Compact Refrigerator Freezer

Things to consider when buying a compact refrigerator freezer, like knowing if it will fit in your space, deciding how much freezer space you need, and figuring out which large containers (like a gallon of milk, or two wine bottles) you absolutely must have space for.



ConsumerReports.org likes the Frigidaire FRC05L5D[B] best in the category of tall compact refrigerators. At 4.6 cubic feet, its fairly large for the compact class. It does only have one door, and the freezer space is small - only a half width. If you like to have anything more than ice cubes and a box of popsicles, this model is going to be a tight squeeze. Its also 66 pounds (not the shipping weight, this is the unpacked weight) so you'll need two adults, or some weightlifting practice.

For medium sized compact refrigerators, CR picked the Kenmore 9277[9], a single door refrigerator with a half-wdith freezer and 2.7 cubic feet of cooling space. The 9277 is also fairly light, at only 41 pounds, so if you live alone and needed to move it, or even move to a new place, most fit adults could get it in and out of a car without help. Of course, if you have to get it up four flights of stairs to that new walkup, then you might want to bribe a friend to help. Its also wonderfully small - 19 inches long, 19 inches wide and 26 inches tall, so even the tiniest of apartment (possibly even the inside of a boat) could make it fit.

In the cube refrigerator class, CR awarded the Haier HSA02 first prize. Though it did get first place, it got poor ratings for both energy efficiency and freezer performance. Still, for $100 its a pretty good deal. And its tiny - 20 inches high, 19 inches wide and 18 inches deep. Of course, with only 1.8 cubic feet of space to put your food in, you'll either be eating out a lot, or using this as a second refrigerator. There is enough room in the door for a jumbo soda bottle.

While Consumer reports likes those 3 models best, Amazon reviewers has different opinions. For them, the Danby Deluxe Mini Fridge with Freezer wins in the entire category. At 4.3 cubic feet, with a full-width freezer and a push-button defrost, this is a lot of chilled space for $180. The Danby also has an unusual feature - a recessed handle and reversile hinges, so it may fit in spaces where you'd otherwise have to choose a smaller refrigerator. Its available from Target, but you'll have to order it online - they don't carry it in stores. Also try Sears and Sam's Club, as some people have reported problems with damage during shipping from Target. Actual size is 20.75 wide, 21 inches deep and 32.625 inches high. The things people liked best about the Danby Deluxe Mini Fridge with Freezer? It works great, is nearly silent and several people report they've had their Danbys for up to 8 years, and they still work fine.

The next best favorite on Amazon is the very tiny Danby 1.7 cu. ft. Compact Refrigerator, model DCR054W. It does have a full width freezer, but its so narrow that its really more of a freezer tray. You wont be able to fit anything more than ice cubes. Its not currently available on Amazon. Other good features include a reversible door swing, so it can open on the right of the left side (gee, people seem to really like that feature!), room for a tall bottle, and a 6 can dispenser. Most people use the DCR054W in offices.

If you want a full-feature compact refrigerator freezer, the Sunpentown Double Door Refrigerator (Model RF-320S) definitely won with Amazon buyers. All except 2 reviewers gave it the full five star rating (one negative review was due to a shipping mess-up, the other was because the unit stopped working after two years). It has the same reversible doors that seem to be so popular with customers. At 3.2 cubic feet, it is smaller than the Danby Deluxe Mini Fridge with Freezer, but its a two door model, so there's a reasonably good-sized freezer compartment. It also has a crisper, room for a tall bottle, manual defrost and low energy consumption. It measures 20-2/3 inches long by 18-2/3 wide/deep by 33-2/3 high. Of all the models favored on Amazon, this one looks the nicest... unfortunately its also the most expensive at $250, but you can get free shipping with Amazon prime.