Does this count as an extension cord? My refrigerator manual said not to use one?

Move the refrigerator closer to the outlet.

Your probably OK with an extension but use a very heavy duty extension cord for applicances like A/C units.

As long as the extension cord can carry the amount of electricity needed for the fridge then it is ok. Some people use some very dodgy extension cords etc so manufacturers do tend to warn against them.

IN A PERFECT WORLD the Refrigerator Manufacturer would have you call an electrician and install a dedicated outlet closer to your Refrigerator,,

Or, in a world closer to reality a service-tech at the other end of an 800-number somewhere in India would tell you to move your refrigerator closer to an available outlet!,,,

In Either world though, the only reason the manual says Not to use an extension-cord is for the sake of Liability & Warranty issues since people who use extension-cords for Major Appliances typically have a notorious penchant for using the cheapest & flimsiest POS they can find on sale at a Discount-Store!

So,,there is otherwise NO potential issue or hazard in just using a nice new 12g extension-cord to suit the purpose since 'That's' what they're made for anyway but for the fact that even the shortest are going to be long enough to leave some annoying sloppy-looking leftover slack.

But even 'that' is easy enough to clear-up at a full-service hardware retailer, where often the "Helpful-Hardware" Guy us usually happy to either shorten one for you or even custom make one to your specifications,,,

fridge was a sued one made in the 50s, jackie gleason era,a white GE model w small freezer compartment up top.

the plug insulation was crumbling behind the prongs,I pulled the plug,took a spare heavy duty modern cord. cut the original off,peeled back the original wire insulation a foot back of the plug.until found nice still clean copper.,soldered the connections & taped them securely,fridge still works fine,,it takes about a half hour to put new wire & a better plug on a fridge.

Seriously the refrigerator is not "fit for use" if you cannot connect your fridge to the power outlet because the lead is too short. That is grounds for return of the item and a (workable) replacement should be provided. I would ring the manufacturer immediately and tell them exactly how it is. If you used an extension lead (being the only way to operate the fridge) you may find you void your warranty or insurance. I would be really annoyed with the manufacturer for putting you in this situation. Every fridge I have had has had an ample power lead attached. If you have no warranty or new goods cover etc. sounds like you have no option but to use an extension lead, or have a "qualified" electrician to change it to a longer one. I would only use a safety extension lead (these are often orange or yellow commonly used for outdoor applications); ask at your hardware store, and also have this lead as short as is possible. But, that would only be after contacting the manufacturer.

I agree with most of the above advice but would add, UNWIND the reel. If not it wll overheat due to induction and possibly catch fire. Ever appliance you buy tells you not to use an extension, so why are they allowed to be sold if they are so dangerous?

ANYTHING other than directly plugging into an outlet is what the manual tells you not to do. The PROPER solution is installing an outlet where the refrigerator is located.

any reasonably short 12 gauge or larger [10 gauge is larger, 14 is NOT] 110v cord will be fine.

make sure it's big enough electrically to hold the amps ..................