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The Perfect Bisque Refrigerator

June 04, 2019

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Finding a bisque refrigerator is hard enough in today's market, so I didn't gripe when mine didn't come with enough glass shelves.

Here's how we quickly remedied that and organized our fridge.

Whirlpool Bisque Refrigerator Glass Shelf

Several years ago, my bisque refrigerator died and I was overjoyed. I had hated that albatross from the day I purchased it.

While the color was perfect, blending seamlessly with the rest of my kitchen, it wasn't the counter depth model I'd always dreamt of.

It stuck out in the room and there was a large gap between the top of it and the cabinets. Sloppy.

For years, I waited for that thing to kick. With no luck.

The high end bisque stove and KitchenAid dishwasher had both been replaced...twice.

But that fridge? Nope. It just kept chugging along.

Of course, after waiting with bated breath for my chance to purchase a better looking bisque appliance, when the need finally arose, it turned out to be a case of be careful what you wish for.

But that's another story. Apparently bisque appliances are very outdated

It's been a few years now and I'm happy to report that my bisque Whirlpool refrigerator and I have learned to peacefully coexist, I've even come to appreciate to its exterior.

I've almost grown to like it. A little bit.

However, loving the interior has been a different story.

Funny, I was so focused on the outside of the refrigerator that I never really paid attention to the inside.

Big mistake. As Julie Roberts would say, HUGE.

Adding A Shelf To A Refrigerator

You see, this fridge didn't come with enough shelves. I always felt like it was missing one.

For some odd reason, there are more tracks than shelves and a large space on top that seemed like it should be filled.

The freezer space was properly organized and had room for everything.

Even our ice cream maker.
 

Of course, since bisque appliances are hard to find in stores, I bought this sight unseen and didn't notice any of this in the photos.

I called the manufacturer and checked boards online - lots of complaints about the same issue - and turns out they're there solely for adjustment.

I didn't get shorted a shelf, but it's a strange set up.

Making More Space In Bisque Refrigerator

From the day we filled it, nothing fit right.

We had too much food and not enough places to put it.

Things would get stacked up on that top shelf in a giant pile and it would tumble out on us whenever we opened the door.

Plus, we couldn't see what we had, since it was all jammed in there so tight.

We either bought seconds or things rotted.

Exactly like our pantry before we updated it

It was a mess, but a new shelf was about $100, so we dealt with it.

Well, this weekend, after stumbling down the hallway past this nightmare...

Construction Mess

...and getting hit in the head with a head of lettuce reaching for juice, I couldn't take it anymore.

I ordered a new shelf.

Whirlpool Refrigerator Shelf

My husband and kids mocked my giddiness, but I didn't care, I was psyched for organization.

When the box showed up, I was smiling ear to ear.

And when I took it out of the package and discovered that it was indeed the proper part and it was in one piece, without a scratch I was elated.

Whirlpool Bisque Refrigerator Glass Shelf

You'd be surprised how often the wrong item shows up...or it's damaged.

I've learned not to get too excited too soon.

This worked out well though.

It changed everything.

The food fits so much better, I can see what we have and I'm no longer being attacked by errant vegetables.

Sometimes it really is the little things.

Perfectly Organized Refrigerator

I'm not going to say that I'm not a tiny bit annoyed that I had to pay extra for something that really should've come with the appliance to make it functional.

But I guess sometimes, it is what it is.

Refrigerator Replacement Shelf

Now if only the bathroom issues could be remedied this easily.

But I don't think an Amazon box is going to fix that one.

Psst- the bathroom is complete! Here's the new view

Have you had any small successes lately?

Kim Signature


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  1. I bet you are sorry you waited so long to make that purchase! lol Our refrigerator also has a 'slot' with no shelf--also for "adjusting as needed". We are in a rental until we figure out what we are going to do and this is an apartment sized fridge (with a regular sized opening around it)...sigh.... Add to the list of 'things I will never purchase".

    Have a great afternoon....and enjoy not getting bonked in the head any more. xo Diana

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    1. Yes, I am happy to be done with the incessant bonking!! 😂 And yes, I am sorry I waited so long…I was stubborn and penny wise and pound foolish as my mom would say. We wasted so much money on food due to a bad set up. Silliness…

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  2. I completely agree with you. It seems to me there should be shelves. I never heard of a refrigerator that came with shelves that you had to buy.

    Happy it's working out. It would have made me crazy not having enough space.

    Enjoy your afternoon.

    Cindy

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    1. I thought I was crazy, Cindy. I kept thinking that they just forgot to send it to me or that the rep on the phone was wrong, but nope. I'm not happy about having to pay extra for it, but I am happy to have it now. Happy Weekend!

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  3. Kim, to my way of thinking, the fridge is the most important appliance in the house. I’m a bottom freezer gal and always had that style until recently. Maybe one day I’ll be blessed to have another one. Until then I’ll carry on and grumble every time I have to bend down to get into the veggie drawers. Glad you were able to resolve your fridge issue. Hugs, Nancy

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    1. Thanks so much, Nancy. It was always a mess and it made meal prep and planning difficult. It's much better now. I hope you get to stop bending down soon. Maybe in your new place! Hugs!

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  4. Glad you decided to get the new shelf it will make life so much easier. I love the tile in your bathroom floor. Looking good.
    Happy Tuesday.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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    1. Thanks Kris! It's coming along slowly...

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  5. Hi Kim. I'm glad you were able to update your frig. As long as it is in good working condition, and the color is perfect for you, that is a lot better than having to buy a new one. They are such a pricey item. Wish my frig looked that clean..Happy Tuesday..xxoJudy

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    1. They are pricey, Judy! I couldn't believe what they get for a decent fridge today. I just wish mine would've come with enough shelves for what they charged me. Oh well, it is what it is! Enjoy the week! xo

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  6. Kim, I'm with you...pay extra for a shelf that should have been there in the first place? Bummer, but at least you got more balanced room now.

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    1. Totally Florence. It's frustrating that we had to pay extra for it...but it is what it is!

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  7. You are right, it looked like the shelf should have been there. Looks great now.

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  8. Glad you got your refrig woes straightened out. I'm not in love with ours either but unless it conks out it will be with me awhile! You asked if I had had any small successes lately. Hmmmm....does me getting through another day of working out in the gym count???? I absolutely hate going to the gym (any kind of exercise actually) but I keep plugging away. It's been too hot here to think about doing much of anything but I need to get motivated. Hope you get your bathroom issues handled as successfully as you did your refrig:)

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    1. Going to the gym certainly counts, Cheri!! That is a huge accomplishment in my mind, considering I never go and just getting out for a walk can be a struggle some day. Good for you!

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  9. I am dreaming for a new fridge myself....I so want one with the freezer on the bottom & double doors on the top. My poor joints won't let me bend over in the mornings & some days I have to get down on my hands & knees to get what I need from the fridge to make breakfast. I am seriously NOT that old! But I will be so happy when mine goes out as well.

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    1. I hear you, Jenny, bending isn’t so easy for me lately…and I’m seriously not that old either. I say we just blame it on the fridges instead of our knees! 😉

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  10. Hi,
    What a story. ;-) .. I totally get it. Now about that stick note on the top of something in the fridge? You do that too. I have to guard food. :-)

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    1. Yes!! My kids and their friends will eat everything in sight and I bought those blueberries to make a pie. I didn't want anyone to swipe them before I got to bake it!

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  11. I cannot believe they sell a fridge without ALL the shelves for ALL the slots!! What the heck is that nonsense??????? That's just bogus! Glad you got it sorted now, but wow, what a scam!!

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    1. It’s a total racket, Debbie!! For a long time I refused to give in to their scam, but they won. I just couldn’t take it anymore.

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  12. While the newer refrigerators look pretty, they are not at all substantial enough to hold food for a family of 2, much less 4 or more! We have the same issue...more slots than shelves. It is so annoying! I'm so glad you were able to order an extra shelf and that now vegetables are not "going rogue"! :-) Love and hugs!

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    1. I think I have all those vegetables properly corralled now, Benita! That shelf makes all the difference, but it is annoying that they don't seem to take real world conditions into the designs. Grrrr.

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  13. That was so good you decided to buy the shelf and now it’s functional for you. Hope you get your bathroom fixed up real soon.

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  14. I'm more impressed with all the food you have in your fridge! Your daughter's are the same ages as mine and I just can't keep up with the food! :)

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    1. Susan, trust me, its the same over here. I'm at the grocery store 4 times a week...and I had just come from it the day I took the pictures.

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  15. I wonder if Whirlpool has homemakers in their design crew.
    Good job “mom” for ordering the shelf and making life easier.
    Y s indeed . . . It’s the little things . . .

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    1. That would be a wonderful idea, Lynne, but I am thinking they do not. No one who uses a fridge on a regular basis would approve this design! ;)

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  16. I agree - there is nothing like being hit in the head with a head of lettuce to wake you up. The fridge looks wonderful now. Please tell me that you tidied up for the shoot and it doesn't always look like this. We have a very humid summer so I keep all the nuts, seeds, dried fruit and lentils in the fridge. Makes things interesting... :-)
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Ha! Yes, Amalia, it was tidy because we were all so excited with that new shelf. It never looked like that before and I don't have high hopes for the coming days when the thrill wears off!

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  17. I completely understand, Kim. Sometimes you have to just'bite the bullet' and do what makes you happy! What I really want to know is if you'll come to my house and organize my refrigerator for me? lol Mine never looks that good!
    Have a great weekend, my friend!

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    1. Totally Ann, it was three years and I had just had it. And that fridge only looks like that because the shelf is new and we were all excited that everything finally fit. Give it a week and it will not look as good…I’m sure of it!

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  18. I wonder if the deli drawer is designed to be moved up so the top crisper assembly could serve as a shelf. That could work in ou rs. The shock for me was that you get significantly less space with counter depth and can't get a jelly roll pan in there. Had to get a basement fridge to supplement.

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    1. You know, Pat, our old fridge was the same way, but this one is not. The drawer is just that, no top on it. The shelves are separate and they slide under the shelves. And yes! Those counter depth models are narrow. I guess I should be thankful we didn't end up with one!

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  19. The small things usually do make the most difference. So strange that the fridge is shipped like that. I would have been a little confused and P-d off too. Great to know that you can buy a new one online after so many years. Sounds like it's a really good fridge

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  20. It’s 2022 and I want to replace my appliances with bisque ones. Moved into new house with stainless steel and I hate it. Don’t understand why it’s the most popular. It looks cold, shows fingerprints and is a pain to clean (must wipe with the grain and buff out) yuk. Looks like it will be quite a journey to find bisque.

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    1. Yes, stainless has been the number one choice for so long now and I just don't get it. In the beginning it was supposed to be the choice for people who wanted a "professional" look in their kitchen, but I want a cozy room, not a sterile restaurant work space. I do hope that the bisque ones will make an appearance again soon, but I've been hoping for a while with no luck. Maybe 2023 will be the year!!

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