Refrigerator features...

[sc_rufctr]

The problem with most commercial grade refrigerators is the noise. They're really not suitable for the home kitchen.

[berettafan]

Having worked in restaurants for my high school and college years I've never held the opinion that commercial fridges are more reliable.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by berettafan

Having worked in restaurants for my high school and college years I've never held the opinion that commercial fridges are more reliable.

Definitely more reliable but would you have one in your home kitchen?

[pvlmal]

the use of commercial appliances in the home has a few benefits, but also a few safety issues. commercial ranges need additional space for heat protection and also more exhaust capability. the refrigerators do not have any electrical savings at all, most are designed to run a 24 hour continuous cycle to maintain the defrost cycle, are load -but cool if money is no object. the cost to buy is potentially lower but the operating cost and even installation cost is higher. most commercial appliances are 28-30" deep so don't normally fit within a residential kitchen.

Wolf/Sub Zero and Miele have designed appliances with the power of commercial eqmt but designed specifically for residential application. You can run a 48" wide refrain/freezer for a year for the cost of a 100 watt light bulb, they are quiet and are designed to fit into a home environment. the downside-since the appliances are designed to have a 20+year life span- they cost 3 times what a Samsung product runs-
bottom line- there are specific high end appliances that are designed for long life, low cost operations and they also have features that provide for cooking enjoyment.

[Jim Horton]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

My furnace guy said the same thing. Told me to avoid the high efficiency models until I was dragged screaming and shouting into the future, because it's all the crap that makes it highly efficient that's gonna break.

Huh. I buy cars using the same logic.

[Bugsinrugs]

I bought my sub zero twenty four years ago for $5000. Except for the ice build up in the perishable compartment it has been trouble free. Knock on wood.

[araelto]

You have to turn the fridge sideways to watch movies?

[jyl]

Commercial range in house: they don't have heat insulation, doors get hot, sides and back need distance from combustible surfaces (like cabinets), some need 3/4" gas piping, burners don't do very low simmer, hard to find a repairman who will service them in a home. They are far cheaper than the high end commercial-like residential ranges, like $2K vs $5-7K. That said, I know people with commercial ranges in their homes. As mentioned, I ended up with a $5K commercial-like residential range that is pretty close to an actual commercial range, but with heat insulation and one simmer burner, five big burners.

Commercial refrigerators in homes: noisy, not energy efficient, usually no freezer (there are dual temp models), no conveniences like door shelves, baskets, etc, don't fit the standard cut outs for residential refrigerators. I have a freezer in the basement and don't mind going there for ice cream, and I don't care about noise in my kitchen since there is always activity going on there anyway. Also way cheaper than the high end Liebherr, SubZero, etc.

[intakexhaust]

Topic is good timing. We have two GE in the house that are probably 40 years old! Awesome compressors, refrigerant, quality metal and glass shelves, thick robust plastic door shelfs and drawers, metal brackets and trim. One has just finally burned out the separate cooling fan blower to condenser. No biggie, a $30 replacement motor takes care of that.

But we've been shopping for new modern, fridge, slowly (lol) for a few months now. Checked big box stores to very high end appliance stores, online to.

Boggles me the pile of crap made for the price they ask. LG with chincy plastic, do-dats, some fancier with multiple outer doors that take up cu. feet, crappy ice makers that take up space, miniscule door shelfs, many non adjustable... but yet engineered to be removed for cleaning (how thoughtful). Doors misaligned, sliders are grabby rough (even unloaded!). Kitchen Aid was pathetic.

Knowing Sears is on the way out, I forced my wife to at least walk in and take a look at the offerings. There's a Kenmore on display, running but laughably had moisture dripping all over the inside! Even the upper lighting system had water INSIDE the fixture. Really bad. What dummy at the store permits that appliance to be on display? Jeez.

Also noted JC Penney is jumping in on the appliance game, likely thinking to take up the soon to be Sears losses. But their so called super sale prices are full retail. I guess they think nobody compares prices these days?!

More, neighbor has a few year old Samsung with linear compressor. Twice has had service done on it. Ice maker blocks up also at night the noisy compressor drives him nutz. LOL

[john70t]

Sorry, couldn't help my negative self.

Originally Posted by intakexhaust

Boggles me the pile of crap made for the price they ask.
[people buying]

LG with chincy plastic, do-dats, some fancier with multiple outer doors that take up cu. feet, crappy ice makers that take up space, miniscule door shelfs, many non adjustable... but yet engineered to be removed for cleaning (how thoughtful).
[people buying]

Doors misaligned, sliders are grabby rough (even unloaded!).
[people buying]

Kitchen Aid was pathetic.
[people buying]

Good company. Bumps in the road.
psssht. Honor them.

[sc_rufctr]

My "newish" fridge. 4 months and I'm very happy with it but after reading this thread I wonder how long it will be before it blows up!

(Fisher&Paykel)

[cairns]

We have a 23 year old SubZero that refuses to die. The wife wanted a new one (with the ice dispenser) so the old one is in the laundry room- running quietly and keeping my beer super cold.