It is summer and the most sought-after products during this season are air-conditioners and refrigerators.
With a rapidly rising middle class, India is one of the fastest-growing home appliance markets in the world.
Realizing this potential, many companies are in the race to capture the market share before the others.
In this article, we are listing out the eight best single door refrigerators available for purchase in India at present.
We have considered different parameters such as energy efficiency, cooling type, capacity etc while preparing this list. Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Best Single Door Refrigerators In India
| 1. Samsung RR21T2G2WCR | Overall Best Pick |
| 2. LG GL-D201APZY | Runner-up Pick |
| 3. Godrej RD 1904 | Feature-rich Refrigerator |
| 4. Haier HED-22CFDS | Value for Money Refrigerator |
| 5. Whirlpool WDE 205 CLS 2S | Best All-round Performer |
| 6. MarQ 100BD1MQG | Cheapest Single Door Refrigerator |
| 7. Onida RDS1903R | Honourable Mention |
Note: The price shown are the once when we reviewed the products. However, as the promotional offers changes on the given E-commerce sites, the price may vary. Bettershark is supported by it’s readers and when you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1. Samsung RR21T2G2WCR
Overall Best Pick
- Maintenance-free Inverter compressor
- Suited for a small family
- Solar power grid integration
Pros
Provision for door lock with key
Large capacity vegetable box
Elegant chrome bar handle
Cons
Limited bottle space
Samsung was one of the least expected players in the single door budget refrigerator market in India. However, with the RR21T2G2WCR we’ve one serious contender for the top spot.
The Samsung RR21T2G2WCR is an elegantly designed 198L single door refrigerator which comes with an all-new 2021-star BEE energy efficiency rating.
Design and Build Quality
The design and build quality of this Samsung refrigerator is top-notch.
Made using high-quality polycarbonate plastic, the Samsung RR21T2G2WCR comes with a graphics-rich exterior with an attractive purple colour paint scheme.
The long horizontal handle is easy to hold and open the refrigerator door without any problems.
To improve the aesthetic beauty and to ensure the protection of this single door refrigerator, Samsung has enclosed the rear section with a shell.
The materials used for the construction of this Samsung single door refrigerator is of high quality and will stand the test of time easily.
Energy Efficiency
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency has given the latest 5-star 2020 energy efficiency rating for this single door refrigerator.
The digital inverter compressor operates silently and is highly energy efficient. It works automatically based on the load inside and helps to maintain an optimal temperature inside keeping the contents fresh for a long time.
You don’t have to be afraid of the shocking electricity bills anymore as these 5-star rated appliances are rated to use bare minimum energy while in operation and almost zero energy while being idle.
That said, the annual energy consumption of this single door refrigerator from Samsung is approximately 104 units.
Hardware Features
The shelves on this Samsung single door refrigerator are made of toughened glass and can hold the weight of even the heaviest vegetables with relative ease.
The cooling retention capability of this refrigerator is commendable.
Thanks to the excellent insulation, this fridge can keep the contents inside cool for up to 9 hours, in case of a power outage.
Miscellaneous
Samsung provides a year’s worth of comprehensive warranty with this device plus an additional 10-year warranty on its digital inverter compressor.
Verdict
The Samsung RR21T2G2WCR has an elegant design that is very attractive to look at.
The inverter compressor inside has been proved to be efficient in the past with various models and the same shine with this product in terms of performance.
Specifications
| Capacity | 198 litre |
| Star Rating | 5 star |
| Annual Electricity Consumption | 104 units |
| Compressor Type | Digital Inverter |
| Defrost System | Direct Cool |
| Warranty | 1 Year + 10 Year on Compressor |
ALSO READ: Best Double Door Refrigerators In India
2. LG GL-D201APZY
Pros
Toughened glass shelves
Stabilizer free operation
Smart connect technology
Cons
Slightly smaller egg tray
LG is an established player in the home appliance industry for decades.
The LG GL-D201APZY is a single door 190L refrigerator that comes with a durable smart inverter compressor at a price of just Rs. 15,190.
Design and Build Quality
The GL-D201APZY from LG has a rounded rectangular design which makes it look unique from other competitors in this list.
The metallic paint scheme and the lack of any graphics stickers make this budget single door refrigerator look a bit bland, to be honest.
There is a large enough vertical door handle upfront with a door lock keyhole down under.
LG has provided a plastic guard to enclose the underside of this refrigerator but has decided to keep the coils behind exposed.
Energy Efficiency
Being a 4-star energy rated unit, this fridge consumes less power when compared with the traditional energy-hungry models.
This 190L refrigerator from LG has a rated annual energy consumption of around 132 units.
The type of compressor employed in this model from LG is a smart inverter type compressor which is very energy efficient.
Since there are no noticeable moving parts inside this compressor, the operation is very silent.
The smart inverter compressor determines the load inside the refrigerator automatically and adjusts the power required thereby making a huge margin in power savings.
Miscellaneous Features
The Smart Connect feature on this refrigerator will connect the unit to run from an inverter (if connected) automatically in case the power goes off. Also, solar smart technology enables this fridge to operate from the electricity generated from a solar grid.
The fluctuating DC from the solar grid is converted to fixed DC voltage by the built-in inverter on this fridge.
LG has provided multiple vents throughout the refrigerator to have uniform cooling all around the storage case.
The crisper which is used to store fresh vegetables come with a lattice-type cover. This balances the moisture content inside and keeps the vegetables fresh for a longer duration.
Verdict
The LG GL-D201APZY is one of the best budget single door refrigerators in the market, thanks to its powerful and efficient inverter compressor.
Specifications
| Capacity | 190 litre |
| Star Rating | 4 star |
| Annual Electricity Consumption | 132 units |
| Compressor Type | Smart Inverter |
| Defrost System | Direct Cool |
| Warranty | 1 Year + 10 Year on Compressor |
3. Godrej RD 1904
Feature-rich Refrigerator
- 4-star BEE 2020 rating
- Inverter compressor
- Large vegetable crisper
Pros
Excellent cooling retention
Built-in multiple air vents
Aesthetically pleasing design
Cons
The back section is not covered
Godrej is an Indian company headquartered in Mumbai known for a wide range of popular home appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators.
The Godrej RD 1904 is a 190L budget single door refrigerator from the Godrej stable with a durable chassis and excellent performance backing the solid build quality.
Design and Build Quality
The Godrej RD 1904 has the same look and feel as many earlier Godrej refrigerator models we’ve seen in the past. The hard plastic polycarbonate chassis is tough and feels durable.
One of the advantages of the design of this single door refrigerator is that it has a physical door handle unlike the recessed handle design in some of the older generation Whirlpool refrigerators.
This refrigerator is available in different colour shades and the minimal single colour design makes this refrigerator suitable to be placed in any type of home decors.
The rear side of this fridge is open and the coils are not covered with any special covering plates. So you have to be careful with the placement of the fridge near the walls.
Energy Efficiency
The Godrej RD 1904 comes equipped with a reciprocatory inverter compressor inside for power-efficient cooling performance.
Whatever the temperature outside, you won’t notice the sound of this device cooling down the interiors in a jiffy.
This 190-litre single door refrigerator is enough for a small family of 2-3 members.
The BEE ( Bureau of Energy Efficiency) has given a 2021 4-star rating for the energy efficiency of this refrigerator which will reduce the burden on your electricity bills significantly.
Miscellaneous Features
Even though the Godrej RD 1904 is a small-sized refrigerator, the interior of the fridge is very efficiently compartmentalized for storing possibly every kind of stuff for a family of 3.
The double-layered freezer section aids in separating ice cubes with things such as pastries for avoiding any kind of mix up between the two.
The toughened glass shelves separating the compartments can be used for storing vegetables for quick access.
There is a separate lower sliding section in this refrigerator that can be used for storing vegetables such as onions and potatoes.
Verdict
The Godrej RD 1904 is a very capable 190L single door refrigerator for a small family of 2-3 members.
The three-star energy efficiency rating and the inverter compressor makes this a very good deal within the Rs.15,000 budget.
Specifications
| Capacity | 190 litre |
| Star Rating | 4 star |
| Annual Electricity Consumption | 124 units |
| Compressor Type | Inverter |
| Defrost System | Direct Cool |
| Warranty | 1 Year + 10 Year on Compressor |
4. Haier HED-22CFDS
Value for Money Refrigerator
- 4-star BEE 2021 certified
- 1-hour icing technology
- Fully covered back section
Pros
Elegant design
Ample bottle storage space
Toughened glass shelves
Cons
Dull design
Haier refrigerators are some of the most sought after home appliances in the Indian market, thanks to the affordable pricing strategy.
The Haier HED 22CFDS is one of the latest products from Haier which is a 220L single door refrigerator with direct cool technology, priced at just Rs.16,590.
Design and Build Quality
The Haier HED 22CFDS has a minimal yet attractive industrial design, which looks pleasing to the eyes.
The outer chassis of this refrigerator is made from high-quality polycarbonate plastic material with an overlay of brushed metal finish.
The prominent vertical door handle makes it easier to open and close the refrigerator effortlessly.
The rear section of this fridge is covered with a metal plate for safety purposes.
The Haier HED 22CFDS comes with an option to manually lock the refrigerator door to prevent kids from playing with it unnecessarily.
Performance and Energy Efficiency
The Haier HED 22CFDS is powered by an inverter compressor which does a great job in keeping the food, beverages and vegetables inside fresh and healthy.
Being a direct cool refrigerator fitted with an efficient compressor, the Haier HED 22CFDS comes with 4-star BEE 2021 rating, which means you will save a lot when it comes to monthly electricity consumption.
Miscellaneous Features
Haier’s popular 1-hour icing technology is present and accounted for with this budget refrigerator as well.
The toughened glass shelves not only separate compartments but also serve as a holder to keep heavy utensils and other kitchen vessels inside the refrigerator without any issues.
There is an ample amount of bottle storage space inside this refrigerator.
The PUF insulation that runs around the refrigerator compartment keeps the refrigerator efficient.
Verdict
The Haier HED 22CDFS is a capable single door refrigerator priced affordably for well under Rs.17,000.
The power efficiency, quick cooling performance and overall decent build quality make this fridge a definite product to check out.
Specifications
| Capacity | 220 litre |
| Star Rating | 4 star |
| Annual Electricity Consumption | 130 units |
| Compressor Type | Inverter |
| Defrost System | Direct Cool |
| Warranty | 1 year + 10 Year on Compressor |
5. Whirlpool WDE 205 CLS 2S
Best All-round Performer
- 3-star BEE 2020 rating
- Easy manual defrosting
- Toughened glass shelves
Pros
Easy home inverter integration
Nine hours of cooling retention
Jumbo bottle rack
Cons
Noisy at times
Whirlpool is a legendary home appliance brand based out of the US as we all might know.
The WDE 205 CLS 2S is an entry-level refrigerator from Whirlpool with a 190-litre capacity that suits a family consisting of 3-4 members conveniently.
Design and Build Quality
This refrigerator measure comes with a 190-litre capacity in a single door configuration.
The size of this Whirlpool refrigerator is compact enough to be placed in a small to medium-sized kitchen easily.
The recessed pocket handle on this budget single door refrigerator adds a flair of appealing aesthetics to the unit.
There is a lock-in case you want no one to open the door which is particularly useful when you are away from your home for days.
Hardware Features
The freezer in this refrigerator is placed on the top. There’s no need to bend down to pick ice cubes for chilled beverages.
The large crisper helps you store all your vegetables in the refrigerator itself.
The defrosting in this refrigerator is of the direct cool type which consumes less energy compared to the frost-free units in the market.
Performance
This fridge has been given the 3-star 2020 energy efficiency rating by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency standards.
The rotary type compressor employed in this refrigerator has very low maintenance costs throughout its operation.
The compressor on this product comes with 5 years of warranty, disposing of any worries that you may have about the durability.
This energy-efficient refrigerator offers offline cooling retention up to 9 hours even when the power is off.
Miscellaneous
This refrigerator employs insulated capillary technology that conceals the refrigerant flow path with proper insulation leading to enhanced compressor efficiency.
This product comes with a built-in stabilizer as well to protect it from sudden voltage surges and fluctuations.
Verdict
In search of a single door refrigerator that won’t burn a hole in your pocket when it comes to power consumption? You’ve hit the jackpot.
With the chrome-plated handle and the overall pleasing design and the powerful inverter compressor inside, this refrigerator will be an asset to your kitchen for sure.
Specifications
| Capacity | 190 litre |
| Star Rating | 3 star |
| Annual Electricity Consumption | 168 units |
| Compressor Type | Reciprocatory |
| Defrost System | Direct Cool |
| Warranty | 1 Year + 10 Year on Compressor |
ALSO READ: Best Side By Side Refrigerators In India
6. MarQ 100BD1MQG
Cheapest Single Door Refrigerator
- Ideal for bachelors/small family
- Silent operation
- Toughened glass shelves
Pros
Stabilizer free operation
Eco-friendly refrigerant
Turbo Chill technology
Cons
Exposed coils and compressor
MarQ is the affordable consumer electronics arm of the popular Indian E-Commerce retailer Flipkart.
The MarQ 100BD1MQG is an affordable 90L single door refrigerator available for a dirt-cheap price tag of just Rs.7,999 in India.
Design and Build Quality
Designwise, there is nothing substantial to write about this refrigerator from MarQ. The single colour paint job over the all-fibre chassis is something we have seen with other single door refrigerators in this segment.
The quality of the materials used is decent, to say the least, but nothing extraordinary per se.
This single door refrigerator is available in different colour shades that you can choose according to the interior decor you’ve back at home.
There is no dedicated handlebar on this refrigerator but instead, you have to pull open the door from the slightly recessed portion on the side.
The rear section is exposed with the coils and the compressor left out in the open, which is not something we’d like to see in a modern era refrigerator.
Performance
The MarQ 170BD2MQB1 features a reciprocatory compressor inside that does all the heavy lifting when it comes to cooling.
MarQ claims that they have used industry-leading technologies to ensure that this compressor works silently without compromising on its cooling ability.
This compressor has the turbo chill feature that will turn water into ice within two hours inside the freezer.
Energy Efficiency
The MarQ 100BD1MQG is a 1-star BEE rated refrigerator that is rated to consume approximately 230 units of energy annually.
MarQ claims that this refrigerator can save you up to 20% in the electricity bill compared to a non-star rated refrigerator.
Miscellaneous
The MarQ 100BD1MQG uses the eco-friendly R600a refrigerant with zero ozone depletion and minimal global warming potential.
This refrigerator can handle occasional voltage surges, thanks to the robust circuit design and load testing under Indian conditions. You don’t have to purchase a stabilizer extra for this appliance.
Verdict
If you are very strict on budget and want an entry-level single door fridge, the MarQ 100BD1MQG is the cheapest refrigerator you can find right now in the Indian market.
Specifications
| Capacity | 90 litre |
| Star Rating | 1 star |
| Annual Electricity Consumption | 230units |
| Compressor Type | Reciprocatory |
| Defrost System | Direct Cool |
| Warranty | 1 year + 5 year on compressor |
7. Onida RDS1903R
Honourable Mention
- Power-efficient operation
- Reciprocatory compressor
- Excellent cooling retention
Pros
Attractive floral design
Child lock
Jumbo vegetable crisper
Cons
Exposed rear section
Onida is an Indian multinational electronics company headquartered in Mumbai. They are popular for their budget washing machines, smart TVs and ACs in the Indian market.
The Onida RDS1903R is a 190L single door refrigerator priced under Rs.12,000 competing with the likes of Whirlpool and Godrej.
Design and Build Quality
The Onida RDS1903R, as expected, has an all-fibre chassis with a glossy paint job and floral graphics stickers.
This single door refrigerator from Onida is available in two different colour options – floral red and blue.
There is a long vertical handle on the front door that lets you easily open and close the refrigerator door.
Onida has provided a key lock mechanism that will help you keep children away from unnecessarily opening and closing the refrigerator.
Unfortunately, the rear section of this refrigerator remains uncovered without any protective shield.
Performance
The Onida RDS1903R is powered by a reciprocatory compressor that does a decent job when it comes to cooling down the contents inside.
The freezer inside this refrigerator can prepare ice quite faster compared to some other refrigerators in this price category.
This is a 3-star BEE 2020 rated refrigerator with a rated annual energy consumption of just 171 units.
Miscellaneous
Onida has used an anti-bacterial gasket lining for the inside compartments to ensure the contents kept inside remain free from contaminants.
The advertised EvoCool technology aims to retain the temperature inside for longer periods even in the case of a power cut, which is still a common occurrence in India.
The large vegetable crisper inside lets you store a lot of vegetables inside, which is one of the main use cases of a refrigerator in village homes.
Verdict
The Onida RDS1903R is a feature-rich single door refrigerator ideal for small families with 2-4 occupants.
The patented EvoCool technology and the powerful compressor helps this refrigerator to be one of the ideal home appliances for a tropical country like India.
Specifications
| Capacity | 190 litre |
| Star Rating | 3 star |
| Annual Electricity Consumption | 171 units |
| Compressor Type | Reciprocatory |
| Defrost System | Direct Cool |
| Warranty | 1 year + 5 year on compressor |
This concludes our list of the seven best single door refrigerators in India under various price brackets.
We have done our best to find and review the best in class products that might pique interest in you.
If you are OK with extending your budget with a couple of thousand, do check out our article on the Best double door refrigerators for more choices.
If you have any suggestions or queries regarding this article, voice your opinion in the comment section below.
As always thanks for reading and have a pleasant day!
How To Choose A Refrigerator: Buying Guide For Single Door Refrigerators
Confused about buying a single door refrigerator?
Let’s walk you through the various aspects that you should be in touch with.
Trust us, this won’t be long and tedious.
So let’s get started right away! Here are the few primary concerns you should try addressing:
Price
Single door refrigerators are the cheapest among all types of refrigerators in the market. They are compact as well as lite on features.
As almost all the single door refrigerators in the market are of the direct cool type, the starting prices of these products are really low.
If you are low on budget and space, a single door refrigerator is your best bet.
Remember, lower the price, fewer will be the features as well.
If you are okay skipping some features, a single door refrigerator is not at all a bad choice.
Capacity
Capacity is directly related to the number of people in the household.
Single door refrigerators generally come in various capacities ranging from 99L – 250L.
This is sufficient in case you are a bachelor or for a small family of 2-3 members.
Blindly following the budget with no respect for anything else is a blunder.
For. eg buying a 99L refrigerator for a family of 5 isn’t going to work out so well.
Similarly, a 250L fridge for a bachelor too is a wastage of money as well as energy.
Coming to the lower end of the price spectrum, the 195L Haier HRD-1954BS-E comes with a price tag of just Rs. 12,690.
Everyone loves to have extra features that come in handy.
Unfortunately, the rock-bottom prices of single door refrigerators make it hard for the manufacturers to include features.
Not that these products are completely feature-less, we’ll discuss some useful additions that might help in the long run.
Frost-free Refrigeration
We had mentioned above that almost all the single door refrigerators come with a direct cool type technology.
Still, itching to find that one square peg in a round hole?
Is frost-free necessary? Honestly yes. This technology will defrost the freezer automatically.
Unless you want to manually remove ice formation inside the freezer, this technology is a welcome addition.
Anti-microbial Protection
Make sure the refrigerator you are about to purchase offers some form of protection from microbial growth instead.
A removable gasket or a special coating on the crispers may be sufficient enough.
Inverter Compressor
Inverter compressors are the most energy-efficient and maintenance-free type of compressors on the market.
Because these compressors don’t shut down and turn regularly, the wear and tear are minimal.
If there’s an inverter compressor within your budget reach, don’t think twice. Go for it.
Toughened Glass Shelves
Glass shelves are the pieces of glass that partition the interior of the refrigerators.
Single door refrigerators as a whole come with limited capacity compared to other types of refrigerators.
Having a toughened glass shelf means you can keep certain fruits as well as heavy vegetables on it without the fear of breaking.
Although it doesn’t make much difference having one is quite useful.
Built-in Stabilizer
This is a very important feature to have in a refrigerator, especially in our Indian conditions.
Almost all the refrigerators, no matter the price comes with one.
You should make sure that your choice has one or be sure to purchase an additional stabilizer.
Warranty
Most of the brands provide a warranty on the complete unit along with some additional warranty on the compressor alone.
For some brands, the compressor warranty maybe 10 years, and for some others, it may be 4.
Brands like LG and Samsung usually provide a 10-year warranty on their compressors.