So… this time last week, the freezer on our fridge gave up so we mostly suspected what happened last night to be imminent: the fridge decided it was all done keeping things cold.
Mike moved some of the critical foods to either the tiny bar fridge downstairs or the freezer side (which is still cold but not cold enough to freeze anything) and this morning we moved all the condiments and such into sealed Rubbermaid containers on the deck. I phoned work to let my supervisor know I was not coming in because we needed to go buy a new fridge.
We cased out where to go and headed first to a place that sold used appliances (they do repairs and any that are refurbished are re-sold; they also have leftover floor models and scratch-and-dent items that other stores can’t sell, or whatever). We found two models there that would have worked just fine for what we want — one had a built-in ice maker so we could still use the water hookup we have for our current albatross; it was a little over $1000 and the other was a very basic Frigidaire top-freezer model for about half the price. However, earliest they could deliver was Tuesday.
Next we went out to a big appliance store in the West Shore — full of beautiful dream-kitchen eye candy along with a number of models that were perfectly acceptable. What we went for though, was the **one only** floor model clearance Inglis fridge with a bottom freezer for just under $800. We agreed this is not our “forever fridge” it’s just to get us through until we can re-do the kitchen and/or move.
Only thing to negotiate was the delivery — we told them the other place could deliver Tuesday and had a fridge for $200 less (almost $300 less, really). Sales guy talked to the manager who said, “Just the one fridge? We can make it work tomorrow.” We made the deal — with delivery and hauling charges plus taxes it came to just over $1000.
Think I’m kidding about the shims? Not in the least.
Only one little problem. First place would have done the water service disconnect; these ones wouldn’t. I managed, after some detective work, to find the shut off valve (under a mystery panel) and shut it off. Next we had to unwedge the fridge. Mike did almost all the work, but we needed to use a mallet, shims, a large dowel, and a crowbar; I merely handed him tools as one would a surgeon — and this was very much a surgical extraction. I swear, the idiots who put this place together not only cut corners but they put in extra corners then slapped together work arounds which were obscured with decorative trim 9 times out of 10.
We realized the fridge was not just wedged but actually painted in place and was sitting on top of most of a cupboard door that is screwed into the floor. I know better than to unscrew that door. I will live with not knowing wtf is underneath. I won’t even tell you the rest of what has been hiding back there. Suffice to say, we are not surprised.
Anyway, after a LOT of effort (and some satisfying dents in the side of this fridge), we were able to remove it. It is currently sitting, pulled out, awaiting its final destination (hopefully a dumpster as above) tomorrow. Meantime, we limp along.
Next issue will be getting it out and the new one in because the front door is 30 inches wide. This sucker is 33 wide and a little over that for depth when you count the handles. And we forgot to warn the delivery guys about the stairs.
I will miss the water and ice service but it was a luxury I can easily manage without.
As exciting as it is o get a new appliance, the reason for he purchase usually sucks.