One of the better-reviewed small compact fridges under $150, with real compressor cooling, a reversible door, and a proven track record across nearly 500 buyer ratings.
Dorm students, office workers, or apartment dwellers who want a reliable, small-footprint compressor fridge for drinks and light snacks on a tight budget.
Skip if
You need more than 1.7 cu ft of storage, a built-in freezer compartment, or prefer frost-free operation over manual defrost.
Capacity 1.7 cu ft
Configuration Compact
Installation Freestanding
Doors 1
Defrost Manual
Cooling Compressor
Priced 53% 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
Strong 4.5-star average from 476 reviews shows consistent buyer satisfaction
Compressor cooling provides reliable temperature performance versus thermoelectric alternatives
Reversible door hinge works in either left or right configurations
Sub-$150 price is competitive for a compressor-based unit
Compact footprint fits easily under desks or in small spaces
Cons
Manual defrost requires periodic maintenance to clear ice buildup
Only one shelf limits internal organization options
1.7 cu ft is tight for anyone storing more than drinks and a few snacks
Our scorecard
4.5/5overall
Owner rating4.5/5
4.5 average across 476 owner ratings
Value for money3.8/5
$81 per cubic foot, below the category median
Popularity4.0/5
476 owner reviews, more 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 Galanz GL17BK is a 1.7 cubic foot single-door compact fridge in matte black, priced at $137. A 4.5-star average across 476 reviews is a strong signal that this unit consistently meets buyer expectations. It uses a compressor, which puts it ahead of thermoelectric competitors at this size for actual cooling reliability and temperature stability.
The footprint measures approximately 19.09 x 17.48 x 19.49 inches, making it low-profile enough to slide under most desks or fit in tight bedroom corners. One shelf inside the main compartment keeps interior organization simple. The reversible door hinge is a meaningful feature at this price point, giving you flexibility to place it in corners where the door might otherwise be blocked.
Manual defrost is the main operational trade-off. Ice will build up around the cooling element over time and needs to be cleared manually, typically every several weeks depending on usage. At $137, though, that trade-off is typical for this size and price class.
Specifications
Capacity
1.7 cu ft
Configuration
Compact
Installation
Freestanding
Doors
1
Defrost
Manual
Cooling
Compressor
Shelves
1
Temp control
Yes
Door
Reversible
Color
Black
Finish
Matte
Dimensions
19.09 X 17.48 X 19.49 In
Performance notes
The compressor in this unit allows it to maintain consistent temperatures even in warmer room environments, a key advantage over similarly priced thermoelectric mini fridges. With 476 ratings at 4.5 stars, the GL17BK sits near the top of buyer satisfaction for sub-2-cubic-foot compact refrigerators. No capacity figure for freezer is listed, meaning it is a straight refrigerator without a dedicated frozen compartment.
What buyers say
Nearly 500 buyers give this unit a 4.5-star average, with strong praise for cooling consistency and the reversible door. The most common complaint is the small interior size, though most buyers say they understood the 1.7 cu ft capacity before purchasing. Noise is occasionally mentioned but generally described as acceptable for a compressor unit.
No dedicated freezer compartment is included. Some chilling near the back wall may approach freezing temperatures, but this is not a true freezer and should not be relied on for frozen foods.
Can I switch which side the door opens on?
Yes. The door hinge is reversible, so you can set it up to open from the left or the right depending on where you place the unit.
How loud is this fridge?
Compressor fridges produce a low hum when the compressor cycles on and off. Most buyers in the 476-review pool describe the noise as acceptable for an office or dorm room, though sensitivity to background noise varies.
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