At a Glance:
What is a Freezerless Refrigerator?
Types of Freezerless Refrigerators
Do I Need a Freezerless Refrigerator?
5 Freezerless Refrigerator Reviews
What is a Freezerless Refrigerator?
The appliance world is full of novelties, and it seems like each year, more are added to the list. Ovens with cameras? That’s a thing. Washers and dryers that can communicate via Wi-Fi? That’s also a thing. But a freezerless refrigerator? It’s no hoax, and in fact, refrigerators without freezers have become popular for several reasons, believe it or not.
We reveal the secrets inside as we take you on a guide to freezerless refrigeration. We’ll answer your questions about these appliances and who they’re best for, and even provide five freezerless refrigerator reviews to give you a taste of what to expect.
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It might sound like a trick, but freezerless refrigeration is exactly what it sounds like: an appliance that only preserves fresh food — not frozen items. At first, this might sound counterintuitive. After all, why spend money on an appliance that can only keep half of your groceries fresh?
The short answer is that freezerless refrigerators are intended for custom kitchen builds and high-end cooking spaces (with the exception of compact models, which we discuss more below). Instead of having one unit that houses all produce and frozen foods, freezerless refrigerators allow users to create a personalized food storage setup that matches the layout of their kitchen.
Of course, customization comes at a cost. Overall, you’ll spend more on a freezerless refrigerator vs. freestanding models you might be more familiar with. The prices for full-size freezerless refrigerators at Don’s start at under $3,000, but don’t forget you’ll need a complementary freezer column to complete the setup.
Freezerless refrigerators come in sizes ranging from 18” all the way up to 42”. Most models are designed to be built into cabinetry, which will add to the overall cost of one of these appliances.
Learn More: Our Guide to Refrigerator Types
Types of Freezerless Refrigerators
In general, freezerless refrigeration can be categorized into two categories: low-end and high-end models. Typically, lower-end freezerless refrigerators aren’t grouped with their counterparts, but for the sake of this guide, we’re comparing them to give you a clear idea of how refrigerators without freezers are generally used.
Compact Freezerless Refrigerators
Often called a mini fridge, compact freezerless refrigeration is best for dorms, apartments, or as supplemental storage to a main refrigerator.
Freestanding Freezerless Refrigerators
Freestanding is a term to indicate any appliance that is not built into cabinetry. These models are built like your typical refrigerators and can be installed wherever there is a power source. The only difference is that a freestanding freezerless refrigerator won’t have a freezer compartment, which is why many shoppers consider these ideal garage refrigerators.
Built-In Freezerless Refrigerators
The most common of freezerless fridges, these models are fitted and installed into a kitchen cutout. Keep in mind not all manufacturers install flush; some may stick out slightly from the cabinetry, so it’s important to pay attention to the dimensions if you’re going for the integrated look.
Panel-Ready Freezerless Refrigerators
Speaking of integration, panel-ready freezerless refrigerators do their best since they can be fitted with panel fronts that match their surroundings. These are generally the most expensive type of freezerless refrigerator.
Related: Top Built-In Refrigerators
Do I Need a Freezerless Refrigerator?
You might be asking why anyone would pay more for a freezerless refrigerator, and that’s a valid question. But for some shoppers, the following benefits of a freezerless refrigerator are worth the hike in price.
✅ Ultimate Customize
By dividing the freezer and refrigerator into two full-size appliances, interior designers can create a kitchen layout that works better with a space’s blueprint. Let’s say you prefer having a freezer in a butler’s pantry and the main refrigerator in the kitchen. By purchasing a matching freezerless refrigerator and freezer column, you can do that.
✅ Maximum Fresh Food Storage
Additionally, because column refrigeration (that’s what the industry calls no-freezer refrigerators and all-freezer columns) comes in a variety of sizes and widths, custom-sized refrigeration systems can be made by combining two of these appliances. This is often seen in households where homeowners want the most food storage capacity possible when a traditional refrigerator isn’t enough.
✅ Create a Unique Look
Homeowners also often cash in on the possibility of using panel-ready freezerless refrigerators to create a designer kitchen. Many manufacturers offer customizable panels that match a kitchen’s cabinetry for a seamless, virtually camouflaged presentation.
✅ Better Quality
Most manufacturers of freezerless refrigerators are either high-end or only make models for their premium lines. That means these refrigerators are made with the best qualities and often include top features, which can be worth the money.
5 Freezerless Refrigerator Reviews
Your search for the best freezerless refrigerator in Pittsburgh starts at Don’s Appliances. Our experts hand-picked five models, each for a specific need and price point. Compare our freezerless refrigerator reviews below to preview some of the best models on the market.
Best Compact Freezerless Fridge: U-Line® Modular 3000 Series 6.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Compact Refrigerator
Buyers might wonder why this freezerless refrigerator has such a high price tag, and it all comes down to quality. U-Line is recognized as one of the best refrigerator manufacturers on the market across all categories, so you can count on this compact version to be reliable and durable. You also get the flexibility to use this model as a freestanding refrigerator or a built-in unit, great for under a bar, in the pantry closet, or installed right into a kitchen island. We give this freezerless refrigerator high reviews for its dual evaporation zones, complex organization system, and professional presentation.
Overall review: If you want a small freezerless refrigerator that doesn’t lack quality, the U-Line 3036RR refrigerator is a solid choice from a reputable brand.
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Best Small Freezerless Refrigerator: Danby® 11.0 Cu. Ft. Scarlett Red Metallic Apartment Size All Refrigerator
While most experts wouldn’t group this freezerless refrigerator into the same category as others on this list, we’ve included it for two reasons. It offers almost twice the capacity of our best compact freezerless refrigerator, and it’s a fraction of the price. You won’t be able to customize this model, though, and it isn’t made for built-in installation, but it does carry the Danby name, another well-known manufacturer of commercial refrigeration. The good news is this model takes up less floorspace, and its sleek design in red makes a stylish statement.
Overall review: The Danby DAR110A3LDB freezerless refrigerator appeals to shoppers who don’t want to invest in installation but are looking for supplemental refrigerator storage from a reliable brand.
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Best Freestanding Freezerless Fridge: Whirlpool® Sidekicks® 18 Cu. Ft. All Refrigerator-Monochromatic Stainless Steel
We officially enter the full-size category with this Whirlpool Sidekick freezerless refrigerator. At 18 cubic feet, this counter-depth freezerless refrigerator provides nearly twice the usable fresh food storage of a typical all-in-one refrigerator. We give high ratings for having the option to use this pick as either a freestanding or built-in unit, which can be installed together or separately from a matching freezer column. For the price, we would expect a few more features, but we still appreciate the climate control system, capacity, and the fact that this is from Whirlpool, a recognized domestic brand.
Overall review: This Whirlpool freezerless refrigerator is a solid introduction to the world of freezerless refrigeration. Buyers agree, there is plenty of space and the price is spot-on.
Whirlpool WSR57R18DM Refrigerator Reviews
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Best Large Capacity Freezerless Refrigerator: Frigidaire Professional® 18.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel All Refrigerator
In case you weren’t aware, Frigidaire freezerless refrigerators are a thing. The brand is most known for its affordability, but the Frigidaire Professional line provides a higher level of luxury. We rank this freezerless refrigerator slightly higher than our Whirlpool freezerless fridge simply for its buyer rating. Overall, 4/5 buyers recommend this model, based on reviews from over 550 users. You’ll also get more features with this system, from EvenTemp Cooling to an interior water dispenser to humidity-controlled produce crispers. And at 18.6 cubic feet of fresh food capacity, you can store a true refrigerator’s worth of vegetables, fruits, and seasonal items with virtually no boundaries.
Overall review: This Frigidaire Professional freezerless refrigerator is a step above our Whirlpool model but it does come at a significant price difference. However, you get plenty of features that are still below the luxury price range.
Frigidaire Professional FPRU19F8WF Refrigerator Reviews
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Best Freezerless Refrigerator Splurge: Miele MasterCool™ 20.6 Cu. Ft. Integrated Counter Depth Freezerless Refrigerator
If your goal is a kitchen with an appliance that fully integrates into their surroundings, this Miele all-refrigerator system is worth the price. Start by customizing the panel-ready front to your desire. You can even opt out of a handle with the “handy” Push2open feature that goes ajar with a gentle push. Of course, we also give high ratings to its advanced cooling system that keeps food fresh up to three times longer, plus 20.6 cubic feet of space that lets you stock up on all your favorite ingredients — and then some!
Overall review: The Miele K 2902 Vi freezerless refrigerator is a great example of luxury designed with the user in mind. We love that it can be personalized on the outside, while the interior allows you to configure the layout how you want with a powerful preservation system that’s worth the upgrade.
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Overall, there are three reasons you might want to invest in a freezerless refrigerator.
- You don’t have enough space for a full-size refrigerator, so you need a compact freezerless refrigerator.
- You’re looking for some extra food storage to free up your main refrigerator.
- You’re planning on updating or upgrading your kitchen and want a premium refrigeration system.
Make sure to go into your search with a full understanding that freezerless refrigeration is typically more expensive than your standard refrigeration. Additionally, you’ll need to budget for installation if it’s a built-in model and set a portion of your price limit aside for any custom panels. To learn more about freezerless refrigerators, Pittsburgh can always count on Don’s Appliances, where we have a full catalog of products for you to explore and experts to help you make the right decision.
Why Trust Don’s Appliances?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop Freezerless Refrigerators at Don’s
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop refrigerators online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you discover all the benefits of a freezerless refrigerator — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
Learn More: Best Counter-Depth Refrigerators of 2022