Top 11 Tips for Buying the Best Used Refrigerator

The cooling coils in a refrigerator help to cool the unit and protect the motor. Additionally, each brand has its own unique coil design, which can be a distinguishing feature for users when identifying different refrigerator models. If the coils accumulate dust, the refrigerator will consume more electricity to maintain cooling, potentially leading to higher energy bills or poor cooling performance. Therefore, choose a fridge with clean coils and make sure to clean them periodically during use.

When purchasing a used refrigerator, it's crucial to inspect the drain tray and wiring after checking the cooling coils. The drain tray is located directly beneath the fridge and is responsible for collecting and channeling condensation. Since it's positioned under the hot coils, it helps evaporate the excess water. A damaged drain tray can cause unpleasant odors, while faulty wiring can interfere with the cooling process. When buying a secondhand fridge, ensure these parts are in good condition, with no leaks or broken wiring.

The interior walls of the fridge should still be shiny and free of cracks. Check if the shelves slide in and out smoothly; if they stick, you can negotiate a lower price with the seller. Inspect the shelves for any cracks, as you should avoid purchasing a fridge with damaged shelves. Additionally, test the temperature control knob—if it's loose or doesn’t adjust properly, it’s a red flag. To test it, press the knob gently: it should feel firm. If it’s made of flexible plastic, it will have some bounce, but it shouldn’t have cracks or excessive flexibility.

Don’t forget to check if the outer shell is dented or deformed. Avoid choosing a fridge with cracks in the exterior, as this could indicate potential electrical leakage. Use a voltage tester on the exterior surface of the fridge—if there are signs of leakage, it’s clearly not a wise choice. The fridge should have a smooth, even surface with a solid and durable paint job. The interior shell is often made from plastic or polyethylene, and it should be smooth and free from cracks. Shelves should be intact without any warping. Additionally, select a fridge with a sturdy, durable exterior material that can withstand everyday use without easily getting scratched or damaged.

If the fridge door doesn’t close tightly or if it’s difficult to close naturally, it’s best to avoid that fridge. An open door allows cold air to escape, which can spoil stored food due to the lack of proper cooling. Additionally, it could lead to a higher electricity bill and may cause other issues with the fridge. To check for proper sealing, you can visually inspect the door, and if the gap is visible to the naked eye, it’s already a serious issue. If it’s not visible, use a sturdy piece of paper at different corners and close the door. Try pulling the paper out—if it’s tightly gripped, the seal is good. Furthermore, ensure that the door hinges are smooth and operate flexibly, with an appropriate force of 1 to 7 kg when opening and closing.

The total capacity refers to the fridge’s overall volume, including the exterior shell, insulation foam, and internal food storage space. The usable capacity, on the other hand, is the actual space available for storing food and beverages. Typically, the usable capacity is about 10% smaller than the total capacity. When purchasing a fridge, it’s more important to focus on the usable capacity than the total capacity.

• Under 150 liters: Suitable for small families of about two members, providing just enough storage for daily food needs.
• 150 - 300 liters: Ideal for families of 2-3 members with regular grocery shopping every 1-2 days.
• 300 - 400 liters: Perfect for families of 3-4 members with bi-weekly shopping habits, storing food for 2-3 days.
• 400 - 550 liters: Great for larger families of up to 5 members, typically shopping twice a week.
• Above 550 liters: Best for large families or multi-generational households, storing food for longer periods.

Additionally, the fridge’s size is crucial. Measure the available space where you plan to place the fridge, ensuring a minimum 10 cm gap around it to allow proper ventilation and easy access to open the door.

A persistent odor from food in the fridge can be a real nightmare for any user. Therefore, it's important to choose a fridge with high antibacterial and odor-fighting capabilities. This will not only eliminate unpleasant smells but also help keep your food fresh and flavorful. Today, fridges with 2-3 independent cooling systems are the ideal choice for those who store a lot of food. Each cooling system works separately for each compartment, preventing smells from mixing between the freezer and the fridge. You won’t have to worry about food in one compartment contaminating the other with its odor anymore.

The classification of a fridge's cooling ability is usually determined by how low the freezer compartment can go, marked by stars (*), with more stars indicating better cooling performance. According to the Chinese Ministry of Light Industry standards: a 1-star * rating means the freezer’s temperature does not exceed -6°C, preserving frozen food for about one week. A 2-star ** rating indicates a temperature not higher than -15°C, with food stored for up to a month. A 3-star *** rating means the freezer maintains a temperature lower than -18°C, keeping food frozen for up to three months. Generally, for household fridges, a 2 to 3-star rating is ideal. It’s important to note that a colder fridge doesn’t necessarily preserve food better—what matters most is setting the appropriate temperature. Additionally, the more stars, the higher the fridge price and electricity consumption.

When purchasing a refrigerator, it's best to choose a reputable brand. Although off-brand products may be cheaper, they often come with more risks in terms of reliability. Additionally, don't forget to check the model year of the refrigerator you're considering. Older models tend to have weaker cooling performance, and their efficiency may be slower compared to newer ones. Also, inquire about the age of the appliance—refrigerators older than 10 years typically don't perform as efficiently and may not provide optimal energy savings.

Refrigerators are often placed in corners of the kitchen, where over time they can become worn or damaged, potentially causing power cords to break or fray unnoticed. This can significantly reduce performance, and in some cases, lead to dangerous situations such as electrical shorts or shocks. Therefore, when buying a used refrigerator, it is important to thoroughly inspect the power cords to prevent future issues. Cords with exposed insulation can conduct electricity to the fridge's exterior, especially if they have been chewed through by rodents or damaged by age. Additionally, old or substandard plugs can cause electrical leakage on the refrigerator's surface.

The refrigerator light serves a dual purpose: it assists the temperature sensor in maintaining the proper cooling levels for food storage, and it also illuminates the inside when the door is opened, making it easier to access your items. However, over time, the bulb may lose its brightness or stop working entirely. If the light doesn't turn on when the door is opened, it could be due to a faulty switch, or the bulb may have burned out. A simple test is to place a phone with a timer function (no flash) inside the fridge, close the door, and capture a photo to check the light's condition.