The refrigerator is nowadays a must in every household. More than 95% of French households own one. Are you looking for a cheap fridge, but have trouble choosing? With all the models and technologies available on the market, we understand you. To help you, read our guide and find the best cheap fridges of the moment.
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Our selection
"Want to keep your food fresh longer? Choose the CHiQ FBM157L4 low-level refrigerator-freezer! It is functional, reliable and above all space-saving!"
"If you are a mini-fridge fan, the Snoopy Eco from Klarstein is a good option! It ideally combines practicality, efficiency and energy savings. What more…"
"The Beko RSNE445I31WN No Frost has all the assets to satisfy the expectations of a large family: an impressive volume, a satisfactory energy consumption, multiple…"
"The FBM250NE4 low refrigerator-freezer developed by CHiQ ideally combines practicality, efficiency and discretion. In a word, this model is a safe value for the whole…"
Want to keep your food fresh longer? Choose the CHiQ FBM157L4 low-level refrigerator-freezer! It is functional, reliable and above all space-saving!
279 £ on AmazonDesigned with space saving in mind, the FBM157L4 low profile fridge freezer does not require a large space for installation. In fact, with its compact size and sturdy stainless steel design, it can be placed anywhere in the home. It has a satisfying volume of 157 L, which perfectly meets the needs of a couple with a child.
This model is made of stainless steel, which guarantees its long-term resistance. Conveniently, the low freezer location makes it easy to access the refrigerator compartment. You can keep a sufficient volume of food while saving energy thanks to its E-class energy efficiency. In addition, it is a very quiet fridge with only 38 dB of noise pollution.
If you are a mini-fridge fan, the Snoopy Eco from Klarstein is a good option! It ideally combines practicality, efficiency and energy savings. What more could you ask for?
119 £ on AmazonWith its small size, this mini fridge fits easily in small spaces. It fits easily in any room thanks to its cubic shape. This appliance has a capacity of 46 L giving you the possibility to keep all your drinks and a sufficient quantity of food for one person cool.
The Snoopy Eco is low on energy consumption due to its A+ efficiency class. As a proof, it consumes only 84 kWh/year! Inside, you'll enjoy a flexible layout with the presence of adjustable shelves. In addition to these assets, this model will preserve the peace of your home by displaying a noise level of 41 dB.
The Beko RSNE445I31WN No Frost has all the assets to satisfy the expectations of a large family: an impressive volume, a satisfactory energy consumption, multiple features...
479 £ on BoulangerClassic, this refrigerator has a very sober design. It offers a large volume of 381 L which is suitable for a large family. Depending on the constraints of your kitchen, you can change the door opening direction. Inside, 7 removable shelves allow you to benefit from optimal storage!
With this model, you can say goodbye to defrosting, because it incorporates No Frost technology. It also has other features to make your life easier. For example, if you're going to be away, the vacation mode limits energy consumption. If the door is opened unintentionally, an alarm will alert you immediately. With a sound level of 35 dB, the RSNE445I31WN also has the particularity of operating silently.
The FBM250NE4 low refrigerator-freezer developed by CHiQ ideally combines practicality, efficiency and discretion. In a word, this model is a safe value for the whole family because of its design.
351 £ on AmazonMade of stainless steel, this model has an elegant design. Its compact design and size means it doesn't take up too much space. Practical, this appliance consists of a refrigerator and a bottom freezer. The whole unit offers a large volume of 250 L, which is suitable for a household of 2 to 3 people.
This model is equipped with No Frost technology for easy maintenance. Since it is energy efficient, consuming only 237 kWh/year, you don't have to worry about your energy bill. Moreover, it gives you the possibility to easily set the desired temperature via an electronic device. Finally, this appliance respects your peace and quiet with a maximum sound level of 42 dB.
Any specific needs?
The best entry-level cheap fridge
The best high-end cheap fridge
Your guide :
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TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
8/10 |
7/10 |
8/10 |
8/10 |
OUR SELECTION |
CHiQ réfrigérateur congélateur bas FBM157L4
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Klarstein Snoopy Eco
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Beko RSNE445I31WN No Frost
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CHiQ Low Refrigerator Freezer FBM250NE4
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Want to keep your food fresh longer? Choose the CHiQ FBM157L4 low-level refrigerator-freezer! It is functional, reliable and above all space-saving!
|
If you are a mini-fridge fan, the Snoopy Eco from Klarstein is a good option! It ideally combines practicality, efficiency and energy savings. What more could you ask for?
|
The Beko RSNE445I31WN No Frost has all the assets to satisfy the expectations of a large family: an impressive volume, a satisfactory energy consumption, multiple features...
|
The FBM250NE4 low refrigerator-freezer developed by CHiQ ideally combines practicality, efficiency and discretion. In a word, this model is a safe value for the whole family because of its design.
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Type
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Handset
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Mini-refrigerator
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1 door fridge
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Combined
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Capacity
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157 L
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46 L
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381 L
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250 L
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Energy class
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F
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A++
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F
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F
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Noise level
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38 dB
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41 dB
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35 dB
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42 dB
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Type of cooling
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Static
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Cold
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Ventilated refrigeration
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Ventilated cooling
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When buying a refrigerator, turning to a recognized brand is a guarantee of reliability: a better guarantee, a reassuring after-sales service and the possibility of finding the various accessories and parts of your appliance more easily in case of a problem. In addition, if you need information on the brand in question, you can simply go online and visit the brand's website. Some of the top refrigerator brands include Samsung, Bosch, Beko or Siemens.
As for the type of cooling, you can choose between static cold, fan assisted cold and stirred air. All three allow you to effectively homogenize the air that circulates in the refrigerator to better preserve food. However, ventilated or "no frost" cooling is a particularly interesting type of cooling in that it allows for automatic defrosting of the appliance to avoid bacteria and bad odors. This makes it easier for you to maintain your fridge. Without the "no frost", you will have to defrost regularly by hand.
While knowing that the average volume of a refrigerator is between 200 and 350 liters for the models with 1 or 2 doors, and between 350 liters to more than 500 liters for the American models, choose a cheap fridge that can meet your needs in terms of quantity of food to be kept. For a single adult household, for example, a top or 1-door fridge of 150 to 250 liters will do the trick, while for a family of 2 adults and 3 children, an American or multi-door fridge of more than 350 liters of useful volume would be ideal.
As
a fridge is supposed to be plugged in all the time, it's better to opt for a low-energy model in order to cut the consumption cost of the appliance in half. So take a look at the letter on the appliance's energy label. Opt for an A++ or A+++ class fridge to save from -20% to -60% on your electricity bills.
As for options, manufacturers have outdone themselves to offer maximum comfort to users. Among the most interesting options, we can mention the "fast cold" mode to quickly cool sensitive foods. There are also reversible doors that can change the direction of opening, a freshness compartment for fresh meat and fish, energy saving functions to reduce consumption during your long absences or water and ice dispensers. Finally, the door alarm is very useful for you if you are the airhead type or if you have children. Once the door of your fridge is badly closed or ajar, a sound signal will let you know.
Refrigerators come in three types of ventilation: static cold air, stirred cold air and ventilated cold air.
This is the most common system used for less expensive and small volume refrigerators. The internal temperature is not homogeneous: the warmest air is at the top and the coldest air at the bottom. For a fridge equipped with this type of cooling, avoid storing foodstuffs too close together and place the most fragile ones in the coldest zone.
The dynamic air system works via a fan placed in the bottom of the refrigerator, which stirs the cold air and homogenizes the temperature in order to better preserve the food for longer without drying it out too much.
The ventilated cold (also called "no frost") is a technology found on most high-end refrigerators. However, some inexpensive models are also equipped with it. The cold air circulates in a homogeneous and very dynamic way in the fridge and the surplus of humidity contained in the air is quickly eliminated. If your fridge is fan-cooled, be sure to wrap your food to keep it fresh longer.
Old refrigerators that are more than 10 years old should be replaced because they are energy guzzlers and can consume up to 450 kWh of electricity per year.
Cheap refrigerators come in several types. We present the two most popular categories: the classic fridges and the American models
The classic cheap fridge is a model equipped with one or two doors. You can find fridges witha total capacity ranging from 200 to 400 l and mini models with less than 100 l
. This type of fridge is generally equipped with a static cooling or with stirred air. Offering a reduced capacity compared to the American type, the classic cheap fridge is also more affordable.
The FrigeluX RF231A++VCM and Klarstein Feldberg models in our comparison all belong to this first category. Despite the breakthrough of the Americans, this type of appliance is still very popular.
The
American fridge equips more and more households. Offering a capacity of 450 l minimum, this type of appliance stands out especially for its technology. Indeed, the top-of-the-line models have features such as instaview, door-in-door, ice distribution and many other aspects that make it easier to use.
The majority of today's American refrigerators are equipped with No Frost technology
, which allows for an even distribution of cold and the non-formation of frost. Some models are also with stirred cold, but they are quite rare. The ChiQ FSS559NEI42D is a cheap American-style fridge.
The
table top is the smallest refrigerator for everyday use. It is designed to save space in a small kitchen or any room in which it is installed. Standard models have a capacity that does not exceed 200 l and a height of 85 cm for a width of 40 to 60 cm.
You can find table top fridges with a freezer, even if it is of a modest size. There are also models that do not contain a freezer or a 2 or 3 star freezer compartment located at the top of the unit. In our selection of products, the 66L Mini Fridge is part of the Table Top fridge family.
The built-in fridge is made to be hidden behind a door similar to a kitchen cupboard. This type of fridge has the advantage of being discreet. The built-in model requires a predisposed place in a kitchen plan. Thus, its dimensions must correspond to those of the cabinet that will house it. In short, to have a built-in fridge, you need a kitchen that can accommodate it, which can be a problem, especially when you plan to redecorate your kitchen.
The classic fridge can be placed anywhere. No need to devote space to it on the worktop, it can be placed anywhere, including outside the kitchen. It is possible to move it as you wish and according to your needs. However, this type of appliance cannot be built-in, as its ventilation system does not allow it.
The choice between a built-in fridge and a cheap classic fridge depends entirely on your needs, the size of your kitchen or the room where the appliance will be installed. The level of comfort you are looking for also plays a role. The built-in model is ideal if you have a large enough work surface to accommodate it. If this is not the case, prefer the classic fridge.
The price
The first advantage of a cheap fridge is the price. If you're looking for a device that does its job properly, without breaking the bank, this is obviously the most affordable option. Your finances won't be affected too much by buying an entry-level model, rather than a connected fridge worth a thousand euros.
Performance
Cheap does not mean bad quality! The major brands in the field of large appliances are currently fighting to offer affordable fridges with the best performance to consumers. Therefore, you can perfectly acquire a fridge with a large capacity, less noisy, equipped with NoFrost technology, but at a lower cost.
Sturdiness
A cheap fridge is bound to have a normal size, which means that it will have fewer options than a high-end fridge. The bigger the fridge and the more features it has, the harder it will be to handle. A cheap fridge is more compact and therefore has a longer lifespan than other models.
Ease of installation
Because of its size, a cheap fridge will fit in any corner of the kitchen. It will also be easy to move if you ever need to install it in another room of the house. This way, you won't have any trouble accessing the inside of your fridge, and it won't get in the way of your travels. Built-in models are a great option if you have a small kitchen.
Maintenance
The notion of "cheap" only applies to the price! A cheap fridge is very easy to maintain and is not necessarily badly designed. You don't need any special cleaning products, a sponge and dishwashing liquid will do the trick. You can then rinse the interior with cold water and wring out if necessary.
In our opinion, the best brands of cheap fridges in 2022 are :
FrigeluX is a brand belonging to the LSI group (La Sommelière International). It is specialized in the manufacture of entry-level refrigerators and freezers.
This German brand is specialized in the manufacture of kitchen appliances. It often offers innovative appliances with a futuristic look.
Candy Hoover Group is an Italian company based near Milan. It is one of the world's leading companies in the household appliance industry and has designed some of the world's leading washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators.
Beko is a brand distributed in the UK. This company produces household appliances known for their quality and their particularly attractive prices.
ChiQ is a brand owned by the Changhong Group. It is a new generation of intelligent household appliances, including refrigerators.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
How to install a fridge correctly
To begin with, choose a climate class according to the ambient temperature of the room in which it is installed. Keep it away from heat sources and in a dry, ventilated room. Establish a small space of 5 cm on each side of the fridge and 10 cm just above. Set the thermostat to medium and wait for the temperature to drop before storing your food. Finally, simply adjust the temperature by checking the cold zone indicator with a thermometer.
Put the fridge in the right place
It'
s important to put your fridge in the right place to enjoy optimal performance while using it. To know where to put it, you must take into consideration its climate class, represented by one or two letters:
- "N": your appliance will perform less well in a room at less than 16 ° C.
- SN": your appliance will be less efficient in a room at less than 10°C.
- ST": your device can operate in temperatures ranging from 18°C to 38°C.
- T": your appliance is "tropical" and can operate in temperatures ranging from 18°C to 43°C.
How to defrost a fridge without an automatic defrost system
To
enjoy a fridge far from bacteria, remember to defrost it at least once a month. To do this, unplug your fridge and empty it. Then place a mop at the foot of the appliance to soak up any water that comes out. After that, place a pan of boiling water on a trivet inside to speed up defrosting. If the frost is too thick, scrape it off with a non-sharp object such as a wooden spatula. Close the fridge and wait about 15 minutes. In the meantime, prepare a mixture of white vinegar and lemon juice. Then, using a sponge soaked in this mixture, clean all of the fridge's components as well as the inside of it.
Store your food properly
Each
area of your fridge allows for various types of food that are well determined by their durability and rate of decay. The top part of the fridge, which is the coldest, should accommodate raw meats and fish, fresh preparations, creams and sauces. The central part is ideal for meats, cooked or smoked fish, cooked fruits and vegetables, dairy products and cheeses. Finally, there is the vegetable tray in which as the name suggests, you can store your fruits and vegetables.
Set your fridge to the right temperature
Set
the temperature of your fridge between 4 to 5 °C, and your freezer to -18 °C. Know that a temperature of 1 °C colder increases your consumption by 5 to 10%.
To
properly deodorize your fridge, remember to defrost it well so that the cold chain is maintained. If you notice that the layer of frost on your evaporator exceeds 2 millimeters and that it is not homogeneous on the bottom of your fridge, adjust your thermostat, as it is probably too high and make sure that the seal and the door adhere properly when the latter is closed.
To
ensure that using your new fridge doesn't take too much of a toll on your electric bill, always remember to close the fridge door properly and spend less time picking out the food you want to eat. Basically, don't leave your fridge door ajar for too long. Other than that, don't overload the appliance, as poor air circulation inside the fridge will result in over-consumption of energy. Before putting a hot dish in the fridge, remember to cool it down first. When it comes to thermostat settings, choose the gentler modes rather than the energy-intensive high-cooling modes. Finally, take regular care of your appliance's seals, as they help keep it airtight when closed.
The best cheap fridge depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.
To store cheese, place a sugar cube in the package. For dairy products, avoid storing them at the refrigerator door where the temperature is unstable and may cause the milk to sour. As for butter, place it in an airtight box so that it does not absorb odours. To preserve your mushrooms, place them in a paper bag or in absorbent paper without having washed them first.
The causes of this failure can be numerous, such as a faulty power supply, a damaged switch, a defective lamp, a lamp socket out of order or a defective electronic card. In any case, contact an expert to find out the origin of the failure because the handling of a refrigerator is quite delicate.
There are many reasons why this may happen. You may not have covered your liquids, fruits and vegetables, or the water catch tray on the compressor may be broken. If this is the case, clean it and replace it if necessary. It can also happen that the door seal of the appliance is damaged or deformed. This contributes to the infiltration of warm air and the melting of frost that causes dripping. If the seal is damaged, replace it. If all these checks prove fruitless, ask an expert for advice to be sure.
When such a breakdown occurs, it is possible that the compressor of your refrigerator is out of order, that the defrosting system has some anomalies, that the fan is not working properly, or that the thermostat is malfunctioning. In any case, call a professional.
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