The Best Undercounter Refrigerators

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Undercounter fridges are perfect for small spaces and serve as a convenience in home bars and game rooms. One of these top models may be the perfect pick for your needs.

A small undercounter fridge is often among the best options for a small apartment, and it can be equally valuable in a large kitchen as a way to store overflow items or for quick and convenient access while cooking. Some models are specifically focused on cooling beverages, while others can keep wine at the perfect temperature. They may also suit those with physical limitations, and many are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.

Given the huge variety available, it can be frustrating trying to find one that offers the right combination of performance and value. It’s also important to understand which are true undercounter models and which small fridges might cause unexpected issues. This article provides key information that shoppers need to know and offers our picks for some of the best undercounter refrigerators on the market.

1. BEST OVERALL: GE Compact Refrigerator
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Maxximum 5.2 Cu. Ft. Mini Fridge
3. BEST FOR BEVERAGES: Insignia 165-Can Built-In Beverage Cooler
4. BEST WINE FRIDGE: Newair 15-Inch, 29-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Fridge
5. BEST DUAL-ZONE: Kalamera 24-Inch Wine and Beverage Cooler
6. BEST STAINLESS STEEL: EdgeStar 142-Can Stainless Steel Beverage Cooler
7. BEST OUTDOOR: HCK 5.12 Cu. Ft. 161-Can Indoor/Outdoor Refrigerator
8. BEST PROFESSIONAL: Arctic Air Double-Door Undercounter Refrigerator
9. BEST DRAWER: Café 5.7 Cu. Ft. Built-In Dual-Drawer Refrigerator

How We Chose the Best Undercounter Refrigerators

When researching the best undercounter refrigerators, we looked at two dozen manufacturers and more than 70 models. Some brands have been around for decades and have well-established reputations for reliability. With those that are less well known, we cross-checked claims with feedback from those who bought from leading refrigerator retailers.

Our aim was to find solutions for as wide a variety of needs as possible. We looked at physical size and internal capacity. We checked the interiors to assess versatility. Where products had a more specific function, like an undercounter beverage fridge, for example, we carefully considered features like shelf layout and temperature control.

Price is always important, and our list ranges from budget-friendly undercounter refrigerators to high-end options. Energy savings is another key feature, and while the U.S. government’s Energy Star guidance is well known, foreign manufacturers might use equally valid certification from their own region. We have mentioned these where relevant.

Our Top Picks

The following represents what we believe to be some of the best undercounter refrigerators on the market right now. Organized by category, the list can help shoppers quickly identify those models that are most likely to fit their needs.

Best Overall

GE Compact Refrigerator

Few brands have a longer positive reputation than GE, and this 24-inch undercounter refrigerator is a fine example of its high quality and excellent design. It’s a popular size because it’s the same width as many standard kitchen cabinets, yet GE makes better use of the space than many competitors. The 5.6-cubic-foot interior includes a useful, and somewhat rare, 0.49-cubic-foot freezer compartment.

Further versatility comes by way of adjustable glass shelves and door compartments that include a can rack. There’s also a crisper for fruit and vegetables and two ice cube trays. For added convenience, the stainless steel door can be mounted for left or right opening.

The GE Compact Refrigerator is Energy Star certified and ADA compliant. While there is little to criticize, the temperature control is quite basic, and the fridge does have to be defrosted manually. Also, GE does not provide a decibel rating.

Product Specs

• Size: 34.125 inches high by 23.625 inches wide by 23.75 inches deep
• Capacity: 5.6 cubic feet
• Energy rating: Energy Star certified

Pros

• This energy-efficient model can be used undercounter or freestanding; ADA compliant
• Spacious and versatile interior includes a small freezer compartment with ice trays
• Reversible stainless steel door has recessed handles and can open left or right

Cons

• There is no automatic defrost program; the job must be done manually
  GE is among many manufacturers who do not provide decibel (dB) ratings for their refrigerators

Get the GE undercounter refrigerator at The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or GE Appliances.

Best Bang For The Buck

Maxximum 5.2 Cu. Ft. Mini Fridge

Often with low-cost appliances, there are sacrifices in terms of performance or features. That’s not the case with the Maxximum undercounter refrigerator. The 24-inch unit has a competitive capacity of 5.2 cubic feet. While there’s no freezer compartment, there are adjustable shelves, a crisper drawer, and flexible door storage that includes the ability to hold commonly sized gallon containers.

Other bonuses that might not be expected on a budget-friendly undercounter fridge are a reversible door and full auto defrost. The Maxximum fridge is Energy Star certified and ADA compliant. Temperature adjustment is basic, but that’s true of many more expensive models. A decibel rating is not provided. While most owners found the sound level acceptable, some thought it was a little noisy.

Product Specs

• Size: 33.5 inches high by 23.5 inches wide by 24.25 inches deep
• Capacity: 5.2 cubic feet
• Energy rating: Energy Star certified

Pros

• Despite the low price, it offers flexible storage and auto defrost
• Is Energy Star certified for low running costs and is ADA compliant
• Can be freestanding or built in and has a reversible door

Cons

• No decibel rating is provided; some owners feel it is a little noisy
• As is often the case, this model does not have a freezer compartment

Get the Maxximum undercounter refrigerator at Lowe’s.

Best For Beverages

Insignia 165-Can Built-In Beverage Cooler

One of the key features of an undercounter beverage fridge is typically capacity, and few undercounter fridges can hold more 12-ounce cans than the Insignia, which can fit 165 cans inside. While that amount will prove attractive to many drinks fridge shoppers, the three wire shelves also can be moved to different positions to accommodate bottles and containers of many shapes and sizes.

Temperature range is anywhere from 34 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can be adjusted precisely thanks to an easy-to-use electronic touch panel. Automatic defrost is provided, and a door-open alarm is also included. The door itself is reversible, so it can be mounted on the left or right.

This beverage fridge is not Energy Star certified. Unfortunately, it is not ADA compliant, either.

Product Specs

• Size: 34.3125 inches high by 23.4375 inches wide by 23.3125 inches deep
• Capacity: 5.3 cubic feet
• Energy rating: None

Pros

• Has an impressive capacity of 165 standard 12-ounce beverage cans
• Adjustable wire shelves can accommodate a variety of different containers
• An electronic touch panel allows easy and accurate temperature adjustment

Cons

• This model is neither Energy Star certified nor ADA compliant

Get the Insignia undercounter refrigerator at Best Buy.

Best Wine Fridge

Newair 15-Inch, 29-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Fridge

Although temperature is critical for the proper storage of wine, it’s equally important to avoid fluctuations. Newair’s slender 15-inch wine fridge addresses both these issues. It has dual zones that allow for reds, whites, rosés, or sparkling wines to be stored at different temperatures. It also has triple-tempered glass that insulates the contents and protects them from harmful ultraviolet rays. Whatever the atmosphere outside, the wines inside get the care they need. Digital control provides fine-tuning between 40 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit.

Five adjustable beechwood shelves provide storage for 29 bottles. The door can be locked, but it’s not reversible. Although we couldn’t find Energy Star certification for the Newair wine fridge, it is rated under the U.S. Department of Energy as a low-consumption device. It is not ADA compliant.

Product Specs

• Size: 33.75 inches high by 14.8 inches wide by 22.6 inches deep
• Capacity: 3.2 cubic feet
• Energy rating: U.S. Department of Energy

Pros

• Smart, slimline appliance that can be fitted as an undercounter cooler or used freestanding
• Dual temperature zones allow for cooling of different types of wines
• Triple-tempered glass protects wines from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays

Cons

• Although a high-quality appliance, it does come with a premium price tag
• The door only opens from the right, which may impact positioning

Get the Newair undercounter refrigerator at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Best Buy.

Best Dual-Zone

Kalamera 24-Inch Wine and Beverage Cooler

There are plenty of undercounter wine coolers or beverage fridges, but the Kalamera is the only model we found that combines both. On the left is a wine fridge with a capacity of 20 bottles and a temperature range of 40 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit. On the right is a beverage cooler that can hold 78 soda cans and has a temperature range of 38 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Seamless stainless steel doors and blue-lit glass provide a contemporary appearance. Temperature control is digital, and a temperature-memory feature means that the Kalamera will return to its previous settings in the event of a power cut. At 45 decibels, it is quite quiet, too.

The Kalamera is a high-quality unit, but it does require a substantial investment. Although energy consumption of 90 watts is fairly low, it has not been independently certified. It does not appear to be ADA compliant.

Product Specs

• Size: 34 inches high by 23.5 inches wide by 22.5 inches deep
• Capacity: 5.3 cubic feet
• Energy rating: None

Pros

• This model is specifically designed to accommodate both wine bottles and can beverages
• The unit can be installed as a built-in or left freestanding
• Memory function will return temperature to previous settings if there is a power outage

Cons

• Although consumption is quite low at 90 watts, there is no independent rating
• Available temperature ranges mean this fridge is not designed for food use

Get the Kalamera undercounter refrigerator at Amazon.

Best Stainless Steel

EdgeStar 142-Can Stainless Steel Beverage Cooler

Some things never seem to go out of fashion, like stainless steel kitchen appliances. The EdgeStar Stainless Steel Beverage Cooler has that ever-popular solid stainless steel door and handle, measures at a convenient 24-inch width, and will hold 142 standard 12-ounce cans. The door is reversible, and it has a factory-fitted lock.

Shelves are tempered glass rather than the usual wire racks. These are easier to clean and won’t sag when fully loaded. Temperature range is from 38 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and is digitally controlled. The EdgeStar also has auto defrost.

We were unable to find independent energy ratings, and it is not ADA compliant. While it is well made and usually reliable, we have seen a few reports of eventual compressor failure.

Product Specs

• Size: 33.75 inches high by 23.5 inches wide by 22.875 inches deep
• Capacity: 5.49 cubic feet
• Energy rating: None

Pros

• The solid stainless steel door gives a sleek, contemporary appearance
• It comes with accurate digital temperature control and auto defrost
• Tempered-glass shelves are easy to clean and provide better support than wire racks

Cons

• No Energy Star or other independent rating; not ADA compliant
• While the vast majority seem reliable, there have been reports of compressor failures

Get the EdgeStar undercounter refrigerator at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Lowe’s.

Best Outdoor

HCK 5.12 Cu. Ft. 161-Can Indoor/Outdoor Refrigerator

One potential use for undercounter refrigerators is in outdoor bar or barbecue areas, but it isn’t a good idea to use an indoor model in the yard or garden. Most are simply not designed to put up with bad weather, but the HCK Indoor/Outdoor Refrigerator is outdoor rated. It is constructed from highly durable corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel and tested as water-resistant to the internationally recognized IPX4 standard.

The HCK can hold up to 161 standard 12-ounce cans, and there is a digital control between 32 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is also suitable for food. Three removable shelves offer flexible storage. The door is reversible and lockable. It also has auto defrost.

While there is no ADA compliance, the HCK beverage cooler does meet both the U.S. Department of Energy and European CE energy-saving standards. The temperature controls are inside, but at the back where they are awkward to reach when the cooler is full.

Product Specs

• Size: 34 inches high by 23.5 inches wide by 23.5 inches deep
• Capacity: 5.1 cubic feet
• Energy rating: U.S. Department of Energy and European CE

Pros

• Made from highly durable 304 stainless steel for outdoor use
• The exterior is independently rated as water-resistant to the IPX4 standard
• Precise digital control and built-in sensors maintain constant temperature

Cons

• In-line with most outdoor refrigerators, the HCK fridge is quite expensive
• Digital controls are awkward to reach when the fridge is full

Get the HCK undercounter refrigerator at Amazon.

Best Professional

Arctic Air Double-Door Undercounter Refrigerator

Those who work in commercial food preparation need products with a high capacity and robust build, and the knowledge that appliances meet food hygiene standards. The Arctic Air undercounter refrigerator does all these things. It is made from hard-wearing but easy-to-clean stainless steel both inside and out. Capacity is an impressive 10.1 cubic feet, and it meets the international NSF7 standard for open food storage.

An electronic thermostat and digital controls provide consistent temperature anywhere from 33 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Removable epoxy-coated wire shelves offer flexibility. Locking castors are fitted for those who need to move the fridge around, and the Arctic Air has its own heavy-duty work top. Doors are self-closing with magnetic gaskets.

Undercounter refrigerators of this size and quality are expensive, though the price of the Arctic Air is very competitive.

Product Specs

• Size: 35.625 inches high by 48.25 inches wide by 30 inches deep
• Capacity: 10.1 cubic feet
• Energy rating: Energy Star certified

Pros

• Meets the international NSF7 standard for food storage and hygiene
• Durable, easy-clean stainless steel inside and out with epoxy-coated racks
• Locking wheels offer mobility, and it has its own heavy-duty work top

Cons

• It is taller than most, so it’s important to check countertop clearance carefully
• Not surprisingly, an undercounter refrigerator of this size requires a significant investment

Get the Arctic Air undercounter refrigerator at Amazon or