Maybe you've downsized from a big house in the burbs to a smaller city condo. Or you're a DINK—that's "double income, no kids" household—who has made the switch from renting to owning. Whatever the case, if you live in an apartment you need a refrigerator sized to fit a modest kitchen. Fortunately, manufacturers have been rolling out more models aimed at this market that don't skimp on features. Here are five to consider from Consumer Reports' latest refrigerator tests.
Kitchenaid KFFS20EY, $1,900
This KitchenAid is one of the few 30-inch-wide refrigerators available in the popular French-door style, which puts the fresh food section at eye level behind two side-by-side doors. It delivers very good temperature performance and efficiency, plus it's quiet, nice for small apartments where the kitchen is within earshot of the TV.
Samsung RF4267HA, $2,600
This 33-inch-wide Samsung is a bit wider than the KitchenAid, but the French-door refrigerator features a temperature-controlled middle drawer that can store meat, drinks, and more. It's also exceptionally quiet and delivers superb temperature control. Its dual evaporators should help keep food fresh longer by maintaining optimal humidity.
Samsung RS265TD, $1,300
Side-by-side refrigerators offer narrow door swings, making them natural fits for small spaces, including galley-style kitchens. This 36-inch-wide Samsung is our top-rated model, delivering solid marks across all test categories. Its dual evaporators should help keep food fresh and it has an external ice and water dispenser. And at that price, we named it a CR Best Buy.
Frigidaire Gallery FGHT2144K, $800
If you're a first-time homebuyer, chances are your budget is as compact as your kitchen. This 30-inch-wide Frigidaire top-freezer is fairly no frills, but it's incredibly energy efficient and does a very good job maintaining consistent temperatures. Plus it has some storage conveniences, like split shelves and gallon door storage. It made our list of top refrigerator picks.
Bosch Integra B30BB830SS, $6,500
Many built-in refrigerators impress with their size, measuring 42 inches wide or more. This Bosch bottom-freezer, however, is just 30-inches wide, so it will fit where most of its counterparts can't. It offers exceptional temperature performance and quietness, though it's not quite as energy efficient as other tested models.
