Refrigerators / Freezers

Refrigerators

Refrigerators are almost reasonably priced in Israel. Unless you are already making a shipment or want a really high-end refrigerator, such as a Subzero, you could do worse than buying a European/Asian brand in Israel, even though you cannot use your rights. The only ones you can buy without taxes in Israel are the Israeli brands; they are not as good as these other options. They use more energy and are poorly made.

Of the European/Asian brands available in Israel, LG and Fisher Paykel are the best. Of the American brands that are not very expensive, both GE and Maytag/Amana/Magic Chef/Whirlpool (all under common ownership)—are good choices.

If you are making a tax-free shipment for other appliances and/or household goods, it is still worthwhile bringing a fridge tax-free. Even if you do not have rights, it is still worthwhile shipping over a Subzero or Monogram. Subzero brand has a transformer built in or requires one be added on. Monogram makes a 220 model, though not at the same standard as the US model.

According to GE factory representatives, the 110-volt models are made for American use in air-conditioned homes. The 220-volt models are made heavier duty with better insulation for use in hot, tropical climates. However, if you just bought a fancy GE, Amana or Whirlpool fridge for use in America and then decided to move to Israel, you might consider using it on a 3-tap transformer. A three-tap transformer is one that can be adjusted to output 100 volts instead of the standard 110 volts. This compensates in large part for the fact the cycles are 60 instead of 50 hertz.

General Electric, Whirlpool, and Amana are recommended for Israel because of their quality and the availability of parts and service. Subzero is a built-in, high quality refrigerator in a category of its own—top of the line and the most expensive. It is available in top and bottom freezer and side-by-side—all are only 24” deep. Service is available in Israel.

Subzero, Frigidaire, and some commercial brands (such as RWA) make all refrigerator models. Subzero is by far the best. Frigidaire is not so good, and the commercial brands are much less expensive, but are more noisy.

Features

Almost all US fridges are no-frost and come with energy-saver switches. These devices allow the energy consumption of the fridge to be cut by 15% in non-humid climates by turning off the coils on the outside of the refrigerator that evaporate moisture. Even without using the energy-saver switch, Consumer Reports recorded the energy use for one year of the Amana at 1,008 kilowatt-hours.

The side-by-sides usually have larger freezer space than a similarly sized top-freezer. GE Arctica above 18 cubic feet and Amana above 20 cubic feet, have glass shelves. Both brands have reversible doors, opening left or right, though not on all models.

Both side-by-side and top freezer models are available with through-the-door ice-and-water dispenser or in-the-freezer ice cube makers. These are both expensive to run and delicate—but some people find them worth it. The energy consumption of a large top freezer and a medium top freezer model are quite similar. Note that the water dispenser brings water into the fridge and then out the dispenser. It does not have its own cooling element. So as soon as you take the first cup of water, tap temperature water is already brought in, making the next cup warmer. If you take 6 cups one after the other, the water from the dispenser will be tap temperature.

Widths range from 30” to 36”. Refrigerator doors can be taken off to help the refrigerators fit through narrow doorways. If that doesn’t work, you may have to take apart the doorframes—not an easy job. Colors available: white, black and, sometimes, almond. All refrigerators come with the textured steel leather-look that makes dirt less obvious. The larger fridges can be purchased with a decor-frame that allows you to insert a wood, plastic, stainless steel, or black glass panel that matches your kitchen.

Tropicalized Most refrigerators do feature a switch to supply heat to the outside surface and prevent condensation. The export models also have better insulation.

Side-by-Side Refrigerators The freezer and refrigerator compartments stretched “side by side” from top to bottom are easier to use. They are wider and less deep, making for easier access to food, but they use twice the electricity of top-freezer models. The side-by-side’s “full-length” freezers on the smaller models can be quite narrow—too narrow, in fact, on models 20 cubic feet or less. Freezer spaces are relatively larger than on top-freezer models.

Bottom Freezers Subzero, GE, and Amana make good-sized refrigerators with bottom freezers that can be used in Israel on a transformer. Amana makes a bottom freezer on 220 volt/50 hertz. Keidar Sherutim recommends bottom-freezer models for the following reasons: a) most of the parts are identical to those of the top freezer model b) the cold air stays better there than in a top freezer, and c) there is easier access to the fridge which is used more frequently.

Three-Door Refrigerators/Freezers The latest is a freezer on the bottom and two fridges on the top—side by side. This is practical and desirable, and there is still a price advantage to import from the US on the Maytag/Amana.

Israeli Refrigerators Israeli fridges for tax-free sale are top-freezer models that are smaller than most American fridges. The largest Amcor and Tadiran refrigerators are 550 liters (19.4 cubic feet). Including delivery they sell for about $1,000 tax-free which about the same as importing a similarly sized Amana or GE. The Amcor 19 is 452 liters, or 16 cubic feet (1 cubic foot = 28.3 liters). Tadiran has a 12-year limited guarantee. Israeli fridges are usually 30.5” wide, and some kitchens have spaces pre-cut to accommodate them. They have more shelves, spaced more tightly, than American refrigerators.

Freezers

There are still not a wide range of freezers available in Israel. Unless you want something very narrow and with drawers, instead of shelves, you’ll have to import it.

GE and Amana make chest and upright models ranging from five cubic feet to 25 cubic feet. GE and Frigidaire have 17 and 21 cubic foot models made specifically for export. Whirlpool makes 5, 9, and 12 cubic feet upright freezers without transformers. The American machines are much less expensive—per cubic foot-- than the European brands. After paying for shipping, insurance, and service contracts, the USA 10 cubic foot freezer is equal in price to the local tax-free brand, Amcor, and superior in quality. Surprising prices are available in the larger USA models—the difference between a GE 7-cubic-foot chest freezer and a GE 27-cubic-foot chest freezer is only about $250.

Custom Integrated freezers The only freezers that are the size of refrigerators and have the option of putting your own surface on the door are from Subzero. If you have the space and don’t mind the noise, you can get a commercial freezer in stainless steel for about 1/3 the price.

Chest freezers open from the top. They cost less than upright models. Cold tends to stay in chest freezers even when they are open, so they are also cheaper to use—but they can be hard on the lower back, and food is more difficult to locate in them. Amana makes chest freezers for export in 7, 10, and 28 cubic feet. GE chest freezers in 5, 7, 10, 15, 22, and 27 cubic feet—are available with built-in transformers.

Upright freezers are easier to use. You do not have to bend over and lift as with chest freezers. Uprights cost about 10% more to buy and to use. GE makes frost-free, 17 and 21 cubic foot models. Both Amana and GE require transformers. Kelvinator, Frigidaire and GE sometimes have them built-in. European brands have closed drawers instead of the open shelves of the American brands. The drawers take up space and one must pull them out to see what’s inside. Don’t import European models from the US—buy in Israel.

Note: Though frost-free freezers might be more convenient, the food is less thoroughly and consistently frozen than in non-frost-free models. The frost-free models go through a cycle of warming up…thawing the frost, and refreezing. That’s where the “freezer taste” of ice crystals in ice cream comes from.

To save electricity, keep refrigerators and freezers closed.

See also:  Appliance Sales, Appliance Info