Replacing a Viking Refrigerator
Here at my farm, there is always a long list of tasks to complete - among the most recent, replacing an old refrigerator in the prep kitchen of my guest house studio.
Because my prep kitchen is used for multiple events and shoots, sometimes with several chefs and assistants working in the space at once, it's important to ensure all the appliances are always in excellent condition. Some time ago, I noticed my Viking refrigerator was more than 27-years old and in need of updating. I replaced it with another durable and dependable Viking unit that is energy-efficient and able to cool a large supply of foods effectively.
Here are some photos and tips for selecting and installing one of the most important appliances in the home, enjoy.
- I’ve used Viking for years. And after almost three decades of reliable performance, it was time to replace this side-by-side Viking refrigerator. While it was still functioning well, it was starting to show some regular wear and tear on its components, which could not keep up with the heavy demand of our food prep sessions.
- How a refrigerator is used directly affects its lifespan. For busy families, a unit constantly overloaded with items may not cool as effectively. One that is also under high traffic, frequently opened and closed, can experience temperature fluctuations, impacting its longevity. Here is the team removing the old refrigerator.
- This team works methodically and carefully. This old unit is wheeled out without touching a thing.
- The new Viking professional VCBB5364RSS00 refrigerator is unloaded from the truck. This unit is a 36-inch bottom-freezer refrigerator. I felt this design may be more suitable for the prep kitchen.
- When measuring for a new refrigerator, be sure to get height, width, and depth of the new space as well as any doorways that are in its transportation path.
- The team manually transports this unit into the kitchen the same way the old unit left – without marring any walls or furniture.
- Modern refrigerators are generally lighter than their predecessors because of the use of lighter construction materials and energy-efficient parts. It doesn’t take long to get the new unit into the kitchen.
- The new refrigerator fits perfectly – thanks to good measuring.
- Before rolling it completely into place, check the refrigerator for adjustable feet. Most modern units, like this Viking, will be equipped with leveling systems that can be raised or lowered to ensure stability and good fit.
- The fridge is now level and can easily be wheeled into its permanent position.
- All the protective cardboard and plastic wraps, and any information cards are removed.
- The refrigerator’s main compartment is very roomy. The bottom-freezer design allows for easy access to all items. The Adjustable Humidity Zone™ Drawers have humidity controls for food preservation and a soft-close feature to prevent any damage.
- Lighting inside the compartment uses bright and energy-efficient LED elements at the top and on the sidewalls.
- The temperature panel provides ProChill™ Temperature Management with electronic controls and a digital readout. It is also built with a single and quiet compressor system.
- The door is outfitted with metal bins to securely hold all necessary items.
- The Plasmacluster™ Ion Air Purifier uses advanced technology to eliminate any airborne bacteria and mold particles and odors.
- It has deep, roomy, and durable freezer compartments for storage.
- And the freezer has a large-capacity automatic ice maker and bucket.
- The exterior is stainless steel, which is highly resistant to rust, corrosion and staining – a long-lasting option for heavy use kitchen appliances. I know I will get many years of use out of this Viking refrigerator.