pulled the delivery truck (with lift gate) up the side, opened a window as wide as it would go, and slid them thru the open window. I expected far more excitement, and work, but it was really very easy. I would even suggest that it was far easier than having to haul it into a typical home.

I have some work to secure the refrigerator in place. Unlike a typical home, mine moves. Not having a 350 pound refrigerator crashing to the front of the coach the first time I have to hit the brakes is important. That should be easy though – drill some holes and run some big lag screws thru the refrigerator and all should be well, right?!?

Power use: When I initially plugged the refrigerator in and while it was cooling down, it drew 2.5 amps at 120 volts. After getting down to operating temperature, it draws 1 amp at 120 volts. In other words, about 300 watts while cooling down and about 120 watts during normal operation. That doesn’t sound like a lot of power but it really is when boondocking and using only the sun to provide power.

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