Shopping Finds

8 Best Budget Refrigerators In Singapore From $499

30 August 2024 | BY

Here’s a list of budget refrigerators for your home from $499, complete with a quick rundown of their features and specifications.

budget refrigerator cover image

Whether you just moved into your new home and are looking for budget refrigerators, or just need something to replace your decade-old machine, you’re in luck. Here’s a list of 8 budget-friendly fridges in Singapore, complete with a quick rundown on their features and specifications so that you can easily find one that’s just right for you.

What to look for when selecting a fridge

Feature Description
Energy Efficiency Rating
  • Based on the Energy Label system designed by the NEA.
  • The more ticks there are on the label, higher the energy efficiency of the fridge.
Capacity
  • Household of 2-3: 250-400L
  • Household of >4: 350L-500L 
Temperature Control
  • Technologies involved in providing consistent cooling throughout the fridge.
    • Microhole foam: Low-tech solution, makes fridges affordable.
    • Intelligent compressors: Compressors that monitor temperature in the fridge and adjust accordingly for consistency and energy savings.
    • Multi-airflow system: Diverts cooling to different parts of the fridge or to achieve goals like special compartments that’s conducive for groceries.
Filters
  • Important for removing odours and reducing bacteria growth in the fridge.
    • Activated carbon filter: Simple carbon filter that absorbs odours 
    • Ceramic-based filter: Low-maintenance solution that is easy to clean
    • Silver ion filters: Expensive, but eliminates any need for maintenance throughout the lifetime of your fridge.
Storage Flexibility
  • The ability to customise storage space, such as using adjustable shelves or drawers.
Special Features
  • Additional functionalities, such as water and ice dispensers, or even smart home connectivity.

1. PowerPac PPF118━$499

budget refrigerator powerpacImage credit: PowerPac

Starting off the list is a simple, aesthetic retro design from PowerPac, which would be perfect for mid-century modern homes or other vintage-oriented themes. This is a very small fridge, one better suited for couples who don’t need much storage space. Its size would also be attractive to those with limited real estate in their kitchen.

budget refrigerator powerpac coloursImage credit: PowerPac

It comes in two other colours too, for those who are looking for something to complement their kitchen theme.

Despite the simpler technologies employed, the PPF118 actually is able to maintain temperature decently, with an activated carbon filter built in to help remove bacteria and any undesired odours.

Price: $499
Energy Efficiency Rating: 2 ticks
Capacity: 114L
Dimensions: 48cm (Width) x 49cm (Depth) x 126.5cm (Height)
Temperature Control & Filters: Microhole foam and activated carbon filter

Buy the PowerPac PPF118 on Shopee.

2. Toshiba GR-A25SU━$499

budget refrigerator toshiba GR-A25SUImage credit: Gain City

For something a little bit more sleek and modern, Toshiba’s GR-A25SU model is a good, affordable option from a trusted brand. The split between 132L refrigerator capacity and 60L freezer space is perfect for the reduced needs of small households.

It employs a combination of biocatalysts and silver ions to reduce bacteria growth and eliminate odour, which is a big plus as it essentially makes the appliance maintenance free.

Price: $499
Energy Efficiency Rating: 2 ticks
Capacity: 192L
Dimensions: 54.5cm (Width) x 62.3cm (Depth) x 135.5cm (Height)
Temperature Control & Filters: Inverter compressor with biocatalyst & silver ion filter.

Buy the Toshiba GR-A25SU on Shopee.

3. Hitachi HRTN5230MXSG━$559

budget refrigerator HITACHIImage credit: Hitachi

Besides Toshiba, Hitachi too has something that’s cheap and cheerful, without sacrificing on quality. Hitachi’s Surround Air Cooling system is meant to ensure an even temperature regulation, whilst the Triple Power Filter helps to remove odours as well as 99% of bacteria within the fridge.

It also features highly durable, scratch-proof, and heat-resistant shelves that hold up to 100 kg each. That’s definitely a feature for those that are big on making and keeping large amounts of food, such as bulk-meal preparations.

Price: $559
Energy Efficiency Rating: 2 ticks
Capacity: 210L
Dimensions: 56cm (Width) x 63.5cm (Depth) x 146cm (Height)
Temperature Control & Filters: Multi-airflow system with Triple Power Filter

Buy the Hitachi HRTN5230MXSG on Shopee.

4. Samsung RT25FARADSA/SS━$564

budget refrigerator samsungImage credit: Harvey Norman

Now, for something a bit more high-tech: instead of the conventional compressors you’d have in a fridge, the Samsung RT25FARADSA/SS uses an advanced digital inverter compressor. It automatically adjusts its cooling speed according to the temperature in the fridge, minimising noise and allowing for greater energy efficiency than other devices.

budget refrigerator samsung easy slideImage credit: Samsung

One nifty, convenient feature is the Easy Slide shelf that lets you pull out individual shelves to better organise and access your items. It also comes with Moist Fresh Zones, drawers that give you a sealed environment that regulates the humidity inside of it for your fruits and vegetables.

Price: $564
Energy Efficiency Rating: 3 ticks
Capacity: 255L
Dimensions: 55.5cm (Width) x 63.7cm (Depth) x 163.5cm (Height)
Temperature Control & Filters: Multi-airflow system with an activated carbon filter

Shop the Samsung RT25FARADSA/SS on Shopee.

5. SHARP SJ-RX30E-SL2━$559

budget refrigerator sharpImage credit: Sharp

Similar to the digital compressor earlier, the SHARP SJ-RX30E-SL2 houses an intelligent J-tech inverter compressor system for an upgrade on energy savings. This time, it automatically adjusts between its whopping 36 temperature settings as opposed to 7 that most conventional compressors have.

This precise control allows for an up to 65% decrease in energy consumption as compared to other fridge models in the market. It also comes with tempered glass shelves so you won’t have to worry about your food items being too heavy for the fridge.

Price: $559
Energy Efficiency Rating: 3 ticks
Capacity: 224L
Dimensions: 54.5cm (Width) x 62.5cm (Depth) x 156cm (Height)
Temperature Control & Filters: J-Tech Inverter compressor and silver ion filters

Buy the SHARP SJ-RX30E-SL2 on Shopee.

6. Toshiba GR-RT559WE-PMX(37)━$869

budget refrigerator toshiba GR-RT559WE-PMX(37)Image credit: Courts

Highly energy efficient, the GR-RT559WE-PMX’s 4-tick rating is made possible by Toshiba’s Origin Inverter technology, allowing for up to 17% in energy savings compared to conventional compressors.

You get a whole lot of fridge space with this model:; with 411L split between 304L refrigerator capacity and 107L freezer space, this can definitely meet the needs of a small family. Accompanying the large size are nifty features like the AirFALL cooling feature. Simulating natural air-flow, it theoretically makes this fridge better at retaining the freshness of food items than other solutions.

It comes with a silver ion catalyst sterilisation system, but as a plating for their honeycomb ceramic filter. The combination, Toshiba claims, will clear the fridge of 99.9% of bacteria. 

A unique and rather valuable addition for the home cooks out there though, would have to be the Cooling Zone. It’s a compartment that stores meat at a temperature range of about 1°C, preserving its nutritional value as well as reducing the need to thaw it before cooking.

Price: $869
Energy Efficiency Rating: 4 ticks
Capacity: 411L
Dimensions: 70cm (Width) x 69.1cm (Depth) x 172.3cm (Height)
Temperature Control & Filters: Multi-airflow system with silver ion-plated ceramic-based filter

Shop the Toshiba GR-RT559WE-PMX(37) on Shopee.

7. Electrolux EBB3742K-A━$748

budget refrigerator Electrolux EBB3742K-AImage credit: Tiki

At this price point you’d start seeing more premium features. This includes stuff like having a 4L built-in water tank for chilled water, and dedicated compartments for both meats and vegetables, allowing them to be kept almost entirely fresh for up to 7 days.

This is accomplished through EvenTemp technology, where they cool each shelf individually, ensuring that temperatures remain consistent.

Price: $748
Energy Efficiency Rating: 2 ticks
Capacity: 333L
Dimensions: 59.8cm (Width) x 65cm (Depth) x 175.6cm (Height)
Temperature Control & Filters: Multi-airflow system

Shop the Electrolux EBB3742K-A on Shopee.

8. Midea MRM584S━$979

budget refrigerator Midea MRM584SImage credit: Mega Discount Store

Rounding off our list is the Midea MRM584S, which comes with a fancy French double door design for easier organisation and storage of groceries. The double door design also means less ambient heat is let  in as well if you were to only open one of the doors at any one time. 

You can adjust the height of the glass shelves to easily fit awkwardly shaped or exceptionally large food items. Like the Electrolux, this fridge comes with a bunch of premium features, such as a child lock, as well as vacation mode, where it turns off the refrigerating compartment and sets the freezer to -18°C. This way, you can enjoy energy savings whilst keeping the essentials frozen and waiting for you after a holiday in Bali.

Price: $979
Energy Efficiency Rating: 2 ticks
Capacity: 515L
Dimensions: 89.5cm (Width) x 74.5cm (Depth) x 178.8cm (Height)
Temperature Control & Filters: Multi-airflow system

Shop the Midea MRM584S on Shopee.

Bonus: Electrolux EUM0500BD Bar Fridge━$97.50

budget refrigerator Electrolux EUM0500BD Bar FridgeImage credit: Courts

Now, if somehow you really don’t have a need for a large fridge for the kitchen, or perhaps want something just for beer, then don’t worry, we’ve got that covered too. The compact design of the Electrolux EUM0500BD Bar Fridge fits into small spaces like a bedroom or beneath a kitchen island.

It even comes with an extra special compartment that allows you to keep some items just a few degrees above freezing for when you want that beer extra cold. Despite its size, it does have rather deep dimensions for you to keep your larger bottles of soda, meaning you won’t need to have a separate fridge for your mixers.

Price: $97.50
Energy Efficiency Rating: 3 ticks
Capacity: 44L
Dimensions: 44.5cm (Width) x 46.8cm (Depth) x 50cm (Height)
Temperature Control & Filters: Multi-airflow system

Shop the Electrolux EUM0500BD on Shopee.

Budget refrigerators for your home

Model Price Energy Efficiency Rating Capacity Temperature Control and Filters Extra features
PowerPac PPF118 $499 2 ticks 114L Microhole foam and activated carbon filter. Special door seal design for insulation
Toshiba GR-A25SU $499 2 ticks 192L Multi-airflow system with biocatalyst and silver ion filter. -NIL-
Hitachi HRTN5230MXSG $559 2 ticks 210L Multi-airflow system with Triple Power Filter Scratch-proof, & heat-resistant 100kg shelves
Samsung RT25FARADSA/SS $564 3 ticks 255L Multi-airflow system with an activated carbon filter Easy Slide shelves & Moist Fresh Zones
SHARP SJ-RX30E-SL2 $559 3 ticks 224L J-Tech Inverter compressor and silver ion filters Precise temperature adjustment
Toshiba GR-RT559WE-PMX(37) $869 4 ticks 411L Multi-airflow system with ceramic-based filter Cooling Zone that reduces defrosting time
Electrolux EBB3742K-A $748 2 ticks 333L Multi-airflow system Chilled water dispenser
Midea MRM584S $979 2 ticks 515L Multi-airflow system Child-lock & Vacation Mode
Electrolux EUM0500BD $97.50 3 ticks 44L Multi-airflow system Deep dimensions for large bottles.

From the basic necessities to ones that tread close to the edge of refrigerator technology, hopefully this list of budget refrigerators for your home will let you tick off one appliance from your list of things to get when you get the keys to your HDB. 

If you’re looking for a couple more modern home necessities, we do have a short list of washing machines and vacuum cleaners for you to consider too.

For more shopping finds:


Cover image adapted from: PowerPac, Mega Discount Store, Tiki

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