My cooler's compressor gave out right before a big wedding job last Saturday

I was prepping 30 centerpieces for a wedding in Tempe when I heard a loud hum and then nothing. The temp shot up to 60 degrees in about an hour. I had to move all the open roses and peonies into my backup fridge, which was already full of bulk greens. Ended up renting a commercial unit from a party supply place for $150 for the weekend. Has anyone found a good brand for a reliable backup cooler that doesn't cost a fortune?

3 comments

3 Comments

spencer825d ago

Man that's the worst kind of timing. Hearing that hum die out before a big job would make my stomach drop. I've been there with gear failing at the absolute worst moment, and that scramble is pure stress. Renting last minute is such a pain but you gotta do what you gotta do to save the flowers. Have you looked at used restaurant supply stores for a backup unit? Sometimes they have decent fridges that just need a good clean.

alexk6025d ago

Spencer's spot on about used restaurant gear. I got my main workhorse fridge from a place that was closing a diner in Mesa for like three hundred bucks. The trick is checking the door seals and listening for that steady compressor hum, not the rattle. You can find smaller undercounter units that are perfect for backup duty if you're willing to clean off some old grease.

seanjackson24d ago

Glad you saved the wedding flowers, but I've had bad luck with used restaurant fridges. They often have hidden problems that show up at the worst time. I'd rather save up for a basic new unit with a warranty.