Buying a Refrigerator 2018 – Costco Shopping #50

John

50th Costco shopping in 2018 – $1,051.04 (today) / $4.327.55 (this year)

My refrigerator died at the worst possible time, while I was on a 7-day vacation.

When I came back from the vacation, inside of my freezer was at room temperature. All my food had to be trashed. I always keep my freezer full with rib-eye steaks, jumbo shrimps, fish, bacon, etc, etc… But it’s OK. It happens. Refrigerator dies. What can I do?

Luckily, before taking the trip, I took out the ice bucket and turned off the ice machine, so I didn’t have any water damage on the kitchen floor.

Shopping for a refrigerator.

My criteria for a new refrigerator:

  • Find the cheapest full-size unit. I refuse to buy an expensive refrigerator because refrigerators die. I don’t believe in paying $500 to fix a 10 year old refrigerator. I will pay $500 more and buy a new one with current technology.
  • Find a unit with good reviews.
  • I like side-by-side refrigerators. I don’t like the freezer on top. I don’t like the freezer on the bottom. But, that’s just my preference.
  • I like stainless steel – I understand stainless steel will show fingerprints. But I like the stainless refrigerators. Stainless steel will look the best in my kitchen.

I spent several hours researching refrigerators.

And guess what? Costco had the best price on refrigerators.

Basically, the price of refrigerators is almost universal. You can buy from anywhere and you will pay similar price. But there are distinct advantages to buying from Costco. They are:

  • Costco is slightly cheaper.
  • You get a Costco cashback reward from your purchase.
  • (In my case) I get 2 years warranty, extended by Costco, instead of the usual 1-year warranty from any other stores.
  • They haul away my old unit for free – some may charge $20 – $25 for this.
  • They will hook up the water line for free – some may charge extra for this.

*If you are in a hurry – relax and just buy from Costco.

I ordered GE 25.4 CuFt Side-By-Side Refrigerator in Stainless Steel. The total price was $1,051.04

I hope the delivery process will be smooth. I will update you.