Fridge Situation: What Would You Do?

16 years ago

So, it looks like weÂll have to get a new fridge. And IÂve started researching today. Immediately, I went back to my original "runner-up" choices: the Sub-Zero and the GE Monogram. Unfortunately, both specify a cut out dimension that is about 1-1/2", in overall width, smaller than what I have for the unit weÂve got now. The height measurements are also a bit different--a tiny bit larger--and we've got finished cabinets above our fridge. Arrgh!!! (Also, the Sub-Zero specifies water input and electric outlet in different place.) IÂve looked at a few others quickly (Thermador, etc.) and it seems to be the same story--nothing is exactly the same cut-out as what I've got now.

This really irks me. I picked the Jade because I liked the configuration (30.1 interior capacity, stainless interior, pull out glass shelves, etc.), and then I had the cabinetry built around it. If it worked, IÂd be totally happy. Now, I have the option of either an ever-lasting freezer dripping water all over my frozen food or spending $6,000+ on a new built-in fridge that wonÂt look built in (have a gap on either side).

What would you do? That IÂm put in such a position by the company I bought from, Eurostoves, really ticks me off.

Here is a link that might be useful: Previous Thread Detailing Fridge Issues

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Comments (2)

steve_o
16 years ago
Custom-building cabinetry around something that is not permanent (a refrigerator) gave rise to this dilemma. If the Jade had lasted four or five years before becoming unusable to you, and you had to replace it with a non-Jade, you very likely would have faced exactly the same situation. What would you have done then?

I see three choices:

- Keep the Jade, give up on the icemaker, and either get an ice machine (if you have room) or ice-cube trays;

- Buy a refrigerator which fits closely but not exactly and realize it's a better fit than a standard-depth fridge;

- Consider buying a refrigerator that is not built-in and, therefore, won't have the expectation of looking built-in nor the expectation of fitting perfectly into cabinetry.

None of these choices is ideal. I'm sure the fact that this happened so soon after buying this refrigerator irks you. But the situation is what it is. Only you can decide how to balance the functionality you want with the esthetics that exist and with the amount of energy you want to continue to devote to this issue.
rococogurl
16 years ago
I had a very bad, very expensive oven that didn't work after 9 repair calls. I finally got them to buy it back. They sent someone to remove it.

My dealer credited me. I bought a new oven, which cost $700 more than the credit.

I have custom cabinets which are factory painted and high gloss. I bought an oven that had pretty much no complaints on this forum and that didn't require huge alteration.

I had some left over painted wood pieces from shelving. The installer did a seamless job of patching and installing the new oven which is fabulous. Another world.

I'm about to do the same thing with the microwave under the oven which was blown out by a power surge. I'll now have a micro/warmer. The new unit is 4" shorter than the old one. It will be patched by the same installer

The additional money is annoying to be sure. But way less annoying than appliances that don't work, food that isn't baked or ice that isn't made. Life is too short IMO.

The electrical hook up and water line can be moved. The cabinets can be filled or enlarged slightly by a good cabinet installer. I'd call your cabinet company and ask their help. If done correctly it should not be noticeable.

Get a really good fridge, the one you want and make it fit.

That's what I did and what I'm doing again and if my fridge had been unrepairable (it also was blown out in the power surge) I would have made the same alterations I'm suggesting to you and swapped it out for something better.
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Fridge Situation: What Would You Do?

Comments (2)

steve_o

rococogurl

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