7 Best Low EMF Refrigerators of 2022

The refrigerator. This important kitchen appliance is a must-have for any home. And while we don’t often think of our fridge as a significant source of EMF radiation, it’s worth noting that it is certainly a constant one. After all, your refrigerator is running 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The tendency of refrigerators to operate constantly can be problematic, from an EMF radiation standpoint. To make matters worse, many newer refrigerators come with features such as WiFi connectivity that alerts you when you are running low on an item and allows you to adjust the temperature from your phone. While convenient, this connectivity only serves to increase the amount of EMF radiation generated by the unit.

Even non-connected refrigerators can produce EMF radiation, however. All refrigerators use electronics to operate. This, in turn, leads to the creation of magnetic field radiation. And again, while this may not be significant, it is at least constant.

If you are trying to lower your EMF radiation exposure, then, it may be a good idea to look at what low EMF refrigerator options are out there.

Low EMF refrigerators

7. Sharp SJG2351FS French 4-Door Refrigerator. This freestanding refrigerator from Sharp has an extra-large, 22.5 cubic foot capacity. The humidity controlled crisper is perfect for keeping your produce fresher longer, and the open door alarm alerts you if the refrigerator’s doors are accidentally left ajar. The French-style doors provide additional space for storing condiments and other items, while the foldable interior shelves allow for the placement of tall bottles. The freezer includes an ice maker, as well, so you never have to worry about running out of ice. This fridge is Energy Star certified so it draws a minimal amount of power, as well. If you are looking for a sleek, stainless steel refrigerator with enough capacity to meet your family’s needs, this model from Sharp is an excellent choice.

6. hOmleLabs Refrigerator. The five adjustable shelves in hOmeLab’s fridge makes for easy storage of items, both large and small. This is a great refrigerator for an apartment or a tightly-spaced kitchen, although the 4.6 cubic feet of space in the unit’s interior is still roomy enough for all the basics. There is an additional 3.2 cubic feet of storage space in the crisper for fresh produce, and the freezer compartment offers 1.4 cubic feet of space there. The refrigerator’s front legs are adjustable to help accommodate uneven surfaces, and the door is reversible so you can set it up to be opened either from the right or left. hOmeLabs’ fridge also comes with adjustable temperature controls and it is designed to operate at 42 decibels, maximum.

5. Frigidaire FFTR1821TS Freestanding Refrigerator. This full-sized refrigerator from Frigidaire is designed to give you room for everything you need, and then some. It provides 18 cubic feet of cooling space total (14.1 in the fridge and 3.9 cubic feet in the freezer,) and comes with two sliding glass shelves, so you can easily slide the shelf out and access food in the back. No more digging around items or guessing about what you have in stock. The food offers additional storage for taller bottles, condiments, and other items, and the two humidity controlled crisper drawers are perfect for fruits and veggies. There is also a sliding compartment for lunchmeat and cheese. The stainless steel exterior is sleek and easy to clean, and it can even be purchased as part of a larger set with a microwave, oven, and dishwasher.

4. RCA RFR786 2 Door Apartment Size Refrigerator. RCA’s retro style refrigerator is perfect for those who need to fit a lot of character in a small space. The classic design and black exterior make this refrigerator make this refrigerator look like a blast from the past, but with modern amenities. Although the fridge is a compact size, the interior is quite roomy, with 7.5 cubic feet of capacity. RCA’s refrigerator is adjustable, as well — it features adjustable feet, adjustable shelves, and even an adjustable door that allows you to switch what side the fridge opens from. The interior lamp makes for convenient late night snacking, and the built-in thermostat allows you to monitor and alter the fridge’s temperature, as needed. If you live in an apartment or just have a smaller kitchen, this fridge may be just what you are looking for.

3. Danby DCR047A1BBSL Compact Refrigerator. Sometimes, you don’t need a full-sized fridge, but a true mini fridge is often too small to be practical. If that describes your current situation, Danby’s Compact Refrigerator may suit you perfectly. It features a crisper drawer, glass shelves that are quick to remove for easy cleaning, and a tall bottle storage compartment in the refrigerator’s door. This fridge offers a total of 4.7 cubic feet of cooling space, along with a 1.5 cubic foot freezer compartment. There is another removable shelf in the freezer, as well as a small compartment in the door for added storage. This unit is Energy Star compliant, as well, so it draws minimal power. The black stainless steel color and freestanding look make this the perfect choice for tight spaces or even as a secondary refrigerator.

2. Frigidaire EFR451 2 Door Fridge and Freezer. Another compact option, this classic, retro-style fridge from Frigidaire is made to fit in a small space while still providing plenty of room on the interior. With 4.6 cubic feet of capacity, adjustable glass shelves, and a transparent crisper for produce, this fridge can certainly fit the basics. It also has a tall bottle compartment in the door, along with a designated storage area for canned drinks. The freezer compartment is roomy, as well, with a removable shelf. Adjustable temperature controls allow you to find the perfect temperature for your groceries, and the stainless steel exterior blends in perfectly with most kitchens. Sleek, easy to clean, and functional, this is a great fridge for small spaces.

1. GE Appliances Freestanding Double Door Compact Refrigerator. If you’re looking for a secondary fridge or something to keep in the basement or your office, GE’s compact refrigerator is up for the job. With 3.1 cubic feet of capacity, this fridge is both Energy Star compliant and compact enough to fit in most spaces. The door offers tall bottle storage in addition to a can rack, and the interior crisper provides ample room for fresh produce. The freezer compartment allows for stacking of items as there is no built-in or removable shelf, and the freezer door provides additional storage space. GE’s refrigerator has removable glass shelves that are easy to clean, and the door swing is reversible for placement in any space.

Testing your refrigerator’s EMF levels

To see what kind of radiation levels your refrigerator is producing, you will need an EMF meter. These devices are useful for measuring EMF radiation all around your home, as well as from your refrigerator. If you have a smart fridge, you will need a model that can detect radio frequency radiation in addition to electric and magnetic fields. But if you are just using a basic refrigerator, you only need to worry about electric and magnetic fields.

Our guide to the Best EMF Meters For Any Budget can help you find an EMF meter if you don’t happen to have one on hand. These meters are an investment, but they come in handy often.

To test your fridge’s EMF levels, first unplug the refrigerator and take a few base measurements. Try measuring inside the fridge compartment, as well as next to it. If your fridge backs up to a shared interior wall, you may also want to measure how much radiation is present on the other side of the wall, as well.

Next, plug your fridge back in and wait a few seconds for it to fully power on. Then, repeat the measurement process. Take note of the levels and see if there are any spots for concern.

Reducing your EMF exposure

Reducing your EMF exposure from your fridge is somewhat of a challenge, as the fridge obviously needs to be powered on constantly. You can’t simply unplug it when not in use, because your food needs to be kept cold.

Rather, try limiting the amount of time you spend standing next to or in front of the fridge. The further away you are from a radiation source, the lower your exposure. And since most refrigerators don’t produce a ton of EMF radiation, just putting a few feet of distance between you and the unit can really make a difference.

Also, if you noted high levels of EMF radiation on the other side of a shared interior wall, you could consider painting that wall with EMF paint to reduce the amount of radiation that penetrates through. For that, you may want to check out EMF Paint: A Quick Primer.

Parting words

Being EMF-conscious doesn’t have to mean learning to live without your refrigerator. That simply isn’t practical in modern times. Instead, invest in a low EMF refrigerator and take basic safety precautions to lower your home’s EMF levels.