subject: The Best Compact Refrigerator for Your Needs [print this page] The Best Compact Refrigerator for Your Needs
Looking for a compact refrigerator can be pretty confusing because of the huge number of models to choose from. Though before starting to look at the different models there are a few things to think about first.
Space/Capacity:
How much room do you have for your compact refrigerator? Does it need to be built in or can it stand on it's own? How much food/drink do you need it to hold?
Longevity:
Just as there are many different brands of compact refrigerators each brand lasts a different amount of time and is meant for different types of usage. The average compact refrigerator lasts anywhere from 7-10 years as long as it is being used as it is meant to.
Usage:
Some refrigerators are made for daily use and others are for more occasional use. Is this going to be used as a dorm refrigerator? Do you need a compact freezer? Do you need a small refrigerator because of the small space you live in such as an apartment refrigerator?
Compact Refrigerator Brands
Now that you know what to ask, it's time to take a look at the brands of smaller refrigerators on the market. Most people think to just look for a brand that they already know but if you haven't already bought a compact refrigerator your first inclination is probably to pick a brand that makes full size refrigerators. Typically this isn't the case because a compact refrigerator is much different. As you start your research you will see names of brands you probably have never seen before. This is because compact refrigerators, apartment refrigerators and even compact freezers are a specialty market and in order to do this well you need to specialize in it.
The brands we prefer are Avanti, Danby, Suppentown, Whirlpool (yes they do make compact refrigerators too!) Other brands to consider are GE, Kenmore, Haier, Marvel, Viking and Sanyo. Each of these brands caters to a different marketplace which is why you will need to do your research before buying one. Here's a good example:
Haier Refrigerator: These refrigerators are made for smaller spaces and everyday use. They have several models of apartment refrigerator as well as dorm refrigerators.
Marvel Refrigerator: This company excells in making a very luxurious product which is great for offices as well as for great rooms or bar areas.
Take the time to do your homework and you will be pleasantly surprised at how much usage you will get out of your small refrigerator.
