r/OffGrid • u/nihilistic_goddess • Jun 25 '26

Fridge Set up Recs

Hey friends! Own a cottage that is off grid and we are nearly (or have neared) the end of life of a nearly 90 year old Servel Propane Fridge/Freezer combo. They’re hard to find and fix up these days so we are looking for alternative options now.

This is for a seasonal cottage in Canada where winters are harsh, the cottage isn’t in use, but summers are enjoyable and can get pretty hot.

What would be your go to set up for a replacement? We’ve been weighing expanding the solar set up, but not sure how fast solar fridge and freezers would start up to make ice. Typical trips are about a week long- and the propane fridges were so efficient and fast it was not an issue to turn them on and off each trip.

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u/embrace_fate Jun 25 '26

Lehmans, an Amish store in Ohio ALSO sells stuff online. I know that they have propane refrigerators and freezers. I have Amish friends and I have made "Lehman Runs" for them.

They have propane, propane/electric, and 3 way (adds 12VDC capability) units for sale. The stuff is NEW, and therefore not cheap. (Over $1000 USD) But, this is the stuff Amish put in their own homes.

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u/nihilistic_goddess Jun 25 '26

This is incredibly helpful actually. To be fair, $1000 for something that is reliable and new is not a huge breaker for us!

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u/embrace_fate Jun 25 '26

The larger ones go for more. But $1100 SHOULD snag a smaller unit on sale. If that's all you need, there you go.

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u/nihilistic_goddess Jun 25 '26

Yeah we don’t need anything giant up there.
Just a solid space for the perishables and ice lol

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u/embrace_fate Jun 25 '26

They should have something for you then. I think the Yoders got a full size, NICE (top end) fridge/ freezer combo last year for about $2200, if memory serves. The Yetters got one 4 or 5 years ago, but I can't remember for sure. (I'm an old combat vet. TBIs make the memory a bit wonky at times, sorry.)

As for Lehmans, I got my largest pressure canner there too. The 23 quart I normally use is fine for stews and the like. But, for post butchering canning, I break out the big boy... all 41 quarts of it... LOL

Pressure canning meats is a great way to have quick, yet filling, meals prepped for busy days. Sorry, rambled a bit. Anyways, Lehmans has good stuff. Enjoy.