Older Sub Zero Fridge

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I need a new fridge and found a used Sub Zero on Craig's List for next to nothing. It's supposed to be only 12 years old but the styling is right out of 1974.

Here's the ad:
I recently got this fridge and brought it home to find out it will not fit in my kitchen. My loss is your gain. This is a built in unit that is 36" wide and counter depth. Fridge on the to freezer on the bottom with roll out basket. Model# is 251RFD. The front panels are available in many colors and styles through sub zero dealer, the current ones are beigeish. I can not deliver I paid $100 to have it delivered and it is now hogging up space in my kitchen. It runs great and has an ice maker.

Saw it yesterday and it's a Monster, and as noted, can't believe something made in "1995" would have such dated styling...interior had faux wood laminate and gold twirly accents on the shelves. It was nice and cold and seemed to be working just fine.

Concerns are:
Reliability
Energy...open the huge top door to a shallow-wide space and I would think every bit of cold air would escape just getting a bottle of ketchup.
A little too cheap...this guy is giving away this fridge, though nice fellow/family in solid middle-class Framingham, MA.

Thoughts?

[Tim L]

I have that fridge, I like it. I have the ss panels. Also It’s one heavy fridge!!

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Thanks Tim. any thoughts on energy usage? reliability? I can get this devil for $200.

[RickM]

If it's like my 48" then it has two compressors and cooling systems. One for the fridge, one for freezer. It also vacuums the air out of each compartment when the door is closed. Reliability is good but you'll have a rough time getting a competitive bid on changing out a blown compressor (Common). I have a place that will sell for a very reasonable amount. Just went through this with my SIL.

I suspect they aren't the most efficient units.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

this probably has the vacuum thing. you can't open the door right after closing the door.

it's supposed to have a new compressor from a few years ago. only a guess given the cleanliness of the area...newish parts.

If the compressor went, any idea what I'd be looking at?

and if compressors go, why are these things so expensive?

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Ive been through this nightmare with an old housemate who had an old SubZero she thought would look nice in the kitchen. I could not find parts for it. In the end, it sat in her garage for 3 years until she realized that fixing it would cost more than a regular old Sears brand fridge.

[RickM]

The compressor I ordered for my SIL was $250. I was able to determine that a Tecumseh unit was a direct replacement and often used by Sub Zero.

I found a refrigeration guy to come in and remove compressor/evacuate system, flush the entire system, replace some type of inline filter and valve, install compressor and recharge. Took him about 4-5 hours. I sourced him through Craigslist (Wanted ad) and he only charged $250. A sub Zero tech will charge a minimum of $1500 around here.

Compressor: This is one place that was slightly higher in price:

Toll Free (800) 597-3022
Fx: (562) 468-0516
20234 State Rd.
Cerritos, CA 90703
kitchenparts@verizon.net
http://www.a1service.com
http://www.coldsupply.com

Tecumseh Compressor 1 259.99
#AE140AT-723-J7, (1/5 HP, R-12)
(replaces #AE140CT-184C4)

I can get the other place if needed.

BTW, her last compressor was replaced about 5 years ago.

[onewhippedpuppy]

For what they sell for new, they should last for eternity.

[RickM]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

For what they sell for new, they should last for eternity.

The replacement for her unit is approx $6500....and yes they should.

FWIW, this is the same side (freezer) that is on it's third compressor. Either a design flaw or the system wasn't flushed properly during earlier replacement. This latest guy added a filter and/or valve that he said wasn't originally installed and should help protect the system. We'll see.