I tested 8 freezerless refrigerators over the past three months, and the results changed how I think about kitchen storage. A freezerless refrigerator, also called an all-refrigerator or column refrigerator, is built for one job: keeping fresh food cold. By skipping the freezer compartment, you get fuller shelves, wider drawers, and more usable space for produce, beverages, and party platters.
If you entertain often, run a home bar, or already own a separate chest freezer, the best freezerless refrigerators give you the storage of a full-size fridge without wasting space on an ice cube tray. Our team compared noise levels, energy use, and real-world temperature consistency across 8 models for 2026. This guide covers the winners, what we learned, and which size actually fits your garage, basement, or kitchen.
Top 3 Picks for Best Freezerless Refrigerators in 2026
BLACK+DECKER 17 Cu. Ft. Convertible…
- 17 cu. ft. capacity
- ENERGY STAR rated
- Frost free design
- Garage ready
KoolMore 21 cu. ft. Convertible
- 21 cu. ft. capacity
- 2-in-1 fridge/freezer
- Clear shelves
- Door alarm
Upstreman 3.2 Cu.Ft All-Refrigerator
- 3.2 cu. ft. capacity
- ENERGY STAR
- 7-level thermostat
- Reversible door
Best Freezerless Refrigerators in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 17 Cu. Ft. Convertible |
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| KoolMore 21 cu. ft. Upright Convertible |
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 Smad 21 cu.ft Upright Convertible |
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 Hamilton Beach 6.8 cu ft Convertible |
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 roomwell E-Star 3.3 Cu Ft Mini Fridge |
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| Upstreman 3.2 Cu.Ft All-Refrigerator |
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 Frigidaire Professional 19 cu. ft. Single Door |
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 SMETA 21 Cu. Ft Upright Freezer with Drawers |
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1. BLACK+DECKER 17 Cu. Ft. Convertible Refrigerator – Best Overall
BLACK+DECKER 17 Cu. Ft. Convertible Freezer Refrigerator, BUC1700XS
17 cu. ft. capacity
Frost free operation
ENERGY STAR rated
Pros
- Convertible freezer-to-fridge design
- Frost free technology
- Quiet operation
- Electronic control with LED display
- Sabbath Mode included
Cons
- Door alignment issues reported
- Tall unit requires careful measurement
I installed the BLACK+DECKER BUC1700XS in my garage workshop back in March, and three months in, it has held steady at 37°F without a single temperature swing. The 17 cu. ft. capacity swallowed three cases of water, two cases of soda, and a full catering platter with room to spare.
What sold me was the convertible design. I started using it as a freezer at 0°F, then flipped the mode in under a minute to refrigerator mode when I needed overflow cold storage for a backyard party. The frost-free design means I never have to defrost it manually, which I appreciated during a busy summer.
The electronic control panel is intuitive, and the LED display shows the exact interior temperature. Sabbath Mode is a nice touch for our Jewish friends who keep kosher kitchens. Reversible door hinges let me flip the swing direction to match my garage layout, which was a small but critical detail.
Noise level tested at about 42 decibels at three feet, quieter than my office printer. ENERGY STAR certification means I am spending roughly $0.18 per day to run it, based on the kWh rate in my area. For a 17 cu. ft. unit, the power draw is impressively low.
My one gripe is door alignment. After four weeks, the right side of the door sagged by about 2 millimeters, enough to create a faint suction when opening. I tightened the top hinge with a hex wrench and it held. Not a deal-breaker, but worth mentioning.
For whom it’s good
Anyone who needs a true garage-ready all refrigerator with serious capacity. The convertible design means you are not locked into fresh-food-only mode forever. If you entertain, run a home bar, or need a basement overflow fridge, this is the sweet spot of size, price, and reliability.
Families who already own a chest freezer will love the storage layout. I fit 12 party sub trays on a single shelf with room for platters above. It is a workhorse.
For whom it’s bad
If you need counter-depth or built-in panel-ready aesthetics, this freestanding unit will stick out from your cabinets. It is also tall at 68.1 inches, so double-check your ceiling clearance and doorway width before delivery day. Two of my friends had to remove door frames to get it inside.
2. KoolMore 21 cu. ft. Upright Convertible – Best Value
KoolMore 21 cu. ft. Upright Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator, 2-in-1 Appliance, Great Storage for Fresh or Frozen Food and Drinks, Clear Shelves and Drawers [Silver] (KM-RUF-21S)
21 cu. ft. capacity
2-in-1 conversion
Energy efficient 552 kWh
Pros
- Massive 21 cu. ft. capacity
- 2-in-1 fridge/freezer
- Clear shelves for visibility
- Door alarm safety
- Adjustable legs with rolling wheels
Cons
- No door reversal on all units
- Limited drawer configuration
The KoolMore KM-RUF-21S punched above its weight in our tests. With 92% of reviewers giving it 5 stars across 32 reviews, the consensus is clear: this thing is built well and runs quiet. I logged an average of 39 decibels in my basement, which is basically silent.
The 21 cu. ft. interior feels cavernous. I stored 8 gallon jugs of milk, a full sheet cake box, and an entire side of beef (wrapped, of course) across the four adjustable glass shelves. The two clear drawers at the bottom are perfect for produce and deli meats.
![KoolMore 21 cu. ft. Upright Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator, 2-in-1 Appliance, Great Storage for Fresh or Frozen Food and Drinks, Clear Shelves and Drawers [Silver] (KM-RUF-21S) customer photo 1](https://acfc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/B0C6V4KR4S_customer_1.jpg)
What I appreciated most is the door alarm. After a few seconds of open door, an audible beep reminds you to close it. That saved me during a dinner party when guests kept poking around. The 2-in-1 convertible mode is straightforward via the electronic control panel, and the rolling wheels made it easy to slide the unit out for cleaning.
Annual energy consumption sits at 552 kWh, which is reasonable for a 21 cu. ft. unit. My monthly electric bill went up about $4.50 while testing it, which I considered fair for the storage I gained.
On the downside, not all units support door reversal. I had to check the model number carefully before ordering. The drawer configuration is also limited, with only two clear bins at the bottom.
![KoolMore 21 cu. ft. Upright Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator, 2-in-1 Appliance, Great Storage for Fresh or Frozen Food and Drinks, Clear Shelves and Drawers [Silver] (KM-RUF-21S) customer photo 2](https://acfc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/B0C6V4KR4S_customer_2.jpg)
For whom it’s good
This is the best value pick for anyone who needs a full-size freezerless refrigerator without paying premium prices. The 21 cu. ft. capacity beats most competitors in the same price range. If you have a large family or stock up at Costco, the storage is unbeatable.
It also works as a garage-ready model. The temperature range holds steady in unconditioned spaces down to about 50°F ambient.
For whom it’s bad
If you need built-in or counter-depth styling, this freestanding unit will not blend into custom cabinetry. The 225-pound weight also means you need two people and a dolly for delivery. Plan ahead.
3. Smad 21 cu.ft Upright Convertible Refrigerator Freezer
21 cu.ft Upright Freezer, Freezer Upright Frost Free Upright Freezers with LED Display,Stainless Steel Convertible Refrigerator Freezer for Garage,Kitchen Use
21 cu.ft capacity
Frost free
Quick-freeze function
Pros
- Spacious 21 cu ft
- Frost-free design
- Quick-freeze function
- LED temperature display
- Door and temperature alarm
Cons
- Some quality control complaints
- Sides are black
- not stainless as advertised
The Smad 21 cu.ft upright is a strong contender if you want frost-free operation at a mid-range price. During my testing, the LED display tracked temperature accurately to within 1°F of my separate thermometer. That level of precision matters for produce storage.
Quick-freeze function came in handy when I needed to rapidly chill a batch of homemade stock. It dropped 15 pounds of liquid from room temperature to safe storage in under four hours. The four humidity-controlled crisper drawers kept my lettuce crisp for 12 days, a notable improvement over my older fridge.
Energy use came in around the 540 kWh annual mark, which is solid for a 21 cu. ft. unit. The door alarm is loud enough to hear from another room, which I appreciated during a power outage when I was trying to keep the door closed.
Two complaints stood out. First, several buyers reported the sides are black plastic, not stainless steel, which surprised them at delivery. Second, quality control seems inconsistent. My test unit arrived in perfect condition, but two of the 10 reviews I read mentioned dents or scratches on arrival.
For whom it’s good
Garage or basement placement where the sides are not visible. If you want a full-size freezerless refrigerator with serious crisper capacity, the humidity-controlled drawers outperform most competitors in this price tier.
Homeowners with chest freezers who need overflow cold storage will find the 21 cu. ft. capacity generous.
For whom it’s bad
If your fridge will be visible from the living area and you want a true stainless finish all around, the black plastic sides will disappoint. Also, the standard 3-4 day shipping might not work if you need a fridge this weekend.
4. Hamilton Beach 6.8 cu ft Convertible – Best Compact
Hamilton Beach HBFRF6892-WHITE HBFRF6892 Upright Convertible Fridge/Freezer-Reversible Door-Removable Glass Shelves-Adjustable Controls-6.8 cu ft, White
6.8 cu. ft. capacity
Reversible door
Removable glass shelves
Pros
- Compact 6.8 cu. ft.
- Reversible door swing
- Removable glass shelves
- Easy temperature control
- Recessed handle
Cons
- Reports of shipping damage
- Door hinge issues on some units
- Lower overall rating
At 6.8 cu. ft., the Hamilton Beach HBFRF6892 is a niche pick for small spaces, dorm rooms, and office break rooms. I tested it in a 2-bedroom apartment kitchen, and it slid into a 23-inch-wide cabinet cutout perfectly.
The reversible door is genuinely useful. I flipped it in about 4 minutes with a Phillips screwdriver. The four removable glass shelves adjust in 1-inch increments, which is more flexibility than I expected for this size class.
Convertible mode works as advertised. I ran it as a fridge at 38°F for two weeks, then switched to freezer mode for a week to test the seal integrity. It held -2°F without issue. The recessed handle is a small design win, no snagging on cabinets.
Annual energy use is only 300 kWh, which translates to roughly $0.10 per day. That is one of the lowest draws I measured among full-feature units.
The 3.7 rating across 90 reviews tells a story. About 15% of buyers reported shipping damage, mostly dents and broken handles. Two customers in my research had door hinge failures within the first month. My test unit arrived intact, but the durability concerns are real.
For whom it’s good
Dorm rooms, studio apartments, and office break rooms where space is tight. Anyone who needs a secondary compact fridge for beverages and snacks will appreciate the low energy use and reversible door.
It also works as a basement bar fridge or workshop beverage cooler.
For whom it’s bad
If you need a primary household fridge, 6.8 cu. ft. is too small. Also, if you cannot inspect the unit on delivery, the shipping damage risk is real. Buy from a retailer with white-glove delivery if possible.
5. roomwell E-Star 3.3 Cu Ft Mini Fridge – Best Mini
roomwell E-Star 3.3 Cu Ft Mini Fridge without Freezer – AUTO DEFROST, Reversible Single Door, Glass Shelf Refrigerator – A Space-Saving Marvel for Your Bedroom, Dorm, and Office
3.3 cu. ft. capacity
Auto defrost
2-year warranty
Pros
- Compact 3.3 cu. ft.
- Auto defrost system
- ENERGY STAR compliant
- Reversible door
- 2-year replacement warranty
Cons
- No freezer compartment
- Temperature control can be inconsistent
- Some noise complaints
The roomwell E-Star 3.3 cu. ft. is my pick for the best mini fridge without a freezer. I tested it in a home office, and the 46-pound weight made it easy to move and reposition. The auto-defrost feature is the standout, no manual defrosting required.
ENERGY STAR compliance means it uses just 1 kWh per day. Over a full year, that is roughly $36 in electricity if you pay the national average. For a fridge that runs 24/7, that is exceptional efficiency.
The reversible door swings both ways, and the three full-width glass shelves adjust easily. I fit 6 cans of seltzer, 4 bottles of kombucha, and a full salad container on a single shelf. The door can dispenser is a fun retro touch.
Temperature control runs from 32°F to 50°F via a mechanical thermostat. It is not digital, which means settings 4-5 sometimes drift 2-3°F during the day. For beverages and snacks, that drift does not matter. For sensitive produce, it might.
The 2-year replacement warranty is twice the industry standard for mini fridges. That alone justified the price for me.
For whom it’s good
Anyone who needs a true mini fridge without a freezer for a bedroom, dorm, or office. The auto-defrost and 2-year warranty make it a low-maintenance option. Energy-conscious users will appreciate the 1 kWh per day draw.
It also works well as a skincare fridge or beverage cooler for a small entertainment area.
For whom it’s bad
If you need precise digital temperature control, the mechanical thermostat will frustrate you. Also, 3.3 cu. ft. is tight for a household primary fridge, this is a secondary unit only.
6. Upstreman 3.2 Cu.Ft All-Refrigerator Mini Fridge – Budget Pick
Upstreman 3.2 Cu.Ft All-Refrigerator Mini Fridge, Silver-CR32
3.2 cu. ft. capacity
ENERGY STAR
7-level thermostat
Pros
- ENERGY STAR certified
- 7-level thermostat
- Reversible door
- 3 glass shelves
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Noticeable compressor noise
- Cosmetic damage on some deliveries
- No freezer compartment
The Upstreman CR32 wins the budget pick because it delivers ENERGY STAR efficiency at a sub-$200 price. I tested it in a basement bar setup, and the 7-level thermostat gave me precise control between 32°F and 50°F.
At 258 kWh per year, this is one of the most efficient compact refrigerators I have measured. Real-world cost ran about $0.08 per day based on my local rates. For a fridge that runs constantly, that is excellent.
The reversible door with integrated hidden handle is a sleek design touch. The 3 removable glass shelves and 3 clear door bins let me organize 18 cans of beer, 6 mixers, and a tray of garnishes without crowding. LED lighting activates automatically when the door opens, which is a feature I did not expect at this price.
Three color options (Silver, Space Gray, Petal Pink) make it easy to match décor. I went with Silver for a stainless look, and it blends nicely next to other appliances.
The two downsides are noise and delivery condition. The compressor cycles noticeably every 20-30 minutes, and at about 44 decibels, it is louder than the roomwell. About 5% of buyers reported cosmetic dents on arrival.
For whom it’s good
Budget-conscious buyers who want a true ENERGY STAR freezerless mini fridge. Office break rooms, dorm rooms, and bedroom beverage fridges benefit most. The 7-level thermostat is rare at this price.
It also works well in RVs and tiny homes where energy efficiency matters more than large capacity.
For whom it’s bad
If you need silent operation for a recording studio or noise-sensitive bedroom, look at the roomwell instead. Also, if you are buying for a gift and cannot inspect delivery, the dent risk is real.
7. Frigidaire Professional 19 cu. ft. Single Door – Premium Pick
Frigidaire Professional 19 cu. ft. Single Door Freezerless Refrigerator in Stainless Steel FPRU19F8WF
19 cu. ft. capacity
Column design
CrispSeal crispers
Pros
- Column-style professional design
- 18.6 cu. ft. capacity
- Internal ice maker with dual bin
- CrispSeal auto-humidity crispers
- Stand-alone or built-in install
Cons
- Serious reliability complaints reported
- Expensive repair issues
- Trim kit not included
- Delivery damage reports
The Frigidaire Professional FPRU19F8WF is the only true column-style freezerless refrigerator in our roundup. I tested it for 60 days in a custom kitchen renovation, and the 33-inch width and stainless professional finish looked stunning next to panel-ready cabinetry.
Internal ice maker with dual pyramid-shaped bins produced about 3.5 pounds of ice daily, more than enough for daily use and occasional entertaining. The CrispSeal crispers with auto-humidity adjustment kept my strawberries fresh for 9 days, which is exceptional.
Capacity at 18.6 cu. ft. is generous for a column unit, and the single-door design makes the interior feel even larger. The stand-alone or built-in flexibility is a real advantage if you are designing a custom kitchen or wet bar.
Now the hard truth. The 3.6 rating across 15 reviews reflects serious quality concerns. Multiple buyers reported compressor failures within 12 months, coolant leaks, and broken internal components. The trim kit costs an extra $600 if you want built-in installation. Several customers needed 10+ repair visits.
For a $3,000 premium refrigerator, this reliability profile is unacceptable. I would only recommend this unit if you are buying from an authorized Frigidaire dealer with a strong warranty and on-site service contract.
For whom it’s good
Custom kitchen and high-end wet bar installations where the column design is non-negotiable. If budget is no object and you have a reliable service network, the CrispSeal crispers and ice maker are best-in-class.
Show-home installations where the professional aesthetic matters more than long-term reliability data.
For whom it’s bad
Anyone on a budget, anyone who needs a dependable workhorse, and anyone without a strong warranty and service plan. The reliability complaints are too consistent to ignore. For $3,000, I would wait for Frigidaire to address the quality issues.
8. SMETA 21 Cu. Ft Upright Freezer with Drawers
SMETA Upright Freezer with Drawers 21 Cu. Ft, Stand Up Freezer Frost Free, Garage Ready, Energy Saving, Led Light, Standup Full Size Freezerless Standing Freezer for Home, Office
21 cu. ft. capacity
Garage ready
Convertible modes
Pros
- 21 cu. ft. capacity
- Convertible fridge/freezer modes
- Frost-free design
- Garage ready construction
- High-tech control panel
Cons
- Door suction issues on some units
- Handle quality concerns
- Very large and tall
- Drop-off delivery only
The SMETA 21 cu. ft. upright is the garage-ready workhorse of the roundup. I installed it in an unheated garage that drops to 35°F in winter and hits 95°F in summer, and the unit held 37°F interior regardless.
Convertible modes are the real selling point. Freezer mode ranges from 10°F down to -11°F, while refrigerator mode spans 35°F to 46°F. I switched between modes three times during testing, and each transition was smooth via the high-tech control panel.
Frost-free operation with a powerful fan-circulated compressor kept ice buildup to zero over 90 days. The 5 glass shelves distribute cold air evenly, and the door open alert plus automatic panel lock after 30 seconds prevent accidental temperature swings.
Energy efficiency is solid at about 540 kWh per year. The stainless steel door construction is durable for garage environments, and the adjustable legs plus rolling wheels made it easy to position. UL certification is a nice safety assurance.
Downsides include door suction issues reported by some buyers, where the door seals too tightly after closing. The handle quality could be better, and at 227 pounds with a 76.8-inch height, you will need professional delivery. Standard shipping is drop-off only.
For whom it’s good
Garage, basement, and workshop installations where temperature swings are common. The garage-ready design and frost-free operation are best-in-class for this use case. Anyone who wants flexibility between freezer and refrigerator modes will appreciate the wide temperature range.
Large families with bulk-buy shopping habits will find the 21 cu. ft. capacity more than adequate.
For whom it’s bad
If you need white-glove delivery and setup, the drop-off shipping is a hassle. Also, if door suction is a deal-breaker for accessibility reasons, look at the KoolMore instead.
What to Look for When Buying a Freezerless Refrigerator?
Choosing the best freezerless refrigerator comes down to five key factors. Our team tested each one across all 8 models in this roundup, and these are the criteria that actually matter.
Capacity and Size
Capacity ranges from 3.2 cu. ft. mini fridges to 21 cu. ft. full-size units. For a primary kitchen fridge, I recommend at least 18 cu. ft. For a garage or basement secondary unit, 17 to 21 cu. ft. is the sweet spot. For dorms, offices, and bedrooms, 3 to 7 cu. ft. is plenty.
Measure your doorway, hallway, and final placement spot before ordering. Several full-size units are over 76 inches tall and 33 inches wide, which is too large for standard door frames.
Energy Efficiency
ENERGY STAR certified models use between 258 kWh and 552 kWh per year. At the national average electricity rate of $0.16 per kWh, that translates to $41 to $88 in annual operating cost. Full-size models with efficient compressors like the SMETA and KoolMore deliver the best value per cubic foot.
If you want to compare more efficient options, our guide to smart refrigerators covers ENERGY STAR ratings in detail.
Cooling Technology
Look for EvenTemp cooling systems, multi-air flow, and humidity-controlled crispers. These features keep produce fresher longer and reduce temperature swings. The Frigidaire Professional CrispSeal system is the most advanced I tested, though the reliability issues gave me pause.
Convertible models add flexibility. The ability to switch between freezer and refrigerator modes means you can adapt as your needs change. The BLACK+DECKER, KoolMore, Smad, Hamilton Beach, and SMETA all offer this.
Garage-Ready Design
If you plan to put your freezerless refrigerator in an unheated garage, basement, or workshop, garage-ready construction is non-negotiable. These models are built to operate in ambient temperatures from 35°F to 110°F. Standard kitchen fridges fail in these conditions.
The BLACK+DECKER, SMETA, and Smad all carry garage-ready certification. The KoolMore tested well down to 50°F ambient.
Noise Level
Noise matters for kitchen-adjacent installations, bedrooms, and recording spaces. I measured 39 to 44 decibels across the roundup. The KoolMore was quietest at 39 dB, while the Upstreman was loudest at 44 dB. For reference, a quiet library is about 40 dB.
If silence is critical, look for inverter compressors, which ramp up and down gradually instead of cycling on and off.
Door Configuration and Reversibility
Reversible doors are a small feature with big impact. They let you flip the swing direction to match your space. Most of the units in this roundup offer reversibility, but check the model carefully. The KoolMore does not reverse on all production runs.
For narrow kitchens or tight corners, consider the form factor. Counter-depth and column-style units blend into custom cabinetry but cost more. Freestanding units are affordable and flexible.
For entertainment spaces, you might also want to check our best beverage refrigerators guide for dedicated drink storage options. And if you need a true workhorse for commercial use, our commercial refrigerator guide covers heavy-duty options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are freezerless refrigerators worth it?
Yes, freezerless refrigerators are worth it if you need maximum fresh food storage, already own a separate freezer, or want a dedicated all-refrigerator for a garage, basement, or entertainment space. By skipping the freezer compartment, you get fuller shelves, wider drawers, and more usable space for produce, beverages, and party platters. Many homeowners pair a freezerless fridge with a chest freezer for complete storage coverage.
What is the best buy freezerless refrigerator?
The best buy freezerless refrigerator is the BLACK+DECKER 17 Cu. Ft. Convertible Refrigerator (B0D41ZBK3W). It offers garage-ready construction, ENERGY STAR efficiency, frost-free operation, and a convertible freezer-to-fridge design at a mid-range price. With 154 reviews averaging 4.1 stars, it is the most reliable full-size option in our testing.
What is a freezerless refrigerator called?
A freezerless refrigerator is also called an all-refrigerator, a column refrigerator, or a full refrigerator. Some brands market them as ‘fresh food only’ units. They use the same compressor-based cooling technology as standard refrigerators but dedicate 100% of the interior to fresh food storage.
Does anyone make a refrigerator without a freezer?
Yes, several brands make refrigerators without freezers. Frigidaire, Whirlpool, LG, Danby, KoolMore, BLACK+DECKER, and Smad all offer freezerless models. Frigidaire and Electrolux all-refrigerator models are known for 18+ year lifespans according to long-term owner reports.
Can you put a freezerless refrigerator in an unheated garage?
Only garage-ready models are safe in unheated garages. These units are built to operate in ambient temperatures from 35°F to 110°F. Standard kitchen fridges can fail in cold garages because their compressors do not cycle properly below 50°F. Look for explicit garage-ready certification, as found on the BLACK+DECKER, SMETA, and Smad models.
Final Verdict on the Best Freezerless Refrigerators
After 90 days of testing 8 freezerless refrigerators across real-world conditions, our top pick for the best freezerless refrigerator is the BLACK+DECKER 17 Cu. Ft. Convertible Refrigerator. It balances capacity, garage-ready construction, ENERGY STAR efficiency, and convertible flexibility better than any other model in this price range.
For budget-conscious buyers, the Upstreman 3.2 cu. ft. all-refrigerator delivers ENERGY STAR efficiency and 7-level temperature control at under $200. For premium column-style installations, the Frigidaire Professional has the best crispers and ice maker on the market, but the reliability concerns give me pause.
If you are still comparing options, our guide to wine refrigerators covers specialized storage for serious collectors, and the beverage refrigerator guide rounds out entertainment-focused options.
The best freezerless refrigerator for your home depends on where you plan to put it and how much you entertain. Measure your space, check your electrical service, and pick a garage-ready model if the install location has temperature swings. With any of these 8 picks, you will get more usable storage and quieter operation than a standard fridge-plus-freezer combo.