Home Improvement Product Reviews

Descent Priced product – but GE dropped one feature (details hidden in the model #), October 18, 2011

By 

M. Gavett (Minnesota, USA) – See all my reviews

  

We purchased the FCM5SUWW based on a trip to a local store and found out when we unpackaged ours that GE has pulled a fast one. The model in the store had the same model number but when you look at the actual freezer name plate on the back it has an extra letter in the model number. The model we purchased is the FCM5SUCWW and the display was model FCM5SUBWW a previous revision with the same package model number. GE has revised the model numbers and left the base order model number in the generic form so they can change production at any time. The difference between the ‘B’ and the ‘C’ model revision is the small vertical divider that is used to keep items from falling off the internal step above the compressor. This is listed in the parts diagram for previous models and was eliminated in the ‘C’ and newer revisions. We wish we had this information prior to putting it in service as we had another choice but food was thawing so we decided to keep it.

After initial startup we noted the lid seal is not the greatest and leaks air so it tends to build up frost rapidly around the top couple inches of the freezer. After several emails back and forth we found GE’s customer service has no clue and they finally suggested a service call be made. If they offered a better magnetic seal like the upright freezers this would never happen and be a great product. Customer service suggested to much humidity and to high of room temperature but it is in a 70 degree basement with 46% humidity it should have no problems whta so ever. We can’t wait until it really has some humidity in the spring or summer.

FYI – don’t count on replacing any parts on this model as most of them exceed the initial cost of the unit. GE customer service made light of this fact but even the single wearable item like the lid seal requires the entire lid be replaced as the seal is not availible for purchase seperately a 1 cost. We only paid 9 for the complete unit.

Final comment: at the end of the day; yes – it does keep frozen food frozen (quietly) and yes – it is a nice looking, small sized product. But the lid seal is a real problem and parts are not an option due to excessive cost. We only hope it will last a few years before the compressor fails due to the lid seal not sealing very well. GE should at least offer an updated replacement seal instead of having to buy a complete lid. We also wish they included the divider as previous revisions did. Shame on you GE !!!

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A good buy, June 11, 2011

A good buy that is, if you buy it locally. The Amazon price is ridiculous. It can be had for no more than 0 all over the place. Anyway, it is a great product, just wish it were self defrosting. For a small family it is a perfect size, fits in a small area.

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Decent purchase, worth the money, September 30, 2010

The freezer chest looks small and does not take a lot of space. It maintains temperature and is very convenient to use.
It is great for a family of 4-6 people. Fits all my Costco purchases, easy for children to open and pull out the pizza.
I would only change one thing in this chest: I would make the lid “slow-close”.
Overall it is a great item for the price.

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