The LG Electronics LRBN20512 bottom-freezer refrigerator is a medium-size model with a single fridge door and a swinging freezer door. The relatively low sub-$800 price tag makes it a good value for those who are on a budget but who want a quality-built bottom-freezer model.

This two-door configuration may be slightly uncomfortable to some, due to the fact that you will have to crouch down low to store and retrieve items stored at the bottom of the freezer. The LRBN20512 also lacks a standard automatic icemaker and has a relatively short list of convenience and performance features. However, it has a narrow profile, measuring just less than 30 inches wide, which makes it a great choice for small families, couples or singles who have limited kitchen space in which to fit a refrigerator. It has a total of 19.7 cubic feet of space inside both compartments, with 13.4 cubic feet of space in the fresh foods area and 6.3 cubic feet of freezer space.

The LG LRBN20512 is not especially energy efficient for a medium-size model in this configuration, though it is an Energy Star model. It uses about 482 kWh of electricity annually, so you can expect to pay around $52 to run it each year. That's not quite enough to break the bank, but there are more energy efficient models on the market with a similar capacity.

Inside the refrigerator are some handy features. On the door, you will find that you can arrange the bin configuration to your liking. There's a full-width stationary shelf and a clear dairy compartment, but there's also four gallon-size door bins -- two are three-quarter width and two are one-quarter width -- that you can slide either horizontally or vertically to customize your door storage. The main fresh foods compartment has one full-width and two half-width adjustable glass shelves, plus a glass shelf above the two humidity-controlled crisper drawers. There's also a clear snack drawer and upfront electronic digital controls.

Inside the freezer you will find a shallow full-width fixed door bin, one white wire drawer and one white wire fixed shelf. The drawer is exceptionally deep and can easily hold large items such as a big frozen turkey. Ice trays and an ice bucket are included, although this model lacks an automatic icemaker.

The LRBN20512 bottom-freezer refrigerator comes in white only. For those on a budget, or for those who have limited kitchen space but who are looking for a bottom-freezer refrigerator, this model could make a nice option.


Pros: Value priced, narrow profile, some nice features
Cons: Swinging door style freezer, not energy efficient, lacks some features like an automatic icemaker

Warranty
1 year, parts and labor; 7 years, sealed system