What Is the Best Side Door Refrigerator for Modern Kitchens [In 2025]

Apartment size refrigerators offer compact cooling solutions for small living spaces. These units are designed to fit comfortably in apartments, dorms, and offices while providing essential food storage.

Ideal for singles, couples, or small families, these refrigerators balance capacity with a smaller footprint. Energy efficiency, noise levels, and storage flexibility are key factors to consider when choosing an apartment fridge in the USA.

Let’s compare some top options before diving into detailed reviews.

Quick Comparison: Apartment size refrigerators

Our Top 5 Apartment size refrigerators

We selected five models for different needs and budgets, prioritizing feature quality, performance, fit/compatibility, reliability, and value.

Upstreman 7.7 Cu.Ft. Refrigerator

Overview

This compact refrigerator is ideal for small apartments, dorms, or offices. It offers a generous 7.7 cu. ft. capacity in a space-saving design.

With adjustable temperature settings and a reversible door, it provides flexibility for various room layouts and cooling needs.

Specs

→ 7.7 cu. ft. total capacity
→ Freezer: 1.5 cu. ft., Fridge: 6.2 cu. ft.
→ Dimensions: 21″ x 21″ x 56″ (W x D x H)
→ 7 adjustable temperature settings
→ 39dB noise level

Pros

👍 Compact size with large storage capacity
👍 Adjustable temperature settings
👍 Quiet operation at 39dB
👍 Energy-efficient ($0.12/day average cost)
👍 Reversible door design

Cons

👎 Manual defrost required
👎 Limited freezer space
👎 May be small for some users

Customer Experience

Customers appreciate the quiet operation and energy efficiency. The adjustable shelves and crisper drawer offer good organization options.

Best For

Ideal for small apartments, dorms, or offices with limited space.

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Upstreman 11.6 Cu.Ft. Refrigerator

Overview

This larger apartment refrigerator offers 11.6 cu. ft. of storage in a stylish stainless steel design. It features frost-free operation and adjustable temperature control.

The Energy Star certification ensures efficient operation, while the auto-defrost system eliminates manual maintenance.

Specs

→ 11.6 cu. ft. total capacity
→ Freezer: 3.2 cu. ft., Fridge: 8.4 cu. ft.
→ Dimensions: 28.7″ x 23.7″ x 59.5″ (D x W x H)
→ Air-cooled auto defrost system
→ Energy Star certified

Pros

👍 Large capacity for apartment use
👍 Frost-free operation
👍 Stylish stainless steel appearance
👍 Energy-efficient design
👍 Adjustable temperature control

Cons

👎 Larger footprint than compact models
👎 Higher price point
👎 May be too large for some spaces

Customer Experience

Users appreciate the spacious interior and modern look. The auto-defrost feature and quiet operation are frequently mentioned as positives.

Best For

Suitable for larger apartments or small homes needing more storage.

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RCA 7.5 Cu.Ft. Refrigerator

Overview

This RCA model offers a balanced 7.5 cu. ft. capacity in a compact design. It features multi-vent technology for even cooling and easily accessible temperature controls.

The refrigerator includes a freezer compartment and adjustable glass shelves for flexible storage options.

Specs

→ 7.5 cu. ft. total capacity
→ Freezer: 0.5 cu. ft., Fridge: 7 cu. ft.
→ Multi-vent cooling technology
→ Adjustable glass shelves
→ Vegetable and fruit crisper bins

Pros

👍 Compact size for small spaces
👍 Even cooling with multi-vent technology
👍 Adjustable glass shelves for flexibility
👍 Separate freezer compartment
👍 Crisper bins for produce

Cons

👎 Manual defrost required
👎 Small freezer capacity
👎 Some reports of dents upon delivery

Customer Experience

Customers find the refrigerator well-sized for small spaces and appreciate its storage capacity. Some mention issues with dents and scratches upon arrival.

Best For

Ideal for budget-conscious buyers needing a compact fridge.

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BLACK+DECKER 12.1 Cu.Ft. Refrigerator

Overview

This BLACK+DECKER model offers a spacious 12.1 cu. ft. capacity suitable for larger apartments or small homes. It features frost-free operation and adjustable temperature control.

The Energy Star certification ensures efficient operation, while the top freezer design provides ample storage for frozen items.

Specs

→ 12.1 cu. ft. total capacity
→ Frost-free auto-defrost system
→ Adjustable temperature control
→ Energy Star certified
→ Stainless steel look finish

Pros

👍 Large capacity for apartments
👍 Frost-free operation
→ Energy-efficient design
👍 Adjustable temperature settings
👍 Stylish stainless steel look

Cons

👎 Larger size may not fit all spaces
👎 Higher price point
👎 May be too large for some users

Customer Experience

Users appreciate the spacious interior and frost-free operation. The adjustable shelves and energy efficiency are frequently mentioned as positives.

Best For

Ideal for larger apartments or small homes needing more storage.

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Frigidaire 17.4 Cu.Ft. Refrigerator

Overview

This Frigidaire model offers a generous 17.4 cu. ft. capacity, suitable for larger families or those needing ample storage. It features adjustable glass shelves and LED lighting for better visibility.

The refrigerator includes gallon-size door bins and crisper drawers for organized storage of various items.

Specs

→ 17.4 cu. ft. total capacity
→ Freezer: 5.5 cu. ft., Fridge: 11.9 cu. ft.
→ Adjustable glass shelves
→ LED interior lighting
→ TwinTech dual evaporators

Pros

👍 Large capacity for families
👍 Adjustable glass shelves for flexibility
👍 LED lighting for better visibility
👍 Gallon-size door bins
👍 Crisper drawers for produce

Cons

👎 May be too large for some apartments
👎 Higher price point
👎 Mixed reviews on noise level

Customer Experience

Customers appreciate the spacious interior and storage options. Some users report issues with noise levels and ice retention in the freezer.

Best For

Ideal for larger families or those needing maximum storage capacity.

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Buying Guide: Apartment size refrigerators

Size and Capacity

Consider your available space and storage needs. Measure your kitchen area carefully and choose a refrigerator that fits comfortably while providing adequate capacity for your household.

Energy Efficiency

Look for Energy Star certified models to ensure lower energy consumption. This can lead to significant savings on your electricity bills over time.

Freezer Configuration

Decide between a top freezer, bottom freezer, or side-by-side design. Top freezers are typically more energy-efficient, while bottom freezers offer easier access to fresh foods.

Adjustable Features

Opt for models with adjustable shelves and temperature controls. These features allow you to customize the interior layout and cooling settings to suit your needs.

Noise Level

Consider the refrigerator’s noise level, especially in small apartments. Look for models with lower decibel ratings to ensure quiet operation in your living space.

FAQs: Apartment size refrigerators

What is considered an apartment size refrigerator?

Apartment size refrigerators typically range from 7 to 18 cubic feet in capacity. They are designed to fit smaller spaces while still providing adequate storage for 1-3 people.

How much electricity does an apartment size refrigerator use?

Energy-efficient apartment refrigerators can use as little as 300-400 kWh per year. This translates to about $30-$50 in annual electricity costs, depending on local rates.

Can I use an apartment size refrigerator in a garage?

Most apartment refrigerators are not designed for garage use. They may not function properly in extreme temperatures. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for suitable operating environments.

Do apartment size refrigerators have freezers?

Many apartment size refrigerators include a freezer compartment. The size and configuration can vary, with options including top freezers, bottom freezers, or small internal freezer boxes.

How long do apartment size refrigerators typically last?

With proper maintenance, apartment size refrigerators can last 10-15 years. Regular cleaning and avoiding overloading can help extend their lifespan.

Are apartment size refrigerators frost-free?

Some apartment size refrigerators offer frost-free operation, while others require manual defrosting. Check the product specifications to determine if a model is frost-free.

Final Verdict: Apartment size refrigerators

For small apartments, the Upstreman 7.7 Cu.Ft. model offers a good balance of size and features. Those needing more capacity should consider the BLACK+DECKER 12.1 Cu.Ft. or Frigidaire 17.4 Cu.Ft. options for larger spaces.