An under-counter refrigerator is a great option for those who want the convenience of having a fridge without taking up a lot of space. These units are smaller than standard fridges, and they fit neatly underneath most kitchen counters. Undercounter refrigerators typically have enough space to store a few days’ worths of food, which makes them ideal for apartments or other small living spaces.
They also tend to be more energy-efficient than larger models, so they can help you save money on your utility bills. And because they’re usually less expensive than standard-size fridges, under-counter models can be a great option for budget-minded shoppers.
Undercounter refrigerators free up valuable counter space and keep your food items within easy reach. In addition, under-counter refrigerators come in a variety of styles including solar, to match any kitchen décor. Whether you are looking for a sleek and modern appliance or a more traditional style, you can find an under-counter refrigerator to suit your needs.
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What Is an Under Counter Fridge and What is It Used for?
Undercounter fridge works exactly like a regular fridge, it’s just smaller in size. These types of fridges are designed for keeping or installing them under your counter in a confined space. They come in handy when you’re in a hurry; easily accessible and are a good option for saving up space. If you have a small kitchen, the Undercounter fridge will be the perfect option. You can store beverages, bread, ice cream, and all sorts of food items in the Undercounter fridge. These are portable and can easily fit in small spaces. These are like a mini version of the refrigerator/ fridge.
What Are The Different Kinds of Under Counter Refrigerators?
There are various kinds of Undercounter refrigerators available over the web. These are some of the most popular types of undercounter refrigerators:
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Under counter refrigerators with freezing function
This is the most common type of undercounter refrigerator. These types of refrigerators have freezers (freezing compartment) inside them. -
Under counter cabinet refrigerator
These under counter refrigerators are installed in the cabinets below the counter. These can be in the form of drawers that you can easily open by sliding or in the form of cabinets with doors attached. These give a modern look to your kitchen. -
Under counter refrigerator without freezing function
As mentioned, these types of undercounter refrigerators do not come with a freezer/ freezing compartment. They are only used for refrigeration purposes.
Types of Under the Counter Refrigerator Based on Ventilation
Usually, there are two types of Under counter refrigerators based on ventilation. These are:
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Freestanding under counter refrigerators
These are movable and can be kept anywhere in your kitchen. These have vents on the sides to facilitate ventilation. -
Built-in refrigerators/ mini fridge
These are pre-installed under the counter and are not movable. These have a front ventilation system. These are specifically designed for the kitchen counter.
Lastly, they both differ in prices; the freestanding refrigerators are cheaper compared to the built-in ones.
What To Consider Before Buying Undercounter Refrigerators
There are a few things to be kept in mind when you’re planning to buy an undercounter refrigerator. These factors will surely make it easy for you to choose the correct one for your kitchen
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Size
The size of the refrigerator affects your purchase decision. The size of a standard undercounter refrigerator ranges from 30-40 inch lengthwise. If you have less space in your kitchen, you should go for a small sized undercounter refrigerator. Whereas if you have enough space in your kitchen, a large sized refrigerator is the best fit. So, do consider the size of an undercounter refrigerator before buying it.
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Temperature Range
There should be temperature settings in the undercounter fridge so that you can easily regulate it as per your needs. The best temperature for a refrigerator is 3°C (37°F). Most people set the temperature of the refrigerator from 0°C to 4°C as it is more safe. However,you should not set the temperature of your fridge to 0°C as it can be harmful and takes time to adjust. So, you should be well aware about the temperature settings in an undercounter fridge to operate it.
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Noise Production
The noise production in an undercounter refrigerator is one of the important factors that helps in determining whether you should buy it or not. Refrigerator is an electrical appliance and so it tends to produce noise while functioning. The noise can be low or loud depending on the type of refrigerator you are using. A noisy undercounter refrigerator can be quite disturbing when you’re working in the kitchen. The noise is mostly caused by a dirty compressor so make sure to clean your refrigerator on a regular basis. The cleaning reduces the noise to much extent and prevents any future damage.
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Price
The price is the next thing to check in an undercounter refrigerator. The refrigerators can range between $500-$3000 or more. If you’re on a budget, it’s best to buy a budgeted undercounter refrigerator; you’ll have to do a little search for that. If you want an expensive undercounter refrigerator, there are many options available on the web. You just need to go through all the available options to find the best fit for your kitchen. You can get a good undercounter refrigerator that can perform all functions efficiently at a reasonable price.
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Stainless Steel or Glass Door
The material of the undercounter refrigerator determines its quality and durability. The undercounter refrigerators are made of majorly two materials; stainless steel and glass door. The stainless steel refrigerator is quite durable and works efficiently. The glass door refrigerator is no less than the stainless steel one; it gives a modern look to your kitchen, is easily accessible and is equally efficient. The glass door can be damaged easily whereas the stainless steel doesn’t get damaged and is a good option in terms of strength. You will need to choose which of them will suit your kitchen best and then buy it.
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Storage Capacity
The storage capacity of the undercounter refrigerator is also one important thing to take into consideration. The storage capacity of the refrigerator can be anywhere between 1.5 cubic feet to 4.5 cubic feet. The mini refrigerators have less storage capacity than the regular ones. You also need to see how many people or family members are buying the refrigerator. If you need the refrigerator for a single person, then the mini-fridge will do. Whereas, if you’re buying the refrigerator for a large family, you’ll need a refrigerator with more storage capacity. If you like to buy and store large quantities of food, then also you’ll need a large sized undercounter refrigerator. So, do check the storage capacity of the refrigerator before buying it.
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Warranty
The warranty is one important thing to check in an undercounter refrigerator. A warranty is a type of guarantee that if the refrigerator is ever damaged or not functioning properly, then you can get it repaired or replaced for a new one. This is an add-on in the undercounter refrigerator. Not all companies provide a warranty with the refrigerator, so you must look for a refrigerator with warranty. It is like insurance, it’s never bad to take a precautionary measure. You can easily replace the refrigerator for a new one without any great deal. We would advise you to buy an undercounter refrigerator that has warranty on it.
The 10 Best Undercounter Refrigerators In 2024
Best Overall: EdgeStar CBR1501SLD Beverage Cooler
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Best In Budget: RCA RFR322 Mini Refrigerator
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Best In Capacity: Sinoartizan Under Counter Fridge Cooler
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Editor’s Choice: FOVOMI 20″ Wine Cooler Refrigerator
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Best In Space: Kalamera 24-inch Beverage Refrigerator
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Best Mini Size: BANGSON Mini Fridge
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Best Compact Design: NewAir 15-Inch Beverage Refrigerator
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Best Digital Control: EdgeStar CBR1502SG Beverage Cooler
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Best In Versatility: Smith & Hanks BEV145SRE Beverage Cooler
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Best In 24″: Summit 24″ Undercounter Refrigerator
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Best Overall: EdgeStar CBR1501SLD Beverage Cooler
The EdgeStar CBR1501SLD beverage cooler can hold up to 142 standard 12 oz. cans, making it perfect for parties or large gatherings. The dimensions of the cooler are 22.88″D x 23.44″W x 33.75″H, so it will fit nicely in most spaces.
The temperature settings are easy to use up to 38-50 degrees F, and the blue LED lighting looks very attractive. This unit can be used either as a freestanding or built-in cooler, and it features a powerful compressor-based cooling system.
This beverage cooler has a solid stainless steel reversible door that is both stylish and functional. The door is also equipped with a lock, ensuring that your beverages are safe and secure.
In addition, the glass shelves are adjustable, so you can customize the storage space to meet your specific needs.
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Cons
Best In Budget: RCA RFR322 Mini Refrigerator
The RCA RFR322 mini refrigerator has a sleek and stylish design. The unit is compact, measuring just 17.7″D x 18.5″W x 32.8″H, and it has a 0.3 cu ft compartment that can reach temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
The door is a reversal, so it can be opened from either the right or left side. This is a great feature for smaller spaces where the fridge might be up against a wall.
In addition, the fridge has an adjustable thermostat control, so you can set it to the temperature that you want. It is equipped with an energy-efficient compressor and has two full-width interior shelves.
Pros
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Best In Capacity: Sinoartizan Under Counter Fridge Cooler
Sinoartizan wine and drink fridge cooler has a 25.3″D x 29.5″W x 34.4″H dimension. The fridge has two zones that can hold up to 33 bottles of wine in the left zone and 70 pop cans in the right zone at different temperatures.
The digital display makes it easy to set the temperature, and the LED lighting ensures that your drinks are always illuminated. It gives an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient way to keep your drinks cold.
This fridge features a double-layer glass door that blocks out UV rays, keeping your wine at a consistent temperature. The stainless steel curved handle adds a touch of class to any kitchen.
This powerful compressor combined with internal fan-forced circulation is high efficient, quiet, and has no frost. Plus, it comes with an adjustable thermostat so you can set it to your desired temperature.
Pros
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Editor’s Choice: FOVOMI 20″ Wine Cooler Refrigerator
FOVOMI 20″ wine cooler refrigerator has a 19.69×21.65×33.66 inch dimension and can store up to 52 regular standard Bordeaux 750ml bottles, making it perfect for both casual and serious wine enthusiasts.
The fridge has two zones, upper zone 41-54℉, and lower zone 54-68℉ so you can store both red and white wines at their optimal temperature.
The doors are made of glass, so you can easily see what you have in stock, and the stainless steel exterior is both stylish and easy to clean.
The built-in circulation fan and grape shape ventilation grill help to keep your wine at the perfect temperature while the blue LED lights provide a subtle and inviting ambiance.
Pros
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Best In Space: Kalamera 24-inch Beverage Refrigerator
Kalamera 24-inch beverage refrigerator has a 22.4″D x 23.4″W x 33″H dimension and holds up to 154 cans. This makes it perfect for large families or for entertaining guests. It also has adjustable temperature control so you can keep your drinks at the perfect temperature.
The stainless steel frame and tempered glass doors give it a sleek and modern look, while the blue LED light adds a touch of style.
The fridge has plenty of room for all your favorite drinks, with five adjustable shelves and a spacious bottom shelf. One such feature is the automatic defrosting function, which helps to prevent ice buildup and keeps your drinks chilled without any hassle.
Pros
Cons
Best Mini Size: BANGSON Mini Fridge
The BANGSON fridge is the perfect size for small apartments or dorm rooms. It has a capacity of 18.91×”17.73″×19.3″, and a 1.6 Cu.Ft capacity. The fridge comes with a freezer compartment and an ice tray.
It features a 5-level thermostatic control system that allows you to set the temperature to your desired level. It has a minimum temperature of 24.8°F and a maximum temperature of 50°F, making it ideal for use in small spaces.
It also has a very low power consumption, making it one of the most energy-efficient fridges available. The adjustable feet make it easy to level the fridge on any surface.
Pros
Cons
Best Compact Design: NewAir 15-Inch Beverage Refrigerator
The NewAir 15 Inch beverage refrigerator has a capacity of 96 cans, so you’ll be able to store all of your favorite drinks without having to worry about them getting warm. It also has a lock to keep your drinks safe.
The fridge also comes with a reversible hinge glass door, so you can easily access your drinks without having to open the fridge door all the way.
It comes with adjustable digital temperature control, which allows you to set the perfect temperature for your drinks. The quiet cooling compressor means that you won’t have to worry about the noise level.
It has adjustable, removable shelves to ensure that you can fit all of your favorite drinks inside.
Pros
Cons
Best Digital Control: EdgeStar CBR1502SG Beverage Cooler
The EdgeStar CBR1502SG beverage cooler comes with dimensions of 22.5″ D x 23.5″W x 33.5″, and it can easily reach a temperature range of 38-50 degrees F, meaning you’ll never have to worry about your drinks being too cold or too warm.
Additionally, the stainless steel construction ensures that your cooler will last for years to come, and the black dotted glass door gives it a sleek and stylish look.
This cooler is equipped with the door ajar alarm, which will notify you if the door has been left open, and has incandescent interior lighting, so you can see your drinks clearly.
Additionally, it comes with glass shelves, so you can easily clean it and keep it looking its best. This product includes a built-in carbon filter which is a great feature for keeping your drinks tasting fresh.
Pros
Cons
Best In Versatility: Smith & Hanks BEV145SRE Beverage Cooler
The Smith & Hanks beverage cooler has a 23″D x 24″W x 32″H dimension and has 178 cans storage capacity, making it perfect for larger families or groups.
It also has adjustable temperature control to ensure that your drinks are always cold. The cooler is made from high-quality stainless steel.
This unit is built to last, with a full 1 year warranty on the entire unit and an additional 3 year warranty on the compressor and sealed system.
Pros
Cons
Best In 24″: Summit 24″ Undercounter Refrigerator
The Summit 24″ under-counter refrigerator is made with stainless steel, which gives it a modern look and makes it easy to clean. The dimensions of this unit are 22.63″D x 23.63″W x 32″H, so it will fit easily under most countertops.
This fridge has plenty of space inside for all your food storage needs, and the door includes a convenient shelf for storing smaller items.
It can be used as a built-in unit under counters or as a freestanding refrigerator in residential or commercial settings. It comes with digital controls and open door/high-temperature alarms, making it easy to keep track of your food.
Pros
Cons
FAQs
The dimensions of an average undercounter refrigerator is 80-82 cm lengthwise and 50-60 cm in width. There are also mini fridges available if you want it for sole purpose or if you have a small kitchen, they are smaller than a regular refrigerator.
You can also purchase a large sized refrigerator if you have a spacious kitchen. The undercounter refrigerators are available in various sizes, so it totally depends on your needs and the size of your kitchen what type of refrigerator you will buy.
It totally depends on your tastes and preferences. If you feel the need to install an under cabinet fridge in your kitchen, then you should install it. An under cabinet fridge is easily accessible when you are working in the kitchen and can perform all the functions like any regular refrigerator.
Either you can buy an Undercounter refrigerator that is freestanding or in-built or you can install an under cabinet fridge with sliding drawers that can do all the tasks as that of a refrigerator. It is installed in cabinets, the difference is just that it isn’t designed like a regular fridge.
The best undercounter fridge models are so expensive because of their quality and functions. These are some reasons why the Undercounter fridge models are so expensive:
1. They are produced in less quantities; the Undercounter refrigerators are not in demand as much as the regular ones and so they are expensive because of the less stock.
2. They give your kitchen an elegant look; the refrigerators are installed below the cabinet and make your kitchen look modern.
3. It saves up space; these refrigerators can be installed in small spaces so they don’t consume the space in your kitchen, making it look spacious.
4. It is a luxury product; the Undercounter refrigerators are a luxurious item and are for specific consumers and so they are sold at comparatively high rates.
The main purpose of an under counter refrigerator is to save space and energy. These keep the food items and beverages fresh for longer. They work like any other refrigerator, it functions just the same. They have temperature settings through which you can regulate or control the temperature of the refrigerator. You can store drinks and food items in the Undercounter refrigerator. It comes in handy while working in the kitchen as you can access the food items and drinks at your hand’s distance.
The primary difference between an Undercounter fridge and an integrated fridge is its counter depth. The integrated fridge is completely adjusted against the counter whereas the Undercounter fridge is somewhat sticking out when installed below the counter.
An integrated fridge gives a fine look to your kitchen as it completely delves in the kitchen; it adapts quickly. An Undercounter can be of different types and sizes giving a different look to your kitchen.
