What to Check When Buying a Second Hand Fridge Freezer

So you've found a second hand fridge freezer that you think is a perfect match. You've agreed the price and turned up at the agreed time and place, which is probably the Seller's house. Now, what do you check to make sure that you're not buying a lemon? Here's a list of 9 quick and simple points to check to maximise your chances of taking away a winner.

1. Is it Cooling? When selling their fridge freezer, sellers will often unplug it and leave it to one side. Make sure you ask the seller to plug it in ideally 24 hours before coming (or at a push 6 hours beforehand) and set the fridge thermostat to about three quarters of max power so that it's cold by the time you get there. If possible, ask the seller to leave a bottle of liquid (eg milk, water, soda...) in the fridge section and some food or liquid in the freezer section. Although imperfect and in the absence of a thermometer, we often have a good idea of how cold drinks should feel when just taken out of the fridge. If the liquid doesn't feel cold enough or freezes in the fridge door, it may be best to avoid the fridge altogether. Likewise, if the freezer has been unable to freeze solid the food/liquid in the freezer section, steer well clear. 
   1. Note 1: if neither you nor the seller are in a rush and can wait 10 or 15 minutes, it's worth bringing a cheap fridge thermometer and stick it in the freezer section as soon as you get there. If the freezer is working properly, the temperature should have dropped to under minus 15 degrees after 15 minutes or so. You won't be able to do the same trick for the fridge section as it usually takes much longer for fridge temperatures to register. That said, if you able to bring an infra red fridge thermometer, you could check the fridge temperature quickly
   2. Note 2 - of course, if the seller is able to leave thermometers in the fridge and freezer sections that would be perfect. However, in reality, sellers do not usually have them.
2. Listen to the Motor: with the fridge turned on, go to the back of the fridge, kneel down and have a good listen to the motor (the black metal object with pipes sticking out of it with a round top at the base of the fridge). If it is particularly noisy, making strange noises, or erratic sounds it may be best to steer clear.
3. Is the Light Working? Plug in the fridge and open and close the fridge door several times. Make sure the light reliably comes on and off and that there are no signs of flickering.
4. Check the Seals: The door seals need to form a tight airtight seal. With the doors closed, check the seal all the way around on both doors to ensure there are no gaps, no matter how slight. To check the freezer door seal, you'll need to open the fridge door. Make sure that the seals themselves are in good condition and that there are no rips or chunks missing. 
5. Check for External Cosmetic Damage If there is little lighting, use a torch to check the exterior of the fridge all over for scratches, dents and other damage. In particular, if you are buying a black or silver fridge freezer, check for micro-scratches caused by the seller (incorrectly) using abrasives like the rough side of a sponge to clean the exterior. These can make the fridge look terrible and are not always easy to spot in low lighting levels. 
6. Any Damage to the Shelves and Drawers? Check all the shelves and drawers inside the fridge for signs of damage.
   1. Be sure to pull out and inspect all the drawers in the fridge and freezer sections. You often won't be able to see damage to a drawer unless you've pulled in out. Also check the lining of the fridge and freezer sections behind the drawers: again, you won't be able to see damage to the lining unless you've removed the drawers.
   2. check that the fronts of the freezer drawers are still properly attached and not cracked, loose / coming off. This is a very common problem.
7. Are all Parts Present? Sellers often think it's a good idea to take parts of the fridge freezer out either for cleaning and/or they believe they will be easier to transport that way. If so, insist that they are all put back in the fridge before paying to ensure that all parts are present
8. Is the Water Dispenser Working? if the fridge has a water dispenser, check it really does work. Ask the seller for a glass of water, fill the tank and test the dispenser.
9. Is the Digital Thermostat Working? If the fridge has a digital/LCD thermostat, turn the fridge on and actually cycle through all the temperature settings. Faulty digital thermostats are common and could mean you can't set the temperature of the fridge or freezer sections.