Garage refrigerator

You should consider either a Frigidaire-brand top-freezer model, or a Kenmore top-freezer manufactured by Frigidaire. Then, install the garage kit (around $22 at searspartsdirect.com). There aren't a lot of models that will be suitable, but there are some. And, if you check out 04621712000 on sears.com (a Frigidaire convertible freezer/fridge), that's suitable for the garage as well.

I too am looking for a fridge for the garage; what exactly is the "garage kit", and is it a neccessity?...I live in Wisconsin (gets pretty muggy here in the summer, and cold in the winter - no heat in the garage).

Which models would you reccommend?

Just a note I found in looking for info about the "garage kit" (which is actually a heater,part # 5303918301 if you want to google it):Frigidaire specifies it to be used in areas (like garages) where the ambient temp will be less than 50 degrees fahrenheit ***but*** not less than 34 degrees fahrenheit.So,take that to mean,not to be used in an ambient temp that is less than freezing.Very important i think,and this is straight from Frigidaire.

Thanks Billfish; it gets very cold here in Wisconsin, and I know for a fact the temp will drop below 34 F on a regular basis from December thru March so it appears I may not need the kit afterall.

I purchased a Matag refrigerator with a top freezer 3 years ago to put in my garage.  Our winters are usually in the 40's and 50's  with some days down in the 30's.  The temperature of the freezer is in part regulated by the temperature of the refrigerator.  When the outside temperature is cool, the refrigerator does not cycle on as frequently which allows the freezer temperature to rise, often up to 10 degrees.  This is not a problem for items in the refrigerator, but we must be careful what goes in the freezer  only during the winter months.   The salesperson apparently was not knowledgeable regarding a refrigerator that would be appropriate for the garage.  After the refrigerator was delivered  and I read the instruction manual, it clearly explained the relationship of the outside temperature and  maintaining the temperature of the freezer.   My suggestion would be to read the manual before purchasing.  Live and learn.

I'm in the market to replace a 15 year old Kenmore freezer and GE Profile top freezer/refrigerator I've used in my garage here in North FL for years.  I used no garage kit, but noticed both my big freezer and the freezer compartment in the refrigerator (both in garage) froze better in the wintertime vs. summertime.  

After reading the above posts, I'm wondering whether I'd be better off NOT buying the garage kit, as I had no problems in the winter--though sometimes in the summer the freezers didn't freeze well, when temp. got above 90 degrees outside.

I was looking for a garage refrigerator last year and did my research. Your right in that you can't put a regular refrigerator in your garage, if it's going to be subjected to temperature extremes.

You will end up paying for it in spoiled food and a higher electric bill. I haven't done a review yet, but I will soon on the Gladiator garage refrigerator I bought last year.

There are two models, the Chillerator, and the Freezerator. I bought the Chillerator as it is energy star compliment where the Freezerator is not.

The only cons so far is the price, but if you can catch one of Sear's sales, it's well worth it.

I did some research and not all the first models of the Chillerator were energy star compliment. I found a few on different sites that had a good price but they were not the energy stars, so be careful if you see one on Craig's list.

Check the manufacture dates. and make sure if you get a used one, you're not paying energy star price for a non-energy star model.

As far as the garage kits , I don't know a lot about them, but heard you really need someone who knows what they are doing to install them. Also, I don't know if it's part of the garage kit,  but you also need extra refrigerator insulation if it's in the garage.

Hope this helps......................

If you do not need extra freezer space, the ideal choice is the 

Kenmore White 16.7 cu. ft. Freezerless Refrigerator Sears Item# 04660722000 | Model# 60722.  This is not a Energy Star unit, but its annual running cost is a mere $40.00, much less than most energy star refrigerator-freezer units.  Link to energy guide: http://c.sears.com/assets/eg/258565.pdf
This unit is specifically enabled for cold weather garage use.  It is capable of supporting normal refrigerator temps even when the ambient temp plunges down to as low as -10F. This unit is made in Minnesota with Minnesota in mind. There are plenty of unheated garages and seasonal cabins where this unit works perfectly.

There is a similar model Frigidaire White 16.7 cu. ft. Convertible Upright Freezer to All Refrigerator (Energy Star in Freezer mode only) Sears Item# 04621712000 | Model# FKCH17F7HW

If it gets below 40 in your garage for a few months, simply open the door and unplug it.  Same thing.  The only exception would be if it rose above 40 sometimes.  37 is optimal refrigerator temp according to most owners manuals.  But if you want to leave it in a controlled environment, a good refrigerator in a 37 degree garage should cost around zero to run.  It may or may not work out that way, but that's how it should be.  Then you'd only pay to run it for warmer months.

Where can i get an instruction manual for a Kenmore Coldspot model 1069750613 Refigerator.  Help!

Hi Hobeau - Check www.managemylife.com.  Just click the Manuals tab and search using the model number.

Our outside temps here in Penn Valley, CA 95946 range from 95 in summer to 30 in winter.  We need extra refrigerator and freezer storage and have space in our attached garage. What model do you recommend, and is a garage kit advised?

Bobo

Adding a refrigerator to a garage is possible but your climate can play a big role in performance.  The paint finish might wear out quicker, get very dirty, and condensation can lead to problems with freezer doors sticking.  Don't forget about how many insects might come in contact with it.  They take up space and might interfere with car doors depending on where they are installed.  Your power bill will be higher also.  Some people install an extra freezer and/or refrigerator in a dry and clean basement instead of the garage.  I have heard a lot of people say they save money with an extra refrigerator because they can store more food and make fewer trips to the store.  Freezer burn, the extra cost to purchase the unit, a higher electric bill, and power outages are something they didn't mention.  I grow vegetables with a Sears garden tractor and freeze a lot of them in an additional freezer.  We also use the extra freezer to handle extra  frozen foods from the grocery store that our kitchen unit can't hold.  Especially those foods with large cartons that don't fit well in a lot of regular size freezers.  At one time I considered purchasing a huge kitchen refrigerator with higher energy efficiency but I don't think there is one big enough to handle my garden.  My neighbor was freezing about 400 ears of corn per day from their garden and they need plenty of extra frozen storage.  I have seen refrigerators in garages used for over 20 years with temperatures ranging from 0 degrees F to 100 degrees F, and they have worked well.  Exterior cleanliness, insects, and condensation were some of the common problems they have had.