BLACK+DECKER 17 Cu. Ft. Convertible Freezer Refrigerator
- Refrigerator
- 17 cu ft
- Freestanding
- Steel
- Better rated than 59%
- More reviewed than 81%
Strong value if you want a second full-height unit that can be a refrigerator now and a freezer later. Measure the height first and plan around slow brand support.
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How it ranks among the 23 refrigerators we track
4.2★ across 123 Amazon ratings, Bayesian-smoothed toward the category average.
123 Amazon ratings, weighted on a log scale so huge counts don't drown everything.
Modest tracked demand last month.
Brand identity, imagery, description and spec coverage.
The ProductDome score is separate from the Amazon rating shown above: it combines the Bayesian-smoothed Amazon rating with evidence volume, tracked demand, and data quality across the 23 refrigerators we track - how the scorecard works · full refrigerators data report. Confidence: medium - useful but incomplete evidence.Last refreshed Jun 14, 2026. Data-computed, not a hands-on test. Compiled by the ProductDome Research Team.
Overview
The BLACK+DECKER BUC1700XB is a 17 cubic foot upright unit that converts between full refrigerator and full freezer through its LED electronic control. It is frost free and ENERGY STAR rated, with glass shelves, a reversible door and a black finish.
Convertibility is the reason to consider this over a plain upright freezer. A household that needs cold beverage and produce overflow this year and frozen bulk storage next year can change the appliance's job with the control panel instead of the credit card. It runs one mode at a time, so it replaces a second fridge or a deep freeze, never both at once.
- 17 cu ft convertible freezer or refrigerator
- ENERGY STAR rated, frost free
- LED electronic temperature control
- Reversible door for left or right opening
Who it's for
A sensible second unit for a garage, basement, in-law suite or a compact kitchen where a standard-width fridge is too wide but height is available. It will disappoint anyone who needs simultaneous fridge and freezer compartments, or who wants dealer-level service backing.
What buyers say
From Amazon customer reviews.
Buyers who admit they hesitated over the brand mostly came away satisfied, praising how quiet it runs, the amount they could fit despite the compact footprint, and the reversible door. Several use it as a refrigerator rather than a freezer and report it holds temperature without fuss. Height is the practical warning: one owner fit it with half an inch of clearance and tells others to measure. Two problems stand out on the negative side: one buyer received a damaged unit and spent a month without a response on the warranty claim, and the same person reports the delivery crew left it in the driveway rather than in the room.
Strengths and trade-offs
Drawn from this product's published specifications.
- Switches between refrigerator and freezer modes
- Frost free, no manual defrosting
- Glass shelves and quiet running
- Door can be hinged on either side
- One mode at a time, not a combination unit
- Tall cabinet, measure the opening carefully
- Needs a long upright rest before first power-up
- Warranty support has been slow for damaged units
Performance notes
Frost free operation means a defrost cycle clears the evaporator automatically, so packages do not weld themselves together and you never chip ice out of the box. That convenience costs a little energy and some air-drying of uncovered food, which is why ENERGY STAR certification is worth noting here. Expect several hours to pull down to setpoint after installation, and let the unit stand upright for a day before powering it up so the refrigerant settles.
Specifications
| Brand | BLACK+DECKER |
|---|---|
| Model | BUC1700XB |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item Weight | 165.3 pounds |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 31.9 × 28 × 68.1 inches |
| Door Orientation | Right |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Capacity | 17 cu ft |
| Power & efficiency | |
| Voltage | 120 volts |
| Construction & materials | |
| Door Material Type | Steel |
| Number Of Shelves | 4 |
| Color | Black |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Installation Type | Freestanding |
| Included components | |
| Unit Count | 1 |
| Included Components | Refrigerator/Freezer, manual |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | 1 year |
| Other details | |
| Specification Met | CSA, Energy Star |
| Item Type Name | Refrigerator/Freezer |
How it compares
This product against the closest alternatives we track in refrigerators.
| Product | Amazon rating | Ratings | ProductDome score |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 17 Cu. Ft. Convertible Freezer RefrigeratorThis product | 4.2 / 5 | 123 | 3.5 / 5 |
| Frigidaire, 2 Door Apartment Size RETRO Refrigerator with Top Freezer, Chrome Handles…Frigidaire | 4.4 / 5 | 265 | 4.1 / 5 |
| WESTLAKE 82" W Commercial Refrigerator 3 door 3 Section Stainless Steel Reach in Solid…WESTLAKE | 4.4 / 5 | 54 | 3.6 / 5 |
| Samsung 17.5 cu. ft. Smart Counter Depth 3-Door French Door RefrigeratorSamsung | 3.9 / 5 | 23 | 2.7 / 5 |
| LG 36 Inch Smart French Door Refrigerator with 28 cu.ft. CapacityLG | 3.7 / 5 | 9 | 2.7 / 5 |
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Questions about the BLACK+DECKER BUC1700XB
Common buyer questions answered straight from the product spec data - no fluff, no "it depends".
Can the BLACK+DECKER BUC1700XB be used as a refrigerator?
Yes. The electronic control converts it to full refrigerator operation, and several owners run theirs that way full time.
Which way does the BUC1700XB door open?
Either way. The door is reversible during installation, which owners note makes it easier to place in a tight alcove.
How long before I can plug in the BLACK+DECKER BUC1700XB?
Let it stand upright for roughly 24 to 48 hours after delivery. One owner powered it up too early and needed a second day to get it running properly, then reached 37F for fridge mode within 5 to 6 hours.