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A shot of the interior of a fridge, focusing on its door bins and the lower half of its refrigerator compartment. The fridge is stocked with food. Credit: Reviewed / Jonathan Chan

The Best Refrigerators Under $1,000 of 2024

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A shot of the interior of a fridge, focusing on its door bins and the lower half of its refrigerator compartment. The fridge is stocked with food. Credit: Reviewed / Jonathan Chan

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1
Editor's Choice Product image of Hisense HRB171N6ASE
Best Overall

Hisense HRB171N6ASE

4.4
Check Price at Lowe's

Though it requires calibration, this fridge will offer remarkably consistent temperatures and is one of the best values we've seen. Read More

Pros

  • Steady temperatures in both fridge and freezer
  • Great value

Cons

  • Fridge needs to be calibrated before use
  • Only one crisper
2
Editor's Choice Product image of Hotpoint HPS16BTNRWW

Hotpoint HPS16BTNRWW

4.4
Check Price at Best Buy

If you’re not looking to spend thousands on a new fridge, this top-freezer is a good budget buy that doesn’t skimp on temperature performance. Read More

Pros

  • Stable temperatures
  • Great value

Cons

  • Freezer temps need calibration
  • Wire racks don't handle spills well
3
Editor's Choice Product image of Haier HA10TG21SS

Haier HA10TG21SS

4.3
Check Price at Best Buy

The Haier HA10TG21SS is a high-performance budget fridge. What it lacks in extra features it makes up for in steady temperatures. Read More

Pros

  • Counter-depth
  • Steady temperatures
  • Great value

Cons

  • No extra features
  • Lower capacity
4
Editor's Choice Product image of Beko BFTF2716SSIM

Beko BFTF2716SSIM

4.3
Check Price at AJ Madison

This inexpensive top-freezer combines a great look with some solid performance in a compact package. Read More

Pros

  • Steady temperatures
  • Inexpensive
  • Interesting crisper tech

Cons

  • Low overall storage
  • Freezer requires calibration
5
Editor's Choice Product image of Samsung RT18M6215SG

Samsung RT18M6215SG

4.2
Check Price at Samsung

This 18-cu. ft. fridge has spot-on temperatures for food preservation and a flexible freezer that can be made into a separate refrigerator zone. Read More

Pros

  • Can maintain consistent temperatures
  • Flexible temperature zone
  • Black stainless steel finish

Cons

  • Have to stoop to access crispers
  • Not much in the way of storage
  • Best Overall Hisense HRB171N6ASE
  • Other Affordable Refrigerators We Tested
  • How We Test Refrigerators
  • What You Should Know Before Buying A Refrigerator
  • More Articles You Might Enjoy

Advances in cooling efficiency and lower-cost components mean that affordable refrigerators are more effective than ever. In the past, a cheap refrigerator might keep drinks cool in your garage and not much more. Nowadays, the best budget refrigerators can hold their own in your kitchen day to day—they just may not have the latest smart home features.

Still, there’s a difference between an affordable fridge and a cheap fridge. We researched and tested the best refrigerators under $1,000, and found that the Hisense HRB171N6ASE (available at Lowe's) offers the most bang for your buck—just make sure you calibrate it first.

If that one isn't a great fit for you, don't worry: All of the options listed here would make great budget buys.

Editor's Note: Appliances purchases are a large investment of both money and time. We’ve not only compiled lists of the best fridges to shop, but also the best places to buy in-stock appliances right now and the best times of year to buy appliances to take advantage of sales and new releases.

Credit: Hisense
Best Overall
Hisense HRB171N6ASE
  • Refrigerator style: Bottom Freezer
  • Dimensions: 69.1” x 31.1” x 29.1” (H x W x D)
  • Measured capacity: 8.75-cu.-ft. fridge, 2.87-cu.-ft. freezer
  • Dispensers: None

The Hisense HRB171N6ASE is a high-value, low-cost refrigerator. It has remarkable temperature consistency for its price range. It also offers notable energy efficiency, even compared to other counter-depth fridges.

That’s not to say this bottom-freezer refrigerator is without its quirks. For starters, we highly recommend making sure your HRB171N6ASE is properly calibrated out of the box. The unit we received defaulted to a slightly higher temperature than is ideal.

Additionally, there is only one crisper drawer. Those looking to store lots of fruits and vegetables may find better options elsewhere.

Even with those issues, the Hisense HRB171N6ASE offers impressive performance for its purchase price. If you’re looking to pick up a counter-depth fridge on a budget, it’s a solid bet.

Read our full review of the Hisense HRB171N6ASE bottom-freezer refrigerator

Pros

  • Steady temperatures in both fridge and freezer

  • Great value

Cons

  • Fridge needs to be calibrated before use

  • Only one crisper

Buy now at Lowe's

Other Affordable Refrigerators We Tested

Product image of Hotpoint HPS16BTNRWW
Hotpoint HPS16BTNRWW
  • Refrigerator style: Top Freezer
  • Dimensions: 61.75" x 28” x 30.5” (H x W x D)
  • Measured capacity: 9.68-cu.-ft. fridge, 3.98 cu.-ft. freezer
  • Dispensers: None

If you’re not looking to spend thousands on a new fridge, the Hotpoint HPS16BTNRWW is a good option for anyone on a budget. Unlike most lower-cost fridges, this Hotpoint doesn’t skimp on temperature performance, and stays remarkably consistent, straying by less than 2°F throughout both the fridge and freezer.

What you won’t get in this fridge is features. Also, its freezer needs to be calibrated to ensure it's running at an optimal temperature.

If you’re looking for a fridge in this price range, it’s going to require compromises. In this case, those compromises are tiny compared to the performance at this price.

Read our full review of the Hotpoint HPS16BTNRWW top-freezer refrigerator

Pros

  • Stable temperatures

  • Great value

Cons

  • Freezer temps need calibration

  • Wire racks don't handle spills well

$656.99 from Best Buy
Product image of Haier HA10TG21SS
Haier HA10TG21SS
  • Refrigerator style: Top Freezer
  • Dimensions: 59.5" x 23.4" x 25.3" (H x W x D)
  • Measured capacity: 5.97-cu.-ft. refrigerator, 2.09-cu.-ft. freezer
  • Dispensers: None

If you’re in the market for an entry-level, counter-depth refrigerator, the Haier HA10TG21SS top-freezer fridge is a fantastic option. This budget buy offers impressive performance for your investment.

It offers less storage space compared to a full-size model. However, it offers impressive temperature performance and adjustable-height, spill-capturing shelves. It’s rare to see these features at this price point.

Forgoing extra features like an ice and water dispenser in the refrigerator door lets this fridge shine at its very low price point. If you're looking for a solid, basic fridge without the bells and whistles, the Haier HA10TG21SS is one of the best values you can find.

Read our full review of the Haier HA10TG21SS top-freezer refrigerator

Pros

  • Counter-depth

  • Steady temperatures

  • Great value

Cons

  • No extra features

  • Lower capacity

$656.99 from Best Buy
Product image of Beko BFTF2716SSIM
Beko BFTF2716SSIM
  • Refrigerator style: Top Freezer
  • Dimensions: 67.69” x 27.56” x 26.38” (H x W x D)
  • Advertised capacity: 13.9 cubic feet
  • Measured capacity: 7.01-cu.-ft. fridge, 3.13-cu.-ft. freezer
  • Dispensers: Internal ice maker

The Beko BFTF2716SSIM looks great, performs well, and comes in a compact package.

This top-freezer features an internal ice maker and some nice spill-capture glass shelves. There’s also some interesting crisper tech that could extend the shelf life of your leafy greens. Beyond that, you won’t find a ton of features.

What you will find are fantastically stable temperatures. You will need to calibrate the freezer before using it, because the default setting is higher than we'd like. But, that’s a small, one-time hassle. Compared to the stable cooling and the great price, it’s worth it.

This fridge is small, even compared to other counter-depth fridges. That means less storage capacity, but it also means it’ll take less floor space in a smaller home. Larger households may find this fridge a little cramped. But for anyone living on their own, or with one other person, this could be a solid choice.

Read our full review of the Beko BFTF2716SSIM top-freezer refrigerator

Pros

  • Steady temperatures

  • Inexpensive

  • Interesting crisper tech

Cons

  • Low overall storage

  • Freezer requires calibration

$699.00 from AJ Madison
Product image of Samsung RT18M6215SG
Samsung RT18M6215SG
  • Refrigerator style: Top Freezer
  • Dimensions: 66.75” x 28.75” x 31.75” (H x W x D)
  • Advertised capacity: 17.6 cubic feet
  • Measured capacity: 10.45-cu.-ft. fridge, 4.14-cu.-ft. freezer
  • Dispensers: Internal ice maker

The Samsung RT18M6215SG is a unique top-freezer model. This fridge has nearly-ideal temperatures for keeping food fresh. We also loved its sleek, black stainless steel finish.

Surprisingly, the freezer is where the RT18M6215SG is truly innovative: With a few button presses, you can convert it into a second refrigerator zone. That versatility and size make it great for vacation homes, small kitchens, or even a garage or basement.

Read our full review of the Samsung RT18M6215SG top-freezer refrigerator

Pros

  • Can maintain consistent temperatures

  • Flexible temperature zone

  • Black stainless steel finish

Cons

  • Have to stoop to access crispers

  • Not much in the way of storage

$1,149.00 from Samsung
Product image of Whirlpool WRT311FZDM
Whirlpool WRT311FZDM
  • Refrigerator style: Top Freezer
  • Dimensions: 65.25” x 32.75” x 32.88” (H x W x D)
  • Advertised capacity: 20.5 cubic feet
  • Measured capacity: 12.01-cu.-ft. fridge, 4.9-cu.-ft. freezer
  • Dispensers: None

It’s not perfect, but the Whirlpool WRT311FZDM is a fantastic deal at its price.

This fridge is one of the most efficient models we’ve tested. It provides low, stable temperatures while drawing an average amount of power. We loved its glass shelves, and after an initial calibration will provide you with some great temperature performance.

The one downside is its crispers. The WRT311FZDM loses humidity at three times the rate of other fridges. It almost feels like it’s trying to dehydrate your leafy greens.

Still, if you’re willing to put up with an iffy crisper and don’t need an ice maker, this is a legitimately good fridge. It’s energy efficient, has an attractive interior, and comes with plenty of flexible storage.

Read our full review of the Whirlpool WRT311FZDM top-freezer refrigerator

Pros

  • Energy efficient

  • Glass shelves

Cons

  • Fridge temperatures can run a little warm

$799.99 from Best Buy
Product image of Frigidaire FFHT1425VV
Frigidaire FFHT1425VV
  • Refrigerator style: Top Freezer
  • Dimensions: 60.5” x 27.625” x 31.25” (H x W x D)
  • Measured capacity: 9.9-cu.-ft. fridge, 3.03-cu.-ft. freezer
  • Dispensers: None

If you’ve ever needed any proof that “good things come in small packages,” the Frigidaire FFHT1425VV top-freezer refrigerator makes an excellent case.

Despite being about 10 inches shorter and skinnier than its competitors, it offers nearly as much storage space as some full-size fridges. The sliding deli drawer, for example, allows you to both use the drawer and store tall items on the shelf below, without having to adjust any shelves.The FFHT1425VV’s efficient use of space is truly impressive. We’d highly recommend it to those who struggle with finding sufficient storage for a smaller living space.

This energy-efficient fridge also has solid temperature control in both its fridge and the freezer compartments. (That said, we recommend calibrating the freezer a bit cooler to stay on the safe side).

Read our full review of the Frigidaire FFHT1425VV top-freezer refrigerator

Pros

  • Great size for smaller spaces

  • Good temperature consistency

Cons

  • No ice maker

$629.99 from Best Buy
Product image of GE GTS22KGNRBB
GE GTS22KGNRBB
  • Refrigerator style: Top Freezer
  • Dimensions: 66.38” x 32.75” x 34.5” (H x W x D)
  • Measured capacity: 10.12-cu.-ft. fridge, 5.56-cu.-ft. freezer
  • Dispensers: None

The GE GTS22KGNRBB is a great, no-frills refrigerator at a good price.

The GTS22KGNRBB aces the basics and provides steady, cool temperatures in both its fridge and freezer. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have much flexible storage, or really many extra features in general. Still, its temperature performance is good enough to justify its purchase price.

Read our full review of the GE GTS22KGNRBB top-freezer refrigerator

Pros

  • Maintains stable temperatures

  • Large freezer

Cons

  • Freezer runs a little warm on the default setting

$699.99 from Best Buy
Product image of Whirlpool WRT518SZFM
Whirlpool WRT518SZFM
  • Refrigerator style: Top Freezer
  • Dimensions: 68.25” x 28” x 31.63” (H x W x D)
  • Measured capacity: 10.3-cu.-ft. fridge, 4.1-cu.-ft. freezer
  • Dispensers: None

The Whirlpool WRT518SZFM is a simple top-freezer refrigerator that’s excellent at maintaining steady, cool temperatures. We also love how many customizable storage options it offers.

This Whirlpool is pretty basic. If you want dispensers or smart features, we’d recommend looking elsewhere. However, if you want strong cooling performance and clever storage options at a basic price, the WRT518SZFM is perfect.

Read our full review of the Whirlpool WRT518SZFM top-freezer refrigerator

Pros

  • Steady temperatures

  • Good storage options

  • Good value for its performance

Cons

  • Light on features

  • Recommended temperatures run warm

$649.99 from Best Buy

How We Test Refrigerators

The Testers

Hi there! We're Reviewed's appliance testing team. Collectively, we have decades of experience testing appliances in laboratory settings.

When we’re testing appliances, we also use them every day as part of our routine. This helps us get a feel for which appliances are bargains at their price points. It also helps us learn which extra features actually make life better.

The Tests

A person puts plastic containers in a freezer drawer
Credit: Reviewed / Tim Renzi

We use ballast containers in both the fridge and freezer, made from methylcellulose and ice respectively. This is because a lot of your fridge's temperature consistency depends on there being actual items in each compartment to help retain the temperature.

We test each fridge from two perspectives—first, we test from a data-driven, objective point of view. Secondly, we test as a regular person who’s just after the leftover Chinese food. These two types of experiences help us recommend the best fridges at any price point.

Refrigerators behave differently under different temperature conditions. Because they pull in air from the outside and cool it, they may struggle in hot surroundings. They may not switch on at all in cold surroundings.

To prevent that from affecting our measurements, we test each refrigerator in a climate-controlled lab. We keep the air temperature at 72°F +/- 5°F (basically, room temperature). We keep relative humidity to 50% RH +/- 15% RH. That gives each fridge the same opportunity to function under ideal conditions.

We test each fridge for a week. We pack them with water filled containers, because since fridges operate better when there’s less empty space). Then, we measure the fridge’s temperature, humidity loss, freezing time, usable space, and energy use.

  • Temperature — Maintaining the right temperature is crucial for food preservation and safety, and it’s a huge part of our testing. We set each fridge to appropriate target temperatures and collect temperature data throughout the week’s testing. We learn how close the temperature in the fridge and freezer are to the target temperatures. We also measure how closely and consistently the air temperature stayed to those ideal values.
  • Humidity Loss — For this test, we place a wet floral foam ball in the crisper drawer and measure how quickly it dries. The right balance of humidity is important in preserving produce. Too little humidity will dry veggies out, but too much can make them rot faster.
  • Freezing Time — Once the fridge is plugged in, we measure how long it takes for the freezer to cool down to 32°F (the freezing temperature of water). This helps us understand how quickly your fridge and freezer can cool food or beverages from room temperature to the ideal temp.
  • Usable Space — Not all of a refrigerator’s interior space is actually useful, with shelving, ice makers, and more in the way. That’s why we measure the usable space—how much empty space is actually available in the fridge’s interior to store your food and drinks.
  • Energy Use — Using an electric meter, we measure the fridge’s energy usage (in Watt-hours) over the week of testing. The less energy used, the more efficient that fridge is, and the more money it’ll save you on utility bills in the future.

We also use each fridge in a more casual sense so that we can answer usability questions. We think about how useful the doors, shelves, controls, and water/ice dispenser are. We consider extra features like smart connectivity, door-in-door or flexible storage options.

If a refrigerator keeps the temperature at a perfect 37°F, but it’s frustrating to actually use because the doors or control panel are challenging, that fridge loses points for ease of use.


What You Should Know Before Buying A Refrigerator

Image of luxury upscale refrigerator at a department store.
Credit: Getty Images / felixmizioznikov

Before you buy a new fridge, there's a few things you should know.

If your refrigerator just died, you’re probably in a hurry to replace it. But there are still some things to carefully consider before you buy.

What Temperature Should a Refrigerator Be?

Ideally, your fridge should be exactly 37°F and your freezer should be 0°F.

These temperatures are important because food needs to be kept within a very narrow band of temperatures to maximize its shelf life. If your fridge drops just 5°F, to 32°F, some food will start to freeze. On the other hand, 40°F is the start of the “danger zone”. That's the temperature at which bacteria really start to proliferate quickly.

If your freezer gets warmer than 0°F, it means your food isn't being truly frozen. Furthermore, if your freezer temp bounces up and down, that’s how freezer burn occurs.

How Long Do Refrigerators Last?

Any appliance’s lifespan can vary due to several factors. However, you should expect your fridge to last for about 10 years.

Most manufacturers will cover at least the first year in their warranty. Some companies even cover specific parts up to 5 or 10 years, or for the lifetime of the product.

How Do You Measure a Refrigerator?

This is a somewhat ambiguous question that we get asked a lot.

To fit a fridge into an existing enclosure, it’s crucial to get the right measurements—but it’s also not particularly hard. One thing to watch out for is the door: If the front of your fridge is flush/level with your cabinetry, the door won’t open properly. Luckily, it’s easy to fix this. Just make sure your fridge sticks out past your cabinetry enough that the door can swing freely.

Measuring the interior of your fridge is more complicated. Most manufacturers measure fridge capacity by essentially flooding it with water, and measuring the volume of the water. While that kind of makes sense, we don’t use these measurements, because they don’t really illustrate how much fridge space is usable. Water can fill up small crevices that aren’t really useful for storing food.

Instead, we measure each shelf, bin, or other storage location—the places you can actually put food—and add those measurements together. That way, we’re only counting the usable storage inside the fridge. That helps us compare the capacities of different types of refrigerators more easily.

How Do You Organize a Refrigerator?

We do have a guide that breaks down how to clean and organize your fridge. But really, there are only a few points to remember.

First, empty everything out and give the fridge a once-over with a soapy sponge. Even if you don’t spill stuff constantly, your fridge will get gross over time. Organizing it is a great opportunity to also knock out a quick cleaning.

Once that’s done, figure out which items make sense to stay in the door storage. You don’t want particularly perishable items on the door. As the door opens repeatedly during normal use, those items will get slightly warmer than the average temperature in the rest of the fridge. Keep items like milk and eggs towards the back of the fridge, where the coolest, most stable temperatures will be.

It’s also important to keep fruits and vegetables separate. Many fruits give off ethylene gas, which can make other fruits and vegetables ripen faster. This is why fridges come with two crispers: To keep your fruits and veggies separate, so they’re happier and healthier for longer.

Finally, don’t stack food too high. For your fridge to work properly, cold air needs to circulate around it. Stacking shelves to the ceiling can cut off airflow. In turn, poor airflow leads to hot spots in your fridge where food will spoil much faster.

On top of that, overstocked fridges can make it harder to find your food. That means food may get hidden and forgotten, only to be uncovered later, teeming with new life. Keeping clutter controlled will keep this kind of food waste to a minimum.

Meet the testers

Mark Brezinski

Mark Brezinski

Senior Writer

@markbrezinski

Mark Brezinski works on the Home Team, reviewing refrigerators, minifridges, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, air purifiers, and fans.

See all of Mark Brezinski's reviews
Jonathan Chan

Jonathan Chan

Senior Manager of Lab Operations

@Jonfromthelab1

Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it's likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company's efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he's a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he's plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.

See all of Jonathan Chan's reviews
Michael Garrett Steele

Michael Garrett Steele

Contributor

@MGarrettSteele

Michael Garrett Steele has been writing and editing professionally since 2013, and has been a part of Reviewed since 2020. An MFA in music composition, Garrett has lent audio expertise to everyone from Independence Community College to Bethesda Softworks, informing reviews of audio equipment and services. Garrett also covers tech, drawing on experience working everywhere from IT helpdesks to enterprise architecture sales. Steele has also become a go-to reviewer for minor plumbing fixtures since covering bidets for Reviewed in early 2020.

See all of Michael Garrett Steele's reviews
Dr. Dave Ellerby

Dr. Dave Ellerby

Chief Scientist

Dave Ellerby has a Ph.D. from the University of Leeds and a B.Sc. from the University of Manchester. He has 25+ years of experience designing tests and analyzing data.

See all of Dr. Dave Ellerby's reviews

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