Top 5 Refrigerators
Best Mini Fridge: Midea WHS-65LB1 Compact Single Reversible-Door Refrigerator Best Design: Galanz GLR10TRDEFR True Top Freezer Retro Refrigerator Best For Beverages: Whynter Beverage Refrigerator Best Medium-Sized Fridge: Frigidaire FFHT1425VV 28-Inch Freestanding Top-Freezer Refrigerator Best For Families: Kenmore 71212 Top-Freezer Refrigerator
Best Mini Fridge: Midea WHS-65LB1 Compact Single Reversible-Door Refrigerator
This mini fridge from Midea works well in dorm rooms, bedrooms, basements, or offices. With 1.6 cubic feet of storage space, it’s compact enough to fit anywhere but large enough to store snacks.
Key Features
1.6 cubic feet of storage space Black color Three other sizes Three other colors Two shelves Door storage Freezer tray One-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Those who were pleased with this fridge said that it had efficient temperature control and an easy-to-adjust door and shelf. However, other customers said that this product was noisy and produced frost.
Best Design: Galanz GLR10TRDEFR True Top Freezer Retro Refrigerator
Available in a variety of colors ranging from bright red to baby blue, this retro-designed fridge will complete any old-fashioned kitchen. This fridge is also available in four sizes that all offer a medium amount of storage space.
Key Features
10 cubic feet of storage space Red color Three other sizes Four other colors Three shelves One drawer Door storage Top freezer One-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Positive reviews of this fridge mentioned its larger-than-expected capacity, retro design, and compact size. However, negative reviews said that its material was cheap and that its temperature control was difficult to figure out.
Best For Beverages: Whynter Beverage Refrigerator
This refrigerator accommodates up to 120 standard-sized cans. With five slide-out wire shelves, this fridge can securely store all of your beverages from soda to wine to water. It also features a transparent glass door that allows you to see your drink options.
Key Features
120-can capacity Silver color Six shelves One-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Those who left satisfactory reviews for this fridge said that it had easy-to-customize removable shelves and that it kept beverages cold. However, those who left unsatisfactory reviews said that it broke easily and that it was loud.
Best Medium-Sized Fridge: Frigidaire FFHT1425VV 28-Inch Freestanding Top-Freezer Refrigerator
With nearly 14 cubic feet of storage capacity, this fridge works well for those who need something larger than a mini fridge but don’t want to waste money or space on a full-sized refrigerator. This refrigerator also has a top freezer and an energy-efficiency certification from Energy Star.
Key Features
13.9 cubic feet of storage space Silver color Two other colors Three shelves Two drawers Door storage Top freezer One-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Those who enjoyed this fridge liked its simple temperature control, large interior shelves, and quiet operation. Those who didn’t enjoy this fridge said that it either arrived damaged or was poorly designed.
Best For Families: Kenmore 71212 Top-Freezer Refrigerator
This fridge provides enough room to store food for large families with its 21 cubic feet of space. It also has unique storage features, such as a top freezer, crisper drawers, butter door storage, and gallon door bins.
Key Features
21 cubic feet of storage space White color Two other colors Three shelves Three drawers Door storage Top freezer Icemaker One-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Those who liked this fridge said that it was energy-efficient, roomier than expected, and easy to clean. However, dissatisfied customers said that it stopped working suddenly, leading to rotten food. Some reviewers also said that the fridge temperature was too low, causing food to freeze.
Buyer’s Guide
When purchasing a refrigerator, here are some of the most important factors to consider.
Size
Consider how much food you need to store in your fridge. Mini fridges may be a good option for offices or college dorms where you only need to store a few snacks and drinks. Meanwhile, full-sized fridges may be needed for large households.
Freezer
Refrigerators have one of two options for where their freezer is located. Top-freezer models have the freezer above the fridge section. You can access this section with the fridge door or with a separate freezer door. Bottom-freezer models have a sliding drawer underneath the fridge for frozen food storage. While these models offer a lot of freezer space, the drawer can be a pain to dig through to find the item you’re looking for. Some refrigerators, such as mini fridges, beverage fridges, and wine coolers, won’t have a freezer section at all.
Storage Space
All fridges have at least one or two shelves of storage space. Most also have door storage for drinks, condiments, and other items. More advanced models, usually full-sized options, also have drawers for produce and cheese.
Extra Features
Modern refrigerators come with unique features, as brands attempt to stand out from their competitors. Some popular extras include through-the-door ice and water dispensers, touchscreen temperature controls, and even built-in TV and speaker systems. While these features can be useful, they come at a higher cost.
How does a refrigerator work?
The refrigerant circulating inside of a refrigerator changes from a liquid to a gas in a process called evaporation. This process absorbs heat, allowing the fridge to remain cool.
What temperature should my refrigerator be set at?
The ideal temperature for a refrigerator may depend on what items you’re storing. However, a temperature between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit will keep items cold without freezing them.
How long do refrigerators last?
The quality of a fridge will go a long way in determining how long it lasts, but most fridges can last between 10 and 15 years. With additional care, such as cleaning coils and lubricating vents, some fridges may last 20 years or more.
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