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Best undercounter fridges to shop now for essential extra Christmas storage, tried and tested
These small fridges put in a big performance in the lab
Tested by Jasmin JoyceHousehold Product Specialist
Undercounter fridges, also known as larder fridges, are designed to tuck neatly beneath the kitchen worktop, freeing up space for small appliances – we’re looking at you air fryer.
Some also come with a chiller box or mini freezer section, making them an ideal choice for small homes or those needing extra chilled storage alongside their normal fridge freezer.
The best undercounter fridges are stylish and discreet, keeping all your essentials fresh and within reach without imposing on the rest of your kitchen. We put a range of the top models to the test to find the very best on the market. You’ll find our favourites from the lab below, but keep reading for our full verdicts.
Best undercounter fridges to shop now
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How we test undercounter fridges
All the undercounter fridges are set up at the Good Housekeeping Institute, switched on, and are left to stabilise their temperature. We check that all are operating between 3 and 6°C before starting our tests to ensure they’re working as they should. We then carry out three key tests.
- Evenness of temperature: We place temperature loggers on the top, middle, and bottom shelves, as well as in the door, leaving them to record any changes in temperature over 24-hours. This shows us whether there are any fluctuations throughout the day and whether the temperature changes across the different storage areas. We won’t recommend any undercounter fridge where the average temperature measures above 8°C (the legal food safe limit).
- Temperature recovery: We leave the temperature loggers in the same place but then carry out a test that mimics real-life use. This involves opening the door for two minutes and then leaving the fridge to recover for up to 2 hours. This allows us to analyse temperature rises in each area and how quickly it recovers.
- Energy consumption: As fridges are left to run continuously, it's important to know how much energy they consume. To test this, we record the total energy usage of each fridge after a full weekend. This gives us a realistic picture of day-to-day running costs in the home.
After these tests are complete, we assess the design, ease of use and instructions of each undercounter fridge. We then combine everything into one overall score out of 100.
Hisense RL170D4BWE Freestanding 56cm Under Counter Fridge 132 litres
Hisense RL170D4BWE Freestanding 56cm Under Counter Fridge 132 litres
Pros
- Fairly energy efficient
- A 2L bottle fits in the door
- Plenty of advice and guidance in the instructions
- The bottom drawer slides smoothly
Cons
- Adjusting the feet requires additional tools
- Took a while to recover in some areas after opening
Score: 85/100
This is one of the biggest undercounter fridges we tested, and it performed very well, offering excellent value for money. The controls are simple, and it barely dropped a mark in our ease-of-use tests, impressing with its adjustable shelves, accessible thermostat and easy-clean interior.
The bottom crisper drawer maintained the lowest temperature of 3.3°C, making it ideal for keeping your vegetables fresher for longer.
After opening the door for two minutes, it took a while for the top shelf to return to a stable temperature, needing a full hour and a half to cool back down to 5°C from 9.4°C. We recommend keeping meat on one of the lower shelves where recovery was quicker.
Overall, it’s a smart choice for small kitchens that comes in both white and grey.
Key specifications
| Dimensions | H84.5 x W56 x D57.5cm |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 132L |
| Ice box | No |
| Frost free | No |
| Energy rating | E |
| Energy consumption per day in the lab | 0.25kWh = 6.2p |
| Extra features | Adjustable thermostat |
Hotpoint Freestanding 128L Under Counter Larder Fridge
Hotpoint Freestanding 128L Under Counter Larder Fridge
Pros
- Controls are easy to use
- Has reversible doors
- Clear diagrams and advice in the instructions
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- Took a long time to recover after opening the door
- Has some dirt traps on the underside of the shelves
Score: 82/100
With a decent 128L capacity, low frost technology, and adjustable shelves, this is an excellent choice for busy households.
The temperature was very even across our 24-hour test period, maintaining an average temperature of 4.5°C. The bottom and middle shelves were the coldest at under 4°C, making it a good place to store your fresh produce.
Its performance dipped slightly in our temperature recovery test as the top shelf reached 9.2°C and took around 45 minutes to return to under 8°C. The bottom and middle shelves recovered much quicker though, returning to a well-chilled 5°C in under 40 minutes.
We liked how well-lit the interior was, and the adjustable shelves provide plenty of flexibility in how you store your groceries. It’s cheap to run, too.
Key specifications
| Dimensions | 84 x 54 x 59cm |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 128L |
| Ice box | No |
| Frost free | Low frost |
| Energy rating | E |
| Energy consumption per day in the lab | 0.154kWh = 3.7p |
| Extra features | Adjustable shelves, reversible door |
Willow W48UCLW 94L Small Under Counter Fridge
Willow W48UCLW 94L Small Under Counter Fridge
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Good guidance and diagrams in the instructions
- Affordable
Cons
- Can’t fit a 2L bottle in the door
- The bottom of the fridge had a high average temperature
Score: 79/100
If you’re looking for an affordable secondary fridge, look no further. This slim model has a 94L capacity, with a crisper drawer and three easy-to-adjust sliding glass shelves. The door opens wide, which is handy, but it can’t accommodate a 2L bottle.
After leaving the door open, we were impressed to find the middle section never rose above 5°C, and the top shelf recovered in a speedy 22 minutes. We recommend keeping fresh meats in these sections, as the average temperature of the bottom drawer sat around 7.8°C.
With its affordable price tag and cheap running cost, this is a strong buy for anyone needing an overflow fridge.
Key specifications
| Dimensions | 83.1 x 47.4 x 44.7cm |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 94L |
| Ice box | No |
| Frost free | No |
| Energy rating | E |
| Energy consumption per day in the lab | 0.116kWh = 2.8p |
| Extra features | Adjustable feet, reversible door, chill box |
Bosch Series 2 KTR15NWEAG Under Counter Fridge
Bosch Series 2 KTR15NWEAG Under Counter Fridge
Pros
- Door opens easily and widely
- Easy to clean
- SuperCooling function lowers the temperature of your fridge to prepare for adding new groceries (which typically raise the internal temperature)
- Large capacity
Cons
- More costly to run than others
- More expensive
Score: 76/100
This undercounter fridge is pricier than many models on our list, but there’s a lot to love. Its 134L capacity makes it a good pick for families, and it’s packed with useful features, including a digital temperature display, a warning alarm for when the door is left open and adjustable shelves.
Our main bugbear was how expensive it was to run compared with other undercounter fridges, costing nearly 17p a day. While this probably won’t break the bank for most, it’s still much higher than the average of 3-4p.
The fridge stayed nicely chilled throughout the 24-hour test period, with the highest average temperature reaching 5.9°C on the top shelf. This section was slow to return to its average temperature after we left the door open, but only stayed above 8°C for 20 minutes. Store drinks on the top shelf and this shouldn’t be an issue.
Key specifications
| Dimensions | 85 x 56 x 58cm |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 134L |
| Ice box | No |
| Frost free | No |
| Energy rating | E |
| Energy consumption per day in the lab | 0.68kWh = 16.8p |
| Extra features | Door alarm, app connectivity, super cooling, adjustable shelves |
Beko UL4584W 84cm Fridge
Beko UL4584W 84cm Fridge
Pros
- Shelves have a good range of positions
- Controls are easy to adjust with one single temperature dial
- Cheap to run
Cons
- No special modes
- No temperature warning alarms or lights
Score: 75/100
This is a decent-sized undercounter fridge with an auto-defrost function that prevents ice building up on the back wall, saving you the time and effort of defrosting it manually.
Throughout testing, the internal temperature averaged 5.3°C, with the top shelf being the warmest spot at 6.1°C. After leaving the door open for two minutes, the fridge warmed to above 8°C in places, but returned to a normal temperature across all areas within an hour. We also loved the bright internal light, which makes it easier to spot food lurking at the back of the shelf.
Key specifications
| Dimensions | 84 x 54 x 59cm |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 128L |
| Ice box | No |
| Frost free | Yes |
| Energy rating | E |
| Energy consumption per day in the lab | 0.171kWh = 4.2p |
| Extra features | Auto defrost, reversible door, adjustable shelves |
Frdigemaster MUR4894ES Undercounter Fridge
Frdigemaster MUR4894ES Undercounter Fridge
Pros
- Good food storage advice in the manual
- Ice box allows you to store frozen goods
- Cheap to run
Cons
- Small capacity
- Door storage isn’t removable
Score: 73/100
This undercounter fridge has the smallest capacity at just 82L. However, it still contains a chiller drawer and freezer box, making it ideal for single-person households wanting the versatility but in a more compact space.
The ice box is at the top of the fridge, which means the highest shelf is the coldest, making it best for storing meat and fresh food. The bottom drawer and door were the warmest areas (6.4°C and 5.8°C, respectively), so are better suited to drinks and sauces.
Opening and closing the door was smooth, but the top shelf and freezer warmed up quickly when left open. The shelf returned to below 8°C within 10 minutes, while the freezer took over an hour to get back to its starting temperature. There’s no warning alarm to remind you to shut the door, either.
The ice box didn’t make the fridge any more costly to run, and the eco mode, which adjusts the compressor speed and temperature to a more economical level, is a nice add-on for those concerned about energy usage.
Key specifications
| Dimensions | 84 x 47.5 x 45cm |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 82L (75L + 7L ice box) |
| Ice box | Yes |
| Frost free | No |
| Energy rating | E |
| Energy consumption per day in the lab | 0.148kWh = 3.7p |
| Extra features | Adjustable thermostat, freezer box, reversible door, adjustable leg |
Cookology 93L Freestanding Under-Counter Fridge
Cookology 93L Freestanding Under-Counter Fridge
Pros
- Affordable and cheap to run
- Controls are straightforward
- Door is reversible
Cons
- Crisper drawer is very small
- Chiller box can’t be used as a freezer compartment
- Struggled with temperature recovery after opening the door
Score: 72/100
This 93L undercounter fridge is available in white, grey, or sleek black and claims to hold up to six shopping bags worth of food, offering plenty of space for small families to store all the essentials, or as an overflow fridge when entertaining.
While there is a chiller box, it’s not designed for storing frozen food. Instead, it’s aimed at items that need ‘extra cooling’ (see our guide below). Its average temperature measured 0.3°C, while the rest of the fridge sat at an average of 4.3°C, remaining consistent throughout the 24-hour test period.
It struggled when we left the door open for two minutes, with the bottom and door of the fridge taking around 35 minutes to dip back below 8°C. So, be sure not to leave it wide open when cooking or stocking it up with groceries.
Key specifications
| Dimensions | 86 x 47.2 x 45cm |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 93L |
| Ice box | No |
| Frost free | No |
| Energy rating | F |
| Energy consumption per day in the lab | 0.154kWh = 3.8p |
| Extra features | Adjustable feet, chiller box, reversible door |
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
We’ve been testing products for over 100 years at the Good Housekeeping Institute so have plenty of experience in separating the best products from the middling ones.
We spent hours researching the best features of undercounter fridges before they even made it into the lab. We then hand selected models for testing, including everything from budget picks to smart buys to ensure we tested an undercounter fridge that’s suitable for every home.
Once in the lab, we follow a specially designed set of protocols that allow us to thoroughly assess the performance, design, and user experience of each model.
After all the data has been collected and the models have been judged, all the information is passed to our senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall, who transforms the findings into easy-to-read reviews.
She looks after all our refrigeration content and has written about the best fridge freezers and best American fridge freezers. She also regularly attends trade shows and product launches, as well as staying in touch with the market leaders to ensure we’re always testing the newest innovations and best products available.
How to choose an undercounter fridge
Before buying an undercounter fridge, it’s worth considering the following factors to make sure it will serve your needs in the best way possible.
Storage: Undercounter fridges are great space-savers, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on internal storage. The models in this list range from 82L to 134L. Opt for a smaller design if you’re storing food for one or two people, or planning to use it for drinks storage alongside your usual fridge. Anything over 120L would be a better pick if you’re using it as your primary fridge.
Space: Not all undercounter fridges are the same size, so it’s important to measure your space to ensure your chosen model fits. All the ones we’ve tested are 86cm or less in height, making them small enough to fit under most counters.
Chill box vs ice box: Some undercounter fridges have a chiller box or ice box. A chiller box provides short-term storage for foods that need to be kept very cold, such as fresh fish. These aren’t the same as an ice box, which keeps food and ice cubes frozen. Consider which would be most helpful, and always check the manufacturer’s instructions for what you can store in each compartment.
Adjustable features: Extras such as reversible doors, and adjustable shelves, legs or feet might not seem important, but they can have a big impact on your overall user experience.
Are undercounter fridges a standard size?
Undercounter fridges are designed to do exactly what they say on the tin – fit underneath your kitchen counter. As such, they’re usually under 90cm in height, which is the standard height for a kitchen worktop.
The width and depth can vary a little, with some slimmer models measuring around 48cm wide, while larger models can be around 56cm wide. Make sure to measure the space you want it to fit into before buying.
Are undercounter fridges a good idea?
Undercounter fridges can be a great addition to your kitchen set-up, thanks to their compact designs.
If you’re short on space, they’re a much better choice than a standard fridge freezer, which may be too imposing in a small kitchen. Having the fridge tucked away under the counter keeps all your food essentials within reach without making the space feel too crowded.
Undercounter fridges are also an excellent overflow option when you’re entertaining, or preparing for a big barbecue or Christmas.
On the other hand, undercounter fridges are limited in capacity, rarely offering more than 135L. In comparison, most fridge freezers have over 200L of space in their fridge compartments.
Undercounter fridges typically lack advanced features, too. Most aren’t frost-free, meaning you’ll need to defrost them manually every so often.
The verdict: What is the best undercounter fridge to buy?
The best undercounter fridge we tested was the Hisense RL170D4BCE Undercounter Fridge, which has a large capacity so would suit you if you're looking for an undercounter model as either your primary fridge or your overflow one.
However, if you're not too concerned about having a large capacity but do want an ice box for storing ice cubes and frozen food, choose the Fridgemaster MUR4894ES Undercounter Fridge.
Finally, if you're shopping on a budget and just want something to rely on at busy entertaining periods (we're talking about you: Christmas), go for our favourite budget buy, the Cookology 93L Undercounter Fridge with Chiller Box.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Jasmin is a Household Product Specialist at the Good Housekeeping Institute, with extensive experience testing products across kitchen, sleep, laundry care, household cleaning, refrigeration, dish care and more. Her work ranges from detailed performance analysis of washing machines, dishwashers and refrigeration appliances to hands-on assessments of cookware, cleaning products and sleep essentials.
With a Master’s degree in Chemistry from Imperial College London, Jasmin combines technical expertise with a strong aptitude for interpreting large datasets to deliver clear, evidence-based consumer insights.
