A proper 1.7 cu ft compressor refrigerator at a fair price. The compressor cooling sets it apart from thermoelectric units in the same size range. With 116 reviews at 4.3 stars, buyer satisfaction is good. The manual defrost is the only real maintenance ask.
Small apartments, dorm rooms, or office use where you need genuine compressor cooling in a small footprint without spending heavily.
Skip if
You need a freezer section or more than a single shelf of organized storage.
Capacity 1.7 cu ft
Configuration Compact
Installation Countertop
Doors 1
Defrost Manual
Cooling Compressor
Priced 42% below the category median ($289.69 across 86 tracked models)
Capacity of 1.7 cu ft - smaller than 80% of the 86 models we track
Shelves of 1 - lower than 75% of the 86 models we track
Pros
Compressor cooling, more reliable than thermoelectric at this size
Reversible door for left or right placement
Temperature control dial included
Lightweight at 17.3 lb, easy to reposition
4.3 stars from 116 reviews is solid for the price
Cons
Manual defrost requires periodic maintenance
Only one interior shelf
No freezer compartment
Our scorecard
4.2/5overall
Owner rating4.3/5
4.3 average across 116 owner ratings
Value for money2.9/5
$99 per cubic foot, below the category median
Popularity2.5/5
116 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
Storage space1.1/5
1.7 cu ft, compact for this category
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other refrigerators and freezers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Magic Chef MCR170BE is a 1.7 cu ft single-door compact refrigerator in a matte black finish. It uses a compressor for cooling, which delivers more consistent and reliable cold than thermoelectric alternatives in the same capacity range. The unit measures 18.9 by 17.3 by 19.5 inches and weighs 17.3 lb, making it easy to move between spaces.
At $168.86 it lands in a good spot for a compressor unit at this size. The reversible door lets you configure the swing direction, and a temperature control dial is included. One interior shelf keeps the layout simple but limits organization. Manual defrost is the standard upkeep requirement.
With 116 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, the Magic Chef MCR170BE has a credible buyer track record for the segment. Buyers looking for a step up from thermoelectric coolers without jumping to a larger or more expensive unit will find this a sound option.
Specifications
Capacity
1.7 cu ft
Configuration
Compact
Installation
Countertop
Doors
1
Defrost
Manual
Cooling
Compressor
Shelves
1
Temp control
Yes
Door
Reversible
Color
Black
Finish
Black
Dimensions
18.9 X 17.3 X 19.5 In
Weight
17.3 lb
Voltage
115 Volts
Performance notes
The compressor system maintains interior temperature more reliably than thermoelectric alternatives when room temperature fluctuates. At 1.7 cu ft, it comfortably handles drinks, condiments, and daily lunch items. Manual defrost in this size class is a simple process requiring only occasional attention. The 115V plug is standard for US outlets.
What buyers say
A 4.3 star average across 116 reviews reflects genuine buyer satisfaction. Common positives mention good value and steady cooling performance. Occasional critiques reference limited shelf space and the manual defrost requirement.
No. It is a single-compartment refrigerator without a dedicated freezer section. A small cooling zone near the top may get colder than the rest, but it is not designed for freezing.
How loud is the Magic Chef MCR170BE?
Compressor units cycle on and off, producing a low hum when running. Buyers in this class typically describe the noise level as acceptable for a small kitchen or office setting, comparable to other compact compressor fridges.
Can I adjust the temperature?
Yes. This model includes a temperature control dial, so you can tune the cooling level to your preference.
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