No matter if you are a bachelor living in a dormitory or a family man with kids around, the use of refrigerators is indispensable.
But the compact and single-door refrigerator has several advantages over regular-size refrigerators as they are compact, elegant, and can be easily tucked in even in tight spaces. They are cute little appliances that can be kept in your bedroom and office spaces and give access to cold desserts and drinks, any time anywhere.
So, after a lot of research, we have compiled and compared the list of the best single-door refrigerators to buy in 2022.
Why and How Should You Choose Your Refrigerator?
The single-door refrigerator is one of the most common types of refrigerators that is great for a single person and a family of two members. These refrigerators have only one door for the freezer unit and the refrigerator and are also smaller in size.
These fridges have an average capacity of 165 to 280 liters. Though these refrigerators have only limited shelves, they are still capable of meeting the requirements of the users. The majority of the single-door refrigerators also come with a manual defrosting unit where we have to press the button manually to defrost the ice.
They are also affordable and are great for bachelor’s and dorm rooms. Their cost differs depending on the features they offer. These are the following things that we have to check before choosing to buy single-door refrigerators.
1. Check for the basic and essential features
When choosing to buy a refrigerator, it is important not to ignore the basic and essential features. Look at the unit for the basic and the essential features such as adjusting shelves, thermostat temperature control system, etc. Make sure that the refrigerator has spill-proof shelves and features built-in controls to help food stay fresh for a long time.
2. Energy efficiency
Mini and compact refrigerators do not generally tend to be energy efficient. But make sure that the brand and the model that you are looking for have the energy star label, which indicates how much electricity the appliance consumes. The more the star rating, the less energy it consumes. Though appliances with a higher number of stars cost more, they will be of help in the long run.
3. Door style
When you are looking to buy a compact refrigerator with built-in capability, make sure that it has a reversible door, as you can tuck in even in tight spaces. A door with handles that are hidden can be of added advantage.
You may like to read: Freezer vs Refrigerator: Briefly Explained
What Are The Best Single Door Refrigerators?
Also Check: Best Refrigerators for Basement
Best Single Door Refrigerators 2022
There is a range of compact refrigerators to choose from, with a range of functionalities and décor options available. We have done extensive research in bringing about the top best single-door refrigerators from the leading brands here.
#1. Galanz GLR35BKER Compact Refrigerator – Best Overall
| Features | Rating |
| Performance | 9.5 |
| Controls and functionality | 9.1 |
| Build quality | 8.5 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.9 |
| Value for money | 9.4 |
This is an excellent single-door refrigerator from Galanz with a single door and an adjusting mechanical thermostat. The refrigerator features a retro design and has an internal storage capacity of 3.5 Cu.ft. This is an excellent refrigerator that helps to keep the beverages cools and is an ideal accompaniment for the Recreation vehicles, university dormitory, apartments, and also office spaces.
The refrigerator has a removable glass shelf and has drawers to store the fruits and the vegetables separately. The glass shelves of the refrigerator are good enough to separate the different types of food and its removable slide-out glass shelves help in keeping the refrigerator organized and to equip with one’s storage needs. This refrigerator operates at very low noise and is also energy-saving. It makes use of an R600a refrigerant that helps with ambient cooling. Its compressor consumes less energy and is also capable of cooling food very quickly, but at lower energy.
This compact refrigerator features an adjusting thermostat control and features bright interior lighting. The door shelves and the vegetable crisper available in this refrigerator help to make one’s life easier and simpler. Its retro-style handle adds to its ambience and is also convenient to open and close. It is also a perfect refrigerator for office, kitchen, and hostel rooms.
What do we like about the Galanz GLR35BKER refrigerator?
- The refrigerator is a very quiet machine and thus can be comfortably placed in the bedrooms too.
- It comes with a separate internal freezer compartment with a door.
- It is a beautiful and elegant cooling fridge that people love to use.
What do we don’t like about the Galanz GLR35BKER refrigerator?
- The retro-style handle of the refrigerator is hard to assemble.
Also Check: Best Wine Refrigerators Under $500
#2. RCA RFR322-B 3.2 Cu Ft Single Door Mini Fridge – Runner Up
| Features | Rating |
| Performance | 9.5 |
| Controls and functionality | 8.8 |
| Build quality | 8.6 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.8 |
| Value for money | 9.3 |
This is a credible single-door fridge with a freezer and comes in eight different colors, including elegant stainless steel color, to match your home decor. The refrigerator features an internal space of 3.2 Cu.ft and the product weight is about 50.7 pounds. The capacity of its freezer is about 0.2 cu. ft. As this refrigerator features a reversible door, it gets easy to fit in any place in the room. The flush back design and the hidden door handle of this refrigerator offer it a sleek and modern look.
This mini refrigerator with a freezer features an adjustable thermostat and adjusting lever feet for ultimate versatility. Its compressor cooling function helps with an ambient performance even in hot weather. There is also an adjusting thermostat and adjusting lever feet that help in ultimate versatility for the users. Being a 3.2 cu. ft refrigerator and freezer combination in a contemporary style, this refrigerator is capable of handling cold storage in an excellent and environmentally sustainable way.
The sleek design of this refrigerator suits any household and blends perfectly in a variety of decorating schemes. Its smart interior design features make sure that every inch counts in this unit. There are two interior racks in this refrigerator that can be adjusted to accommodate the needs of the users. The shelves and the beverage holders in the door of the refrigerator help with additional storage options.
What do we like about RCA RFR322-B single door mini fridge?
- This is an excellent refrigerator for the dorm room, office, playroom, and kitchen.
- The compressor cooling fridge will help keep the food and drinks at a perfect temperature.
- There is a built-in freezer to store ice cream and other cold food.
What do we don’t like about RCA RFR322-B single door mini fridge?
- The freezer is not capable of maintaining freezing temperatures.
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#3. Galanz GLR33MRDR10 Retro Compact Refrigerator – Editor’s Choice
| Features | Rating |
| Performance | 9.4 |
| Controls and functionality | 8.6 |
| Build quality | 8.3 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.7 |
| Value for money | 9.2 |
This is an excellent retro compact refrigerator with a highly efficient and low energy-consuming compressor. This refrigerator is capable of cooling down food items quickly at a lower energy level. As this refrigerator features a pair of leveling legs, it is easy and efficient to be placed anywhere. The refrigerator is capable of maintaining a temperature between 32 and 47 degrees Celsius and the total weight of this refrigerator is about 46.3 lbs.
It is equipped with glass shelves to keep food items in different compartments and there is also a removable slide-out glass shelf that helps in keeping food in an organized manner. It is possible to control the temperature in the refrigerator depending on the food items that are been stored. The thermostat knob can be set to the desired temperature. This is generally referred to as the space-saving refrigerator that occupies minimal space at home.
It is capable of storing food, beer, soda, and other beverages by consuming minimal energy, and without occupying much space. As this refrigerator features a retro design, it is perfect for offices, college dorm rooms, garages, and home bars. Being an energy-efficient refrigerator that consumes just 218 kWh, it is easy and cost-effective to maintain as well.
What do we like about the Galanz GLR33MRDR10 refrigerator?
- This refrigerator has the look and feel of the olden days’ fridge but has the appeal and functionality of a modern-day appliance.
- It comprises an adjusting thermostat control to manage the temperature settings.
- Its leveling legs help in the easy placement of the refrigerator.
What do we don’t like about the Galanz GLR33MRDR10 refrigerator?
- The glass shelves need to be handled with extreme care.
#4. Midea WHS-65 LB1 Compact Single Refrigerator – Best Budget Choice
| Features | Rating |
| Performance | 9.1 |
| Controls and functionality | 8.3 |
| Build quality | 8.3 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.9 |
| Value for money | 9.5 |
This a compact refrigerator with only 1.6 Cubic feet of space. It has a reversible door and thus can be placed even in tight spaces. It is also available in 2.5 cu. ft capacity. It is possible to adjust the temperature ranges in this refrigerator manually from 32 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Though it is a small and compact refrigerator, it is still capable of holding a large size bottle and many small cans with ample space for food and other desserts. There is also a small chiller compartment that operates at a lower temperature than the rest of the fridge.
The large storage areas of this refrigerator are good enough for a family of two and to meet their food requirements. Though it is a mini compact fridge, it still has adjustable legs to stand over any surface. There is also a reversible door, that can open either from left to right and vice versa. The internal walls of the main compartment seem tapered slightly at its back. This is perhaps to enhance the stability of the fridge on free surfaces.
The fridge can be made either as a freestanding design or built inside the cabinet to enhance the storage space and elegance of the room. Its freestanding design is perfect for dorm rooms and offices and is also convenient for home theaters and family rooms. The compact fridge is also quiet enough to be used in nurseries with babies and bedrooms. Midea is an international brand and is a leader in the manufacturing of high-quality and high-value home appliances. They are also affordable and have improved the lives of millions of people all over the world.
What do we like about the Midea WHS-65 LB1 refrigerator?
- A perfect and ideal refrigerator for small spaces and complements any room and setting
- The refrigerator is made with whisper-quiet technology
- Energy-efficient and affordable refrigerators
- Available in five different attractive color options.
What do we don’t like about the Midea WHS-65 LB1 refrigerator?
- There is no freezer compartment and thus there is no provision to make ice cubes or to store ice cream and frozen desserts.
#5. Galanz 4.3 Cu ft. Compact Single Door Refrigerator – Good Alternative
| Features | Rating |
| Performance | 9.2 |
| Controls and functionality | 8.6 |
| Build quality | 8.4 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.8 |
| Value for money | 9.2 |
This is an excellent single-door refrigerator that has about 4.3 Cu.ft of space to store food items, fruits, and drinks at an optimal temperature for a long time. These mini refrigerators from Galanz are available with a range of features and are capable of adding to the convenience of both the indoor and the outdoor kitchen. Being a compact refrigerator it is great for game rooms, bedrooms, dorm rooms, home offices, and home entertainment bars.
There is also a small freezer compartment that is found at the top of the fridge and it could hold a couple of ice trays to form ice cubes along with a packet or two of frozen food. There are about three shelves in the fridge that divides the fridge into four compartments. The shelves are of adjustable height, and can also be removed to accommodate more foodstuff in one compartment.
The door of the refrigerator has four can holders, that can hold about 8 cans, a long shelf to hold tall bottles up to 2.5 lt. capacity and a smaller rack to hold jams, squashes, sauces, etc. there is also a horizontal shelf in the door to hold mini cans and cartons.
There is a thermostat control inside the fridge, that can be manually adjusted to regulate the temperature settings in the refrigerator. The fridge comes in a stainless steel color that appeals to the décor of all rooms and the door handle is hidden, rendering it an ambient look. The refrigerator runs at 110V and is also energy efficient
What do we like about the Galanz single door refrigerator?
- The refrigerator runs frost-free, which is great to use in an office setting or compact spaces
- The interior spaces are good enough to stock a variety of food items at a time.
- Elegant stainless steel finish with the hidden door handle.
What do we don’t like about the Galanz single door refrigerator?
- Not possible to remove the freezer door and use it as a refrigerator.
- Temperature regulation is not appropriate.
Must read: Fridge vs Refrigerator: What’s the Difference?
Final Words
Refrigerators are available in a range of colors and style options, that are cleverly designed to enhance the décor of the home to great heights. Finding the right single-door refrigerator pertains to your own needs and answering your requirements. We hope our product recommendation and our buying guide will help you in choosing the best single-door refrigerator for your requirements.
