Buying A Used Refrigerator What To Look For May 2026

Marcus then moved to the interior. He checked the , ensuring they weren't cracked and moved smoothly. Replacing custom plastic bins can often cost as much as the used fridge itself. He also looked for odors . A fridge that had been sitting closed and unplugged for months could harbor deep-seated smells that no amount of baking soda could fix.

Despite the fridge being decent, Marcus felt the price was too high for an untested water line. He moved on to his second lead: a family moving overseas. This unit was younger, and the seller had all the made to the thermostat two years prior. Seeing the maintenance history gave Marcus the confidence he needed. He did one final check— measuring the dimensions . He pulled out his tape measure to ensure it would fit through his narrow kitchen door and into the designated nook. buying a used refrigerator what to look for

Next, he asked the seller to plug it in. "I need to hear the ," Marcus explained. After a few minutes, a low, steady hum kicked in. He listened for any clicking, buzzing, or grinding sounds that might signal a dying motor. While it ran, he reached around the back to check the coils . They were dusty, which was a good sign that the owners hadn't touched them, but he looked for any signs of leaking oil or rust, which would be an immediate dealbreaker. Marcus then moved to the interior