BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator - Efficient Dorm Fridge

In this review of the BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. compact refrigerator, the bottom line is simple: this is a sensible, space-saving fridge for anyone needing basic, reliable cooling in a dorm, office, or small apartment. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of a small footprint and ENERGY STAR certified efficiency, which keeps running costs low while still offering enough room for beverages, leftovers, and a few larger bottles. It is not a high-capacity or specialty unit, but it delivers practical cooling and flexible placement options for tight spaces.

Key Features

• Compact & Stylish: The sleek design fits into tight spaces like dorm rooms, offices, garages, and RVs while adding a modern look in black, stainless steel, or white.
• Energy Efficient: ENERGY STAR certification and a low 70 watt draw mean it uses less energy and generates less heat than older mini fridges.
• Chiller Compartment: The small chiller area provides a dedicated cold spot for items that need lower temperatures without taking extra shelf space.
• Flexible Storage: A removable glass shelf and full- and half-width door bins allow rearranging to fit cans, small containers, or 1-liter bottles upright.
• Convenient Placement: The reversible door and adjustable leveling legs make it easy to position the unit in tight or uneven spots.
• Environmentally Friendlier Refrigerant: R600a refrigerant is used for efficient cooling with reduced environmental impact compared with older refrigerants.

Who It's For

This compact refrigerator works best for college students, renters, or office workers who need a personal fridge for drinks, snacks, and small meal storage without taking up much room. It is also a good choice for RV campers or home bar setups where a compact, quiet-looking unit is preferred.

Those who need large-capacity refrigeration, precise temperature control for sensitive items, or heavy daily use by multiple people should look at larger models. Also, shoppers who require ultra-quiet operation or long-term heavy-duty reliability may prefer a higher-end or commercial mini fridge option.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact size with a modern finish makes it easy to place in small living spaces.
• ENERGY STAR certified and low wattage help keep electricity use minimal.
• Removable glass shelf and versatile door bins provide usable storage for bottles and cans.
• Reversible door and leveling legs increase placement options in tight areas.

Cons

• Mixed user feedback on noise and longevity means some units may be noisy or fail sooner than expected.
• 1.7 cu. ft. capacity is limited if you need to store many groceries or larger items.

Specifications

Brand	BLACK+DECKER
Capacity	1.7 cu. ft.
Energy use	Approximately 70 watts, ENERGY STAR certified
Refrigerant	R600a
Door	Single door, reversible
Storage features	Removable glass shelf; full and half-width door bins

Our Verdict

The BLACK+DECKER 1.7 cu. ft. compact refrigerator is a practical choice for students and small-space dwellers who prioritize efficiency and a small footprint. It offers usable storage, ENERGY STAR efficiency, and placement flexibility at a reasonable value; just be aware of mixed reports on noise and durability when considering long-term heavy use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this fridge suitable for a dorm room?
Yes. Its compact size, low energy draw, and reversible door make it well suited to dorm rooms and small apartments.

Can it hold 1-liter bottles upright?
Yes. The door includes full- and half-width bins sized to accommodate 1-liter or taller bottles upright.

Is the refrigerant environmentally friendly?
It uses R600a refrigerant, which is more efficient and has a lower environmental impact than many older refrigerants.