Finding the right kitchen refrigerator when you don’t have to worry too much about your budget would be easy. However, when it comes to small fridges at a limited budget, things tend to get more complicated.

The Willz WLR31TS1 3.1 cu. ft. refrigerator is one of the top choices in mini fridges, whether we’re talking about its sleek looks, efficiency, or quality. Here’s why this Willz model is a best buy.

Willz WLR31TS1 3.1 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator

The Willz WLR31TS1 is a small top freezer refrigerator that can fit many home design choices perfectly. It is a multi-purpose unit that is intended for small kitchens, dorm rooms, and offices, but when push comes to shove, it can also serve in a mid-sized kitchen as the main fridge. It may not offer the capacity of a large fridge, but it compares favorably in a few regards.

Who is this product for?

If you’re looking for a large kitchen fridge, you can stop reading. But if you’re willing to compromise or looking to add an additional fridge to your regular kitchen refrigerator, this may be the perfect model for you. Buying a large fridge with a bigger capacity than your current one may not give you an additional 3.1 cubic feet of extra space. But you can bet your bottom dollar that the Willz WLR31TS1 will.

Alternatively, if you are a student living in a dorm room, you’re going to need a refrigerator that can help you make the most out of the space that you have available. The Willz WLR31TS1 is a very easy fit for any corner.

It is somewhat affordable, but another benefit for the average student would be its low energy consumption. Looking at the energy efficiency factor, and not just the price tag, is essential when choosing a fridge.

What’s included?

Open up the refrigerator and you’ll notice that its sleek and classy exterior matches the interior perfectly. The entire fridge exudes prestige and quality.

The top freezer compartment is pretty straightforward. It’s separated from the refrigerator compartment, which is great and unlike many mini fridges that come with a shared fridge-freezer compartment. The freezer doesn’t come with any additional features besides that.

The fridge compartment has a removable shelf and a removable drawer that can serve as a fruit/vegetable container. It would be nice if an icemaker came with the unit, but these are cheap and easy to find anywhere. Besides, most icemakers that come with mini fridges are small and you’re probably better off browsing for a few quality ones anyway.

Overview of features

At around 56 lbs., this mini fridge isn’t too heavy, but it isn’t too lightweight either. Its dimensions of 19.1 x 21.1 x 32.9 inches make it very compact and easy to fit into any corner, although some extra height would’ve been nice.

Maybe not, though, as some people may want to store their mini fridge under a bar, table, or on the countertop. The 3.1 cubic feet capacity is more than decent for the size.

The reversible door hinges are a nice touch. It only takes a few minutes to switch the door opening to the left or to the right. This is very convenient if you have to stick the refrigerator up against a side wall.

Inside the fridge, the removable shelf could use a bit of tweaking, such as height adjustment. But the mounting rack has been optimally placed, just beneath the mechanical thermostat. The fridge door can hold 2-liter bottles and a row of soda cans. In the upper part of the door, you’ll see more storage space.

The Willz WLR31TS1 can hold quite a bit behind the freezer door. This allows for better organization and, clearly, a bit more storage space. The popular R600a compressor does its job well enough.

Another perk that you get with the Willz is the power savings. Refrigerators are plugged in all year round. The purchase price can be low, but the yearly running costs may put quite a dent in your budget. With the Willz, the estimated energy cost per year is just $43.

How to install it

Refrigerators are simple appliances and the Willz WLR31TS1 is no exception. You plug it in and use it like any other fridge.

First of all, get an appliance dolly with straps. Make sure that you’re equipped with a measuring tape, a screwdriver, rope/tape, and some moving blankets.

Once the refrigerator arrives, it is crucial that you unbox it while you’re still outside. After unpacking, hop it onto the dolly and make sure that it’s strapped properly.

The placement location should be as clean as possible and completely dry before you slide the Willz in. When you get your fridge to the desired placement location, put the moving blankets right in front of it and put the fridge on the blankets.

Now, plug it into the power source and slide it in slowly using the blankets to avoid floor scratches. Make sure that there’s at least 2” of room to the back of the fridge to prevent heat buildup.

When it’s in place, you can remove the blankets by tilting the fridge.

Pros

Good looks
Practical interior
Spacious freezer
Very compact
2-liter bottle storage

Cons

Might be a bit too loud in really smalls spaces

Alternative

The only real downside regarding this small top freezer refrigerator is the fact that it’s a bit loud when the compressor is operating. This likely won’t be an issue unless you have to sleep in its close proximity.

If this is a deal-breaker for you, the Midea WHD-113FB1 3.1 Cu. Ft. fridge is an ideal alternative. At 45 dB, it is almost impossible to notice in a room. However, when it comes to equal temperature distribution, the Midea may falter where the Willz thrives.

Conclusion

Sleek, modern-looking, energy-efficient, and affordable, the Willz WLR31TS1 can be an ideal refrigerator for your room, dorm room, garage, or even mid-sized kitchen. It can also serve as a perfect addition to your main kitchen fridge.

This mini fridge may be a bit louder than some of its competition, but it is so for a reason. It’s equipped with a powerful compressor. It is a competent budget model that will serve you for years to come.

CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON.COM