Best Refrigerators Under Rs 20000 – Top Brands


By Arindam Roy

In today’s world with the lifestyle we lead, we definitely need a refrigerator. Reason being, today’s fast paced lifestyle, climatic conditions, and especially in South Asian countries like India have made refrigeration of food a must.

The year-round summer is a wonderful perk. But it does not help with preserving food items for long periods of time, whether it is fresh food or cooked food. This is because the hot and humid weather allows bacteria to grow and spread faster. This ruins the food you store. Also, sweating in front of the cooker every morning, noon and night is a tough task.

Whether you are thinking of buying a fridge for the first time, upgrading to a better one or even looking to replace a broken one without spending too much money, don’t worry! We have got the answer to your problem. We have found the best and the most affordable refrigerators in India, under 20,000 rupees. Sure, to make your days better and life easier!

1. Samsung 324 L 2 Star Inverter Frost Free: Best Double Door Refrigerator under 20000 Rupees

Best Refrigerator in India Under Rs 20000

This refrigerator has a total capacity of 215 Litres. This is average in size and attractive and colourful in design. It is perfect for a household with more than 3 members. It has a high capacity of 181 Litres for fresh food storage; fruits and vegetables.

The freezer capacity is 14 Litres which is comparatively very less. At the same time, less freezer capacity would not be a problem to the vegetarians out there. This is because they will not need much space in the freezer to store meats, which take up a lot of space usually.

This model only needs a simple power socket since it only needs 95 volts for its functioning, because of the “Intelligence Inverter Technology”. It comes with the assurance of reliable functioning for 25 years due to the 10-year warranty given especially for the compressor. Plus, its annual energy consumption is 137 KWH and therefore has a 4-star rating for energy efficiency which is quite decent.

If we look at the inside features, the shelves are made up of “toughened glass”. This is an important feature when it comes to stacking up the container on top of a container of pre-cooked food and later curry to be reheated when required. Many people do this and many times damage the fridge as a result.

Another popular problem is power cuts. These cause many difficulties and disrupts daily life, especially during the drought season. Do not worry, this Whirlpool refrigerator automatically connects to the home inverter making sure the food inside is safe.

Most refrigerators out there are made to blend in with your furniture. But this comes in 3 vibrant colours and exotic floral designs to stand out while incorporating a slice of your personality.

The disadvantage of this Whirlpool refrigerator is in its old Direct-cooling and single-door features. The direct-cooling feature is economical because it consumes less power. However, it is a real problem to clean the ice out by hand. At the same time, because ice forms in the freezer cool air do not circulate equally throughout the freezer unit. This can affect in keeping food properly fresh at all times when stored.

As an extra feature, this refrigerator has a drawer in the base stand. This ensures that no extra place is needed to keep remaining vegetables and spices which do not need refrigeration.

Pros
  • Average size
  • Attractive color and decorations
  • Inverter
  • Low Voltage socket required
  • Low energy consumption
  • Toughened glass shelves
  • Base stand with drawer
Cons
  • Single-door feature
  • Direct-cooling feature
  • Low freezer space
  • Time and effort taken for De-frost

2. Whirlpool – 230 IMPRO ROY 5S INV SAPPHIRE FLUME: Top Rated Refrigerator Below 20000

Whirlpool SAPPHIRE FLUME

The 230 IMPRO ROY 5S INV Sapphire Flume is similar to 4S INV Wine Flume in every way apart from the colour and the increased energy-saving feature. This model comes in a beautiful dark blue with a similar floral design. It is average in size, similar in capacity, the voltage needed and special features like the inverter technology and the bases stand with the drawer.

The improvement comes in the form of having an even lower energy consumption compared to the one before. This has an annual energy consumption of 107 kWh. Because of this 5-stars were given for energy efficiency.

So, if you don’t mind the colour, this would be the better option to go for thinking about the economic benefit.

Pros
  • Average size
  • Attractive color and decorations
  • Inverter
  • Low Voltage socket required
  • Low energy consumption
  • Toughened glass shelves
  • Base stand with drawer
Cons
  • Single-door feature
  • Direct-cooling feature
  • Low freezer space
  • Time and effort taken for De-frost

Also read: Best Refrigerators under ₹25,000: Buying Guide

3. Whirlpool – NEO 258LH CLS PLUS GERMAN STEEL: Excellent Refrigerator under 20000

Whirlpool Refrigerator in India

The NEO 258LH is yet another model released by Whirlpool. It is one of the best refrigerators under 20000 in India. This is a good deal if you think of the price and the features included.

It has a decently large capacity of 245 Litres, with a 75 Litre freezer capacity and 167 Litre fresh food capacity. So, this large freezer is very useful for the ones who use the deep freezer feature. This helps to store up on some good meat, fish or to simply have all kind of frozen sweets at home.

The energy consumption is 244 KWH and a 230-volt power outlet is needed. It might not be the most economical, but this model is very convenient for all the busy people out there. This is because of the “No–frost” freezer facility. This does not need the removal of frost by hand and fresh air reaches all corners equally because no ice pieces are formed inside.

In addition, this model comes with the double-door feature, allowing food in the deep freezer to be preserved for a long time. This is because you would have the option to only open the storage area avoiding the freezer, depending on your need at the time.

At the same time, the toughened glass shelves and the stainless-steel body are highly beneficial. They increase the durability of the product similar to the ones before. This is one of the best refrigerators under 20000 available in the market.

As additional features, flexible air vents and antibacterial filters gives an opportunity for you to direct the cold air towards the areas you want to focus while protecting stored food from external bacteria. While the inverter feature is not available, the deep freezer continues to produce cold air at the time of power cuts through the “chilling gel” technology available.

Pros
  • Comparatively large size
  • Double- door feature
  • No-frost
  • Functioning during a power cut
  • Bacteria fighting filter
  • Toughened glass shelves
  • More freezer space
Cons
  • Lack of inverter technology
  • High energy consumption

Read more: Best Double Door Refrigerator in India 2021 – Reviews

4. Godrej – RD EPRO 205 TDI 5.2 PRL BLK: Magnificent Refrigerator with Floral Design

Godrej PRL BLK

This Godrej product is somewhat similar to Whirlpool 230 IMPRO ROY 4S and 5S when looking at features. This is a regular Direct-cooling refrigerator with similar toughen glass shelves, stainless steel body with inverter connection to make sure food is preserved with good freshness. It is easily one of the best refrigerators under 20000 in India.

Talking about its look, this model comes in dark, beautiful colours with floral designs. The single-door for both freezer and common section is there and also the base stand with drawer. This Godrej model is one of the best refrigerators under 20000 in the market.

The main difference is its energy-saving properties. This Godrej refrigerator has the highest rating of 5 stars. Although it needs a PowerPoint with 230 voltage, it only uses 120 kWh. The direct-cooling system helps save energy. Furthermore, it has a problem-free de-frosting system as well, making things easier.

As a disadvantage, its capacity is the lowest so far, with 156.6 Litres of fresh food space, 23.3 Litres of freezer space and a total capacity of 190 Litres. This is ideal for a small family of 2-3 members.

For more extra benefits there is the “Inverter compressor” feature. This allows less energy to be consumed since it controls the speed of the compressor when it reaches the needed temperature. Also, the durability of the unit increases due to the quiet compressor operation, bringing down the noise. This makes freshness of food last longer due to proper temperature control. It is cheap and makes life simple for busy people out there.

Although the “Manual De-frost” button makes things a little easier, it automatically switches off the fridge for 5-6 hours, which should be a time-related factor that you should keep in mind.

Pros
  • Energy efficient
  • More durable
  • Less noise
  • Toughened glass
  • Drawer at the base
  • Attractive color and design
  • Manual De-frost made easy
Cons
  • Low capacity – lack of space
  • Single door feature
  • Time taken for De-frost

Read here: Best Refrigerator to Buy under Rs. 10000

5. Godrej – R D EPRO 205 TAI 5.2 BRZ WIN: Energy Efficient & Durable Refrigerator

Godrej Refrigerator

Very similar to RD EPRO 205 TDI 5.2 PRL BLK, this refrigerator has a 190 Litre total capacity. It uses 124 kWh and 260 Volts power outlet. Therefore, energy consumption is slightly higher than the previous product. Although, a 5-star rating for energy efficiency is given, considering the inverter compressor feature available and the direct-cooling system. Like TDI 5.2 PRL, this also comes with the manual de-frost button for ease.

Apart from these features, the only difference is in the colour and the design of the body.

Pros
  • Energy efficient
  • More durable
  • Less noise
  • Toughened glass
  • Drawer at the base
  • Attractive color and design
  • Manual De-frost made easy
Cons
  • Low capacity – lack of space
  • Single door feature
  • Time taken for De-frost

You may also like: Best Refrigerator Under Rupees 15000: Top Brands

6. LG – GL-D241ASCY, GL-D241ARGY, GL-D241APZY: Attractive & Best Refrigerator

Best Refrigerator in India

All three of these refrigerators that come under the LG brand are the best refrigerators for under 20000. The following are the features common to all three:

All 3 have a total capacity of 235 Litres, with 200 Litre fresh food and 35 Litre capacity freezer storage. 143 kWH of energy is consumed per year, requiring a 230 Volts power outlet. It has an energy efficiency rating of 4 stars and a direct cooling system without fluctuation of air.

The smart Inverter Compressor helps save energy while making sure it works silently. The Smart Connect feature allows the fridge to be connected to the home inverter in case of a power cut. Like all others, this has toughened glass shelves for durability and comes in a single-door stainless steel body with a drawer in the base stand.

As an add on, there is a special lattice-type cover inside the vegetable tray. This reduces the evaporation of moisture from the fresh vegetables and removable shelves. You can take away the shelves, clean and put it back. The increased convenience in cleaning makes sure harmful bacteria is cleaned. This can reduce a lot of wastage.

The only difference is in the outer body decorative design that comes in two bright colours for GL-D241ASCY and GL-D241ARGY, while GL-D241APZY comes in a plain steel grey design.

Pros
  • Average size
  • Attractive color and decorations
  • Inverter
  • Low Voltage socket required
  • Low energy consumption
  • Toughened glass shelves
  • Base stand with drawer
Cons
  • Single door feature
  • Lack of de-frost button
  • Time and effort taken for De-frost

Relevant reading: Best Side By Side Refrigerator to Buy in India 2021

7. LG – GL-B281BSCX: Best Capacity Refrigerator under 20000

LG Refrigerator

This high-quality LG refrigerator is the highest incapacity so far with 35 Litre Freezer and 235 Litre fresh food space. But, at the same time, it is a little higher in energy consumption with 174kWH per year. Needed voltage is the same as the previous models. The high annual energy consumption has resulted in a 3-star rating for energy efficiency.

Apart from that, the features of this model remain the same compared to the previous 3 LG refrigerators. As a special feature, the toughened glass shelves have been improved to “Spillproof” material. This makes cleaning easier for you.

Pros
  • Best capacity so far
  • Attractive color and decorations
  • Inverter
  • Low Voltage socket required
  • Spill proof shelves
  • Toughened glass shelves
  • Base stand with drawer
Cons
  • Single-door feature
  • Lack of de-frost button
  • Time and effort taken for De-frost
  • High energy consumption

Also read: Best Single Door Refrigerators in India: Top Picks

8. Samsung – RT28T3032SE/HL: Great Refrigerator with Biggest Freeze Capacity

Samsung Refrigerator

After the Whirlpool NEO 258LH, this has the biggest freeze capacity from the list. This Samsung refrigerator has a total capacity of 253 Litres, with a 69 Litre Freezer capacity and a 184 Litre Fresh food capacity. So a family of 2-3 can comfortably use this. At the same time, this has the lowest energy efficiency rating of 2 stars. This is because of its annual energy use being 242 kWH and its need of a 220 Voltage power outlet.

In addition, this is a no-frost refrigerator which is great news when it comes to ease, but then again have a high-power consumption.

Like the smart inverter, this has the digital inverter compressor which works the same way. It automatically adjusts airflow speed depending on the need for cool air. This is an advantage in power efficiency while doing the job as quietly as possible.

To help you out in times of power cuts, the freezer shelf of this fridge is made out of a special “Cool pack” technology. Once it is properly cooled it can keep cooling until up to 12 hours without energy. As an extra advantage, this has a double door body, which helps save energy. It also keeps freezer food fresher since you would not have to open the entire two units just to grab something from the fresh food section.

Pros
  • Best freezer capacity so far
  • Double- door feature
  • Inverter
  • No- frost
  • Spill proof shelves
  • Toughened glass shelves
  • Cool- pack shelf
Cons
  • High energy consumption

Here are a few technical terms that you must be aware of when you are viewing the different types of refrigerators:

Direct-cooling

Direct – cooling refrigerators cool the air inside the unit through the natural process of convection. Then water vapour freezes on the surface of the fridge and you have to remove ice from your hands. Also, when there are pieces of ice formed inside the freezer, temperature circulation becomes uneven affecting equal freshness. The positive side is less electricity consumption.

No-frost

Frost-free refrigerators cool the air using electric fans. Therefore, ice does not form on its surface. Further, you do not need to remove ice with your hand. The negative is that this is greater in electricity consumption while being convenient.

Single door

All the sections of the refrigerator, including freezer and fresh produce compartments, have one single door.

Double door

The freezer has a separate door, allowing you the option to only open the compartment as you need. This is useful for preserving energy and freshness.

Inverter compressor

Basically, the compressor is what controls the temperature inside the refrigerator. As an article written by “Chores Simplified” says – “A compressor is the part of the fridge that converts the refrigerant from gas to liquid. It operates according to the temperature in the fridge: runs at full speed when it needs cooling down and stops completely when the temperature is low enough. An inverter compressor, however, starts slowly, then increases it speed and as the desired temperature is reached, decreases it again just enough to maintain the temperature.”

This has many benefits. It saves energy and increases the durability of the fridge. Also, promises freshness and helps the fridge run without any noise.

Stabilizer free operation

This means that the refrigerators mentioned have their own in-built power stabilizer feature. This is something in the form of an adaptor. So that you do not need to worry about the power going up and down, affecting your machine. It controls the power entering the unit through your power outlet at home.

Door lock

This is as simple as it sounds. The refrigerator comes with a lock and a key to keep kids away.

De-frost button

Some direct cooling refrigerators come with an in-built button to defrost. When you push this button, the refrigerator will switch off automatically for 5-6 hours. Basically, it removes ice formed inside and automatically starts again after the ice is removed.

Let’s look at a few commonly directed questions

How much unit of electricity consumed by refrigerator per day?

A domestic refrigerator uses around 1 to 2 kWh over a full day. 100 to 400 watts, but actually this differs depending on the size and compressor type.

Which refrigerator brand is best?

In terms of energy efficiency, Godrej is the no.1 brand to go to. If you want great variety and most up-to-date technology my choice would be to go for an LG refrigerator, but then again it should be kept in mind that everyone’s choice of need is different.

What temperature to set freezer and refrigerator?

It’s best to keep refrigerator temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). Keep the freezer temperature 0 degrees Fahrenheit, which is below 18 degrees Celsius.

Why ice forms in refrigerator?

This is not unusual. Depending on the exact place of ice is formed the explanation will be different. If it’s the far back wall, this is because that’s where the evaporator is located. But, if your fridge has shelves vertically this is greatly reduced. At the same time, if water freezes in the inside bottom of the fridge, this might be because your drain pipe is clogged. If that’s the case the drainpipe should be carefully cleaned.

There might be several reasons for ice formation:

  • Extreme outside temperature
  • Temperature thermostat being set too low
  • Frequent storage of food rich in moisture
  • The seal on the door frame not properly in place or damaged
  • Opening and closing the door too frequently

What will happen if refrigerator door is left open in closed room?

While this can result in ice forming in the refrigerator surfaces, the warmth of the outside can spoil your food inside. Due to its effect on the compressor, it’ll take a while to bring the temperature inside to return to normal (to cool). Most often, it does not damage the fridge.

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