Galanz 3.1-Cu. Ft. Mini Fridge Review: A Modern Or Retro Choice

A refrigerator is probably the most frequently used home appliance. Within its doors, the most delectable treats and snacks are stored, and as a result, it’s the one place we can all be found when looking to satisfy our hunger or cheeky midnight cravings. 

As you know, the market is flooded with refrigerators in various shapes and sizes; each having a unique design, storage space option, and level of convenience.  With so many types of refrigerators to choose from, you can easily select one that matches your lifestyle while fulfilling its essential purpose of keeping your food fresh. 

Standard freezers on the market today include the French-door refrigerator, side-by-side refrigerator, top-freezer refrigerator, bottom-freezer refrigerator, and under-counter refrigerator. Then you have the standalone refrigerator, counter-depth refrigerator, and mini-refrigerator. If that wasn’t enough, there are also portable refrigerators and ice-box-style refrigerators to consider. Wow, that’s a lot to consider when purchasing a freezer! 

While each freezer type provides the user with different characteristics, the mini-fridge has all the positive points of the refrigerator types mentioned above. You’re probably wondering how this is possible. It offers the convenience of a standard fridge and the features of a large refrigerator without compromising on food storage and freshness.

This article is all about mini-fridges sold under the Galanz brand. We’ll begin with a brief introduction to the brand to highlight its history and reputation. We’ll then review the two best mini-fridge models currently available on the market: the Galanz 3.1 Cubic Feet compact refrigerator and the Galanz 3.1 Cubic Feet retro style mini-fridge. Lastly, we’ll provide answers to questions buyers frequently have in mind. After going through this guide, you will be able to thoroughly evaluate the machines and assess their usability for your home.

Galanz 3.1-Cu. Ft. Mini Fridges Reviewed

Galanz GLR31TRDER 3.1-Cu. Ft. Retro Top Mount Compact Refrigerator

Google’s Rating: 4.5

Appearance

The retro-style refrigerator is designed to fulfill your love for the vintage era as flashy colors and chrome parts characterized that period. The Galanz refrigerators are the epitome of style and functionality.

The flashy red color with round-edge design and chrome handles on both doors and a big Galanz emblem in chrome is all set to give your room, garage, kitchen, and office a perfect and unique retro look.    

Capacity

The unit comes with a 3.1 cubic feet capacity. It may look small, but it is ideal for a family of two adults and two children below age 5. The compact Galanz retro fridge is also best for garages, dorm rooms, offices, and shops.

The freezer compartment has 0.95 cubic feet of space and is a single box with one bucket in the door. The refrigerator compartment features one shelf and a spacious crisper drawer. The shelf in the fridge compartment is removable and gives you ample space to store large items. Finally, the door features one big bucket for keeping large bottles and two small buckets for soda cans.  

Dimensions and Weight

The unit measures ‎19.17 x 23.31 x 35.16 inches and weighs ‎58.4 pounds. The weight and dimensions are in line with other best-selling models in this category.  

Construction

The outer side is made from metal. The handles are made from shiny chrome, and the fridge has been painted sharp red to match retro colors.

The inner side features glass shelves and the door buckets are also made from glass. Glass shelves and buckets are more accessible to wash and use than wired shelves. They don’t prevent spillage risks and glass is vulnerable as it can break if it falls.

Temperature Range and Settings

The temperature range for the fridge compartment is 32°F – 47 °F, and for the freezer, it is <=0 °F. The temperature range is excellent for a variety of ambient temperatures. It won’t let you down in warmer weather and will keep your food fresh.

You can control the temperature with adjustable mechanical thermostat control. Unfortunately, the machine lacks a digital control system, but such features are not available in fridges sold at affordable prices.

The temperature controls work efficiently, and the unit responds to any changes in temperature quickly and effectively.      

Energy Consumption

The unit consumes around 357 kWh in a year and will cost you approximately $42 to run annually. It is an Energy Star certified fridge and will not overburden your electricity bills.   

The machine runs on a standard 120-Volt outlet with a 60 Hz frequency.

Installation and Maintenance

The machine is easy to install and doesn’t need any plumbing connections. All you must do is unpack the machine and let it stand for 6-8 hours before plugging it in. It allows the refrigerant gas to settle down after transportation. Once you have plugged in the machine, let it run empty overnight for effective and load-free cooling.

Ensure you install your machine at a dry place and avoid keeping it in a wet garage or near your sink. It is a manual defrosting unit, but its maintenance is user-friendly. You can wash the shelves and buckets with mild dishwashing soap and warm water. Use a commercial cleaning product to clean the interior of your 3.1 cubic feet retro fridge. Make sure that you don’t turn on your fridge until it is completely dry.

Warranty and Certification

Galanz refrigerators are covered by a 1-year limited warranty for defects in parts and workmanship. The warranty agreement doesn’t include acts of God, machine abuse, and unfair usage. Galanz 3.1 retro fridge is CSA & Estar certified and has California Prop 65 claim.  

Some Other Notable Features

• Interior Light: A bright interior light makes it easy to locate your favorite items.
• Leveling Front Legs: The two front legs make it super easy to balance your machine.

Common Customer Praises and Complaints

The positive points mentioned by buyers include quick freezing and refrigeration. People admire the two-door design that helps maintain a constant temperature inside the freezer when the fridge door is opened and vice versa. In addition, customers mention a low running sound that makes this unit best for bedrooms and offices.   

The common negative point mentioned by most buyers is poor shipping. Some buyers highlight that the chrome color starts to come off after 5-6 months of use.

Galanz GL31BK 3.1-Cu. Ft. Top Mount Refrigerator

Google’s Rating: 3.9

Appearance

The compact model comes in the back with two separate doors. The black color sets the kitchen tone and compliments your current setup. A black color two-door fridge also looks excellent in garages, offices, dorm rooms, and bedrooms. However, please note that black-colored appliances easily catch dust too, and you’ll need to wipe off the dust for a neat and clean look.   

Capacity

The capacity of both models is the same. However, the door details are different. The door buckets in the retro variant are made from glass. The standard model features plastic buckets and a dedicated can storage dispenser, making it great for garage and office use. You can also keep big bottles and other items in the door.

Dimensions and Weight

The standard model measures 21.1 x 19.1 x 33 inches and weighs 62.7 pounds. It is heavier than the retro variant, but it is a bit smaller in height and depth. The difference is negligible and doesn’t impact the internal capacity of the machine.  

Construction

The outer side is metallic while the inner side features glass shelves and a crisper drawer. The size of the drawer and shelf are the same in both models.  However, this model features recessed handles compared to the retro variant. 

Temperature Range and Settings

The temperature range (32°F – 47 °F and for the freezer, it is <=0 °F) and the control mechanism is the same for both models.  Additionally, both variants come with mechanical thermostat control.   

Energy Consumption

Galanz 3.1 standard model consumes less energy than the retro variant. The retro model is rated at 357 kWh, and the compact model is rated at 320 kWh. Its operational cost is around $38.4 annually. Both models are Energy Star certified and run at 120 volts.

Installation and Maintenance

The installation and maintenance are similar for both models. You can review the ins and outs of installation and maintenance mentioned above.   

Warranty and Certification

Galanz refrigerators (standard and retro) come with a 1-year limited warranty for defects in parts and workmanship. There are no differences in the terms and conditions of the fridges. Both are CSA & Estar certified.   

Some Other Notable Features

• Interior Light: It also features a bright LED to help you store and take out your favorite food items.  
• Adjustable Leveling Legs: The front leveling legs help you level your machine in a couple of minutes.
• Reversible Doors: Reversible doors allow you to place your machine at different places and customize your appliance according to your living space.

Common Customer Praises and Complaints

The positive reviews mention quick cooling, low running sound, responsiveness to temperature change, and a two-door design. Buyers also compliment the unit for its easy installation and trouble-free maintenance and cleaning.

The common drawbacks highlighted in negative reviews are that the compressor often makes loud noises when it turns on. In addition, some people have mentioned cooling issues when the ambient temperature increases beyond its operating range.

The Galanz Brand In Summary

Galanz was founded in 1978 in Foshan, Guangdong, China. Galanz started its operations with duck feathers and stepped into home appliances in 1992 by manufacturing microwave ovens. Galanz’s microwave oven was so successful that it became the world’s largest microwave oven manufacturer in 1998  capturing over 40% share of the global market. The brand expanded its product line every year and introduced refrigerators, freezers, ovens, toasters, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers.

Galanz’s first refrigerator hit the market in 2007. Decades of research, innovation, and technological advancement enabled Galanz to become an industry leader worldwide. Galanz’s story in the US has been nothing short of ongoing success. It has partnered with major brands across the country and has more than 1500 patents to its name.

The company has an excellent reputation in the USA resulting in great trust being placed in the reliability and durability of their appliances. Their key feature, however, is affordability.

Check out our review of the Galanz 12.0-Cu. Ft. Top Mount Refrigerators.

Check Out More Of Our Galanz Appliances Reviews

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