The Best Freezerless Refrigerators Reviewed! 2023

So. Freezerless refrigerators are really a thing. I never really thought I needed one until my freezer just froze shut. Apparently, never opening your freezer for months does that. It’s a damn waste of electricity. As a… um… conscientious member of society, it is my duty to minimize my carbon footprint (I’m too broke to be wasting money on something I don’t use). So, I decided to scrap my regular refrigerator and get a freezerless refrigerator. Not only would it give me a bit more extra space, it’ll let me save some electricity.

Refrigeration is one of the most important technology ever invented by man.

There is no doubt about that. Without refrigerators, how would you keep that sandwich fresh for 3 months before it starts mutating into a blob monster? It can keep meat fresh for months at a time- which I don’t really recommend unless you plan to stock up for the apocalypse but hey it works!

The Best Freezerless Refrigerators Reviewed! 2023

So. Freezerless refrigerators are really a thing. I never really thought I needed one until my freezer just froze shut. Apparently, never opening your freezer for months does that. It’s a damn waste of electricity. As a… um… conscientious member of society, it is my duty to minimize my carbon footprint (I’m too broke to be wasting money on something I don’t use). So, I decided to scrap my regular refrigerator and get a freezerless refrigerator. Not only would it give me a bit more extra space, but it’ll also let me save some electricity.

Refrigeration is one of the most important technology ever invented by man.

There is no doubt about that. Without refrigerators, how would you keep that sandwich fresh for 3 months before it starts mutating into a blob monster? It can keep meat fresh for months at a time- which I don’t really recommend unless you plan to stock up for the apocalypse but hey it works!

Our Top Freezerless Refrigerator Picks for 2023

ImageProductDimensionPrice
Danby Designer Compact All
Danby Designer Compact All

20.08 x 17.72 x 26.93 in

HOMCOM 3.2 Cubic Feet Refrigerator
HOMCOM 3.2 Cubic Feet Refrigerator

‎18.75 x 17.5 x 33 in

Danby DAR044A5BSLDD Compact All
Danby DAR044A5BSLDD Compact All

‎20.16 x 20.16 x 33.16 in

Avanti Apartment Size Refrigerator
Avanti Apartment Size Refrigerator

‎55.75 x 21.75 x 23.5 in

Summit FF195ADA16-Refrigerator
Summit FF195ADA16-Refrigerator

19 x 17.25 x 32.5 in

Danby DAR110A1WDD Refrigerator
Danby DAR110A1WDD Refrigerator

26.06 x 23.94 x 58.75 in

Avanti Apartment Size Refrigerator
Ice-O-Matic Undercounter Self

22.62 x 14.87 x 33.37 in

ON REFRIGERATORS

Freezerless refrigerators really work for people like me. I don’t really cook much so I don’t need to store meat long-term. I don’t really need ice cubes most of the time and I’m not an ice cream fiend so really, there isn’t much logic in keeping a freezer. It also forces me to eat fresh food. I mean you can safely keep the meat refrigerated for 3-5 days before they go bad. That’s more than enough time.

You don’t have to get the best freezerless refrigerator out there. I mean, a lot of us have a strict budget, right? The best can get expensive. Also, the term “best” is pretty subjective. How would we judge the “best” freezerless refrigerator? Storage space? Cooling power? Power efficiency? All three?

Whatever you end up with would be extremely subjective. So, instead of looking for the best Freezerless Refrigerator reviews, how about we give you a detailed analysis of each one of the freezerles refrigerators? Give you details on what they can and they can’t do. That way, you can make an informed decision and get the best bang for your buck.

CONSIDERATIONS

When choosing any appliance, one must consider your needs. Everyone has different needs and different refrigerators to match said needs.

Storage space

Everyone has different capacity needs. A family of four has different storage needs than that of a single unmarried yuppie. Maybe you need something that falls somewhere in the middle. This is really an important factor. Sure you can get the biggest freezerless refrigerator out there but it’d be a waste of money and space. You’ll be basically keeping an empty space cold – basically, that fridge would be like your ex-wife cold and empty where her heart would be.

Storage space storage space

It’s a simple concept, a bigger freezer has a bigger footprint. If you live in an apartment the size of a postage stamp then you can’t really fit in a large freezerless refrigerator. You have to decide on a compromise somewhere. It’s simple really. To figure out how much space you need you to have to find the DHPC (daily hot pocket consumption). Then, Find the storage volume of your refrigerator and find the volume of a hot pocket (Vhp). Assuming a one-week hot pocket supply, multiply the volume of the hot pocket with the DHPC multiplied by seven (Vhp x 7 x DHPC = total hot pocket weekly volume). You can then subtract the total weekly volume from the total storage volume of the refrigerator. The result would give you the number of days with hot pockets and you can make a decision from that.

Side note: one must also consider the late-night to stubbing factor. Is the freezerless refrigerator so big that when it’s late at night and you want some food you’re going to end up stubbing your toe against an exposed corner? That will happen. Guaranteed.

Science Stuff

You can’t really put a freezer too close to a wall otherwise it’ll compromise performance. There’s this thing called thermodynamics and the law of conservation of energy. You’re not really making something cold, you’re just moving the heat somewhere else. The refrigerator dissipates the heat into the atmosphere. Being too close to a wall compromises that. Most units need around 2-3 inches of space at the back so that would be an important consideration.

Energy consumption

There has been a buzzword in recent years and that’s “inverter”. What the hell is that? Basically, inverters allow fine control of power delivery. In the past, refrigerators really only had two settings, on and off. They keep running until they hit the target temperature then it automatically shuts the compressor off. This on and off increases energy consumption. Why? You see you need a power surge when you start a compressor. Those short power surges add up eventually. Inverters prevent that from happening leaving you with significant power savings. There is no need to consider anything else. Find something with an inverter.

Reliability

Refrigerators are pretty reliable. We had one that kept on ticking for 15 years. So really, if you don’t live in a completely horrible environment those things are pretty much guaranteed to run longer than an average marriage. That said, newer models have modern electronics. Modern electronics tend to live short lives. What you should consider is the warranty. Newer machines have more sensitive electronics susceptible to breakage so you really need a comprehensive warranty to protect your investment and save yourself the hassle.

Design

It’s a box. It’s a box that’s cold inside. Really. I’m the last person you’d ask for an opinion on design. If it’s not bright pink then it’s fine.

Why should you buy a Freezerless Refrigerator?

You don’t need a freezer – why pay for something you don’t need?


  • Money savings – less electricity consumption. In general, keeping something really cold needs more electricity. You don’t really have to keep food really cold. Just cold enough for your food not to turn into edible poisonous goo.
  • Space savings – you get to save some vertical space. Instead of space for more deep frozen peas, you get space for hot pockets and beer.
  • You use your refrigerator to keep drinks cool – if you’re using it mainly as beer storage. It’s a good way to keep beverages cool.
  • Less maintenance – doesn’t really apply to newer models. You used to need to defrost freezers from time to time. Most new models are frost free. You don’t need to defrost them.

Different types of Frezzerless Refrigerators


  • Drawer-type freezers – these can blend seamlessly into your kitchen but it’s definitely more expensive.
  • Full-sized freezers – these come in double-door or single-door versions. Perfect if you’ve got plenty of space to spare.
  • Mini-fridge – perfect for small rooms or if you just need something to keep your drinks cold.
  • Chest-type fridge – these refrigerators are opened from the top. More commonly used in commercial applications. Plenty of utility space.

2023 Best Freezerless Refrigerators

1. Danby Designer DAR026A1BDD Compact All Refrigerator

1. Danby Designer DAR026A1BDD Compact All Refrigerator
Description
Item Model NumberDAR026A1BDD
Item Weight46.3 pounds
Product Dimensions20.1 x 17.7 x 27 inches
Capacity2.6 cubic_feet
InstallationFree Standing
Form FactorStand Alone
Voltage120 volts
Door Material TypeSteel
CertificationEnergy Star
Material TypeSteel

The Danby Designer DAR026A1BDD Compact All Refrigerator is pretty nice. You can choose between 1.7 to 4.4 cu. ft. with colors ranging from all white, all black, and spotless steel. With its 2.6 cu. ft. capacity, it can provide a lot of space for storing foods and drinks.

It is only over 2′ tall, so it can be placed on the floor or countertop. If you are looking for something that you can place in your dorm room or other small spaces, this freezerless refrigerator is a great option. It features Danby’s CanStor beverage dispenser and can easily store tall bottles. For beer aficionados out there I can happily report that it has 8-can door storage.

It also comes with a scratch-resistant worktop where you can store accessories. It’s also energy star compliant – so it has excellent power consumption. The freezerless refrigerator is backed by a warranty on labor and parts for 8 months.​

Pros

  • Very Compact
  • Has lots of excellent features
  • Excellent Price

Cons

  • Limited Color Choice
  • Not Inverter

2. HOMCOM 3.2 Cubic Feet Refrigerator

2. HOMCOM 3.2 Cubic Feet Refrigerator
Description
Item Model NumberHC32SA42SB
Item Weight48 pounds
Product Dimensions19.7 x 31.5 x 17.5 inches
Capacity3.2 cubic_feet
InstallationFree Standing
Form FactorStand Alone
Voltage120 volts
Door HingesReversible
Door Material TypeStainless-Steel
Certificationnone
Material TypeStainless-Steel

The HOMCOM 3.2 Cubic Feet Refrigerator comes in 5 flavors. You can get 1.7, 2.7, 3.2, 4.0, and 4.5 cubic foot iterations. This review is for the 3.2 cubic ft. version.

The first thing that really stood out for me was the built-in door can dispenser. Pretty cool… beer! You can also store two 2-liter bottles of soda in the door. It has 3 glass food shelves with 6 notches so you can fit pretty much anything (within reason).

It’s relatively compact so it can be a perfect fridge for small rooms like offices, garages, dorm rooms, and small apartments. The HOMCOM 3.2 Cubic Feet Refrigerator comes with a 5-year warranty on the compressor and a 1-year warranty on parts.

Pros

  • Can Dispenser
  • Large Storage Front Door
  • Glass shelving

Cons

  • Glass Shelving can prevent proper circulation

3. Avanti RA7316PST 2-Door Apartment Size Refrigerator

3. Avanti RA7316PST 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator
Description
Item Model NumberRA7316PST
Item Weight92 pounds
Product Dimensions23 x 21.5 x 56 inches
Capacity7.4 cubic_feet
InstallationFree Standing
Form FactorStand Alone
Special FeaturesHigh-quality glass shelving
Voltage120 volts
Connector TypeWater Line
DefrostCycle Defrost
Door Material TypeSteel
Compatible DeviceCustom Panels
CertificationEnergy Star
Material TypeSteel

The Avanti RA7316PST 2-Door Apartment Size Refrigerator is one of the larger refrigerators reviewed. At 7.4 cubic feet, it has a pretty good capacity. If you’re worried that it’ll take up a lot of space well, worry no more. It measures less than two feet deep and wide. The footprint of the refrigerator is small enough for tiny apartments, but it offers a large amount of space for storage.

It also features reversible doors so you’ve got options when it comes to installation. Inside, it features removable door bins and adjustable glass shelving. It also has a crisper right at the bottom. It has an ice cube tray and an interior light.

Since it is Energy Star-rated, you are assured that it can help you save money. The features of this refrigerator make it easy to organize and access items. The refrigerator is also ideal for office spaces, hotels, and dormitories.

Pros

  • Large Capacity
  • Compact for its CU capacity
  • Lots of modular shelving
  • Energy star compliant
  • Cycle defrost

Cons

  • Not Inverter

4. Summit FF195ADA16-2/3-Cubic-Foot All-Refrigerator

4. Summit FF195ADA16 2 3 Cubic Foot All Refrigerator
Description
Item Model NumberFRU17B2JW
Item Weight209 pounds
Product Dimensions29.1 x 32 x 65.9 inches
Capacity16.7 cubic feet
Form FactorStand Alone
DefrostFrost Free

The Summit FF195ADA All-Refrigerator is the heavyweight here. With a capacity of 16-2/3 cup. ft. you can probably stash a dead body in there. It comes with 2 fixed and 2 adjustable wire shelves, a trivet, and 5 door racks. You can move the adjustable shelves to put smaller or larger items in the fridge. Measuring 26-1/2″ x 32″ x 64-1/2″, it definitely takes up a lot of floor space so you have to consider that.

The Summit FF195ADA All-Refrigerator works in a temperature environment as low as 10⁰F so you can get away with placing this thing in your garage. The thing I like about the Frigidaire is the fact that it is frost free – which means less maintenance. You won’t have to dig through a foot of ice to free your containers with this bad boy. Allegedly, this refrigerator is easy to clean. You just need to wash the exterior and interior as well as detachable parts with warm water and mild detergent and wipe them dry with a soft fabric. It is backed by a 1-year warranty

Pros

  • Frost Free
  • Plenty of Space
  • Can operate at 10⁰F

Cons

  • Not for small apartments
  • Not energy star compliant

5. Danby DAR044A4BDD Compact All Refrigerator, Spotless Steel Door, 4.4 Cubic Feet

5. Danby DAR044A4BDD Compact All Refrigerator 1
Description
Item Model NumberDAR044A5BSLDD
Item Weight75 pounds
Product Dimensions21.1 x 20.7 x 33.1 inches
Capacity4.4 Cubic Feet
InstallationFree Standing
Form FactorStand Alone
Voltage120 volts
Door Material TypeSteel
Material TypeSteel

The Danby DAR044A5BSLDD Compact All Refrigerator is one of the prettier-looking fridges around. That stainless steel door just looks great. Again, with all Danby’s, they’ve got great can storage. It features 8-can storage integrated right into the door. The amount of modularity here is impressive. You can switch around the trays in the door storage and in the main storage. It has 2 full shelves and a single half shelf (all completely adjustable).

The temperature switch is mechanical (which is a hell of a lot less prone to breaking) It has reversible door hinges so you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to placement.

The spotless-steel finish and automatic defrost system make cleaning and maintaining the unit easily. The worktop is scratch-resistant and allows you to store various accessories. The refrigerator is energy star compliant and is backed by an 18-month warranty on labor and parts.

Pros

  • Stainless Steel Front
  • Compact Size
  • Lots of Shelving options
  • Energy Star Compliant
  • Beer Storage

Cons

  • Would have loved to have one more shelf.

6. Danby DAR110A1WDD 11 Cu. Ft. All Refrigerator

6. Danby DAR110A1WDD 11 Cu. Ft. All Refrigerator
Description
Item Model NumberDAR110A1WDD
Item Weight130.1 pounds
Product Dimensions26.1 x 23.9 x 58.8 inches
Capacity11 Cubic Feet
Form FactorStand Alone

The Danby DAR110A1WDD 11 cubic feet All Refrigerator provides a lot of storage space. If you need a reliable all-fridge, this unit definitely suits you. It provides 11 cu. ft. of storage area. Its door features an integrated handle and reversible hinge, so you can set it to open in any direction. The interior is well-lit, making it easy to organize items. The refrigerator also comes with integrated door shelves which feature a CanStor door liner, integrated door shelves, and a built-in egg compartment. It has four-and-a-half glass shelves that can be adjusted with ease.

The freezerless refrigerator is Energy Star-rated and comes with a state-of-the-art mechanical thermostat, so it can help you save on your electricity bills. The Danby DAR110A1WDD 11 cubic feet All Refrigerator is backed by an 18-month warranty on labor and parts as well as in-home service. It features an eco-friendly R600a refrigerant and scratch-resistant worktop.

Pros

  • Good Capacity
  • Glass Shelving
  • Energy Star Compliant

Cons

  • Boring Beer Storage(what the hell Danby)

ICE MAKERS Review

1. Ice-O-Matic Undercounter Self-Contained Commercial Ice Maker

1. Ice O Matic Undercounter Self Contained Commercial Ice Maker
Description
Item Model NumberGEMU090
Item Weight133 pounds
Product Dimensions18 x 28 x 41 inches

If you bought a freezerless refrigerator, you’re going to need an ice maker. The Ice-O-Matic Undercounter Self-Contained Commercial Ice Maker is one impressive (and expensive) machine. You definitely get what you pay for.

Looks wise it’s definitely pretty. It has sleek lines and the stainless steel finish definitely looks modern industrial chic. At 18 x 28 x 41 it can easily fit under the counter. It’s also rated for outdoor use (depending on ambient temps) so you can place it on your patio.

While it is compact, it can still produce 85 pounds of pearl ice every day. If you’re wondering what pearl ice is, it’s the latest craze today. The ice is chewable, soft, odor-free, and crystal-clear. It mixes easily into your drinks.

With the Ice-O-Matic Undercounter Commercial Ice Maker, you don’t have to deal with ice nugget rejects. It works quietly, making it perfect for offices or break rooms.

Installation​

The installation wasn’t too complicated. With the gravity drain model, in particular, you’re going to need to get 5/8-inch plastic tubing. You then have to connect that to the elbow inside the back plate to get condensed water into your drain. The water intake is ¼ inch copper pipe designed for compression fittings. You may need to purchase new tubing to fit it properly​.

The ice maker is also NSF and ETL-approved. The simple 115V plug-in design of the ice maker ensures that it will complement your interior design. It is also backed by a 2-year warranty on labor and parts.

Pros

  • Pearl Ice
  • Silent
  • Conserves Water

Cons

  • Higher Power Consumption
  • Needs Special Pipes

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