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Every decision is a big one, especially when you are looking for small things. After living for years with a glorified dorm fridge that works perfectly well but will never freeze an ice cube and needs to be defrosted every few months, we went looking for an undercounter fridge that would be a step up but not break the bank - like the Sub Zero ones do.
Here is the best of what we found:
Marvel 6.1 cu.ft. All Refrigerator 24" Wide - $1,039
Marvel 7.2 cu.ft. Refrigerator/Freezer 30" Wide - $1,149
Summit 24" Built-in Fridge Freezer w. 5.3 cu. ft. - $639
U Line 24" Built-in All Refrigerator with 5.7 Cu. Ft. - $1,089
After going back and forth for a few days, we finally decided on a few key things:
1. We needed cabinet space more than refrigerator space - 24" was fine
2. We wanted to save money on the fridge if possible - $1,000 was a lot!
3. We wanted a freezer that worked.
All of these things combined with the fact that we had SEEN the Summit in an AT House Tour of Cedric's home (see pic above) so that we finally went with the Summit.
While we fear that Summit isn't always the highest quality, this particular model has a good rating and - at this point - we really need to save money for the faucet hardware, etc. and we'd rather splurge there and save on the fridge. Please tell us that you have the Summit and it's great (while those who still think all of these fridges are too small, let us say that - with all our cooking - we have never complained about our small fridge).
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i have been eying that summit at my local appliance store and thought it looked great for the money. i have had under counter units in previous apartments and had no problem adjusting to the lower capacity. i still grocery shop every day.
Where's Paul when you need him?
I guess I can take over with a somewhat ironic (I loves me some irony) endorsement of Summit because we got an all freezer Summit to add to the (IMO) meagre freezer space that our SubZero 36" wide 650 has.
It simply does its job well with no reliability issues so I can wholeheartely endorse it.
BTW, for someone with a bit more space to play with, I saw on SSBS a kithcen with an undercounter fridge and an undercounter freezer which worked very well in allowing more counter space than a full upright while giving more cubic feet of cold storage.
We have a Summit at work and it seems to work great. I can't say we've exactly pushed its abilities, since the most it's ever held has been 5 lunches and two 2-litre juice cartons.
My only complaint is that the freezer is now a giant iceberg because it hasn't been defrosted in years.
Wow! That looks expensive. Have you guys ever checked out German manufacturer Bosch? We are serial renovators ourselves and have equipped a few small kitchens with their small (and quiet!) appliances.
ahhh quiet. We're looking to replace a U-Line under the counter with something that doesn't wake us at night when it cycles the fan. Anyone ever compare the noise levels of these machines?
It's good looking. Very anxious to see your floors and, hopefully, unique storage solutions.
I just got an apartment-sized Summit to replace an under-counter unit, and I find that the fridge freezes but the freezer doesn't. Drives me crazy. I can't adjust it to work right.
I'm glad you went with the least expensive option. I think this fridge will be fine for you since you will not be in this apartment for the long term (as a parent, I know this even if you don't!). You both also seem like people who like fresh food a lot, so you won't have much need for a perfect freezer. Also, you're heading into winter so if you do need to freeze things, you can do it in your backyard in a big cooler. A sensible decision on your part.
I've never used a cooler outside in cold weather as a freezer. Does it work well? Any tips? thks
Don't want to rock the boat or offend non-parents, but are you planning on breastfeeding? You may need a larger freezer that actually works to store breast milk. Having a backup stash is a major sanity-saver.
i was looking for the same thing- i wound up with the uline because it said it had the most space, so far no problem, the door fell off once in the middle of the night but it was a loose screw. I'm glad i switched from the big behemouth i had. I also got just the fridge, and a small freezer to hide in the pantry
I was just about to post exactly the same thing as CMag! I'm not trying to spark any breast milk vs formula debate here, but if you are considering nursing, CMag is exactly right. Having a reliable freezer stash can relieve/prevent many anxieties.
i love the idea of a small fridge, and i applaud you for being able to live in such a small apartment with two people and expecting a third. as a member of just such a family, i was surprised by how much i use my freezer now that my daughter can eat regular food. i have always been a daily shopper and we eat out or order in dinner most nights, despite this, i cannot fit another thing in my freezer today. but all kids are different, i never thought my kid would only want to eat garden burgers and chicken fingers........
by the by, i think it is very funny that, a while back, people were concerned that not having a changing table would be a problem for your back, you know constantly bending over to change baby and all, and here you are with a fridge that requires a good squat to assess the contents. (not to offer unsolicted advice, you'll get enough from friends, but if you have not settled on anything yet as far as the changing arrangement, might i suggest that a changing table is a waste of money and time, instead, get yourself this: http://store.babycenter.com/product/furniture_bedding/changing_tables_pads/1430 this was one of the best things i purchased, it looked good in pure white, took up no space and just simply worked, plus you can't beat the price. anyway, best of luck. )
yes, cmag, sarah, i don't want to spark any debates either, but i agree, especially for a mother who works outside the home or travels a lot, this can be a life saver.
Thanks for the fridge info. I'm leaning toward a similar one, but I'd also REALLY like to have combo unit washer/dryer. Space wise, I'd need to stack these (I was thinking of building a 2 tiered cabinet- washer on bottom, fridge on top).
Has anyone encountered this? Or know of any problems that might be caused?
ps VERY excited about a Boston AT
Colleen, I had the rail rider and I loved it. I was so sorry when my son outgrew it - it was perfect and SUCH a space saver. Get a little diaper organizer to hang off the side of the crib and you're good to go.
matilida; that was my exact set-up, rail rider on one end and diaper organizer on the other, in fact i still keep that organizer on teh crid; she's not quite 18 months so diapers are still needed, but really, at this point i can't even imagine ever buying a changing table if i have another child, even if i had all the room in the world.
I have a problem with Summit fridges since they are made for commercial settings. As far as I know, they do not comply with Residential energy standards and are not energy star rated.
HATE MY SUMMIT. The freezer needs to be defrosted every week, and the fridge freezes everything!
I LOVE my Summit. I have the CT66 and have had it for one and a half years. It's 23" wide, 5.3 cubic feet, and it very, very quiet. The freezer really freezes; I have to let my ice cream soften before I eat it. And I got it for less than $400 (it's the plain white) including tax and delivery to the fourth floor of a walk up. I have yet to defrost it.
It was also one of the few undercounter fridges I could find within my bidget that was 23" wide rather than 19". I wasn't willing to give up those few precious inches.
Did I mention that I LOVE my Summit?
The ConServ is back!!!
It is being sold under its Danish name, Ventfrost at Home Depot (internet only). Cheaper, too!!!
If you were frustrated about not being able to get the ConServe, then you are in luck!! I'm ordering mine tonight!