Why You Should Consider a Freezerless Refrigerator

Appliances

Most refrigerators come with a refrigerator and freezer compartment, but have you ever thought about getting a freezerless refrigerator? There are many reasons why you should consider getting one. For starters, your freezer may be taking up too much space in your fridge, leaving little room for fresh produce and condiments. Secondly, having a freezerless refrigerator can allow you to design your kitchen in a more attractive manner, with separate fridge and freezer drawers.

1. To Save Space

If you live in a small apartment or dorm room, a full-sized refrigerator may not be necessary, and a freezerless fridge can take up minimal space. You can store any frozen items in a shared community freezer and use your small fridge for personal items.

2. To Save Money

A freezerless refrigerator is generally cheaper than a regular refrigerator with a freezer. For instance, a basic Whirlpool freezerless fridge starts at $617, while a Whirlpool fridge/freezer with an icemaker can cost anywhere from $899 to $1299 depending on the features. Additionally, a freezerless fridge can be a cost-effective alternative to a wine fridge for storing wine at a consistent temperature.

3. To Save Energy

If you need a second fridge for your groceries, a freezerless model can save you money on energy costs. Appliances must meet the U.S. Department of Energy’s standards to be Energy-Star rated, and the yellow EnergyGuide label estimates the appliance’s energy use and annual operating costs.

4. Taste Transfer

Another benefit of a freezerless refrigerator is avoiding “taste transfer,” where food in one area of the fridge starts to taste like something from another area due to the circulated air from the top of the freezer to the bottom of the fridge.

We compared the EnergyGuide labels of a standard refrigerator and a freezerless refrigerator from Sears:

• The Kenmore 18.2 cubic foot top freezer refrigerator uses an estimated 479 kWh of electricity per year and costs about $51 to operate annually.
• The Kenmore 16.7 cubic foot freezerless refrigerator uses an estimated 438 kWh of electricity per year and costs about $40 to operate annually.

2: Additional Refrigerator Space

An extra refrigerator can be beneficial for food organization.
Comstock/Thinkstock

Buying food in bulk can be an effective way to save money, especially for larger households. However, this can become problematic if you don’t have enough storage space. This is where a second fridge can come in handy. By using a second fridge, you can store bulk drinks, fresh produce, dairy, and meat. Even if you don’t have a large family, a second fridge can be convenient if you frequently entertain guests. You no longer have to play Tetris with pots and dishes during potluck events since the extra space enables you to keep everything organized. The best part is that an additional fridge can be located anywhere in your home, including the garage.

1: Enhancing Your Kitchen Aesthetic

If you’re renovating your kitchen and want more freezer and refrigerator space, your interior designer may suggest installing a separate full-size freezer and freezerless refrigerator. In a custom-designed kitchen, these appliances can be disguised to match your cabinetry, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the overall look of the room. Refrigerator “drawers,” which are essentially freezerless fridges, are another visually appealing option that can be used to store snacks and soft drinks in an easily accessible location.

Additional Resources

Related Articles

• Can You Live Without a Refrigerator?
• How Do Refrigerators Work?
• 10 Meal Ideas for Leftovers
• Top 10 Affordable and Healthy Foods
• How Do Self-Cleaning Ovens Work?

Sources

• “Learn More About Energy Guide.” EnergyStar.gov. 2011. (Oct. 1, 2011)http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=appliances.pr_energy_guide
• “The History of the Refrigerator.” KeepItCool.com. 2002. (Oct. 1, 2011)http://www.keepitcool.com/history_of_the_refrigerator2.htm

FAQ

1. What is a freezerless refrigerator?

A freezerless refrigerator is a type of refrigerator that is designed without a freezer compartment. These appliances are becoming increasingly popular because they offer more space for fresh food storage and can be a better fit for individuals or families who already have a standalone freezer.

2. What are the benefits of a freezerless refrigerator?

One of the main benefits of a freezerless refrigerator is the increased storage space for fresh food. Without a freezer taking up valuable space, you can fill your refrigerator with more fruits, vegetables, and other perishable items. Additionally, because freezerless refrigerators don’t have a freezer, they typically use less energy and are more affordable than traditional refrigerators.

3. Who should consider buying a freezerless refrigerator?

If you already have a separate freezer or don’t rely heavily on frozen food, a freezerless refrigerator may be a good fit for you. Additionally, if you’re short on space or have a small kitchen, a freezerless refrigerator can provide more storage for fresh food without taking up too much room.

4. What are some features to look for in a freezerless refrigerator?

When shopping for a freezerless refrigerator, consider features like adjustable shelves, humidity-controlled drawers, and a door alarm to alert you when the door has been left open. Look for models that are Energy Star certified to ensure that you’re getting an energy-efficient appliance.

5. Are there any downsides to a freezerless refrigerator?

One potential downside to a freezerless refrigerator is that you’ll need to have a separate freezer if you want to store frozen food. Additionally, if you’re used to having a freezer in your refrigerator, you may need to adjust to a different layout and organization system for your fresh food.

6. Can a freezerless refrigerator be more affordable than a traditional refrigerator?

Yes, freezerless refrigerators are typically more affordable than traditional refrigerators because they don’t have a freezer compartment. Additionally, because they use less energy, you may see savings on your energy bill over time.

7. Are freezerless refrigerators available in different sizes?

Yes, freezerless refrigerators come in a variety of sizes to fit different needs. You can find models as small as 18 cubic feet or as large as 30 cubic feet, depending on your storage needs and the amount of space you have available in your kitchen.

8. What brands make freezerless refrigerators?

Several well-known appliance brands make freezerless refrigerators, including LG, Frigidaire, Samsung, and GE. It’s important to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality appliance that will meet your needs.