New Fridge LFHB2751TF - Should I go Conventional or inverter compressor ?

[pjw73nh]

Greetings,

ADMIN: I wasn't sure if this is the proper place for this kind of post.  It's not a repair type post.  It's a question. If this isn't the correct place, please move accordingly.

I do all my own electro-mechanical, auto, appliance  etc. repair.  Much of it with the great help I've received I this forum.

I talked my wife into a getting a new refrigerator.  I despise the Kenmore we have now.  It's older side by side.  Has worked flawlessly for many years but I hate the layout.  We are looking at a Frigidaire LFHB2751TF 26.8 cf French door. unit.  Before we jump in and pull the trigger, I was wondering about a couple of things.

1.  If I read correctly, Frigidaire is owned by Electrolux.  Whirlpool owns several of the major brands.  Is Frigidaire considered a reliable brand in the current age?

2. Where I will be most likely doing my own repairs after the warranty expires, are and will parts be readily available for these units going forward?  Are the parts any more or less expensive than the other brands ?

3. What about linear/inverter technology ?  Has it fully matured at this point?  I know the basics of it.  Are they worth it?  I see that most come with a 10 year warranty. Are they more or less prone to problems than conventional units?  More difficult to diagnose and repair?  Special tools needed?  Are parts more expensive?

Thanks for any insight you may be able to provide.

Paul.../NH

[16345Ed]

20 hours ago, pjw73nh said:

  If I read correctly, Frigidaire is owned by Electrolux.  Whirlpool owns several of the major brands.  Is Frigidaire considered a reliable brand in the current age?

 

Frig/Electrolux have had Several ice maker issues in FDBM type. (As have most brands) I fully believe ice makers belong in freezers not in an “ice room” in refrigerator section. 

20 hours ago, pjw73nh said:

Where I will be most likely doing my own repairs after the warranty expires, are and will parts be readily available for these units going forward?  Are the parts any more or less expensive than the other brands ?

Lords only knows we aren’t fortune tellers. 

Part pricing is all over the place. 

 

20 hours ago, pjw73nh said:

What about linear/inverter technology ?  Has it fully matured at this point?  I know the basics of it.  Are they worth it?  I see that most come with a 10 year warranty. Are they more or less prone to problems than conventional units?  More difficult to diagnose and repair?  Special tools needed?  Are parts more expe

I’ve seen issues with both types. Inverters are more expensive to replace. 

My advice. Keep your old unit. 

[jasonsvctech@gmail.com]

My internal repair statistics show that any appliance you buy after from 2013- 2018 will likely break down by year 2 needing a certified and well trained technician to repair it and have a catastrophic failure by year 5-7.  All french door refrigerator compressors are inverter controlled now and due to their weakness cannot handle any extremes of ambient climate or lack of maintenance. The inverters are either done cleverly on a board or hidden controller or mounted on the compressor itself.  

When I see the phrase "energy efficient" or "super quiet" or " super low energy use". I line those words out in my mind and replace them with : This is going to break down fast! The quieter and more energy efficient it is the shorter it's life will be. 

Frigidaire is among the lousiest appliances in terms of reliability and customer service. Whirlpool and GE though also mediocre have better US based customer support. LG and Samsung are the worst at customer support. All the brands suck in my very humble opinion. 

If the Kenmore you have still runs, I wouldn't get rid of it. Odds are it will outlast anything new you buy today.

 

Cheers,

JAson

[pjw73nh]

Jason,

 

Quote

If the Kenmore you have still runs, I wouldn't get rid of it. Odds are it will outlast anything new you buy today.

Thanks for the advice.  Duly noted and advice followed.... 

Seriously? Not ONE manufacturer can make ONE dependable model like the old days? 

I still have my 1975 Maytag A308.  Built like a brick sh*&house, and I think I've probably replaced $30 in parts since I purchased it.  Though the agitator bearing is getting a bit loose.  Doesn't leak...  Yet  🙂