ENERGY STAR certification means a refrigerator uses at least about 10% less electricity than the federal standard for its size and layout. The annual figure on each page comes from the same test, so you can compare running costs directly: at typical US electricity prices, every 100 kWh a year is roughly $15 to $20.
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.
Best ENERGY STAR Apartment-Size Refrigerators: Top freezer
- TCL TRT12T4AL#1 of 14Full 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 14Full 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 14Full 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 14Full 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 - GE GPE12FGKWW#5 of 14Full review
A familiar-brand 24 in top-freezer fridge, at a price well above similar models.
Amazon $1,119.98$1,119.9811.6 cu ft24 in310 kWh/yr - Galanz GLR10TBEEFR Retro#6 of 14Full review
A retro-styled, frost-free 10 cu ft fridge for a small kitchen that wants some color.
Amazon $629.99$629.999.8 cu ft23.7 in292 kWh/yr - BLACK+DECKER BR1000HS#7 of 14Full review
A frost-free 10 cu ft top-freezer fridge for apartments. Similar models cost less, so buy it on a sale.
Amazon $725.99$725.9910 cu ft23.6 in297 kWh/yr - BLACK+DECKER BR1000XB#8 of 14Full review
A frost-free 10.5 cu ft fridge with electronic controls. At this price it only makes sense on a deep discount.
Amazon $916.47$916.4710.5 cu ft23.6 in300 kWh/yr - Summit FF1142PL#9 of 14Full review
A tall, shallow frost-free fridge that keeps 11.6 cu ft close to counter depth. You pay a premium for the fit.
Amazon $1,161.10$1,161.1011.6 cu ft23.5 in308 kWh/yr - Unique Classic Retro UNQ-310L#10 of 14Full review
A retro showpiece for a small kitchen. You pay for the look, not the space.
Amazon $1,298.50$1,298.5011 cu ft23.8 in302 kWh/yr - Magic Chef HMDR1000ST#11 of 14Full review
A basic frost-free 10 cu ft fridge. The listing gives little detail and the price is high for what it is.
Amazon $849.96$849.9610.1 cu ft23.7 in297 kWh/yr - Danby DPF074B2BDB#12 of 14Full review
A low-cost, shallow compact two-door for a studio or office. The 10 cu ft models give more room for not much more money.
Amazon $449.99$449.997.4 cu ft21.4 in344 kWh/yr - Danby DFF070B2BSLDB#13 of 14Full review
A frost-free compact two-door for a studio, office or dorm where 21.5 in is all the width there is.
Amazon $579.99$579.997 cu ft21.4 in391 kWh/yr - Smeg FAB28#14 of 14Full review
A design piece more than a practical fridge: low running cost and a long warranty, but a small freezer and a very high price.
Amazon $2,799$2,7999.9 cu ft24 in230 kWh/yr
Best ENERGY STAR Apartment-Size Refrigerators: Bottom freezer
- Danby DBMF100B1WDB#3 of 5Full 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 - Summit FFBF1031PL#4 of 5Full 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 - Summit FFBF249SS2#5 of 5Full review
A quiet, European-made bottom-freezer fridge for a narrow kitchen, at a high price.
Amazon $1,713.04$1,713.0410.6 cu ft23.4 in370 kWh/yr