Steak Locker SL150 Dry Age Fridge Update After 2 Months | Major Fail | 4K

See how the Steaklocker Dry Age Fridge is measuring up after 2 months. Find out about my expensive fail and how Steaklocker dealt with it. This is a frank discussion about my first 8 weeks using the Steaklocker and what went wrong.
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[@ucdbnxt7318]

I chatted with Nadia about the distribution Co you speak of. They were selling OUT OF DATE (OLD) units at a LOW price and ELA no longer had an agreement with them. BUYER BEWARE.....

[@michaelmcglashan6117]

Sounds like you bought a piece of shit of a shit company. Definitely won’t be buying a steak locker. Glad you made these videos. Hopefully you get a good one. Not sure if you are in Australia? But if you are you are entitled to a full refund under Australian consumer law.

[@takwai1981]

3 year old tech shouldn't come into the equation. Thats terrible customer service, I'll definately go elsewhere when I'm ready to get my own unit.

[@jimmybeal4298]

I was looking at buying this unit, but will not based on your review. I guess they didn't acknowledge the impact of social media in their marketing campaigns. Thank you for the honest review.

[@jakeizlove]

Definitely will not purchase their product.

[@MOOSEDOWNUNDER]

Thank God I watched this video. I was looking to get one of these lol. They can get stuffed. Sounds like they are flogging lemons mate. Well this will pop when people google their products. Short sighted sales team.

[@KINGMINDSTATE]

Looking for a dry ager any recommendations?

[@aaronkim1074]

Sorry to hear; hope the next machine works better. Thanks for sharing.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Fingers crossed Aaron, I really thought this was going to be awesome. Very disappointing ☹️ I think the Dry Ager will be great and well supported.

[@stevespencer5158]

Its low on coolant. Have a fridge tech look at it.

[@kohls350]

I think they say to make the front two legs a little higher than the back two legs, so the unit tilts back slightly, to help against freezing.

[@gavygaona2927]

The same thing happens whide the AC unit. When the refrigerant is low. Its not a big problem get a good taccnition, to look at it.

[@gregt40cal]

Hector you’re having those problems, I’ve been using the Steak Locker for about 4 months now with no problems other then the app. I have mine on my patio kitchen with a 12” clearance all around it. Maybe that’s the difference! Hope things work out.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Very happy you have a good one 😁 My shed goes up this week and then I need power, so hopefully in 3-4 weeks I'll try it again with nothing anywhere around it, fingers crossed 🤞

[@gavygaona2927]

You have a refrigerant problem

[@DK-kp8nw]

Thanks for posting this. I'm in the market for a dry aging fridge but after hearing this, they are off the list.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

I don't like posting these types of reviews but I only state the facts. Check out my new review for the Dry Ager DX1000, I only posted it yesterday.

[@willychow300]

Ditto! After hearing your comment! I'm not spending the money on a Steak Locker. Its between TheSteakAger and DryAger.

[@Yodrop]

Thanks for sharing! Airflow does seem to be the culprit in this case. Are the fans working? Any packaging blocking any vent holes? Can you remove a panel from the back to increase airflow?

[@texasyankee1013]

Nothing like an honest review! Shame on SMOKE LOCKER! Regardless if it's age they should have made it right! I'll look them up in the states and see if their here. If they are, I'll call them and tell them about your post. Poor customer service is inexcusable!

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Hi Texas Yankee, Steak Locker are very aware of this video. They added comments at the bottom of this list and I've left it there, so they had the option to reply. They also reached out to me and asked me to take the video down but I refused. I'm only telling what happened to me, I'm not having a go at them. I'm using a Dry Ager now and its never missed a beat :-)

[@texasyankee1013]

@@HectorsSmokeHouse Excellent! I didn't read the bottom and I doubt anyone else does either. Shame on them and I'm happy you have a great unit. I look them up in the states, the 500 model is about 5K. I'll have to put some money aside. Thanks for a great review.

[@creepycrawley8850]

I want one, but your video tells me I shouldn’t I guess

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Although I had an issue it doesn't mean that you will. It might be perfectly fine but I thought I should share my story and it can then help with your choice.

[@t-mo82]

Yeah sucks, mine still seems to work but I was in conversation with the company in au, as the wheel had broken, all the promises to get a replacement sent before Christmas. Tried emailing again this week and all emails have bounced so it seems like they have closed up so absolutely no support at all now.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Definitely disappointing, just thankful I didn't spend $2.5k. It's a shame because it does look good. I'll give it another go with perfect airflow or maybe just use it for 21 day aging.

[@lukeearl9008]

Thomas Phillips I ended up getting my new wifi module for mine and when I got it I tracked the barcode number on the shipping label and it was shipped 4-5 days before I got it, even though spirit falcon told me they had sent it three weeks prior to me getting, but I guess it’s like most things these day in customer service in Australia they will reply within minutes when money is exchanging hands but when it comes to stuff being repaired or replaced at there cost its like trying to get blood out of a stone

[@TheADDGolfer]

Unsure what Steaklocker did with their 'newer' technology, but this is an incomplete defrost problem, hence the substantial discounted price. GE had exactly the same type issue with their residential refrigerators years ago. The defrost thermostat would terminate defrost before an area of the evaporator coil was clear of frost. Multiply the incomplete defrost cycle numerous times in the course of a month, that frost builds on itself and becomes a solid ice ball, often covering 25% of the evaporator coil, blocking air flow. GE's fix at the time was for us techs to add an additional bi metal defrost thermostat in series to the top right corner of the coil

[@scottb5414]

Stay away from the SteakLocker, poorly designed and constructed. I finally took mine to the dump. It does not maintain anything close to a constant temp and humidity, minimal support from the company

[@2squirrelswithanut278]

I got a new model for Xmas it broke down after 15 days sent back had a Freon leak sending me a new one free my second will be the German locker if this one falls I’m still skeptical about it hopefully it works should’ve just bought a German brand myself personally

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Fingers crossed the replacement works well. They do look like nice units. Mine just iced over again, can't take the risk with meat again ☹️

[@2squirrelswithanut278]

Got replaced and working night and day differences you can actually hear the compressor clicking and starting up the other one was just a fluke piece of garbage still too early to tell but so far so good been running 10 days

[@cew346]

@@2squirrelswithanut278 now that a year has passed, how is your replacement steak locker going?

[@rickdomingo6122]

How’s the big bad 32?

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Rock it's going well. But we are in the middle of landscaping our land and don't have fences up. So it's spending most of the time in the garage until it can take pride of place 😁

[@yannickenergycompany3760]

Hey Dave I saw your problem a Fridge that works below 4 degrees can not defrost from the air the unit need a automatic defrost electric element in the evaporator that control the controller take the front plate off were the evaporator is and look if you can see a electric element in the vin coil if there is one you have to check the settings of the controller the second option is hotgas defrost that you can see were is the compressor you have to see a solenoid valve the advice from outside ventilation has nothing to do with it if there is no good ventilation the condensing temp get high and will not have capacity to get the fridge cold this is a defrosting matter. Beer and wine fridges don't need defrost systems the air is higher the 4 degrees. Dry aging beef is between 1 and 2 degrees so it needs to have defrost system otherwise the manufactory makes bad performance and you can ask your money back.

[@MD-go9vu]

Sorry to hear about that. Which part of australia you from

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Hi, I'm from Melbourne. Are you an Ozzie?

[@MD-go9vu]

@@HectorsSmokeHouse I'm from adelaide keep the vids coming

[@davidstainton7201]

What if you put a fan outside blowing down over the coils?

[@86ortega]

My unit does not control temperature or humidity. Any ideas?

[@DanzelMcChang]

Hi Dave, I had the exact same texture issue with an Argentian roast beef I dry-aged in a dry-age bag! I believe it's because it was wet-aged for too long so that the meat lost it's juice/myoglobin completely.

[@pyro1520]

I know I'm late I just bought one and it's not going below 48 degrees any tips

[@mr.m6315]

Have the freon checked for the proper amount.

[@steaklocker6305]

Hello Dave Hunt and Subscribers, Our team in the US has just become aware of this video and have some comments. For background information: Spirit Falcon Distribution has legally been advised in February 2019 that due their failure to comply with Australian legal standard, for the sale of home appliances, to cease distributing Steak Locker products in Australia and New Zealand. All remaining product had been recalled. Spirit Falcon in contravention of their legal obligation chose to "dump" remaining inventory into the market. They are now being pursued in Australia's court system. Australian customers have full recourse under consumer protection law. We always try to assist any Steaklocker customer if we can and we always have since 2015. To this end, we include the entire Help Desk communication with Hector's Smoke House below. It is entirely unedited as we have no wish to create any further negativity. We stand ready to assist anyone who has (at whatever price) purchased an original Steaklocker Home Edition. Please contact [e-mail] if you need any answers or help. In Dave Hunt's case, we are still waiting for a response as we are unclear how the icing-up occurs. Icing of the evaporator can have a number of causes and we still need information from Dave. Again, we will help wherever we can. All we ask is a professional approach and an understanding that sometimes agreements with overseas distributors are complicated. Cheers, Your Steaklocker Team. Dave Hunt December 18, 2019, 04:44 Hi I was wondering if you could help me. I noticed today after 32 days my steak locker temp had risen from 2c to 10c, I panicked and removed the meat and trimmed it all, as I was worried it would be harmed. Later I looked in the steaklocker and noticed the inside back was seriously iced up. How should I deal with this? How do I defrost? What should I do with the meat when this happens, as the temp was 10c. Hopefully you can help. Thanks Dave steaklocker.com December 18, 2019, 11:55 Hello Dave, Could you please provide your purchase receipt so that I can see what version you have? Also, are you located outside the US that you're using Celsius rather than Fahrenheit? Thanks, Nadia Dave Hunt December 18, 2019, 12:00 Hi Nadia, I've attached the invoice below. I've been using Celsius and had it set at 3c. I'm in Melbourne Australia, so am using a 240v version. Dave Hunt December 18, 2019, 12:00 steaklocker.com December 18, 2019, 12:19 Hi Dave, Spirit Falcon is no longer an authorized dealer for the Steak Locker, which why the invoice they provided to you does not include our logo or authorization. The inventory that they have is three year old technology and we do not provide warranty or support. Please contact them with questions regarding their commitments after purchase. Thank you, Nadia Dave Hunt December 18, 2019, 13:32 Hi Nadia, I now understand that Spirit Falcon are now not an authorised dealer and that I have no warranty. I'm not asking for it to be replace, repaired, spare parts or anything. I bought it for a good price and understand if it doesn't work, its my risk. However, this is still your product, it has your branding on it, from what I can see the SL150 is still your current model and at some point you made a margin selling the product that I now have. All I am asking for is some advice. Is there a way to defrost using a combination of button pushes? If not, is their a preferred way to defrost the Steaklocker? Or is it an issue that their really isn't a solution to and the new model has fixed this? I'm not trying to be awkward, I'm just asking you as the owner of Steaklocker to give me some advice steaklocker.com December 18, 2019, 17:52 G’Day Dave, Got your note. We are happy that you bought our product even though those chaps in Perth have failed the market. In any case, your unit in all likelihood iced up due to stagnant hot air behind the compressor chamber. If you can get me some situational photos of the unit, I can make some assessment and take it further from their. The very first thing to do is to manually defrost the unit by switching it off entirely for at least 24 hours. That should melt all the ice on the evaporator. Then ensure at least 5-7 inches of space behind the unit so air can escape. Sometimes s small 12v fan can help accomplish this. Then confirm that warm air is blown out through the front plinth. That should give us a good start. A short video of the unit operating would also give us some idea of the circumstances. Cheers, Jack Dave Hunt December 18, 2019, 18:18 Thanks Jack, I'll get some photos tonight but I think you have hit on on head. I think that it is too close to the wall. I can pull it out until I move it into a large shed in 2 months time, then I will be able to give it a much better airflow. I'll send the photos but I'm sure this is the issue. steaklocker.com December 18, 2019, 18:22 Cheers mate and Merry Christmas Dave Hunt December 18, 2019, 18:28 All the best

[@jackburton9550]

Bummer man.

[@FlynPig911]

Old technology or not they should stand by their product.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Yep, pretty disappointed. At the end of the day when they sold the product to the distributor they took a margin, to wash your hands is pretty poor. And from what I can see it is exactly the same model number, it hasn't changed

[@I_playpillars]

@@HectorsSmokeHouse A unit improperly installed is not Steak Lockers fault. Everyone should know a cooling unit needs space. You knocked this product & cost them customers because of your mistake. THAT'S BAD !!!!

[@mrbhunt1]

Umm pretty sure that’s not what happened! A company produced a faulty unit and refused to offer a customer proper service. I would never buy from these guys!

[@funkysmell]

I've had one for 5 years. It's iced up a couple times only. The humidifier device never worked for me. Kept rusting from.the salt block. The black box /app stopped working. The UV light globe broke and can't get a replacement. Yet its still able to keep my meat at 1 degree and age it. Will be getting the german one soon however.

[@pyeongkook]

can you tell me the name of the german brand

[@funkysmell]

@@pyeongkook it's just called dry ager dx 500

[@MW-wp5fb]

My goodness, I ordered the same model-- but am canceling the order TO-DAY. I've heard a lot of BAD press about these but i still wanted to try.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Its a tough call. Mine wasn't supported well by the Australian distributor but hopefully you would get a much better interaction in the States. Good luck with whatever solution you end up getting :-)

[@mooseko467]

Was looking at this locker also... not now, thanks for the heads up

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

No problem 👍

[@mgt7473]

I’m not buying steak locker. I was contemplating getting one.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

It's been disappointing, a few of us have had similar problems ☹️ Hope the videos helped

[@mgt7473]

Hectors Smoke House have you looked at Dryager dx500? Would love to see a review on that :)

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Hi Marc, I've paid the deposit for the dx1000. Its due here early March, once the new shed is up. I'll be doing a review and have around 20+ dry aging videos planned 😁 Can't wait to get it.

[@mgt7473]

Hectors Smoke House were you able to get your dx1000?

[@maribererios5140]

HI!! I looked for Mornington and got a surprise. It is a beautiful place!!😍. The beach is beautiful, very turquoise🏖. Very nice and colorful beach houses. I loved! I wanna go!!🌏😭

[@dfalconerio]

Hey mate you need to put foam walls up so less echo, all the youtubers say so :p

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

Until I get my studio in the new shed, I move around the house. This was in the laundry next to the Steaklocker, even though it was not in shot

[@dfalconerio]

@@HectorsSmokeHouse nice looking laundry!

[@88cruzer1]

Like others, I was looking at one and thought I should check youtube. Glad I did. Saved me 1500.00

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

I'm still hoping to get it working during the next few months, once I've finished fitting out my shed. It would be awesome if I could get it to stop icing over :-)

[@stevejensen6210]

I'm really sorry to hear that!! The newer models are maintaining consistent temp and humidity after a replacement. ELA definitely has quality control issues. Claus and Nadia will ignore you if they can't fix a problem. Luckily I bought the Wayfair warranty and they honored it when my first one didn't work.

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

It's very disappointing Steve. I'm very happy that they've helped you out 😁 They've obviously had a lot of issues and want to find any reason not to support their products. We've tried different things but it looks as though I've just been left with a lemon 🍋 and others have the same issues, in the same places......... seems a systemic problem.

[@Yoshi_officialJP]

They totally lost a customer. I was planning on getting the Pro model for $4k too

[@HectorsSmokeHouse]

The support may be better where you are and maybe they have updated the model but then again I didn't see a change to the model number ☹️