Is your kitchen feeling a little cramped? Maybe your current refrigerator is just too big for your space, or perhaps you are renovating a smaller apartment or guest kitchen. Finding the perfect refrigerator that fits just right can feel like solving a tricky puzzle. Many people face this exact problem when they need a refrigerator that offers great storage without taking over the entire room.
The 28-inch refrigerator size hits a sweet spot. It is smaller than the standard models but still packs a punch in terms of features and capacity. However, knowing which model truly meets your needs—balancing space, energy use, and price—is where things get confusing. You want reliability and style, but the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down everything you need to know about 28-inch refrigerators. You will learn about the best layouts, essential features, and how to match a model perfectly to your lifestyle. Get ready to discover the ideal compact cooling solution for your home!
Top 28 Inch Refrigerator Recommendations
Bestseller No. 1
Frigidaire, 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator/Freezer Combo, 7.5 cu ft, Platinum Series, Stainless, 23" D x 21.5" W x 55.5" H
- SPACIOUS STORAGE: With a generous 7.5 cu. ft. capacity, this platinum refrigerator ensures you have ample space for all your essentials, making it easy to keep everything at your fingertips.
- ORGANIZED CONVENIENCE: Equipped with removable glass shelves, a transparent crisper, and a full-width door bin, this small upright fridge offers organized and convenient storage for all your food and beverage items.
- DEDICATED FREEZER: Enjoy the convenience of a separate freezer compartment with ample space for your frozen goods, along with an adjustable thermostat and interior lighting for both compartments.
- SLEEK DESIGN: Featuring a sleek and durable platinum design with chrome trim and handles, this small fridge freezer adds an upscale retro look that will elevate your space.
- FLEXIBLE CONFIGURATION: The adjustable/removable shelves offer flexibility to customize the interior layout according to your needs, accommodating items of various sizes with ease. A reversible door also allows for flexible opening to best suit your space
Bestseller No. 2
Summit 28" Bottom Freezer Refrigerator, Refrigerator- Freezer, Energy Star, White - FFBF151WLHD (Left Hand Door)
- Save Space and Energy: This ENERGY STAR refrigerator features a spacious 15.1 cu.ft. of storage capacity with a 28”depth. The interior includes three adjustable glass shelves and a full-width, humidity-controlled crisper drawer. The door includes three full shelves and the bottom rack accommodates gallon-sized containers.
- Quality Refrigerator with Everything You Need: Innovative digital temperature control panel located inside the refrigerator makes it easy to manage the refrigerator and freezer temperature at the touch of a button.
- Freezer you can depend on: Super Freeze setting allows you to rapidly cool the freezer section, which is ideal for newly loaded groceries. The large freezer section features two plastic slide-out drawers that help protect your stored items from warmer temperatures when the door is opened.
- Modern features you expect: Energy Star Certified, 100% CFC free, CARB Compliant.
- Dimensions & Build: 68.0" H x 27.5" W x 27.88" D, Capacity 15.1 cu.ft. (428 L).
Bestseller No. 3
Kenmore 30" Top Mount Refrigerator with Freezer - Adjustable Shelving, Humidity-Controlled Crispers, LED Lighting, ENERGY STAR Certified, Garage Ready, 18.1 cu. ft. Capacity - White
- Spacious Yet Compact: This 30-inch, white refrigerator offers 18.1 cu. ft. of standard-depth storage space, giving you plenty of room for groceries without crowding your garage or smaller kitchens
- Adjustable Edge-to-Edge Glass Shelves: Edge-to-edge tempered glass shelves adjust to fit party trays, drink pitchers, or sheet cakes. Customize your refrigerator layout with flexible storage for tall, wide or oversized items
- Gallon Door Storage + Freezer Bins: 4 clear refrigerator door bins and 1 gallon-sized door bin holds gallon jugs, condiments, and more. 2 full-width freezer door bins keep smaller frozen items organized and easy to reach
- Humidity-Controlled Crispers & Inverter Compressor: Store produce in 2 clear humidity-controlled crispers to help it stay fresher longer. The inverter compressor quietly and efficiently maintains a consistent temperature to keep food fresh
- ENERGY STAR Certified: Long-lasting LED lighting brightens the interior. ENERGY STAR certified to help save on utilities
Bestseller No. 4
Sharp SJB1255GS Bottom-Freezer Counter-Depth Refrigerator, 24 Inch, 11.5 Cubic Foot, Garage Ready
- The Slim and Spacious 4.2 cu.ft. Freezer Fits All Your Frozen Favorites With Room to Spare
- Multi Air Flow Evenly Distributes Air Through Multiple Vents in Both Freezer and Refrigerator
- Select Vacation Mode to Turn Off The Refrigerator Cavity While Your Freezer Remains On
- Equipped With a Removable Wine Rack, Perfect For Chilling or Displaying Wine
- Fresh Converter Drawer Provides a Chiller Option for Fresh Food and a Crisper Option for Fruits and Vegetables
Bestseller No. 5
Summit FFBF283SSLHD 28" Wide Bottom Freezer Refrigerator, 14 cu.ft, Stainless Steel Door, LED Lighting, ENERGY STAR Certified, Perfect for Apartments and Small Kitchen- Without Icemaker
- Summit Energy Star Refrigerator: Summit's thin-line series of ENERGY STAR-certified counter-depth bottom freezer refrigerators conserves energy and space but adds quality and function with innovative features, convenient sizes, and energy-efficient operation.
- Features: An innovative touch control system lets you manage the refrigerator and freezer temperature with an intuitive digital thermostat. LED lighting in the side walls of the refrigerator offers an efficient and attractive view inside. The open-door alarm alerts with an audio and visual signal when the door is left ajar for over one minute. The lower freezer compartment features two slide-out drawers with plastic fronts to help protect stored items when the door is opened.
- Adjustable Shelves: Comes fully featured for maximum storage convenience with frost-free operation ideal for minimum maintenance. The refrigerator section includes adjustable shelves made from safety glass for easy cleaning. Three adjustable door racks offer additional storage options, including one deep rack that can accommodate full-gallon-sized containers. The large clear crisper is ideal for keeping produce fresh.
- Compact Design: With its elegant design, unique size, and full storage capacity, the FFBF283SSLHD is the perfect energy-efficient addition to any kitchen looking to bring true quality, modern style, and energy savings in a smaller footprint than standard household refrigerators. This unit is equipped with an optional sabbath mode feature that allows you to deactivate certain electrical features for up to 76 hours.
- Size: 67.75" H x 27.63" W x 26.25" D. Please note this model does not come with an ice maker.
Bestseller No. 6
Summit FFBF284SSIM 28" Wide Bottom Freezer Refrigerator, Icemaker, 13.8 cu.ft, Stainless Steel Door, LED Lighting, ENERGY STAR Certified, Perfect for Apartments and Small Kitchen
- Summit Energy Star Refrigerator: Summit's thin-line series of ENERGY STAR-certified counter-depth bottom freezer refrigerators conserves energy and space but adds quality and function with innovative features, convenient sizes, and energy-efficient operation.
- Features: An innovative touch control system lets you manage the refrigerator and freezer temperature with an intuitive digital thermostat. LED lighting in the side walls of the refrigerator offers an efficient and attractive view inside. The open-door alarm alerts with an audio and visual signal when the door is left ajar for over one minute. The lower freezer compartment features two slide-out drawers with plastic fronts to help protect stored items when the door is opened.
- Adjustable Shelves: Comes fully featured for maximum storage convenience with frost-free operation ideal for minimum maintenance. The refrigerator section includes adjustable shelves made from safety glass for easy cleaning. Three adjustable door racks offer additional storage options, including one deep rack that can accommodate full-gallon-sized containers. The large clear crisper is ideal for keeping produce fresh. A factory-installed icemaker keeps a full supply of ice on hand.
- Compact Design: With its elegant design, unique size, and full storage capacity, the FFBF284SSIM is the perfect energy-efficient addition to any kitchen looking to bring true quality, modern style, and energy savings in a smaller footprint than standard household refrigerators. This unit is equipped with an optional sabbath mode feature that allows you to deactivate certain electrical features for up to 76 hours.
- Size: 67.75" H x 27.63" W x 26.25" D.
Bestseller No. 7
Summit FFBF284SSIMLHD 28" Wide Bottom Freezer Refrigerator, Icemaker, 13.8 cu.ft, Stainless Steel Door, LED Lighting, ENERGY STAR Certified, Perfect for Apartments and Small Kitchen
- Summit Energy Star Refrigerator: Summit's thin-line series of ENERGY STAR-certified counter-depth bottom freezer refrigerators conserves energy and space but adds quality and function with innovative features, convenient sizes, and energy-efficient operation.
- Features: An innovative touch control system lets you manage the refrigerator and freezer temperature with an intuitive digital thermostat. LED lighting in the side walls of the refrigerator offers an efficient and attractive view inside. The open-door alarm alerts with an audio and visual signal when the door is left ajar for over one minute. The lower freezer compartment features two slide-out drawers with plastic fronts to help protect stored items when the door is opened.
- Adjustable Shelves: Comes fully featured for maximum storage convenience with frost-free operation ideal for minimum maintenance. The refrigerator section includes adjustable shelves made from safety glass for easy cleaning. Three adjustable door racks offer additional storage options, including one deep rack that can accommodate full-gallon-sized containers. The large clear crisper is ideal for keeping produce fresh. A factory-installed icemaker keeps a full supply of ice on hand.
- Compact Design: With its elegant design, unique size, and full storage capacity, the FFBF284SSIMLHD is the perfect energy-efficient addition to any kitchen looking to bring true quality, modern style, and energy savings in a smaller footprint than standard household refrigerators. This unit is equipped with an optional sabbath mode feature that allows you to deactivate certain electrical features for up to 76 hours.
- Size: 67.75" H x 27.63" W x 26.25" D.
Bestseller No. 8
Kenmore 30 in. 18.1 cu. ft. Capacity Refrigerator/Freezer with Adjustable Glass Shelving, Humidity Control Crispers, Ice Maker, ENERGY STAR Certified, Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel
- Spacious Yet Compact: This 30-inch, fingerprint resistant stainless steel refrigerator offers 18.1 cu. ft. of standard-depth storage space, giving you plenty of room for groceries without crowding smaller kitchens
- Adjustable Full-Width Glass Shelves: Tempered glass shelves adjust to fit party trays, drink pitchers, or sheet cakes. Customize your refrigerator layout with flexible storage for tall or oversized items
- Gallon Door Storage + Freezer Bins: 3 clear refrigerator door bins hold gallon jugs, condiments, and more. 2 full-width freezer door bins keep smaller frozen items organized and easy to reach
- Humidity-Controlled Crispers and Dairy Drawer: Store produce in 2 clear humidity-controlled crispers to help it stay fresher longer. A covered dairy compartment keeps butter and spreads at the perfect temp
- ENERGY STAR Certified with Factory Installed Icemaker: Long-lasting LED lighting brightens the interior. ENERGY STAR certified to help save on utilities. Factory installed icemaker gives you ice at the ready with up to 3 lbs. of ice per day
Your Guide to Buying the Perfect 28-Inch Refrigerator
A 28-inch refrigerator is a great size for many homes. It fits well in smaller kitchens or as a secondary fridge. Knowing what to look for helps you make the best choice. This guide walks you through the important details.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, check these main features first. They decide how well the fridge works for you.
Capacity and Layout
- Total Cubic Feet: For a 28-inch model, look for a capacity between 10 and 18 cubic feet. This tells you how much food fits inside.
- Configuration: Decide if you want a Top-Freezer (simple, usually cheaper) or a Bottom-Freezer (easier access to fresh food). Side-by-side models are rare at this width but offer good organization if you find one.
Cooling Technology
- Frost-Free Operation: This is a must-have. Frost-free means you never have to manually defrost the freezer. This saves time and effort.
- Temperature Control: Look for easy-to-use digital or precise dial controls. Good control keeps food fresher longer.
Energy Efficiency
- Energy Star Rating: Always choose an Energy Star certified model. These refrigerators use less electricity, which saves you money on your power bill.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your fridge lasts and how it looks.
Exterior and Interior
- Exterior Finish: Stainless steel is popular because it looks modern and resists smudges well. White or black enamel finishes are cheaper and easy to clean.
- Shelving Material: Glass shelves are better than wire racks. Glass shelves wipe clean easily and stop spills from dripping onto food below. Look for adjustable shelving so you can customize space for tall items.
- Drawer Construction: Crisper drawers should feel sturdy. Clear, thick plastic allows you to see what is inside without opening them fully.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain design choices boost performance, while others can cause headaches later.
Quality Boosters
- Good Door Seals: Tight, magnetic door seals keep cold air in. Test the doors—they should seal firmly when you close them.
- LED Lighting: LED lights use very little power and last a long time. They also light up the interior better than old incandescent bulbs.
Quality Reducers
- Thin Plastic Interior Walls: If the interior plastic feels flimsy, it might crack easily over time. Test the firmness of the drawers and door bins.
- Noisy Compressors: Read reviews about noise levels. A very loud refrigerator can disrupt a quiet living space.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where this fridge will live and who will use it.
Who Needs a 28-Inch Fridge?
- Apartment Dwellers: These units often meet the size requirements for smaller rental units where space is limited.
- Secondary Storage: Many people buy a 28-inch model for the garage, basement, or laundry room to store extra drinks, overflow freezer items, or bulk purchases.
- Small Families: For one or two people, this size offers enough fresh and frozen storage without taking up too much floor space.
Ease of Use
Make sure the handles feel comfortable. You open the refrigerator many times a day, so they should not require a hard tug. Also, check door swing. Ensure the door opens wide enough for you to pull out shelves, but not so wide that it hits a wall or island in your kitchen.
28-Inch Refrigerator FAQs
Q: What is the typical capacity range for a 28-inch refrigerator?
A: Most 28-inch models offer between 10 and 18 cubic feet of total storage space. This is enough for basic needs.
Q: Are 28-inch refrigerators usually energy efficient?
A: Many modern 28-inch refrigerators carry the Energy Star rating because they are designed for smaller spaces and often use newer, efficient cooling systems.
Q: Should I prioritize a top-freezer or bottom-freezer design?
A: A top-freezer is generally more budget-friendly. A bottom-freezer puts your most used fresh food at eye level, which many users prefer for convenience.
Q: How important is the material of the shelves?
A: Shelf material is very important for cleaning. Glass shelves are superior because they prevent spills from spreading and are easy to wipe down.
Q: Will this fridge fit in a standard kitchen cabinet cutout?
A: A 28-inch width is often considered “compact” or “apartment size.” Always measure your specific opening, but this size is often designed to fit into tighter spaces than standard 30-inch models.
Q: What does “Frost-Free” actually mean for me?
A: Frost-free means the refrigerator automatically melts any ice buildup in the freezer section. This means you do not have to take everything out and chip ice away yourself.
Q: How loud should a good refrigerator be?
A: A quality refrigerator operates quietly. If you read reviews mentioning a loud humming or rattling, that model might have a lower-quality compressor.
Q: Where is the best place to check for reliability?
A: Look at online customer reviews focusing on long-term ownership (one year or more). Pay attention to comments about the compressor and door seals failing.
Q: Do these smaller refrigerators come with ice makers?
A: Some higher-end 28-inch models include in-door ice makers, but many standard models require you to buy a separate, small ice maker kit or use ice cube trays.
Q: What kind of warranty should I expect?
A: Most reputable brands offer a standard one-year warranty covering all parts and labor. The sealed system (compressor, evaporator) should have a longer warranty, often five years.