Today we’re reviewing two models of Sanyo mini fridge: the Sanyo SR-2570M mini refrigerator, which is a 2.5 cu ft model; and the Sanyo SR-SR3770S mini refrigerator, which is a 3.6 cu ft counter high unit. Do these small refrigerators really keep food and beverages as cold as their full size counterparts?
The Sanyo SR-2570M mini fridge is Sanyo’s dorm size refrigerator. This is one of their top selling models, mainly because it’s so attractive. Everyone seems to be buying the stainless steel and black model pictured at left, although the unit is also available in black or white. Although you can find other models in this size, the Sanyo gets the most customers because of its name and its reliable performance.
These 2.5 cu ft models have grown increasingly popular because they allow room for two coated wire shelves, rather than the single shelf found in the traditional 1.7 cu ft “cube” models found in dorm rooms throughout the country. As you can see by the photo at right, the second shelf allows this unit to keep a lot of food cold. Other features that customers like include a thermostat dial control, a smooth no-coil back, a reversible door with a built-in a can dispenser, and Sanyo’s 1-year warranty. Dimensions are 8-5/8 by 25-1/4 by 19-5/8 inches; weight is 44 pounds. The price is $240 with free shipping from Amazon.
Although the photo shows the refrigerator as having a “freezer” unit, don’t expect to keep ice cream cold in these. The only way a mini refrigerator can achieve true 0-degree storage is by separating the freezer in a separate compartment, as Danby and Edgestar have done with their 2-door models. The freezer compartment in both Sanyo models reviewed here is really only good for storing ice cubes. Sanyo deserves props for saying so in its product literature, instead of trying to pass it of as a freezer. Very few mini fridges are available with automatic defrost, so expect to clean the unit out a couple of times a year and let it de-ice – but then it never hurts to clean out the fridge now and then.
The Sanyo SR-3770S mini fridge is Sanyo’s counter-high 3.4 cu ft model. It comes in the same gorgeous stainless steel finish as the SR-2570M, but has additional features.
The SR-3770S features three spillproof shelves made of clear, unbreakable plastic, instead of the coated wire found in smaller models. The third shelf sits over a crisper drawer in the bottom of the fridge so you can store fruits and vegetables for munching on.
The “freezer” unit is full width in this model, but as with all single-door mini refrigerators, don’t expect it to keep ice cream cold. The freezer is manual defrost.
The door includes a built-in can dispenser and still leaves room for a couple of 2-liter soda bottles or wine bottles to stand upright. Other features include a reversible door, adjustable thermostat, a smooth, coil-free back, and a countertop serving area. Dimensions are 18-5/8 by 33-1/2 by 19-7/8 inches, which allows it to fit neatly under almost all countertops. Weight is about 60 pounds.
The SR-3770S sells on Amazon for $199.99, which is $40 cheaper than the smaller SR-2570M. However, Amazon ships the 2570M for free, while charging a hefty $50 shipping fee for the larger model. This brings the price of the under counter model to $10 more than the smaller model, which is still an excellent buy.
To save money, Amazon is shipping the 3770S in its original packaging, and a few reviewers have reported that they received it in damaged condition when shipped via ground. To put things in perspective, out of 51 reviews, 6 reviewers reported damage in transit. Amazon offered them a generous discount to compensate them for the damage as an alternative to exchanging or returning the unit. If this is an acceptable risk, then you could end up with a great little fridge at an even greater price. If a perfect finish is important to you and you’re willing to pay for it, you’re better off shopping at a bricks and mortar store for the 3770S. There are far fewer damage reports for the smaller model.