Find your fridge THE COMPACTCHILL BUYING GUIDE
Small fridge. A better fit for your day.
For food and frozen meals, I’d start with the Midea WHD-113FSS1. Choose the BLACK+DECKER BCRK17B for a smaller personal supply, or the Whynter BR-1211DS for sealed drinks. The right choice starts with what you store and the room around the fridge.
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3.1 cu. ft.MIDEA · 3.1 CU. FT.
A separate freezer for frozen meals, with shelves and a crisper for everyday food.
Confirm condition, warranty, fit and current defrost instructions.
01 THE SHORTLIST
I’d start with the job you need it to do.
Here’s where each of these makes sense.
3.1 cu. ft. · Separate freezer
Midea
The one I’d choose for lunches, milk and a small frozen-food reserve. Separate doors make the storage split straightforward.
1.7 cu. ft. · Small food-fridge layout
BLACK+DECKER
I’d choose this shorter cube for a few daily essentials when a tall fridge would take over the room.
3.4 cu. ft. · Dedicated drinks storage
Whynter
My starting choice for sealed drinks when digital controls and a door lock are useful.
Shopping links lead to exact listings, not search results. Select your US delivery location and confirm the model and condition before ordering. How the choices are researched.
Make room for everyday convenience.MAKE THE SPACE WORK
Your lunch, a few drinks, somewhere to keep tomorrow’s breakfast. Start with what needs to stay cold, then check the space around the appliance.
OPEN THE DOOR BEFORE YOU DECIDE
Midea WHD-113FSS1 · interior layout
THE DETAIL THAT CHANGES THE DECISION
The headline capacity includes the freezer. If you mainly store fresh food, compare the refrigerator compartment itself.
Manufacturer compartment volumes on the same scale. Shelf layout affects what fits. Midea source · Danby source
My take: choose the freezer for food you actually freeze. Choose the extra refrigerated space when lunches, milk and produce do most of the work.
START WITH YOUR ROUTINE
02 SIDE BY SIDE
Cabinet dimensions are width × depth × height.
Installation space is additional.
Each model includes its Amazon link and the same specifications shown on larger screens.
Scroll sideways if needed. Shopping links sit beside each model.
| Model | Shopping | Capacity | Freezer | Cabinet W × D × H | Defrost | Annual energy | Buying check |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MideaWHD-113FSS1My pick for food + frozen meals | 3.1 cu. ft. | Separate compartment | 18.5 × 19.9 × 33 in.Allow ventilation space; verify the size if the fit is tight. | Documentation conflict | 270 kWh / year | Confirm dimensions for a tight fit | |
BLACK+DECKERBCRK17BMy pick for a small personal supply | 1.7 cu. ft. | Short-term compartment | 17.5 × 18.5 × 19.7 in.Add at least two inches behind, plus door-opening space. | Manual | 201 kWh / year | No long-term frozen storage | |
WhynterBR-1211DSMy pick for a dedicated drinks corner | 3.4 cu. ft.Up to 136 cans* | None; beverage unit | 19 × 20 × 33 in.Depth includes the handle; check the fixed door swing. | Automatic; frost removal as needed | Not verified | Door is not reversible | |
 GEGDE03GGKBBAnother food + freezer option | 3.1 cu. ft. | Separate compartment | 18.75 × 20.125 × 33.375 in.Cabinet size only; allow 37 inches of depth with the door open. | Partial automatic | 321 kWh / year | 37 in. door-open depth | |
 NewairAB-1200Drinks with a simpler control dial | 3.4 cu. ft.Up to 126 cans* | None; beverage unit | 18.9 × 18.4 × 33 in.Height includes the hinge; leave ventilation space above. | Check current manual | Not verified | Check shelves and warranty | |
 DanbyDAR044A6DDBMore room for fresh food | Buy on AmazonConfirm a current offer for this exact model on Amazon before choosing it. | 4.4 cu. ft. | None | 20.75 × 21.3 × 33.07 in.Add five-inch gaps at each side, behind and above. | Automatic | Not verified | Five-inch ventilation gaps |
 MideaMERM33S1ABBA narrower freezerless alternative | Buy on AmazonThis exact listing was unavailable when checked. Compare the alternatives before choosing it. | 3.3 cu. ft. | None | 18.6 × 17.6 × 34 in.Manual height 34 in.; webpage says 33.9. Ventilation is additional. | Documentation conflict | 260 kWh / year | Defrost details need confirmation |
 GalanzGLR31TBEERRetro style, with checks first | Buy on AmazonThis exact listing was unavailable when checked. Compare the alternatives before choosing it. | 3.1 cu. ft. | Separate compartment | 19.17 × 23.31 × 35.16 in.Manufacturer unit dimensions; check door and handle access separately. | Partial automatic; freezer manual | 320 kWh / year | Freestanding; freezer needs defrost |
No models match those filters. Try another storage type or reset the comparison.
*Can counts are manufacturer claims for standard 12 oz. cans. Mixed bottles change usable storage. Energy values are published annual figures, not our measurements.
“Not verified” is missing evidence, not zero use. No price or stock claim is made here. Read the exact-model source notes.
THE COMPACTCHILL FINDER
Start with what you store. Add your available space only if you have measured it.
Uses storage type, documented locks and known installation dimensions. It does not rank cooling, noise or price performance.
Your storage needs come first. Your results will explain why each option appears.
03 THE DETAILS
What I’d buy each one for, what I’d weigh up,
and when I’d choose something else.
Midea WHD-113FSS1
Allow ventilation space; verify the size if the fit is tight.
Specifications & source notes ↗My pick for food + frozen meals
I’d choose the Midea WHD-113FSS1 for a room where the fridge needs to do more than chill drinks. The separate freezer is the reason: I’d rather give frozen meals their own compartment than try to make a small internal icebox do that job. The refrigerator section adds two removable glass shelves and a produce drawer, giving everyday food a more useful home than a stack of beverage racks.
The decision comes down to the split: 2.2 cu. ft. for refrigerated food and 0.9 cu. ft. for the freezer. If I were buying mainly for lunches and milk, I’d question whether I needed that freezer at all. But for someone who regularly keeps a few frozen meals alongside fresh ingredients, this is where I’d start. Before buying, I’d resolve the upkeep instructions: manufacturer material describes manual defrost, while an exact-model ENERGY STAR record lists automatic.
In reviews displayed by Walmart, one WHD-113FSS1 owner liked the freezer space for food and ice; another found frost buildup frustrating. I’d make defrosting part of the decision, not an afterthought.
When I’d choose differentlyI’d choose the Danby DAR044A6DDB for more fresh-food room, or compare the GE GDE03GGKBB if its shelf layout and installation space suit the room better.
BLACK+DECKER BCRK17B
Add at least two inches behind, plus door-opening space.
Specifications & source notes ↗My pick for a small personal supply
I’d choose the BLACK+DECKER BCRK17B for a desk-side lunch, a few drinks and a modest supply of refrigerated food. Its appeal is the shorter cabinet: at 19.7 inches high, it asks much less of a small room than the counter-height choices. The slide-out glass shelf and reversible door are useful when arranging the space around it.
I wouldn’t buy this to replace a larger food fridge. With 1.7 cu. ft. in total, I’d work backward from what needs to fit each day rather than shop for the week and hope. I’d also treat the small internal compartment as short-term storage only. If frozen dinners are part of the routine, I’d spend the extra space on the Midea’s separate freezer.
One BCRK17B owner in Lowe’s reviews reported an early cooling failure. That does not establish a failure rate, but I’d check temperatures promptly and keep the return paperwork.
When I’d choose differentlyI’d move up to the Midea WHD-113FSS1 for regular frozen meals. For mostly canned drinks, I’d compare a dedicated beverage layout instead.
Whynter BR-1211DS
Depth includes the handle; check the fixed door swing.
Specifications & source notes ↗My pick for a dedicated drinks corner
I’d choose the Whynter BR-1211DS for a drinks corner, especially if I wanted a lock and a digital temperature setting. Four full wire shelves and a half shelf give it a different purpose from a food fridge: organizing sealed cans and bottles, with a glass door that keeps the selection visible. That is the job I’d buy it for.
Whynter’s 136-can figure is a maximum packing claim for standard 12 oz. cans. I’d plan a mixed drinks collection around bottle height and easy access instead of expecting that headline count. The stated temperature range is 34–43°F; the setting is still worth checking with a thermometer. Compared with the Newair, the lock and digital controls are my reasons to shortlist this one.
A reviewer on Lowe’s chose this lockable model for a classroom. That is the kind of shared-space use where I’d see a reason to pay attention to the lock.
When I’d choose differentlyI’d choose the Newair AB-1200 if a simple dial was enough. For lunches and dairy, I’d choose a food refrigerator such as the Midea or GE.
GE GDE03GGKBB
Cabinet size only; allow 37 inches of depth with the door open.
Specifications & source notes ↗Another food + freezer option
I’d shortlist the GE GDE03GGKBB alongside the Midea for fresh food and frozen meals. The separate freezer, glass shelving and crisper give me the storage features I’d look for in a small everyday food fridge. I’d choose between them by checking the containers I use and the room around the open door, rather than treating the shared 3.1 cu. ft. total as a tie.
The GE needs 37 inches of depth with its door open, which matters in a narrow aisle. It also needs half an inch at each side and two inches above and behind. Those measurements make it easier to rule out an awkward location before ordering. The refrigerator’s partial automatic defrost is useful, but the freezer still needs attention. Its 321 kWh annual figure is higher than the Midea’s 270 kWh, so I’d include that difference in the running-cost comparison.
A verified buyer of the black model on Lowe’s liked the separate freezer but found the door’s can storage tight to use. I’d check access as well as capacity.
When I’d choose differentlyI’d start with the Midea WHD-113FSS1 if its layout and fit worked equally well. I’d choose a freezerless fridge if frozen food rarely enters the picture.
Newair AB-1200
Height includes the hinge; leave ventilation space above.
Specifications & source notes ↗Drinks with a simpler control dial
I’d consider the Newair AB-1200 for a drinks setup where I didn’t need the Whynter’s digital display or door lock. The seven-position mechanical dial keeps the controls simple. I’d choose it for that straightforward arrangement, then check the shelves against the cans and bottles I actually wanted to keep cold.
The 126-can headline describes Newair’s maximum packing arrangement. It is not the number I’d use to plan an easy-to-browse drinks selection. I’d leave space for taller bottles and access to the back of the shelves. The stated range is 37–65°F, so I’d also check that the lower limit matches how cold I like my drinks. A thermometer is more useful than guessing which dial number equals a temperature.
An owner explicitly reviewing the AB-1200 on Lowe’s found a maximum load awkward to access and removed shelves for upright cans. I’d leave room for the way I actually serve drinks.
When I’d choose differentlyI’d choose the Whynter BR-1211DS for a lock or digital controls. I’d switch to a food fridge if lunches, milk or groceries were the main reason for buying.
A FEW MORE WORTH UNDERSTANDING
These models offer different layouts and styling. Check the exact model details and a suitable Amazon offer before choosing one.
Danby DAR044A6DDB
Add five-inch gaps at each side, behind and above.
Specifications & source notes ↗More room for fresh food
I’d consider the Danby DAR044A6DDB for a shared office or extra groceries at home. All 4.4 cu. ft. goes to refrigerated storage, so there is no freezer taking a cut of that total. Glass shelves, a crisper and door storage make it a more natural fit for food than a beverage cooler. Automatic defrost and a door lock are useful additions.
The extra capacity is only useful if the installation fits. Danby calls for five inches at the sides, back and top, making the required space much larger than the cabinet alone. I’d measure that full area first. This stays an alternative to research because a suitable direct Amazon buying offer has not been confirmed; I wouldn’t substitute a similar-looking Danby with a different suffix.
When I’d choose differentlyI’d choose a smaller cabinet if space mattered more than capacity, or the Midea WHD-113FSS1 if I needed a freezer.
Midea MERM33S1ABB
Manual height 34 in.; webpage says 33.9. Ventilation is additional.
Specifications & source notes ↗A narrower freezerless alternative
I’d look at the Midea MERM33S1ABB if I wanted a freezerless food fridge but the Danby’s wider cabinet was too much for the room. Its 18.6-inch width is the attraction. The 3.3 cu. ft. layout and three shelves put refrigerated storage first, which makes sense when lunches, milk and produce matter more than ice or frozen meals.
I’d resolve the upkeep question before choosing it. Midea’s product page says automatic defrost, while the specification sheet says manual. That difference changes what owning it involves, so I wouldn’t promise low-maintenance operation without checking the unit’s instructions. A suitable direct Amazon offer is also unconfirmed. I’d keep this on the comparison list rather than treat another Midea listing as an equivalent purchase.
When I’d choose differentlyI’d consider the Danby DAR044A6DDB when automatic defrost is a priority and the larger installation fits. For frozen meals, I’d choose a separate-freezer layout.
Galanz GLR31TBEER
Manufacturer unit dimensions; check door and handle access separately.
Specifications & source notes ↗Retro style, with checks first
I can see the appeal of the Galanz GLR31TBEER if the fridge will be part of the room’s decor. The blue finish and rounded retro styling give it a different character from a plain stainless cabinet, while the separate freezer keeps it relevant to food storage. Style would be my reason to investigate it, not a reason to overlook the fit.
I would plan this around 2.2 cu. ft. of refrigerated food and a separate 0.9 cu. ft. freezer. The blue cabinet is taller and deeper than the Midea WHD-113FSS1, so the styling costs some room as well as any price premium. The freezer needs manual defrosting. I would compare the GE or Midea if I needed to buy immediately, because the checked Galanz Amazon listing had no available offer.
When I’d choose differentlyI’d choose the Midea WHD-113FSS1 or GE GDE03GGKBB when the installation size and buying route need to be clearer.
04 BUYING WELL
Start with the food. Measure the room.
Then think about living with it.
Leave the model’s required gaps at the sides, back and top. Check the handle, hinge and door swing too. A freestanding model needs the installation space specified in its manual.
Try the space finder →Check that the door can open far enough to remove shelves and drawers without blocking the aisle. A cabinet that fits the appliance may still leave too little working space. Use the installation measuring guide.
Compare the cabinet sizes ↑A freezer takes room away from fresh food. A drinks layout gives up some everyday food-storage convenience. An internal ice compartment can have limits that a “with freezer” product title does not explain.
See the short-term compartment example ↑Manufacturer decibel claims are not a controlled comparison. Think about compressor cycling, lights and how close the fridge sits to the bed. Follow levelling and clearance instructions before trying to address vibration.
Read the bedroom answer ↓For a dorm, check the current housing agreement before ordering: capacity limits, electrical requirements, supplied units and rental schemes vary. Offices may have their own placement and electrical policies.
Narrow the storage options ↑Compare defrost instructions, removable shelves, door seals and service information. Check warranty wording for the exact model, seller and condition. A reversible-door claim also needs to match the exact model.
See why the exact door specification matters ↑Budget buying
For under $50, $60, $100, $150 or $200, verify an exact available model and its condition before calling it a match. Add delivery, tax and any genuinely required extras. A price equal to your ceiling is not “under” it.
The budget mini-fridge guide separates these ceilings and explains which complete offers still need verification. A thermoelectric cooler is a different purchase from a food fridge.
FOOD FRIDGE OR DRINKS FRIDGE?
A beverage cooler puts sealed cans and bottles first. For lunches, dairy and groceries, choose a food refrigerator and verify safe storage temperatures.
Compare storage types →
A MINUTE AT CHECKOUT
Small model changes can mean a different finish, compartment layout or appliance.
For our Midea pick, look for WHD-113FSS1 and stainless steel. MERM31D2AST is a different model; it is not a substitute listing.
A used offer, bundle or another colour can appear on the same shopping page. Check the selected item, seller, returns and warranty.
A product page may remain visible when no suitable offer is available. Check delivery and the complete checkout total before comparing your budget.
05 EVERYDAY COSTS
Use a verified annual kWh figure and your electricity rate. Do not multiply a compressor’s rated watts by 24 hours and treat that as a measured annual total.
For context, Midea publishes 270 kWh/year for the WHD-113FSS1. The starting rate below is an example, not a US average. Room conditions and use can change real consumption.
YOUR RUNNING-COST ESTIMATE
Example: 270 kWh × $0.18/kWh. About $4.05 per month.
An estimate of energy cost only. It excludes the purchase price, delivery, maintenance and changes in tariffs.
06 GOOD QUESTIONS
Clear answers before you commit to a model.
I’d start with the Midea WHD-113FSS1. Its separate 0.9 cu. ft. freezer leaves 2.2 cu. ft. for refrigerated food, with glass shelves and a crisper. I’d choose the BLACK+DECKER BCRK17B for a smaller personal supply, or compare the freezerless Danby when fresh-food capacity matters more.
No. A separate freezer and a small internal ice compartment have different limits. The BLACK+DECKER BCRK17B’s internal compartment is for short-term storage; I’d choose a separate freezer for a regular supply of frozen meals. Check the exact manual and confirm actual temperatures with an appliance thermometer.
For a bedroom, I’d prioritize placement, lighting and an easy return process before a “quiet” label. Compressor cycling and vibration can be more distracting close to a bed. Owner impressions and decibel figures taken under different conditions do not establish a reliable quietest winner. Follow the levelling and clearance instructions, then assess the sound in your room.
Use the exact installation instructions. A cabinet that physically holds a fridge can still block required airflow or the door. The Danby manual, for example, requires five-inch gaps around the back, sides and top and excludes a built-in installation.
FDA guidance calls for a refrigerator at 40°F or below and a freezer at 0°F or below. A dial setting is not a temperature reading. Use a thermometer, let conditions stabilize, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Choose a dedicated food refrigerator when perishable food is the main job. A drinks fridge’s advertised range and can capacity do not demonstrate food-temperature consistency. The drinks models here are assessed for sealed beverages.
That needs an exact, available offer check. This homepage does not verify a qualifying under-$100 food fridge. Compare cooling technology, condition, shipping and tax before treating a low advertised amount as a suitable setup.
Do not assume an indoor compact fridge is suitable. Ambient-temperature and installation limits are model-specific. Outdoor and garage-ready recommendations require a separate investigation of documented operating conditions.
Start with your usual food and containers, then measure the installation. Total capacity includes any freezer, while outside dimensions exclude the ventilation space a model needs. I’d check shelf height, bottle storage and door swing before choosing between two fridges with the same cubic-foot total.
HOW I MAKE THE SHORTLIST
I look at the storage layout, the space a fridge needs and the upkeep that comes with it. I also read identifiable owner reports for practical details, such as awkward door storage or frost maintenance, and check those observations against the exact model.
The recommendation is my judgement about who a fridge suits. The sources page explains the evidence, owner-feedback context and any details still worth checking.
Explore the research approach ↗As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buy on Amazon buttons open the matched Amazon.com product listing in a new tab. Set your US delivery location, then check the selected model, finish, condition, seller, delivered price and warranty eligibility. A product page does not guarantee an available offer. Every product button opens its exact Amazon listing. Some listings may have no suitable offer; check availability for your address before deciding. We do not claim Amazon is the cheapest seller.
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Email [email protected] or call +1 (503) 279-7582. Annette is based in Portland, Oregon. For a correction, include the model, affected statement and supporting source. No message is sent by this page itself.
DOWN TO TWO?
CHOOSE BY THE JOB
AFTER THE SHORTLIST