Bought me a fridge... doesn't 'work' :-(

[Jon54]

I bought an Inkbird and (separately) a pre-loved wine fridge to ferment beer in. The fridge was off and warm when I picked it up and being the trusting sort I parted with the cash and slid the fridge *on its side* into my Forester. It wasn't until next day (24hrs max) that I got the fridge out of the car and set it upright and level for a test run. All lights and LEDs function and the compressor hums softly and feels quite warm after a few hours running BUT the temp doesn't drop below ambient. I can confidently say it is not cooling one jot.

I have SINCE read more about moving fridges and 'on its side' is not ideal but if you do, wait a day after standing it upright before powering it up. I did not wait at all. several other attempts at leaving it off for 24 hrs and powering up have not changed its behavior.

I believe the previous owner who says "it always worked fine" and offered to refund my $, but it's an ideal size for my modest needs and if I can get it running for not much more $ I will. I doubt a tecnician call-out and repair will cost less than another hundy though :-(

Any expert opinion out there as to cause or remedy?

 

[Nick the Knife]

I think you're looking a gift horse in the mouth not taking that refund - as you currently have a useless box. IMHO thats a very generous offer by the seller - for me I like to demo before they take so that we both KNOW I held up my end of the deal and it's caveat emptor after that for them.

You didn't mention what you paid for it - which to me implies it was very little. But the chances of you being able to repair would be slim & a pro repair will not be cost feasible.

I'd grab that generous and kind refund offer while you can - and grab one of the many suitable ones that will come up in time, it's not like it's a rare item - or even place a WANTED ad as many folks are too lazy to list themselves but will jump all over knowing someone wants their unused stuff.

 

[Jon54]

Advice accepted Nick - thanks. It was $150

 

[Hangover68]

Most wine fridges are generally just thermo electric so dont have a compressor and as such wont cool much below ambient, look for a large bar fridge that is all fridge and no freezer compartment.