Opening a refrigerator only to find your fresh produce buried under frozen bags or squashed by a lack of shelf space is hardly efficient organization. When you simply cannot fit your standard grocery haul because a fridge compartment is too small, it might be time to rethink your food storage system.
If you have the extra room and want to go big, a freezerless refrigerator is one of the best solutions, dedicating every cubic inch to fresh storage. At Fred’s, we know this isn’t the typical setup, which is why we created this guide where you can learn the advantages of dedicated fresh food units, how to choose the ideal freezerless fridge, and which features to look for.
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Expand your fresh food storage capacity with a freezerless refrigerator with great prices at Fred’s Appliance!
Shop Freezerless RefrigeratorsThe Benefits of Choosing an All Refrigerator Model
An all refrigerator refers to a full-sized food preservation system with no freezer section. This design is perfect for:
- Large households
- Frequent entertainers
- Homeowners who already have a standalone chest freezer in the basement
By taking the freezer compartment out of the design, manufacturers can optimize the internal space for better airflow. Whereas in a standard fridge, the total capacity is shared between two very different temperature zones, no freezer fridges create climate settings solely for fresh foods and produce.
If you’re curious why you’ve never heard of these specialty refrigerators before, you’re not wrong. Since most homeowners use these units to create side by side refrigerator and freezer sets by pairing them with a matching standalone freezer, they’re mainly found in high-end kitchens and custom kitchen designs. However, more brands are jumping on the trend, and that means today’s shoppers can explore options at lower price points than before.
How Freezerless Fridges Simplify Bulk Food Storage
If you buy groceries in large quantities, a freezerless refrigerator is your best friend. These units offer full-width shelving that can handle oversized items like pizza boxes, deli trays, or massive brisket prep. In contrast, standard fridges have narrower shelves, sometimes blocked by ice makers or internal vents.
For those into meal prepping, the organization is unmatched. You can dedicate entire shelves to prepared containers, while keeping items separate for proper food preservation that prevents cross contamination. If you host holiday dinners, the ability to slide in a full sheet cake or a prepped turkey without rearranging the entire fridge is a massive relief. And because there is no freezer taking up the bottom or top third, you get more vertical space for tall items like wine bottles or large juice carafes.
Column vs Freestanding Freezerless Designs
When shopping for freezerless refrigerators, you will notice two main styles: built in freezerless refrigerators and freestanding freezerless fridges.
Built-in column models sit completely flush with cabinetry and are often used in high-end kitchen remodels to create an integrated look. On the other hand, freestanding models are more versatile and can be placed anywhere there is an outlet and enough clearance.
Measuring for these units is different than measuring a standard fridge. You need to account for door swing clearance more than depth. Column units require professional installation because they are heavy and must be anchored to the wall. Freestanding units are easier for a DIY setup but still require a level floor.
Learn More: A Shopping Guide to Built In Fridges (Styles, Brands & Investment)
Comparing Freezerless Refrigerator Tiers
Finding the right unit depends on where you plan to put it and how much you need to store. The following table compares common tiers found at Fred's Appliance.
| Refrigerator Tier | Total Capacity | Installation Type | ENERGYSTAR® Rated | Garage Ready |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Column | 13 - 22 Cu. Ft. | Built-In / Flush | Often | No |
| Freestanding Family | 18 - 19 Cu. Ft. | Freestanding | Often | Some Models |
| Compact Pantry | 10 - 15 Cu. Ft. | Freestanding | Yes | No |
| Specialized Garage | 16 - 20 Cu. Ft. | Freestanding | Yes | Yes |
Essential Features for Garage and Basement Placement
Buyers who are interested in finding the best refrigerator for garage storage often find themselves considering freezerless fridges. However, not just any fridge can be used in a garage. Standard units are designed to operate in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees. When a garage drops to 40 degrees in the winter, a standard fridge might sense it’s already cold enough and stop running. This causes the food inside to spoil as the internal temperature rises.
That’s why we only recommend garage ready refrigerators. These specialized units use advanced compressors and internal sensors to monitor the outside air. They can handle the blistering heat of a summer and the freezing chill of winter without failing.
When shopping for a secondary unit for the garage or basement, look for a model with a heavy-duty cooling system and thick insulation. A commercial grade refrigerator for home use is also a great choice if you need something that can handle frequent door openings in a shop environment. Make sure you have a dedicated circuit in your garage to avoid tripping breakers during the high-draw start-up cycles of the compressor.
Learn More: Best Refrigerator with Ice Maker Options for Every Kitchen
The Advantages and Disadvantages of All Refrigerator Units
Investing in a dedicated cooling unit offers massive benefits for organization, though it requires a specific lifestyle setup to work correctly. Most homeowners find that the extra space far outweighs the need for a second appliance location, but the following points should still be considered:
Pros
Enhanced Storage
Provides significantly more fresh food storage than standard fridges.
Advanced Preservation
Keeps produce fresh longer with more consistent humidity and airflow.
Professional Aesthetic
Creates a high-end professional look when paired with a matching freezer.
Simplified Organization
Simplifies food organization, especially for bulk items and large party platters.
Energy Efficiency
Better energy refrigerator efficiency since the unit only maintains one temperature.
Cons
Separate Freezer Needed
Requires a separate location for frozen goods.
Larger Footprint
Requires more cabinet and floor space when paired with a standalone freezer.
Higher Cost
Can be more expensive as an initial investment for two separate units.
Learn More: Large French Door Refrigerators Compared: Which Offers the Most Storage?
Featured Freezerless Refrigerators for Every Space
Whether you need a sleek built-in for a modern remodel or a rugged unit for the garage, these models represent the best in reliability and capacity.
Electrolux 33 in. 18.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Counter-Depth Freezerless Refrigerator - EI33AR80WS
Shop This Electrolux Freezerless Refrigerator
This Electrolux freezerless refrigerator is a favorite for those who want a high-capacity refrigerator that can store even the largest fresh food hauls. It features a stunning stainless steel finish and a counter-depth design that aligns perfectly with standard cabinetry. The interior is designed with a Luxury-Design lighting system that makes it easy to find items even in the very back. Best of all, the LuxCool cooling system maintains a very consistent temperature to keep your delicate greens from wilting.
⭐Featured Electrolux EI33AR80WS Review:
"We love this new Electrolux built-in refrigerator. The finish is very much improved over the one we replaced. The interior lighting is very good with multiple LED lights placed strategically to provide visibility when fully stocked. The controls are easy to adjust. We looked at purchasing an off brand to save on cost, but we are definitely glad we made the Electrolux purchase..."
Frigidaire 28" 16 Cu. Ft. White Garage Ready Freezerless Refrigerator - FRAE1626AW
Shop This Frigidaire Freezerless Refrigerator
If you need a reliable secondary fridge for a pantry or mudroom, this Frigidaire all refrigerator is a top contender. It is specifically built to handle temperature swings, making it a perfect choice for garage placement. Designed with 16 cubic feet of space, it’s surprisingly roomy, allowing you to store cases of water and bulk snacks with ease. The white finish is durable and easy to clean, making it a practical addition to any home. It provides a simple, effective solution for secondary cold storage without the high price tag of luxury models.
⭐Featured Frigidaire FRAE1626AW Review:
"This 16 cu. ft. garage-ready upright refrigerator/freezer works great and keeps everything consistently cold, even in changing temperatures. Plenty of storage space with adjustable shelves and door bins. Runs quietly and feels well-built. A reliable, convenient option for extra food storage."
Miele MasterCool 30 in. 16.8 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Right Hand Built-In Freezerless Refrigerator - K 2802 Vi
Shop This Miele Freezerless Refrigerator
Miele’s sisgnature German engineering shines with this MasterCool fridge built with luxury quality. This panel-ready unit disappears into your kitchen design, allowing you to attach a custom cabinet front for a completely hidden look, together with a Push2Open door for a fully handle-less design. It uses the MasterFresh system, which creates different climate zones within the fridge to keep different types of food at their ideal humidity levels. This is the ultimate choice for foodies who want their expensive ingredients to stay in peak condition.
Viking 5 Series 36 in. 22.0 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built-In Counter-Depth Right Hinge All Refrigerator - FDRB5364R
Shop This Viking Freezerless Refrigerator
With 22 cubic feet of fresh storage—or about the same as a standard full-size fridge with a freezer—this is a massive unit that can handle the needs of the largest households. It features the ProChill Temperature Management System, which is one of the quietest and most efficient cooling systems on the market. The panel-ready exterior means you can match it to your high-end kitchen cabinets. It solves the issue of flavor transfer by using an ion air purifier to remove odors and airborne bacteria.
Frigidaire Professional 33 in. 18.9 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built-In Counter-Depth Column Refrigerator - PRDA1922AF
Shop This Frigidaire Professional Freezerless Refrigerator - PRDA1922AF
This column refrigerator offers a high-end look without the custom-cabinetry price tag. The Smudge-Proof Stainless Steel finish resists fingerprints and is incredibly easy to maintain. Inside, the CrispSeal Plus Crispers use a specialized filter to remove ethylene gas, which is the gas that causes produce to ripen and rot too quickly. This unit is popular for its ability to pair perfectly with a matching freezer to create a massive 38-cubic-foot storage wall.
⭐Featured Frigidaire Professional Review:
"The fridge is great, well lit and the bins and shelves are roomy and adjustable. Love the 2 milk jug size bins on the door, no other high end brands offer this feature."
Miele MasterCool 36 in. 20.6 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Left Hand Built-In Freezerless Refrigerator - K 2912 Vi
Shop This Miele MasterCool Freezerless Refrigerator
The 36-inch Miele MasterCool freezerless refrigerator provides even more room for those who frequently host large gatherings. This model features a left-hand hinge, making it easy to configure in a French door layout when paired with a right-hand freezer (left-hand models are also available). The DynaCool system ensures that the temperature is uniform on every shelf, so you do not have to worry about cold spots freezing your milk. The interior is made of high-quality materials that are easy to clean and built to last for decades. It is a premium choice for any luxury kitchen project.
Liebherr Monolith 24 in. 13.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built-In Freezerless Refrigerator - SRB5290
Shop This Liebherr Freezerless Refrigerator
Even though this Liebherr refrigerator is only 24 inches wide, it uses its vertical space efficiently to provide nearly 14 cubic feet of fresh food storage. This makes it a great choice for smaller kitchens or as a dedicated beverage and produce unit in a large pantry. It features BioFresh-Plus technology, which allows you to set the temperature of individual drawers to precisely match what you are storing, whether it is fish or tropical fruit. It is exceptionally quiet and energy efficient.
Whirlpool 31 in. 18.0 Cu. Ft. White All Refrigerator - WRR56X18FW
Shop This Whirlpool Freezerless Refrigerator
This Whirlpool all-refrigerator model is a workhorse that provides ample capacity for a sensible price. Top features include glass shelves that are easy to wipe down and can handle heavy items without bowing, while it is a simpler design is highly reliable and easy to service. Overall, this is a great example of an upright refrigerator only that prioritizes function and value above all else.
⭐Featured Whirlpool WRR56X18FW Review:
"I LOVE my All fridge! So much room for all of my big pots and containers. I can open the fridge and see everything in it. Also love the 4 crispers. So happy I saved up for it and got it."
When you need to upgrade to a fresh food storage solution exclusively for produce and raw ingredients, an all freezer refrigerator is the way to go. At Fred’s, we’re happy to explain even more as we guide you through our full selection of no-freezer refrigerators and their features. Stop by today to learn more!
Learn More: SubZero vs GE Monogram: Luxury Refrigerators Compared
Frequently Asked Questions about Freezerless Refrigerators
A freezerless refrigerator is often called an all refrigerator or a column refrigerator. These terms describe a unit dedicated entirely to fresh food storage without an internal freezer compartment.
Only models specifically designated as a garage ready refrigerator should be kept in non-climate-controlled spaces. These units feature specialized heating elements and compressors designed to handle extreme temperature fluctuations.
Yes, most energy efficient refrigerators in this category use less power because they only have to maintain one temperature zone. They do not need to run a high-energy defrost cycle for a freezer, which saves money on monthly bills.
Buying two separate units can sometimes cost more upfront, but they offer better long-term value through specialized cooling and increased capacity. You also avoid the high cost of replacing a complex "all-in-one" unit if one side fails.
For a secondary unit, a compact freezerless fridge with 12 to 15 cubic feet is usually enough for beverages and overflow. If you are using it for bulk food storage solutions for a large family, aim for 18 cubic feet or more.
Brands like Frigidaire, Electrolux, and Whirlpool offer the best value, while Miele and Viking lead the luxury market. You can find many freezerless refrigerator reviews that praise these brands for their durability and consistent cooling performance.
Why Trust Fred’s Appliance?
Fred's Appliance is the go-to store for all your appliance needs in the inland Northwest area. Established in 1962, Fred's Appliance has been serving customers for over five decades and counting. With an experienced and knowledgeable staff, Fred's provides a welcoming atmosphere that helps customers find the best product to fit their needs, budget, and lifestyle.
When you shop with Fred's Appliance, you can be sure that you're getting the best brands at the best prices. In our store, you will find a variety of refrigerators, ranges, wall ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, and more. We also carry washers and dryers in both front-load and top-load styles. Not only are we dedicated to providing an unbeatable selection of appliances, but we are equally committed to the local community. We proudly support many charitable organizations throughout Washington, Idaho, and Montana. When you shop at Fred's Appliance, you're not only getting a great product but helping out your neighbors too!
Shop Freezerless Refrigerators at Fred’s Appliance
If you're looking for a great appliance shopping experience, shop refrigerators online or visit one of our showrooms in Washington, Idaho, or Montana to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced retailer makes. Our appliance experts will be happy to help you learn more freezerless refrigerators. Contact us today and discover the perfect appliance for your home.
Learn More: Refrigerator Face-Off: Is A Top Freezer or Side-by-Side Best For You?