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home page » propane refrigerator chapter » Servel Dometic RGE 400 LP detail page ... you are here
Servel gas refrigerators have been a household name in gas refrigeration for many generations, with the Servel by Dometic RGE400, their latest model.
We constantly hear of Servel propane refrigerators purring along since the 40's.
Continuously produced by Electrolux® of Sweden since 1925, the American manufacturing rights were sold to Whirpool® in 1956.
Whirpool discontinued production in the 70's and Electrolux reintroduced the Servel to America in 1989 under the Dometic name brand.
The Servel gas refrigerator is a true classic, still made in Sweden and imported into the United States by Dometic®.
We do not stock replacement parts, but you can reach Dometic for parts and service at 574-294-2511 and fax: 574-293-9686.
The support given by Dometic is the key to value with Servel - nearly any RV service center in the United States will perform warranty work on a Servel by Dometic of Elkhart, Indiana.
Other brands have very little, if any, customer service here in the United States.
They will happily sell you the unit, but just try to get service later ... and the parts have to come from South Africa, Brazil, or France.
Fully independent operation (no electicity) with gas thermostat and D cell battery operated interior light.
These finely crafted Swedish appliances operate on either propane (~1.8 gallons per week/7.7 pounds) or backup power of 120 volt AC STANDARD FEATURE (325 watts) should you run out of gas.
Please note that there is only ONE size of Servel being imported these days - the Servel Dometic model RGE400 advertised here.
One drawback to the Servel LP propane gas refrigerator freezer is the smaller size, but that is also their strength.
Smaller propane refrigerators simply function much better.
The cooling efficiency, quality of cabinet, longevity and performance of cooling systems on Servels is far superior.
Compare 1500 BTU/HR ratings for the Servel against larger units by other manufacturers - some of those 18 cubic footers operate on as little as 1700 BTUs.
You simply do not get the same performance with just 13 percent more power.
There are a couple of manufacturers out there who actually take the Servel cooling unit and slap it on the back of a conventional refrigerator body.
They expect you to believe that a cooling unit designed for an 8 cubic foot Servel refrigerator will cool a 15 or 18 cubic foot unit!
It just does not happen ... you will be exceptionally lucky to make ice cubes in the freezer and keep constant temperature in the fridge.
The end result is extreme stress on the cooling unit (hotter, longer burns) with system failure, much, much sooner than should be expected with a quality unit.
There is a good reason Servel only imports one size: it works correctly and dependably.
We highly recommend getting two smaller Servels rather than a single larger unit from another manufacturer and are always ready to discount that second unit to help with the decision.
Larger gas refrigerators have a much more difficult time functioning optimally - they simply do not remove heat as quickly and efficiently.
We have sold other non-electric refrigerators over the years, but keep coming back to the Servel RGE400.
We'll let the other catalog companies offer several brands when there is only one worth buying.
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Freezer inside dimensions
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Fridge inside dimensions
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Fridge door (4) dimensions
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+/- $1449* delivered cost to a residence in MOST of the USA
Servel refrigerators are the only appliance we sell that varies in final delivered price. State sales tax is a factor in California, Colorado and New Mexico and shipping is more expensive along the Eastern seaboard, down into Florida and other southern states. Everything affects final delivered price on the Servel, so you must get a quote from us first. Note that shipping discounts apply to business address drops with a loading dock or fork lift on-site, so be sure to mention your drop designation (residence or business). Pickup in person at a local motor freight terminal is another cost saving option, but understand that we do not accept credit card payment for third party blind drops. Shipping to an address other than your MC/VISA billing address and using that credit card for payment is not allowed. We offer a five percent cash discount for orders paid with wire transfer, cashier check, or US Postal money orders ... then you can ship anywhere you wish. |
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Albuquerque, NM * Denver, CO * Fresno, CA * Rancho Cucamonga, CA * Portland, OR * Tyler, TX
For $1319 and $1259 credit card payment of will-call orders use drop-down shopping cart list above.
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Servel gas refrigerators do not require electricity to operate!
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Color choices are bisque (above) and white exterior finishes with designer bevel edges. The easy-to-clean white interior features adjustable, removeable shelves and door bins for flexibility, plus two vegetable crispers and a battery powered interior light. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Electrical consumption figures are for backup power when out of gas.
Average consumption in 24 hours at 77°F annual ambient temperature
according to ISO standards. Actual performance may vary.
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At about 8000 to 8500+ foot elevation, you need a high altitude orifice jet.
This applies to any gas appliance, but is especially true of low volume flames like a gas refrigerator.
The lack of oxygen at altitude can cause the flame to blow out unless the supply of gas is limited by a smaller orifice jet.
Please note that we do not install the orifice - it is sent separate via US Mail.
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$15** FREE shipping and handling
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GENERAL NOTES ON VENTING PROPANE REFRIGERATOR / FREEZERS NEVER install ANY gas appliance in an air tight structure or sleeping room. Gas appliances consume air (oxygen) when the burner is operating. When used inside a home, provide a fresh air opening of at least 3 square inches (20mm). The main concern with propane fired appliances is that they might consume all of the oxygen in the room. Given the very small burner on a gas fridge (practically a "pilot light"), this concern is minimal unless the unit is installed in an air tight room. It is recommended that a carbon monoxide detector be installed in the same room as any gas appliance, but note that propane (versus natural gas) appliances generate very little carbon monoxide unless the burner is coated with carbon buildup. An exterior flue is not required with "vent-less" propane appliances like gas refrigerators, but you may choose to run an insulated 2 inch (min) inside diameter vent pipe through the roof (straight up is best) or the wall (avoid 90 degree bends with 45's spaced more than two feet apart). In some parts of the country, local code dictates a direct vent / air intake be installed on any gas appliance, no matter how small the burner (see left).
$99** FREE shipping and handling
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Servel gas fridge manual and parts list, plus installation and operation tips
click here for a copy of the Servel propane gas refrigerator installation manual 456KB .pdf
click here for the Servel by Dometic RGE400 gas fridge parts breakdown 357KB .pdf
click here to view the Servel RGE400 direct vent kit installation guide 287KB .pdf
ALWAYS have a professional plumber install your unit and test for gas leaks
ALWAYS leave the house and then call 911 if you ever smell a gas leak
ALWAYS leave the house and then call 911 if you ever smell ammonia leak
ALWAYS yearly clean the burner assembly and flue above of any carbon buildup
ALWAYS install the $15 high altitude orifice when above 8500 foot elevation
ALWAYS shut-off the gas supply to a vacant house (turn off all gas appliances)
NEVER install a gas appliance atop carpeting or near flammable wall materials
Always have a licensed professional plumber install your gas appliance and test for leaks
After your professionally licensed plumber has installed your gas appliance and connected the hose assembly (with dual regulator), make sure they apply a mixture of soap and water to all connections.
Turn gas supply on (keep control on gas appliance turned off) and observe each connection for bubbles caused by leaks.
If a connection is leaking it must be tightened until the leak stops.
If a leak cannot be stopped, DO NOT USE.
As with any gas appliance, professional installation is required by local building code and recommended by us since we accept absolutely no liability for any problems caused by unlicensed plumber installations.
A complete installation and operation manual is included with every appliance and must be read before installing and using.
We can not be held responsible for any damage to property or to persons caused by incorrect installation or improper use of any appliance.
The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to its products when considered necessary and useful, without affecting the essential safety and operating characteristics.
We are therefore not responsible for any inaccuracies due to printing, transcription, or conversational errors, whether contained in this site, any printed source, or relayed in person.
Functionally, in terms of unit operation, you can transport on the side, if you must.
When not possible to transport standing up, we suggest laying unit on the side opposite hinges to relieve stress on the door.
Remove all interior door shelves and loose parts to avoid damage.
It is especially important to allow unit to sit idle upright for at least 24, if not 48 hours before firing up after transporting on the side.
Be extra careful not to damage the cooling coils on the rear of unit.
If you see yellow fluid leaking that smells like ammonia, you just pierced the cooling coils - leave the house and then call 911.
Always allow a gas refrigerator to sit idle for at least 24 hours after moving
Transporting a gas refrigerator shakes the ammonia mixture in the cooling tubes causing bubbles to appear.
After moving into place, be sure to let it sit for at least a day to settle out the bubbles.
Vapor lock can occur, if not allowed to settle out, causing the refrigerator to fail to reach lower temperatures.
Consult the factory techs at 800-544-4881 if this happens.
Typically the unit is "burped" by turning upside down for 24 hours and then right side up for another 24 hours.
A little smoke from the burner is common when first lighting gas appliances
There is always a little machining oil left on the burner parts and the flue above from the manufacturing process, so don't be surprised if it burns off with a little smoke when first lit, especially when you do not clean them first.
Your installer normally wipes excess oil off burner as part of the installation process after checking burner for gas leaks (as per page 3 of installation manual), but they sometimes do not clean thoroughly.
The flue above rarely has excess oil on it, but it could use a good cleaning too, if you wish to avoid a little smoke at first.
Always equip the gas supply tank with a professionally set, adjustable two stage (dual) regulator at 11" water column
This is very important to ensure efficient operation as too low or too high of gas pressure can cause appliances to burn oddly.
Your home's propane tank should already be equipped with a two stage (dual) regulator (as per local plumbing code).
And it helps to upgrade to an adjustable regulator so pressure can be "dialed-in", especially at high altitudes.
Disconnect unit from the gas supply piping system during any pressure testing.
Always level your gas refrigerator (front to back and side to side)
In the boiler of the cooling unit, ammonia vapor is distilled from ammonia-water mixture and carried to the finned condenser where it liquifies.
The liquid flows to the evaporator inside the refrigerator where it creates cold by evaporating into the circulating hydrogen gas.
If the evaporator is not level, the liquid may accumulate forming pockets which may impair the gas circulation or block it completely, in which case cooling will stop.
The feet/legs are designed for leveling, not for pushing the fridge back and forth, especially when loaded
Gas refrigerators are heavy for their size, so moving only when empty (and gas supply disconnected) is always suggested.
To lessen chance of damage to leveling feet, thread them all the way back up into body/frame when moving a gas fridge.
We highly suggest permanently installing a set of Teflon coated "furniture sliders" under the refrigerator's feet.
Teflon furniture sliders are available at most hardware and Big-Box retailers.
These 'friction-less' plastic pads snap right onto the feet, allowing them to slide very easily and not catch on the floor.
Always allow at least minimum clearances for proper operation and safety (6" top, 2" sides & back).
Servel states 4 inches top and 1 inch on all sides (16" and 2" for the kerosene burner), but additional air flow is better and makes the units more efficient.
The 4 to 6 inch top clearance is critical to proper operation, but the side and rear clearances can be zero to non-combustible materials.
The more ventilation around the unit the better, though, and keep the unit out of direct sunlight to reduce energy needs.
Never, ever install any gas burning appliance on a carpeted floor or near flammable objects and/or walls.
Ideally, the wall behind should be built of fire-proof materials and/or covered with non-flammable metal.
Never install gas appliances in unventilated (air tight) structures or sleeping rooms
Gas refrigerators consume air (oxygen) when operated on gas power.
When used in any inside area, provide a fresh air opening of at least 3 square inches (or crack a window).
Please note that an exterior flue is not required by the manufacturer where there is fresh air supply, but it is always a good option.
Starting a couple of inches above the flue, run a two inch diameter glavanized vent pipe through the roof (straight up is best).
If you must exit a wall, avoid 90 degree bends and try to space 45's as far apart as possible.
It is recommended that a carbon monoxide detector be installed in the same room as any gas appliance.
Never install a gas refrigerator designed for residential use in a moving vehicle
The Servel RGE400 units are not designed for mobile home, boat or recreational vehicle use.
When a gas refrigerator is in motion, say in a vehicle, boat, or trailer, the continuous rolling and pitching movement will not affect the actual cooling operation of the unit, but not being level will.
Safety with gas appliances is the main issue and an open flame is simply dangerous in a moving vehicle.
Once you reach a stationary point for an extended period, the gas refrigerator must be level and stable for correct operation.
Operation on back-up electrical power is the only option when in motion and even then it is not assured.
Never run the electrical power and gas power thermostats at the same time
Backup electrical power 110 volt AC operation is STANDARD equipment on the Servel gas fridge.
Should you ever run out of gas, it's very handy.
Just be certain to never run both heaters at the same time.
Serious damage will result to the cooling unit if you do.
Never try to cool an empty gas fridge - it confounds the thermostat
The same advice applies to electrical or gas refrigerators: refrigerating just air is relatively impossible.
You should always have something in the freezer and refrigerator compartments for the thermostat to sense the temperature.
If you run the unit with an empty freezer (or refrigerator compartment), the thermostat will cycle on more often, using much more fuel.
Your unit will reach temperature quicker and maintain it more effectively when you load the freezer and refrigerator with frozen milk jugs full of water.
ANY gas refrigerator's freezer compartment is not designed for quick freezing large quantities of food
It is recommended that all foods be pre-frozen before being placed into the freezer compartment.
If you need to put unfrozen food into the freezer, add no more than it will freeze within 24 hours (about 2 pounds per cubic foot of freezer space adding up to 5 pounds per 4 hours until freezer is full).
Keeping the refrigerator as full as possible (leave air space between packages) helps with cooling as does keeping the unit out of direct sunlight.
Defrost freezer should you notice ice build-up on the cooling plates.
shipping and handling for Servel gas refrigerators
Servel gas refrigerators are always in stock at all of our warehouses for shipment within 2-3 days (200 pound crate on a pallet) from Albuquerque, NM * Denver, CO * Fresno, CA * Rancho Cucamonga, CA * Portland, OR * and Tyler, TX. Drop us an email natural@colorado.net or fax 720-293-1705 with city, state and zip code (business or residential address?) for an invoice or use the shopping cart button above once freight has been quoted. As with any shipment from any distributor, be certain to carefully examine all of the merchandise (not just the outside of shipping box) before signing and accepting delivery. If the unit is damaged and unacceptable, simply refuse shipment and the freight carrier will foot the cost to return and replace after it arrives back at our warehouse. Signing the freight bill of lading is your personal confirmation that the shipment arrived without any physical damage. Damage in transit to Servel is exceptionally rare (they pack well), but always inspect before signing for anything. Unpacking the carton is suggested as the freight company cannot be held responsible for concealed ("hidden") damages found later. If the unit arrives damaged and unacceptable, refuse shipment and it will go back to warehouse and be replaced after it arrives. If a replaceable part is broken or the merchandise is only very slightly cosmetically damaged, you may elect to accept it and pursue an insurance claim against the freight company instead. If you intend to file a freight claim, be sure to note damage on the bill of lading before signing and accepting delivery. Your signature effectively releases the freight company from liability for any hidden damage (anything discovered later) under their shipping insurance. We naturally like to hold the freight company responsible whenever possible. Should the driver refuse to allow you to inspect merchandise, just be sure to note that on the receipt along with any damage to the outside of box(es) on the shipping manifest receipt before signing for the insured shipment and then notify us immediately should there be any hidden damage to merchandise. Authorized returns for refund may be subject up to fifteen percent restocking fee and must be in the original carton in new unused condition, returned freight prepaid to Denver. Actual freight cost for delivery would be deducted from balance due any return for refund. Here's our full Terms of Service Agreement
manufacturer's limited warranty
Seller (manufacturer) is the Dometic Corporation ("Dometic/Servel"). This Warranty is made only to the First Purchaser (hereafter called the "Original Purchaser") who acquires this refrigerator for their own use. This Warranty will be in effect for one year from the date of purchase by the Original Purchaser. It is suggested that the Original Purchaser retain a copy of the dated bill of sale as evidence of the date of purchase. This Warranty applies only to Dometic/Servel refrigerators installed and operated within the continental U.S.A. and Canada. This refrigerator and all of its parts are free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use. This Warranty does not cover conditions unrelated to the material or workmanship of the refrigerator. Such unrelated conditions include, but are not limited to (a) faulty installation or venting and any danage resulting from either; (b) the need for normal maintenance (including the cleaning of the burner jet and flue tube and the adjustment to the gas pressure regulator), and any damage resulting from the failure to provide such maintenance; (c) failure to follow Seller's instructions for use of the refrigerator; and (d) any accident to, or misuse of, any part of this refrigerator and any alteration by anyone other than Seller or its authorized representative. In order to obtain the benefits of this Warranty, the Original Purchaser should contact Seller for location of a service center at 800-544-4881. In Canada call: 519-653-4390. Be sure to have the model and serial number of the Dometic/Servel appliance for reference. If the Dometic/Servel dealer or service center finds an item defective in material or workmanship, they will repair or replace it without charge for the material or labor. Any item which is replaced will not be returned to the Original Purchaser and becomes the property of the Dometic/Servel dealer or service center. In the event any selling dealer or Dometic/Servel service center fails to provide satisfaction for a warranty claim, the Original Purchaser should contact Seller. The Seller does not authorize any person or company to create any warranty obligation or liability on their behalf. In no event shall Seller be liable for incidental or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. Any implied warranty, including the implied warranty of merchantability and fitness for any purpose, is limited to the duration of this limited warranty. Some states do not allow the limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. At time of registration, you may choose to purchase an additional four year cooling unit replacement plan for $59.95 (extended warranty on cooling system) from Seller.
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