Guide on How to Check a Used Refrigerator Before Deciding to Purchase

New refrigerators are often a bit pricier, leading some households to opt for used ones at a more budget-friendly cost. However, not every used unit meets your expectations. Therefore, this article will guide you on how to check a used refrigerator, enabling you to make accurate evaluations and a sensible shopping decision.

Inspections for a Used Refrigerator Before Deciding to Shop

Not every family can afford to buy a brand-new refrigerator. For these families, an old fridge is a practical choice to better preserve their food.

Choosing the right fridge requires thorough inspection, but the cost of these products is incredibly low—sometimes even 2 to 3 times cheaper than new refrigerators. This is the main reason why many people still opt for used fridges today.

Here are some factors you should carefully check before deciding to buy a used refrigerator that has been in use:

Consider opting for a refrigerator equipped with Inverter technology to partially reduce your monthly electricity costs.

Typically, refrigerators come with warranties for components and motor parts ranging from 1 to 2 years, while compressors may have a 10-year warranty (depending on the model). Therefore, it's essential to inquire about warranty policies and purchase location to ensure your rights are protected.

When selecting a used refrigerator, examine whether it has any dents or deformities. The front and edges of the fridge are the most susceptible to scratches, so it's crucial to thoroughly inspect these areas.

Avoid choosing a refrigerator with a cracked exterior as this can lead to electrical leakage, posing a hazard during usage. To check for electrical leakage, use a voltage tester pen directly on the surface of the fridge. If the pen's light illuminates, it indicates poor insulation, and you should steer clear of that refrigerator.

Avoid selecting a dented and poorly insulated refrigerator.

After prolonged use, electrical wires may become exposed due to rodent bites, aging, or wear and tear. This poses a significant risk if you accidentally come into contact with the exposed wires during use. Therefore, if it's deemed unsafe, negotiate with the seller to replace the wiring before making a purchase.

Avoid choosing a refrigerator with exposed electrical wires.

Opting for a refrigerator with poorly sealed or loose-closing doors is not advisable. This leads to rapid escape of cold air, resulting in both food spoilage and increased energy consumption. To assess the door seal, place a thin sheet of paper between the door and close the refrigerator; then, try to pull the paper out. If the paper feels loose and easily falls, the door is not sealed properly. Check various positions on the door to ensure a tight seal.

Additionally, examine the flexibility of the refrigerator door hinges. If you feel a smooth and light opening and closing, the refrigerator is still in good condition.

Check the door seal using a thin sheet of paper

At the back of the refrigerator, pay attention to the cooling grid. If the cooling grid accumulates a lot of dust and dirt, it can increase energy consumption or reduce the fridge's cooling efficiency. Therefore, choose a refrigerator with a relatively clean cooling grid and remember to clean it regularly during use.

Inspect the cooling grid at the back of the refrigerator

After checking the exterior of the fridge and finding no issues, proceed to inspect the interior. The inner shell of the refrigerator must maintain brightness, glossiness, and should be free from cracks, breakage, or scratches.

Continue examining the compartments when pulled out or pushed in for smooth and easy movement. If there is any sticking, consider exchanging it with the seller.

For the shelves inside the fridge, check for any cracks. If present, it's advisable not to choose this refrigerator as the shelves may break when storing heavy items.

The interior light of the refrigerator is crucial; it not only illuminates when the fridge is opened but also serves as an indicator for the sensor to maintain the appropriate temperature. After usage, this light may not function properly. Therefore, observe carefully when opening and closing the fridge to ensure the light is still working normally.

Thoroughly check the interior of the refrigerator

Additionally, check the temperature control button. If it feels sticky or uncertain to touch, it's advisable not to choose that refrigerator.

Avoid choosing a fridge with a loose temperature control button

Used refrigerators often consume more electricity compared to new ones. However, with proper usage, you can still reduce the overall power consumption. Here are some tips for using a used refrigerator to keep energy consumption from skyrocketing:

When placing hot food or beverages into the fridge, the temperature inside the fridge increases, causing the compressor to work harder to supply enough cold air. Therefore, to save energy, wait for the items to cool completely before storing them in the refrigerator.

Frequently opening and keeping the fridge door open for an extended period releases cold air, quickly raising the temperature inside the fridge. In such instances, the compressor has to work at full capacity to cool it down again, leading to significant energy waste.

This issue is often observed in households with young children. Therefore, pay attention to the little ones to minimize the habit of frequent or extended fridge openings.

Avoid letting children play with or damage the refrigerator

Every refrigerator has a specified maximum capacity. If you exceed this capacity, the compressor will have to work harder to provide enough cold air for food preservation. This not only consumes more energy but also gradually affects the lifespan and durability of the appliance. Therefore, place an adequate amount of food in the fridge to ensure efficient preservation and prevent the compressor from operating at high power.

Regularly cleaning the refrigerator helps maintain a clean space inside, ensuring it doesn't affect the quality of food. Moreover, if you notice frost buildup during cleaning, address it promptly to enhance the fridge's performance and save energy.

Hopefully, this article has guided you in checking a used refrigerator and finding the one that suits your needs. Currently, Mytour Supermarket offers many promotions with valuable gifts for refrigerator purchases. Instead of opting for a used one, take advantage of this opportunity to buy a new fridge at a more affordable price. Act quickly, and enjoy the benefits!