15 year old KitchenAid refrigerator reliability

14 years ago

I am looking at a 15 year old side by side KitchenAid refrigerator for $250. Is it worth buying? My current refrigerator is even older and don't want to get a new one yet.

Thanks for any advice

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

jakvis
14 years ago
At 15 years the refrigerator is at or a little beyond its life expectectancy. I'd pass on this deal.
Even if the unit was free and all you had to do was pick it up my answer would be basically the same.
mojavean
14 years ago
Probably not. No more than $100 at that age. $150 if you just love it for aesthetics.
Older machines are energy hogs and at 15 years you are flirting with fans and defrost timers wearing out. I would look for something in the 5-7 year old range at the $250 price point. Craigslist's got 'em everyday. Just keep your eyes peeled for the color you want, wait for one to pop up for 300 to 400, offer them 250 cash and take it home.
Related Discussions
Which FD Refrigerator is More Reliable? LG or KitchenAid ?
Q
Comments (16)
I have a kitchen aid too. mine is the full depth version that is 32 5/8" wide X 70" tall. I was going to get a narrow SxS to fit in the smallish corner that is provided by my kitchen lay out but decided a french door would do better with some help in here. At the time I wanted ice and water in the door but found that to be an expensive idea in this type and size. I ended up with this KA because we found it at HH Gregg as a floor model close out, they were not going to carry this size any more which is near 22 cuft. this one has water and ice but the water is in the fridge which work fine and stays cleaner than on the door might. Mine looks like Fivezero's but it sticks out more from the cabinet and the left door is narrower than the right. I have no issue with gallons in either side, the bottom left door shelf will only hold one being not as wide but I still have room for a katshup bottle next to it. The right bottom shelf also often has two tea pitchers. I like the crispers and the bottom try that we use one side of for deli meats and cheeses and the other side for other small snacks. I have made the layout work well. I like the freezer too the bins are nice, I think its easier to find items than the top freezer model I had, a 29 year old Frigidaire that was still running and running. I had the KA since April 2012 so far its been running well. the only fault I can find is that if its humid you will need to use the moisture control option and sometimes I have seen condensation on the center bar that makes the seal between the doors and t drips down to the freezer gasket and needs an occasional wipe this summer, but then I don't have central ac in my old house to keep it more evenly cool than window units to so others my not see that small issue.
...See More
Advice: Replacing 15 year old systems
Q
Comments (3)
For Atlanta, I'd probably look for dual fuel. 80% variable speed furnace and 15 SEER heat pump to get the tax credit. At least 1 system to qualify but both do dual fuel. Armstrong is decent equipment.
...See More
2-year old KitchenAid icemaker leaked, damaging floor
Q
Comments (2)
What a bummer! I hope that you can get KA to take responsibility for the repair, damages, and all associated costs. I really want an ice maker because I use ice a lot, but they do seem prone to problems - and water damage is the worst. It's good to hear that your floor may be okay - please report back about it if you can. Best wishes that all goes well.
...See More
KitchenAid 3 year old fridge stopped cooling and the started again
Q
Comments (1)
I'd call KA customer service and see if they have any opinions.
...See More
dadoes
14 years ago
Refrigerators can last a long time.

I have a KA top freezer unit that's 12.5 years old, never any trouble. Been in my garage for the past 5 years for drinks/spare storage.

My grandmother has a Whirlpool top freezer bought in 1984, no repairs.

My neighbor had a Whirlpool top freezer unit bought in 1985 or 1986, replaced a few years ago ONLY because the door liner cracked. He tried to align the crack by flexing the door, it broke worse (NEVER do that with an aged/brittle door panel, he should have asked me first, LOL). He wanted to repair it, but the liner was NLA. He checked the old unit and the new (KA SxS) with a KillAWatt meter and found that while the old box did use more power, the difference is such that it'd take a LONG time to get a payback if the old unit had been replaced specifically for the reason of saving energy.
lascatx
14 years ago
I've got an Amana in my utility room that is older than that and has never had a single problem. I plan to replace it next week with the energy star replacement rebate before it does have a problem, but I sure wouldn't try to sell it for $250. I'll be more than happy if they take it away for recycling and I get the additional $75 on the rebate. I don't think I could take money from anyone who wanted to use it though.
weissman
14 years ago
I have a 29 year old Whirlpool fridge that's still going strong in the basement but I wouldn't pay $250 for an old fridge. As long as your current fridge is still working, save your money until you can get a new fridge.

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Stay Cool About Picking the Right Refrigerator

By KitchenLab Interiors

If all the options for refrigeration leave you hot under the collar, this guide to choosing a fridge and freezer will help you chill out

Full Story

143

KITCHEN DESIGN Get Ideas From This Year’s Top 20 Kitchen Tours

By Becky Harris

Smart storage, functionality for cooks and families, vintage touches and lots of personality mark your favorites of 2015

Full Story

KITCHEN OF THE WEEK Kitchen of the Week: 27 Years in the Making for New Everything

By Jeannie Matteucci

A smarter floor plan and updated finishes help create an efficient and stylish kitchen for a couple with grown children

Full Story

161

THE HARDWORKING HOME 8 Laundry Room Ideas to Watch For This Year

By Mitchell Parker

The Hardworking Home: A look at the most popular laundry photos in 2014 hints that dog beds, drying racks and stackable units will be key

Full Story

333

SMALL SPACES Life Lessons From 10 Years of Living in 84 Square Feet

By Mitchell Parker

Dee Williams was looking for a richer life. She found it by moving into a very tiny house

Full Story

291

KITCHEN DESIGN See-Through Refrigerators Dare to Go Bare

By Lisa Frederick

Glass-front fridge doors put your food and drinks on display, for better or worse. See the benefits and disadvantages

Full Story

BATHROOM DESIGN Spotted: Refrigerators in the Bathroom

By Becky Harris

You read that right. Before you protest, here are seven good reasons why people are chilling in the bath

Full Story

115

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Find out what’s involved in updating your cabinets by refinishing or replacing doors and drawers

Full Story

478

KITCHEN DESIGN New and Old Mix It Up in a Historic Farmhouse Kitchen

By Jeannie Matteucci

A couple rethink the kitchen in their Pennsylvania farmhouse to restore authenticity while also creating a space for modern living

Full Story

COLOR Kitchen Color: 15 Fabulous Green Backsplashes

By Jennifer Ott Design

Get the feel of spring all year round with a tiled, painted or glass backsplash in colors from pale celery to deep olive

Full Story

15 year old KitchenAid refrigerator reliability

Comments (5)

jakvis

mojavean

Related Discussions

dadoes

lascatx

weissman

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US