Imagine opening your refrigerator to find perfectly frozen peas, crisp lettuce, and ice cream that’s still scoopable. Now, imagine the opposite: frosty food, melted ice, and a strange smell. The difference often comes down to the appliance that keeps our food fresh and our drinks cold – the refrigerator freezer.
Choosing a new refrigerator freezer can feel like a daunting task. You want something that fits your kitchen, keeps your food safe, and doesn’t break the bank. With so many brands, styles, and features, it’s easy to get lost. Many people worry about making the wrong choice and ending up with a fridge that doesn’t meet their needs, or worse, costs too much to run.
But don’t worry! This post will guide you through the essentials. We’ll break down what really matters when picking out your next refrigerator freezer. By the end, you’ll feel confident about choosing an appliance that will keep your food perfectly chilled and your kitchen running smoothly for years to come.
Our Top 5 Refrigerator Freezer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Refrigerator Freezer Detailed Reviews
1. Frigidaire
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the Frigidaire Platinum Series 7.5 cu. ft. Refrigerator/Freezer Combo! This stylish and practical appliance is designed for apartments, dorms, or any space where a full-size fridge just won’t fit. Its sleek platinum finish with chrome accents gives it a cool, retro vibe that looks great anywhere. Plus, its compact size means it fits through doorways easily and won’t take up too much room.
What We Like:
- SPACIOUS STORAGE: With 7.5 cubic feet of space, you can store a lot of food and drinks. It’s easy to keep everything organized.
- ORGANIZED CONVENIENCE: It has removable glass shelves, a clear crisper drawer for fruits and veggies, and a big door bin. These features help you keep your food tidy.
- DEDICATED FREEZER: You get a separate freezer compartment to keep your frozen treats. Both the fridge and freezer have adjustable thermostats and lights.
- SLEEK DESIGN: The platinum finish and chrome details give it a modern, upscale look. It adds a touch of style to your room.
- FLEXIBLE CONFIGURATION: You can move and remove the shelves to fit different sized items. The door can also be switched to open from either side, which is super handy.
- VERSATILE PLACEMENT: This fridge is perfect for kitchens, offices, dorms, or even garages. It has adjustable legs in the front and wheels in the back, so you can move it easily.
- PRACTICAL DESIGN: It has an easy-to-use pull handle and runs quietly. You won’t even know it’s on!
What Could Be Improved:
- The 7.5 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for larger families or those who buy groceries in bulk.
- While the design is attractive, the platinum finish might show fingerprints more easily than other materials.
This Frigidaire refrigerator is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a compact, stylish, and functional fridge and freezer combo. It offers great organization and flexibility for various living situations.
2. Kenmore 33 in. 20.5 cu. ft. Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer with Full-Width Adjustable Glass Shelving
Rating: 9.1/10
The Kenmore 33 in. 20.5 cu. ft. Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer in classic white is a smart addition to any kitchen. It offers a good amount of storage space without taking up too much room. This fridge is designed to make organizing your food easy and keep it fresh.
What We Like:
- It’s a full-size refrigerator and freezer with 20.5 cubic feet of space.
- The 33-inch width is great for saving kitchen space.
- It looks stylish with a white finish.
- You can adjust the full-width glass shelves to fit tall items.
- The humidity-controlled crispers keep fruits and veggies fresh.
- A clear dairy compartment is perfect for butter and spreads.
- Clear door bins hold gallon jugs of milk and other items.
- It’s ENERGY STAR Certified, which means it uses less electricity.
- An optional icemaker can be added for convenience.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description doesn’t mention the noise level.
- The exact dimensions beyond the width aren’t provided.
This Kenmore refrigerator offers a good blend of style and practicality for your kitchen needs. It’s a solid choice for keeping your food organized and fresh.
3. Upstreman 7.7 Cu.Ft. Refrigerator with Freezer
Rating: 9.4/10
The Upstreman 7.7 Cu.Ft. Refrigerator with Freezer (BD75) is a smart choice for anyone needing extra cool storage. It offers a good amount of space without taking up too much room, making it ideal for apartments, dorms, or offices. This stainless steel fridge keeps your food fresh with adjustable temperature settings and thoughtful features like a crisper drawer and reversible door.
What We Like:
- More Space, Small Footprint: It packs a big punch with 7.7 cu. ft. of storage, including a decent-sized freezer, all in a compact 21″ x 21″ x 56″ design.
- Precise Temperature Control: You can set the perfect temperature for both the freezer and refrigerator sections with seven different settings, ensuring everything stays just right.
- Quiet and Energy-Efficient: It runs super quietly at only 39dB, so it won’t bother you. Plus, it’s easy on your wallet, costing about $0.12 a day to run.
- Keeps Produce Fresh: The special crisper drawer keeps your fruits and veggies crisp and delicious.
- Flexible Storage: You can move the shelves around to fit your needs, making it easy to organize everything from tall bottles to small jars.
- Door Opens Either Way: The reversible door swing means you can easily change which side the door opens from, fitting perfectly into any room layout.
What Could Be Improved:
- The freezer capacity is a bit smaller (1.5 cu. ft.) compared to the refrigerator section (6.2 cu. ft.), which might be a concern for heavy freezer users.
- While it has adjustable shelves, the overall internal organization options might be limited for some users.
Overall, the Upstreman BD75 is a great, budget-friendly option for keeping your food cool and organized, especially in smaller living or working spaces.
4. Kenmore 46-75515 Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator/Freezer with Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel
Rating: 8.7/10
The Kenmore 46-75515 Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator/Freezer is a stylish and modern addition to any kitchen. This 36-inch refrigerator boasts a 20.3 cu. ft. capacity, perfect for storing all your groceries. Its fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish keeps it looking clean, and the French doors add a touch of elegance. It’s designed to keep your food at the perfect temperature with features like Accela Chill and a Multi Flow air system that ensures even cooling.
What We Like:
- Stylish French door design and fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish add a modern look.
- Accela Chill and Multi Flow air system keep food at the ideal temperature.
- Gallon-sized door bins, a full-width pantry drawer, and humidity-controlled crispers offer plenty of storage options.
- Two-tier freezer organization makes finding items easy.
- Adjustable glass shelving allows for flexible storage, even for tall items.
- ENERGY STAR Certified and uses a quiet, energy-efficient inverter compressor.
- Factory-installed ice maker produces up to 4 lbs. of crescent-shaped ice daily.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 20.3 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for very large families.
- While quiet, some users might prefer even quieter operation.
This Kenmore refrigerator combines excellent storage with energy efficiency and a sleek design. It’s a solid choice for those seeking both style and functionality in their kitchen appliances.
5. BLACK+DECKER 12.1 Cu. Ft. Top Mount Refrigerator with Freezer
Rating: 9.4/10
Looking for a reliable and spacious refrigerator that won’t break the bank? The BLACK+DECKER 12.1 Cu. Ft. Top Mount Refrigerator with Freezer, model BR1210HS, in a sleek stainless steel look, is a fantastic option for any home or apartment. It offers plenty of room for your groceries and keeps everything perfectly chilled with its smart temperature control.
What We Like:
- Spacious 12.1 Cu. Ft. Capacity: This fridge gives you lots of room for both fresh and frozen foods, making it great for families or anyone who likes to stock up.
- Adjustable Temperature Control: You can easily set the perfect temperature for the fridge and freezer. This keeps your food at its freshest.
- Frost-Free Auto-Defrost: Say goodbye to messy defrosting! This feature automatically melts away ice buildup, saving you time and effort.
- Energy Star Certified: This refrigerator is designed to be energy efficient. It helps you save money on your electricity bills while still performing great.
- Deep Top Freezer: The freezer includes a handy shelf for organizing frozen meals, ice cream, and more. You can even remove the shelf to fit larger items.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the stainless steel look is appealing, it is a look and not actual stainless steel, which might be a consideration for some.
- The top freezer design means you have to bend down to access the refrigerator section, which could be a minor inconvenience for some users.
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER BR1210HS is a solid choice for anyone needing a functional and efficient refrigerator. It balances good capacity, useful features, and energy savings.
Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Refrigerator Freezer
Choosing the right refrigerator freezer is a big decision. It’s a major appliance that you’ll use every day. This guide will help you make the best choice for your kitchen and your family.
Key Features to Look For
- Capacity: How much food do you need to store? Think about your family size and your shopping habits. A larger family needs a bigger fridge.
- Configuration: There are many types of refrigerator freezers.
- Top Freezer: The freezer is on top, the fridge is on the bottom. These are usually the most affordable.
- Bottom Freezer: The fridge is on top, the freezer is on the bottom. This is good for easy access to fresh food.
- Side-by-Side: The fridge and freezer are next to each other. They offer good organization.
- French Door: Two doors for the fridge on top, and a pull-out freezer drawer below. These look very modern.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the appliance uses less electricity and saves you money on your bills.
- Smart Features: Some fridges have Wi-Fi, touch screens, or cameras inside. These can help you manage your groceries.
- Adjustable Shelving: Being able to move shelves makes it easier to fit different-sized items.
- Crisper Drawers: These drawers control humidity. They help keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer.
- Water and Ice Dispenser: Some models have this feature built-in. It’s convenient but can add to the cost.
Important Materials
Refrigerator freezers are built with different materials. The outside is usually made of stainless steel, plastic, or enamel-coated steel. Stainless steel is popular because it looks good and is easy to clean. Inside, you’ll find glass shelves and plastic drawers. Good quality glass shelves are strong and won’t break easily. Durable plastic is important for drawers and door bins.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a refrigerator freezer great?
- Build Quality: Sturdy construction means it will last longer. You can tell by how solid the doors feel and how smoothly the drawers slide.
- Temperature Control: Precise temperature settings keep food safe and fresh. Good models have even cooling throughout.
- Noise Level: A quiet refrigerator is a plus, especially in open-plan living spaces.
- Durability of Parts: Parts like door seals and ice makers should be built to last.
What can make a refrigerator freezer less good?
- Cheap Materials: Thin plastic or weak shelves can break.
- Poor Insulation: This makes the fridge work harder, using more energy.
- Inconsistent Cooling: Some areas might be too warm or too cold.
- Frequent Repairs: A fridge that breaks down often is a problem.
User Experience and Use Cases
A good refrigerator freezer makes your life easier. You want it to keep your food fresh and organized. Think about how you use your kitchen. Do you cook a lot? You might need more space in the fridge. Do you buy a lot of frozen meals? A larger freezer is important. Families with young children might like a model with easy-to-reach shelves for snacks. Busy professionals might appreciate smart features that help with meal planning.
Imagine opening your fridge and finding everything neatly organized. Your vegetables are crisp, and your milk is cold. That’s a great user experience. On the other hand, a fridge that’s always messy or where food spoils quickly is frustrating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much space do I need?
A: Measure your kitchen space first. Then, think about how much food you store. Most refrigerators are measured in cubic feet. A family of 2-4 usually needs 18-22 cubic feet.
Q: Which type of refrigerator is best?
A: It depends on your needs. Top freezers are budget-friendly. Bottom freezers offer easy fridge access. Side-by-sides give good organization. French door models are stylish and practical.
Q: Is stainless steel worth the extra cost?
A: Stainless steel looks great and is durable. It resists rust. However, it can show fingerprints. Some stainless steel finishes are smudge-proof.
Q: How important is energy efficiency?
A: Very important! ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators use about 10% less energy than standard models. This saves you money and is better for the environment.
Q: What does “frost-free” mean?
A: Frost-free refrigerators automatically defrost themselves. This means you don’t have to manually remove ice buildup from the freezer.
Q: Should I get a water and ice dispenser?
A: It’s a convenience. If you drink a lot of filtered water or use ice frequently, it’s a good feature. It can increase the price and may require more maintenance.
Q: How do I know if a refrigerator is good quality?
A: Look for solid construction, good reviews from other buyers, and reputable brands. Feel how the doors close and how the drawers move.
Q: What are “crisper drawers” for?
A: These drawers help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh. They control the humidity inside the drawer. This helps prevent wilting or getting too soggy.
Q: How long do refrigerators typically last?
A: With good care, most refrigerators last 10 to 15 years. Regular cleaning and avoiding overstuffing can help them last longer.
Q: Can I fit large items in my refrigerator?
A: Many refrigerators have adjustable shelves. This lets you change the shelf height to fit tall bottles or large platters.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.