TCL TRT12T4AL
#1 in Top freezerFull review
The best-value 24 in top-freezer fridge here: 11.6 cu ft, frost-free and efficient for about $550.
Amazon $549$549
11.6 cu ft23.6 in310 kWh/yr
An apartment-size refrigerator is a full-height fridge, roughly 55 to 78 in tall, built for the 24 in opening found in condos, rentals, accessory units and galley kitchens. A standard fridge is 30 to 36 in wide. These rankings cover freestanding top-freezer and bottom-freezer models 24 in wide or less, from 7 cu ft compacts to 12 cu ft full-height units. Freezerless all-refrigerators, undercounter fridges, mini fridges, convertible fridge/freezers and 12 V RV fridges are ranked elsewhere or left out.
Width comes first. Measure the opening, then leave the clearance the maker asks for at the sides and top. A model sold as “24 in” can be anywhere from 23.4 to 24 3/8 in wide, so check the exact figure on each page.
Depth decides how far it sticks out. Many 24 in top-freezer models are 28 to 29 in deep with the door, a few inches past a standard counter. Bottom-freezer models are more often 23 to 24 in deep and sit close to flush.
Layout is the next choice. A top freezer gives the most space for the money and uses the least power. A bottom freezer puts the fresh food at eye level and usually comes in a taller, shallower cabinet, but uses more energy.
Defrost matters more than it sounds. The cheapest compacts may need the freezer defrosted by hand every few months; a frost-free model never does.
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Top Picks
Frigidaire EFR751
#15 in Top freezerFull review
A cheap, slim two-door fridge for a studio or a single person. Check the defrost type before you buy, since the listing does not give it.
Amazon $379.99$379.99
7.5 cu ft21.5 in
Galanz GLR12TBEEFR Retro
#3 in Top freezerFull review
The roomiest retro fridge here, for a 24 in gap with depth to spare.
Amazon $754.99$754.99
12 cu ft23.7 in312 kWh/yr
Shop by Layout
Top freezer
18 rankedRefrigerators 24 in wide or less with the freezer on top, from 7 cu ft compacts to 12 cu ft full-height models.
Top rated: TCL TRT12T4AL $549
Bottom freezer
8 rankedRefrigerators 24 in wide or less with the fresh-food section at eye level and a freezer drawer or door below, including slim counter-depth models.
Top rated: Sharp SJB1255GS $898.97
Narrow It Down
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Best Apartment-Size Top-Freezer Refrigerators
- TCL TRT12T4AL#1 of 18Full review
The best-value 24 in top-freezer fridge here: 11.6 cu ft, frost-free and efficient for about $550.
Amazon $549$54911.6 cu ft23.6 in310 kWh/yr - Verona VEFTF2412RBK#2 of 18Full review
A roomy, frost-free 24 in fridge with a longer warranty than most, at a low price.
Amazon $599$59911.6 cu ft23.8 in- - Galanz GLR12TBEEFR Retro#3 of 18Full review
The roomiest retro fridge here, for a 24 in gap with depth to spare.
Amazon $754.99$754.9912 cu ft23.7 in312 kWh/yr - Avanti FF10B3S#4 of 18Full review
A well-equipped 10 cu ft frost-free fridge for apartments at a mid-range price.
Amazon $589.99$589.9910 cu ft23.8 in297 kWh/yr - Frigidaire EFR0133#5 of 18Full review
A frost-free 10 cu ft top-freezer fridge at a mid-range price, for a small kitchen that wants full height.
Amazon $599.99$599.9910 cu ft23.6 in-
Best Apartment-Size Bottom-Freezer Refrigerators
- Sharp SJB1255GS#1 of 8Full review
A roomy 24 in bottom-freezer fridge with a bigger freezer than most, for a narrow kitchen that cooks from frozen.
Amazon $898.97$898.9711.5 cu ft23.6 in397 kWh/yr - Sharp SJB1045SNS#2 of 8Full review
A shallow, frost-free 24 in bottom-freezer fridge at a fair price, for a galley or condo kitchen.
Amazon $799.99$799.9910.3 cu ft23.6 in385 kWh/yr - Danby DBMF100B1WDB#3 of 8Full review
A low-cost, shallow bottom-freezer fridge for a narrow kitchen. The best price for this layout.
AJ Madison $729$72910.3 cu ft23.7 in384 kWh/yr - Upstreman BM71#4 of 8Full review
A low-cost compact with a bottom freezer and a 1-year warranty, for a studio or office.
Amazon $429.99$429.997.1 cu ft21.5 in- - Summit FFBF1031PL#5 of 8Full review
A counter-depth 24 in bottom-freezer fridge that sits flush in a small kitchen, at a premium price.
Amazon $1,091.96$1,091.9610.5 cu ft23.6 in385 kWh/yr
How We Rank
Each refrigerator is ranked against others of the same layout, and scored on its price per cubic foot, its capacity per inch of width, its rated energy use per cubic foot, whether it defrosts automatically and its warranty.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per cubic foot of total capacity | 30% |
| Space per inch | total capacity per inch of width | 20% |
| Efficiency | rated annual energy use per cubic foot | 20% |
| Frost-free | automatic defrost rather than manual | 15% |
| Warranty | parts-and-labor warranty, plus any separate sealed-system term | 15% |
How we rank explains each factor in full.