September 2008
Features
Compact refrigerators generally have few features, usually a single door, some shelves, and perhaps a drawer and soda-can
dispenser. The freezer is typically a niche created with the unit's cooling coils. Interior lights are uncommon, and you won't
find such features as meat drawers and crispers, which are found on most full-sized refrigerators.
Important features
Interior layout. Tall and medium models often have shelves and door bins you can raise, lower, or remove. Glass shelves contain spills better than wire shelves. Some tall and medium models have a drawer and a door-mounted beverage stacker, which holds a vertical stack of cans. Small cubes typically have just one nonadjustable shelf, except for the Haier HRT02WNC, which has two.
Locking door. You might not need one around the house, but you'll welcome being able to thwart freeloading co-workers or roommates in an office or dorm. You'll find this convenience on the tall Frigidaire FRC05L5D[B], Haier HMSE03WA[WW], and medium Frigidaire FRC03L2D[W].
Separate freezer compartment. The tall Avanti 308YWT was the only model with a separate freezer instead of the usual enclosed area within the refrigerator compartment. It also scored best for freezing, though not refrigerating.
Less-important features
Finish. Compact refrigerators come in different colors and finishes, including black, white, and faux stainless steel and wood grain. Black is most popular, perhaps because it blends into many décors, and a stainless-look metallic finish is a close second. Bracketed letters or numbers following some model designations in the Ratings are the manufacturer's color codes. (Learn more about these codes and how Consumer Reports tests products.)
Ice-cube tray. Even tall models often have just one. The tray produces miniature ice cubes, which melt quickly.
Interior light. Only the tall Avanti 308YWT has one. We think it's easy enough to find whatever you're looking for in a compact refrigerator without a light.
Important features
Interior layout. Tall and medium models often have shelves and door bins you can raise, lower, or remove. Glass shelves contain spills better than wire shelves. Some tall and medium models have a drawer and a door-mounted beverage stacker, which holds a vertical stack of cans. Small cubes typically have just one nonadjustable shelf, except for the Haier HRT02WNC, which has two.
Locking door. You might not need one around the house, but you'll welcome being able to thwart freeloading co-workers or roommates in an office or dorm. You'll find this convenience on the tall Frigidaire FRC05L5D[B], Haier HMSE03WA[WW], and medium Frigidaire FRC03L2D[W].
Separate freezer compartment. The tall Avanti 308YWT was the only model with a separate freezer instead of the usual enclosed area within the refrigerator compartment. It also scored best for freezing, though not refrigerating.
Less-important features
Finish. Compact refrigerators come in different colors and finishes, including black, white, and faux stainless steel and wood grain. Black is most popular, perhaps because it blends into many décors, and a stainless-look metallic finish is a close second. Bracketed letters or numbers following some model designations in the Ratings are the manufacturer's color codes. (Learn more about these codes and how Consumer Reports tests products.)
Ice-cube tray. Even tall models often have just one. The tray produces miniature ice cubes, which melt quickly.
Interior light. Only the tall Avanti 308YWT has one. We think it's easy enough to find whatever you're looking for in a compact refrigerator without a light.
