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The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang
Ever feel like your kitchen is really a tiny closet? Then a skinny fridge just might be the answer. See, narrow fridges maximize food storage without minimizing space in postage-stamp-sized apartments and homes. “Years ago, refrigerators used to be shorter, and now, with taller units, what we often lose in depth, we are gaining in height,” explains Nicole Fulton, an interior designer at Nest Interior Design.
We researched the best narrow refrigerators out there, taking the time to evaluate their capacity, built-in features, and energy efficiency.
But we know that when it comes to essential kitchen appliances, it’s not an open-and-shut case. If you’re still shopping around, we’ve got the skinny on plenty of narrow refrigerator picks. Let’s take a look!
Best Overall
GE GLE12HSPSS 11.9 cu. ft. Built-In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
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The Home Depot
Special storage for wine bottles
Sits flush with your countertops
Packed with shelving
Ice maker not included
Expensive
Although this model by GE is on the more expensive side, especially for such a narrow appliance, it’s our top pick because of how functional it is for its size. Though it has a smaller footprint to save on space, it still has a desirable bottom freezer. Plus, it has a temperature-controlled drawer and internal digital controls, not to mention a stylish design.
With this 23.5-inch model, you’ll get the look of a built-in, counter-depth refrigerator, no customized cabinetry needed. It also has an internal hinge and reversible door that makes it suitable for any small kitchen design, because you can orient the appliance in a way that makes the most sense for your own space.
Though storage is inherently lacking a bit, you’ll have no trouble organizing, thanks to plenty of shelving. The unit’s main compartment has three door shelves, three main shelves, and two drawers. What’s more, all of the shelves can be adjusted, so you can store items of varying sizes. The internal shelf system also includes a “QuickSpace Shelf” that slides in for any extra-tall items that need to be stored. There’s also a removable wine rack, so you can stash up to five bottles.
The additional, middle drawer is flexible because it has three temperature settings to choose from. It’s a great place to store smaller foods, like juice boxes or deli meats. What it lacks is an ice maker, but you do have the option to add an ice maker to the unit. And as a nice bonus, this narrow refrigerator is also ADA compliant—its easy-to-reach controls meet accessibility standards for people with disabilities and mobility issues. All in all, this fridge is a win-win in our book.
Price at time of publish: $1,758
Total Capacity: 11.9 cubic feet | Dimensions: 70 x 24 x 26.5 inches | Installation depth: Counter | Ice/Water Dispenser: No | Ice Maker Type: N/A | Available Finishes: Stainless steel | Garage Friendly: No
Best Overall, Runner-Up
LG Electronics LTNC11131V 11.1 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator
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The Home Depot
Sleek exterior
Tempered glass shelving
Affordable
Can be noisy
Average capacity
At only 24 inches wide, this top-rated model by LG is nice and slim, but doesn’t sacrifice on quality. Like other larger appliances manufactured by the brand, this unit is nice and sleek, with contoured platinum doors and curved handles.
It has all the features you could want in a fridge, too. The appliance has a sophisticated airflow system that carries the humidity level throughout the rest of the model to help keep your food fresher for longer. You won’t want for storage, either. The narrow fridge boasts four interior shelves, four door bins, and a big, humidity-controlled crisper drawer that maintains the optimal humidity level for fruits and vegetables. Plus, it has LED lighting that illuminates everything on the tempered glass shelving.
If there’s any downside, it’s that this appliance is a bit louder than other models on the market, but on the upside, it’s incredibly energy-efficient to help you save money in the long run.
Price at time of publish: $700
Total Capacity: 11.1 cubic feet | Dimensions: 66.5 x 24 x 26 inches | Installation depth: Counter | Ice/Water Dispenser: No | Ice Maker Type: N/A | Available Finishes: Platinum silver | Garage Friendly: No
Best Budget
Magic Chef HMDR1000ST 10.1 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator
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The Home Depot
Inexpensive
Straightforward design
Reversible door
No ice maker or dispenser
Not as spacious as other models
Because of their smaller footprint, narrow refrigerators tend to be more cost-effective than other fridges, but if budget is particularly important, this Magic Chef top freezer refrigerator is a good choice. It ensures you stay within your limits without sacrificing on functional space. While it’s a little under 24 inches wide, it still has approximately 10 cubic feet of room for food and drink, including a freezer with about 2.7 cubic feet of usable space.
With a lower price point, the unit lacks some frills (an ice maker and water dispenser), but it does have other important conveniences, like an automatic defroster and a reversible door. We love that it cools quickly, so you can plug in the appliance and put your groceries away almost immediately. And, unlike other price-friendly models, this unit comes in multiple finishes—including white, platinum steel, and black—all of which are within just $50 of one another.
Price at time of publish: $499
Total Capacity: 10.1 cubic feet | Dimensions: 59.4 x 23.6 x 25.2 inches | Installation depth: Standard | Ice/Water Dispenser: No | Ice Maker Type: N/A | Available Finishes: White, platinum steel, black | Garage Friendly: No
Best for Apartments
Frigidaire FFET1022UV 10.1 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator
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The Home Depot
Reversible door hinges
Comes in multiple finishes
Reliable brand
No deli drawer or butter keeper
Not as spacious as other models
If you're living small and need a reliable fridge with a tiny build, consider the Frigidaire FFET1022UV, which is a top freezer refrigerator that’s just as stylish as it is practical. The model has a small footprint, but still features 10.1 cubic feet of space—7.4 cubic feet of space in the fridge and 2.7 cubic feet of space in the top freezer. It’s a bit less than some other models on the market, but still plenty to store a small family's groceries for the week.
While it does lack a butter keeper and a deli drawer, the refrigerator does have a variety of storage areas to suit varying needs. It has a combination of crispers, door bins, and shelves for organizing your goods. It also has reversible hinges to provide more flexibility in installation to ensure the appliance fits with your space as well as possible. Plus, you can purchase this unit in white, black, or brushed steel to suit the aesthetics of your room, too.
Price at time of publish: $746
Total Capacity: 10.1 cubic feet | Dimensions: 59.875 x 23.75 x 26.25 inches | Installation depth: Standard | Ice/Water Dispenser: No | Ice Maker Type: N/A | Available Finishes: Brushed steel, black, white | Garage Friendly: No
Best Garage Fridge
Danby Designer Freezerless Refrigerator
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Amazon
Energy Star-certified
Reversible door
Plenty of storage
Built-in light
Average capacity
No freezer
No ice or water dispenser
The garage is an excellent place to stash an extra fridge for spillover, but not all appliances can run in this unconditioned environment because it’s subject to extreme temperature fluctuations—and garage-ready models are surprisingly hard to find. The Danby DAR110A1WDD is a solid choice. It’s made to run in these kinds of spaces, but it’s still as functional as you’d hope. It may not have a freezer, but the unit, which measures 24 x 26 x 58 inches, does have a half-depth shelf and four full-depth glass shelves for tasty snacks, drinks, and leftover containers.
The design is flexible, too. It has a reversible door that can be mounted on either side. What’s more, there’s a built-in light that allows for visibility, even in a dark garage. It also has an easily adjustable thermostat, so you can get the right temperature for whatever deliciousness you’re storing. Here’s the icing on the cake: The appliance is an eco-friendly option. It’s Energy Star-certified for its ultra-efficient power usage and use of R600a refrigerant.
Price at time of publish: $800
Total Capacity: 11 cubic feet | Dimensions: 58 ¾ x 23.9 x 26 1/16 inches | Installation depth: Counter | Ice/Water Dispenser: No | Ice Maker Type: N/A | Available Finishes: White, spotless steel | Garage Friendly: Yes
Best Wine Fridge
Kalamera 18-Bottle Single Zone Built-in Wine Refrigerator
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Amazon
Adjustable wooden shelves
Affordable
Can be installed under a counter
One cooling zone
Needs thorough cleaning before use
Maybe it’s not a narrow refrigerator you need, but a narrow wine fridge? We like what you’re thinking! If you’re an avid hostess or a wine lover, a dedicated beverage fridge is a luxury—and like standard refrigerators, there are narrow options, like this one by Kalamera, to suit smaller spaces.
This particular appliance can be used freestanding or installed under a counter and holds up to 18 wine bottles of standard 750mL bottles! Plus, it has convenient wooden racks that adjust to suit what you have inside. (Note: To fit all 18 bottles, you'll need to orient the middle bottle on each shelf facing the opposite way.)
It only has one cooling zone that can sometimes fluctuate a degree or two, so it’s not ideal for wine connoisseurs who want reds and whites at their own temps. You can adjust the appliance between 40 and 66 degrees using the one-touch thermostat inside. We love the overall value this narrow wine fridge offers, and we think it’s a wonderful amenity in any home with little room to spare.
Price at time of publish: $500
Total Capacity: 18 bottles | Dimensions: 33.9 x 11.6 x 22.4 inches | Installation: Freestanding or built-in | Ice/Water Dispenser: No | Ice Maker Type: N/A | Available Finishes: Stainless steel | Garage Friendly: No
Best with Ice Maker
Bosch 800 Series 24 in. 11 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
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The Home Depot
Very spacious
Reversible door hinges
Built-in ice maker
Expensive
Is it worth laying down some serious cash for this model by Bosch? Absolutely, because it addresses one of the biggest downsides of narrow refrigerators: a lack of ice maker. This unit eliminates the need to stash a cumbersome ice tray, since it has a built-in automatic version—no need to buy a separate kit.
Overall, the design gives equal attention to both refrigeration and freezer needs. The unit has a total of 11 cubic feet of storage space, with 7.7 dedicated to the fridge and an impressive 3.3 dedicated to the freezer. Both areas have convenient storage options, including a combination of drawers and shelves, too.
And as you’d expect given the price tag, this model is exceptionally high-performing. It’s energy-efficient, but has a MultiAirFlow cooling system that boosts air circulation for even temperature throughout, SuperFreezing that protects frozen food from defrosting when the door opens, and bright LED lighting.
You’ll find installation to be a breeze, too, thanks to a compact footprint that’s ideal for apartment living and reversible doors that allow for a nearly-flush fit.
Price at time of publish: $3,099
Total Capacity: 11 cubic feet | Dimensions: 78.88 x 23.5 x 23.88 inches | Installation Type: Counter | Ice/Water Dispenser: Yes | Ice Maker Type: Single | Available Finishes: Stainless steel | Garage Friendly: No
Best Compact
LG Electronics 21.87 in. W 7 cu. ft. Top-Mount Refrigerator w/ LED Lighting and Inverter Compressor in Platinum Silver
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The Home Depot
Contoured design with hidden hinges
Includes twisting ice tray
Energy-efficient
Less storage space
Doors aren’t reversible
When the most important consideration is space, you won’t want to skip over this model by LG. At just 21.87 inches wide, it’s the narrowest fridge on this list by a full 2 inches—perfect for apartment or RV living.
Still, the unit has an attractive platinum silver finish that looks great in any space. It also has contoured doors and hidden hinges to add to the aesthetic. Just as importantly, the appliance has both a fridge and a freezer with as much adjustable storage as possible in an appliance with just 7 cubic feet of space. Inside the two areas, you’ll find both door bins, tempered glass shelves, and drawers, including a humidity-controlled crisper bin in the fridge and a twisting ice tray in the freezer.
The unit is Energy Star-certified, too, so you can be sure you’re conserving as much energy as possible—good for both the environment and your electric bill. Just make sure the orientation is right for your room, since the doors aren’t reversible.
Price at time of publish: $649
Total Capacity: 7 cubic feet | Dimensions: 55.125 x 21.88 x 23 inches | Installation Type: Counter | Ice/Water Dispenser: No | Ice Maker Type: N/A | Available Finishes: Platinum silver | Garage Friendly: No
For a narrow refrigerator that's well-designed, reliable, and can slide into a small space, you’ll want to snag the GE GLE12HSPSS. This appliance has both built-in and counter-depth design, as well as special storage for wine bottles. If you’re on more of a budget, try the Magic Chef HMDR1000ST 10.1 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator. The inexpensive model doesn’t have as much storage space or an ice maker, but it’s well-priced, plus has the important conveniences, like thoughtful shelving, automatic defrosting, and a reversible door.
What to Look for in a Narrow Refrigerator
Dimensions and Capacity
Most narrow refrigerators are about 24 inches wide and have around 10 cubic feet of storage space inside—enough room for one or two people's weekly groceries. You can find some models with as much as 11 cubic feet of space. You can also find slightly smaller models that are just 21 inches wide. Just note: You’ll get even less storage in these models—about 7 cubic feet.
Door Type
Narrow refrigerators can have a bottom freezer, top freezer, or no freezer at all. When shopping, think about your needs and where it's being installed to find the right type for you. A top-freezer model has a classic design that fits well in various homes, comes with helpful door storage, and can cost less. In contrast, a bottom-freezer model can look high-end and is typically easier to organize, but will come with a higher price tag.
It’s also helpful to have a reversible door. A reversible door gives you the flexibility to install your narrow refrigerator wherever you see fit. A model with this feature has airtight seals on both outer edges of its door, regardless of swing direction, to give it extra flexibility and functionality. If you're looking to install your new appliance in a garage or a tight spot in your kitchen where other appliances are close by, this feature will prove to be handy, and most reversible-door models also feature recessed handles. Just note: the seals may become worn over time.
Organization Options
The amount of shelving, drawers, and door bins in your narrow refrigerator impacts how much you can store. So, consider what your organization options are and if they can be adjusted if your needs change. The average narrow fridge will feature two or three shelves and a produce drawer in the fresh food portion. There are high-end models on the market that also give you specialty storage for wine bottles and cans, eliminating the need for an additional appliance. We love the GE GLE12HSPSS. It has both built-in and counter-depth design and storage for wine bottles, making easy organization a top amenity.
Finish
Across the board, refrigerators typically come in one of three finishes: white, black, and stainless steel. Some brands have further options, including the ability to customize hardware, like handles. Usually, white is the most standard and cost-efficient option, while stainless steel is the more expensive option. The most expensive fridges sometimes come “panel-ready,” which means you can customize the front with a panel to match the rest of your cabinetry.
Standout Features
Dispenser and Ice Maker
Some refrigerators have built-in water dispensers. These can be internal (inside the door, typically on the side) or external (built into the front of the refrigerator). The external water dispensers sometimes double as ice makers. Otherwise, the ice maker—if your fridge has one—typically sits inside of the freezer. While these aren’t necessary features, they are nice to have.
Bottle and Can Storage
Bottle and can storage in your narrow refrigerator gives you a convenient spot for your drinks. It not only eliminates the need for an extra appliance, but also ensures that your seltzer, soda, or wine isn't shaken and moved around much. Especially in narrow refrigerators, where space is quite limited, you can expect this feature to keep things neat and accessible. It's particularly suitable for wine lovers or entertainers.
Garage-Friendly Design
If a narrow refrigerator has a garage-ready design, it can withstand the uneven temperatures of a semi-outdoor space. Whether the garage becomes hot or cold, the appliance will operate properly and maintain the internal temperature you set. Any household that wants to use their new fridge as extra storage will find this feature to be convenient and a must-have, as it lets you install a narrow fridge just about anywhere.
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How wide is a narrow fridge?
Most narrow refrigerators are 24 inches wide and typically have around 10 cubic feet of space inside. This is enough room for one or two people's weekly groceries, making it a typical pick for RVs and apartments. When measuring a spot for your new appliance, you'll want to make sure you have at least 26 to 28 inches of room, as all fridges need clearance so they can operate and be accessed with ease. Check how wide your refrigerator of choice is with the door open, too, to ensure it truly fits.
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Do small refrigerators use a lot of electricity?
The short answer: Not necessarily. Size alone isn’t an accurate predictor of how much energy a refrigerator will use. Instead, how much energy a refrigerator uses depends on a range of factors, including size, model, insulation, and more. If you’re concerned about energy usage, look for an Energy Star-certified model, which means the appliance has been verified as energy-efficient.
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How much do narrow refrigerators typically cost?
A standard refrigerator typically costs about $1,000, but in most cases, you’ll save money by selecting a basic or smaller narrow fridge with fewer extra features. That’s because these models are likely to have smaller price tags. Most don’t have ice makers, water dispensers, or other premium features that can drive up the price. In general, you can expect to spend between $400 and $800 for a suitable narrow refrigerator. But note: There are outliers—the most basic may cost just $300, while the most expensive can run a couple thousands of dollars.
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What type of narrow fridge gives you the most space?
If you want to maximize space, look for refrigerators with adjustable shelving, so you can customize your appliance to fit your personal storage needs. And remember: Space is limited in narrow refrigerators, so you'll want to be extra thoughtful when organizing yours. There are some things you don't need to store in the fridge that will save you space, including coffee, onions, garlic, bread, or tomatoes. Make sure you use right-sized, stackable food storage containers. Items like juices and condiments should be stored in the door bins, and milk or meats can be placed on the bottom shelves. Plan out how you will organize your fridge.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience writing about consumer products like home appliances. To curate this list, Earley scoured all of the most popular retailers to find the best, most highly-rated narrow refrigerators. Then, she vetted each, reading all of the specs and hundreds of reviews.
She also interviewed experts like Nicole Fulton, interior designer at Nest Interior Design to learn more about refrigerators. With this information, she further analyzed each product being considered to ensure the final list contained only the most reliable, quality options on the market today.
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