Galanz Retro Mini Fridges Reviewed: An Old-School Compact Cooling Solution

The midcentury designs for home appliances are slowly making a comeback as consumers adapt to healthier lifestyles. More than ever, customers are conscious of what they eat and how they prepare their meals. This lifestyle shift comes with the need to invest in appliances such as ovens and fridges. Some experts attribute the increasing interest in old-school-style home appliances to childhood memories of parents and grandparents preparing meals at home.

In response to this rising market preference, companies have designed a wide range of retro home appliances that are relevant to modern home decor. One such brand in the market is Galanz. In this article, we will feature a brief history of this company and review four of its top-rated retro mini-fridges.

Review of the Top 4 Galanz Mini Retro Fridges

If you are shopping for a retro mini refrigerator, here is a quick review of the four top-rated Galanz retro mini-fridges you would want to consider.

Galanz GLR40TRDER 4-Cu. Ft. Retro Top Mount Compact Refrigerator

Google’s Rating 4.4

The Galanz GLR40TBKER Retro Compact Refrigerator comes with a larger refrigeration space of 4.0 cu ft. Its dual design features a separate 1.38 cu ft compartment that allows you sufficient space to store your frozen food and snacks. This section has a full-width slide-out glass shelf that gives you the flexibility of organizing your freezer space. This way, you can store multiple items with ease. Moreover, the freezer door has a full crystal balcony that gives you additional storage.

The fresh food compartment has a 2.58 cu ft capacity and features a slide-out glass shelf and clear crisper with a glass cover. This way, you can organize the compartment into three sections to store your food. Moreover, the removable shelf gives you to customize the storage area to accommodate larger food items. The clear crisper gives sufficient space to store your fruits and vegetables. Its fresh-food section door comes with two full and two half crystal balconies, which you can use to store your canned and bottled drinks.

This retro compact fridge comes with adjustable thermostat control that allows you to maintain the fresh food section at temperatures between 32 and 47 degrees Fahrenheit. This wide temperature range allows you to use the unit for various applications.

The Galanz GLR40TBKER comes in an elegant retro design that is sure to give your room a classic look. Each door has a retro chrome handle for added beauty. Moreover, this fridge is available in multiple shades. These include Vinyl Black, Hot Rod Red, and Bebop Blue. This way, you have options to choose from. Its beautiful design allows you to install it in your living room, office, store, rec room, or dorm. 

This compact fridge runs on an Energy Star certified compressor that consumes only 325kWh of energy per year. You can, therefore, expect to spend about $39 to run this unit annually. This running cost is lower compared to that of some models in the market, which could be as high as $44. Moreover, this compressor has a low noise level of 42dB(A), which doesn’t interfere with your conversations with guests.

Customers who bought this mini-fridge loved it because of its beautiful look, compact design, and affordable price. Others were thrilled by its top mount design that comes with a separate freezer compartment because it allowed them the flexibility to organize their food storage. 

However, some customers complained that they received the unit damaged but still operable. While it is not desirable to receive damaged products, such incidents reflect poor handling of the shipment by the shipping agents and not necessarily errors in manufacturing. You can return the product and request a replacement from the company while the product warranty is still valid. Galanz offers a 1-year warranty on its appliances, and therefore you can claim a refund or product repair if the product fails within this period. 

Galanz GLR25MGNR10 2.5-Cu. Ft. Retro Compact Refrigerator

Google’s Rating: 4.5

If you are looking for a small and elegant fridge for your dorm, office, or RV, then the Galanz GLR25MGNR10 Retro Compact Refrigerator is a good choice. It features a glossy finish with shades of Vinyl Black, Hot Rod Red, Bebop Blue, and Surf Green. These multiple colors give customers the flexibility to choose a mini-fridge that suits their tastes and preferences. Moreover, the beautiful finish allows you to use the unit for aesthetics in your living area.

The Galanz GLR25MGNR10 retro fridge comes in a single-door design, with a chiller box and a fresh food section. Its chiller has a 0.39 cu ft capacity and temperature range between 27 and 37 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range may only be good for chilling drinks and not preserving frozen food. Therefore, if you need to freeze your food or snacks, consider buying a model with a colder freezer box. 

The fresh food section has a capacity of 2.07 cu ft and comes with two full-width glass shelves. These shelves give you more options to organize the storage space. You also get plenty of room on the unit’s door storage. It comes with a four-can dispenser and two 2-liter bottle storage sections. With this space, you can stock enough food to last you several days. 

When it comes to setting up this mini-fridge, it’s hassle-free. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry. Moreover, its front legs are adjustable. These enable you to level the unit on an uneven surface with ease. This way, you will rest assured that your mini-fridge is stable. You need to keep your fridge stable for safe operation and prevent possible accidents. 

Another cool feature about this Galanz retro mini fridge is its energy-efficient compressor. It has a 120V power rating and consumes only 213kWh per year. This unit consumes electricity worth about $26 annually compared to other units in its class that cost about $41. Its initial cost is also affordable and thus the unit saves you money.

For these reasons, the majority of consumer reviews are positive. One consumer who bought it as a bedroom fridge loved how it glammed up their room. Another one who installed it in their office reported the many compliments from guests. 

Unfortunately, several clients were disappointed because the temperature at the freezer box wasn’t cold enough to keep items frozen. However, as explained earlier, this unit doesn’t come with the usual freezer box. Its temperature range is warmer and therefore is ideal for chilling drinks. Customers interested in keeping things frozen should buy other models. 

Another complaint that some customers had was that their deliveries arrived damaged. Such incidents could be linked to poor handling during shipping. While this experience is unfortunate, you have the option to return the product and request a replacement. In this case, you will have to wait longer to enjoy the compact fridge.

Galanz GLR35RDER 3.5-Cu. Ft. Retro Compact Refrigerator

Google’s Rating: 4.6

The Galanz GLR35RDER Retro Compact Refrigerator is an excellent choice if you are shopping for a vintage mini fridge for your home bar, office, kitchen, office, or garage. It measures only 35.16 inches high, which is the height of most kitchen counters. Thus this unit will blend well with your modern kitchen. However, avoid storing heavy items on it as it comes with a plastic top that might crack. 

This vintage compact fridge is available in beautiful colors, which include Vinyl Black, Hot Rod Red, and Bebop Blue. These multiple shades allow you to choose a color that best matches your home or office decor. It also sets the fridge apart as a decorative appliance that you can use to adorn your living area. It is common for customers who install Galanz retro fridges in their offices or mini-stores to receive compliments from their clients. 

This compact Galanz retro mini fridge comes with a 3.5 cu ft capacity that is sure to meet the food refrigeration needs of a couple. Therefore if you need a fridge for your office or college dorm, the GLR35RDER is sure to give you extra room to preserve food and drinks to entertain your guests. It has a 0.41 cu ft chiller compartment, with temperatures between 27 and 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Please note that these temperatures may not be ideal for freezing food or making ice because they are just below the freezing point of water. However, the compartment can keep your drinks properly chilled.

Below the chiller box is a 2.97 cu ft fresh food compartment that comes with a full-width glass shelf and a crystal crisper with a glass cover for your fruits and vegetables.  This design allows you to organize your refrigeration space to suit your needs.  Moreover, the fridge has roomy door storage that features two full-width and three half-width crystal balconies. This door storage comes in handy for keeping your bottled and canned drinks cold. 

This fridge consumes 220kWh per year and adds only $26 to your annual electricity bill. Its initial price is also pocket-friendly and thus a great option if you are working with a tight budget. 

This retro mini-fridge received great reviews on Amazon because of its compact and elegant design. Some customers loved its beautiful colors, while others were pleased with its efficiency and ability to get things cold within a short time. 

A small percentage of customers were unhappy with this mini-fridge because they received damaged units. One customer, in particular, received their parcel with a torn box, and the fridge had a dent. They decided to return the fridge and were glad that both Amazon and Galanz were supportive. If you receive a defective item, it is advisable to return it rather than try operating it.  After all, Galanz offers a one-year warranty for its products.

Galanz GLR31TBKER 3.1-Cu. Ft. Retro Top Mount Compact Refrigerator

Google’s Rating: 4.5

In case you need a mini-fridge with a freezer box, then consider buying the Galanz GLR31TBEER Retro Compact Refrigerator. It comes in a top mount design with two doors. The top door encloses a 0.95 cu ft freezer box that gives you temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit. You can adjust the freezer temperature to suit your freezing needs. This model is an excellent alternative to the Galanz GLR35RDER, which comes with a chiller box. The freezer door also comes with a crystal balcony for extra storage.

The fresh food compartment has a 2.08 cu ft capacity. It comes with a single full-width glass shelf and crystal crisper that are easy to clean. These features also allow you to organize your fresh storage compartment to suit your needs. The fresh food section door also has extra storage for your canned drinks. You can control the temperature of this compartment and maintain it anywhere between 32 and 47 degrees Fahrenheit, thanks to its adjustable thermostat control. 

This unit comes with an internal LED lighting system to allow you to access your food with ease. Moreover, the glass shelf/crisper cover enhances your visibility of the interior space, making it easy to get your food. The Galanz GLR31TBEER is available in Vinyl Black, Hot Rod Red, Bebop Blue, Surf Green, and Milkshake White shades. This way, you can pick the color that suits your tastes and preferences.

Its beautiful look allows you to install it in your living room, office, or college dorm. You don’t have to worry about the compressor noise because the unit runs quietly. Its noise level is only 42dB(A) and cannot interrupt your conversions with your guests.  This compressor is also power-efficient, and it costs about $42 per year to run this fridge.

Most customers who bought this unit loved it because of its spacious capacity and elegant design. Others praised its efficient cooling.  One consumer reported that they received a faulty unit and returned it for replacement. In case you face a similar issue, or your package arrives damaged, it is advisable to return it while the company warranty is still valid. Galanz has a reputation for treating customers fairly.

A Brief History of The Galanz Brand

The Galanz brand has been known for manufacturing high-quality home appliances, such as microwave stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, cooktops, and freezers for many years now. The company entered the industry in 1992. Since then, it has built strong partnerships with top home appliances manufacturers in Europe, Asia, and North America as a reliable original equipment manufacturer (OEM). 

Galanz has also invested in acquiring top talent for its manufacturing, enabling the company to become a top original design manufacturer (ODM) in the industry. The company has also partnered with leading e-commerce brands across North America and Europe, such as Amazon, HomeDepot, and Walmart. This way, customers can get the company’s products with ease.

When it comes to the assembly of its products, Galanz has embraced a vertical integration approach that allows the company to manufacture critical parts in-house instead of outsourcing them. It has also automated some manual assembly processes to increase efficiency and meet the increasing demand for its products. 

The company embraces environmentally friendly processes such as investing in a carbon-free solar power plant that produces 25% of its power needs, effectively avoiding the burning of 16,000 tons of coal every year. This move reduces the emission of CO2 and other toxic gasses into the atmosphere. Galanz also uses  R600a refrigerant, which has a low impact on global warming, in its refrigeration and cooling appliances. Therefore, buying Galanz retro mini fridge is one way of contributing to a green environment.

Reasons for Investing in a Retro Mini Fridge

When it comes to Galanz retro mini-fridges, one cannot ignore their power efficiency. These units are designed to save you operating costs with low electricity consumption. They come in a compact design that makes the fridges suitable for office, RV, garage, men cribs, and dormitory applications. This space-saving feature also makes Galanz compact refrigerators ideal for tight spaces. Moreover, they come in a lightweight design which makes them easy to install.

These mini fridges are easy to operate, and therefore you will not require a learning curve to know how to operate them. You will get the flexibility of having chilled drinks and snacks whenever you need them because you can keep these fridges virtually anywhere. They also come with ultra-quiet compressors. This way, you will not need to worry about annoying humming noise from your unit. 

You don’t need to break the bank to own one of these units as they come at pocket-friendly prices. This feature makes Galanz uniquely suitable for people operating with a limited budget, such as students and singles who have just moved out of their parents’ homes. Moreover, you can take advantage of their beautiful design to decorate your living space, especially in dorms where you may not have many appliances.

How  to Choose the Best Galanz Retro Mini Fridge

Here are handy tips you will need when choosing a Galanz retro compact refrigerator:

Capacity

Galanz mini fridge retro designs come in varying capacities ranging between 2.5 and 4.4 cu ft. Determine how much cold storage space you will need before buying a Galanz retro mini-fridge. This will depend on the amount of food and drinks you will need to stock. Some units come with a small freezer compartment which you can use to store frozen food items. You can also use it to chill your drinks. Choose a mini-fridge that has enough space for your chilling needs.

Finish

Galanz retro compact refrigerators come in multiple shades. These include Retro Vinyl Black, Hot Rod Red, Bebop Blue, and Surf Green. These varied shades allow you to choose a color that best matches your home decor or other home appliances. If you own other retro-style gadgets consider buying a mini-fridge of a matching shade. The idea is to have your mini-refrigerator match well with other home appliances in your house.

Size

These compact fridges come in varying sizes. Identify the space where you wish to install your Galanz retro mini fridge and get the measurements. Now, check out the available units and see which ones fit in that space. 

Pricing 

While Galanz retro mini-fridges are some of the most affordable units in the market, they come at varied prices depending on their sizes. However, do not use pricing alone to determine which mini-fridge suits you. Go for a unit that best suits your needs and is within your budget.

Quick Galanz Retro Mini Fridge Safety Tips

• When you purchase a Galanz retro compact fridge, read the user manual thoroughly to understand the salient features of the unit. Just like any other electrical appliance, a Galanz retro mini refrigerator can expose you to various risks such as fire or electrical shocks. Therefore, you need to observe safety precautions to avoid such accidents.
• For starters, do not install your fridge in a wet area as this can increase the risk of electrical shocks. This problem can also occur when you use frayed electrical cords on your fridge.  Ensure that you connect the unit to a properly grounded mains outlet. This way, you will protect your appliance against incidents of overload and short circuiting.  
• Do not use sharp objects when defrosting your compact fridge as you risk rapturing the refrigerant line and rendering the unit inoperable. If this happens, you will invalidate the product warranty and will incur repair costs. Store the fridge in a cool place that is neither too cold nor too hot as such conditions will prevent the refrigerator from operating optimally. Also, the R600a refrigerant used on the Galanz fridges is highly flammable. If the unit is exposed to high temperatures, it can explode and cause fire or personal injury. 
• Keep flammable substances such as gasoline away from your mini-fridge as fumes from such substances can catch fire and explode. Leave some space around the mini-fridge to ensure that the compressor doesn’t overheat. Most Galanz retro mini-fridges come with a fragile plastic top. 
• Therefore, do not place heavy objects on your unit to avoid breaking it. If your shipment arrives damaged, return it and do not try to operate it as it may lead to accidents. Lastly, do not let children operate your Galanz retro mini-fridge or play around it while unattended. Kids can get trapped inside the appliance and suffer fatal accidents.

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