Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini vs Frigidaire EFR115-PURPLE 1.6 Cu Ft

Design and build quality

The Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini and the Frigidaire EFR115-PURPLE 1.6 Cu Ft are both designed to fit into compact living spaces. The Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini is marketed as perfect for college dorm rooms, bedrooms, and offices where space is at a premium. Its build focuses on functionality with a CFC-free design, ensuring environmental safety during operation. The Frigidaire EFR115-PURPLE 1.6 Cu Ft also emphasizes a space-saving design, offering efficient storage without occupying much floor area. Both units are intended for apartments and small rooms, but the Frigidaire EFR115-PURPLE 1.6 Cu Ft adds a layer of customization with its reversible door, allowing users to attach the hinge to open from either the left or right side depending on room layout.

Capacity and storage layout

When comparing internal volume, the Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini lists a capacity of 1.7 cubic feet in its model name, though some feature descriptions mention up to 6 cubic feet which may refer to external dimensions or alternative configurations. For consistent comparison, the 1.7 cubic foot metric is the standard reference. The Frigidaire EFR115-PURPLE 1.6 Cu Ft lists 1.6 cubic feet in its name, with feature text noting 1.7 cubic feet of efficient storage. Both units provide sufficient space for snacks, beverages, and fresh food. The Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini includes slide-out shelves which facilitate easy access to items stored at the back. The Frigidaire EFR115-PURPLE 1.6 Cu Ft counters with adjustable and removable shelves, giving users the ability to modify the interior layout to fit taller containers.

Cooling performance

Cooling technology is a critical differentiator between these two compact refrigerators. The Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini explicitly states it is compressor cooled. This means the unit will perform well regardless of outside and inside temperature fluctuations, ensuring consistent cooling performance in various environments. This is a significant advantage for users placing the unit in garages or warmer rooms. The Frigidaire EFR115-PURPLE 1.6 Cu Ft does not explicitly specify the cooling mechanism in the provided data, though it focuses on energy efficiency. The presence of a compressor in the Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini suggests robust temperature maintenance, which is essential for keeping food and drinks at the perfect temperature over long periods.

Energy efficiency

Energy consumption is a major consideration for appliances that run continuously. The Frigidaire EFR115-PURPLE 1.6 Cu Ft holds a distinct advantage here as it is ENERGY STAR Certified. This certification means it meets government energy efficiency standards, allowing users to save money and conserve energy while still enjoying desired features. The Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini does not mention ENERGY STAR certification in the provided data. While the Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini is CFC free, which is beneficial for the environment regarding refrigerants, the lack of explicit energy rating information makes the Frigidaire EFR115-PURPLE 1.6 Cu Ft the safer choice for those prioritizing long-term utility cost savings and environmental standards compliance.

Shelf and door configuration

Storage flexibility is determined by how the interior and exterior are configured. The Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini features slide-out shelves within the fridge, which helps in organizing items and retrieving them without digging. It also includes 2 Liter Bottle Storage in the door. The Frigidaire EFR115-PURPLE 1.6 Cu Ft offers a Built-In 2L Bottle Storage door shelf as well, keeping drinks organized and easy to access. However, the Frigidaire EFR115-PURPLE 1.6 Cu Ft enhances usability with a reversible door. This feature allows the door to be attached to open from the left or right, providing multiple placement options within a room that the Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini does not explicitly offer.

Temperature control

Maintaining the correct temperature is vital for food safety. The Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini includes a built-in accurate adjustable thermostat. This allows users to keep food and drinks at the perfect temperature according to their specific needs. The ability to adjust the thermostat ensures that the compressor cooled system can be tuned for different loads or ambient conditions. The Frigidaire EFR115-PURPLE 1.6 Cu Ft does not explicitly detail its thermostat mechanism in the provided features. While it likely has temperature control, the explicit mention of an accurate adjustable thermostat in the Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini provides greater confidence in precise temperature management for sensitive items.

Price and value

Cost is often the deciding factor for compact appliances. The Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini is priced at $98.00, making it a highly affordable option for students or office setups. The Frigidaire EFR115-PURPLE 1.6 Cu Ft is priced at $119.98, which is approximately $22 higher. Considering the Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini offers compressor cooling and a freezer compartment at this lower price point, it presents a strong value proposition. The Frigidaire EFR115-PURPLE 1.6 Cu Ft justifies the premium with ENERGY STAR certification and reversible door hardware. For buyers on a strict budget, the Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini delivers core functionality at a lower entry cost.

Which one should you buy?

Choosing between the Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini and the Frigidaire EFR115-PURPLE 1.6 Cu Ft depends on your specific priorities. If budget and cooling performance are your main concerns, the Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini is the superior choice due to its lower price, compressor cooling system, and included freezer compartment. It is well-suited for dorms and offices where cost efficiency matters. However, if energy savings and placement flexibility are more important, the Frigidaire EFR115-PURPLE 1.6 Cu Ft is worth the extra investment. Its ENERGY STAR certification ensures lower operating costs over time, and the reversible door allows it to fit into tighter or more complex room layouts. Both units offer 2-liter bottle storage, but the Midea MERM17B0ASL 1.7 Cu Ft Mini edges out the competition on raw value and cooling specs.