For those looking for a small top-freezer refrigerator either for their kitchens or as a second refrigerator for a pantry or basement, the Hotpoint HTS17GBSWW is a solid, basic model sold at a low price. Although this unit lacks many performance and convenience features, it's not a bare-bones model by any means. It has some upscale features such as clear humidity-controlled crisper drawers and glass shelves, whereas a very basic model might have opaque drawers and wire shelving. That said, the HTS17GBSWW is in the budget category and likely wouldn't be appropriate as a main fridge in an upscale kitchen.

This model happens to be on the roomy side of the small top-freezer category, as it has a total of 16.6 cubic feet of space. The main compartment has a capacity of 12.5 cubic feet; the freezer has a capacity of 4.1 cubic feet. However, this model is not especially energy efficient; it uses about 464 kWh of electricity a year, and with current energy prices, that should cost about $51 to operate on an annual basis.

Hotpoint has decked out the HTS17GBSWW with two full-width fixed door shelves and a clear half-width dairy compartment. The shelves are deep enough to accommodate gallon-size containers. Within the main fresh foods compartment are two full-width glass shelves that are adjustable for height. There's also two clear crisper drawers, although they are not humidity-controllable. This fridge has a clear snack drawer in the fresh foods compartment.

The freezer has two fixed full-width door shelves. In the main compartment is a fixed white wire shelf in a two-level shape. The shelf can accommodate ice cube trays and an ice bucket, keeping them separated from the other items in the larger portion of the freezer compartment. Knob-type temperature controls are on the top, front of the main fresh foods compartment. This model comes in white only.

A lot of fridge for a bargain price, Hotpoint's HTS17GBSWW top-freezer refrigerator has some nice interior features that are typically found in more expensive models. This model is a great choice for smaller kitchens or as an extra pantry fridge, and for those on a budget.


Pros: Some upscale features, bargain price
Cons: Somewhat basic model, not energy efficient

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor