The LG Electronics LRBC20512 is an affordable bottom-freezer refrigerator that gives you a capable, energy-efficient design for less than $1,000. Of course, at this price point, you won't get all the sophisticated convenience and performance features you'd find in a higher-end model, but this is to be expected.

Despite its relatively low price, the LRBC20512 is definitely not a stripped-down model. For instance, this refrigerator has an automatic ice maker, as well as up-front electronic temperature controls. It also features a narrow, space-saving design, measuring just under 30 inches wide and less than 68 inches tall, making it a fine budget candidate for small apartments where kitchen space is at a premium. The LRBC20512 has a total interior space of 19.7 cubic feet, with 13.4 cubic feet of space in the main refrigerator compartment.

The LRBC20512's door bins are solid, and the door storage system is innovative. The single-door fridge compartment has one full-width bottom fixed shelf, two bins that cover two-thirds of the door width and one bin measuring one-third of the door width. The bins attach to tracks on the door and can be moved side to side or up and down as you see fit. There is also a convenient dairy compartment.

The refrigerator compartment has one full-width adjustable tempered-glass shelf and two half-width glass shelves, in addition to a snack drawer and two humidity controlled crisper drawers. The snack drawer and crispers feel sufficiently strong to hold plenty of groceries without failing, so feel free to pack in the deli items and produce.

One significant negative of the LRBC20512's design is its freezer door, which swings open instead of pulling out drawer-style. This makes it difficult to see and access whatever you may have stored there. On the plus side, this design does provide room for an additional fixed shelf on the door, which is handy for small, oft-used items. The freezer includes a pull-out white-wire basket and a pull-out freezer shelf with the automatic ice maker and bucket.

If you're on a budget and like white (the only available color), and you don't mind the limited features, the LG Electronics LRBC20512 is a sensible choice for smaller kitchens.


Pros: Space-saving design, good value for the money
Cons: Freezer opens like a door, relatively few features

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