The EdgeStar CRF321SS 3.1 Cu. Ft. Dorm Sized Energy Star Compact Fridge/Freezer features a separate refrigerator and freezer in a two-door model for maximum energy efficiency. Ideal for dorms, workshops, the office, or even a camper, this model offers a true freezer, rather than just a chiller, and allows you set the temperature in a range of 34-60 °F. The EdgeStar also offers auto defrost.
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Table of Contents
Product Highlights
- Features a separate refrigerator and freezer in a two-door model for maximum energy efficiency
- Offers auto defrost
- Ideal for dorms, workshops, the office, or a camper
| Country of Origin: | Not disclosed |
| Power and Capacity: | External Dimensions: 33 1/2″ H x 18 3/4″ W x 19 3/4″ D Freezer Dimensions: 7 7/8″ H x 14″ W x 14 3/4″ D Compressor Step Dimensions: 7 1/8″ H x 15 1/2″ W x 4 3/8″ D Refrigerator Dimensions: 18 5/8″ H x 15 1/2″ W x 14 1/2″ D Annual energy usage: 270 kWh/yr |
| Certifications: | Energy Star® |
| Coolant: | R600a |
Overview
Inside the refrigerator there is 1 adjustable wire shelf and 1 glass shelf, a vegetable crisper and in-door storage. The refrigerator compartment has an interior light and slide-out shelves for easier cleaning. This model includes a 90 days labor and 1 year parts warranty and uses eco-friendly r600a coolant.
EdgeStar vs. Midea vs. Danby Designer
At 3.1 cu. ft., the EdgeStar is a little less energy efficient than the Midea (View Price on Amazon) in terms of capacity, but the freezer section is more robust and the design a little more intuitive and functional. The auto defrost will also appeal to some folks, especially if this is for a dorm or the office.
The Danby Designer (View Price on Amazon) remains the best in this category for energy efficiency and function, though, beating out the Midea and the EdgeStar. It is economical both in upfront cost and running costs, comes in three finishes, and is compact and space efficient, with excellent flexible storage and a reversible door, so it can fit in pretty much any space and fit in with any design scheme.
The Danby Designer offers greater functionality for the same energy use (226 kWh/yr) as the Midea and less energy than the Edgestar (270 kWh/yr). All three of its wire racks (2 full and 1 half) are removable and it features a true freezer compartment instead of just a chiller like the Midea. The EdgeStar also has slide-out shelves for easier cleaning and a true freezer, with a separate door for fridge and freezer. This is typically better for energy efficiency, but the EdgeStar has an automatic defrost, which might be why it uses almost 20% more energy than the Danby which has a semi-automatic defrost. The Midea only has manual defrost, which may make it less appealing for a student dorm room or office.
The Midea offers a decent amount of space (4.4 cu. ft) in an attractive design, with low energy usage (226 kWh/yr), giving it an edge over the EdgeStar (270 kWh/yr and just 3.1 cu. ft). It is also very quiet at 42 decibels, compared to the Danby’s 50 decibels, which is helpful in a dorm room. However, the Midea only allows you to set the temperature to 32-35.6 °F, while the EdgeStar has a temperature range of 34-60 °F, and the Danby Designer’s temperature range is 32-50 °F.
All three models use eco-friendly r600a coolant rather than CFCs or HCFCs and both the Midea and the EdgeStar carry a 90 days labor and 1 year parts warranty. The Danby Designer, however, offers 18 months parts and labor coverage with in-home service. The Danby is also available in three finishes, as is the Midea, while the EdgeStar is only available currently in a stainless steel finish. Both the Midea and the Danby Designer are less expensive than the EdgeStar by about 20% on average.