Imagine this: you’re setting up your first apartment, or maybe your old fridge finally gave up the ghost. You need a new refrigerator, but the price tags on brand new models make your wallet weep. That’s where the idea of a used refrigerator shines! It’s a fantastic way to save money and still get a reliable appliance.
But let’s be honest, buying a used fridge can feel a bit like a gamble. You worry about hidden problems, how long it will actually last, and if you’re getting a good deal. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the choices and the uncertainty. You want something that keeps your food cold without any surprises.
This guide is here to help you navigate the world of used refrigerators with confidence. We’ll share insider tips and practical advice so you can find a great, working fridge that fits your budget. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for and how to avoid common pitfalls. Get ready to make a smart purchase!
Our Top 5 Used Refrigerator Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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ARCTIC CHEF ACFR725AMZ6COM 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator with Freezer | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Frigidaire | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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BANGSON 7.1 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Freezer | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Manastin 4.5 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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BANGSON 7.1 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Freezer | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Used Refrigerator Detailed Reviews
1. ARCTIC CHEF ACFR725AMZ6COM 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator with Freezer
Rating: 9.4/10
The ARCTIC CHEF ACFR725AMZ6COM 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator with Freezer in Stainless Steel is a smart choice for small kitchens. It offers a good amount of space for its size, making it ideal for apartments, dorm rooms, or as a secondary fridge. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern, fitting into many kitchen styles. This fridge is designed to keep your food fresh and organized.
What We Like:
- MULTI-VENT TECHNOLOGY: This system makes sure your food stays evenly cold.
- Easy Temperature Controls: You can easily adjust the temperature to your liking.
- Manual Defrost: Clearing ice is simple and straightforward.
- Large Capacity: With 7.5 cubic feet of space, you can store plenty of groceries.
- Organized Freezer: The freezer has a shelf and door bin for neat storage of frozen items.
- Bright Lighting: Incandescent lights in both the fridge and freezer help you find things quickly.
- Handy Door Storage: Bins on the door keep smaller items accessible.
- Fresh Produce Bins: Special drawers keep your fruits and vegetables crisp.
- Easy to Clean Shelves: Spill-proof glass shelves catch messes, making cleanup a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- Freezer Capacity: The 0.5 cubic feet freezer is quite small, which might not be enough for everyone.
This ARCTIC CHEF refrigerator is a practical appliance that balances good storage with convenient features. It’s a solid option for anyone needing a compact yet capable fridge.
2. Frigidaire
Rating: 9.2/10
The Frigidaire 7.5 cu. ft. Platinum Series Refrigerator/Freezer Combo is a smart choice for anyone needing a compact yet capable cooling solution. Its sleek platinum finish with chrome accents gives it a stylish, retro vibe that can upgrade any room. This apartment-sized unit is designed to fit comfortably in various spaces without taking up too much room.
What We Like:
- It offers a good amount of storage space for its size, with 7.5 cubic feet to hold your groceries.
- The interior is well-organized with removable glass shelves, a clear crisper drawer, and a large door bin, making it easy to find what you need.
- You get a separate freezer compartment, which is great for stocking up on frozen foods.
- The adjustable thermostat lets you control the temperature in both the fridge and freezer.
- Its design is modern and attractive, fitting in well with different decor styles.
- You can rearrange the shelves to fit larger items, and the reversible door offers flexibility for how it opens.
- It’s easy to move around thanks to leveling legs in the front and wheels in the back.
- The pull-handle door is convenient, and the appliance runs quietly.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a dedicated freezer, its size might be limited for those who buy a lot of frozen items.
- The 7.5 cu. ft. capacity, while good for its size, might not be enough for larger families or extensive meal prepping.
This Frigidaire refrigerator/freezer combo is a practical and stylish option for smaller living spaces. It balances good storage with a compact footprint, making it a solid addition to any kitchen, dorm, or office.
3. BANGSON 7.1 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Freezer
Rating: 9.5/10
The BANGSON 7.1 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Freezer is a smart choice for small spaces. This apartment-sized fridge, with its sleek stainless steel finish, fits easily into apartments, offices, or even garages. It offers a good amount of storage without taking up too much room.
What We Like:
- It’s space-saving with a good capacity of 7.1 Cu.Ft. The dimensions are 21.3″ W x 20.7″ D x 56″H.
- It has five temperature settings, letting you pick the perfect coldness for your food. The freezer gets as cold as -5.6°F, and the fridge stays between 32°F and 50°F.
- The inside is organized well. It has adjustable glass shelves, a crisper drawer for fruits and veggies, and door racks for drinks. The freezer has two drawers to keep things neat.
- It’s energy-efficient and quiet, running at about 39 dB. This means it won’t bother you.
- You can reverse the doors to open the way you like. An automatic light helps you find things in the dark. It also has leveling legs for stability and comes with an ice tray, defrost tool, and egg shelf.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description mentions that the refrigerator may experience some bumps during transport. It’s recommended to let it stand upright for 6-12 hours before plugging it in.
This BANGSON refrigerator offers practical features for its size. It’s a solid option for anyone needing a compact and efficient cooling solution.
4. Manastin 4.5 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer
Rating: 8.7/10
The Manastin 4.5 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer is a versatile and stylish silver mini refrigerator designed to fit seamlessly into various spaces like your office, kitchen, dorm room, or bedroom. Its compact size doesn’t compromise on storage, offering ample room for all your favorite snacks and drinks.
What We Like:
- Generous 4.5 cubic feet of space, with separate freezer and refrigerator compartments, makes storing lots of food easy.
- Seven temperature settings let you pick the perfect cool for your items, from 28°F to 50°F in the fridge and -9°F to 23°F in the freezer.
- Super quiet operation at only 38 db means it won’t disturb your work or sleep.
- Energy-efficient design helps save on electricity bills.
- Adjustable glass shelves and a handy crisper drawer let you organize everything just right.
- The interior light makes finding your snacks easy, even in the dark.
- Adjustable feet keep the fridge stable, and rollers on the back make it simple to move.
- Includes an ice tray and defrosting tool for added convenience.
- Special packaging and a 6-hour setup ensure the fridge arrives safely and is ready to go.
What Could Be Improved:
- The freezer compartment, while functional, is a bit smaller than the refrigerator section.
- While quiet, some users might prefer an even lower noise level.
This Manastin mini fridge offers a great blend of capacity, performance, and user-friendly features, making it a solid choice for anyone needing extra cool storage.
5. BANGSON 7.1 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Freezer
Rating: 9.0/10
The BANGSON 7.1 Cu.Ft Refrigerator with Freezer offers a smart solution for compact living spaces. This apartment-sized fridge boasts a bottom freezer and a generous 7.1 cubic feet of total storage, fitting perfectly into apartments, bedrooms, offices, and smaller kitchens.
What We Like:
- Space-Saving Design: Measuring just 21.3″ W x 20.7″ D x 56″H, it maximizes storage without taking up too much room.
- Ample Capacity: With 5.45 Cu.Ft for refrigeration and 1.65 Cu.Ft for the freezer, it holds plenty of food and drinks.
- Flexible Temperature Control: Five settings let you choose the perfect temperature for everything from ice cream to fresh vegetables, with a freezer range of -5.6°F to 15.1°F and a fridge range of 32°F to 50°F.
- Organized Interior: Removable glass shelves in the fridge are adjustable, and a crisper drawer keeps produce fresh. The freezer has two drawers for neat storage.
- Quiet Operation: It runs at a low 39 dB, so it won’t disrupt your peace and quiet.
- User-Friendly Features: Reversible doors, an automatic interior light, and leveling legs add convenience. It also includes an ice tray, defrost tool, and egg shelf.
- Energy Efficient: This fridge is designed to save on your electricity bill.
What Could Be Improved:
- Initial Setup Recommendation: The fridge needs to stand upright for 6-12 hours before plugging in after transport to ensure quiet operation.
This BANGSON refrigerator is a fantastic choice for anyone needing efficient and organized food storage in a smaller footprint. It balances practical features with energy-saving technology.
Your Smart Guide to Buying a Used Refrigerator
Buying a used refrigerator can save you money and is good for the environment. It’s a smart choice if you need a second fridge for your garage or basement, or if you’re on a tight budget. But you want to make sure you get a good one that will last.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking at a used fridge, check these things carefully.
- Size and Capacity: Does it fit your space? Do you need a big one for a family or a smaller one for a dorm room? Measure the space where it will go. Also, measure the doorways it needs to go through.
- Type of Refrigerator:
- Top-Freezer: These are the most common and usually the cheapest. The freezer is on top.
- Bottom-Freezer: The freezer is at the bottom. This makes the fridge section easier to reach.
- Side-by-Side: The fridge and freezer are next to each other. They are often more expensive.
- French Door: These have two doors for the refrigerator on top and a freezer drawer below. They look fancy but cost more.
- Cooling Performance: Does it get cold enough? You want the fridge to be around 35-40°F (1.7-4.4°C) and the freezer to be 0°F (-18°C).
- Ice Maker and Water Dispenser: If these are important to you, make sure they work. Test them if you can.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for an Energy Star label. This means it uses less electricity, saving you money on your power bill. Older fridges might not have this.
Important Materials
The materials used in a refrigerator affect how long it lasts and how well it works.
- Interior Shelving: Glass shelves are strong and easy to clean. Wire shelves can sometimes let spills drip through.
- Door Seals (Gaskets): These rubber strips keep the cold air inside. Make sure they are clean and don’t have any cracks or tears. A good seal is very important.
- Exterior Finish: Stainless steel looks nice and is durable. Painted finishes can chip or scratch more easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a used fridge a better buy, while others mean you should walk away.
- Factors That Improve Quality:
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making refrigerators that last a long time. Do a quick search for reviews of the brand.
- Maintenance Records: If the seller has records of repairs or regular cleaning, it’s a good sign.
- Few Scratches or Dents: Minor cosmetic issues are okay. Big dents could mean internal damage.
- Clean Interior: A clean fridge usually means it was taken care of.
- Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Strange Noises: Humming is normal. Loud buzzing, grinding, or clicking sounds are not.
- Water Leaks: Any sign of water on the floor or inside the fridge is a red flag.
- Rust: Rust can mean the fridge has been exposed to moisture for a long time.
- Smells: A musty or chemical smell might mean there are mold or electrical problems.
- Doors Not Closing Properly: This makes the fridge work harder and wastes energy.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the refrigerator.
- Extra Kitchen Space: A second fridge is great for storing extra drinks, party food, or seasonal items.
- Garage or Basement Fridge: Keep it in a place that doesn’t get too hot or too cold. Extreme temperatures can affect how well it works.
- First Apartment or Dorm Room: A used fridge can be a budget-friendly option when you’re just starting out.
- Seasonal Items: Store extra produce from your garden or holiday treats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How old is too old for a used refrigerator?
A: Refrigerators made before the late 1990s are much less energy efficient. They also might not have modern cooling features. It’s best to look for one that is 10-15 years old or newer.
Q: How can I test if a used refrigerator is working properly?
A: Plug it in and let it run for at least 30 minutes. Feel if the inside is getting cold. Check the freezer to see if it’s frosting up. Listen for any unusual noises.
Q: What should I do if the refrigerator smells bad?
A: Clean it thoroughly with baking soda and water. If the smell doesn’t go away, it might be a sign of mold or a mechanical issue.
Q: Can I move a refrigerator myself?
A: Refrigerators are very heavy. It’s best to have at least two people or use a dolly. Make sure to keep the fridge upright as much as possible.
Q: What is the warranty on a used refrigerator?
A: Most used refrigerators do not come with a warranty. Some sellers might offer a short return period, like 7-14 days.
Q: Where can I find used refrigerators?
A: Look at online marketplaces, local appliance stores that sell used items, or even ask friends and family.
Q: What is the most common problem with used refrigerators?
A: The most common issues are with the compressor, fan motor, or door seals. These parts can wear out over time.
Q: Should I worry about energy bills with a used fridge?
A: Yes. Older models use more electricity. If energy savings are very important, look for an Energy Star certified model or a newer used one.
Q: How do I clean the door seals?
A: Use a soft cloth with warm, soapy water. Make sure to dry them completely. This helps them create a good seal.
Q: What if the ice maker isn’t working?
A: Check if it’s turned on. Make sure the water line is connected and not kinked. If it still doesn’t work, it might need a new part or repair.
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!