Refrigerators

[canman]

I have a GE side by side refrigerator/freezer that is about to give up the ghost. It is 19 years old, and in this heat is really having trouble keeping things cold. I have started to look for another, but I really dislike the Japanese styles with all the damn drawers and very limited freezer space. I see that HAIER has bought out GE appliances, but I can't find any large fridges like the one I want. One company I found on Kakaku is selling Sears Kenmore fridges for outrageous prices. 700lt fridge is going for Y650000. I was thinking of buying one from Sears in the States and getting it shipped here, would be much cheaper than what they are asking here. Any advice? Thanks.

[Wage Slave]

I suspect it doesn't really matter but anyway.....What about the voltage difference? Russell may have more insight than me but I would tend to think that the difference is small enough that it won't make any material difference. Worth thinking through though.

[Mike Oxlong]

If you browse the Rakuten online shop you may find something suitable.

https://global.rakuten.com/en/search/?t ... rd_suggest

[Russell]

I suspect it doesn't really matter but anyway.....What about the voltage difference? Russell may have more insight than me but I would tend to think that the difference is small enough that it won't make any material difference. Worth thinking through though.

I am not sure why I am considered to have more insight (being non-American and all), but I have heard that a 110 V appliance should be able to run on 100 V. If not, then you can always buy a voltage transformer. Dunno about the frequency, though. In Kanto it is 50 Hz, and in the States 60 Hz. Is there anything in the specs about it? (I assume that canman still lives in Kanto).

[Wage Slave]

You are right about considering the frequency as well - For motors it makes a difference I think. It's worth considering a situation where it runs OK but runs 10% less efficiently. It might not matter, but figure it in.

[BigInJapan]

By coincidence, I happened to watch a YouTube video the other day about what repairmen have to say about fridges these days. Planned obsolescence has been around for years, but it seems that the lifespan of appliances is a fraction of what it used to be. The main reason seems to be computerization and digital display panels that break down, and extravagant prices charged for repairs, so most people just cave in and get a new one. Samsung seems to be the main culprit in this video, but they are far from being the only dodgy manufacturer.

tl/dr: Samsung fridges would seem to be absolute crap (not a problem here though as Korean appliances are virtually nonexistent).

[matsuki]

I see that HAIER has bought out GE appliances

1.) HAIER microwave in my RV caught on fire

2.) HAIER minifridge at work is weak as fuck and won't stay closed

3.) HAIER fridge at work is weak as fuck and won't stay closed

HAIER may be cheap but

My current fridge was a used (showroom model) deal from yahoo auctions at 20% of the retail cost.....and my veggie drawer is filled with booze. I wish I had a proper sized freezer for all my Costco wants...

[canman]

Yeah Mike I did check out the Rakuten site, but their prices are insane, don't you think? The same Sears Kenmore fridge that you can buy in the US for $800 is selling for more than Y300 000. Even with shipping etc. there is now way they can justify those prices.

[matsuki]

Yeah Mike I did check out the Rakuten site, but their prices are insane, don't you think? The same Sears Kenmore fridge that you can buy in the US for $800 is selling for more than Y300 000. Even with shipping etc. there is now way they can justify those prices.

The Japan Tax...no rhyme or reason other than some people are dumb enough to pay it.

I just ordered new wheels for my truck for about $750USD shipped. (no wholesale discount, and regular Joe can order online at this cost) The manufacturer had passed me off to their Japanese distributor who keeps no inventory and offered me a set at a "wholesale" discount of 140,000円