Mini-refrigerators: which is better to choose + an overview of the best models and brands

How to choose an inexpensive and high-quality refrigerator

The expression "inexpensive refrigerator" here means household appliances worth up to 25,000 rubles. To buy inexpensive and good fridge let's figure out what characteristics possessed by equipment of this level and what functionality you can count on for this money.

Dimensions and dimensions of the refrigerator

Refrigerators of the low price segment have a wide variety of sizes, so when buying such equipment you do not have to be content with small dimensions. For very small kitchens, it is worth buying refrigerators with a height of 120-150 cm in order to place a microwave on top. There are underbench models 80-100 cm, which saves space even more

Pay attention to the width of the technique.The narrowest indicator is 50-54 cm

For a spacious kitchen, dimensions do not matter and you can look at larger refrigerators with a height of 170-200 cm in height and 60-65 cm in width.

Compressor type

Noise level and power consumption depend on the type of compressor. Today, refrigerator manufacturers offer two equipment options.

• linear compressor;
• inverter compressor.

Linear compressor

It consists of a piston pump and a magnetic coil. The device works from the relay: when the temperature in the chamber rises, the compressor turns on. When the set level is reached, the motor turns off. Users hear such periods of activity quite distinctly, which can make it difficult to rest at night. In most cases, inexpensive refrigerators are equipped with this type of compressor.

inverter compressor

The inverter compressor is also made with a piston and coil, but it works non-stop. Only the frequency of cold injection changes. In it, alternating current is converted to direct current, so there is no strong vibration and rumbling. This ensures noise reduction and more economical consumption of electricity (most of it is spent when starting the motor, which is carried out here only once when plugged into a socket). But among inexpensive refrigerators with inverter technology, there are only a few models.

Refrigerator defrost system

Ease of use, energy consumption and quality of food preservation depend on the defrosting system.

Drip defrost system

This option is the cheapest and is found in most inexpensive refrigerators.It implies that the freezer will be defrosted manually (every 4-6 months), and the refrigeration compartment, during periods of compressor downtime, will thaw on its own. Water drops into the drain channel and either evaporates from the hot compressor or is poured out by the user.

No Frost only in the freezer

This option is more expensive and does not require defrosting the freezer. Frost does not form in it. Ice in the refrigerator compartment is removed during periods of defrosting by draining water into the tray. Only a few of the cheap models are equipped with such a system.

No Frost in Freezer and Cooling Compartment

The implementation of No Frost in both cameras is the most comfortable for users, since it does not require any maintenance. But in cheap refrigerators, such a solution is simply not to be found.

Control type

There are two types of control. Electromechanical means a thermal relay, which opens when the set temperature is reached. To set the desired response threshold, a wheel is provided on the side wall or top panel of the refrigerator. It is this type of control that will be in an inexpensive model.

Mechanical control of the refrigerator.

Electronic control allows you to more accurately regulate the temperature in the chambers due to ultra-sensitive sensors. Such devices can have a display and even touch control, but are not found in budget models.

Electronic refrigerator control.

Energy class

Among inexpensive refrigerators, there are energy classes: B, A, A +. The last option will be the most economical. Compared to B, it can consume 50% less electricity.

Anything above the 30dB threshold will stand out above the natural noise in the room and may cause discomfort, especially at night.

Inexpensive models can have an operating volume of 35 to 50 dB, which is important to consider when installing (studio apartment, dorm room, etc.)

Beko

This brand is from Turkey. The first Beko refrigerator was designed and produced in the distant 1960s, and since 2005, the production of equipment has been opened in Russia.

The manufacturer's arsenal includes a huge number of non-standard models - narrow, wide under glass and even side-by-side. Expert developers try to keep up with the times and meticulously monitor the functionality and manufacturability of their units. Among Beko refrigerators, you can choose a simple and reliable device or a more sophisticated model at a higher price. They will be united by an economical energy consumption class, but a fairly noticeable noise level. Also, when choosing, you should carefully monitor the quality of performance.

Three best models from BEKO

1. BEKO RCNK 270K20W
2. BEKO CNMV 5310EC0W
3. BEKO DS 333020

Best Inexpensive Drip Refrigerators

The drip defrosting system has a simple design, the principle of its operation is based on the presence of condensation. Refrigerators have a built-in defrost system that controls the amount of ice. As soon as it reaches the norm, the system turns off the compressor, and the wall of the equipment gradually heats up. At this time, ice begins to melt, drops of which flow into a drain container, it can be a tray or a bath. Over time, the water evaporates from there, without causing discomfort to the owner.The rating presents budget refrigerators with a drip defrost system, it was built according to the results of comparative tests. A total of 7 nominees were evaluated, of which 3 models were selected.

Stinol STS 167

A capacious refrigerator with a drip system has a freezing capacity of up to 2 kg per day. Its dimensions are 60x167x62 cm, the refrigerator has a volume of 195 liters, and the freezer - 104 liters. It contains all the necessary products, has door shelves in which cans are conveniently placed. The refrigerator compartment has three compartments of different sizes, as well as 2 sliding glass drawers. The freezer has three drawers. The model works uninterruptedly, does not stop its functions until 15 hours after being disconnected from the mains. It has a steel color, will fit into any kitchen interior. It does not create problems with the defrosting process, the water evaporates quickly, allowing you not to dry it.

Advantages:

• Good color;
• Large volume of chambers;
• High power;
• Built-in hands;
• Good lighting.

Flaws:

Not suitable for a family, more than 4 people.

The reviews show that this is a good inexpensive refrigerator copes with its functions, quickly cools food and instantly freezes them. After turning off the power supply, it keeps the cold inside for up to 15 hours, without endangering the products in case of force majeure.

Pozis RK-149S

The two-chamber modern refrigerator with an Embraco compressor is characterized by practicality, efficiency, has built-in energy-saving LED lamps that create heat even in the farthest corners of the device. All boxes are durable and spacious, they do not leave stains and traces of products, easy to clean.Their strength allows you to store even frozen foods with a lot of weight. The shelves can withstand a load of up to 40 kg, they can easily change their height, and allow you to place pots and bottles of any height inside. The refrigerator compartment withstands exactly the same load, allowing you to store meat, fish, frozen vegetables and fruits.

Advantages:

• Spacious;
• Lots of boxes;
• Good freezer;
• Beautiful design;
• Comfortable handles.

Flaws:

Not detected.

Biryusa 542

A small inexpensive refrigerator has one compartment, represented by small dimensions: 60X62.5X145 cm. The total volume is 275 liters, it is suitable for 1-2 people. Inside there are 4 spacious shelves, as well as small shelves in the door. It is defrosted with a drip system, does not create discomfort, does not require monthly cleaning. It can withstand up to 53 kg of weight, so it allows you to place frozen meat, vegetables, and canned food inside. The model is presented in white color, made of plastic and metal. There is no freezer inside, so the refrigerator does not fulfill all its direct functions.

Advantages:

• capacity;
• Quality material;
• High reliability;
• Many shelves.

Flaws:

• No freezer;
• High noise level.

The reviews emphasize that the model was created only for cooling food, so it is worth purchasing an additional freezer to freeze them. They also note a high noise level, the equipment is located mainly in the kitchen, which has a door.

5 KRAFT BC(W)-50

A very small refrigerator with a volume of only 50 liters.This model is often chosen for installation in the office or in the country - where storage of a large amount of products is not required. Despite the literally tiny dimensions, the manufacturer managed to fit into the model even a small freezer with a volume of 5 liters, where the temperature is maintained up to -24C. Otherwise, according to the characteristics, it is extremely simple - manual defrosting, the average noise level is up to 45 dB.

Users in the reviews write that for such a low cost there can be no complaints about this refrigerator. It works quietly, holds a sufficient amount of products, if you use it in the country or at work, it takes up a minimum of space. It performs its main function perfectly, and that's all that is required of it.

The best mini fridges without a freezer

Let's start a kind of rating of mini refrigerators with single-chamber models. They have a simple design, are inexpensive and are especially popular among buyers.

Liebherr T 1810

Sufficiently roomy and reliable refrigerator, shining with the purity of the white case, will perfectly fit into the atmosphere of any room. It has an electromechanical control system and almost silent operation - only 39 dB. The designers have provided a drip defrosting system, which greatly simplifies maintenance.

The inner compartment has four tempered glass shelves and a pair of transparent drawers for fruits and herbs. Lighting provided. The door has a convenient handle and can be hung on any side. On its inside there are two plastic shelves for jars and bottles of different sizes and a compartment for eggs.

Main characteristics:

• energy consumption 120 kWh/year, class A+;
• dimensions 850x601x628 mm;
• the volume of the refrigerating chamber is 161 l;
• weight 39.1 kg.

Advantages Liebherr T 1810

1. Good capacity.
2. Economical work.
3. Ease of use.
4. Quality build.
5. Low noise level.

Cons Liebherr T 1810

1. It is inconvenient to remove the condensate container located near the compressor.
2. The lamp switch is stuck.

Conclusion. This refrigerator can be put in the country, in the workshop or office. It is wide enough, so its top surface is suitable as a table or stand for something.

ATLANT X 1401-100

Another fairly roomy model. It has a mechanical control system with a rotary temperature control knob located on the inner wall. Drip defrosting is provided. There is a lighting lamp. The noise level of the compressor can reach 42 dB.

The refrigerator compartment has three glass shelves, the height of which can be set at your discretion, and a spacious drawer made of transparent plastic for vegetables and fruits. It is possible to attach the door on any side. It has a hidden handle, which is an advantage in tight spaces. On its inner side there are 5 plastic pockets for jars, bottles or boxes of various sizes.

Main characteristics:

• energy consumption 112 kWh/year, class A+;
• dimensions 850x480x445 mm;
• the volume of the refrigerating chamber is 91 l;
• weight 21.5 kg.

Watch product video

Advantages of ATLANT X 1401-100

1. Quite a large interior space.
2. Profitability.
3. Comfortable and adjustable design.
4. Affordable cost.
5. Three-year manufacturer's warranty.

Cons ATLANT X 1401-100

1. Perceptible noise level.
2. Poor leg adjustment.

Conclusion.This inexpensive and reliable model is often bought for installation at work or in the country. With a fairly significant height, it has a very small width and depth. It is suitable for narrow niches.

Biryusa 50

This model is available in two color options: white or metallic. He has a mechanical control method and manual defrosting. The total noise level is 42 dB. Warranty 1 year.

The interior space is divided into two halves by a metal shelf. The door with a hidden handle can be hung from either side. It is equipped with a pair of niches, in the lower of which large bottles and bags of dairy products or juice are placed.

Main characteristics:

• energy consumption 106 kWh/year, class A+;
• dimensions 492x472x450 mm;
• the volume of the refrigerating chamber is 45 l;
• weight 15 kg.

Watch product video

Benefits of Biryusa 50

1. Small size. Can be placed on a table or shelf.
2. Metal-painted products have a built-in lock that can be locked with a key.
3. Very low price.

Cons of Biryusa 50

1. The compressor often turns on and makes a lot of noise.
2. There is no backlight.
3. Unreliable limiter of the lower shelf of the door.

Conclusion. The most budget option. It is applied where at the minimum expenses it is necessary to receive a reliable source of cold. The volume of the chamber is small, but sufficient for the whole family to relax on the weekend in the country.

Advantages and disadvantages

All refrigerators with automatic defrost have their advantages and disadvantages. If you are looking for just such a unit, you will be interested to know what their essence is. Let's start with the cons, as they are what make you refuse to buy.

So, the negative characteristics are as follows:

• No frost refrigerators are noisy.As an expert, I can say that there are basically noisy and not very noisy refrigerators on the market. Regarding No Frost, I note that you will hear several types of noise - from the compressor, fan, from a special air damper, and, in fact, freon. But (!) this does not mean that the device rumbles like a tractor - it all depends on the manufacturer and personal perception of sounds. We will consider all decibels of review models in more detail in a practical description;
• you will be required to carefully package the products before storing them. There is some truth in this, and it's really not always convenient. However, do not think that you have to carefully wrap each apple. It is enough to store food in a sealed container, which happens every day, and cover cheese, sausage and something similar with cling film;
• Know Frost is very energy-intensive - indeed, such devices are more energy-intensive compared to models with drip and manual defrosting. Here you have to sacrifice something - either functionality or light costs. A high energy efficiency class will help smooth out costs.

I will describe the positive characteristics in this vein:

• practice shows that today refrigerators with No Frost provide the best quality of food storage. If you correctly set the temperature regime and purchase a fresh product, it will last much longer than in similar models, retaining freshness, color and other properties revered by nutritionists;
• automatic defrosting is really convenient. I myself have been using such a refrigerator for seven years and believe me, I have no regrets. I forgot what defrosting is and I never turn off the appliance from the mains, only once a year I wipe the freezer from the air, and the refrigerated shelves a little more often.There is no smell (even with my purely bachelor's departure), there is no frost, there are no problems. Believe me, such devices are the best option for busy people, large families, in general, for everyone.