The short answer? The **Commercial Cool 18.9 Cu. Ft.
French Door Refrigerator** offers a ton of space for its footprint, making it a tempting option for basements, garages, or home offices where you need serious cold storage without the premium price tag of major kitchen brands.
But here’s the honest take: it’s a solid utility fridge, not a showpiece for your kitchen. Based on verified buyer feedback and a deep dive into the specs, it wins on sheer volume and value, but you trade off a few things in fit-and-finish and noise levels. If you need a reliable, frost-free, extra fridge to stock up on groceries or stash drinks, this is worth a serious look.
Let’s break down exactly where it shines and where it falls short.
What it is
The Commercial Cool CCRF1890KW is a 33-inch wide, 18.9 cubic foot French door refrigerator. It’s a “bottom-freezer” layout with two pull-out drawers below and a spacious fridge section with adjustable glass shelves above. This model is positioned as a value-oriented appliance for secondary locations or for buyers who want a nearly 19-cubic-foot capacity without spending the kind of money that a comparable LG or GE Profile would demand.
Manufacturer specifications indicate it uses Automatic Defrost (frost-free) technology, features LED interior lighting, and includes a digital temperature control panel mounted on the front. It’s not trying to be a luxury kitchen centerpiece. It’s trying to be the biggest fridge for the lowest price, and in that mission, it mostly succeeds.
Setup & first impressions
According to aggregate user reviews, the Commercial Cool arrives in a large cardboard box with styrofoam blocks holding the doors shut. Buyers consistently report that it requires the standard 24-hour settling period after unboxing before plugging it in, as recommended by the manufacturer.
The first impression is mostly about the size. It is tall and deep, and several verified reviews mention that two people are needed to safely bring it inside and remove the packaging. The interior feels cavernous, especially the main fridge compartment.
The wire shelves are adjustable, which is great for stashing tall bottles or large platters. The freezer drawers slide out smoothly on rails, though some users note they feel a little lightweight compared to a premium brand.
The initial setup is straightforward: peel off the plastic film, plug it in, and set the temperature on the digital display. Some buyers reported the unit was louder than expected right out of the box, with a noticeable compressor hum, which is a common theme in the feedback.
| Total Capacity | 18.9 Cu. Ft. |
| Width | 33 inches |
| Freezer Type | Two pull-out drawers (bottom mount) |
| Defrost Type | Frost-Free (Auto Defrost) |
| Cooling System | Compressor, Fan-Forced |
| Interior Lighting | LED |
| Control Type | Digital Temperature Display (External) |
| Ice Maker | Not included (internal bucket only) |
| Finish | White (Model CCRF1890KW) |
| Warranty | 1 Year Parts and Labor |
Daily-use experience
Storage and flexibility
The 18.9-cubic-foot capacity is the main event here. You can fit a full week’s worth of groceries for a family, plus bulky items like a large sheet cake or a full turkey platter. The fridge shelves are made of heavy-duty wire, not glass, which is a compromise but makes them shatter-proof.
The adjustable split shelves let you reconfigure the space for tall bottles or multiple gallons of milk. The two humidity-controlled crisper drawers at the bottom are wide and deep enough for a large batch of lettuce and other produce. The freezer drawers are also a highlight, offering good capacity for frozen pizzas, bags of vegetables, and ice cream containers.
Noise and cooling
This is where the feedback gets consistent and a little negative. The compressor is not quiet. Many owners describe it as a “loud hum” or a “buzzing” that is distinctly noticeable in a quiet room.
It’s definitely louder than a typical modern kitchen refrigerator from a major brand.
On the positive side, the cooling performance is generally reliable. External digital temperature control allows for precise settings, a full-featured benefit for a unit at this price point. The frost-free operation works as advertised.
The internal fan can also be a bit noisy when it cycles on, which is a standard characteristic for this type of budget-friendly cooling system.
Build quality and finish
The unit uses a lot of plastic. The digital display feels functional but a bit basic. The handles on the French doors are sturdy, but the overall cabinet feels thin-sided compared to a premium model.
The white finish is standard and shows fingerprints easily, but it is easy to clean.
Some long-term buyer reviews mention that after a year or two, the door gaskets can show wear, something to keep in mind if you are moving the fridge frequently. One common piece of advice from owners is to make sure it is on a level surface, as an uneven floor can increase the noise and vibration significantly.
✓ Pros
- Massive 18.9 cubic foot capacity for a standard 33-inch width — maximizes every inch of floor space
- French door design with two freezer drawers makes organization and access very convenient
- Frost-free operation eliminates manual defrosting, a big upgrade from older garage fridges
- Digital temperature control is accurate and easy to set for specific cooling needs
- Adjustable wire shelves and deep crisper drawers offer flexible storage for tall or bulky items
✗ Cons
- Compressor and fan noise is significantly louder than a standard kitchen refrigerator, a consistent complaint in buyer reviews
- Build quality feels entry-level with plastic components and wire shelves instead of spill-proof glass
- No through-door ice and water dispenser is available, which some families expect at this size
- Interior layout lacks a dedicated deli drawer or specialized compartments found on pricier models
Who should buy it
Buy it if you…
You are outfitting a garage, workshop, or basement and need a huge fridge for storing bulk groceries, drinks, and meal-prep containers. If you are on a budget and value maximum cubic footage above all else, this is a strong contender. It also works well for a rental property or an office break room where noise is less of a concern than total storage capacity.
Skip it if you…
The refrigerator will be in your main kitchen or an open-plan living area. The noise is a dealbreaker for those spaces. If you want a quiet, premium-feeling appliance with glass shelves, a sleek stainless steel finish, and a reliable ice maker, you should look at a different brand like the GE GNE27J or the LG LRFLC2706S.
Better alternatives
If you are willing to spend a bit more, the GE Profile PGE29BYT offers French doors with a much quieter compressor and a built-in water dispenser. For a similar price point but a smaller footprint, the Frigidaire Gallery GRQC2255BF is quieter and has better overall build consistency, though it has less total capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Commercial Cool refrigerator loud?
Based on our research, yes, it is louder than average. Many verified buyer reviews mention a constant compressor hum and a fan that cycles on and off with a noticeable buzz. It’s a common complaint.
If you are placing it in a quiet living space, noise may be an issue.
Does it come with an ice maker?
No, this model does not include an automatic ice maker. It has a standard ice cube tray and a small bin inside the freezer, but there is no water line hookup for an in-door ice dispenser. You will need to fill trays manually.
How wide is it?
The Commercial Cool 18.9 Cu Ft French is 33 inches wide. This is a standard width for a French door refrigerator, making it easy to fit into most spaces designed for this layout. Measure your opening to be sure, as it still needs some ventilation space on the sides.
Is it frost-free?
Yes, the manufacturer specifications confirm this is a frost-free model. That means you do not need to manually defrost it every few months, which is a significant convenience upgrade compared to older garage fridges.
What kind of warranty does it have?
It comes with a 1-year warranty for parts and labor. This is a standard warranty for budget-oriented appliances. Some users felt a longer warranty would give more peace of mind.
For a secondary fridge, it is likely acceptable.
Can the doors be reversed?
The manufacturer documentation indicates the doors are not designed to be reversible. The hinge configuration is set from the factory. Make sure your space allows the doors to open on the standard side.
Final verdict
3.7 out of 5 stars.
If your number one priority is getting the most refrigerator and freezer space for the lowest price, and you are willing to accept a higher noise floor and a less premium interior, the Commercial Cool 18.9 Cu Ft French is a solid choice. It excels as a secondary refrigerator for bulk storage in a garage, basement, or utility room.
You get the convenience of a French door layout, frost-free operation, and a very large freezer for a surprisingly low cost. It will not win any style points, and it will not disappear into the background noise of your home. But it will keep your food cold and your drinks ice-cold.
It’s a workhorse, not a show pony.
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes my recommendation, I only suggest gear I'd actually buy myself.
1. Commercial Cool 18.9 Cu Ft French
Based on our research, this is the best value for sheer cubic footage in the budget secondary fridge category. It is not perfect, but for a garage or basement setup, it delivers on its core promise.
