Imagine this: your favorite ice cream is melting, your frozen vegetables are mushy, and you’re out of ice cubes for your drink. This is the reality for many who struggle with the freezer section of their refrigerator. Choosing a refrigerator that *only* chills, without a freezer, might sound unusual, but it’s a growing trend for a good reason. Many people find themselves rarely using their freezer, or even worse, forgetting what’s hidden inside, leading to wasted food and money.
This is where the “Refrigerator Only, No Freezer” option steps in. It’s a smart choice for those who prioritize fresh food storage and want a simpler, more efficient appliance. But how do you pick the right one? What features matter most? You might be wondering if this type of fridge is truly for you.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into the world of refrigerator-only appliances. You’ll learn about the benefits, discover the different types available, and get practical tips on how to choose the perfect one for your home. Get ready to say goodbye to freezer fails and hello to perfectly chilled groceries!
Our Top 5 Refrigerator Only No Freezer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Refrigerator Only No Freezer Detailed Reviews
1. roomwell E-Star 3.3 Cu Ft Mini Fridge without Freezer – AUTO DEFROST
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the roomwell E-Star 3.3 Cu Ft Mini Fridge, a smart and stylish solution for keeping your drinks and snacks perfectly chilled. This compact refrigerator is designed to fit seamlessly into your life, whether you’re in a dorm room, a small apartment, or your office. Its sleek, modern look and practical features make it a must-have for anyone needing convenient, on-demand cooling.
What We Like:
- Versatile Storage: It has three full-width glass shelves inside, giving you plenty of room. The door also has a special dispenser for soda and juice cans. Plus, two door racks can hold big bottles, up to 2 liters!
- Space-Saving Design: This fridge is small enough for apartments, dorms, offices, and more. You can even choose which way the door opens by reversing it to fit your room. The flat back means it can sit flush against a wall, saving even more space.
- Hassle-Free Operation: Forget about defrosting! The automatic defrost feature takes care of it for you. A simple mechanical thermostat lets you easily control the temperature from 32°F to 50°F (0°C to 10°C).
- Energy Efficient: This fridge uses an eco-friendly R600a refrigerant and is Energy Star compliant. It only uses about 1 KWH of energy per day, which can save you a lot on your electricity bill.
- Peace of Mind: It comes with a 2-year replacement warranty, so you can be sure it’s built to last.
What Could Be Improved:
- No Freezer Compartment: This model is specifically a refrigerator and does not include a freezer section for frozen goods.
- Noise Level: While generally quiet, some users might notice a slight hum when the compressor is running.
The roomwell E-Star Mini Fridge is a fantastic choice for anyone needing compact, reliable cooling. It offers smart storage and energy efficiency, making it a practical addition to any small space.
2. Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator
Rating: 8.5/10
The Hamilton Beach HBF2064 20.6 cu ft Counter Depth Full Size Refrigerator in stainless steel is a smart choice for busy families. Its sleek design fits perfectly into your kitchen, offering plenty of space for all your groceries without sticking out too far. You’ll love how easy it is to keep your food organized and find exactly what you need.
What We Like:
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 20.6 cu. ft. side-by-side design holds a lot, perfect for families.
- SIDE-BY-SIDE DOOR DESIGN: This makes it simple to arrange and grab your fresh and frozen items.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: You can easily change fridge and freezer temperatures using the controls inside the door.
- OVERSIZE DOOR BINS: These big bins hold gallons of drinks and other items, saving shelf space.
- INTERIOR LIGHTING: Bright LED lights shine on everything, so you can see clearly.
- COUNTER DEPTH: It’s designed to sit flush with your countertops, giving your kitchen a clean, built-in look.
- DELIVERY OPTIONS: Delivery and haul-away services are available in some areas, making setup easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The digital display is located inside, which might be slightly less convenient than an exterior one for quick checks.
- Availability of delivery and haul-away services varies by location.
This Hamilton Beach refrigerator offers a great blend of style, capacity, and user-friendly features. It’s a solid option for any home looking to upgrade their kitchen appliance.
3. KoolMore KM-RUF-21S 21 cu. ft. Upright Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator
![KoolMore KM-RUF-21S 21 cu. ft. Upright Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator, 2-in-1 Appliance, Storage for Fresh or Frozen Food and Drinks, Clear Shelves and Drawers [Silver]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21wj+72XNUL._SL500_.jpg)
Rating: 8.6/10
The KoolMore KM-RUF-21S 21 cu. ft. Upright Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator is a versatile appliance that can easily adapt to your changing needs. Its sleek silver finish and modern design make it a great addition to any home or garage. With its large capacity and smart features, it offers a practical solution for storing all your food and drinks.
What We Like:
- It’s a 2-in-1 appliance, so you can use it as a fridge or a freezer. This gives you more storage options.
- It has plenty of storage space with four adjustable shelves and two clear drawers. You can store all your fruits, veggies, meat, and drinks easily.
- This unit is energy efficient, which helps save money on your electricity bill.
- It has adjustable legs for stability and wheels for easy moving.
- The 21 cu. ft. capacity is very large, so you can store a lot of food.
- The electronic control panel and interior LED light make it easy to use and see inside.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the conversion between fridge and freezer modes takes a little time.
- While it has wheels, it’s still a large appliance and might require two people to move comfortably.
This KoolMore convertible fridge/freezer is a fantastic choice for anyone needing extra, flexible storage. It’s a smart and convenient way to manage your food and beverages.
4. BANGSON Upright Freezer
Rating: 8.9/10
The BANGSON Upright Freezer offers a generous 7.0 cubic feet of space, making it a fantastic addition to any kitchen, garage, office, or apartment. Its sleek silver finish and single-door design provide a modern look that fits almost anywhere. This versatile appliance can be used as a freezer or a refrigerator, giving you flexibility for your food storage needs.
What We Like:
- Ample 7.0 cu. ft. storage for all your frozen goods, from fruits and vegetables to ice cream.
- Easily converts between a freezer and a refrigerator, offering temperature ranges from -7.6°F to 6.8°F for freezing and 38°F to 47°F for refrigeration.
- Two pulleys make it simple to move the freezer around your space.
- Three separate drawer boxes keep fruits and vegetables organized and clean.
- The reversible door allows you to customize its swing direction.
- Leveling feet ensure stability, even on uneven floors.
- A built-in handle makes opening the door easy and adds to the clean look.
- The removable door seal is great for easy cleaning.
- Includes a handy ice tray and a defrost tool.
- BANGSON is committed to excellent customer service for any questions.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions are specific, so measure your space carefully before purchasing.
- While it has wheels, it’s still a substantial appliance, so consider how often you’ll need to move it.
This BANGSON upright freezer is a smart and flexible choice for anyone needing extra, adaptable storage. It balances convenience with functionality, making it a valuable appliance.
5. Upstreman 14.0 Cu.Ft. Upright Freezer
Rating: 8.6/10
The Upstreman 14.0 Cu.Ft. Upright Freezer, Convertible Freezer Fridge with Smart Electronic Control, Frost Free, Energy Star, Quiet Operation, Stand Up Freezer for Homes, Office, Garage-UF14 is a versatile appliance that offers plenty of storage and smart features for your home, office, or garage. It easily adapts to your needs, keeping your food fresh and organized.
What We Like:
- Generous 14.0 cu.ft. capacity provides ample space for all your frozen goods.
- The partitioned shelves and door bins help you organize your food efficiently.
- It’s a convertible unit, letting you switch between freezer and refrigerator modes with ease.
- Advanced air-cooled technology ensures frost-free operation, saving you cleaning time.
- Smart electronic controls with a digital display allow for precise temperature adjustments.
- The energy-saving system keeps costs low, using only about $0.12 per day.
- Its quiet operation at 38dB means it won’t disturb your peace.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a lot of space, the exact dimensions might require careful placement in smaller areas.
- The convertible feature is great, but users might need a moment to understand the optimal settings for each mode.
This Upstreman freezer is a smart investment for anyone needing flexible and efficient food storage. Its combination of capacity, technology, and quiet performance makes it a standout choice.
Refrigerator Only: Your Guide to a Chill Space
Looking for a refrigerator that just keeps things cool, without the icy hassle of a freezer? A refrigerator-only unit might be the perfect fit! These appliances are great for specific needs. Let’s dive into what makes a good one.
Key Features to Look For
1. Capacity and Size
- Think about how much space you need. Do you buy lots of fresh produce? Do you entertain often?
- Measure your kitchen space carefully. Make sure the refrigerator will fit comfortably.
- Consider the height, width, and depth. Some models are slim, while others are wider.
2. Temperature Control
- You want precise temperature control. This keeps your food fresh longer.
- Look for digital displays or easy-to-use dials.
- Some models have special zones for different types of food, like crisper drawers.
3. Shelving and Storage
- Adjustable shelves are a big plus. You can move them to fit tall bottles or large platters.
- Door bins are handy for condiments, drinks, and smaller items.
- Pull-out drawers make it easy to see and grab what you need.
4. Energy Efficiency
- Look for ENERGY STAR certification. This means the refrigerator uses less electricity.
- This saves you money on your energy bills. It’s also better for the environment.
5. Noise Level
- Some refrigerators can be noisy. This can be annoying, especially in open-plan living spaces.
- Check reviews for information on how quiet the unit is.
Important Materials
The materials used affect how durable and easy to clean the refrigerator is.
1. Interior Lining
- Most interiors are made of plastic. Look for sturdy, BPA-free plastic.
- Some higher-end models might use glass or metal finishes. These can look sleek and are easy to wipe down.
2. Shelving Materials
- Glass shelves are common and easy to clean. They also look nice.
- Wire shelves are less common in refrigerators-only models but can offer good airflow.
3. Exterior Finish
- Stainless steel is popular. It resists fingerprints and looks modern.
- White or black finishes are also common and can be more budget-friendly.
- Some finishes are more prone to scratches than others.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- Good Seals: Tight door seals keep cool air in and warm air out. This helps maintain a consistent temperature.
- Even Cooling: The refrigerator should cool food evenly throughout. No warm spots or overly cold spots.
- Build Quality: Sturdy construction and well-fitting parts indicate a quality appliance.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often have better customer service and product reliability.
Reducing Quality
- Flimsy Shelves: Shelves that sag or feel weak can break easily.
- Poor Insulation: This leads to less efficient cooling and higher energy use.
- Noisy Operation: Constant humming or rattling can be a sign of lower quality components.
- Cheap Plastic: Thin, brittle plastic can crack or break over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who needs a refrigerator-only unit? Lots of people!
- Families with a Separate Freezer: If you already have a chest freezer for bulk buys, a refrigerator-only unit is perfect for your fresh groceries.
- Small Kitchens or Apartments: These units are often more compact than traditional fridge-freezer combos.
- Secondary Refrigeration: Use one in a home bar, a craft room for supplies, or a home office for drinks and snacks.
- Seniors or Individuals with Mobility Issues: No bending down to access the freezer. Everything is at eye level or in easy-to-reach drawers.
- Dedicated Beverage Coolers: Keep your sodas, water, and juice perfectly chilled without taking up space in your main fridge.
A refrigerator-only model offers focused cooling. It’s a smart choice for specific needs and can simplify your kitchen or living space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a refrigerator-only unit?
A: It’s a refrigerator that only cools food. It does not have a freezer compartment.
Q: Why would someone want a refrigerator-only unit?
A: They are useful if you already have a separate freezer, have a small kitchen, or need extra cooling space for drinks or specific items.
Q: Are refrigerator-only units more energy-efficient?
A: Often, yes. They use less energy because they don’t have to power a freezer. Look for ENERGY STAR models.
Q: How much do refrigerator-only units typically cost?
A: Prices vary, but they can be less expensive than combined fridge-freezer units, especially for smaller models.
Q: Can I store frozen food in a refrigerator-only unit?
A: No, these units are not designed for freezing. Food will not freeze properly.
Q: What is the average size of a refrigerator-only unit?
A: Sizes vary greatly, from small countertop models to full-sized single-door units.
Q: How do I clean a refrigerator-only unit?
A: You clean it like a regular refrigerator. Unplug it, remove shelves, and wipe down the interior with mild soap and water.
Q: Do refrigerator-only units have ice makers?
A: Most do not. If you need ice, you’ll need to make it in trays and store it in a separate freezer.
Q: Are they noisy?
A: Noise levels vary by model. Reading reviews can help you find a quieter option.
Q: Where can I buy a refrigerator-only unit?
A: You can find them at appliance stores, home improvement stores, and online retailers.
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.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!