Outdoor vs. indoor kegerators

[cancun]

We have an indoor Haier kegerator that is installed in an outdoor BBQ island. Since day 1 we have had temperature and foaming problems. We want to exchange it for an outdoor kegerator but the company we purchased it from will not agree. We even took them to small claims and won but now they are appealing. I am now looking for more information backing up why an indoor kegerator should not be used outdoor. I do have the Haier manual that states it should not be used indoors and have talked to several people confirming this, but I cannot seem to find any other info such as reviews/rating specifically on the Haier. Appreciate any suggestions!

[bigkittydaddy]

Originally Posted by cancun

We have an indoor Haier kegerator that is installed in an outdoor BBQ island. Since day 1 we have had temperature and foaming problems. We want to exchange it for an outdoor kegerator but the company we purchased it from will not agree. We even took them to small claims and won but now they are appealing. I am now looking for more information backing up why an indoor kegerator should not be used outdoor. I do have the Haier manual that states it should not be used indoors and have talked to several people confirming this, but I cannot seem to find any other info such as reviews/rating specifically on the Haier. Appreciate any suggestions!

I've had similar problems with my Haier. After researching online and in stores, I've found a few workarounds, but you're still stuck with a sub-standard unit, especially if you're using it outside, in what I presume are temperature ranges beyond what it's spec'd for indoors. To help in your case, try accessing and printing more background info from sites like these, and/or a written quote from a manufacturer about how your unit does/doesn't operate properly in conditions it's not intended for. Good luck!

[psychodad]

I'd think that the manufacturer stating in print in their own manual that it is for indoor use would be all that any decent judge would need to see. Did you get anything from the people you bought it from stating that it was suitable for outdoor use?

[cancun]

Nothing in writing or verbally. We just assumed (learned the hardway) that they were providing us with equipment that operates efficiently outdoors. They had a booth at a home and garden show and we just were so excited by the whole outdoor BBQ island thing that we chose a design, grill and kegerator size and said.... "let's go." We didn't even realize there were kegerators designed specially for outdoor use until we had problems with ours, otherwise we would have ordered one from the very beginning.

You're right re: the judge but I just want to have all the information I can before walking into the court room again.

Appreciate your comments.

[psychodad]

Originally Posted by cancun

Nothing in writing or verbally. We just assumed

IMHO, I can see why the company you bought from is balking at buying it back. Perhaps you could sell it on e-bay or craigslist and put the proceeds towards a better unit. Expect to pay a lot more for something outdoor rated.

[cancun]

I would agree with you however, Haier will replace the unit with a brand new one. We just want to return the new one so we can purchase one meant for outdoors such as the Marvel kegerator and we are willing to pay the difference.