Frigidaire EFR176 1.6 cu. ft. Retro Bar Fridge vs Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge, Compact

Design and Aesthetics

The Frigidaire EFR176 features a retro design that stands out with its vibrant colors and stylish charm, making it a great fit for various spaces. In contrast, the Midea MERM17B0ASL adopts a more modern and subdued look, with a steel gray finish that blends seamlessly into any environment. The Frigidaire's retro charm adds a distinctive flair to bedrooms, offices, or dorm rooms, while the Midea's minimalist design prioritizes functionality over style. This aesthetic difference may influence your choice depending on the decor of your space.

Storage Capacity

When comparing storage capacities, the Midea MERM17B0ASL offers a slightly larger capacity at 1.7 cu. ft., while the Frigidaire EFR176 has a capacity of 1.6 cu. ft. This gives the Midea an advantage for those needing to store a few extra snacks or beverages. Both fridges include a built-in door shelf designed to hold a 2-liter bottle, ensuring easy access to your favorite drinks. However, the Frigidaire also features a chiller compartment, which can be beneficial for keeping items like ice packs or small frozen goods at a low temperature.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a key consideration for many consumers, and the Midea MERM17B0ASL shines in this area. It is ENERGY STAR Certified, meaning it meets stringent energy efficiency standards, which can lead to savings on your energy bills. The Frigidaire EFR176 does not carry this certification, which may result in slightly higher operating costs over time. If energy savings are a priority for you, the Midea might be the better choice, especially since it’s designed to conserve energy without sacrificing functionality.

Noise Level

The Midea MERM17B0ASL is designed to operate with low noise levels, ensuring it won’t disturb your living space. This makes it particularly suitable for use in bedrooms or quiet office environments. While the Frigidaire EFR176 does not specify its noise level, the lack of any mention of noise reduction features may suggest it could be noisier compared to the Midea. If peace and quiet are essential in your space, the Midea may be the more appealing option.

Price Comparison

The Frigidaire EFR176 is priced at $118.99, while the Midea MERM17B0ASL comes in at $119.98. This makes the Frigidaire about 0.83% cheaper than the Midea, which is a minor difference considering both are priced similarly. However, if you look at the average price over the last 90 days, the Midea's average price is $131.15 compared to the Frigidaire's $118.05, indicating the Frigidaire has remained more consistently affordable. If budget is a primary concern, the Frigidaire might be the better choice.

Bestseller Rankings

In terms of popularity, the Frigidaire EFR176 holds a sales rank of 2928, while the Midea MERM17B0ASL is slightly lower at 3157. This ranking can provide insight into consumer preference, with the Frigidaire being the more popular choice among buyers. A higher sales rank often indicates that users are satisfied with their purchase, which could sway your decision if you value customer feedback and popularity in your buying process.

Versatility and Customization

Both the Frigidaire EFR176 and the Midea MERM17B0ASL offer customizable features that enhance their versatility. The Frigidaire comes with a reversible door feature, allowing you to adjust its orientation to fit your space better. It also includes a practical built-in bottle opener, adding an entertaining touch. The Midea, on the other hand, provides an adjustable and removable shelf, giving you the flexibility to store taller items as needed. Depending on your specific storage needs and how you plan to use the fridge, these features may sway your decision.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, your choice between the Frigidaire EFR176 and the Midea MERM17B0ASL will depend on your specific preferences and requirements. If you want a fridge with a retro aesthetic, a built-in bottle opener, and slightly lower pricing, the Frigidaire may be the way to go. Conversely, if energy efficiency, low noise operation, and a bit more storage capacity are more critical to you, the Midea could be the better option. Consider how each fridge aligns with your lifestyle and space to make the best choice.