Are Servel refrigerators still made?

No longer in business, Servel manufactured gas refrigerators between 1933 and 1957. The Servel refrigerators in question are no longer being produced and are in no way associated with the Dometic Corp., the current manufacturer of Servel brand name products.

How does a Servel refrigerator work?

The hydrogen passes across the surface of the ammonia and lowers the ammonia vapor pressure sufficiently to allow the liquid ammonia to evaporate. The evaporation of the ammonia extracts heat from the food storage space, as described above, thereby lowering the temperature inside the refrigerator.

How much propane does a Servel refrigerator use?

The average amount that the newer style propane refrigerators use is 1–1 ½ lbs. a day through their more efficient operation.

Was there ever a gas refrigerator?

Gas refrigerators have been in production since the early 1900’s and used in households as a standard common everyday appliance until the late 1950’s when electricity and electric refrigerators became the normal. Although they were not as common as an electric refrigerator after that , they did not go extinct.

How does a refrigerator run on propane?

The sealed system of a propane-powered fridge holds water, liquid ammonia, and hydrogen gas. A propane flame heats the water and ammonia to its boiling point in what is called the generator. The now-gaseous material then rises into a condensing chamber where it cools and returns to a liquid state.

How does a propane fridge work in a trailer?

RV refrigerators work when propane heats up an ammonia solution until it boils. The ammonia vapor then rises to the condenser where it becomes a liquid. The liquid ammonia is then combined with hydrogen gas in the evaporator and becomes a gas again. This rapid evaporation cools the refrigerator.

What do Amish do for refrigeration?

Stacked chunks of ice removed from ponds and streams in the area provide a type of “freezer” in Amish basements. In some instances, foods may be transferred to a rented frozen locker in town if needed.

Are propane refrigerators efficient?

Propane refrigerators are highly efficient. While the efficiency varies per fridge, most last longer than 11 days running non-stop from a standard 20lb propane tank. You can increase this using our efficiency tips below. Still, use electricity when available: it’s cheaper and doesn’t need refilling.

How does propane power a fridge?

A propane fridge has a sealed network of tubes and chambers holding water, ammonia and hydrogen gas. A propane flame heats a chamber holding a solution of water and ammonia until the liquid boils. The ammonia gas rises to another chamber, the condenser, where it cools back into a liquid.