Dometic Fridge

[denswaer]

Is it better to keep the fridge operating on electricity when not being used or better to shut it down?

[Lynn Eberhardt]

I kept mine running as a beer fridge in the summer. The heating element eventually burned out. It's a real pain to change. I now shut it down and leave the door open.

[justa25thTA]

Originally Posted by denswaer

Is it better to keep the fridge operating on electricity when not being used or better to shut it down?

I turn mine off when not being used. Seems wasteful to leave it on and running for no reason. I just plug it in a few days before we plan on using it, empty and clean it when we get home and leave the door open until next time.

[Chilliwack Murray]

No need to keep it running, it has no moving parts or seals to dry out like a compressor fridge or air conditioner has.

The element and thermostat have a finite (though very, very long) life but will eventually fail. Sooner if you leave it on.

[denswaer]

Thanks! That makes sense if one has another place to keep the beer cold.

[denswaer]

Thanks. Going out to unplug it shortly.

[denswaer]

More good advice. Thanks.

[computerspook]

Originally Posted by denswaer

Is it better to keep the fridge operating on electricity when not being used or better to shut it down?

I shut mine down. But I first frequently leave it running for about 6 hours with the door open when I get home from using it a bunch. You read that right, door open. The elements will condense water on them and it will flow off and clean them and then you can use a good cloth and a bucket to mop up the bottom of the fridge. Sounds like hard work I know, but it is easier than trying to clean it without doing this.


I then prop the door open to keep air flowing through it when it is off.

[jgilliam1955]

Originally Posted by denswaer

Is it better to keep the fridge operating on electricity when not being used or better to shut it down?

Like others have said leave the door open and cut it off.

[computerspook]

Originally Posted by jgilliam1955

Like others have said leave the door open and cut it off.

On the other hand it is a frig and if I am entertaining and have more food than my main frig will hold I have been known to power it up a day or two a head of time and use it. Also have used the stove as an extra stove at least twice ;-)

[Casita Greg]

I wouldn't be too hasty about turning it off. I have always kept mine running 24/7/365, even in the "lay-up for winter" mode. It costs virtually nothing to run. There's no motor or compressor. It's strictly convection operated. It costs me less to run it all year long than turning on the kitchen light to cook supper in one evening.

Those convection fridges will quit working if they're not on. If the refrigerant is not kept in motion, the sediments held in suspension in the refrigerant will settle in low spots in the fridges' piping, and then it cakes up, and the fridge quits running. Ask how many people have had early fridge failures, and probably the bulk of them turn their fridges off, (which causes the caking of suspended sediments in the lines.) I run it year around, and always have. I always keep mine running all the time, just to prevent that from happening. Your call, but I'd suggest leaving it on and running it, for $3-5 bucks a year that it would cost, it's a small price to pay to not have to replace your $1,500 dollar fridge when it gunks up, especially when they are also a major PITA to remove. Just my 2 cents...