Is a one door fridge standard in Singapore?

[jjk]

Hi,

I recently rented an apartment for 2 years for my family and I (3 persons). Prior to renting it, the landlord had agreed to replace the exisitng fridges (2 bar fridges) to one standard fridge. We had assumed that a standard fridge in Singapore would mean a 2-door fridge (one with a freezer on top type). But when we got here and moved in, we found that the fridge provided is a one-door fridge. Yes, the freezer is still on top...but it's within the fridge itself.

I'm not sure if it poses any food safety risks (usually the freezer holds the raw food and cooked food/drinks are in the fridge compartment), but the fridge is definitely too small for a family (IMO) to use for 2 years. So would like to ask if such a fridge is standard in Singapore families? I would have thought such a one door fridge is more for domitories/student hostels.

Thanks

[QRM]

Hi,

I recently rented an apartment for 2 years for my family and I (3 persons). Prior to renting it, the landlord had agreed to replace the exisitng fridges (2 bar fridges) to one standard fridge. We had assumed that a standard fridge in Singapore would mean a 2-door fridge (one with a freezer on top type). But when we got here and moved in, we found that the fridge provided is a one-door fridge. Yes, the freezer is still on top...but it's within the fridge itself.

I'm not sure if it poses any food safety risks (usually the freezer holds the raw food and cooked food/drinks are in the fridge compartment), but the fridge is definitely too small for a family (IMO) to use for 2 years. So would like to ask if such a fridge is standard in Singapore families? I would have thought such a one door fridge is more for domitories/student hostels.

Thanks

Strange question, its like asking how long is a piece of string in Singapore? No such thing as a standard type of fridge, except for the width normally 600mm and ht to fit under a counter top.

Up to you how many fridges you have, landlord here provides us with a large 3 door jobbie, and we top it it up with a large 2 door, and two additional smaller units, one for the helpers room, and one specifically for Durians.

I know a chum who doesn't even have a fridge, she like most locals eats out all the time.

Some fridges even have the freezer bit at the bottom, Some dont even have have a frozen section... Go to harvey normans fridge section and you can see there is no such thing as a standard fridge for Singapore.

[Zeenit]

We got a 3 section fridge. One for the fridge, a draw for the fruit and veg.....which I think is really neat. And a draw with the freezer section, its not that huge but it works for us. I agree go and see what is available.

[resm]

Hi,

I recently rented an apartment for 2 years for my family and I (3 persons). Prior to renting it, the landlord had agreed to replace the exisitng fridges (2 bar fridges) to one standard fridge. We had assumed that a standard fridge in Singapore would mean a 2-door fridge (one with a freezer on top type). But when we got here and moved in, we found that the fridge provided is a one-door fridge. Yes, the freezer is still on top...but it's within the fridge itself.

I'm not sure if it poses any food safety risks (usually the freezer holds the raw food and cooked food/drinks are in the fridge compartment), but the fridge is definitely too small for a family (IMO) to use for 2 years. So would like to ask if such a fridge is standard in Singapore families? I would have thought such a one door fridge is more for domitories/student hostels.

Thanks

No, there is no standard with regards to fridges.
There is also no standard with regards to Landlords.

Some are simply cheap and stingy S.O.B.'s

Since you are staying anyway for min. of 2 years, go and buy a 2 doors large fridge (Top for freezing).
They cost from about S$ 600.- and up

Keep the small one door fridge for your beverages.
When you move on, sell your fridge or bring it along.

Thats what I did in a similar situation and saved myself a lot of headaches.

[resm]

Hi,

I recently rented an apartment for 2 years for my family and I (3 persons). Prior to renting it, the landlord had agreed to replace the exisitng fridges (2 bar fridges) to one standard fridge. We had assumed that a standard fridge in Singapore would mean a 2-door fridge (one with a freezer on top type). But when we got here and moved in, we found that the fridge provided is a one-door fridge. Yes, the freezer is still on top...but it's within the fridge itself.

I'm not sure if it poses any food safety risks (usually the freezer holds the raw food and cooked food/drinks are in the fridge compartment), but the fridge is definitely too small for a family (IMO) to use for 2 years. So would like to ask if such a fridge is standard in Singapore families? I would have thought such a one door fridge is more for domitories/student hostels.

Thanks

No, there is no standard with regards to fridges.
There is also no standard with regards to Landlords.

Some are simply cheap and stingy S.O.B.'s

Since you are staying anyway for min. of 2 years, go and buy a 2 doors large fridge (Top for freezing).
They cost from about S$ 600.- and up

Keep the small one door fridge for your beverages.
When you move on, sell your fridge or bring it along.

Thats what I did in a similar situation and saved myself a lot of headaches.

[resm]

Hi,

I recently rented an apartment for 2 years for my family and I (3 persons). Prior to renting it, the landlord had agreed to replace the exisitng fridges (2 bar fridges) to one standard fridge. We had assumed that a standard fridge in Singapore would mean a 2-door fridge (one with a freezer on top type). But when we got here and moved in, we found that the fridge provided is a one-door fridge. Yes, the freezer is still on top...but it's within the fridge itself.

I'm not sure if it poses any food safety risks (usually the freezer holds the raw food and cooked food/drinks are in the fridge compartment), but the fridge is definitely too small for a family (IMO) to use for 2 years. So would like to ask if such a fridge is standard in Singapore families? I would have thought such a one door fridge is more for domitories/student hostels.

Thanks

No, there is no standard with regards to fridges.
There is also no standard with regards to Landlords.

Some are simply cheap and stingy S.O.B.'s

Since you are staying anyway for min. of 2 years, go and buy a 2 doors large fridge (Top for freezing).
They cost from about S$ 600.- and up

Keep the small one door fridge for your beverages.
When you move on, sell your fridge or bring it along.

Thats what I did in a similar situation and saved myself a lot of headaches.

[jjk]

Thanks for the inputs.

Yeah, we did think of getting our own brand new one. but at this point, trying to conserve some cash. All that moving etc is a bit...

Saw someone selling a 2nd hand fridge...that is 9 yrs old. I haven't used such an old fridge before (think the oldest fridge I've had was 5 yrs old?). It's a Fisher and Paykel brand and the freezer is at the bottom. Anyone has any idea if it's ok to buy over a fridge that is 9 yrs old?

Thanks

[resm]

Thanks for the inputs.

Yeah, we did think of getting our own brand new one. but at this point, trying to conserve some cash. All that moving etc is a bit...

Saw someone selling a 2nd hand fridge...that is 9 yrs old. I haven't used such an old fridge before (think the oldest fridge I've had was 5 yrs old?). It's a Fisher and Paykel brand and the freezer is at the bottom. Anyone has any idea if it's ok to buy over a fridge that is 9 yrs old?

Thanks

With this age, I would not, no matter what brand.
You also have to consider the electricity consumption.

The oldest I would buy second hand is maybe 2 years.

What you save initially by buying a secondhand older and cheaper one, you pay later in your electricity bill, which can be high here in Singapore.

[jjk]

Hmmm....you have a point there. Didn't think of that. That is so true. Ok. Thanks! You have been a great help!

[jjk]

Ok, I've got my fridge...but landlord will not be removing their small fridge out. Ok, fine by me...but I was wondering if I could put that space to use (instead of having it take up my space). Was thinking of unplugging it (since I've got my own fridge), and using the smaller fridge as a cupboard to store canned food, unopen packets of pasta/macaroni etc...it should be ok right? to use an unplugged fridge as a cupboard...

[QRM]

Ok, I've got my fridge...but landlord will not be removing their small fridge out. Ok, fine by me...but I was wondering if I could put that space to use (instead of having it take up my space). Was thinking of unplugging it (since I've got my own fridge), and using the smaller fridge as a cupboard to store canned food, unopen packets of pasta/macaroni etc...it should be ok right? to use an unplugged fridge as a cupboard...

Yes but make sure you open it regularly and all the moisture is removed from the inside or it will quickly get mouldy and start to stink.

[Deetz]

How common is it for the locals to eat out all the time?

I enjoy the local food but I also like to cook. For now I have a nice room but I'm limited to a fridge and microwave. Not a big fan of frozen food. So far I enjoy the hawker food but yeah I think I will try to move to move in a few months to a place with a stove and oven.

It is pretty funny though learning why my one friend from here was such a terrible cook and that co-workers don't cook at all.

[jjk]

oh yes...have to make sure no moisture in it. The weather here is wet and humid...not dry and cool...well, it has its pluses too...such weather.

how common is it for locals to eat out? Seems to me it's quite common. I enjoy cooking too...but most places I've seen either does not have an oven, or the stove is small. Ok, space constraints. and the housing agents will say "there are lots of eating places nearby". I think locals prefer eating out for convenience.

[QRM]

I know plenty of local families who have never had a home cooked meal, (apart from cup noodle). If you are cooking European type foods and salads it will cost you a lot more to make it at home than having a meal at a hawker centre.

One you can have a cooked hawker meal for the price of one tomato here.

[rails]

No that is just a cheap ass landlord you have. And sorry to tell you but you are going to have alot of probs down the track with this landlord, so be very careful. Most of the replies you have are from locals and they really have no idea on our standards of living.

I advise you to do a thourogh check for any defalts on the unit straight away otherwise you will be stung at the end of your contract.

Good luck