INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN – September 02, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
Appliance Depot has expanded its selection of propane and alternative-energy appliances to support cabins, remote homes, and properties without consistent grid access. The family-owned retailer now stocks Unique Appliances refrigerators and freezers that operate on propane, solar DC power, or dual-power configurations as part of its Off the Grid collection.
The lineup includes propane refrigerators in multiple capacities, from compact three-cubic-foot models to larger 14-cubic-foot units intended for longer stays and family use. Solar-powered DC refrigerators are also available, with some models designed to run on solar systems or, with a separate converter, on standard household current when power is present. Several propane models use dual power, with propane as the primary source and 110-volt backup when electricity is available.
This inventory addresses a practical need among Twin Cities-area residents who maintain lake cabins, hunting properties, and rural homes where electrical service can be limited or unreliable. September often marks a transition period for cabin owners preparing properties for cooler weather and intermittent occupancy. Appliances that do not depend solely on the electrical grid allow food storage to continue when conventional power is unavailable.
Ronald Zeien, owner of Appliance Depot, stated, “Customers with cabins and remote properties need refrigeration that works when the grid does not. Propane and alternative-energy units fill that gap without requiring a full electrical system.”
A company representative noted that staff routinely help customers match capacity, energy source, and installation clearance to the layout of smaller kitchens and seasonal spaces. Unique Appliances models in the collection include features such as battery ignition, reversible doors, adjustable glass shelves, and safety shut-off devices on larger units.
The Off the Grid collection sits alongside Appliance Depot’s established inventory of new, used, and scratch-and-dent household appliances and appliance parts. The retailer has served the Twin Cities region since 1955 as a family-owned business. Ronald Zeien and siblings now operate the company, with the next generation also involved. The showroom in Inver Grove Heights has been the primary location since 1978.
Appliance Depot’s broader services include parts support and an affiliated recycling operation through J.R.’s Appliance Disposal, which began in 1988. That combination of sales, parts, and end-of-life handling allows customers replacing older cabin units to address both incoming and outgoing appliances through the same local business.
The expansion of propane and alternative-energy options reflects ongoing adaptation to how households use second properties and off-grid spaces. Demand is not limited to fully off-grid living. Some buyers seek backup refrigeration for power outages or for buildings where running new electrical service is impractical. Dual-power models support that mixed-use pattern by operating on propane first and switching to electrical backup when it is available.
Staff familiarity with product specifications supports selection without relying on distant specialty suppliers. Customers can review available sizes, finishes, and power types in person and discuss clearance requirements, ignition methods, and typical operating conditions. Local pickup is available for units that are in stock.
Appliance Depot continues to carry Unique Appliances as a primary brand for this category, including white, black, and stainless-steel finishes depending on the model. Capacities span compact units for small cabins and larger refrigerators intended for extended occupancy. Solar DC models add another path for properties already using solar arrays.
The company’s long-standing presence in the region positions it as a local source for specialized refrigeration that is not limited to standard plug-in household units. By maintaining this category through the fall cabin season, Appliance Depot provides Twin Cities residents with access to propane and alternative-energy appliances when seasonal properties are being prepared for cooler months and variable power conditions.
Appliance Depot remains a family-operated retailer of new, used, and scratch-and-dent appliances, parts, and related services. Its Off the Grid collection extends that role to properties where conventional electrical service is limited, unreliable, or intentionally minimized.
###
For more information about Appliance Depot, contact the company here:
Appliance Depot
Ronald Zeien
651-454-5995
ApplianceDepot@gmail.com
8980 Jefferson Trail W, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
Media gallery
