[Davie]

I live in a small, New York City apartment. I desperately need a new fridge. Problem is, the fridge "slot" in my kitchen is so small that only a few companies make refrigerators the right size, and apart from Sears Kenmore none of them are the major brands. So far I've found possibilities from Danby, Avanti, and (possibly) Haier. A salesman says that this is considered a "niche market" and that Frigidaire, GE etc. don't even bother.

Anybody know how I can get information about Danby etc., or other options (and particular whether they're any good or not)? btw, the dimensions are 59"h x 24"w x 24 1/2"d.

Thanks.

 

[Edwood]

Man, I thought that was a Southern California thing. I never understood the "no fridge" in unfurnished apartments. A refrigerator is not a piece of furniture.

How confident are you that you will live at your apartment for more than a year? A fridge is no fun to move.

The big problem is with small fridges are that the freezer usually really sucks. So, you won't really have a lot of storage of frozen food.

I ended up buying a tiny little college dorm room style fridge for my first apartment in california, and pretty much ate out all the time.

I bought it at Sears.

-Ed

 

[Davie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edwood Man, I thought that was a Southern California thing. I never understood the "no fridge" in unfurnished apartments. A refrigerator is not a piece of furniture. How confident are you that you will live at your apartment for more than a year? A fridge is no fun to move. The big problem is with small fridges are that the freezer usually really sucks. So, you won't really have a lot of storage of frozen food. I ended up buying a tiny little college dorm room style fridge for my first apartment in california, and pretty much ate out all the time. I bought it at Sears. -Ed

Actually, I'm replacing an existing fridge at the landlady's expense. You've got to be kidding about "no fridge" apartments in California! Like, you're supposed to haul your fridge around from place to place with you. That's completely nuts.

The wholesaler my landlady gets her appliances from insists that there *are no* fridges the same size as my existing one. I know this isn't true since I've found the ones mentioned above on the web. It's just that it's considered a niche market that's too small for major manufacturers. The question is whether a Danby fridge is a piece of junk or not. Normally I'd just go for a Sears Kenmore over an unknown brand, but the Danby actually has a better freezer than the Kenmore. The Kenmore is like my existing freezer -- a small compartment within the main cabinet that needs to be defrosted (frequently).

 

[Bunnyears]

Look into refrigerators made for boats.

I think you can find at least one review at epinions.com on danby fridges, but the size is very odd. It sounds like the cabinets have not been changed since the 20's! If the landlady is paying for it, then you really have to go with her choices. Also, although i have seen many haier products (compact wine cellars, dishwashers, washer-dryers) I really have no idea whether they are any good. The easiest way to find out what the high end refrigerators available are would be to call up either elgot, gringer or another kitchen/bath specialist in the city. Just tell them that you are upgrading your appliances, but wish to retain the "period" cabinetry because you are getting it sanded and refinished. Also, you can check out vintage refurbished refrigerators, but those are much more expensive. They are however, so much more beautifully designed than the modern boxes -- with or without a stainless finish.

Also, check out the buyers guide to consumer reports. I have an online subscription and I'll be happy to mail you a copy of the refrigerator ratings later in the day. just send me via pm your email.