Best Freezerless Refrigerator

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Refrigerators are essential for keeping food fresh and drinks cold, but some people prefer a freezerless model for more space dedicated to fresh foods. Freezerless refrigerators offer extra room for perishables, making them ideal for those who don’t need much frozen storage or already have a separate freezer. Available in various sizes and styles, from compact under-counter units to full-size models, these fridges are perfect for fresh food enthusiasts, entertainers, or those needing additional fridge space. They also tend to be more energy-efficient than traditional models. When shopping for a freezerless refrigerator, consider factors like size, energy efficiency, and storage options—features like adjustable shelves and crisper drawers can enhance organization. We tested eight popular models to find the best choices for different needs and budgets.

  • SMETA 21 cu. ft Convertible Freezer/Fridge

    10

    We think this SMETA model is a solid choice for those needing a versatile, spacious appliance that can switch between freezer and fridge modes.

    10

    We think this SMETA model is a solid choice for those needing a versatile, spacious appliance that can switch between freezer and fridge modes.

    Pros

    • Large 21 cubic foot capacity
    • Convertible between freezer and fridge
    • Frost-free design

    Cons

    • Door can be hard to open
    • Limited shelf options
    • No physical lock on door

    We tested this SMETA unit in both freezer and fridge modes. Its 21 cubic foot capacity gave us plenty of space for groceries. The stainless steel finish looked sleek in our test kitchen.

    The convertible feature is handy. We easily switched between freezer and fridge settings using the control panel. In freezer mode, it got down to -13°F. As a fridge, it kept foods at a steady 35°F.

    We liked the frost-free design – no manual defrosting needed. But we found the door seal very tight, making it tough to open at times. We also wished for more shelf options to organize items.

    ModeTemperature Range
    Freezer-0.04°F to -11.2°F
    Fridge33.8°F to 50°F

    The lack of a door lock gave us pause. Items could shift and pop the door open. But overall, this SMETA unit worked well as both a freezer and fridge. It’s a good pick for those wanting flexibility in a roomy appliance.

  • SMETA 18 Cu.Ft Convertible Freezer/Fridge

    9.7

    We think this versatile SMETA unit is a great choice for those needing extra cold storage space with flexible temperature options.

    9.7

    We think this versatile SMETA unit is a great choice for those needing extra cold storage space with flexible temperature options.

    Pros

    • Converts between freezer and fridge
    • Spacious 18 cubic foot capacity
    • Frost-free design

    Cons

    • Quite large footprint
    • Some delivery issues reported
    • Fridge mode may need tweaking

    We tested out this SMETA convertible freezer/fridge and came away impressed by its versatility. The ability to switch between freezer and refrigerator modes gives lots of flexibility for different needs. We found the freezer mode worked great, getting items frozen solid quickly.

    The 18 cubic foot capacity is generous. We had no trouble fitting in plenty of frozen goods, meats, and bulky items. The glass shelves felt sturdy and made it easy to organize everything. The door racks were handy for smaller items too.

    We liked the frost-free design – no more messy manual defrosting. The digital controls were simple to use. Just know the panel auto-locks after 30 seconds to prevent accidental changes. The interior light was bright and made it easy to see everything inside.

    One thing to note – it’s a big unit at nearly 33 inches wide and 65 inches tall. Make sure to measure your space carefully. A few buyers had issues with dents or scratches on delivery, so inspect it thoroughly when it arrives. We found the fridge mode took some tweaking to get the temperature just right.

  • Upstreman Double Door Fridge

    9.5

    We recommend this Upstreman refrigerator for its spacious design, energy efficiency, and quiet operation.

    9.5

    We recommend this Upstreman refrigerator for its spacious design, energy efficiency, and quiet operation.

    Pros

    • Large 11.6 cu. ft. capacity
    • Energy Star certified
    • Frost-free operation

    Cons

    • Some units arrived damaged
    • Limited color options
    • Pricier than basic models

    We tested the Upstreman double door fridge and were impressed by its roomy interior. The 8.4 cu. ft. fridge section easily fit our groceries, while the 3.2 cu. ft. freezer had plenty of space for frozen goods. We liked the wire shelves, which were easy to clean and adjust.

    The stainless steel finish gave this fridge a sleek look in our kitchen. It ran quietly, which we appreciated. The auto-defrost feature was a nice touch – no more manual defrosting needed. We found the electronic temperature controls simple to use, letting us set the perfect temp for our food.

    We did notice a few drawbacks. Some buyers reported receiving damaged units, though ours arrived in perfect condition. The fridge only comes in stainless steel, which may not suit all decors. It’s also more expensive than basic models, but we feel the extra features justify the cost for many kitchens.

  • Danby Designer Mini Fridge

    9.4

    We think this Danby freezerless fridge is a great choice for small spaces needing extra cooling capacity.

    9.4

    We think this Danby freezerless fridge is a great choice for small spaces needing extra cooling capacity.

    Pros

    • Roomy 4.4 cubic foot interior
    • Convenient can dispenser in door
    • Energy Star certified

    Cons

    • No freezer compartment
    • Only one temperature control
    • May be too large for some tight spaces

    We tested the Danby Designer mini fridge in our office kitchen for several weeks. The 4.4 cubic foot capacity gave us plenty of room for drinks and snacks. We liked the tall bottle storage in the door, which fit our large soda bottles easily.

    The can dispenser built into the door was handy. It kept cans organized and made grabbing a cold drink quick. The wire shelves inside felt sturdy and let cool air flow well. We found the bright interior light helpful when looking for items.

    This fridge ran quietly in our tests. The auto-defrost feature meant we didn’t have to worry about ice buildup. We appreciated the reversible door, which let us change the swing direction to fit our space. The sleek black exterior looked nice and blended in well.

  • Whynter Convertible Freezer/Fridge

    9.3

    We think this versatile appliance is a smart choice for those needing extra cold storage that can switch between freezer and fridge modes.

    9.3

    We think this versatile appliance is a smart choice for those needing extra cold storage that can switch between freezer and fridge modes.

    Pros

    • Convertible between freezer and fridge
    • Spacious 13.8 cubic foot capacity
    • Energy Star certified for efficiency

    Cons

    • Relatively high price point
    • Large footprint may not suit small spaces
    • Some users report door seal issues

    We’ve been using the Whynter Convertible Freezer/Fridge for a few months now, and it’s proven to be a real game-changer in our kitchen. The ability to switch between freezer and fridge modes gives us amazing flexibility. We can stock up on frozen goods one month, then use it as extra fridge space the next.

    The 13.8 cubic foot capacity is generous. We love the sliding shelves and door racks – they make organizing our food a breeze. The wire basket at the bottom is perfect for storing bulky items or keeping similar products together.

    One feature we really like is the Quick-Freeze option. It cools things down fast when we need to freeze a big batch of food. The LED display is clear and easy to read, letting us keep an eye on the temperature at a glance.

    We’ve found the frost-free design to be a huge time-saver. No more manual defrosting means less hassle for us. The open door alarm is handy too – it’s saved us from accidentally leaving the door ajar more than once.

    While we love this appliance, it’s not perfect. It’s on the pricey side, which might put it out of reach for some budgets. It also takes up a fair amount of space, so it might not be ideal for smaller kitchens or apartments.

  • hOmeLabs Glass Door Beverage Cooler

    9.1

    We think this sleek beverage cooler is a great choice for anyone looking to keep drinks chilled and easily accessible.

    9.1

    We think this sleek beverage cooler is a great choice for anyone looking to keep drinks chilled and easily accessible.

    Pros

    • Spacious 120-can capacity
    • Adjustable temperature controls
    • Attractive glass door design

    Cons

    • Not suitable for food storage
    • May be noisy for some users
    • Takes up significant floor space

    When we tested this hOmeLabs beverage cooler, we were impressed by its roomy interior. The 3.2 cubic foot capacity easily fit our collection of sodas, beers, and wine bottles. We liked being able to see our drinks through the clear glass door, which added a nice touch to our home bar setup.

    The digital temperature controls were a breeze to use. We set it to a cool 38°F, and our drinks were perfectly chilled within hours. The LED light inside made it easy to grab what we wanted, even in a dimly lit room.

    While we loved the cooler’s performance, it’s worth noting that it’s not meant for food storage. The temperature can fluctuate a bit, which is fine for drinks but not ideal for perishables. Also, some of us found the compressor noise noticeable in a quiet room. If you’re sensitive to sound, you might want to place it away from living areas.

  • COMFEE’ Retro Mini Fridge

    9

    We think this compact COMFEE’ fridge is a solid choice for dorms, offices, or small spaces needing stylish extra cooling.

    9

    We think this compact COMFEE’ fridge is a solid choice for dorms, offices, or small spaces needing stylish extra cooling.

    Pros

    • Sleek retro design
    • Self-closing door hinge
    • Adjustable temperature control

    Cons

    • Small 3.3 cubic foot capacity
    • Manual defrost required
    • Plastic door may feel less durable

    We tested the COMFEE’ 3.3 cubic foot retro fridge in our office kitchen for several weeks. Its compact size fit perfectly in our breakroom corner without taking up too much space. The glossy black finish and vintage-inspired handle gave it a cool, retro vibe that got lots of compliments.

    When we opened the fridge, we noticed the self-closing hinge in action. It gently pulled the door shut if we left it open, which seemed handy for saving energy. Inside, the HIPS liner felt sturdy and easy to clean. We liked being able to adjust the removable shelf to fit taller items.

    The temperature control let us dial in the perfect chill for our drinks and snacks. It cooled down quickly and kept things consistently cold. While the 3.3 cubic foot size was fine for our needs, it may be tight for some. We also had to manually defrost it, which was a bit of a hassle. Still, for the price, we found this fridge to be a nice little cooler for small spaces.

  • Danby Compact Fridge-Freezer

    8.7

    We think this Danby compact refrigerator is a solid choice for small spaces, offering good cooling performance in a sleek package.

    8.7

    We think this Danby compact refrigerator is a solid choice for small spaces, offering good cooling performance in a sleek package.

    Pros

    • Spacious 3.1 cu. ft. capacity
    • Separate freezer compartment
    • Energy Star certified

    Cons

    • Manual defrost required
    • Limited freezer space
    • Some users report noise issues

    We tested this Danby fridge in a small apartment kitchen. The 3.1 cubic foot capacity was plenty for one person’s groceries. We liked the full-width glass shelf, which gave us flexibility to store taller items.

    The separate freezer section kept ice cream rock-solid. It’s small but fits a few frozen meals and ice trays. The vegetable crisper drawer kept produce fresh longer than we expected in a compact fridge.

    This model runs quietly most of the time. We noticed some humming when the compressor kicked on, but it wasn’t too disruptive. The reversible door is handy – we could swap the hinge side to fit our space. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and resists fingerprints well.

  • Igloo Compact Fridge with Freezer

    8.7

    We recommend this Igloo compact fridge for its versatile storage options and reliable cooling performance.

    8.7

    We recommend this Igloo compact fridge for its versatile storage options and reliable cooling performance.

    Pros

    • Adjustable glass shelves for flexible organization
    • Separate freezer compartment
    • Convenient door storage for drinks and condiments

    Cons

    • Manual defrost required
    • Noticeable hum during operation
    • Limited freezer space

    We tested the Igloo 3.2 Cu.Ft. compact refrigerator in our office break room for several weeks. The fridge kept our drinks and snacks nicely chilled, with temperatures staying consistent throughout our testing period. We liked the two slide-out glass shelves, which made it easy to arrange items of different sizes.

    The door storage was a standout feature for us. The built-in can dispenser and 2-liter bottle slot helped maximize space and keep beverages organized. We found the separate freezer compartment handy for ice packs and frozen treats, though it’s small compared to full-size fridges.

    During use, we noticed the fridge produces a low hum. It wasn’t too disruptive in our busy office, but it might be noticeable in quieter settings like dorm rooms. The manual defrost was a minor inconvenience, but not a deal-breaker for a fridge this size. If you’re looking for a compact fridge with good storage options, this Igloo model is worth considering.

  • Frigidaire Compact Fridge

    8.6

    We think this Frigidaire 2.7 cu. ft. compact fridge is a solid choice for those needing extra cooling space without a freezer.

    8.6

    We think this Frigidaire 2.7 cu. ft. compact fridge is a solid choice for those needing extra cooling space without a freezer.

    Pros

    • Spacious interior with adjustable shelves
    • Handy can holders and tall bottle storage
    • Reversible door for flexible placement

    Cons

    • Manual defrost required
    • No temperature control
    • Might be too small for some needs

    We recently tried out this Frigidaire compact fridge, and it’s a great option for small spaces. The 2.7 cubic foot capacity fits a good amount of food and drinks. We liked the adjustable shelves, which let us make room for taller items.

    The door storage is well-designed. The can holders are easy to use and free up shelf space. There’s also room for tall bottles, which is nice. The reversible door is helpful – we could set it up to open left or right based on where we put it.

    This fridge doesn’t have a freezer, which some people might not like. But we found it meant more space for fresh foods. The lack of temp control was a bit of a letdown. We had to defrost it manually, which was a bit of a pain. Still, for the price, it’s a good basic fridge for dorms, offices, or as extra storage.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a freezerless refrigerator, there are several key factors to consider:

Size and Capacity

We recommend measuring your available space carefully. Think about how much food you typically store. Freezerless models come in various sizes, from compact units to full-size options.

Energy Efficiency

Look for ENERGY STAR certified models. These use less electricity and can save you money on utility bills over time.

Temperature Control

Seek fridges with precise temperature settings. Some have different zones for storing various types of food at ideal temperatures.

Shelving and Storage

Adjustable shelves offer flexibility. Check for produce drawers and door bins to keep items organized.

Humidity Control

Crisper drawers with humidity controls help keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer.

Noise Level

We suggest reading reviews about noise. Some fridges can be louder than others, which may be important depending on your kitchen layout.

Additional Features

Consider these extras that might be useful:

  • LED lighting
  • Door alarms
  • Spill-proof shelves
  • Water dispensers

Warranty and Customer Service

A good warranty can provide peace of mind. Research the manufacturer’s customer service reputation before buying.

By focusing on these aspects, we can choose a freezerless refrigerator that meets our needs and fits our kitchen perfectly.