KoolMore KM-RUF-21S 21 cu. ft. Upright Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator Review
KoolMore KM-RUF-21S Upright Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator – Quick Summary
Best For: Households needing flexible fridge/freezer storage
Capacity: 21 cu. ft.
Energy Usage: 552 kWh/year (Energy Star rated)
Key Feature: 2-in-1 convertible design with exterior control panel
Pros: Intuitive digital controls, fast Quick Freeze function, spacious interior layout
Cons: Few shelves included, fixed door orientation
Our Verdict
An impressive appliance that offers next-level flexibility with its convertible design that switches between refrigerator and freezer modes in seconds. The KoolMore KM-RUF-21S is an excellent choice for space-conscious households.
The KoolMore KM-RUF-21S 21 cu. ft. Upright Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator takes an innovative approach to food storage with a 2-in-1 design that serves as both a full-size freezer and a refrigerator. A single appliance can now handle what used to require two, saving valuable floor space in the home. The quick conversion button allows you to change between modes in a cinch, making it suitable for busy families.
Available in both 17 and 21 cu. ft. sizes, the KoolMore KM-RUF series gives households the option to choose a capacity that fits their space and storage needs.
Key Features
- Convertible 2-in-1 design
- External digital controls
- Quick freeze function
- Automatic defrost system
- LED interior lighting
- Adjustable glass shelves
- Energy Star certified
Design and Build Quality
Style-wise, the KoolMore KM-RUF-21S has a clean, minimalist exterior that suits contemporary living spaces nicely. The silver model which we’re now reviewing, has a vinyl-coated metal door. It gives the look of stainless steel while keeping a smooth and modern finish.
Three color options are available. Silver, stainless steel, and white. The silver model strikes a good balance between style and practicality. But the stainless steel model is the one to go for if you want a real stainless steel finish. A large silver bar handle on the door provides a sturdy grip for easy opening/closing.
The cabinet feels well-built, with quality materials used throughout. The door closes firmly with the help of a magnetic seal that keeps cold air contained. While the smooth surface gives it a refined look, it can show fingerprints and smudges, so giving it a regular wipe down is advisable.
The appliance measures 76.7 inches high, 32.7 inches wide, and 28.9 inches deep, making it suitable for standard kitchen layouts. Two adjustable feet and two rear easy-roll wheels make positioning and leveling easier. One drawback is that the door is not reversible, which may limit placement in certain interior layouts.
Digital Control Panel and User Interface
The KoolMore KM-RUF-21S features an electronic control panel located on the front of the door, allowing quick adjustment of settings without opening the appliance. The interface combines touch-sensitive buttons with an LED display that shows the current interior temperature in real time.
Temperature adjustments appear immediately as the up or down arrows are pressed, allowing quick and precise control. The buttons are arranged in a compact vertical cluster, keeping operation intuitive and within easy reach.
The control panel includes:
Indicator Lights
- Hi-Temp: Activates when the internal temperature exceeds 59°F (15°C) for 36 hours.
- Door Open: Turns on when the door is ajar and flashes with a buzzer alert if left open for more than 300 seconds.
- Freezer Mode (Upper Point Light): Illuminates when the unit operates as a freezer.
- Refrigerator Mode (Lower Point Light): Illuminates when the unit runs as a refrigerator.
- Snowflake Icon: Lights up to indicate Quick Freeze mode is active.
Buttons
- Quick Freeze: Initiates rapid cooling for faster freezing.
- Lock: Disables all buttons temporarily to prevent accidental adjustments.
- Freezer & Refrigerator Conversion: Switches between modes when held for three seconds.
- Temperature Down: Decreases the set temperature in 1°F (or 1°C) increments.
- Temperature Up: Increases the set temperature in 1°F (or 1°C) increments.
Mode changes are confirmed with a beep and the appropriate indicator light. The LED display stays illuminated continuously so the interior temperature is visible at all times. The clean layout complements the KoolMore’s minimalist exterior, maintaining a modern and functional design that is user-friendly.
Interior Layout and Storage Options
The interior of the KoolMore KM-RUF-21S is clean and tastefully modern like the exterior. Its layout is organized for flexibility and ease of use. The lack of interior controls provides added space to make for a spacious interior.
Four adjustable glass shelves offer room for a wide range of food types, from tall bottles to bulk containers. There are only four shelf rails inside, so there’s limited flexibility to reconfigure the shelving layout. However, its interior height of 74.8 inches ensures there is ample space between shelves for fitting in larger sized items.
Two clear crisper drawers sit at the bottom and are suitable for produce, packaged meats, or frozen goods, depending on the selected mode.
For door storage, four adjustable door bins add extra convenience for frequently used items such as condiments, dairy, or beverages. The bins are removable for quick cleaning and can be rearranged to fit taller bottles when needed. Bright LED lighting positioned near the top provides even illumination across the entire interior, ensuring it’s easy to find items even when the shelves are full.
The design is minimalist and efficient, using space effectively without clutter or wasted areas.
Cooling and Temperature Performance
Like most upright fridge/freezers, the KoolMore KM-RUF-21S has an automatic defrost cooling system designed for steady, low-maintenance operation. Cooling performance remains consistent across shelves and drawers, supported by even air circulation that helps maintain uniform temperature distribution throughout the interior.
The Quick Freeze mode rapidly drops the internal temperature for faster freezing when needed. A snowflake icon shows when active, and the mode ends automatically once optimal cold is reached or after 24 hours to prevent excess energy use.
The appliance has a functional temperature range suited for both fresh and frozen storage. 2°C to 8°C (35°F to 46°F) in refrigerator mode and –12°C to –24°C (10°F to –11°F) in freezer mode. The digital display provides accurate readings and allows switching between Celsius and Fahrenheit, making temperature monitoring simple.
During frequent door openings, the internal temperature remains generally stable, supported by the door alert system that helps prevent prolonged exposure and temperature drift.
Energy Efficiency and Maintenance
Designed with efficiency in mind, this model is Energy Star rated, meeting modern standards for energy-conscious refrigeration. It consumes 552 kWh per year, maintaining balanced energy use in both refrigerator and freezer modes. While it lacks dedicated eco or low-power modes, its compressor and insulation are optimized for consistent, efficient performance.
The automatic defrost system functions reliably, preventing frost buildup without manual intervention. This ensures steady cooling and reduces the need for maintenance. Routine care is simple. Periodic cleaning of the condenser coils and interior surfaces keeps performance optimal. Removable shelves and drawers make interior cleaning convenient and thorough.
After a power outage, it automatically resumes operation with previously stored temperature settings, so a manual reset isn’t required. The combination of low maintenance, dependable efficiency, and reliable recovery features makes it a practical choice for everyday use.
Noise Level
Quiet performance is another one of the KoolMore’s positives, maintaining a consistent noise level of around 42 dB in both refrigerator and freezer modes. The compressor produces only a soft hum and the occasional click during cycling, typical of modern cooling systems but rarely intrusive in a household setting.
When Quick Freeze mode is active, sound output increases slightly, though it remains comfortably unobtrusive.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Convertible design allows switching between refrigerator and freezer modes
- Exterior digital control panel with real-time temperature display
- Energy Star rated for efficient operation and reduced power consumption
- Quiet operation (around 42 dB) suitable for kitchens and open living spaces
- Adjustable glass shelves and clear drawers make organization flexible
- LED interior lighting provides full, even illumination
Cons
- Limited shelving included compared to other full-size refrigerators
- Non-reversible door may restrict placement options in certain layouts
- Lacks an eco or power-saving mode
Final Thoughts
A convertible freezer refrigerator like the KoolMore KM-RUF-21S is a great appliance to have when kitchen space is limited. No longer do you have to put up with a small freezer compartment or need two separate appliances. Its quick-switch exterior controls makes it easy to adapt storage as needed, providing flexibility for seasonal use or changing household demands.
While the non-reversible door and limited shelving may not suit every layout or storage preference, these are minor trade-offs given the overall functionality. This is highly recommended for those who value adaptable storage and practicality, especially in smaller kitchens or secondary spaces where flexibility matters most.
FAQ: KoolMore KM-RUF-21S Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator
Yes. When operating in freezer mode, the KoolMore KM-RUF-21S reaches temperatures as low as –24°C (–11°F), comparable to a standard upright freezer. It maintains consistent cooling performance suitable for long-term food preservation.
After switching from refrigerator to freezer mode, the appliance typically takes about three hours to reach standard freezing temperatures.
Yes. It’s garage ready, making it suitable for placement in a garage or basement, provided the area stays within a moderate ambient temperature range (109°F max).