Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

I know this is a stretch for the "survival prep" forum, but I was wondering what recommendations you would have for appliances ideal for self-sufficient living. I am most interested in the VALUE (best technology for the money) not just the most efficient.

Re: Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

Im not sure what you mean exactly but this is my choice for freezer and refer.Here is my review on it....
IMO buying the best on certain items pays off in the long run because they both last and perform.
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Link To MANUFACTURER INFO

Here is my review of a sundanzer freezer in use,not much to say.Plug it in and it works...


A Sundanzer 8.1 cubic foot freezer,uses 2 amps (actually slightly less) or the equivalent of 2, 27 watt CFL light bulbs,or 2 amps when running.

Set to zero degrees F. Runs about 6 hours a day (12 amp/hrs per day at 24 volts,also runs on 12 volts) with ambient temps about 48-68 degrees F.
AMAZING!!!

Costs about 1100 dollars delivered.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...alameal141.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...alameal142.jpg
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As for a stove I liked this one a lot too....IF you have the wood

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...oo/e665_20.jpg

This is the 557 pound,steel welded Pioneer wood cookstove.This is a utilitarian stove,not made for beauty but for function and longevity.It has a nice stainless steel cooktop.

It will easily heat 2000 foot as claimed,it was heating 1400 sq/ft in 20 degree weather and it was loafing along to that.

This stove will also heat your hot water.With the optional 100 USD heat exchanger pipe it can be plumbed to a hot water tank and will provide plenty of hot water for 4 people.So for 100 dollars,get the exchange pipe.It also has a water tank that is opened from the top of the cooking top,but really is pretty useless,maybe adds a little humidity but doesnt do much else.

The damper controls SQUEEK like crazy when you adjust them,but controlling of burn is very precise.You can also control if you want heat to circulate around the oven.

Oven has a thermometer in the door and oven temps are accurately controlled.It is firebrick lined and good sized too.

The firebox is accessed by the top of the stovetop on the left.It has one of the largest fireboxes available.16 inch logs feed easily.It burns clean,leaving fine ash behind.

It claims overnight burn times,but not sure how they do that,we would put in 2 logs,damp it down and you better be up in 4 hours to refill it was my experience.Could just be I dont know what Im doing,but thats what we got.

At about 2200.00 USD,this is a very nice stove.Highly recommend this product.
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Link to Manufactures info

OK,I just spent a couple weeks by myself with this stove.

I was able to damp it overnight with one log in it,so I can say it lives up to that claim.

As for the oven,it has to be HOT to get oven above 350 degrees.

As for hot water,3 adults and we never ran out of hot water,the heat exchanger to a water tank works great.

All in all this stove lives up to its claims and its price.

Picture of stove in use.....

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...alameal092.jpg

This is the firebox,I used about 5-6 pieces of 16 inch long Oak per day,temps were in the 40F range at night and mid 60's during the day.That translates to cool during day and chilly at night in Celcius.That would be the access from the stovetop about where the cast iron fry pan sits

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...alameal151.jpg

Re: Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

So in my post above 4300 dollars gets you freezing,refrigeration,whole house heating,whole house hot water and a cooking stove and oven.

Im assuming you have your own solar or other form of electric.

I think thats major bang for your buck.

Oh,and I wiped it with bacon fat and got that nice black color back,friend was pleased with that.

Re: Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

If you are talking electrical appliances I would buy a Kill-o-watt meter and start testing appliances. These meters are only about $25 online.

Re: Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

I like that stove. The freezer sounds a bit expensive. I have a kenmore 14 cu ft. I got it for right at $400.00. I'm assuming yours is more energy efficient. $700.00 difference is about what my electrical bill is for one year. (for entire house, a/c included)

Re: Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

Wow that was great share....... very informative!!!!


T

Re: Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

After long day of battle followed by eve of triumphant banquet, one's armor and toga may require removal of blood stain and wine spill.

Thrashing upon river stone becomes a tiresome task for angry queen, rare is the night for soft caress ...

This machine serves thy king well using little power or aquifer demand.



http://www.staber.com/

Re: Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

Perhaps the King needs to clean his own cloak. :wink:

Re: Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

Time to get away from the computer games for awhile, and come back to reality.

Re: Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

:signs8: Since we are in a matrix anyway does it really matter :tongue_ma:

Re: Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

Avalon just so you know, I was replying to the King himself's post.

Re: Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

Banish the thought, I have wars to be waged and rebellions to crush, less mention the infernal combustion glade cutting apparatus to repair.

Re: Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

Insolent peasant, have thy courage to speak directly .... BE GONE !

Re: Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

No problem. You need help Buddy!

Re: Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

Re: Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

Belongs to an offgrid friend.Add a solar panel and have no further need of a power source ever again for a freezer or fridge,I like that on the self reliance angle.SHTF thats going to be mighty hard to beat with any other system,sun will shine but will grid or propane be affordable,or even available at all?

My thoughts are like this...A new car or a 25-30,000 offgrid power system with appliances,which choice is best?For retirement,or financial collapse,ie self sufficiency, I will trade a new car and think its a very good investment. Heck,I could do a LOT with 15,000 which I think is chicken feed for pretty much lifetime power.

Re: Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

ahahahaaaa. This is why I visit GIM. :rofl:

BTW Agamemnon, I want to be a hoplite in the Greek army. Where do I sign up? My spear has a tip made of bronze.

Re: Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

To get an idea how efficient that Sundanzer freezer is at 1.8 amps,his new desktop computer with a 22 inch LCD monitor draws 7 amps from 24 volt batteries to 120 volt inverter to computer!
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About refer power usage...Using the Kill-a-watt meter

Mine worked out to 474 kw/hrs per year.Uses 1.3 kw/hr per day.

At .15 per kw/hr my cost is 71 per year or 5.93 per month.Thats 19.5 cents per day!

Thats quite a bargain I'd say.

Its a 1997,18 cubic foot with top door freezer.Frigidaire FRT18nrcw2.
Refer section at 37.2 degrees...Freezer section at 8 degrees.

A newer one at 410 kw/hrs would save me 9.60 over a year.Guess mines a keeper while on grid.

I would have to say our newer appliances can be pretty darned efficient,esp. when you keep it a basic model.

Re: Best value energy-efficient appliances
 

You do me honor by your volunteer, but alas, my personal army is no more ...

After centuries of conflict they have all been assimilated into the new order of warfare we both now serve.

The old empire has died, long live the new empire !