Compact refrigerator-freezer combo: if you have limited space available in your kitchen and are searching for a refrigerator-freezer that does not consume much power, then you need this. Compact freezers are not full-sized freezers but they are capable of delivering some great performances that could make a food lover impressed. This implies that you will be able to have a gadget that would help you meet all your food storage requirements as well as free up a lot of space in your home.
That is the reason why we have decided to prepare this extensive review for you. Are you ready to select the device you want to use?
8 Best Compact Refrigerator Freezer Combo Reviews
In a hurry? Choose your Perfect Compact Refrigerator Freezer from this quick buying decision list:
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Best Energy Efficient |
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1. Midea WHD-113FSS1 Double Door Mini Fridge with Freezer
Midea has designed a compact refrigerator-freezer which is available in a free-standing format. Do not consider this as a loss in any way – in fact, it offers the same features as what a large design has.
Another interesting aspect of this model is that it has a double reversible door. It is an easy to open door that can be approached from either the left side or the right side. This model of microwave has a stylish stainless steel color with a 3.1 cubic feet capacity, hence making it a very compact appliance.
With a power consumption of around 150 watts, this is a device that you should consider when you do not want your electricity bill to go through the roof. By the way, this Midea WHD-113FSS1 is Energy Star qualified.
Another feature that can be found in this refrigerator is the ability to regulate the temperature zones. Consequently, the refrigerator compartment temperature is 32F up to 50F. The freezer compartment has a temperature control ranging from 11.2F to 5F.
This separate temperature range feature is quite useful because you will be storing your fruits and vegetables in a different compartment from the rest of your food and beverages. The fruits and vegetables also have their own compartments.
This means that you get a device that is very quiet and would not disturb your privacy in a small space, making it perfect for the guys who love silence.
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Cons
2. EdgeStar CRF321SS Dorm Sized Energy Star Compact Fridge
This stainless steel refrigerator by EdgeStar is an improvement over the previous model CRF320SS and it has a storage capacity of 3.1 cubic feet. The model consumes approximately 80 watts – it is among the most energy efficient models in the market and will use a very low amount of electricity. This is why it has received power approval from Energy Star.
You will be able to regulate temperature as you desire. It comes with a manual thermostat which you can use to set your desired temperature within a range of 34-60F. Also, it has a true zero-degree freezer that helps in ensuring that the food takes time to be frozen to the right temperature.
This feature of the automatic defrosting of the refrigerator compartment is rather handy if one doesn’t wish to engage in the act of defrosting often.
The freezer compartment however necessitates manual defrosting which would consuming your time and energy although it is not that much of a problem. The stainless steel doors are also reversible and this is what you need for comfortable handling of this device. Other aspects of interest include the fact that the shelves pull out with ease, the build quality, and the relatively quietness of the unit.
This model also has a kind of a top that gives an additional compartment for storage. Do you lack enough working area? Well, make use of this space for getting some kitchen tasks done right here. With an interior light system, you can work on this appliance and still have a good time even at night.
This refrigerator-freezer is ideal for you if you require a small, energy efficient fridge freezer with excellent features for your dorm room. Designed to fit small offices and superior space requirements.
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3. Kenmore 99059 Compact Mini Refrigerator
When space is limited, the Kenmore 99059 fridge will come in handy. Despite being slightly bigger than the above models with a 4.5 cubic feet capacity, this model is quite versatile as far as storage is concerned.
The adjustable glass shelves, the in-built can dispenser, and the dedicated space for bottles are some of the features that make this refrigerator ideal for holding, storing, and preserving your foods and drinks. These are features that ensure that there is proper space management which is a good idea especially for enhancing space utilization.
The design of the grill is also quite elegant with a black and sleek door that is made of stainless steel which is rust proof. Moreover, the refrigerator also offers the required divided zones, cooling – freezing sections, therefore enabling one to cool food in the freezer or refrigerate it slowly in the refrigeration section. Use the temperature knob to set these temperatures as follows.
It also lacks an auto-defrost feature, and this is a very good thing if you prefer to remove the ice chunks manually. Another great thing about this model is that it has a very simple flush design that makes it ideal for use as a standalone unit.
The fridge is relatively cheap, and the brand is Kenmore. Therefore, if you are in need of the least expensive designs, this is one of the best options to consider.
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4. RCA-Igloo Two-Door Refrigerator/Freezer
RCA is one of the leading brands that has been in the market for a long time now and they have come up with the RCA-Igloo model which has many outstanding features. For instance, RCA-Igloo has as little as 3.2 cubic feet of cooling capacity. You can assure that this is a size for premium space, and you would like to have it in your dorm room, kitchen, or office.
This type of design that you will appreciate is the two-door one in which the upper compartment is used for the freezer and the lower or the bottom one is for the fridge. It has a large compartment to store a lot of frozen foods that can last for a longer time. At the very bottom there is a refrigerator compartment with glass shelves where you can store more products, there is also a drawer for storing vegetables.
On the side of the door, there is a dispenser for canned drinks and a compartment for storing your beer cans and other large bottles.
Some of the best devices are those that allow the user to choose how to use them through certain features. RCA-Igloo meets this criterion as it has a temperature control dial which enables one to set temperatures required for food and drinks. The only downside is that it lacks the auto-defrost function to melt the ice, which means you will have to do it yourself.
RCA-Igloo is made of acrylic material and this makes the appliance to be strong, durable and able to last for a long time as you wish. However, this one is black, but the same model is also available in white and stainless steel colors.
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5. Midea WHS-160RB1 Compact Refrigerator
This is another product from Midea, a clear indication of how this brand has evolved and become a household name over the years. In this model, Midea has incorporated the best features of the conventional fridge-freezer available in the market today.
Whether you want to use it in the dorm rooms, offices, family rooms or even nurseries, this refrigerator is relatively quiet, making a sound of 45db and has a 4.4 cubic feet capacity that would not take a lot of space.
This appliance made from black stainless steel is energy star certified, meaning it is energy efficient. You can be sure that it will not use much power to slash your bill. However, even with that in mind, this refrigerator will cool your foods quickly and effectively with no warm spots left behind.
Traditional door hinges that allow for doors to open from either the left or the right are a welcome feature in this model; the reversible door is enjoyable to use. As for the $180 Midea WHS 160 RB1, we can confidently say that it is a strong contender. This mini fridge is also very quiet because of the whisper-quiet technology that has been used in its design.
Midea has perfected the art of customer relations. In case of encountering any mechanical or technical issues with your appliance, the customer care service can be reached through the contacts listed on its website and they will respond accordingly.
This fridge is ideal for anyone who requires a minifridge but not for under the desk, however, with a larger capacity than the under-desk models.
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6. Commercial Cool CCR26W Compact Single Door Freezer
The key distinguishing feature of Commercial Cool CCR26W is that it has only one door. Indeed, so far, the appliance is almost the smallest in size and has a holding capacity of 2.6 cubic feet, this means that you will save a lot of space in the house when using this model as opposed to the models listed above.
Its price is also proportional to its size. It is just over $115, which is not a lot of money to spend, especially if you are a college student. The white color that has a glossy, shiny surface combined with stainless steel ensures that it is very beautiful, creating a perfect complement to the interior of the room.
It has full-width glass shelves that can easily be pulled out to use for placing your food items. This model has two different sizes of storage shelves, one full width storage shelf behind the door and half width storage shelf behind the other door. You can also store more food items here, for instance, other types of grains and legumes.
On the door, there is a compartment for 2-liter bottles, which means that all the items that you place in the fridge are well organized. When it comes to the freezer compartment, one can notice that the space is relatively small, about half of the refrigerator’s width. This refrigerator also has an ice cube tray and a recessed door handle, which is not only comfortable to hold but also helps to open and close the door with ease.
Defrosting is manual with this model, and with adjustable legs, you can keep your fridge-freezer in the perfect position and correct balance. This model has a dial for temperature control and it is quite simple to adjust the temperature since all you need to do is turn the knob to the required level.
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7. Costway Compact Refrigerator Small Freezer
This one from Costway is a compact refrigerator with a two door design and 3.2 cubic feet of space, which in my opinion is quite spacious for such a design. It consumes 65 watts of electricity which is actually a very small amount of power and I am sure that you will agree that this poses no threat at all to any electricity bills. The temperature ranges are between 32F to 50F.
One thing that is evident with this appliance is that it has a compact design which is very suitable for small establishments such as shops, dorms, small apartments and even offices. When you open the doors, you realize that the freezer is quite large because it has the capacity to hold five cans. Like the refrigerator compartment, there is a large space for keeping your fruits and vegetables – there are three different levels of the shelves that are easily removable and adjustable to facilitate cleaning.
On the top right corner, there is a source of light in the form of a lamp. There is no need to worry that you may select the wrong item in the dark. There is an adjustable thermostat located around the lamb which assists in regulating the freezer and fridge temperature. This particular appliance has a stylish look to it and will not only complement any room it is placed in but enhance it as well.
When it comes to electricity usage, this particular refrigerator is one of the best in the market. It is also fairly priced and you will be getting all these features at a mid-range cost.
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8. Igloo Refrigerator with Freezer Compact Flush-back
This particular refrigerator with freezer from Igloo has a 4.5 cubic feet capacity, which is the largest on this list. This appliance ensures that the food and drinks are well chilled as required even when the environment has high temperatures.
This appliance is an energy saver, and hence, you will not be subjected to the next higher tariff rate for your electricity bill. This particular model is made of rust-resistant stainless steel and has adjustable legs that should allow you to fit the appliance into a corner if needed.
Integrative features such as the built-in can holder in the door and an invisible door handle help to enhance the overall usage of this product. The shelves in the main compartment can be easily pulled out to offer you more space to store your food.
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Buying Guide for Compact Refrigerator
We know that you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the number of models out there. Here are some guidelines that will assist you in identifying what is in store for you before making a purchase.
Know the Types
The five main types are cube minis, a mid-sized refrigerator, counter refrigerator, 2-door compact refrigerator, and travel fridge refrigerator. Cube minis are ideal for small rooms or as standalone units due to their compact design. In fact, they are the smallest in size among the other structures.
Counter fridges are placed on countertops. They are much bigger and come with larger freezer space and shelf area. Travel refrigerators can run on car cigarette lighter. You can also use batteries to power it.
Available of Space
Thus, as the title suggests, we are interested in compact items. In other words, size or the amount of space one has is an essential factor to consider. Measuring the area that you have in the house or office or even in your dorm is crucial and will assist you in purchasing the right gadget.
The size of the best mini-fridge is about 3 cubic feet or less. Above 3-4 cubic feet is reasonable, but it will need a lot of space for storage. The space inside the fridge should also be well arranged in a way that it can accommodate your food and drinks well.
Shelves and Drawers
It is also important to consider the number of shelves and drawers that a given model has. Currently the models that are available are those that have three shelves, there are those with four shelves and there are those that have only one shelf. Along the same lines, depending on your storage requirements, you can select whatever is best suited.
Roll-out shelves are quite popular these days, and they are great for cleaning and for creating more storage. Drawers have also become a standard feature, particularly when it comes to ensuring that the vegetables and fruits are fresh.
Number of Doors
If one is a food lover, size does not come as a hindrance to the number of doors one has. However, this can also change as well. Two doors are usually an indication that the fridge has two sections which include the freezer and the main compartment.
The doors physically comprise of a small door for the freezer and a large one for the refrigerator. Most of the doors are bidirectional which means that they can be used from either the right or left side.
Energy Efficiency
One of the ways through which you can tell that a refrigerator-freezer is power efficient is if it has an energy star. An energy star means that the equipment you are using is among the most efficient in the market in the use of energy and therefore saves you money. It is also good for environmental protection and safety as well. Simple rule: It is advisable to always look for the energy certified models.
Noise Level
While you need a refrigerator that works effectively, you also need one that makes less noise. You do not wish to have a machine that is running all the time on the ship.
The good thing is that modern systems have been designed to produce less noise but be keen on the amount of noise produced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How are refrigerator-freezers rated?
In case you are in the US, Canada, or Australia, you will need to look for the Energy Star models. It also definitely requires consideration and comparison of information labels. Consider the kilowatt-hours per year of energy consumption of one model compared to another.
It is also important to ensure that one only buys and uses units that are qualified for the purpose. Those that are energy efficient should always be considered.
Can I consider buying the low priced refrigerators-freezers? Are they also a good option?
Of course, you can opt for cheaper models, but will you get your money’s worth even if you are paying a small amount of money? However, although there is a variety of low-cost equipment, you may be disappointed with its quality. And that is quite true most of the times.
It is advisable to consider refrigerator models that are endorsed.
How should I clean my refrigerator?
It is important to clean up your refrigerator often, and this should be done at least once in a month to make sure that there are no bad smells accumulating within the unit. As for the cleaning, the equipment should have been disconnected from the power supply.
All the disassembled parts should be taken out and wiped, and the inner surface of the product should also be cleaned out properly. To clean the surface, it is advised to use a sponge or any soft cleaner and it is better not to use any abrasive cleaner. After cleaning the surface, you can use a clean cloth to dry the surface.
Final Words
For those in need of a fridge-freezer in compact size, the various models explained in these reviews should do the trick. You may not be able to view everything you want as it is quite challenging to find exactly what you require, but we can assure you that there is something you will love.
Let us be honest with ourselves; a fridge-freezer combination offers numerous advantages. One of them is that even the smallest of spaces will fit this fridge. This is good news for students (for example) who mostly live in small apartments which are not very big.
The models that we have discussed in this article should help you move to the next level. It is always wise to be cautious and make sure that whatever you decide to go for, will indeed be the dream setup.
