Warning to those shopping for dorm fridges--------

Parent Cafe
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<p>Noticed at Target last night that the Chefmate 1.7 cf fridge is labeled as a “thermo-electric cooler”, that will get its contents no more than 20-25 degrees below room temp at its highest setting. Since our experience has been that dorms tend to be warm, that is ony about 45-50 degrees F. This unit has no compressor, so it is not a true refrigerator, and will not keep milk fresh for long, for example.</p>

<p>Several folks were wheeling away these $59 units, perhaps not noticing the labeling. Other stores have 1.7 cf units that are actual fridges, cost about $88, and have a noticeable bump-out on the inside where the compressor is.</p>

<p>If the fridge you are looking at has a little freezer, it’s probably a true fridge, as a thermoelectric unit could not get that cold.</p>

<p>(This is way too much knowledge about dorm fridges than one needs to know!)</p>

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<p>This falls under the category if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Whenever anything is “cheaper than cheap” I always try to read everything so find the catch. This seems like a big one. What would the purpose of such a “cooler” be?</p>

3

<p>LOL. Won’t keep milk fresh for long, but sounds like it will keep beer at the perfect temperature.</p>

4

<p>Walmart had a couple they said not appropriate for milk or meat. If all your kid wants is a place for water or soda, I think it should be fine.</p>

5

<p>LOTS of kids showed up a D’s school last year with the wrong kind, and were basically left useless, unless you want “kind of cold” soda or water. Thanks to the parents here on cc we didn’t make the same mistake. :)</p>

6

<p>Thank goodness we didn’t have to look out for this! We have a 4.0 cubic and a smaller one, from having two in at same time. The D is taking the 4.0 with her, but I got stuck scraping off all the old stickers, using a hair dryer & that stuff “Goo Gone.”</p>

7

<p>I saw some almost 4 cubics I liked, but I had to make a choice, and I was worried how I could get it there. </p>

<p>Can anyone recommend any models of smaller ones they liked?</p>

<p>The one I bought, which I can return, does not have a compressor, but says it will keep to 37 degrees. It is a Haier. Any comments???</p>

8

<p>Kay, this particular 4.0 cubic ft. came from Sears in 2003. I will say it has served us well! </p>

<p>As a matter of fact I don’t even know if this size is still being made!</p>

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<p>I think I will just go with what I have, there is a Walmart near Ds school, if frig doesnt work, we can take it back there (bought online) and get another.</p>

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<p>They don’t sell many of those down here in South Florida… With A/C’s set to 78 in most places, 58 degress is going to taste luke-warm.</p>

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<p>I want one! Perfect place to store potatoes!</p>

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<p>Oh excellent idea - also onions … really any root vegetable…</p>

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<p>I have used these “coolers” before. They typically double as both coolers and warmers, depending on how you plug them in. They also can often be plugged into a cigarette lighter outlet, and are great for car trips, boating, etc. They only cool so much, the same with their heating ability, but use very little power, have no moving parts, are silent, and will be highly reliable. I’m not certain they’re all that useful as a dorm fridge, but they are really clever devices.</p>

14

<p>Root vegetables. Ha!</p>

<p>This is going to make me sound very old, no doubt, but why would the average freshman need a fridge in their room? I don’t remember anyone having one on my dorm floor but that was 20+ years ago. I could understand medication or perhaps for older students who sometimes cook in their room (is that even allowed?) but freshman?</p>

15

<p>This always surprises me when it comes to shopping for college. Why are people spending so much for low quality stuff like this at Target when they can just get a gently used, higher quality one for free on craigslist?</p>

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<p>^Lots of my friends use them to keep drinks cold, and for yogurt, cheese, milk, frozen entrees, etc.</p>

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<p>^^+1 to Vinnyli. Free is a stretch, but Craigslist has been a bonanza for our going to school shopping. Nice campus bike for $50, a gently used 4.2 fridge for $50, sold our 1.7 for $25.</p>

18

<p>^^What would the purpose of such a “cooler” be? ^^</p>

<p>Most of these can run on 12 volt power, so they’re useful in a car or a camper where AC electric is not available. Just another way to keep the beer chilled . . .</p>

19

<p>S bought a nice one from Craigslist $50. On campus they are renting microwv-fridge combo’s for $180 a year. (I wonder if there’s tax and delivery on that?) </p>

<p>He will borrow the kid next door’s microwave if needed. </p>

<p>BTW w a full meal paln, I really thought the fridge was excessive anyway. Wait til he starts buying his own drinks &water bottles for it! It will probably sit empty except after drop off & parents weekend.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the compliment, but I wasn’t exactly joking when I said I went dorm shopping for free. I got a small TV, some desk lamps, an alarm clock, a giant fan, a DVD player with surround sound, a mini fridge, and a microwave (all in excellent working condition, btw) for the price of a few gallons of gas, some soap, a sponge, and a little water. I also completely remodeled my room with free stuff from Craigslist too (man I love being cheap).</p>