Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator [Detailed Review]

COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator, 3.4 cu. ft. Classic Fridge with Reversible Door, Adjustable Removable Glass Shelves, Mechanical Control, Recessed Handle for Dorm, Office, Apartment (White)

The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is a product that is manufactured by the brand Costway.

Costway produces several items ranging from home furniture such as tables, chairs, dining settings, and shelves to electrical appliances.

Costway’s products are designed to make people’s spaces better and more conducive to stay in.

For 20 years, the brand has manufactured home appliances and has also delved into products that suit the outdoor lifestyle.

For instance, the Costway mini-refrigerator was designed to suit both homes and offices and satisfy the needs of individuals to would like to keep items like food, medicines, breast milk, and other products refrigerated.

Let’s take a look at the features of the Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator and see if they are a good match for what you want.

Who Needs the Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator

The Costway 3.4 Cubic Foot mini-fridge is designed for people who need a compact refrigerator to place in their homes or offices.

The mini-fridge has a separate freezer above it which allows you to store items such as ice cubes, cut fruits, and frozen foods including meat and fish.

While some mini-fridges come with detachable freezers, the freezer of the Costway 3.4 cubic foot mini-fridge isn’t detachable.

What does this mean?

The larger size of the Costway mini-fridge makes it unsuitable for small places such as tabletops, shelf tops, and tight corners. People who need a mini-fridge with a freezer should examine the space they plan to put it, as fridges in this size will occupy larger spaces in your real estate than other mini-fridges will

The fridge allows you to store wine bottles, large packs of food, big make-up products, and as many fruits and beverages as you might think of.

So if you’re looking for a mini-fridge that can take up as many items as you try to fit into it, the Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator might just be you what you need.

COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator, 3.4 cu. ft. Classic Fridge with Reversible Door, Adjustable Removable Glass Shelves, Mechanical Control, Recessed Handle for Dorm, Office, Apartment (White)

Features of the Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator

Design

The design of the Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator makes it stand out amongst other refrigerators of similar sizes.

It has two separate doors that house the fridge and freezer compartments. Both sections cool evenly at different temperatures.

The doors leading to these sections allow you to access the compartments separately and provide enough room for storing items.

Inside the fridge is a crisper drawer which is meant for storing your fruits and vegetables.

The drawer is specially designed to keep the fruits and vegetables fresh while you store other items in the other part of the section.

There is a glass shelf in the fridge which is removable and adjustable.

The fact that the shelf is removable and adjustable promotes good organization and makes cleaning the fridge easy.

See also  Danby 36-Bottle Wine Cooler -- Extensive Review

On the inner part of the fridge door, there are three small, removable shelves that will come in handy for items like eggs and bottles.

A golden LED bulb brightens up the fridge when you open it, illuminating your fridge and casting a nice glow. You would appreciate it more at night when there’s no surrounding light.

Sadly, there is no variety in color as it comes in white only. However, since white is a neutral color, it can blend into any space easily.

Connectivity

Every electrical appliance has a way to connect it to a power source.

Some mini fridges come with both AC and DC adapters and cords, but that’s because they are portable and can be used in vehicles.

Although the Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is also a mini-fridge, it is not portable enough to be used in vehicles that are not large trucks, so it doesn’t come with a built-in DC adapter.

It has an AC plug that allows you to power it in homes, offices, and other places with AC output.

Freezer Compartment

The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Mini Fridge comes with a separate freezer compartment with a door.

Some compact refrigerators with a freezer compartment have them detachable or small enough that they can only fit in the ice tray.

The freezer of this Costway mini-fridge isn’t detachable and is large enough to fit in several items.

The freezer stays very cold and keeps snacks such as ice cream, and frozen foods including meat and fish well preserved for as long as you want.

Temperature Control

The ability to control how hot or cold your refrigerator gets is very important when considering purchasing a mini-fridge.

While a few compact fridges have digital thermostats and others have no means to regulate temperature, the Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator has a thermostat located in the fridge section.

The thermostat is responsible for regulating the internal temperature of your fridge. So whenever you decide to travel, you can set your fridge at a temperature that would keep everything in it well preserved.

This refrigerator is also frost-free, which means you won’t have ice formation at the back or bottom of your fridge due to uneven cooling operation, and this would also save you the stress of frequent manual defrosting.

That being said, never forget that cleaning your fridge occasionally is necessary to keep it clean and preserves its durability.

COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator, 3.4 cu. ft. Classic Fridge with Reversible Door, Adjustable Removable Glass Shelves, Mechanical Control, Recessed Handle for Dorm, Office, Apartment (White)

Pros of the Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator

i. Has a separate freezer compartment that allows you to freeze some items.

ii. Features a sleek design that makes it blend into any room perfectly.

iii. It has a thermostat for regulating the internal temperature of the fridge.

iv. The fridge is frost-free.

v. Has a removable and adjustable glass shelf which lets you store items of various sizes and makes cleaning easier.

vi. Has a crisper drawer for fruits and vegetables.

COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator, 3.4 cu. ft. Classic Fridge with Reversible Door, Adjustable Removable Glass Shelves, Mechanical Control, Recessed Handle for Dorm, Office, Apartment (White)

Cons of the Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator

i. Can be a bit noisy.

Check out these other in-depth articles/reviews…

What is an Oil Cooler? [Detailed Answer]

IKICH 26-Pound Ice Maker — Detailed Review

How to Recycle a Refrigerator — Detailed Guide

Costway 48-Pound Ice Maker — Extensive Review

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Refrigerator Compressor? [Detailed Answer]

Deco Chef 26-Pound Ice Maker — In-Depth Review

Alternatives to the Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator

Smaller Capacity

Black and Decker 1.7-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator

The Black and Decker 1.7-Cubic Foot Mini-fridge is a small refrigerator suitable for table and shelf tops.

It is a good alternative if you’re considering a smaller refrigerator that has its freezer in the same compartment as the fridge.

Here’s what we mean:

The refrigerator doesn’t have a separate freezer compartment with a door. It only allows you to keep small items such as the ice cube tray and small food packs because it is only a smaller portion of the fridge.

If you’re in search of a compact refrigerator and you don’t have sufficient space for the Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Mini Fridge, then you may want to consider getting this.

See also  Black and Decker 2.5-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator -- Extensive Review

Would you prefer this fridge? Then check out our detailed review of this product here to learn more about it.

BLACK+DECKER BCRK17B Compact Refrigerator Energy Star Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer, 1.7 Cubic Feet, Black

Digital Thermostat Option

Cooluli Concord 20-Liter Mini Fridge with Digital Thermostat

The temperature control options provided for regulating the internal temperature of your refrigerators vary.

While some very portable mini-fridges which have both cooling and warming function possess only a switch for changing temperature functions, there are even better mini-fridges with better options.

This mini-fridge has a digital control option that allows you to set the desired temperature with a few buttons. These buttons, as well as its display screen,  are on the unit’s door. So, setting and monitoring the temperature can be done easily without the need to open the unit.

More so, you can alternate between its cooling and warming function with the push of a button.

Although the Cooluli Concord 20-Liter Mini Fridge is not as large as the Costway 3.4 Cubic Unit mini-fridge, it is a great option if you’re looking for something portable enough to put in your vehicle and would like to enjoy the digital temperature control while cooling or warming your food.

Want to give this a try? How about reading our detailed review of this product first before you make a final decision.

Cooluli Concord White 20 Liter Compact Cooler Warmer Mini Fridge for Bedroom, Office, Car, Dorm - Portable Makeup Skincare Fridge with Digital Temperature Control

More Affordable

Midea 3.1 Cubic Feet Double Door Mini Fridge with Freezer

The Midea 3.1 Cubic Feet Mini Fridge comes is almost the same size as the Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator. But it comes at a more affordable price.

While the Costway mini-fridge is sold for over $300, the Midea mini-fridge goes for less than half of that price.

If you’re looking for a mini-fridge with similar characteristics with the Costway 3.1 cubic feet refrigerator such as the separate freezer with a door, removable glass shelf, and a thermostat for controlling the temperature, then you may want to consider going for the Midea 3.1 Cubic Feet mini-fridge.

Midea WHD-113FSS1 compact refrigerator, 3.1 cu ft, Stainless Steel

Quick Comparison

 Featured ProductSmaller CapacityDigital Thermostat OptionMore Affordable
Product

Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator

COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator, 3.4 cu. ft. Classic Fridge with Reversible Door, Adjustable Removable Glass Shelves, Mechanical Control, Recessed Handle for Dorm, Office, Apartment (White)

Click here to get it on Amazon!

Black and Decker 1.7 Cubic Feet Compact Refrigerator

BLACK+DECKER BCRK17B Compact Refrigerator Energy Star Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer, 1.7 Cubic Feet, Black

Click here to get it on Amazon!

Cooluli Concord 20-Liter Mini Fridge

Cooluli Concord White 20 Liter Compact Cooler Warmer Mini Fridge for Bedroom, Office, Car, Dorm - Portable Makeup Skincare Fridge with Digital Temperature Control

Click here to get it on Amazon!

Midea 3.1 Cubic Feet Double Door Mini Fridge

Midea WHD-113FSS1 compact refrigerator, 3.1 cu ft, Stainless Steel

Click here to get it on Amazon!

 

Dimensions17.0 inches x 17.5 inches x 38.5 inches18.5 inches x 17.5 inches x 19.7 inches11.4 inches x 13.8 inches x 16 inches18.5 inches x 19.4 inches x 33 inches
Capacity3.4 cubic feet1.7 cubic feet20 liters3.1 cubic feet
Weight61.5 pounds33.1 pounds15.65 pounds52.2  pounds
Temperature range 

 

At ambient temperature

Cooling and Freezing –

-13⁰F to 50⁰F

(-13⁰F to 5⁰F for freezing temperatures)

 

 

Cooling – 30°F to 40°F

below ambient temperature

 

 

Cooling – 40°F below ambient temperature

Heating – 149⁰F

At ambient temperature

 

Cooling – 30⁰F to 50⁰F below ambient temperature

Freezing –

-11.2⁰F to 5⁰F

ConnectivityFeatures an AC adapterFeatures an AC adapterHas both AC and DC adapters.Has AC adapter.
Color(s)WhiteBlack, White, SilverAqua Blue, Black, White, PinkBlack, Stainless Steel, White

What Users Are Saying About The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator

The Costway 3.4 Feet Compact Refrigerator has gotten a lot of positive reviews from the users.

Many of the users talked about how surprised they were by the size of the refrigerator. It seems to be a bit larger than the dimensions specified in the description, but it still falls in the category of a mini-refrigerator.

Due to the large size, the mini-fridge can hold a lot of items ranging from fruits and vegetables to snacks, frozen foods, breast milk, beauty products, and insulin stored in bottles or vials. The users have been very happy with just how much the fridge allows them to put into it.

See also  Kalamera 18-Bottle Wine Cooler [Detailed Review]

Despite a large number of positive reviews, few users have complained about the working conditions of the fridge.

In some refrigerators, you can see ice forming on the back of the fridge and this has caused vegetable wilting in some instances.

Some users also complain about the noise that comes from the compressor when it comes on. This is not unusual in compressor-based fridges.

Moreover, the noise is a loud hum and only comes on when the fridge is regulating its temperature.

In general, the users are very pleased with the product and claim that it is the perfect fit for any small kitchen or office space mostly due to how well it fits in. They also love that it carries out its job perfectly – cooling and freezing the items as desired.

Check out these other articles…

How a Refrigerator Compressor Works [Quick Guide]

Refrigerator Compressor Is Bad [How to Fix]

Refrigerator Compressor Leaking [How to Fix]

Refrigerator Compressor Burning Smell [Solutions]

Refrigerator Compressor Explosion [Critical Info]

Refrigerator Compressor Cycles [Issues Solved]

Refrigerator Compressor Does Not Start [Solutions]

Our Verdict

The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator works perfectly in refrigerating items.

Nursing mothers would appreciate the fridge compartment because they can store as many bottles of milk they need to feed their babies while keeping the internal temperature stable.

They don’t need to worry about their milk getting frozen in a short period or getting spoilt under warmer conditions.

As with most compressor fridges, this compact fridge may get a bit noisy. But it only happens on a few occasions.

All that being said, if you experience frosting at the back of your refrigerator, consider turning down the thermostat to a warmer temperature and you would notice a difference.

For people who would want to store their medicines, the functioning thermostat lets you store your tablets and syrups at the desired temperature.

You can keep them at the smaller shelves by the door because that region is often cool and not as cold as the main refrigerator.

The Costway 3.4-cubic foot mini-fridge is great for small kitchen spaces. It can also be placed in dining rooms and will be suitable in workspaces.

COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator, 3.4 cu. ft. Classic Fridge with Reversible Door, Adjustable Removable Glass Shelves, Mechanical Control, Recessed Handle for Dorm, Office, Apartment (White)

Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator [Detailed Review] – Related FAQs

How Do You Install The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator?

To install The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator, take it out of the packaged box for unwrapping. Before unwrapping, it is best to keep the refrigerator standing upright for a few days.

This is because it might not have been shipped that way. You need to be really sure about this.

If you are sure it was shipped upright, you can go ahead and unwrap. Then, plug it in for some hours and set its temperature.

If it wasn’t shipped upright, allow it to stand upright for a few days, mainly because of the compressor. After that, plug it in for some hours and set its temperature.

How Many Watts Does The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator Use?

To know the accurate number of Watts the Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator uses, check the product description.

Meanwhile, the US department of energy says that the average refrigerator uses approximately 725 Watts of electricity and about 15 to 20 amps, which can equal 10 percent or more of the total energy usage in your home.

Now, the Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is smaller than an average refrigerator; it’s a mini-refrigerator. This means that the number of Watts it uses is definitely smaller than what an average refrigerator uses.

That said, still check the product description for a more accurate figure.

Does The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator Have Separate Controls For Freezer And Refrigerator?

The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator does not have separate temperature controls for freezer and refrigerator areas.

Granted, there are other mini-fridges with two separate temperature controls. They usually have the top section of the refrigerator cooler than the bottom section.

However, the same does not go for the Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator.

This unit has a thermostat which is located in the refrigerator section. The thermostat regulates the temperature of the refrigerator. There are no two temperature controls for this unit.

Does The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator Freezer Have An Ice Maker?

The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator Freezer does not have an ice maker.

Rather, it has a separate freezer compartment that is capable of freezing items and even making ice.

Unlike other compact refrigerators that have their freezer compartments attached to them, the Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator Freezer has a separate freezer compartment.

A separate freezer compartment means more space to hold several items.

This fact alone guarantees that the freezer works effectively and there’s, therefore, no need for an ice maker.

Is The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator Freezer Cold Enough To Make Ice?

The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator freezer is cold enough to make ice.

While some compact refrigerators come with detachable freezer compartments, this unit comes with a non-detachable separate freezer compartment with a door.

The top section of the refrigerator is its freezer compartment. It stays very cold, thereby freezing ice with ease. Not only that, but it can also keep your frozen foods fresh for as long as you want.

The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator freezer is quite effective.

Is The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator Frost Free?

The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is frost-free.

This means two things:
1. There will be no need for you to be worried about ice forming at the back or bottom of your refrigerator as a result of uneven cooling operation.
2. It will save you the stress of frequent defrosting.

However, if the refrigerator is placed in a humid environment, frost might form as time goes on.

The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is not internally air-conditioned like bigger modern refrigerators.

Therefore, consider the environment in which you want to place it to achieve its frost-free feature.

Get Instant Help — Ask An Experienced Verified Appliance Technician

Need expert help? Click here to use the chat box on this page to speak with a verified appliance technician right away. No need for expensive in-home service calls. No appointments. No waiting.