Contrary to belief, a limited budget has more buying power than you might expect, and it definitely shouldn’t keep you from upgrading to a new refrigerator. With many models priced at $1000 or less, finding a solution that fits your budget is a lot easier than you might imagine and what’s included just might surprise you. In this evaluation, we’ll prove being thrifty can be a good thing, provide tips on shopping for a budget refrigerator, and present our list of favorite affordable fridges from top brands like Frigidaire, GE, and Samsung.
- Best Overall: Frigidaire® 20.0 Cu. Ft. Black Stainless Steel Top Freezer Refrigerator (FFHT2045VD)
- Best Counter Depth: Beko 11.43 Cu. Ft. White Freestanding Bottom Freezer Refrigerator (BFBF2414WH)
- Best Features: Samsung 18 Cu. Ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator-Stainless Steel (RT18M6215SR)
- Best Compact: Frigidaire® 10.1 Cu. Ft. Brushed Steel Top Freezer Refrigerator
Refrigerator Styles
The good news: Shopping for a refrigerator under $1000 is pretty straightforward.
The caveat: That’s because the majority of refrigerators priced under one grand are most likely top freezer and bottom freezer models — but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
In fact, while French door fridges offer style and easier access to the main compartment, top freezer refrigerators provide more usable space. That means the capacity you see is largely what you’ll be able to utilize, granting greater storage overall. On the other hand, bottom freezer refrigerators come with the added bonus of a refrigerator chamber that sits virtually at eye-level, providing a user experience that is similar to a French door model.
Additionally, both top freezer and bottom freezer refrigerators offer some of the best space-saving designs across all styles of refrigeration. On average, units measure between 28 to 33 inches in width, 25 to 35 inches in depth, and 60 to 69 inches in height, including several counter depth options that save even more on floorspace.
Refrigerator Features
Given the choice of refrigerator styles available, features found on budget refrigerators tend to be the standard. From brand to brand, these essentials typically include humidity and crisper drawers, and gallon door bins, though the more you’re willing to spend, the more features a budget refrigerator is likely to have.
Often, these are centered around function, not convenience, so while you wouldn’t expect a basic refrigerator model to come with active air filters or built-in cameras, you can count on dependable food preservation.
In these cases, that could be:
- Climate control bins
- Drawers with flexible temperature zones
- Humidity-controlled bins
- Independent evaporators
And while connected fridges are rare in this buying range, there are still some gems available on the market, like this Frigidaire smart top freezer refrigerator.
Capacity
Overall, refrigerators priced below $1000 provide capacities starting around 9 cubic feet, though most fall between 10 and 19 cubic feet of organization. To put that into perspective, the suggested capacity a household of four would need is at least 20 cubic feet.
As always, there are exceptions. Though sparse, shoppers still are able to find affordable large-capacity refrigerators with more than 20 cubic feet of storage. A great example is this LG 33-inch refrigerator that boasts the most usable fridge capacity in its class — talk about major value!
Brands
Manufacturers understand that a large portion of their buyers are looking for a great value — and that’s a great thing if you’re in the market for an affordable fridge. While styles may be limited, there is no shortage of brand representation when it comes to budget refrigerators, meaning shoppers can browse from a wide pool of low-cost options from leading brands such as Frigidaire, GE, LG, Samsung, and even mid-range lineups like Frigidaire Gallery.
When browsing, make sure to use the top-rated and popular filter to find the best options according to real buyers. Additionally, make sure to check for Scratch And Dent appliances for additional savings on a variety of refrigerator models.
- Related: Discover the favorite brands recommended by East Coast Appliance experts
Our Picks:
Showcasing a diverse lineup of convenient features at an affordable price, these cost-friendly refrigerators add some oomph to your wallet and practicality to the kitchen.
Best Overall: Frigidaire® 20.0 Cu. Ft. Black Stainless Steel Top Freezer Refrigerator
Stock your favorite foods inside this best refrigerator under $1000 featuring two spacious shelves and crisper drawers, plus three gallon door bins for additional storage of miscellaneous and bulky items. Boasting 20 cubic feet of interior volume, this refrigerator provides the standard capacity to easily suit a family of up to four. Together with a sleek, integrated handle that perfectly complements the stainless-steel finish and counter depth design, this Energy Star certified refrigerator from Frigidaire is ready for the modern kitchen.
Best Counter Depth: Beko 11.43 Cu. Ft. White Freestanding Bottom Freezer Refrigerator
Installing nearly flush with standard countertops, this best counter depth refrigerator also flaunts some of the best food preservation technologies on the market exclusively from Beko. Included on this model are Active Fresh Blue Light that keeps fruits and vegetables fresh up to 30 percent longer, plus NeoFrost Dual Cooling that creates independent climates in the freezer and refrigerator.
Beyond convenient user features like reversible doors and LED interior lighting, this 24-inch fridge also provides Energy Star certified performance and was awarded the ENERGY STAR Emerging Technology Award in 2020 for its Advanced Adaptive Compressor.
Best Features: Samsung 18 Cu. Ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator-Stainless Steel
Samsung presents a winner that doesn’t break the bank with this top freezer model featuring some pretty snazzy upgrades. Of the list, Samsung’s Twin Cooling Plus ensures optimum humidity remains at a constant in both the freezer and fridge, prolonging the life and flavors of foods. This pick also showcases brilliant adaptability with a FlexZone that can be used as either additional freezer or fridge space, plus a Slide & Reach Pantry drawer that keeps essentials easily at reach. Luckily, performance doesn’t come at a cost — this feature-forward refrigerator under $1000 runs with Energy Star certified efficiency.
Best Compact: Frigidaire® 10.1 Cu. Ft. Brushed Steel Top Freezer Refrigerator
Designed with Frigidaire’s SpaceWise glass shelving, plus Store-More crisper drawers and gallon door bins, this best compact budget refrigerator is a space-saving solution that packs a lot of organization. Add a reversible door, hidden hinges, and integrated handle, and it’s no wonder buyers deemed this apartment refrigerator a must-have for “cozy” kitchens. Click below to see how your wallet can enjoy the savings, too!
Shop East Coast Appliance for Affordable Refrigerators
Looking to shop for the best affordable refrigerator from a wide selection of options in Virginia? Shop East Coast Appliance, the Discount King and Virginia’s largest independent appliance supplier. Featuring a fully-stocked appliance catalog of comprised of reputable brands, we can find you the perfect product to match your needs, taste, and budget.
Shopping is easy! Contact us by phone, buy online, or visit one of our appliance showrooms throughout Virginia, including locations in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Richmond, and Norfolk.