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rockies
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# Posted: 10 Jan 2018 06:56pm
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A quick calculation: The website for Unique Propane Fridges says that particular model uses about 1.4 lbs of propane per day (which works out to about 42 lbs per month.
A 40 lb tank of propane will hold about 6 gallons of propane, or about 23 liters. The price of propane (in Toronto) is about $1.15 per liter (including tax).
So it will cost you about $26.50 per month to run the fridge (or about $320 per year). Provided, of course, that propane prices don't go up.
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silverwaterlady
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# Posted: 11 Jan 2018 09:51pm
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Wow. Thanks everyone for some great advise.
I will start researching the electric refrigerater using solar.
Thanks for taking the time Rockies on the propane costs. 
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rockies
Member
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# Posted: 12 Jan 2018 07:43pm - Edited by: rockies
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This is the Canadian Energy Star website for appliances.
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/energystar/why-buy/13631
By looking in the "Searchable product List" (on the left) you can look up each type of appliance.
Under "Refridgerators and Wine Chillers Available in Canada" you'll find the most energy efficient models.
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/pml-lmp/index.cfm?action=app.search-recherche&appliance=REFRIG ERATORS
Enter the features you want under the "Product Specific Criteria" section (to start a new search you have to click on the "Select a New Product" link at the top of the page rather than using the "back arrow" in your search history).
For example, the least amount of energy used by a fridge sized between 13 and 15 cubic feet is about 336 kwW per year (top mounted freezers use the least energy)
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/pml-lmp/index.cfm?action=app.formHandler&nr=1#searchResults
On the site you have to make sure you choose a category showing models available in Canada and also a brand that is for residential rather than commercial use but it will certainly help you find the right product.
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hmmm
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# Posted: 31 May 2018 06:42pm
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Morock, I'm researching propane ranges now. We're not far from Ottawa, what kind did you get and do you need to plug it in at all? I'm hoping to go entirely electricity-free with the range, except for rechargable batteries for the ignitor if necessary.
Thanks.
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Ravens Nest
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# Posted: 20 Jul 2019 07:47am
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I see the conversation ended last year so hopefully this will get it going again. I am in the market for a replacement fridge and range for my off-grid cottage. I need units that will operate solely on propane as there is only electricity when the generator is running. There seems to be very little product out there designed for this application...Unique. My hesitation with the Unique ranges is that they are getting poor reviews. Of the few reviews posted, people are generally not happy for a variety of reasons. Cottage owners will relate to me on this point, minimal maintenance and tinkering are key to a relaxing time at the lake. Any feedback would be welcome. I would love to hear that Unique has worked out some of the bugs people have written about. Thank you.
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deercula
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# Posted: 20 Jul 2019 08:16am
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Premier is the way to go. Mine is 2 years old with no issues at all. Batteries or match to light burners and oven pilot. Pilot NOT required to be on all the time. Takes about half an hour to convert from natural gas to propane. Simple, one wrench and a small screwdriver.
They sell a nice over shelf that fits on the top that is perfect for a microwave, toaster oven, etc..
See PDF manual for multiple models here: https://images.homedepot-static.com/catalog/pdfImages/e1/e127c0b1-b893-4b39-b77c-647d f7290eb1.pdf
https://www.premierrange.com/
Photo of mine in use..... https://photos.app.goo.gl/su6ZMYMSDkSdB4XR8
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Ravens Nest
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# Posted: 20 Jul 2019 08:28am
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Deercula: "Premier is the way to go."
Thanks deercula, trouble is I am in eastern Canada and I can't find a Premier distributor for this area on the net.
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 20 Jul 2019 09:15am
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Raven, if your in Canada go for Unique Offgrid, Canadian made top quality product ! I love mine and never heard a negative thing about them...
https://uniqueoffgrid.com/
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 20 Jul 2019 09:46am
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Quoting: rockies Why not just buy it in Canada? I looked at the Canadian distributors list for Premier gas ranges and they have several locations in Canada, including Ontario. MISSISSAUGA 1850 Derry Road East Mississauga, ON L5S 1Y6 Tel: 905-565-5386 Fax: 905-564-8157 Most manufacturing companies in the US have at least one distributor in Canada.
I'm guessing the huge bump in cost to cover the free health care is why. 
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 20 Jul 2019 11:00am
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Seriously, such a DORK comment even if intended to be funny.
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ICC
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# Posted: 20 Jul 2019 09:40pm
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Quoting: toyota_mdt_tech I'm guessing the huge bump in cost to cover the free health care is why.
FWIW, virtually anybody who has been in the US Armed Forces including the Coast Guard, and that is a large number of people, have free medical care that is very much like the medical care provided to all citizens of Canada as well as all those with Canadian permanent residence status. Ditto for all those who are covered under the BIA [Bureau of Indian Affairs]. I don't see why everyone else in the US, that is all US citizens and those with a permanent residence card should not have the same benefits.
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Ravens Nest
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# Posted: 21 Jul 2019 07:37am
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Steve S, I learned yesterday the Unique "Classic" range models are built in China although the dealer I was talking to said I shouldn't worry about that. I made that mistake once before when I bought the Chinese made model of another Canadian brand to save a bit of money. Any thoughts on that? Which models did you buy?
Toyota, thanks for that info about where to find Premier in Canada, they are called National Energy Equipment, I will give them a call Monday. One fellow I have been communicating with says Premier quality is substandard compared to Unique. Does anyone have any thoughts on that, besides their opinions about health care?
Sorry to beat a dead horse...
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 21 Jul 2019 08:43am
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I have a Classic 24 and it's an amazing stove. Now I used to have professional Gas Cookstoves (I love to cook) wich were from Caloric Pro Series... that is premium stuff and my Unique matches the quality and is even more efficient.
BTW: My last Caloric Pro cookstove with self cleaning oven & goodies cost just a hair over $3500 (in 2000) while the unique cost me less than 1 grand. (in 2015).
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Ravens Nest
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# Posted: 21 Jul 2019 09:13am
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Steve, Thanks for the feedback. I see in another thread you mentioned that you use a Danby gas fridge and bought it from Costco at a much lower price point than the comparable Unique fridge. My searching suggests Danby seems to have gotten out of the gas/off grid market and Costco doesn't seem to sell it anymore, at least in Canada. When/where did you get your Danby fridge?
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 21 Jul 2019 09:37am - Edited by: Steve_S
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Ohhh NO NOT GAS !
The Danby is Electric (they make Magic Chef too) and I believe it only uses 540kWh per year.
I bought mine at Costco in Ottawa (2014), just recently I was in Costco in Kingston and they had an identical model on sale for $475. The new model has a better door arrangement, they got rid of the stupid "can holder" that wasted space.
NOW @ $549.
https://www.costco.ca/Danby-24-in.-Stainless-Steel-Top-Mount-10-cu.ft-Refrigerator.pr oduct.100325105.html
I'm very pleased with my fridge, works great. Only peeve, it has that super white light LED's in it. The new models have warm white. Those super bright's are a PITA in the middle of the night .
IF you don't want a Freezer then there is this one for $719 (available in colours too for $)
https://www.costco.ca/Danby-Designer-11.0-cu.ft-All-Refrigerator.product.100149468.ht ml
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Atlincabin
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# Posted: 21 Jul 2019 09:55am
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I've been looking at these stoves (Unique, Premier) and one issue (for me anyway) is that the Unique appears to be much deeper (front to back) than the Premier. Specs online show it to be almost 30" deep, which means it will stick out from a standard counter top (which are typically 25-26" deep). SteveS, can you confirm that this measurement is correct? If so, that would rule out the Unique for me because of my relatively small space.
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Ravens Nest
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# Posted: 21 Jul 2019 10:08am
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Thanks Steve, that makes more sense. I'll stop pestering you now. haha
Atlincabin, I have the unique brochure. The dimensions of their ranges is as follows:
(H x W x D)
Elite 36: 39.75 x 36 x 27.5
Elite 30: 39.75 x 30 x 27.5
Signature 30: 38 x 30 x 24
Signature 24: 38 x 24 x 24
Signature 20: 38 x 20 x 24
Classic 30: 39.4 x 30 x 29.5
Classic 24: 39.4 x 24 x 29.5
Classic 20: 39.4 x 20 x 29.5
So yes, they're all just under 30 inches deep. I have spoke to two Unique distributors in Ontario and the price range for the Classic 30 is $750 - $825. Renegade's in Brighton was $750 + HST. Ryan at Canadian Off Grid Depot, Niagara Region was $825 including tax. Happy to give you their contact information if you like.
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Atlincabin
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# Posted: 21 Jul 2019 10:51am
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Ravens, thanks for the reply. I was looking (apparently) at the Classic, which is too deep. The Signature is what would fit better, being only 24" deep. I'm hoping to find a distributor a bit closer to me rather than having to pay long-distance shipping (I'm in NW BC, almost to Yukon). So far, not a lot of luck finding anything anywhere near here....
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Ravens Nest
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# Posted: 21 Jul 2019 10:56am
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Good luck Atlincabin. Must be beautiful up there. The Signature models start around $1200. FYI but supposedly Canadian made. I looked at one at Renegade's, other than a little heavier duty burner grates on the Signature, I didn't see much difference between it and the Classic.
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 21 Jul 2019 11:12am
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complete length from back to handle = 27" BUT remember your propane line clearance behind it, so another 2" for clearances. Does not stick out far from my counter, no more than a regular stove. I built all my cupboards etc to standard spec.
I got the Black & Stainless, nice & easy to clean too.
BTW: Even your std electric stove is typically 30" deep once installed because you have a little room in behind it. My countertops are exactly 24" deep (vitrified ceramic tile).
NB, the burners, you should note they are different as to how much output BTU's you get... With the C-24 that little burner serves most tasks nicely. The different stoves have differing arrangements.
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justinbowser
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# Posted: 21 Jul 2019 11:14am
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We have an Avanti stove which looks identical to the one in the OP but is stainless steel and has the "sparky" igniters. Great little stove...
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Ravens Nest
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# Posted: 21 Jul 2019 01:57pm
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As a follow-up to my previous concerns about the Unique Classic line be made in China, my contact reassures me that despite that line being made in China, it is not the usual story about entry level Chinese crap. They are in fact far better than the Signature line. Unique is supposedly discontinuing the Signature line (made in USA) because of all the problems people have had with them and the complaints. It is the Classic line that are the reliable ones and therefore so prolifically sold. Good to know!
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 21 Jul 2019 02:17pm
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I dunno why but I feel I have to point out something pretty obvious once in a while.
The Chinese Manufacturing companies are only sub-contractors. They bid on proposals based on the specifications & engineering information for a product. Those specs usually include what materials, tolerances etc... and the quality of those materials.
If Company A submits specs with low quality parts or poor engineering / design, it's NOT up to the subcontractor to fix or repair that, they may advise the company but they will make what the company wants. Same applies to Company B whose specs are good & high quality. Both products could be made in the same factory as well, think of Black & Decker Tools & DeWalt Tools, one crap, one better, same designers, same holding company owns the labels, different specs & parts.
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Ravens Nest
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# Posted: 21 Jul 2019 02:39pm
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Also good to know Steve, thanks!
So I ended up going with the following package through a local Unique distributor:
Unique UGP-10C Direct Vent Fridge white: $2,250
Unique UGP-30G Range white: $750
Total with tax and after mail-in rebate: $3,290.
I am pretty confident with my decision after all the research and input from many people both within and outside the industry. I'll post feedback after installation and some use.
Thanks all for the great assistance.
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Steve_S
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# Posted: 21 Jul 2019 03:52pm
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Propane work is not a hard thing to do if your careful and attentive BUT it's something that if you DIY and want insurance coverage, you better not.
I had my LPG plumbing installed by a licensed installer (also a requirement to get a big propane tank by the company). From the tank, they went underground with jacketed copper line to the regulator. From there it's 1" Iron pipe with 2 3/4" branches. 1 is for my radiant heat (On demand Takagi heater) and the other is for the EcoTemp On Demand Hot Water heater and splits to the stove. There is shutoffs at each appliance & everything is tested etc..
I have to say, it wasn't as cheap as I would have liked or imagined it would be & I shopped around a bit. Kinda limited cause I'm in the middle of nowhere.
Ohh Lesson Learned in Ontario. IF you have a propane stove, it must have a range hood which vents outside. I got lucky there as I hadn't built my cupboards yet so adapted the designs to accommodate what I wanted.
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fitzpatt
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# Posted: 22 Jul 2019 11:59am
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I purchased the Unique Prestige 24". Costco carries it for $999. I'm happy with the purchase. It is well built and looks good.
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creeky
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# Posted: 22 Jul 2019 02:44pm
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I'm going to chime in on solar. Big surprise. smile.
A solar system that will reliably power that fridge and much more costs under 4k.
So if a regular electric fridge of that size costs less than 500. Than buying a regular fridge will save you 1700 of that 4 k.
And at Rockie's 320 a year for propane. I'm on year 8 of electric fridge. So I've saved 2,560‬. Plus the 1700. My solar system is free based on propane and appliance savings.
Of course the solar system also runs lights, music, tv, internet, dishwasher, and ...
induction cook top. Which I far prefer in the summer. Doesn't heat up the kitchen/great room. And the timer is a life saver for someone who likes to work on hobbies.
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Ptomaine
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# Posted: 22 Jul 2019 03:43pm - Edited by: Ptomaine
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It took me months, but I was finally able to score an old pilot light range for $130. It is full size and works like a charm. https://imgur.com/F0RHaqO
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boots_mcgruff
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# Posted: 23 Jul 2019 07:34pm
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Quoting: Ravens Nest So I ended up going with the following package through a local Unique distributor: Unique UGP-10C Direct Vent Fridge white: $2,250 Unique UGP-30G Range white: $750 Total with tax and after mail-in rebate: $3,290. I am pretty confident with my decision after all the research and input from many people both within and outside the industry. I'll post feedback after installation and some use.
Thanks for sharing this, Ravens Nest - I'm in BC as well and agonizing over stove choice. Really really helpful to hear about the difference between the Signature and Classic models. Look forward to hearing your updates!
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groingo
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# Posted: 25 Jul 2019 03:16pm
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Well, been using a Coleman propane two burner camp stove for cooking then place an old Everhot oven on stove when baking both work great then when all else fails the 700 watt microwave which has little power impact because it cooks so fast.
Been using for 8 seasons now works good.
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