The Whirlpool Sidekick is a popular undercounter refrigerator that offers convenient food and drink storage in a small space. With its 7 cubic feet capacity, it’s an ideal choice for many kitchens.
However, there are several comparable alternatives worth considering if you’re in the market for a compact refrigerator. Here’s an overview of some of the top options that stack up against the Whirlpool Sidekick.
Alternatives To Whirlpool Sidekick
Here is a list of those substitutes:
- Magic Chef Compact Refrigerator
- Midea Compact Refrigerator
- Danby Designer Compact Refrigerator
- Haier Compact Refrigerator
- Costway 3.4 Cu Ft Compact Refrigerator
- EdgeStar CBR1501 Undercounter Refrigerator
- Galanz GL24TW6B Beverage Cooler
Let’s talk about them in detail.
Magic Chef Compact Refrigerator
The Magic Chef Compact Refrigerator offers similar dimensions and capacity to the Whirlpool Sidekick in a slightly more affordable package.
- Capacity and dimensions: 6.5 cubic feet capacity in a 33” x 22” footprint. Fits under most counters.
- Single temperature zone: Runs as just a chiller without freezer compartment. Temperature ranges from 34-52°F.
- Interior storage: Features three tempered glass shelves and three door bins for flexible storage options.
- Reversible door: Door is reversible to open left or right.
- No water dispenser. The Magic Chef model does not have an exterior water dispenser.
The Magic Chef Compact Refrigerator delivers excellent space efficiency and flexible storage at a budget-friendly price point. It lacks some bells and whistles, but gets the job done as an undercounter chiller.
Midea Compact Refrigerator
The Midea WHS-65LB1 Compact Refrigerator is another quality option with similar sizing and storage to the Whirlpool Sidekick.
- Capacity and dimensions: 5.5 cubic feet capacity in a 33” x 19” footprint. Installs under most counters.
- Single temperature zone: Runs as just a refrigerator with adjustable temperature from 32-50°F.
- Interior storage: Features adjustable glass shelves and door storage bins.
- Reversible door: Door is reversible to open left or right.
- No water dispenser. Does not have an external water dispenser.
The Midea Compact Refrigerator delivers solid performance and storage in a space-saving format. The adjustable thermostat gives you more precise control over the interior temperature. It’s an easy-to-use option for tight kitchens.
Danby Designer Compact Refrigerator
The Danby Designer Compact Refrigerator blends form and function with its sleek silhouette and spot-on storage.
- Capacity and dimensions: 4.4 cubic feet capacity in a trim 32” x 20” footprint. Slides under most counters.
- Single temperature zone: Chills between 36-43°F without a separate freezer section.
- Interior storage: Features glass shelves, a crisper drawer, and door storage.
- Reversible door: Door is reversible to open left or right.
- Integrated handle: Sleek integrated handle creates a modern look.
- No water dispenser. Does not have an exterior water dispenser.
This quietly running Danby refrigerator combines elegant design and sensible refrigeration performance. The integrated door handle and black cabinet make it an attractive choice for contemporary kitchens.
Haier Compact Refrigerator
The Haier HC27SF22RB Compact Refrigerator delivers robust cooling performance along with extra storage features.
- Capacity and dimensions: 7.1 cubic feet capacity in 33” x 23” dimensions. Installs under standard countertops.
- Single temperature zone: Adjustable temperature between 33-52°F. No freezer compartment.
- Interior storage: Three glass shelves and three door bins offer adaptable organization.
- Reversible door: Door opens left or right.
- Full-width freezer shelf: Dedicated shelf for frozen items with its own temperature control.
- Crisper drawer: Humidity controlled drawer keeps produce fresh.
The Haier Compact Refrigerator provides the conveniences of some larger models, like the crisper drawer and freezer shelf, in a trim undercounter package. Solid temperature regulation combined with flexible storage make this a feature-packed pick.
Costway 3.4 Cu Ft Compact Refrigerator
If you’re seeking a highly affordable Whirlpool Sidekick alternative, the Costway 3.4 Cu Ft Compact Refrigerator is the most budget-friendly choice.
- Capacity and dimensions: 3.4 cubic feet capacity in a trim 28” x 19” footprint. Good for small spaces.
- Single temperature zone: Adjustable between 32-50°F. No freezer compartment.
- Interior storage: Features include two glass shelves, small door bin, and can dispenser.
- Reversible door: Door hinges open left or right.
- Mini size, mini price. The Costway mini fridge comes at a very wallet-friendly price point. Lacks some features of larger models.
While it doesn’t offer a ton of space or extras, the Costway mini compact refrigerator gets the job done on a budget. For a small office or garage fridge, it provides the basic refrigeration you need at an ultra-affordable price.
EdgeStar CBR1501 Undercounter Refrigerator
For larger storage capacity in a compact undercounter design, the EdgeStar CBR1501 is a great pick.
- Capacity and dimensions: 5.45 cubic feet capacity in 33” x 24” dimensions. Installs under standard height counters.
- Dual temperature zones: Upper compartment adjustable from 36-64°F. Lower compartment adjustable from -2 to 35°F.
- Interior storage: Feature-packed with glass shelves, door bins, crisper drawer and removable freezer shelf.
- Reversible door: Door is reversible to open left or right.
- Digital temperature controls: Allows you to precisely set refrigerator and freezer temperatures.
With its dual compartments and generous storage, the EdgeStar undercounter refrigerator provides full-scale refrigeration performance in a compact appliance. The spacious 5.45 cubic foot capacity offers ample room for food and drinks.
Galanz GL24TW6B Beverage Cooler
For storing lots of chilled beverages in tight quarters, you can’t beat the Galanz GL24TW6B.
- Capacity and dimensions: 4.4. cubic feet capacity in 23.5” x 34” dimensions. Fits under lower counters.
- Dual temperature zones: Upper compartment adjustable from 37-64°F. Lower compartment fixed at 32°F.
- Interior storage: Three chrome shelves in main compartment. Two shelves plus crisper drawer in lower compartment. Door storage racks.
- Right swing door: Door opens from right side only. Not reversible.
- Blue interior lighting: Cool blue lighting adds visual appeal.
With its glass doors and brightly lit interior, the Galanz 4.4 Cu Ft Beverage Cooler is a sleek showpiece for chilling canned and bottled drinks. The dual compartments allow you to keep both beverages and food items chilled to perfection.
Key Buying Considerations For Whirlpool Sidekick Alternatives
When comparing the top alternatives to the Whirlpool Sidekick, keep the following buying considerations in mind:
- Intended use: Will you use it mostly for beverages, fresh foods, or a mix of both? Unit with adjustable shelves and bins allow more custom storage.
- Size and dimensions: Measure the intended space and make sure the refrigerator will fit well. Leave extra clearance in back for ventilation.
- Temperature zones: Single temperature refrigerators work well for fresh foods. Dual zone units allow you to store frozen items too.
- Door swing: Choose a unit with reversible door to accommodate different kitchen layouts.
- Special features: Look for convenient extras like door bins, crisper drawers, interior lighting and water dispensers if desired.
- Budget: Compact refrigerators range from about $180 on the low end to $900 on the high end. Set a budget to narrow down the options.
Is Whirlpool Sidekick Worth It?
Let’s quickly check out what makes the Whirlpool Sidekick a compelling choice:
- Compact size: At just over 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, the Sidekick fits undercounters and in tight spaces.
- Spacious interior: The 7 cubic feet capacity accommodates a decent amount of food and beverages. The adjustable wire shelves and door bins provide customizable storage.
- Single temperature zone: The unit runs as just a refrigerator without a separate freezer compartment. The temperature ranges from 33-52°F.
- Reversible door: The door is hinged to open from either the left or right side to accommodate different kitchen layouts.
- Water dispenser: An exterior water dispenser provides chilled filtered water.
Taking the time to think about how you will use the refrigerator and which features are must-haves vs. nice-to-haves will help you select the perfect Whirlpool Sidekick alternative for your needs and budget.
FAQ About Whirlpool Sidekick Alternatives
If you want to run a refrigerator off the grid, your best option is using a propane gas powered refrigerator or an DC refrigerator powered by solar panels and batteries. Propane fridges don’t require any electricity and will operate with a self-contained propane tank. Solar powered DC fridges run directly off DC power from batteries charged by solar panels. This gives you an efficient way to run a fridge without any connection to the electrical grid.
No, the Whirlpool Sidekick does not have an automatic ice maker. Since it’s designed as just a small undercounter refrigerator without a freezer compartment, there is no space for an ice maker. Many full-sized refrigerators feature built-in ice makers, but compact units like the Sidekick lack this feature. If you want an ice maker with your undercounter fridge, look for a model that has a small freezer compartment where an ice maker can be installed, or consider adding a standalone countertop ice maker.
Yes, there are refrigerator models available that do not have freezers and function solely as refrigerators. These units have a single temperature cooling zone ranging from the mid 30s up to 50°F or so. They provide cooled storage for fresh foods and drinks without the extra freezer section. This style of all-refrigerator unit can be found from brands like Danby, Magic Chef, Midea, Galanz, and others. The compact size without a freezer makes them a good choice for use in garages, basements, offices and other small spaces where freezer capability isn’t needed.
You have a couple options for refrigerators that work without electricity:
Propane fridges are designed to operate on self-contained propane fuel tanks without requiring any electrical power. They are completely off-grid capable.
Solar powered DC refrigerators run directly off 12V or 24V DC electricity. This allows them to be powered using batteries and solar panels. They are another good off-grid option.
Some fridges can also run off a vehicle’s DC power when connected to the car battery with an inverter. So when stationary, your car, RV or boat battery can power a compatible refrigerator.
While not as common, there are some refrigeration options that don’t require an electrical connection. Just note that most household refrigerators do require a standard electrical outlet to run the compressor and cooling system.
Conclusion
The Whirlpool Sidekick is certainly a solid choice if you’re seeking an under-counter refrigerator for your kitchen or home. However, there are several comparable options that compete well with the Whirlpool model.
Compact refrigerators from brands like Midea, Magic Chef, Danby and Haier offer similar dimensions, capacities and convenient features at often lower price points. Dual zone models like the EdgeStar undercounter fridge provide the added ability to store frozen foods, and beverage coolers like the Galanz are ideal for chilling drinks.
Use the key buying considerations to determine the right balance of size, storage options, temperature zones and special features that best suit your needs. With good planning, you can find the perfect undercounter refrigerator that saves space and keeps food conveniently chilled.
