Front loading fridge - 43 DS

[papawads]

The greatest pain in the backside when using the galley on this model, is that the main fridge lid and the main counter-top work area are one in the same. It’s like 3D Tetris getting something out / putting back and everything you’re working on has to move. Has anyone considered a front loading fridge instead? The location is obvious. Thoughts most welcome 🤗


Update  : This rather pricey marine fridge would fit, but there are others.  Interesting  that marine fridges all seem to be drawers, which on a moving boat makes sense 

penguinfrigo.co.uk/product/drw180-150-litre-frost-free-double-drawer-fridgefreezer-or-combination/

Think that's a lot of money.  Thankfully the admiral doesn't follow this forum !!!

[zaphod]

Chest type refrigerators are very common on sailboats. The main advantage to them is energy efficiency. With a front loading fridge every time you open the door all of the cold air spills out and is replaced with ambient air. The refrigeration system then has to run for a long period to bring that air down to setpoint temperature.

Some manufacturers put doors on the fridge and keep the top access so you have the choice. You don't want to open the fridge door while you are under way and heeling or you will end up with the contents all over the floor!

I guess it depends how energy conscious you are. If you have a lot of power to spare, or spend a lot of your time on shore power a front loading fridge is more convenient.

We have just gotten used to taking everything we need out of the fridge before we start meal prep if we need that counter space.

[katk]

Howdy! I’m a lucky one who has both a top and front loading fridge in my 2006 43DS.

While the front loading has allowed me to store drink/wine in the “bottom” of the fridge and access is easier… the reality is that the front loading does not stop the “dig deep” and “rummaging” that most sailors experience. My freezer is a great example as I have to have 5’ arms or get on the counter to access what’s at the bottom

I’ve “solved” my deep problems by using stackable containers which allow me to sort veggies, meat and cheese into different bins which stack and make retrieval a bit easier.