How to Buy a Propane Refrigerator

A propane refrigerator can help you get off the grid, save energy or reduce your carbon footprint without having to reduce your lifestyle. As more people seek out alternatives to expensive electrical refrigerators, manufacturers have responded with more options.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Figure how much refrigerator you need. Full-sized propane refrigerators come in sizes from 8 to a whopping 19.1 cubic feet of space. Family size or refrigerator location (vacation home or cabin), as well as gas consumption (ranging from about 1 to 2 gallons per week) also will influence your decision.

2. Choose the type that fits your needs. Servel, marketed by Lehman's, makes very reliable propane refrigerators, some of which have worked for decades. Servel refrigerators also can be modified to operate on electric or kerosene fuels. Diamond offers larger models. Crystal Cold refrigerators--made by the Amish for the Amish--feature black or brushed metal exteriors.

3. Remember accessories in your purchase. Some propane refrigerators require glass shelf or deli drawer accessories. Many units come with doors that you can install left- or right-handed. Other accessories include a flue brush, change-over regulator, regulator and hose kit, or fridge thermometer.

Tips & Warnings

• Because these items must be shipped as freight, remember to include freight charges (and tax, if applicable) in the purchase price.
• Large families may combine a refrigerator with a propane freezer for greater food storage or run two small refrigerators together for optimal cooling.

Resources

• Lehman's Servel refrigerator page
• Warehouse Appliance sells Diamond and other brands.
• Oasis Montana sells Servel and Crystal Cold.

[Off-Gridder]

on 10/17/2008 The largest propane gas refrigerator/freezer is now the Crystal Cold CC21RF. It is available at www.BensDiscountSupply.com EZ Freeze is also another Amish manufactured brand with great performance history and a 3 year standard warranty.