I’ve been on the hunt for a new refrigerator for my small apartment kitchen, and the Insignia 18 Cu Ft Refrigerator caught my eye. As a busy young professional trying to maximize space in my 550 sq ft home, I need an appliance that’s not only functional, but can fit into my limited kitchen footprint.

After tons of research comparing refrigerators, I decided to take a chance on this popular Insignia model. Now I want to share my full buying guide so you can see if it will work in your home too! Below I’ll cover everything from cost, dimensions, features and more.

Overview of the Insignia 18 Cu Ft Refrigerator

First things first – the Insignia refrigerator has a capacity of 18 cubic feet. For a compact apartment-sized unit, this is pretty spacious! The dimensions come in at 66″ H x 29 3/4″ W x 29” D, which is quite standard for an 18 cu ft unit.

This fridge comes with all the basic features you’d expect, like adjustable glass shelves, door bins, crisper drawers for fruits and veggies, and a full-width freezer. It also has some great extras like a frost-free design so you never have to manually defrost, an energy star certification to help save on electricity, and adjustable leveling legs to ensure a proper fit in your kitchen.

Some key specs:

• Total capacity: 18 cubic feet
• Shelf area: 5.5 sq ft
• Freezer capacity: 5.1 cu ft
• Adjustable glass shelves: 3
• Door bins: 3
• Crisper drawers:** 2**
• Temperature control type: Digital
• Reversible door: Yes
• Interior light: LED

Now let’s get into the details of what it’s like to buy, use and live with the Insignia 18 cubic foot refrigerator!

What Does the Insignia 18 Cu Ft Refrigerator Cost?

I found the Insignia 18 cubic foot refrigerator available between $480 to $650, depending on the retailer. Prices fluctuate frequently though, so check for the latest deals.

The MSRP is $629, but it’s often available for 15-20% off that list price. Special sales around holidays like Memorial Day or Labor Day are a great time to find even bigger discounts.

No matter when you buy, this fridge is very affordable for the size and feature set. Compact refrigerators are ideal for small homes, so they’re in high demand. I was pleased to find the Insignia model reasonably priced compared to similar options from name brands.

Key Features and Benefits of the Insignia Refrigerator

Here are some of the features and benefits that stood out to me about this refrigerator model:

• Frost-free design: No more manual defrosting thanks to the frost-free operation. This is much more convenient than older style compact fridges.
• Reversible door: The door is reversible, so you can set it up to open from the left or right based on your kitchen layout.
• Energy Star certified: With its Energy Star rating, this fridge is estimated to use 10% less energy than non-certified models. This saves money and reduces environmental impact.
• Adjustable glass shelves: The interior includes 3 spill-proof glass shelves that can be adjusted to accommodate items of various heights.
• Two crisper drawers: The crisper drawers provide separate storage for fruits and vegetables, helping maintain freshness.
• LED lighting: Energy efficient LED interior lighting brightens up the fridge.
• Leveling legs: Adjustable legs allow you to level the fridge properly on uneven surfaces.
• Temperature control: The digital control panel makes it easy to adjust the temperature as needed.
• Sleek design: The black finish and stainless steel accents give it a modern, minimalist look.

For a compact refrigerator, the Insignia really provides a lot of the same features you’d find in a full-size model.

Size and Storage Capacity

At 18 cubic feet total, with 5.1 cubic feet of freezer space, this fridge provides ample storage capacity for singles, couples and small families.

The 5.5 square feet of shelf space was one of the largest available for fridges of this size. With adjustable shelves, you can really customize the storage to fit taller or shorter items.

And it still fits nicely in small kitchens thanks to the slim 29 3⁄4” width. That size is comparable to many countertop refrigerators, except you get 3x the storage capacity with the 18 cu ft Insignia model!

I love that it has a full-width freezer too, so you can store frozen foods vertically like pizza boxes and ice cream tubs.

Overall, this compact refrigerator hits the sweet spot by maximizing storage space without demanding too much floor footprint.

Insignia Refrigerator Dimensions

Knowing the exact dimensions is crucial when shopping for a new refrigerator to ensure it will actually fit in your kitchen layout.

Here are the specs for this Insignia model:

• Total Height: 66” (5 ft, 6 in)
• Width: 29 3⁄4”
• Depth: 29”
• With door open 90°: 55 1⁄2” depth

The 66” height is pretty standard for a mid-size refrigerator. The 29 3⁄4” width is nice and narrow to fit into small kitchens or slide into tight corners.

Always carefully measure the opening where your new fridge will go before purchase. And don’t forget to account for space needed to open the doors fully.

Does the Insignia 18 Cu Ft Fridge Have a Frost-Free Design?

Yes, fortunately the Insignia refrigerator does feature a frost-free, no defrost design.

This was an absolute must-have on my wish list. I don’t have time to manually defrost a fridge! The inconvenience of that process was the biggest complaint I had about my old unit.

With the frost-free operation, a heating element prevents ice build-up so the Insignia model essentially defrosts itself. No hassle at all.

This makes the appliance far more convenient to use than older compact refrigerators. The frost-free design is a huge selling point and worth paying extra for.

Is the Insignia Refrigerator Energy Efficient?

Energy efficiency was another top priority for me, since refrigerators can consume a lot of electricity over time.

The Insignia 18 cu ft fridge boasts an Energy Star Most Efficient 2022 certification. To earn this certification, appliances must be among the most energy-efficient products in their category.

What does this energy efficiency rating actually mean?

• Estimated electricity cost is $40 per year, based on the national average utility rate.
• Uses at least 10% less energy than non-certified refrigerators.
• Reduces environmental impact by preventing greenhouse gas emissions.

$40 per year is excellent – comparing to other refrigerators I looked at, some used double the amount of electricity. Those estimated electricity costs can really add up over the 10+ year lifespan of a fridge.

Going with an Energy Star certified model like the Insignia can provide significant energy savings over time. This both saves money on utility bills and helps protect the environment.

Shelf and Storage Features

Maximizing storage capacity was a top priority for me in a compact refrigerator. The Insignia 18 cu ft model comes equipped with the following shelves and storage:

• 3 adjustable glass shelves – These tempered glass shelves are spill-proof, easy to clean, and fully adjustable. Customize as needed to accommodate tall or short items.
• 3 door bins – The bins on the door provide extra space for small items like drinks, condiments, and yogurt cups. Nice to have this bonus storage!
• 2 clear crisper drawers – The crisper drawers slide out for easy access to your fresh fruits and veggies. Keep produce crisp and delicious.
• 1 full-width freezer shelf – Full-width wire shelf in freezer holds frozen foods.
• Dairy compartment – Small section specifically for butter and cheese storage.

Having options like the adjustable shelves, door bins and crisper drawers allows me to truly customize the storage to fit my needs. I can organize everything just the way I want it.

Freezer Capacity

The freezer included in the Insignia refrigerator has a 5.1 cubic foot capacity. For a compact unit, this is a very ample amount of freezer space.

It has everything I need – enough room for multiple freezer meal bags, boxes of frozen veggies and fruits, ice cream tubs, and frozen pizzas.

I love having the full-width wire shelf too. This allows me to easily stack and slide in taller frozen food items that wouldn’t fit on a smaller shelf.

If you plan to store a lot of frozen foods, the 5+ cubic foot freezer in this model is fantastic. No need to compromise on freezer space.

Does the Insignia Fridge Have a Reversible Door?

Conveniently, yes – this refrigerator was designed with a reversible door than can open from either the left or right side.

Having the flexibility to reverse the door swing direction is really useful depending on your kitchen layout and personal preferences.

Installation is easy – the door hinges can be moved from one side to the other. Just be sure to plan ahead so the electrical outlet is on the correct side once the door is reversed.

I opted to keep the factory left-hand door opening, but it’s nice to know I can easily switch it if needed in a future home.

Is the Insignia Refrigerator Good for Small Spaces?

For sure – the Insignia 18 cubic foot refrigerator is an excellent choice for small kitchens, apartments, duplexes, man caves or anywhere space is limited.

Even though it has ample 18 cu ft capacity, the unit still has a nice slim shape with its 29 3⁄4” width. This allows it to slide into tight areas or corners that a larger unit couldn’t fit.

And it stands at a standard 66” tall, so no need to sacrifice headroom to achieve the 18 cu ft storage space.

The size is really the ideal balance between maximum capacity and a small footprint.

I was thrilled to find a refrigerator with legit storage that could still work in my pint-sized apartment kitchen and cramped layout.

Using the Insignia Fridge in the Garage

Can the Insignia refrigerator be used in the garage if needed? The manufacturer doesn’t specifically recommend garage installation.

However, many online reviewers report success placing this fridge in their garage. If doing so, here are a few usage tips:

• Keep the refrigerator protected from elements like rain and snow. Place under an eave or ledge whenever possible.
• Make sure the refrigerator has proper ventilation in the garage to allow the compressor to dissipate heat. Don’t tightly enclose it in a narrow space.
• Use care when opening and closing the door when temperatures are below freezing.
• Allow extra space for the door clearance since garages tend to have more clutter.
• Install a water line for automatic ice maker operation if desired.

With proper precautions, the Insignia can work in a protected garage setting. But indoor kitchen installation is best for convenience and energy efficiency.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Fortunately the Insignia refrigerator is relatively easy to clean and care for:

• Interior surfaces – Wash inside with a mild soap and warm water solution. Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Glass shelves – Shelves are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
• Door gaskets – Use a moist cloth to clean the door gaskets. Petroleum jelly can be applied to the gaskets to condition and protect the rubber.
• Dust condenser coils – For optimal efficiency, use a brush or vacuum to remove dust buildup from the condenser coils on the back of the unit every 3-6 months.
• Clean drip tray – Empty and clean the drip tray below the evaporator as needed.
• Defrost freezer – While the refrigerator section is frost-free, the freezer may occasionally need a manual defrost by turning it off temporarily.

Following the manufacturer’s use and care guidance helps maintain the fridge for optimal life and performance.

Insignia Refrigerator Warranty Coverage

This refrigerator comes with a 1 year limited warranty from Best Buy. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for 1 year from date of purchase.

According to the protection plan details, Best Buy will offer to repair the unit or provide a replacement if it proves defective under normal usage conditions. cosm and shipping fees may apply.

Optional extended protection plans are also available for 2, 3 or 5 year coverage after the initial warranty expires. For extra peace of mind, the extra plans may be worth considering.

As with any appliance, issues are more common early on, so having that initial 1 year coverage provides assurance. All covered issues I’ve had with Best Buy appliances were addressed quickly and resolved.

Ice Maker Details

The Insignia refrigerator does include an automatic ice maker which was another must-have feature on my wishlist!

Having it built-into the fridge is so much easier than portable countertop ice makers I’ve used in the past. No filling water, no transferring ice, just fresh ice made on demand.

The ice bucket holds up to 3 lbs of ice. Ice type is cube style. This ice maker feature works fantastic and keeps me well stocked with ice for drinks, lemon water, and dinner cocktails.

To enable ice production, simply connect the included ice maker tubing to your cold water supply line. Make sure to turn on the water supply and ice maker power switch.

Then just wait for the frozen ice magic!

Adjusting the Temperature

The digital control panel on the Insignia refrigerator makes it simple to adjust the temperature settings as needed.

Options are displayed clearly on the electronic display. All it takes is a few button presses to tweak temps.

The default is preset to 37°F for the refrigerator section and 0°F for freezer.

These settings can be adjusted within a range of 34-44°F for the refrigerator and -5°F to 5°F for the freezer.

After some experimenting, I ended up lowering both a couple degrees to optimize food freshness.

Where to Buy the Insignia Refrigerator

The Insignia brand is exclusive to Best Buy, so the fridge is only sold through BestBuy.com and Best Buy stores.

Sometimes the prices vary between the website and brick-and-mortar stores. You can check both options and buy wherever the deal is better.

My local store had limited availability, so I opted to order online for faster shipping. The refrigerator arrived well packaged a few days later via truck delivery.

No matter where you buy, Best Buy has top-rated customer service and a flexible return policy in case any issues arise.

Reviews From Other Insignia Refrigerator Owners

Before buying any major appliance, I always look for feedback from existing users to learn about real-world benefits or drawbacks.

Here’s an overview of what reviewers are saying about their experiences with the Insignia 18 cubic foot refrigerator:

• Simple setup with clear installation instructions.
• Runs quietly compared to older refrigerators.
• Shelves and drawers allow very customizable storage.
• Freezer section cools quickly and maintains stable temperature.
• Doors seal tightly to prevent cold air loss.
• Controls are easy to see and adjust.
• Attractive design at a reasonable price point.
• Haven’t experienced any reliability issues or need for repairs.
• Crisper drawers do a great job keeping produce fresh and crunchy.
• Never have problems with frost build-up thanks to the frost-free design.
• Would absolutely recommend and buy again.

The reviews from actual owners are overwhelmingly positive. Real-world testing indicates it’s a quality and reliable refrigerator.

How the Insignia Refrigerator Compares to Similar Models

In the 18 cubic foot capacity range, the Insignia model compares very favorably to refrigerators from other brands like Frigidaire, GE, Whirlpool, and more.

Advantages over competitors:

• Significantly lower price for similar storage capacity and features
• Energy star certified for power efficiency
• Very quiet operation compared to other compact refrigerators
• Frost-free design that eliminates manual defrosting
• Spacious 5+ cu ft freezer section
• Better warranty with 1 year coverage included
• Larger crisper drawers fit more fruits and veggies

For the price, you simply can’t beat the storage space, convenience, and reliability offered by the Insignia refrigerator. It surpasses the competition in just about every way.

The only disadvantage is the lack of brand recognition for Insignia. But once I researched the product benefits and reviews, I realized it’s just as good as the branded models at half the cost.

Available Color Options

This refrigerator comes in 3 different color finishes:

• Black stainless steel
• Stainless steel
• White

The black stainless steel option has a sleek modern look that blends into my small kitchen perfectly. Almost disappears against my dark countertops and cabinets.

But the classic stainless or bright white finishes both look attractive as well. Choose whichever best matches your existing kitchen décor and style preferences.

You really can’t go wrong – all 3 color choices are fingerprint-resistant and easy to keep clean.

Interior Lighting Details

The Insignia refrigerator is designed with energy efficient LED interior lighting.

This long-lasting LED light illuminates every shelf and crisper brightly when you open the door. It runs the entire vertical length of the refrigerator section for very even lighting distribution.

No more squinting to see what’s stored on lower shelves!

You can also manually turn off the interior light if desired by pressing the button on the digital display. I turn it off when leaving for vacation to save additional energy.

The Bottom Line – An Excellent Compact Fridge for Small Homes

For anyone seeking a full-sized refrigerator option for their apartment or small home, I can confidently recommend the Insignia 18 cubic foot model.

After extensive research between all the brands, this fridge came out on top for my needs.

It simply provides the best value and utility for under $650. I was able to get ample food storage capacity in a compact unit perfect for my petite kitchen.

Key selling points:

• Generous 18 cu ft capacity in a slim 29 3⁄4” frame
• Frost-free and energy star certified for convenience and efficiency
• Reversible door and leveling legs for easy installation
• Adjustable shelves and crisper drawers allow flexible organization
• Reliable performance backed by 1 year warranty

I hope this guide gives you all the details needed to determine if the Insignia refrigerator is the right choice for your home. Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m happy to help anyone navigating the appliance buying journey.