renew:June 25, 2017 at 11:47 am
For Coolest Cooler backers still waiting for their product, the end is finally in sight, though not as soon as they'd hoped. The Department of Justice has completed its investigation of a fraud complaint filed by the state of Oregon and concluded that Coolest must ship the remaining 20,000 refrigerators it owes people over the next three years.
For those who backed the campaign in 2014, that meant they could have waited six years for a fridge. Of the roughly 62,000 original sponsors, a third still haven't received a refrigerator with a music player.
Coolest Creator Ryan Grepper wroteopen the envelopeHe told his backers on Kickstarter on June 23 that he was satisfied with the findings of the investigation and felt "reasonable" about the results.
To meet the new deadline, Coolest needs to make enough money to manufacture 20,000 refrigerators and deliver them to the sponsor, who paid $185 for their refrigerator in 2014. Grepper estimates it will cost between $3 and $4 million.
He admits it won't happen overnight, and he doesn't expect many, if any, sponsors to receive the product before the end of the year.
"If we fail, we will have to address all other sponsors," Grepper wrote.
In his letter, Grepper also outlined ways they plan to increase profits, including reducing production costs, increasing international sales, developing new products and attracting outside investors.
Original post:June 20, 2017 at 12:59
• Many are still waiting for the Kickstarter refrigerator they backed years ago
• Fraud complaints lead to government investigations
• Getting a refund is as much a waiting game as getting the fridge itself
The coolest fridge seems too good to be true — and many people think it is. A few minutes laterPost a video about drink holders, a built-in blender, Bluetooth speakers, cup holders, ceramic knife and plate holsters, and the complaints started pouring in.
people love refrigeratorsBack it on Kickstarter, bringing in 265 times the original fundraising goal. Almost three years have passed and they have yet to see the refrigerator they paid for. Although the cooler is sold outamazonnextThe Home Depot.
Complaints are not limited to comments on videos on Facebook. The Oregon Department of Justice accepts so much --More than 500 so far-- It has launched a formal investigation into the Portland-based company. (Christina Edmondson, director of communications for the Justice Department, did not comment on the investigation, but confirmed it was ongoing.)
Coolest founder and CEO Ryan Grepper said Coolest didn't intend to discourage people from buying the coolers they ordered. "In an ideal world, all of our sponsors would already have their coolest coolers, but unfortunately, creating such a quality product so quickly for so many people has cost us more than we expected Much higher," he wrote to Delish in an email. The company has handed out nearly 40,000 "design awards" -- gifts people receive for backing their Kickstarter campaigns, from the refrigerators themselves to the "coolest" plastic party cups. Grepper said he still has about 1/3 of the bounty to ship.
![[UPDATE] The DOJ investigation is over, but this $450 refrigerator is still full of drama (1)](https://i0.wp.com/hips.hearstapps.com/del.h-cdn.co/assets/17/25/1497974673-delish-coolest-cooler-005.jpg?resize=980:* "[UPDATE] The DOJ investigation is over, but this $450 refrigerator is still full of drama (1)")
"this is oursmain missionTo achieve this goal, we will continue to fund production and provide additional support incentives through the sale of new products," he wrote.
what went wrong
Coolest raised $13.2 million on Kickstarter during its campaign, but that wasn't enough to fund all the heavily discounted coolers promised during the campaign. The refrigerator costs $450, but Kickstarter backers who put in $185 during the 2014 campaign were rewarded with one.
"This is starting to look like a scam, even a Ponzi scheme," one sponsor wrote.
That's why people can order the Coolest on Amazon and have it delivered to their door in less than a week, while some of the brand's early adopters waited years for the same model.
Still, many people are frustrated because they paid for a refrigerator and they still haven't received it. now closedChange.org petitionUrging Coolest to stop selling the device to anyone until backers receive their models. "Otherwise, it starts to look like a scam, or even a pyramid scheme," the petitioner wrote. It's an understandable complaint, though given Grepper's cash flow problems, it's making a catch-22: Coolest needs more money to make its discount coolers and send them to sponsors, and the only way to The way to do this is to sell his only product after the margin, so he can use the profit to build more refrigerators.
Big issue with refunds
At this point, some frustrated sponsors don't care about getting a fridge -- they'd much rather refund it. “Of course, I’m not the first, and I can’t afford an outdated, state-of-the-art refrigerator for less than a retail customer,” said Colleen Knight of St. Louis. Georgia Simmons wrote in an emailOregon/Oregon Live.
![[UPDATE] The DOJ investigation is over, but this $450 refrigerator is still full of drama (3)](https://i0.wp.com/hips.hearstapps.com/del.h-cdn.co/assets/17/25/1497974180-delish-coolest-cooler-004.jpg?resize=980:* "[UPDATE] The DOJ investigation is over, but this $450 refrigerator is still full of drama (3)")
question? Getting paid off also means playing in anticipation. Due to the sheer number of supporters - 62,642 who put in their hard-earned dollars - the company is asking people to submit refund requests viathis online form.We will contact you two weeks prior to shipping your refrigerator to see if you still wish to receive a cash refund. The problem is, you won't know when the fridge is coming until they contact you.
thisTerms applicable as of July 2014When the Coolest Cooler was released, it required a successful campaign to return all unrewarded backers. But the terms did not specify a timetable for the return. In fact, he even goes so far as to say that the projected delivery date "is not a promise by that date, but an estimate of what the creators of the project hope to achieve."
“[Providing refrigerators to our sponsors] is at the core of our mission,” Grepper wrote.
Kickstarter policies worked in Coolest's favour, as production costs and delays pushed back the projected date several times. Originally, the campaign predicted that people were most likely to receive the coolest stuff in February 2015. Then,Responding to a Change.org Petition, Grepper wrote that Coolest predicts all prizes will be honored in spring 2016. Obviously, that didn't happen.
Why Kickstarter Lets People Dig Their Own
Although the project was launched on Kickstarter, backers were unable to get their money back through the site. This was clearly stated in Coolest's terms of use when it launched the campaign - "No Refunds Offered on Kickstarter" - but the site has expanded this policy in their revised terms of use to apply to campaigns launched on or after 10/19/2014 All projects. "Responsibility for project completion rests solely with the project creator. Kickstarter does not hold funds on behalf of creators, does not guarantee their work, and does not offer refunds."In the U.S.
Additionally, subject to these updated terms and conditions, campaign sponsors may choose whether to provide refunds for rewards. "You can repay personal debt if you want. Once a project is funded, you can cancel and refund your sponsor support at any time," he said. However, there is no express obligation to do so - meaning that from now on, if you support the project, you do so at your own risk.
![[UPDATE] The DOJ investigation is over, but this $450 refrigerator is still full of drama (5)](https://i0.wp.com/hips.hearstapps.com/del.h-cdn.co/assets/17/25/1497974257-delish-coolest-cooler-009.jpg?resize=980:* "[UPDATE] The DOJ investigation is over, but this $450 refrigerator is still full of drama (5)")
ForbesUse Coolest's problems with funding and delivery as a sort of cautionary tale for anyone thinking of kickstarting a Kickstarter. “It’s a good reminder that the money you raise doesn’t really come from investors, it comes from people who want your product. The difficult issues of product design, supply chain management, and production that happen after the fundraiser will lead to Winners and losers part ways," one employee wrote in the opinion.
Again, this is a warning to anyone who wants to support the project. Unlike shopping online or in stores, investing in someone else's dreams involves risk -- and it doesn't always pay off in the expected timeframe.
focus on cooked foodinstagram.
![[UPDATE] The DOJ investigation is over, but this $450 refrigerator is still full of drama (7)](https://i0.wp.com/hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/ad1f791d-ef0c-4483-9530-078347c9d21b_1524060914.file?fill=1:1&resize=120:* "[UPDATE] The DOJ investigation is over, but this $450 refrigerator is still full of drama (7)")
Candace Braun Davidson
deputy editor
Candace Braun Davison writes, edits, and produces lifestyle content from celebrity to roll-up DIY, all while relentlessly pursuing the noblest of goals: finding the world's best chocolate chip cookies.
![[UPDATE] The DOJ investigation is over, but this $450 refrigerator is still full of drama (8)](https://i0.wp.com/hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/37270372-e404-4103-ac2f-7c3e08b9229f_1523821940.file?fill=1:1&resize=120:* "[UPDATE] The DOJ investigation is over, but this $450 refrigerator is still full of drama (8)")
madison flag
freelance journalist
Madison Flager is the Associate Editor of Delish.com. He writes about the culinary news, food trends and products your kitchen needs right now; he has an unhealthy obsession with coffee and cheese.
FAQs
What are the refrigerated storage guidelines? ›
The temperature in a refrigerator should be 40 °F or below throughout the unit, so that any place is safe for storage of any food. Raw meat, poultry, and seafood should be in a sealed container or wrapped securely to prevent raw juices from contaminating other foods.
How many homes have 2 refrigerators? ›Around 35 million U.S. households have two refrigerators, and the Vincents are among the 6 million households that report owning more than two refrigerators, whether full- or dorm-size units, according to the Energy Information Administration, a federal agency that tracks appliance ownership.
Can you have two refrigerators? ›Two refrigerators can also take up a lot of space. Your second refrigerator need not be a large one. If you like to entertain, a second refrigerator under-the-counter for drinks may be perfect for you. New models come in all different colours and sizes and there is a compact refrigerator for any space.
How long does a refrigerator last? ›Most refrigerators are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. If you're having any of the other problems on this list and the fridge is over ten years old, you'll probably save more money in the long run by simply replacing it. Otherwise, you could sink money into repairs for a fridge that's already on its way out.
What is the use of a refrigerator? ›The fundamental reason for having a refrigerator is to keep food cold. Cold temperatures help food stay fresh longer. The basic idea behind refrigeration is to slow down the activity of bacte- ria (which all food contains) so that it takes longer for the bacteria to spoil the food.
What is refrigerated conditions? ›A place in which the temperature is maintained thermostatically between -20°C and -10°C (-4°F to 14°F). Cold. Any temperature not exceeding 8°C (46°F). A refrigerator is a cold place in which the temperature is maintained thermostatically between 2°C and 8°C (36°C to 46°C).
What is the capacity of refrigerator? ›| No. Of Family Members | Fridge Type | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | Single door fridge | 50 litres to 250 litres |
| 2 to 3 members | Single door/ Double door | 250 litres to 500 litres |
| 4 to 5 members | Double door/ Triple door | 500 litres to 700 litres |
| 6+ members | Side by side door | 550 litres to 750+ litres |
Most refrigerators are freestanding but you can find built-in fridges and counter depth models among the types of refrigerators.
Which fridge is best for home? ›| Double door refrigerators | Capacity | Energy Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Double Door Refrigerator | 301L | 2 Star |
| Haier Double Door Refrigerator | 346 L | 2 Star |
| Whirlpool Double Door Refrigerator | 265 L | 3 Star |
| Godrej Double Door Refrigerator | 294 L | 3 Star |
To keep your food fresh, we recommend that the ideal temperature for a fridge is 3°C to 5°C. To maintain this temperature, it is important to not have the appliance door open for extended periods.
Can a fridge stand alone? ›
Wheels and finished sides enable freestanding refrigerators to stand alone in any area of the kitchen. As many choose to install them in a cabinet enclosure, some brands offer cabinet-depth options that sit flush with cabinetry. However, on every model, the handles will protrude beyond counters or cabinets.
Is a two door fridge better? ›Double door refrigerators have multiple benefits. Double door refrigerators are designed with a larger capacity, which means they can be stocked for your large household for many days. With a larger capacity, the shelves are wider, providing ample space for bigger items.
Is it safe to store a fridge? ›Store your fridge upright to avoid damage to the inside mechanisms and sealed systems. Keep the door open or ajar to prevent odours and moisture build-up. Don't place anything between the door and the fridge to keep it open if it pushes against the seal – this can damage the seal.
Can a fridge last 40 years? ›A refrigerator can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. The older your unit is, the more it may cost to repair it. Eventually the cost of repairs will start to outweigh the cost of a replacement.
How long is a refrigerator cold? ›The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
How to clean a fridge? ›Wipe the inside of the empty refrigerator with hot, soapy water, then wipe with clean water to rinse off soap. Dry with a clean towel. DON'T FORGET TO WIPE INSIDE THE DOORS AND ANY DRAWERS THAT CANNOT BE REMOVED. USE A SOLUTION OF 1 TABLESPOON OF LIQUID BLEACH IN 1 GALLON OF WATER TO SANITIZE YOUR REFRIGERATOR.
What is called refrigerator? ›A refrigerator, colloquially fridge, is a commercial and home appliance consisting of a thermally insulated compartment and a heat pump (mechanical, electronic or chemical) that transfers heat from its inside to its external environment so that its inside is cooled to a temperature below the room temperature.
What is refrigerator for food? ›Refrigeration: This consists of keeping food at a temperature, between 0 °C and 8 °C, close to freezing point. It is usually used for fresh food to slow down microbial growth. Freezing: This involves lowering the temperature of the food to below freezing point, usually between -18 °C and -35 °C.
What temperature is refrigerate? ›The ideal refrigerator temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These temperatures inhibit the growth of microorganisms that can cause foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella, listeria, and E.
What temperature kills bacteria? ›Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees. Bacteria will not multiply but may start to die between 140 and 165 degrees. Bacteria will die at temperatures above 212 degrees.
What is refrigerator chill? ›
Refers to food that is thoroughly cooled in a refrigerator compartment, but is not frozen. Proper chilling of food is usually accomplished within a temperature range of 33°F to 42°F.
Where is the size of a refrigerator? ›Look at the model number. More often than not the refrigerator size will be in the model number itself. For example, model number XYZ18 tells us that this refrigerator is 18 CuFt. If your model number does not clearly designate a size you can probably find the specifications by searching online.
What are the 4 types of refrigerator? ›4 Types of Refrigerators for the Home
Each refrigerator may have its own features and embellishments, but they can all be categorized into about four different types: French door, side-by-side, bottom freezer, and top freezer.
A minibar is a small refrigerator, typically an absorption refrigerator, in a hotel room or cruise ship stateroom.
What are the 5 parts of refrigerator? ›The main working parts of a refrigerator include a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, an expansion valve, and a refrigerant.
What is 3 star in refrigerator? ›3-star rating refrigerator
The major difference between 2star and 3 star refrigerators is the energy-saving level. A 3-star refrigerator saves a lot more energy compared to a 2 star. It consumes 311 kWh every year. Though it has a higher price, it is an excellent investment for the future.
| Product | Rating |
|---|---|
| Samsung 183 L 2 Star Inverter Direct-Cool Single Door Refrigerator | 4.3 / 5 |
| Godrej 180 L 4 Star Direct-Cool Single Door Refrigerator | 4.2 / 5 |
| Haier 190 L 4 Star Single Door Refrigerator | 4.2 / 5 |
| Whirlpool 184 L 4 Star Inverter Direct-Cool Single Door Refrigerator | 4.2 / 5 |
- Whirlpool 260L Triple Door Refrigerator.
- LG 235L Direct Cool Refrigerator.
- Whirlpool 215L Direct Cool Refrigerator.
- Samsung 198L Direct Cool Refrigerator.
- Godrej 192L Direct Cool Refrigerator.
Estimates of the life cycle of kitchen appliances vary. For example, refrigerators can last anywhere from 14 to 27 years, according to Phoebe Knight of It is Fixed Appliance Repair in Sandy Springs, GA. Freezers tend to last for a little less long, from 12 to 20 years.
Should I buy a 20 year old fridge? ›If your 20-year-old fridge has been running well, and only needs minor repairs once in a while, then it is worth keeping it, instead of replacing it. Though, if it ends up needing a major repair, then you should think about replacing the fridge.
Should I buy a 5 year old fridge? ›
Check the Refrigerator's Age
A typical refrigerator has a 10- to 20-year lifespan. The longer you have had your refrigerator, the greater the potential repair cost, says The Money Pit. If the refrigerator is less than eight years old, consider repair. If the refrigerator is more than 15 years old, consider replacement.
The answer is no. A refrigerator should never be transported on its back; the weight of the fridge can damage internal parts, and the internal fluids such as the oil inside the motor; or the refrigerant may shift and settle in undesirable places in the machine's system.
Can I live without fridge? ›Though it will take extra time and care, it is possible to live without a refrigerator, whatever your reason may be. You'll not only be eating healthier, but you'll be eating fresher foods as well.
Can a fridge go anywhere? ›Your refrigerator can be placed anywhere there is a crossroads in your house; some common ones include the living room and the kitchen, or the kitchen and the hallway. This idea is particularly good if you are not interested in having your refrigerator hidden inside the Storage units of your kitchen.
Which fridge is good 2 star or 3 star? ›Hence, going for a higher star-rated refrigerator is always the best choice. Not only does it consume less energy, but it also lasts longer. This makes a 3-star refrigerator a better investment than a 2-star refrigerator. Budget is an important factor to be considered while making a purchase.
Is a fridge better full? ›The food that you do have in the fridge may spoil (especially delicate items such as lettuce). It's actually better to fill your fridge three-quarters full of food. That way there's enough space for the air to circulate freely inside and, at the same time, sufficient food to help each item cool its neighbour down.
Which fridge has more room? ›Top freezers have more room than bottom freezers in comparably-sized refrigerators. They are also the most energy efficient.
How do you store fudge? ›Fudge is best stored at room temperature for 2 to 3 weeks wrapped up in its original wax paper. NEVER REFRIGERATE your fudge as this will draw out the moisture and leave you with dry, crumbly fudge.
Can I use an old fridge for storage? ›Storage: old refrigerators make great shelves. Unplug it, clean it out, remove the door and use it in your pantry, kitchen or garage for storage or as a tool shelf. Make it into a new closet or a desk. Then use the door for additional storage or as a wet bar accompaniment.
Is it OK to keep fridge on 24 hours? ›Keep a thermometer in both your refrigerator and freezer.
Perishable items should remain safe in your refrigerator for four hours, in a half-full freezer for 24 hours and in a full freezer for 48 hours, but these guidelines are estimates.
Are older refrigerators better? ›
While modern appliances offer superior performance and features while they work, older appliances are far more reliable and durable in the long run.
Is it worth repairing a 25 year old fridge? ›But, as a good rule of thumb, if you have multiple faulty parts or if your refrigerator is over ten years old, it is probably time to replace it. Consumer Reports recommends replacing your refrigerator if the cost to repair it is more than half the price of buying a new one.
How cold is 5 on a fridge? ›The numbers on the fridge's temperature dial indicate refrigerant power. The higher the number goes the colder the fridge will maintain. Setting it to 5 will make your fridge the coldest. With this out of the way, it should be noted that a lower fridge temperature does not equal better food storage.
Can cold damage a refrigerator? ›The answer is yes! Winter weather is not ideal for most types of appliances. Cold temperatures can cause appliances to freeze, crack or explode. Daryl Flood recommends that you take precaution during the colder months (November – April) to protect your appliances from extensive damage.
How do I start a new fridge? ›Once the unit is in the house you should: Leave the appliance to sit for 3 hours. Then plug it in and switch it on. It should then be left overnight to stabilize before putting any fresh food into it.
What are the general guidelines for storage? ›- Do not tip bottles when returning them to a shelf. ...
- Do not store chemicals (except cleaners) under sinks. ...
- Avoid stockpiling chemicals.
- Purchase only what is needed. ...
- Conduct periodic cleanouts to prevent accumulating unnecessary chemicals.
Storage Guidelines means Manufacturer's procedures approved by Buyer in writing that describe the methods of packaging, monitoring, and storing the Product, Raw Materials, Buyer Supplied Items and work-in-progress.
What is the freezer storage guideline? ›- Cool the food before you freeze it. ...
- Wrap the food properly or put it in sealed containers. ...
- Freeze food in realistically sized portions. ...
- Label everything you freeze. ...
- Check the use-by date. ...
- Don't let ice build up. ...
- If in doubt, throw it out. ...
- Follow these steps to freeze fresh vegetables.
For optimal quality and safety, dairy products should be stored at refrigerated temperatures between 34°F and 38°F, meats between 33°F and 36°F, and eggs 33°F to 37°F. Fresh vegetables and ripe fresh fruits should be stored between 35°F and 40°F. Always store refriger- ated foods at temperatures less than 40°F.
What is the minimum storage? ›The bit is the smallest fundamental size of data storage.
It is a binary digit meaning that it can take the value of either 1 or 0. A single byte stores eight bits i.e., eight 1's or 0's. Kilobyte consists of 1024 bytes. Megabyte contains 1024 kilobytes.
What are the 3 principles of storage? ›
Ease of access, adequate space, use of appropriate materials and orientation all have a major effect on the quality of the storage conditions and their maintenance costs.
What are the 3 types of food storage? ›- Dry food storage. Firstly, dry food storage includes any food that needs to be stored in an environment without climate control. ...
- Refrigerated food storage. Refrigerated food storage refers to storing foods at a cool, but not freezing, temperature. ...
- Frozen food storage.
Storage capacity refers to how much disk space one or more storage devices provides. It measures how much data a computer system may contain. For an example, a computer with a 500GB hard drive has a storage capacity of 500 gigabytes. A network server with four 1TB drives, has a storage capacity of 4 terabytes.
What are the 5 factors necessary for storage? ›- Size. Size matters — when it comes to your storage unit. ...
- Length of time. ...
- Self-service vs. ...
- Location. ...
- Cost. ...
- Temperature. ...
- Safety and surveillance. ...
- Accessibility and convenience.
The ideal refrigerator temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What is freezing capacity of a freezer? ›For any type of freezer, freezing capacity (expressed in tonnes per hour) is defined as the ratio of the quantity of the product that can be loaded into the freezer to the holding time of the product in that particular freezer.
What is freezer capacity in refrigerator? ›Capacity of different fridge types
An American style model for example will, on average, boast a capacity of between 300 & 600 litres. Next on the size scale is the traditional freestanding fridge freezer, with an average capacity of between 200 & 300 Litres.
Storing and using dairy foods at home
Store milk in its original container. Immediately store ice cream and other dairy foods that can be frozen in the freezer set at 0º F or below. Never store milk in the refrigerator door where it is susceptible to warmer temperatures from opening and closing the door.
Keep containers tightly closed. Don't return unused milk to original containers. Do not freeze. Refrigerate immediately in original container.
What is the temperature for food storage? ›Storing food in the fridge
Your fridge temperature should be at 5 °C or below. The freezer temperature should be below -15 °C. Use a thermometer to check the temperature in your fridge.