They were best in the 90’s and they’ve just gotten more stylish recently without keeping the same build-quality. This might sound like something you or your parents used to say and it has some truth to it too.
The best refrigerators a couple of decades ago used to have less electrical parts—meaning they were less likely to malfunction. But you can find decent options in the newer models too. Let’s see what the newer refrigerators have to offer and which is best for you.
It’s Key to Consider
When buying a refrigerator, several key factors should be considered to ensure you select the best model for your needs. Here are some important aspects to look for:
Size and Capacity: Measure your kitchen space carefully to ensure the refrigerator fits. Consider the total capacity, generally recommended to be around 400-600 liters for a family of four.
Energy Efficiency: Look for refrigerators with an Energy Star rating or other energy efficiency certifications. Energy-efficient models consume less electricity, saving money on utility bills and being better for the environment.
Configuration: Choose the configuration that best suits your needs. Common types include top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, and French door models. Each has its advantages and layout preferences.
Noise Level: Check the refrigerator’s noise level, especially if your kitchen is open to living areas. Quieter models are preferable for maintaining a peaceful home environment.
Build Quality: Research brands and models known for their reliability and durability. Reading reviews and consumer reports can provide insight into the long-term performance of different refrigerators.
Warranty: Ensure the refrigerator comes with a good warranty and that the brand offers reliable customer service. A comprehensive warranty can provide peace of mind and protect against unexpected repairs.
Design: Choose a design that complements your kitchen decor. Stainless steel finishes are popular for their sleek look and easy maintenance, but other finishes might better match your kitchen’s style.
Upstreman Mini Fridge with Freezer
| Capacity | 3.2 cu. ft. |
| Annual energy consumption | 233 KwH/Year |
| Dimensions | 18.7” W x 17.4” D x 33.1” H |
| Energy Star rating | Yes |
| Defrost system | Automatic |
The Upstreman Mini Fridge with Freezer is a compact and efficient appliance, perfect for small spaces. Measuring 18.7’’*17.4’’*33.1’’ (W*D*H) and with a capacity of 3.2 cu.ft, it offers ample storage.
The single-door design enhances convenience, allowing easy access to both the freezer and fridge sections. It fits well in dorms, offices, bedrooms, RVs, and garages.
This mini fridge comes with an adjustable thermostat, offering five temperature settings ranging from 33.8° F to 46.4° F. This flexibility ensures your perishable food stays fresh, and you can optimize the temperature to save on electricity bills. However, it is not suitable for storing ice cream.
Energy efficiency is a highlight, with an estimated daily energy cost of just 0.5 kWh. The fridge operates quietly at 38 dB, similar to the ambient noise in a quiet rural area. This makes it an ideal addition to quiet spaces where you don’t want to be disturbed by appliance noise.
The fridge also features a crisper drawer to keep fruits and vegetables fresh, and the storage space is highly adjustable thanks to the removable shelves. You can customize the interior layout to maximize storage capacity, accommodating a variety of items.
Included with the fridge are two removable shelves, one crisper drawer, an ice tray, and a defrost tool. Upstreman also provides worry-free customer service to ensure you have support when needed.
Upstreman Mini Fridge with Freezer Reviews
- Compact: Many users appreciate its compact size, fitting well in small spaces.
- Quiet: Customers find the fridge operates quietly, ideal for bedrooms or offices.
- Efficient: The energy efficiency is praised, with low energy consumption.
- Freezer limitations: Some users note that the freezer isn’t suitable for long-term ice cream storage.
West Bend Mini Fridge Compact Refrigerator
| Capacity | 1.7 cu. ft. |
| Annual energy consumption | 233 KwH/Year |
| Dimensions | 18.25″D x 18″W x 20.25″H |
| Energy Star rating | Yes |
| Defrost system | Automatic |
The West Bend Mini Fridge offers 1.7 cu.ft. of space, perfect for storing food, soda, beer, or other beverages. Its compact size, measuring 20.25″ H x 18″ W x 18.25″ D, makes it ideal for dorm rooms, offices, and apartments.
Versatile features include two adjustable removable shelves, 2-liter storage, and door storage for drinks or snacks.
It is Energy Star certified, making it an energy-efficient choice for those mindful of their energy consumption. This fridge combines convenience and functionality in a compact design.
West Bend Mini Fridge Compact Refrigerator Reviews
- Versatile storage: The adjustable shelves and door storage options are frequently praised for flexibility.
- Energy efficient: Users note the fridge’s low energy consumption, aligning with its Energy Star certification.
- Convenient design: The fridge’s design is considered convenient, especially for dorm rooms and small apartments.
- Temperature control issues: There are occasional complaints about difficulty in maintaining the desired temperature.
RCA RFR725 2-Door Refrigerator with Freezer
| Capacity | 7.5 cu. ft. |
| Annual energy consumption | N/A |
| Dimension | 23″D x 23″W x 55″H |
| Energy Star rating | No |
| Defrost system | Manual |
The RCA RFR725 2-Door refrigerator offers a spacious 7.5 cubic feet of storage capacity, making it ideal for keeping a variety of food and beverages cool.
The multi-vent technology ensures even cooling throughout the fridge, while easily accessible temperature controls allow for straightforward temperature management. It also features a manual defrost mode for easy ice removal.
This refrigerator includes a full-width, fixed wire freezer shelf and a door bin for organized storage of frozen foods. The bright incandescent lighting illuminates both the fridge and freezer compartments, making it easy to find items.
Storage bins in the door help keep smaller items organized and handy, while vegetable and fruit crisper bins preserve the freshness of produce.
Spill-proof glass shelves are designed to contain spills, making cleanup easier and preventing liquids from leaking onto shelves below. The refrigerator is HCFC-free, contributing to a more environmentally friendly kitchen.
Its wide climate design (N-T) ensures it can operate effectively in various climates. Additionally, the space-saving flush back design makes it perfect for maximizing storage space.
The refrigerator’s large capacity and thoughtful design features make it a practical choice for apartments. The combination of efficient cooling, organized storage, and easy maintenance provides a convenient and reliable refrigeration solution for everyday needs.
RCA RFR725 2-Door Refrigerator with Freezer Reviews
- Spacious: Customers appreciate the large storage capacity for both fresh and frozen foods.
- Efficient cooling: Users find that the fridge cools evenly and maintains consistent temperatures.
- Easy setup: Many reviews highlight the straightforward installation and setup process.
- Great for small spaces: The fridge is praised for fitting well in limited spaces like apartments and offices.
- Customer service: Some users are dissatisfied with RCA’s customer service and warranty process.
Maytag Wide French Door Refrigerator
| Capacity | 24.7 cubic feet |
| Annual energy consumption | N/A |
| Dimensions | 36” L x 36”W x 71” H |
| Energy Star rating | Yes |
| Defrost system | Automatic |
The Maytag Wide French Door refrigerator offers a spacious 24.7 cubic feet of storage, including 18 cubic feet for the refrigerator and 6.7 cubic feet for the freezer. Its PowerCold feature ensures your food stays cool quickly after grocery shopping.
The temperature-controlled Wide-N-Fresh deli drawer is perfect for large party platters and deli trays, providing customizable temperature settings.
BrightSeries LED lighting illuminates the interior with a brighter, more energy-efficient light. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish gives a clean, professional look while resisting smudges and maintaining its appearance.
The refrigerator also includes convenient crisper bins and gallon door storage to help organize your groceries.
This model is made in the U.S.A. and comes with a 10-year limited parts warranty, ensuring durability and peace of mind. It operates on a standard 115V and 20A, fitting well in most kitchen setups.
The refrigerator measures 70-1/8″ in height, 35-5/8″ in width, and 35-1/4″ in depth, offering ample space without compromising on style.
Maytag Wide French Door Refrigerator Reviews
- Convenient design: The water dispenser inside the fridge is a hit, especially for households with small children.
- Fingerprint-resistant: The stainless steel finish resists smudges, keeping the fridge looking clean and professional.
- Bright lighting: The LED lighting inside the refrigerator is praised for its brightness, making it easy to see all stored items.
- Condensation issues: Some reviews mention condensation buildup on the freezer gasket, which can be concerning for long-term use.
Cafe CVE28DM5NS5 Platinum Refrigerator
| Capacity | 27.8 cu. ft. |
| Annual energy consumption | N/A |
| Dimensions | 36” L x 35” W x 70”H |
| Energy Star rating | Yes |
| Defrost system | Automatic |
The Cafe CVE28DM5NS5 Platinum refrigerator offers extensive storage with a 15.62 cubic feet fresh food compartment and an 8.57 cubic feet frozen food compartment. Its LED light wall spans the back, illuminating every item in the fresh food section.
The slim, full-width freezer compartment is ideal for storing flatbread, pizzas, and other uniquely shaped frozen items. This is part of a three-level freezer storage system that includes sliding shelves and trays.
The adjustable temperature drawer provides flexibility with five customizable settings ranging from 23 to 42 degrees, suitable for soft freeze, meat, beverages, snacks, and wine.
The refrigerator features an Auto Fill button for the filtered water dispenser, which uses sensors to dispense the perfect amount every time. It also includes glass refrigerator shelves, crisper bins, and gallon door storage, ensuring all your storage needs are met.
With a height of 69-7/8 inches, depth of 34-1/4 inches, and width of 35-5/8 inches, this refrigerator is designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen space.
It operates on 120V and 15A, providing efficient energy use. This model combines convenience, flexibility, and style in one sleek package.
Cafe CVE28DM5NS5 27.6 Cu.Ft. Platinum Refrigerator Reviews
- Bright lighting: The LED lighting is frequently praised for making it easy to see all items.
- Versatile drawer: The adjustable temperature drawer is a favorite for its flexibility in storing different items.
- Quiet operation: Several customers note that the fridge runs quietly, which is great for open-concept homes.
- Water and ice dispenser: The convenience of the Auto Fill water dispenser and efficient ice maker is highlighted positively.
- Temperature control: A few customers have trouble maintaining consistent temperatures, leading to food freezing or spoiling.
General Electrics GSE25GYPFS Side-by-Side Refrigerator
| Capacity | 25.3 cu. ft. |
| Annual energy consumption | N/A |
| Dimensions | 69 5/8 H x 36 W x 34 3/4 D |
| Energy Star rating | Yes |
| Defrost system | Frost Guard |
The General Electric GSE25GYPFS side-by-side refrigerator combines functionality and style with its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish, ensuring a clean and sleek look.
This Energy Star-rated model is designed to be energy efficient while maintaining optimal cooling performance. The LED lighting system provides bright, even illumination throughout the interior, making it easy to find even the smallest items.
The refrigerator features edge-to-edge glass shelves, maximizing storage space and offering organizational flexibility. Clear door shelves are adjustable, providing versatile storage for large containers and freeing up interior space.
The external dispenser offers easy access to clean water and filtered ice, while the factory-installed low-profile ice maker produces cubed or crushed ice automatically.
Advanced water filtration reduces impurities, including lead and trace pharmaceuticals, ensuring your water and ice are safe.
The electronic display allows precise temperature settings, removing any guesswork. The slide-out freezer basket offers additional storage for larger items, and a bonus freezer shelf provides extra space above the icemaker.
A door alarm alerts you if the door is left open, helping to maintain freshness. Durable wire shelves in the freezer section and door shelves add extra storage options.
This refrigerator is designed to meet a variety of storage needs with its well-thought-out features and efficient design, making it a reliable choice for any household.
General Electrics GSE25GYPFS Side-by-Side Refrigerator Reviews
- Spacious: Customers love the large capacity and ample storage space, making it ideal for families.
- Modern design: The sleek, modern look and stylish finishes are highly appreciated by users.
- Water and ice dispenser: The convenience of the Auto Fill water dispenser and efficient ice maker is highlighted positively.
- Great features: Users appreciate features like the door alarm and advanced water filtration, which add to the overall functionality.
- Good value: Several reviews mention that the refrigerator offers good value for its price, especially given its features and performance.
Frigidaire Gallery Counter-Depth 4-Door Refrigerator
| Capacity | 21.5 cu. ft. |
| Annual energy consumption | 668 KwH/Year |
| Dimensions | 70” H x 35” W x 32” L |
| Energy Star rating | Yes |
| Defrost system | Automatic |
The Frigidaire Gallery Counter-Depth 4-Door Refrigerator is designed for ultimate flexibility and convenience.
Its Custom-Flex Temp Zone allows you to switch from fridge to freezer, accommodating a variety of storage needs. This feature is perfect for families who require versatile storage solutions for different types of food.
The refrigerator includes CrispSeal crispers with auto humidity control to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer periods. This ensures that your produce remains crisp and flavorful, reducing waste and saving money.
Additionally, the SpaceWise organization system helps you keep everything in its place, making it easy to find what you need quickly.
The refrigerator’s Smudge-Proof stainless steel finish adds a sleek and modern look to your kitchen while being easy to clean. It is designed to resist fingerprints and smudges, maintaining a pristine appearance with minimal effort.
This refrigerator combines practicality with style, making it a great addition to any modern kitchen.
Frigidaire Gallery Counter-Depth 4-Door Refrigerator Reviews
- Organization: The SpaceWise organization system is commended for making it easy to organize groceries.
- Quiet: Several reviews mention the refrigerator operates quietly, which is a plus for open-concept homes.
- Ice maker: The ice maker is noted for its efficiency and ability to keep up with demand.
- Middle drawer: The flexible middle drawer receives positive feedback for its versatility, especially for beverages.
- No meat drawer: Some reviews mention the absence of a dedicated meat drawer as a drawback.
Kenmore 33-inch ENERGY STAR Standard Refrigerator
| Capacity | 20.4 cu. ft. |
| Annual energy consumption | 469 KwH/Year |
| Dimensions | 30.75″D x 32.68″W x 66.38″H |
| Energy Star rating | Yes |
| Defrost system | Automatic |
The Kenmore 33-inch ENERGY STAR Standard refrigerator offers a spacious and stylish solution for your kitchen. It features 20.4 cu. ft. of storage space within a compact 33-inch wide design.
This standard-depth refrigerator is perfect for homes and apartments, providing ample space for all your food and drinks. The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish ensures a sleek appearance that complements any decor scheme.
This refrigerator comes with a factory-installed icemaker, capable of producing up to 4 lbs. of crescent-shaped ice daily. The adjustable full-width glass shelves allow you to customize the storage space, accommodating taller bottles and maximizing usability.
The clear humidity-controlled crisper keeps your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer, while the clear dairy compartment maintains ideal temperatures for butters and spreads.
Both the refrigerator and the top freezer feature clear door bins for easy organization and accessibility. The refrigerator has two bins that can store a gallon of milk each, and the freezer has two bins for additional storage.
The LED lighting ensures the interior is brightly lit, making it easy to find items, and the ENERGY STAR certification means the appliance is energy-efficient, keeping energy use reasonable and costs low.
The elegant pocket-style handle is recessed for a sleek, flush-front design, adding to the modern look of this refrigerator. Available in three different finishes, the Kenmore 33-inch refrigerator is a multifunctional and stylish addition to any home.
Its combination of design, functionality, and energy efficiency makes it an ideal choice for those looking to upgrade their kitchen appliances.
Kenmore 33-inch ENERGY STAR Standard Refrigerator Reviews
- Icemaker: The factory-installed icemaker is noted for its reliable performance.
- Adjustable shelves: Customers love the customizable full-width glass shelves for better organization.
- Quiet operation: The refrigerator is frequently mentioned for its quiet operation.
- Crisper performance: The humidity-controlled crisper keeps fruits and vegetables fresh longer.
- Delivery issues: Some customers experienced problems with the delivery process.
BANGSON Mini Fridge with Freezer
| Capacity | 3.2 cu. ft. |
| Annual energy consumption | 322 KwH/Year |
| Dimensions | 19.68″D x 17.9″W x 34.01″H |
| Energy Star rating | N/A |
| Defrost system | Manual |
The BANGSON Mini Fridge with Freezer is a compact and efficient solution for small spaces. Measuring 19.68″x 17.9″x34.01″, it offers a generous 3.2 cubic feet of storage.
This mini fridge is perfect for keeping your favorite beverages, fruits, and vegetables fresh. Despite its small size, the separate storage compartments help maintain optimal freshness.
This mini fridge is designed to be energy-efficient and quiet. It consumes only 0.88kWh of electricity per day, making it a cost-effective option. The noise level is below 38dB, ensuring it won’t disturb you, whether it’s in a dormitory, apartment, bedroom, or office.
The BANGSON Mini Fridge provides excellent refrigeration and freezing capabilities. It has a five-level adjustable thermostat, allowing you to set the perfect temperature. The cooling capacity is 2.26 cubic feet, maintaining temperatures between 33.8°F and 46.4°F.
Adjustable legs help stabilize the fridge on uneven surfaces. An LED light inside makes it easy to use at night, adding to its practicality.
The BANGSON Mini Fridge with Freezer is ideal for those seeking a compact, energy-efficient, and versatile refrigeration solution. Its large capacity, low noise, and customizable features make it a great addition to any small space.
BANGSON Mini Fridge with Freezer Reviews
- Quiet operation: Customers frequently mention that it operates quietly, suitable for bedrooms or offices.
- Energy efficient: The fridge is noted for its low energy consumption, making it a cost-effective choice.
- Good capacity: Despite its small footprint, users find the 3.2 cu. ft. capacity sufficient for their needs.
- Adjustable shelves: The removable and adjustable shelves are praised for their flexibility in organizing different items.
- Manual defrost: A few users find the manual defrost feature inconvenient compared to automatic defrost options.
Frigidaire EFR840-Cream Retro Mini Fridge
| Capacity | 3.2 cu. ft. |
| Annual energy consumption | 250 KwH/Year |
| Dimensions | 19″D x 20.5″W x 35.5″H |
| Energy Star rating | No |
| Defrost system | Manual |
The Frigidaire EFR840-Cream Retro mini fridge combines a compact size with an attractive retro design. Its decorative door embellishments give it a sleek contemporary look.
This mini fridge is not just stylish but also practical with its 3.2 cu ft capacity. It includes a .25 cu ft freezer with an ice cube tray, providing ample storage for your essentials.
Cleaning is made easy with two spill-proof, removable glass shelves that prevent liquids from leaking onto items below. Frigidaire is one of the brands featured on our article about the best mini fridges which you can check out.
The refrigerator compartment includes a crisper drawer and two shelves, along with a side can dispenser for soda and drinks. Additionally, a bottle opener is conveniently placed on the outside of the fridge.
Temperature control is straightforward with easily accessible controls, allowing you to manage the temperature with ease. The compact size and flush-back design make this refrigerator perfect for small spaces. It’s an ideal choice for a college dorm room or an office.
Frigidaire EFR840-Cream Retro Mini Fridge Reviews
- Stylish: Many customers love the retro design, noting it adds a stylish touch to their space.
- Easy setup: The fridge is easy to set up, with clear instructions for adjustments and use.
- Good performance: Many users report that both the fridge and freezer cool quickly and maintain temperatures well .
- Plastic handles: Some users wish the handles were metal instead of plastic, noting it feels less durable.
Ivation 12 Bottle Red And White Wine Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
| Capacity | 1.1 cu. ft. |
| Annual energy consumption | 150 KwH/Year |
| Dimensions | 20.3″D x 10.4″W x 25.6″H |
| Energy Star rating | No |
| Defrost system | Automatic |
The Ivation 12 Bottle Red and White Wine Thermoelectric wine cooler is an essential appliance for wine enthusiasts. It protects the quality and taste of your wines, ensuring they age consistently.
Featuring a stable temperature range from 46°F to 64°F, the Ivation wine cooler allows for both short and long-term storage. You can customize the temperature to create an ideal climate for aging. This helps bring out the true characteristics and full flavor of your wines.
The cooler is designed with solid polyurethane foam insulation and Thermopane doors. These features maintain constant humidity and block harmful UV rays. This prevents the corks from drying out and keeps the wine from being exposed to damaging light.
Additionally, the Ivation wine cooler uses an energy-efficient thermoelectric cooling system, which minimizes vibration and noise. This allows your wine to age and settle properly without disturbance.
This model is one of the best wine refrigerators in the market right now.
Ivation Wine Cooler Reviews
- Effective cooling: Many users have noted that the cooler maintains the desired temperature well, ensuring their wine is always ready to serve at the perfect temperature. This consistent performance is a significant plus for wine enthusiasts.
- Value: The cooler is often cited as a great product for the price. Many reviews recommend it for its excellent performance and affordability, indicating a high level of satisfaction among users.
- Convenient: The cooler is also praised for its convenience, particularly its ability to fit under pantry shelves. This efficient use of space makes it a practical addition to any kitchen.
Temperature fluctuations: Reviews indicate that the temperature can vary more than expected, especially when the door is frequently opened and closed. This inconsistency can be an issue for those wanting precise temperature control.
