There are many situations where you will want to purchase an undercounter refrigerator. These refrigerators can be used in offices, homes or even restaurants. Before you go out and spend your money though, it’s important that you understand the pros and cons of using these types of refrigerators.
Pros of Undercounter Refrigerators
Compact and Portable
Undercounter refrigerators are small and compact, which makes them easy to store. They can be placed almost anywhere in a kitchen and don’t require any fancy installation. You can even move them from one counter to another if needed! If you’re looking for a refrigerator that doesn’t require much space at all, then undercounter refrigerators might be your best bet.
More Counter Space
Undercounter refrigerators are smaller than standard models, so they take up less space on your kitchen counter. That leaves more room for other appliances or food prep items like knives, cutting boards and mixing bowls. This is especially helpful if you’re someone who likes to entertain with lots of people over at once (and needs extra space for appetizers!).
Customizable
Undercounter refrigerators are designed and built to be customized. They can fit the décor of your kitchen and the personal style of your life, so you can make them match your kitchen cabinets or the special look of your home furniture. They are usually built from stainless steel, but they can also be built in a variety of colors and shapes.
Energy Efficiency
Undercounter refrigerators are unique because they use less energy than most household appliances. This is because they are smaller than standard-sized refrigerators, so running them requires less electricity and will cost you less money on your utility bills. These are a good choice if you are looking to practice good energy conservation habits.
Convenient and Safe
Undercounter refrigerators have many advantages that make them a safer option for storing food compared with traditional-sized refrigerators.
First, these refrigerators take up less space in small areas like offices, dorm rooms or kitchens with limited floor space. Second, being that they are smaller than traditional-sized refrigerators, it is easier to keep track of all items inside them and ensure food safety practices.
Also, undercounter refrigerators help prevent food from getting buried under other food items, which may prevent the food from cooling properly. These models are also constructed with a glass door, allowing you to easily check the temperature of the food without getting your hands messy.
Low Maintenance
Undercounter refrigerators are low maintenance. They operate with minimal fuss and don’t require any special care or upkeep. You should clean your refrigerator once per month using warm, soapy water and a soft towel.
If you have stainless steel appliances, you should use a commercial stainless steel cleaner and polish to keep the finish looking new. The frequency at which you clean your refrigerator depends on how much it’s used and how often the doors are opened.
For example, if you use your undercounter refrigerator for drinks only and it’s not opened very often, you’ll only need to clean it once per month. If you frequently store food in your undercounter refrigerator, you may need to clean it once per week (especially if the door is opened often).
Easy to Clean
Undercounter fridges are easy to clean since they don’t have any hard-to-reach nooks or crannies. Because they have fewer compartments and drawers than most full-size refrigerators, there’s less stuff in them that you need to clean out periodically. It’s easy to wipe down the entire unit quickly whenever it gets dirty.
Cons of Undercounter Refrigerators
Can’t Store Large Items
Undercounter refrigerators are typically smaller than standard refrigerators and lack storage space for larger items such as pizza boxes and sheet cakes. Many undercounter models also do not contain freezers, so you must use additional appliances to store frozen foods. If you frequently purchase large or bulk items for your family, an undercounter refrigerator may not be the best option for your home.
Too Expensive
Most undercounter refrigerators are larger and more expensive than small refrigerators used to store beverages in college dorm rooms or basements. Although some models are reasonably priced, many cost more than standard-size refrigerators. In addition, some undercounter refrigerators do not come with built-in ice makers, which can increase the cost of the appliance. Unless you are prepared to spend extra money in exchange for convenience, an undercounter fridge may be too expensive for your needs.
There are fewer specialized features
This is not to say that there aren’t under-counter refrigerator models that have special features to allow you to customize the storage space and use of your mini fridge. However, since there are fewer models of under-counter fridges available than full-size models, there are far fewer options for those features.
Some models can be noisy
The under-counter refrigerator is meant to be installed in a cabinet or counter. For this reason, it is more likely to be used in smaller areas and to be closer to the user than would a full-size model. Some models of under-counter refrigerators may vibrate or make other noises while running which could cause problems if they are in a location where they can disturb someone who is trying to work or sleep nearby.
Who Benefits from Undercounter Refrigerators
Anyone Who Wants More Storage Space
Most undercounter refrigerators are designed as supplementary appliances. There are exceptions, such as compact counter-depth fridges that fit in standard openings, but a typical undercounter refrigerator is built to fit under a countertop and to be shorter than a standard refrigerator. These units give you extra storage space, but they’re not meant to replace your main fridge. That’s why you can’t use the freezer compartment in most undercounter refrigerators for long-term food storage. Most don’t get cold enough to preserve perishable items or keep them frozen indefinitely.
Families With Children
Kids like to snack, and parents sometimes need to hide treats from their children. Undercounter refrigerators make it easy to store snacks and beverages on an out-of-the-way shelf that’s nevertheless accessible to children who are allowed to help themselves. This is especially useful if your children are old enough to reach the countertop but not old enough to know that junk food isn’t good for them. An undercounter refrigerator keeps healthy snacks and juice boxes within their reach while keeping sugary drinks and candy bars out of sight and out of mind.
People Who Entertain Often
If you host dinner parties and other social gatherings, you know how much time it takes to prepare for them. You have to coordinate menus, clean your house, and stock up on beverages and snacks for your guests. The last thing you want is to have to run back and forth from the main kitchen. An undercounter refrigerator keeps frequently used items within easy reach.
Businesses with Limited Space
If you’re a business owner with limited space, an undercounter refrigerator is an excellent solution for increasing storage capacity without taking up too much floor space. They can easily be installed in wet bars, hotel lobbies and even small kitchens — wherever you need some extra storage space!
College Dorm Rooms
Undercounter refrigerators are a common sight in college dorms — and not just because of the cramped space. College students are always on the go, and need access to cold snacks and drinks when they can’t make it over to a communal refrigerator. The compact size (and fully finished front) of undercounter units also helps them blend in with decor.
At-Home Minibars
Most people who build home bars don’t have room for a full-sized refrigerator, but they still want to keep their beer or mixed drinks chilled. Undercounter refrigerators are ideal for this purpose, delivering the same beverage storage you’d get with a larger unit but in a slimmed-down package that won’t take up too much space.
Conclusion
Undercounter refrigerators offer a lot of value for the price, and they can make it a lot easier to organize your kitchen and allow you to save space. If you need extra storage room and have limited counter space, then an undercounter refrigerator is clearly the way to go. Just keep in mind that they do have some drawbacks and be sure to compare them with other units before making your purchase.
