BLACK+DECKER BUC1700XB Convertible Freezer Refrigerator 17 Cu Ft

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.

Pros and cons

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

Closest rivals on specs

Haier QHE16HYPFS 4-Door Refrigerator 16.4 Cu Ft

• Item Weight 165.3 vs 216 pounds (-23%)

GE GWE19JYLFS Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator

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NORCOLD N15DCSS DC Refrigerator with Freezer 15 Cu Ft

• Capacity 17 vs 15 cu ft (+13%)
• Item Weight 165.3 vs 238 pounds (-31%)