10 Small Refrigerators For $1,000 Or Less
Bigger isn’t always better. Sure, lots of us would love to have a 28-cubic-foot refrigerator. But if you have, say, a city kitchen or a kitchen that’s in a home on wheels, you may be much happier with a small refrigerator (like an apartment-sized fridge or something even smaller). But did you know there are actually quite a few types of small refrigerators out there? Let’s take a look at all of your options and then browse some of the best small refrigerators on the market today.
Types of Small Refrigerators
Office-style cube fridge: These are tiny boxes and you can’t do much more than store cans of soda and a lunchbox in them.
Dorm-style mini-fridge: These are still quite small and also relatively inexpensive. You can store a few days’ worth of groceries in them, but freezer space is limited; and forget about refrigerating trays of prepared foods. One advantage of these mini-refrigerators is that they fit in tight areas so you don’t have to sacrifice much floor space.
Apartment-sized compact fridge: These are small and slim but they have most of the height and relative proportions of a full-sized refrigerator. They tend to be about 10 to 12 cubic feet, as opposed to the 20 to 25 cubic feet of full-sized refrigerators.
Extra-narrow fridges: Some brands make models in 24-inch or 28-inch widths, as opposed to the 32- to 36-inch widths of most standard-sized refrigerators. These units work well in both small- and average-sized kitchens and offer plenty of food storage space.
Do you need a refrigerator with freezer?
There’s one final question all apartment dwellers should ask themselves when shopping for a small refrigerator: Do you really need a freezer? Some of us cook in ways that would allow us to sacrifice a freezer altogether, and fridge-only refrigerators like the office-style cube models are much less expensive. So if you never find yourself in need of a freezer, feel free to skip it entirely. If you have a little extra space, you can also fit in a small chest freezer or an under-counter freezer. Depending on your space limitations, buying your fridge and freezer separately can actually be a great way to save money.
Do you have a recommendation for another model? Jump in and add it in the comments below.
KT Refrigerators Under $1000
Galanz Retro Mini Fridge with Dual Door True Freezer Galanz Retro Mini Fridge with Dual Door True Freezer
Home Depot
$199.99 (was $289.99)
If your kitchen is simply way too tiny for even a slim full-sized fridge, we implore you to invest in this Galanz Mini Fridge. It’s adorably retro (and available in two fun, bright colors), has adjustable glass shelves, a separate freezer compartment, and is crafted to last.
Storage size: 3.1 cubic feet
Danby 7-Cubic Foot Top Mount Frost Free Stainless Refrigerator Danby 7-Cubic Foot Top Mount Frost Free Stainless Refrigerator
QVC.com
$749.99
This Danby refrigerator keeps food temperate in dorms, studios, or anywhere you need a compact cooler (it even contains a freezer!). Frost-free for easy maintenance, it features adjustable shelves and a crisper drawer. The stainless steel finish adds a touch of style that's bound to upgrade your abode.
Storage size: 7 cubic feet
GE Top Freezer Refrigerator GE Top Freezer Refrigerator
Home Depot
$908 (was $1,009)
GE has been cranking out solid, dependable appliances for decades, so this simple, stainless-steel top freezer fridge is a good bet. It has a ton of storage and even comes with a factory-installed icemaker.
Storage size: 16.6 cubic feet
Maytag Top-Freezer Refrigerator Maytag Top-Freezer Refrigerator
Home Depot
$788 (was $999)
Trust the Maytag man. This sleek fridge is packed with different storage solutions, making it perfect for a family with people who have all sorts of different diets or food restrictions.
Storage size: 18 cubic feet
Danby Two-Door Refrigerator Danby Two-Door Refrigerator
Amazon
$724.57
You can get the coveted stainless steel look in your kitchen for less than $800! This shiny fridge also is so customizable, even the shelves on the door are adjustable.
Storage size: 7.4 cubic feet
Danby Designer Compact Refrigerator Danby Designer Compact Refrigerator
Amazon
$299.99
This little fridge is our top pick for people who are really limited in terms of floor space. Our editors like the shelving options — it has can holders and an egg tray — and the fact that it will fit under your countertops.
Storage size: 4.4 cubic feet
Frigidaire Top-Freezer Refrigerator Frigidaire Top-Freezer Refrigerator
Home Depot
$628 (was $779)
This fridge has more than 3,000 five-star reviews from satisfied shoppers at The Home Depot. It also has lots of storage space and loads of shelves. And you can get it in three colors: black, white, and brushed steel.
Storage size: 13.9 cubic feet
Whirlpool Top-Freezer Refrigerator Whirlpool Top-Freezer Refrigerator
Whirlpool
$729
You may be surprised to see Whirlpool on this list because their products are typically on the more expensive side, has they definitely have some bargains. This top-freezer model has lots of adjustable storage, plenty of room, and an optional ice maker.
Storage size: 18 cubic feet
Samsung Top-Freezer Refrigerator Samsung Top-Freezer Refrigerator
Best Buy
$899.99
The coolest thing about this fridge (pun intended) is that you can easily convert the freezer to a fridge, depending on what you need to store.
Storage size: 17.6 cubic feet
Hisense Counter-Depth Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator Hisense Counter-Depth Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator
Lowe's
$799 (was $1,099)
This counter-depth fridge has a roll-out freezer located on the bottom, a feature you usually only find in much pricier models. The freezer has two spacious storage drawers and the fridge is lit with energy-efficient LED lights.
Storage size: 17.2 cubic feet
