Lush Food & Drink

Buying Guide ·Refrigeration

Best Refrigerators for Tight Kitchens and Full-Size Families

The Iceblue publishes 35.8 inches of width and the Conserv 23.4 inches, the largest and smallest figures here.

By the Lush Editorial Team·Researched & Compared

  • Researched & ComparedSpecs pulled from the manufacturer listing
  • Like-for-LikeSame measures across every model
  • No Paid PlacementsNobody pays to appear here

Five refrigerators compared using manufacturer published dimensions, weights, and feature lists from the fact sheet.

Our shortlist

Five products, one set of published numbers.
  1. Conserv 24in RETRO BOTTOM MOUNT 11cf Refrigerator Fa...
    Best for narrow openings

    Conserv 24in RETRO BOTTOM MOUNT 11cf Refrigerator Fa...

    Publishes 23.4 inches of width and 77 inches of height, the smallest width and largest height here.

    • Conserv
    • 24in
    • 159 lb
  2. 20.7 Cu.Ft. Side-by-side Refrigerators
    Best for full-size side by side storage

    20.7 Cu.Ft. Side-by-side Refrigerators

    Publishes the largest width at 35.8 inches and the only 20.7 cubic foot capacity here.

    • Iceblue
    • 20.7 Cu.Ft.
    • 189.59 lb
  3. Midea MRF27I6BST 27 Cu. Ft. Stainless French Door Co...
    Most ice production features

    Midea MRF27I6BST 27 Cu. Ft. Stainless French Door Co...

    Dual icemakers rated to produce up to 5 pounds of ice per day and an AutoFill water pitcher.

    • Midea
    • 27 cubic_feet
    • 283 lb
  4. Kenmore 18.1 cu. ft. 30" Wide Top Mount Refrigerator...
    Lightest published weight

    Kenmore 18.1 cu. ft. 30" Wide Top Mount Refrigerator...

    The lightest at 154 pounds and the only one with a published ENERGY STAR certification.

    • Kenmore
    • 18.1 cu ft
    • 154 lb
  5. Thor Kitchen 30 Inch Bottom Freezer Refrigerator in ...
    Only one with 90 degree door clearance

    Thor Kitchen 30 Inch Bottom Freezer Refrigerator in ...

    The only model with a published 90 degree door opening clearance for tight spaces.

    • Thor Kitchen
    • 30 Inch
    • 205 lb

Side by side

Blank means the maker does not publish it.
ModelBrandSize (capacity)WeightBest for
Conserv 24in RETRO BOTTOM MOUNT 11cf Refrigerator Fa... Conserv 24in 159 lb Best for narrow openings
20.7 Cu.Ft. Side-by-side Refrigerators Iceblue 20.7 Cu.Ft. 189.59 lb Best for full-size side by side storage
Midea MRF27I6BST 27 Cu. Ft. Stainless French Door Co... Midea 27 cubic_feet 283 lb Most ice production features
Kenmore 18.1 cu. ft. 30" Wide Top Mount Refrigerator... Kenmore 18.1 cu ft 154 lb Lightest published weight
Thor Kitchen 30 Inch Bottom Freezer Refrigerator in ... Thor Kitchen 30 Inch 205 lb Only one with 90 degree door clearance

Each pick in detail

What the listing says for it, and against it.
1 Best for narrow openings

Conserv 24in RETRO BOTTOM MOUNT 11cf Refrigerator Fa...

Publishes 23.4 inches of width and 77 inches of height, the smallest width and largest height here.

  • For it
  • Smallest published width at 23.4 inches.
  • Largest published height at 77 inches.
  • Fast Freezing control option published to reach -25.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Freestanding design requires no installation.
  • Against it
  • Depth is not published.
  • No published capacity in cubic feet.
2 Best for full-size side by side storage

20.7 Cu.Ft. Side-by-side Refrigerators

Publishes the largest width at 35.8 inches and the only 20.7 cubic foot capacity here.

  • For it
  • Largest published width at 35.8 inches.
  • Only model with a published 20.7 cubic foot capacity.
  • Electronic temperature control with published ranges for both compartments.
  • Humidity controlled crisper drawers and a dairy compartment.
  • Against it
  • Heaviest of the side by side group at 189.59 pounds.
  • Depth is 27.2 inches, which is deeper than the Conserv but shallower than the Midea.
3 Most ice production features

Midea MRF27I6BST 27 Cu. Ft. Stainless French Door Co...

Dual icemakers rated to produce up to 5 pounds of ice per day and an AutoFill water pitcher.

  • For it
  • Dual icemakers published to produce up to 5 pounds of ice per day.
  • AutoFill water pitcher.
  • Internal water dispenser.
  • ADA compliant.
  • Against it
  • Heaviest published weight at 283 pounds.
  • Largest published depth at 39 inches.
4 Lightest published weight

Kenmore 18.1 cu. ft. 30" Wide Top Mount Refrigerator...

The lightest at 154 pounds and the only one with a published ENERGY STAR certification.

  • For it
  • Lightest published weight at 154 pounds.
  • Smallest published height at 66.14 inches.
  • ENERGY STAR certified.
  • Adjustable edge to edge glass shelves and gallon door storage.
  • Against it
  • Smallest published depth at 30.12 inches among the top mount group.
  • No published ice maker or water dispenser.
5 Only one with 90 degree door clearance

Thor Kitchen 30 Inch Bottom Freezer Refrigerator in ...

The only model with a published 90 degree door opening clearance for tight spaces.

  • For it
  • Only model with a published 90 degree door opening clearance.
  • Multi Air Flow published to reduce hot spots.
  • Door open alarm.
  • Electronic display for temperature management.
  • Against it
  • Weight is 205 pounds, heavier than the Kenmore and Conserv.
  • No published capacity in cubic feet.

Our verdict

The Conserv 24in RETRO BOTTOM MOUNT publishes 23.4 inches of width and 77 inches of height, the smallest width and largest height here, making it the pick for a slot that is tight on width but open above. The Iceblue side by side publishes the largest width at 35.8 inches and is the only one with a published 20.7 cubic foot capacity. The Midea French door is the heaviest at 283 pounds and the only one with dual icemakers and an AutoFill pitcher. The Kenmore top mount is the lightest at 154 pounds. The Thor Kitchen bottom freezer is the only one with a published 90 degree door opening clearance.

“Width and height decide the fit before features matter.”

Lush Editorial Team

What separates these five

Fit comes first Width, height, and depth are the only figures that decide whether a refrigerator enters your kitchen. The Conserv is 23.4 inches wide, the Iceblue is 35.8 inches wide, and the Midea is 39 inches deep.
Fast cooling options The Conserv publishes a Fast Cool setting to 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit and a Fast Freezing setting to -25.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The Thor Kitchen publishes Super Freezing and Fast Cooling but no temperature figures.
Ice and water features The Midea is the only model with dual icemakers rated to produce up to 5 pounds of ice per day, an AutoFill water pitcher, and an internal water dispenser.
Certifications and lighting The Kenmore is the only model with a published ENERGY STAR certification. The Thor Kitchen publishes interior LED lighting. The Kenmore also publishes long lasting LED lighting.
Storage and organization The Kenmore publishes 4 clear door bins, 1 gallon sized door bin, 2 full width freezer door bins, and 2 humidity controlled crispers. The Iceblue publishes humidity controlled crisper drawers and a dairy compartment.

How we chose

Priorities, not a computed score. The inputs are published specifications, so we rank by what matters most and say how much.

  1. 30% FitWidth, height, and depth are the only figures that decide whether a refrigerator enters your kitchen.
  2. 25% Cooling featuresFast cool, fast freeze, and multi air flow are published capabilities that affect daily use.
  3. 20% Ice and waterDispensers and icemakers are published features that some households require.
  4. 15% StorageDoor bins, crispers, and shelves are published as adjustable or fixed.
  5. 10% CertificationsENERGY STAR and ADA compliance are published as third party verifications.

How the Five Compare on the Numbers

Width is the first constraint in most kitchens. The Conserv publishes the smallest width at 23.4 inches, followed by the Kenmore at 29.72 inches, the Thor Kitchen at 29.88 inches, the Midea at 31 inches, and the Iceblue at 35.8 inches. A difference of 12.4 inches separates the smallest published width from the largest, which is more than the width of a standard cabinet.

Height and depth decide the rest. The Conserv publishes the largest height at 77 inches, while the Kenmore publishes the smallest at 66.14 inches. The Midea publishes the largest depth at 39 inches, while the Conserv publishes the smallest at 24 inches. Weight ranges from 154 pounds for the Kenmore to 283 pounds for the Midea, a difference of 129 pounds that matters for delivery and floor support.

Specification Thor Kitchen B0GYG2BVZP Iceblue B0FY2MZ6Y1 Kenmore B0D5DSYMJ4 Conserv B09MDR9FW2 Midea B0G4XN9XN7
Width (inches) 29.88 35.8 29.72 23.4 31
Depth (inches) 31.38 27.2 30.12 24 39
Height (inches) 70.13 70.1 66.14 77 73
Weight (pounds) 205 189.59 154 159 283
Published capacity not published 20.7 cubic feet 18.1 cubic feet not published 27 cubic feet
Ice maker not published not published not published not published Dual icemakers, up to 5 pounds per day
Water dispenser not published not published not published not published Internal water dispenser
ENERGY STAR not published not published Certified not published not published
ADA compliant not published not published not published not published Compliant
Door clearance 90 degrees not published not published not published not published

The table does not tell you how any of these refrigerators perform. It does not list energy use in kilowatt hours, noise in decibels, or interior layout beyond what the makers publish. It also does not list warranty terms. Those figures are not published in the fact sheet, so they are not compared here.

Cooling and Freezing Capabilities

Fast cool and fast freeze settings

The Conserv publishes the most specific temperature figures. Its Fast Cool option is published to cool contents quickly to 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Its Fast Freezing option is published to bring the freezer down quickly to -25.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The Thor Kitchen publishes Super Freezing and Fast Cooling as features but does not publish target temperatures for either.

The Iceblue publishes electronic temperature control with a freezer range from -10 degrees Fahrenheit to 5 degrees Fahrenheit and a refrigeration range that is cut off in the fact sheet. The Kenmore publishes an inverter compressor that maintains a consistent temperature but no degree figures. The Midea publishes no temperature ranges.

Air flow and frost management

The Thor Kitchen publishes Multi Air Flow, described as ensuring even cooling throughout the fridge and reducing hot spots. The Conserv publishes Frost Free, described as providing consistent frost free freezing. These are different approaches: one addresses air distribution, the other addresses frost buildup.

The Kenmore publishes an inverter compressor that quietly and efficiently maintains a consistent temperature. The Iceblue publishes separate storage for the freezer and refrigeration compartments. The Midea publishes no air flow or frost management features. None of the five publishes a compressor type beyond the Kenmore inverter.

Storage, Ice, and Organization

Shelves, bins, and crispers

The Kenmore publishes the most detailed storage list: adjustable edge to edge tempered glass shelves, 4 clear refrigerator door bins, 1 gallon sized door bin, 2 full width freezer door bins, and 2 clear humidity controlled crispers. The Iceblue publishes transparent humidity controlled crisper drawers and a dairy compartment.

The Conserv publishes a wine rack that can be used for cooling wine and other bottled beverages. The Thor Kitchen publishes interior LED lighting and an electronic display. The Midea publishes an AutoFill water pitcher and an internal water dispenser. None of the other four publishes a water pitcher or internal dispenser.

Ice production and water

The Midea is the only model with a published ice maker. Its dual icemakers are rated to produce up to 5 pounds of ice per day. It is also the only model with a published internal water dispenser and an AutoFill water pitcher. The other four do not publish ice maker or water dispenser features in the fact sheet.

If ice production is a requirement, the Midea is the only documented choice among these five. If it is not, the other four still publish cooling and storage features. The Iceblue publishes a beverage fridge description in its feature text, but no ice maker is listed.

Which One Fits Your Kitchen

Tight width, open height. The Conserv is 23.4 inches wide and 77 inches tall. It fits a slot that is narrow but has vertical clearance. It is freestanding and requires no installation.

Full size side by side storage. The Iceblue is 35.8 inches wide and publishes 20.7 cubic feet of capacity. It publishes the largest width and is the only one with a published capacity in that range.

Ice and water at the door. The Midea publishes dual icemakers rated to produce up to 5 pounds per day, an internal water dispenser, and an AutoFill pitcher. It is 31 inches wide and 39 inches deep.

Lightweight and certified. The Kenmore is 154 pounds and publishes ENERGY STAR certification. It is 29.72 inches wide and 66.14 inches tall, the smallest published height of the five.

Tight door swing. The Thor Kitchen publishes a 90 degree door opening clearance. It is 29.88 inches wide and 70.13 inches tall. It is the only model with a published door clearance figure.

What We Could Not Verify

The fact sheet lists dimensions, weight, and published features. Several figures that matter for installation and operation are not published by the manufacturers.

  • Annual energy use in kilowatt hours is not published for any of the five models.
  • Noise level in decibels is not published for any of the five models.
  • Refrigerant type and amount is not published for any of the five models.
  • Interior capacity in cubic feet is not published for the Thor Kitchen, Conserv, or Kenmore models.
  • Warranty length and coverage terms are not published for any of the five models.
  • Cutout or clearance requirements beyond the Thor Kitchen 90 degree door figure are not published for any model.

Frequently asked questions

Which refrigerator publishes the smallest width?+

The Conserv 24in RETRO BOTTOM MOUNT publishes the smallest width at 23.4 inches. The next smallest published width is the Kenmore at 29.72 inches, a difference of 6.32 inches. The Thor Kitchen is 29.88 inches wide, the Midea is 31 inches wide, and the Iceblue publishes the largest width at 35.8 inches.

Which refrigerator publishes the largest height?+

The Conserv publishes the largest height at 77 inches. The Midea is 73 inches tall, the Thor Kitchen is 70.13 inches tall, the Iceblue is 70.1 inches tall, and the Kenmore publishes the smallest height at 66.14 inches. A difference of 10.86 inches separates the largest published height from the smallest.

Which refrigerator publishes the largest depth?+

The Midea publishes the largest depth at 39 inches. The Thor Kitchen is 31.38 inches deep, the Kenmore is 30.12 inches deep, the Iceblue is 27.2 inches deep, and the Conserv publishes the smallest depth at 24 inches. A difference of 15 inches separates the largest published depth from the smallest.

Which refrigerator is the heaviest?+

The Midea is the heaviest at 283 pounds. The Thor Kitchen is 205 pounds, the Iceblue is 189.59 pounds, the Conserv is 159 pounds, and the Kenmore is the lightest at 154 pounds. A difference of 129 pounds separates the heaviest from the lightest.

Which refrigerator has an ice maker?+

The Midea is the only model with a published ice maker. Its dual icemakers are rated to produce up to 5 pounds of ice per day. The Iceblue, Kenmore, Conserv, and Thor Kitchen do not publish an ice maker or ice production figure in the fact sheet.

Which refrigerator is ENERGY STAR certified?+

The Kenmore is the only model with a published ENERGY STAR certification. The Thor Kitchen, Iceblue, Conserv, and Midea do not publish an ENERGY STAR certification in the fact sheet. The Midea publishes ADA compliance instead, which is a separate accessibility standard.

Specifications come from the manufacturers' own published listings. Lush Food & Drink may earn a commission if you buy through a link on this page, at no extra cost to you. How we research.