New Residential Refrigerator

Topic: New Residential Refrigerator (Read 2919 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #25 – July 25, 2014, 10:53:56 pm

50 reviews on AJ Madison - 4.1 out of 5 Â Â Â Â http://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/RF197ACWP.html

21 reviews on Abt - 4.5 out of 5 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â http://www.abt.com/resources/pages/search.php?keywords=Samsung+RF197ACWP

I have a Haier, and haven't read these reviews FWIW

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #26 – July 25, 2014, 11:58:37 pm

John,

I know you are one of the proponents of the smaller 11.0 cu ft Whirlpool fridge, and I take everything you say to heart. We spent half the day today out in the coach, taking measurements of the existing RM7030, looking at the internal space configuration, thinking about how much food we really need to carry with us. We kept going back and forth between the Whirlpool and the Samsung. The little fridge would be a much easier install, would make room for additional storage (my wife loves the additional slide out pantry you added), and is of course much cheaper. BUT, the old RM7030 was about 8.5 cu ft (total), and we are always griping about not having enough room in it (especially the freezer). I guess we are, like you said, spoiled by having a big fridge at home. Moving from 8.3 to 11.0 cu ft doesn't seem like much improvement, although the space might be arranged in a more useful shape. The Samsung, on the other hand, gives you twice as much space as the old fridge, which seems like a lot more "worthwhile" upgrade. We would lose storage space below the fridge, but we could get rid of the old stand-alone ice maker under the hutch, and convert that to storage for a break-even. I don't know...it is a tough decision, and we haven't made up our minds yet. Fortunately, it is not a emergency situation, and we have time to ponder all the variables.

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #27 – July 26, 2014, 12:09:09 am

Tim,

Thanks for the links - I will check them out tomorrow. I did take Michelle's suggestion, and went to rv.net, searched for RF197. Came up with 3 pages of links to threads - read them all - they were 99% positive in favor of the Samsung. I don't know what the deal is with the Amazon reviews, but I'm a lot less worried about them now. Another example of why you have to be careful about seeking advice/opinions on the internet. Except, of course, for what you read on ForeForums! I know I always get the straight scoop here!

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #28 – July 26, 2014, 02:57:05 am

Quote from: cajk – July 25, 2014, 08:31:50 pm

Tom,

Thanks for the warning! I was already aware of your excellent thread concerning the fire, and yesterday I told my wife we sure as heck didn't want to go through that!

It is totally shut down at this time.

You can't imagine how pleased I am to hear that. I want everyone to stay safe.

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #29 – July 26, 2014, 07:07:16 am

Quote from: John Haygarth – July 25, 2014, 10:25:50 pm

The smaller Whirlpool that we have has plenty of room for what is important but there you are, everyone is different I guess.

Exactly

It depends on your eating/cooking/shopping style. We aren't stocked like a couple of "preppers", just basic ingredients for all our meals. Perhaps it's that we don't shop daily for groceries, just roughly once a week for everything and stops at farm stands if we're out and about (produce takes up a lot of space).

Quote from: flite2010 – July 25, 2014, 07:41:18 am

After playing refrigerator Jenga for 5 1/2 years we are extremely happy with all the space

Refrigerator Jenga - love it!

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #30 – July 26, 2014, 07:44:01 am

Chuck, if you decide to go with the Samsung we found the best price with US Appliance online. Free shipping and no tax plus they will match the price of any competitor with an additional 10% off. Total cost was @1150.00. So far the unit has been working great and we are very happy with it

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #31 – July 26, 2014, 06:59:54 pm

For those of you who may be considering a residential refrigerator, and are leaning toward the smaller 24" wide 11.0 cu ft Whirlpool recommended by John Haygarth and others, I have good news! I was poking around the local appliance dealers today, checking models in stock, colors, etc. No luck finding a Whirlpool, but at the Sears store I found a clone of the Whirlpool, being sold under the Kenmore brand. It exactly matches the Whirlpool WRT111SFAF in all dimensions, has the exposed coils on the back, and looks the same inside (best I can tell). It is currently on sale locally. The Kenmore model numbers and list and sale prices are given below. It's always nice to have another source when shopping for products!

Kenmore model 86393 (Stainless), list price = $662.99, sale price = $530.39

Kenmore model 86392 (Black), list price = $539.99, sale price = $431.99

Kenmore model 86399 (White), list price = $539.99, sale price = $431.99

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #32 – July 26, 2014, 07:20:31 pm

We came up with this idea for keeping the doors closed while traveling. Hopefully it won't damage the finish on the doors

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #33 – July 26, 2014, 07:43:08 pm

Bob, looking at that idea of yours I have a question. Does it actually keep the doos/drawer tight shut or do they open a touch then close again? The drawer at the bottom seems to me to be the tough one to keep shut due to the length of those "legs"?
neat looking though.
When we are away we do not go shopping each day but maybe twice a week, except for fresh sea food or the like from local butchers and markets. Thankfully everyone is different or the world would be boring.
JohnH

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #34 – July 26, 2014, 08:44:59 pm

Hi John
No the bottom drawer does open slightly and then close again unfortunately. It will keep it from slamming open but other than screwing a bracket to the side this seemed like the least invasive option. We'll see how it works when we hit the road again in 3 months. Perhaps we can come up with something better for the drawer by then.

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #35 – July 26, 2014, 09:05:34 pm

See post
Residential fridge

for how our frig doors and drawer are kept closed.

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #36 – July 26, 2014, 09:36:59 pm

Over at iRV2.com/THE OWNER'S CORNER FORUMS/Monaco Owner's Forum I found a thread covering the installation of a RF197 in great detail (13 pages):

Samsung RF197 installed in 2006 Diplomat 40PDQ - iRV2 Forums

On Page 1, Post #10, the OP describes his door & drawer retaining system, using "Mooring Fender Locks" from the Bass Pro Shop, and black nylon straps and buckles.
Just another clever idea to ponder.
Link below is to the photos that illustrate the concept - they are pretty much self-explanatory:

Picasa Web Albums - Robert Nodine - Travel Straps

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #37 – July 26, 2014, 09:45:44 pm

Yes, it definitely is a challenge and it keeps the gray matter working! We may run two strips of Velcro attached to the base platform and run it up to the carpeted wood bracket. Not 100% sure yet but right now this idea seems to keep it pretty tight but time will tell.

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #38 – July 31, 2014, 09:29:45 am

Quote from: flite2010 – July 26, 2014, 07:44:01 am

Chuck, if you decide to go with the Samsung we found the best price with US Appliance online. Free shipping and no tax plus they will match the price of any competitor with an additional 10% off. Total cost was @1150.00.

PRICE REDUCTION ALERT!!! For those of you (like us) who may be considering the purchase of a Samsung RF197, GOOD NEWS! Home Depot has this model (all 4 colors) on sale through 08/06/2014 for $987.30. I have not checked with US Appliance (yet), but if they honor their "110% Low Price Guarantee" then that would bring the price down to about $890(+ $49 shipping) = $940.

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #39 – July 31, 2014, 10:12:15 am

Quote from: cajk – July 31, 2014, 09:29:45 am

PRICE REDUCTION ALERT!!! For those of you (like us) who may be considering the purchase of a Samsung RF197, GOOD NEWS! Home Depot has this model (all 4 colors) on sale through 08/06/2014 for $987.30.

Must have meant 09/06/2014?

Roland

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #40 – July 31, 2014, 11:01:14 am

Bob/Faith, on your model can you see the back of the drawer from the rear of fridge ie Looking thru the back vent/access door. If so I may be able to suggest a locking system for the drawer that will hold it tight while travelling, then your handle design will be better.
JohnH

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #41 – July 31, 2014, 02:21:47 pm

Put a sliding door lock on the wall and drilled into the freezer door and put the other side with small screws. Holds well.

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #42 – July 31, 2014, 02:31:53 pm

Yes so did I. One note, all refrigerator and freezer doors today have a vacuum inside the door for insulating efficiency. David Flanigan at Grandvention LOVED my sliding door lock. Called manufacturer and was told drilling holes in door would void warranty. So FT won't do it.

I had already drilled mine. FWIW. So far no issue.

Not sure if JB weld or similar would hold well enough to not require drilling. Love the sliding door lock as a latch.

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #43 – July 31, 2014, 02:53:05 pm

VHB tape? So far, at least for me, that stuff has turned out to be amazing. It's all that's holding our solar panels to the rooftop of the RV. We let it sit and bond for a couple of weeks before driving around with it but it's been rock-solid. Just checked it yesterday. It's also holding down the wire-clips to keep the wires from rattling around.

DW just reminded me that we found VHB tape did not stick well to wood.

Craig

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #44 – July 31, 2014, 02:53:22 pm

Quote from: Roland Begin – July 31, 2014, 10:12:15 am

Must have meant 09/06/2014?

No, I meant August 6, 2014 (08/06/2014) - In other words, they are on sale until next Wednesday.

Samsung 17.8 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator in White-RF197ACWP at The Home

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #45 – August 01, 2014, 09:10:26 am

Quote from: cajk – July 31, 2014, 02:53:22 pm

No, I meant August 6, 2014 (08/06/2014) - In other words, they are on sale until next Wednesday.

Samsung 17.8 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator in White-RF197ACWP at The Home

Oh Crap, I thought we were in was August, not July when this was posted.

Roland

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #46 – August 01, 2014, 10:06:22 am

That's OK, Roland...I am also starting to suffer from "Oldtimer's" disease.

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #47 – August 01, 2014, 10:59:14 am

The lock/catch I am sauggesting does not get drilled into door etc it is installed at the rear of fridge.
John H

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #48 – August 01, 2014, 04:15:16 pm

Chuck,it's not Oldtimer's it's Sometimer's, some time's I remember some time's I don't, where is the funny face key.

Re: New Residential Refrigerator

Reply #49 – August 01, 2014, 09:08:33 pm

We have decided to replace the dead Dometic with a Samsung RF197 (still trying to decide on color). I called FOT to see about getting it installed. They are very busy, and can't get us in until the second half of September. That's OK - we'd rather wait and get it done right, plus we want to get a few other small mods done at the same time. David F. did say it would be fine with him if we buy the fridge now, while it's on sale, and have it delivered to their shop. They will store it until we get there for the installation. That will save us about $250 - which will just about pay for the fuel to drive over there and back. Meanwhile, if we want to go anywhere, I guess we'll have to use our big wheeled ice chest. At least our ice maker still works - it'll keep us supplied with ice!

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