So far, this Black and Decker mini fridge has been rock solid. I’ll share some thoughts on the unboxing, some gotchas, and hopefully a thing or two to help you make an informed decision on this fridge.
For me it arrived well packaged: instructions were clear on removing the packing tape, which as others have mentioned is pretty much everywhere. The glass is adjustable and sturdy enough, but not super thick.
The instructions state you’re supposed to set it on level 7 for fifteen to twenty minutes after you unbox, and there are some peculiar things to note reading the manual. One I found a typo in it because I was a proofreader in a past life. The bottoms are easily adjustable so the unit sits flush on the floor. I was surprised at how quiet it is. After filling it up with stuff, it seems to keep items cold enough. I set it back to level 4.
If you tilt or put it on it’s side, you’re supposed to wait 24 hours before plugging it in. Similarly, if you want to reboot the fridge, that is best done over a few minute period, which is weird because as far as I know this thing doesn’t run FridgeOS.
The design is somewhat weird internally with how stuff is connected: like it slightly differs from the manual in ways you don’t really notice unless you look at it head on. At the very top, It does not appear to be actually level. Likewise the back bottom left side of the unit has a little divot in the plastic. You probably won’t notice unless you look right at it but it’s a little odd. The freezer has a note in the manual that you should NOT freeze items more than 5 days or so, which surprised me. Maybe the freezer compartment doesn’t really get as cold as one would think.
Overall I like this thing: it’s compact, looks nice (though isn’t actual steel on the outside) and stays cold (even to the outside). The front is magnetic, so feel free to attach whatever flair you desire to it. I was able to slide two full gallon jugs of milk after reconfiguring the shelves, so there’s a decent amount of space in there.
So far so good.
| Brand Name | BLACK+DECKER |
|---|---|
| Model Info | BCRK17B |
| Item Weight | 33.1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 18.5 x 17.5 x 19.7 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | BCRK17B |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Capacity | 1.7 Cubic Feet |
| Annual Energy Consumption | 201 Kilowatt Hours Per Year |
| Refrigerator Fresh Food Capacity | 1.5 Cubic Feet |
| Freezer Capacity | 0.2 Cubic Feet |
| Installation Type | Freestanding |
| Part Number | BCRK17B |
| Form Factor | Compact |
| Special Features | Reversible Door, Compact, Adjustable Shelves |
| Color | Black |
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
| Crispers/Drawers | 1 |
| Defrost | Manual |
| Door Hinges | Reversible |
| Shelf Type | Glass |
| Shelves | 2 |
| Certification | Energy Star |
| Material Type | Steel |
| Included Components | Compact Refrigerator |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Item Weight | 33.1 Pounds |
| Number Of Doors | 1 |
