Gas refridgerators?
- Thread starter drmitch
- Start date
58limited
Well-known member
Here's a wiki entry that explains it. I have a '48 Servel gas fridge that works great.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_absorption_refrigerator
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_absorption_refrigerator
Servel was the main manufacturer of gas refrigerators for many years here in the US. One of my great-uncles worked for a gas company facility in Texas and had a Servel gas refrigerator. I'm not sure how old it was when his widow finally moved out of their house, but probably at least 50 years. Because there is no compressor, the systems are very simple and if well built seem to last almost indefinately. Now the main demand for gas refrigerators is for remote vacation houses that don't have regular electrical service. There are some new gas refrigerators, but they're fairly pricey and so old Servels in working shape can still be worth some money.
Whirlpool eventually bought Servel in the late '50s to get their patented icemaker technology, which is why there were Whirlpoll branded gas refrigerators for a short while.
Whirlpool eventually bought Servel in the late '50s to get their patented icemaker technology, which is why there were Whirlpoll branded gas refrigerators for a short while.
laundromat
Well-known member
survelle
Way back in the late 40's to early 50's,Servelle was THE gas refrigerator available.Whirlpool bought them and kept the units on the market until the early 70's. At that time,Whirlpool had it "going on" I had friends(the Bairs) who had a nice 15 cu ft model in their kitchen.It was not only frost free but also had an automatic ice-maker in it!Norge also had a gas model but I am not too sure if it wasn't made for them by Wpool.They are extreamly quiet and very energy efficient. we sell the Servelles here under the Dometic brand name in a 9 cu ft model and Servell's 12 cu ft model which sells for a measly $1399!!!!Ours are all LP gas and we recomend the owners/users have two seperate gas tanks at least 10 ga. size so that,when one runs out,you can switch the frig automaticaly to the full tank and remove the empty one to have it refilled.This way,you don't worry about running out of gas and needing to go through restating the unit and blding the lines. It's a real pain in the ass to have to bleed the lines and takes a few hours to do it right.Some people say that being either gas or electric,they should be more practical.They aren't.You still have to bleed the line to put it back onto the gas power.
Way back in the late 40's to early 50's,Servelle was THE gas refrigerator available.Whirlpool bought them and kept the units on the market until the early 70's. At that time,Whirlpool had it "going on" I had friends(the Bairs) who had a nice 15 cu ft model in their kitchen.It was not only frost free but also had an automatic ice-maker in it!Norge also had a gas model but I am not too sure if it wasn't made for them by Wpool.They are extreamly quiet and very energy efficient. we sell the Servelles here under the Dometic brand name in a 9 cu ft model and Servell's 12 cu ft model which sells for a measly $1399!!!!Ours are all LP gas and we recomend the owners/users have two seperate gas tanks at least 10 ga. size so that,when one runs out,you can switch the frig automaticaly to the full tank and remove the empty one to have it refilled.This way,you don't worry about running out of gas and needing to go through restating the unit and blding the lines. It's a real pain in the ass to have to bleed the lines and takes a few hours to do it right.Some people say that being either gas or electric,they should be more practical.They aren't.You still have to bleed the line to put it back onto the gas power.
For a few years beginning in 1985 my partner and I lived in a mid 50's development that had all gas kitchens. In most homes, the built-in Servel refers had long ago been changed out but some remained in place even though they weren't operational. I don't know of anyone in that neighborhood at the time who was still using the original Servel refrigerator. My guess is that most were changed out in favor of frostless electric models even though they were still working fine.
Ralph
Ralph
danemodsandy
Well-known member
I've Wanted...
...a Servel for a long time now. The one I'd like to have is this model from '47 or '48. Here's a pic of a salesman's miniature sample. On the real machine, the door handle was chrome. I've been keeping my eyes open, but these don't turn up much here in Georgia, and finding one with a good interior and all its parts is very difficult.
...a Servel for a long time now. The one I'd like to have is this model from '47 or '48. Here's a pic of a salesman's miniature sample. On the real machine, the door handle was chrome. I've been keeping my eyes open, but these don't turn up much here in Georgia, and finding one with a good interior and all its parts is very difficult.
polkanut
Well-known member
I've seen ads from the 30's that advertised that they were made by Servel/Electrolux.
There is a gas fridge mentioned in the movie "The Misfits" with Marilyn Monroe. Not sure if it is a Servel.
E'lux (now Dometic) elecric/gas fridges
They make triple feed ( 12 V / 230V / LPG ) fridges for caravan and motorhomes.
Guess it's the most common badge in this particular market segment here in EU
http://www.jacksons-camping.co.uk/cool/100to135.htm
They make triple feed ( 12 V / 230V / LPG ) fridges for caravan and motorhomes.
Guess it's the most common badge in this particular market segment here in EU
http://www.jacksons-camping.co.uk/cool/100to135.htm
The same works for solar air conditioning
AC compressors draw a lot of power, so someone (guess in sweden) thought to use the same principle of gas fridges (heating) instead of compression to make the Carnot (frigorific) cycle work. Solar panels heat up the refrigerating liquid instead of having a compressor
here a US co producing such AC units
http://www.solarac.com/
AC compressors draw a lot of power, so someone (guess in sweden) thought to use the same principle of gas fridges (heating) instead of compression to make the Carnot (frigorific) cycle work. Solar panels heat up the refrigerating liquid instead of having a compressor
here a US co producing such AC units
http://www.solarac.com/
Electrolux
Even in the beginning, SERVEL was licensing the technology from Electrolux - so I believe that is where it all began.
Don't know if SERVEL refrigerators are worth much anymore. The CPSC had a campaign to get them destroyed. If the units weren't maintained well they could emit carbon-monoxide into the home.
I've only seen one for sale around Chicago in all time. My aunt had the Whirlpool Gas with icemaker. Then again, I think they're allure was electric-less applications.
I did find once (and I SOOO wish I had bought it) was a STAR-LITE brand portable ammonia refrigerator that plugged into electric or car. Very early 1960s. Very small, about the size of a radio. Too fun.
Even in the beginning, SERVEL was licensing the technology from Electrolux - so I believe that is where it all began.
Don't know if SERVEL refrigerators are worth much anymore. The CPSC had a campaign to get them destroyed. If the units weren't maintained well they could emit carbon-monoxide into the home.
I've only seen one for sale around Chicago in all time. My aunt had the Whirlpool Gas with icemaker. Then again, I think they're allure was electric-less applications.
I did find once (and I SOOO wish I had bought it) was a STAR-LITE brand portable ammonia refrigerator that plugged into electric or car. Very early 1960s. Very small, about the size of a radio. Too fun.
I deliver parts to a Dometic factory that makes awnings. But there is talk of Dometic shutting a Swedish factory, and moving RV 'fridge production to Elkhart, IN.
Coincidence?
Wasn't SERVEL in Indiana?
Wasn't SERVEL in Indiana?
thor
Well-known member
Server kerosene refrigerator
My 96 year old great aunt who lives in a country estancia has a running Servel kerosene refrigertor, standing right next to an electric modern refrigerator. From the looks it has to be a mid 60's model. My aunt told me keeps the Servel running because it keeps running when electric power goes out.
Once I saw one of the peones refilling the kerosene bottle (stored in the back of the refrigerator), if I recall correct about gallon of kerosene lasts more than a week. I don't think it is very energy efficient. Next time I visit my aunt I will take pictures of the fridge.
My 96 year old great aunt who lives in a country estancia has a running Servel kerosene refrigertor, standing right next to an electric modern refrigerator. From the looks it has to be a mid 60's model. My aunt told me keeps the Servel running because it keeps running when electric power goes out.
Once I saw one of the peones refilling the kerosene bottle (stored in the back of the refrigerator), if I recall correct about gallon of kerosene lasts more than a week. I don't think it is very energy efficient. Next time I visit my aunt I will take pictures of the fridge.
thor
Well-known member
Server kerosene refrigerator
My 96 year old great aunt who lives in a country estancia has a running Servel kerosene refrigertor, standing right next to an electric modern refrigerator. From the looks it has to be a mid 60's model. My aunt keeps the Servel running because it keeps cooling when electric power goes out.
Once I watched one of the peones refilling the kerosene bottle (stored in the back of the refrigerator) and, if I recall correct, he told me that about gallon of kerosene lasts not much longer than a week. I don't think it is very energy efficient, but then I doubt this unit has ever been serviced.
Next time I visit my aunt I will take pictures of the fridge.
Emilio
My 96 year old great aunt who lives in a country estancia has a running Servel kerosene refrigertor, standing right next to an electric modern refrigerator. From the looks it has to be a mid 60's model. My aunt keeps the Servel running because it keeps cooling when electric power goes out.
Once I watched one of the peones refilling the kerosene bottle (stored in the back of the refrigerator) and, if I recall correct, he told me that about gallon of kerosene lasts not much longer than a week. I don't think it is very energy efficient, but then I doubt this unit has ever been serviced.
Next time I visit my aunt I will take pictures of the fridge.
Emilio
thor
Well-known member
Sorry, first post just "misfired".
Emilio
Emilio
Servel I think was in Evansville, the southern end of the state.
toggleswitch2
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 23, 2008
- Messages
- 5,000
I have only seen one- in a neighborhood pizzaria. It was vented outdoors via a 3" (762mm) duct/flue.
I'm not too keen on the unvented ones!
I'm not too keen on the unvented ones!
iheartmaytag
Well-known member
My parents bought a house in the earily 80's that had a Servel Air Conditioner. The unit was very efficient, and kept the house cool, but unfortunately it was at the end of it's life and was not reliable.
It had to be replaced that first summer. They looked into replacing with another Servel but the cost was prohibitive. Almost double what a new high efficiency electric model was even with haveing to have a new electric service ran to accomodate the new unit. I think in 1980 dollars it was about $6K.
It had to be replaced that first summer. They looked into replacing with another Servel but the cost was prohibitive. Almost double what a new high efficiency electric model was even with haveing to have a new electric service ran to accomodate the new unit. I think in 1980 dollars it was about $6K.
everythingold
Well-known member
Amish love them too.
My Amish friends/neighbors have a gas 'fridge.
I remember that the travel trailer we had when I was a kid had a small Dometic refrigerator. Also, the same era (the 1960s), two of our neighbors had Servels in their kitchens.
Joe
whirlcool
Well-known member
Speaking of Gas A/C units for the home, I remember Peoples Gas of Chicago offered them for sale. I've seen them in a few homes in the 50's-60's.
We were in south america a few years ago and the condo that we stayed in had a gas central a/c unit. It was mounted in a large walk in closet and vented to the outside. Was very surprised to see the flames through the port window when it was running. Had never seen an a/c unit like this. People I know who have camps up north where there is no power still have gas refrigerators and say they work great. Nice and quiet.
Jon
Jon
I remember seeing an ad in an old magazine for Servel refrigerators. Tbig sales pitch was how quiet it was. If I remember right, the woman was moaning about her old electric refrigerator, and how it seemed to get louder every day. Then, she wandered into her husband's parents' kitchen, where she was stunned to find a refrigerator that was dead quiet. And she was even more stunned when her husband told her that it was an old model.
This ad does raise questions:
1. If married, wouldn't she have logically seen her husband's parents' home before? (Not necessarily, granted, but more than likely.)
2. Purely speculative: if she hated the regular refrigerators of the 40s, what would she think of 2009 refrigerators?
3. Perhaps I should check myself into the nearest asylum for pondering these questions about a woman who probably only existed in the minds of some advertising department.
This ad does raise questions:
1. If married, wouldn't she have logically seen her husband's parents' home before? (Not necessarily, granted, but more than likely.)
2. Purely speculative: if she hated the regular refrigerators of the 40s, what would she think of 2009 refrigerators?
3. Perhaps I should check myself into the nearest asylum for pondering these questions about a woman who probably only existed in the minds of some advertising department.
toggleswitch2
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 23, 2008
- Messages
- 5,000
Asphyxia anyone?
Yes perhaps a gas refrigerator is silent, but if not vented it is neelessly posioning your air by sucking the oxygen out of it and adding carbon-dioxide, nitrous oxides and sulphuric oxides.
And if that weren't enough it's dumping added heat into the kitchen as well as yellowing and dirtying every ceiling, wall, floor, cabinet and every other surface inside.
Yes perhaps a gas refrigerator is silent, but if not vented it is neelessly posioning your air by sucking the oxygen out of it and adding carbon-dioxide, nitrous oxides and sulphuric oxides.
And if that weren't enough it's dumping added heat into the kitchen as well as yellowing and dirtying every ceiling, wall, floor, cabinet and every other surface inside.
danemodsandy
Well-known member
Toggles:
Back when Servel was a big name, houses weren't often tight enough for combustion byproducts like CO and the others you mention to build up. The flame that ran a Servel's cooling system was about the size of a pilot light. The reason that old Servels have gotten a bad rap is because their burners were prone to fouling with rust and dirt over time if not maintained, and that could definitely lead to CO leakage. New gas reefers have a different burner design. Venting is now recommended for all installations, and required in a lot of localities.
By the way, what makes you think electric reefers don't return heat to the room they're in?
In their day, Servels were popular with people who liked peace and quiet, and also with rural people whose electric service was a little erratic or non-existent. The Amish love gas reefers.
Back when Servel was a big name, houses weren't often tight enough for combustion byproducts like CO and the others you mention to build up. The flame that ran a Servel's cooling system was about the size of a pilot light. The reason that old Servels have gotten a bad rap is because their burners were prone to fouling with rust and dirt over time if not maintained, and that could definitely lead to CO leakage. New gas reefers have a different burner design. Venting is now recommended for all installations, and required in a lot of localities.
By the way, what makes you think electric reefers don't return heat to the room they're in?
In their day, Servels were popular with people who liked peace and quiet, and also with rural people whose electric service was a little erratic or non-existent. The Amish love gas reefers.
redcarpetdrew
Well-known member
Back when I lived in Eureka, CA., It was not uncommon to see them still around and about around nearby Arcata or McKinleyville or so. That's where I saw my first two door Servel with a ice maker. They are still popular out that way as are gas engine powered Maytag wringers due to the number of Marijuana grows out in the forests. No power needed meant no power lines to follow. When I worked at a now extinct second hand dealer, Jim Snow Appliance, we'd get them in and buyers would show up with cash in hand and names like Smith or Jones with no address...
RCD
RCD
> The flame that ran a Servel's cooling system was about the size of a pilot light.
The same is true for current model Dometic's. They put these fridges in small (often VERY small) campers and other RVs without issue, although they're usually vented to the outside.
They *are* dead quiet, which is really nice when camping.
The same is true for current model Dometic's. They put these fridges in small (often VERY small) campers and other RVs without issue, although they're usually vented to the outside.
They *are* dead quiet, which is really nice when camping.
Similar threads
Latest posts
-
Need thermostat for GE wall fridge lw11- Latest: sarahperdue
-
-
