Best Cheap Refrigerators

Eat the Right Foods

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Eat the Right Foods
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Cool on Cost

Budget refrigerators may not be the feature-filled, stainless steel dazzlers that have become so popular in recent years, but they get the job done. For buyers who can look past unnecessary extras, there are a number of inexpensive models from top brands that score high marks for temperature consistency, reliability, and roominess. Cheapism scoured ratings and reviews to recommend the best cheap refrigerators under $1,000, whether you’re searching for a traditional top-freezer model, a roomy bottom-freezer model, or space-saving side-by-side refrigerator. We even found a French door model that’s both chic and (relatively) cheap.


Prices and availability are subject to change.

LG LTCS20220W
Home Depot

LG LTCS20220W


Best All-Around Top-Freezer Refrigerator


Price: $810 at time of publishing


Pros:

  • With a 20.2-cubic-foot capacity, this model is quite roomy for a basic top-freezer refrigerator but still features a relatively narrow 30-inch width.
  • Top-notch scores from experts for temperature consistency and quiet operation.
  • Comes with an ice maker, spill-proof glass shelving, bright LED lighting in both the refrigerator and freezer, and a full-width pantry drawer that draws raves from owners.
  • Energy Star-rated for efficiency.


Cons:

  • Unlike on some models, in-door shelving can be rearranged or adjusted.
  • Some owners say the freezer-door seal isn't strong enough and occasionally pops open without warning.


Takeaway: Although it's a bit pricier than many basic top-freezer models, the LG LTCS20220W offers a hard-to-beat combination of roominess, efficiency, extra features, and quietly reliable performance.

Frigidaire FFSS2614QP
Lowe's

Frigidaire FFSS2614QP


Best All-Around Side-By-Side Refrigerator


Price: $799 at time of publishing


Pros:

  • With 25.5 cubic feet of space, it's much roomier than other budget-friendly side-by-side refrigerators and the most spacious of any model we researched.
  • Adjustable shelves and bins are easy to customize, allowing room for larger and taller items.
  • Convenient in-door water and ice dispenser and incandescent lighting in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.


Cons:

  • Noise complaints from some owners focus on compressor noise, while others report loud knocking from the ice maker.
  • No humidity controls on the crispers, a relatively standard feature in refrigerators at this price.


Takeaway: Owners say the Frigidaire FFSS2614QP offers more usable storage than many side-by-side refrigerators, with adjustable bins and spill-proof shelving that can make the space stretch even further.

Whirlpool WRB119WFBW
Lowe's

Whirlpool WRB119WFBW


Best All-Around Bottom-Freezer Fridge


Price: $899 at time of publishing


Pros:

  • Relatively narrow, at 30 inches across, but still offers 18.7 cubic feet of space for food.
  • Three crispers, including two with humidity controls -- one more than most models we researched -- and adjustable door shelving.
  • Upgraded LED lighting in the refrigerator compartment.
  • Energy Star-rated for efficiency.


Cons:

  • Some grousing in reviews about excessive noise while the compressor is running.
  • Unlike some bottom-freezer and most French door refrigerators, this model has a freezer compartment that is hinged, like the main door, instead of sliding open.


Takeaway: This bottom-freezer fridge puts fresh food at eye level and provides space for pizza boxes and other large items. Owners of the Whirlpool WRB119WFBW are big fans of the three crispers and easy-to-adjust glass shelving.

GE GTS18GTHWW
Lowe's

GE GTS18GTHWW


Slim Top-Freezer Refrigerator


Price: $539 at time of publishing


Pros:

  • This model fits in smaller kitchens, with a 28-inch width, but it's roomy enough for small families, with 17.5 cubic feet of space.
  • Spill-proof glass shelves instead of the cheaper wire shelves common in this price range.
  • Fewer durability complaints in user reviews compared with other basic refrigerators.


Cons:

  • Some snarking in reviews about noise when the compressor is running.
  • Dial temperature control may be imprecise; expert tests found it challenging to get the right balance between refrigerator and freezer.
  • No light in the freezer and basic incandescent lighting in the refrigerator.


Takeaway: The GE GTS18GTHWW is a reliable workhorse for buyers who want a top-freezer fridge without costly bells and whistles. Spill-proof glass shelves lend a higher-end feel.

Whirlpool WRS322FDAW
Lowe's

Whirlpool WRS322FDAW


Slim And Stylish Side-By-Side Refrigerator


Price: $899 at time of publishing


Pros:

  • At 33 inches across, this model fits in smaller kitchens than most side-by-sides but still offers a relatively roomy 21.2 cubic feet of space.
  • A wider range of color options than usual: black, white, stainless steel, silver, and biscuit.
  • Convenient in-door water and ice dispenser and bright LED lighting in both the refrigerator and freezer.


Cons:

  • Basic wire shelving instead of glass in the freezer.
  • Several owners grouse that the ice dispenser spits cubes onto the floor.
  • Reviewers complain that the ice maker takes up far too much freezer space, limiting what can be stored.


Takeaway: Despite the slim profile of the Whirlpool WRS322FDAW, users say it's surprisingly roomy, especially given the ample door bins. A small price tag clinches the deal.

Amana ABB1921BRW
AJ Madison

Amana ABB1921BRW


Basic, Spacious Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator


Price: $1,332 at time of publishing


Pros:

  • A 30-inch width lets this bottom-freezer model squeeze into narrow kitchens while offering a respectable 18 cubic feet of space.
  • Roomy, easy-to-clean glass shelves accommodate wider items, like large platters or pizza boxes, without a lot of rearranging.
  • Large, gallon-size door bins free up even more space in the main compartment.


Cons:

  • Unlike some models with bottom freezers, this one has a freezer compartment with a hinged door, rather than a drawer that slides open.
  • Some consumer reviewers say the compressor is noisy.
  • No light in the freezer and basic incandescent lighting in the refrigerator.


Takeaway: The Amana ABB1921BRW should satisfy buyers who want wider storage space and and a design that prioritizes fresh food at a rock-bottom price.

LG LTCS24223W
Sears

LG LTCS24223W


BONUS: Roomier Top-Freezer Refrigerator


Price: $1100 at time of publishing


Pros:

  • One of the roomiest top-freezer models on the market, with nearly 24 cubic feet of space.
  • Sleek, handle-free design helps maximize space in smaller kitchens.
  • Expert testers give this refrigerator top marks for efficiency and noise.
  • Full-width deli drawer and LED lighting in both freezer and refrigerator.
  • Energy Star-rated for efficiency.


Cons:

  • Temperatures were not as consistent as other models in expert testing.
  • Lacks the in-door ice and water dispenser that some models in this price range have.


Takeaway: Although it flirts with the top end of the Cheapism price range, the LG LTCS24223W is worth a look for shoppers seeking space and simplicity. With open shelves that hold an impressive amount, it's a very roomy 33-inch model.

Samsung RF18HFENBWW
Samsung

Samsung RF18HFENBWW


BONUS: Affordable French Door Refrigerator


Available from Samsung.
Price: $1,399 at time of publishing


Pros:

  • High marks from experts for temperature consistency and noise.
  • Compact, at 33 inches across, this French door model can fit in smaller kitchens.
  • Counter-depth design creates a sleek silhouette and is one of the cheapest of its type on the market.
  • Ice maker, spill-proof glass shelves, LED lighting, and door alarm.


Cons:

  • 18-cubic-foot capacity is small for a French door design.
  • Some reports of water leaks inside crisper drawers.
  • Main shelves may not accommodate taller items, forcing users to store them on door shelving.


Takeaway: If a French door model or a counter-depth design with a built-in look is a must-have, the Samsung RF18HFENBWW delivers for a lot less than the competition.

Whirlpool WRT314TFDW
Lowe's

Whirlpool WRT314TFDW


BONUS: Bare-Bones Compact Refrigerator


Price: $495 at time of publishing


Pros:

  • Compact 28-inch width fits even the smallest studio kitchens and packed garages.
  • Spill-proof glass shelves instead of the cheaper wire shelves common in this price range.
  • Relatively few durability complaints for a basic refrigerator.


Cons:

  • With only 14.3 cubic feet of space, this model may be too small for family use as a primary refrigerator.
  • No light in the freezer and basic incandescent lighting in refrigerator.
  • Available in only white or black.


Takeaway: The Whirlpool WRT314TFDW is a small but solidly built option for consumers who need a basic top-freezer fridge. Just don't expect extras or much space for under $500.

Choosing a Refrigerator
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Choosing a Refrigerator

Cheap refrigerators are fairly basic appliances. For the most part, forget about smart refrigerator functions, LCD displays, freezer drawers, and adjustable-temperature compartments. Some inexpensive models may even force buyers to forgo a stainless steel finish or an ice maker. But those who can do without a lot of extras will find that the best refrigerators under $1,000 garner high marks from owners for temperature regulation, available storage, and value for the dollar.


Refrigerator Brands

Maytag, GE, LG, Amana, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, and Kenmore are all top brands that are well represented in the cheap-fridge market. A recent study by J.D. Power found that LG gets the nod on overall customer satisfaction for top-freezer refrigerators and GE comes in second. Samsung and LG both sit atop the rankings for side-by-sides, but those models are typically priced beyond our $1,000 ceiling. In a recent Consumer Reports survey of brand reliability, LG also took top marks, with 84 percent owner satisfaction. Samsung and Kenmore followed at 82 percent and 81 percent, respectively.


Types of Refrigerators and Best-Rated Refrigerators

With so many models in contention, we homed in on several good buys in each of three styles: top-freezer, bottom-freezer, and side-by-side, focusing primarily on the best offerings from the top brands among refrigerator makers. Other options include French door and counter-depth refrigerators, but those start at about $1,000 and climb quickly from there. That said, if you can stretch your budget a little bit, we do name a French door model that’s very much worth considering, especially if you are in the market for a unit that’s counter depth. It’s not a true built-in, of course, but high-end built-in refrigerators can command up to $10,000.


Generally speaking, among conventionally sized refrigerators (if you need or want a more compact refrigerator, see below), top-freezer models are the least expensive, starting at about $500 for a model from one of the top brands. Our pick for overall best value among top-freezer refrigerators is the spacious and efficient LG LTCS20220W (starting at $810), followed by the GE GTS18GTHWW (starting at $539), a reliable model for consumers who just want the basics. The top-freezer Frigidaire FGTR1845QP (starting at $719) landed on our "think twice" list because it suffers from complaints about water leaks and frost, despite a frost-free billing. Build-quality problems plague the Insignia NS-RTM18WH7 (starting at $540), a top-freezer model that might have otherwise sufficed for small kitchens.


Side-by-side and bottom-freezer models start at about $800. The best cheap side-by-side refrigerator we found is the Frigidaire FFSS2614QP (starting at $799), which has a larger capacity than many comparably priced models. The Whirlpool WRS322FDAW (starting at $899) is a well-regarded side-by-side that's ideal for smaller kitchens. The Kenmore 50022 (starting at $800) seems plenty spacious on paper, but the interior design proves inefficient for many users.


Rounding out our top picks are the Whirlpool WRB119WFBW (starting at $899), an Energy Star-rated bottom-freezer refrigerator with wide shelves and three crispers, and the Amana ABB1921BRW (starting at $809), one of the least expensive bottom-freezer models and a magnet for frugal shoppers.


Price aside, the configuration of the kitchen may knock certain refrigerator styles out of contention. Top- and bottom-freezer models require more door clearance than side-by-side or French door models, which are better suited to galley kitchens and layouts with a center island. For kitchens with a tight footprint, another option may be the LG LTCS24223W (starting at $989), a top-freezer refrigerator with a handle-free design.


A related consideration is the allocation of space between the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Top-freezer and bottom-freezer models offer two-thirds fresh to one-third frozen storage. The split in side-by-side refrigerators, like the Frigidaire FFSS2614QP or Whirlpool WRS322FDAW, may be similar or closer to half and half.


Top-freezer models, like the LG LTCS20220W and GE GTS18GTHWW, are best for users who are heavy consumers of frozen dinners and treats and prefer to keep frozen food at eye level. If demand for fresh food is high, a model with a freezer drawer at the bottom, like the Whirlpool WRB119WFBW or Amana ABB1921BRW, might be more appealing and convenient. Both designs boast refrigerator shelves that are wide enough to accommodate large platters, bowls, and pizza boxes. The narrow shelves in side-by-sides work for some families but not others. Regardless, side-by-side models are top sellers because they can provide more total storage capacity in small kitchens.


French door refrigerators combine the best features of two-door, side-by-side refrigerators and bottom-freezer models. That includes offering a convenient split door, like a side-by-side fridge, along with wide shelves that keep fresh food at eye level, like a bottom-freezer. Unfortunately, French door refrigerators generally soar beyond the Cheapism price range. The Samsung RF18HFENBWW (starting at $1000) is a notable exception. It's small for a French door refrigerator but one of the least expensive out there — and it's counter-depth for a seamless, built-in look. Its list price is higher than $1,000, but it’s often on sale, and at the time of our latest update, we actually saw the stainless steel version selling for $50 less than the white version.


Most refrigerators come in white, black, and stainless steel, with some available in bisque, graphite, silver, or platinum. Standard white refrigerators are typically the cheapest; a stainless steel finish may tack on a premium of $100 or more, and black stainless steel (a less-industrial, warmer looking finish than standard stainless steel) can tack a few more dollars on top of that. But shop around as prices can vary, and we’ve sometimes seen that a premium finish, when on promotion, can cost as little or even less than basic white. One disadvantage to stainless steel is the endless battle against fingerprints (black stainless steel is supposed to be better in that regard), while white and bisque show dirt more easily than black.


Small Refrigerators for Small Spaces

If your refrigeration needs are modest, and/or your budget is small, there are a few other types of refrigerators available. Single-door mini fridges are a dorm room staple, but they can also be appropriate choices for small apartments, RVs, or anywhere else where refrigeration is needed and space is tight.


Freezerless refrigerators are one type of single-door mini fridge. There are many options to choose between, with prices starting at well under $100 for the smallest models — which mainly serve as beverage refrigerators — and ranging into the thousands for undercounter stainless steel refrigerators, including models designed to be wine coolers. If you like kitchen appliances with a "vintage" feel, the Frigidaire EFR176 ($140 from Home Depot, Best Buy, and Walmart) retro mini fridge might be of interest. It comes in a host of cool colors, like blue, black, red, coral, and moonbeam, and even has an old-fashioned bottle opener on the side. One caveat is that its 1.6-cubic-foot capacity means that space for food storage is rather limited.


Single-door mini fridges with modest freezers are available as well, but if you need a decent-size freezer as well as a fridge, a compact two-door mini model is probably a better option. One choice with good user feedback is the Arctic King ATMP032AEB ($240 from Amazon and Walmart). This is a two-door compact refrigerator with a total capacity of 3.2 cubic feet. Owners are surprised by how much room this Arctic King fridge has, and it's got some nice features, such two glass shelves, a crisper compartment, and sufficient door storage to hold a six pack of soda along with a two-liter bottle. It comes in black and stainless steel.

Refrigerator Reviews: What We Considered
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Refrigerator Reviews: What We Considered

Which low-cost refrigerators are the best? That can be hard to discern even from reviews. Consumers often post comments after owning a refrigerator for only a short period, and there is often disparity between testing-site recommendations and user feedback. Refrigerators also are revamped or renamed frequently, so by the time a model has accumulated a respectable number of reviews or undergone formal testing, it already may be near the end of its run.


Still, reviews on several sites pointed us to cheap refrigerators that perform well in home use. We looked at expert sources including Consumer Reports, The Sweethome, Reviewed.com, and CNET, where reviewers test the products and are more comparative and systematic than consumers in their analyses.


User reviews are worth considering, however, as they provide a snapshot of real-world conditions, and also because budget models rarely attract the attention of expert testers. A good example of this is the Amana ABB1921BRW — a basic bottom-freezer fridge that buyers commend but experts ignore. We found that consumers are particularly satisfied with models that are reliable, regulate temperature consistently, and provide adequate storage space. One area of discontent with low-cost refrigerators is noise; a notable number of reviews grumble about annoying dings or odd sounds.


Capacity

Experts recommend purchasing a fridge with capacity of 4 to 6 cubic feet of fresh storage for each adult in the household. Budget, top-freezer models typically provide total capacity (refrigerator plus freezer) of 14 to 22 cubic feet. The handle-less LG LTCS24223W offers a market-leading 23.8 cubic feet, well beyond most other top-freezer models. At the other end of the spectrum among top-freezer refrigerators is the Whirlpool WRT314TFDW (starting at $495), with only a modest 14.3 cubic feet. This compact refrigerator is an efficient fit for a garage and might also appeal to consumers looking for an apartment-size refrigerator.


Bottom-freezer refrigerators, including bottom-freezer French door refrigerators, run larger, generally boasting 18 to 25 cubic feet. In the Cheapism price range, however, the offerings among bottom-freezer refrigerators cluster at the lower end. Our top picks, the Whirlpool WRB119WFBW and Amana ABB1921BRW, offer 18.7 and 18 cubic feet of storage, respectively. Most buyers consider this sufficient, saying the convenient design helps maximize the available storage.


Side-by-sides offer a little more capacity for the money: Our top pick, the Frigidaire FFSS2614QP, boasts 25.5 cubic feet while the runner-up Whirlpool WRS322FDAW has 21.2 cubic feet. But consider how usable the space is. Some comments we found dismiss the side-by-side Kenmore 50022 for too much freezer space devoted to the ice maker while Reviewed.com deems the cavity and freezer shelves too narrow.


Storage

For the most part, reviews indicate that buyers are happy with the storage space in budget-priced refrigerators. The 20.2-cubic-foot LG LTCS20220W finds favor with users for spacious shelving, as does its larger sibling, the LG LTCS24223W. The latter also has a dedicated deli drawer, a feature reviewers on Home Depot particularly like. Consumers are thrilled with the three drawers in our top-ranked bottom-freezer model, the Whirlpool WRB119WFBW; one or two drawers is more typical in this price range.


Door storage can also increase, or decrease, a refrigerator's appeal. Space for gallon-size jugs in the door is a popular design feature on Amana ABB1921BRW because it frees up the wide shelves for other items. On the Insignia NS-RTM18WH7, the deep in-door bins for quick-access storage attract complaints in some reviews at Best Buy, which describe them as flimsy and prone to breaking.


Like the Kenmore 50022, the side-by-side Whirlpool WRS322FDAW draws some complaints for limited freezer space due an ice maker that hogs real estate in a section that is already narrower by design.


Extra Features

Frills aren't expected in this price range — don't look for fancy add-ons like a wine rack, quick-freeze drawer, or LCD display — so reviewers are often pleasantly surprised by little extras such as upgraded lighting or shelving. Some entry-level models feature wire shelves instead of glass, but even the cheapest model we researched, the Whirlpool WRT314TFDW, confines wire shelving to the freezer compartment. Glass is preferable because it's more stable and limits spillage.


Interior lighting in the refrigerator section is standard, but some models go one better with lighting in the freezer, as well. Of the models we recommend, the side-by-side Frigidaire FFSS2614QP provides incandescent lighting in both compartments, and the LG LTCS20220W and Whirlpool WRS322FDAW come with LED lights in both spots. Users seem to prefer brighter LED lighting over incandescent, according to reviews, and LED bulbs last longer.


The models in the lower half of our price range often lack ice makers, although most can be fitted with compatible ice makers at a later time. Refrigerators priced closer to $1,000 typically come with ice makers, and some even have in-door ice and water dispensers. That's the case with all the side-by-sides on our list. This "bonus" isn't without its headaches, however. Not only can the ice maker take up significant space, but some owners of the Whirlpool WRS322FDAW complain that ice is more likely to end up on the kitchen floor than in a cup. More concerning, consumer and appliance experts report that refrigerators with ice makers tend to have more problems than those without. Still, many reviewers like this convenience and are willing to pay a little more for it in a refrigerator made by one of the top brands.


Temperature Regulation

The primary function of any refrigerator/freezer combo is keeping fresh food cold and frozen food colder. Indeed, most consumers seem pleased with the climate control of the inexpensive models on our list. Our favorite side-by-side and top-freezer models, the Frigidaire FFSS2614QP and LG LTCS20220W, respectively, draw high marks for overall performance but only ho-hum assessments for temperature uniformity. We found no expert temperature tests for our preferred bottom-freezer model, the Whirlpool WRB119WFBW, but reviews on Home Depot express few complaints in this regard. The more expensive French door Samsung RF18HFENBWW rated highest in expert tests of the models we researched for this performance factor.


Notably, one side-by-side we researched, the Kenmore 50022, receives less-than-glowing scores from the experts. Testers at Reviewed.com found too much temperature fluctuation, freezer temperatures that run a tad high, and a loss of humidity in the crisper drawers. One top-freezer model that's also consigned to the bottom of our list, the Frigidaire FGTR1845QP, draws fire for excessive ice buildup in the freezer, as noted in user reviews posted on retailer AJ Madison's site. An expert from CNET also faults the model for drawers and door storage that tend to run warm.


Noise

Budget-priced refrigerators often are dinged for noise. The sound is merely the compressor cycling on, but loud or unusual noise may signal a problem such as a poorly functioning compressor, insufficient insulation, or an overactive ice maker. Although more than one user chides the noise police — noting that a refrigerator is a machine, after all — two of our top picks, the Frigidaire FFSS2614QP and Whirlpool WRB119WFBW, are subject to more than a few noise complaints. Close to 70 reviews on Best Buy knock the Frigidaire for this irritant, with several mentioning clicking or knocking sounds from the ice maker and others reporting that the hum of the compressor is too noticeable. One owner of the Whirlpool WRB119WFBW grouses in a review on Home Depot that this side-by-side has turned his home into an "industrial environment."


Unless noise complaints are especially frequent, take them with a grain of salt — what is loud and jarring to one reviewer is a quiet drone to another. Buyers who are particularly concerned about noise can look for models that have been vetted by experts for quiet operation. Our No. 1 top-freezer pick, the LG LTCS20220W, fares quite well in this dimension, according to testers. Two models that stand in the higher reaches of our price range, the Samsung RF18HFENBWW and LG LTCS24223W, also score excellent marks for humming along softly.


Energy Efficiency

An energy-efficient refrigerator is environmentally friendly and can lead to significant cost savings over time. Refrigerators with Energy Star certification — those that generate energy savings of at least 20 percent over the minimum federal standard — often cost slightly more up front but yield savings in the monthly utility bill that should eventually offset the higher price. Additionally, consumers may be eligible for rebates from the local energy company just for buying an Energy Star appliance.


Among the best low-cost models we researched with Energy Star certification are the top-freezer LG LTCS20220W and LG LTCS24223W and side-by-side Whirlpool WRB119WFBW. The Insignia NS-RTM18WH7 also comes with an Energy Star, but that may be one of the few things that recommends it.


Warranty

The warranty coverage period on most cheap refrigerators, even those from top brands, is surprisingly short — many come with limited warranties of just one year on parts and labor. Some manufacturers offer longer warranties on the sealed systems within these appliances (compressors, evaporators, condensers, etc.). Both the LG models we researched and the more expensive French door Samsung unit have warranties that cover the compressor for up to a decade. Whirlpool guarantees the compressor and all parts of the sealed refrigeration system on the WRB119WFBW model for up to five years.


Consumers worried about purchasing a model with the standard one-year warranty should breathe a bit easier knowing that the average lifespan of a refrigerator from one of the top brands is about 10 to 14 years. While some models, like the Insignia NS-RTM18WH7, seem to have bins and plastic parts more prone to breakage, reports of full meltdowns are fairly rare. There are also several steps consumers can take to help to maximize the life of a refrigerator.