Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)If you've ever tried one of those small thermo-electric plate refrigerators (as I have), you may have been disappointed by its cooling capability. Sadly, the technology that allows them to be so small also limits how cold they get. They can keep things cool, but they don't make things truly cold. So, if you like your milk to remain unspoiled and your drinks to be icy cold, compressor refrigerators are still the way to go. This Emerson CR180 compact refrigerator runs on a compressor system.
That said, let's start with what everyone wants to know first: How cold does this unit get?
I've had this refrigerator running for a week and these are the temperatures I've measured:
Setting number 6......4
Door..............34.....43 degrees Fahrenheit
Middle Shelf....33.....42
Freezer..........18.....26
Setting number 6 is the coldest. The manufacturer's guide states that setting number 3 should suffice for most people, but I like things on the colder side, so I keep it between 4 and 5.
Overall, this refrigerator runs quietly. There is, however, a soft "plink" every couple of minutes as the cooling system kicks in. It's barely noticeable with all the noise where I work, but it is something to keep in mind if you plan to use the refrigerator in a quiet environment.
The exterior dimensions are 18 inches high x 18.5 inches wide x 20 inches deep. It fits nicely under my desk, and despite the manufacturer's warning not to put heavy objects on top, I do occasionally use it as a footrest.
The freezer holds one frozen dinner (maybe two if you remove the cardboard boxes and just slide the plastic-wrapped meal trays in). The picture above where they've packed the refrigerator full is a little misleading in that they've put food on the middle shelf directly below the freezer, which is where the drip tray goes. Also, the door takes up more space than you might think. Despite this, it's pretty roomy. For me, there's more than enough room to keep a couple of sandwiches, a few bottles of juice and soda, a frozen dinner, and some salad fixings for the week.
If you plan to purchase this refrigerator online, be sure to ask the seller first how they're going to pack it. The manufacturer's retail box is definitely not sufficient for shipping. There is only a thin (1/2 inch) layer of styrofoam on the top and bottom, and none at all on the sides. Most importantly, there is no protection whatsoever for the most delicate part of the refrigerator...the exposed coolant system in back. With the way most shipping services throw their packages around, chances are good that the refrigerator will be dented, and maybe even inoperable, on arrival. So, be sure to ask the seller if they'll double-box it with appropriate packing materials.
A few other notes:
- Defrosting is manual, not automatic.
- The door is reversible, so you can make it swing whichever direction you want.
- There's no lock and no handle, just a recessed door top (I personally prefer this, as it's one less mechanical part to break with extended use).
- The U.S. government energy guide has rated this refrigerator at an estimated yearly electricity use of 315 kWh, with an estimated yearly operating cost of 33.50 dollars.
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Emerson 1.8 Cu. Ft Compact Refrigerator
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