Product review (5 stars): The Avalon is a great little fridge that keeps drinks mega-cold AND has a separate freezer compartment ...
<div id="video-block-R3EQNDALENIKU9" class="a-section a-spacing-small a-spacing-top-mini video-block"></div><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/B1kOoUaQGnS.mp4" class="video-url"><input type="hidden" name="" value="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81c4sJ-t0-S.png" class="video-slate-img-url">Ive had a couple of small compact fridges before, but none with a separate freezer compartment.  Mind you, I never thought about the fact that Id ever want or need one, but since Ive been using this Avalon fridge, I must say I rather like it.  No, it won't fit a roast, but having a few Klondike bars (I ate some) and a few cubes was certainly a nice addition.  Not everyone will want or need the freezer compartment, but Im sold on it now that Ive been using it.

We do have a very expensive beverage cooler, one that my son calls a serious fridge, but this is a smaller version for smaller needs.  Ive been experimenting with turning the thermostat up and down just to see what goes on.  Ive gotten those Klondike bars so firm that chocolate coating crunches and, if I lower the dial, a bit on the soft side.  The temperature of this fridge is really versatile, one that I can tailor to my needs.

Most people will want to use this type of fridge as a beverage cooler and / or one to store a lunch or small amounts of food.  One thing I have learned from my own fridge is that if I overload it, theres a tendency for some foods is the main storage compartment to freeze.  I suspect the same thing holds true for the minis.  Now, with the Avalon, when I cranked up that thermostat, I got some mega-cold drinks.

At the same time I got mega-cold drinks, my apples did get a bit too hard ... as in almost frozen.  This is where the tailoring, if youd call it that, with the temperature.  If I want a mix of foods / drinks, I learned to moderate the thermostat.  In the hot summer months (like now), Im less inclined to want to store fruit and want those mega-cold drinks.  If I had the Avalon in an office setting for lunch / drinks, Id use a more moderate setting, one which gives me cold drinks and keeps my lunch at a safe, cool temperature.

The Avalon has a lot more going for it than the couple of dorm fridges Ive had, but its a bit pricier.  You do get what you pay for and the extra bucks are worth it to me.  I did a comparative price check and the price appears to be in line with what Im seeing out there.  The reversible door (right or left) is a definite plus as is the estimated yearly energy cost of approximately $25.  I thought it was going to spike my electricity bill and I was quite pleased to find it to be affordable, not outweighing a lengthy decision as to whether to buy or not for most people.

  PACKING:

Packing was superb and there were no outstanding issues.  It was double-boxed and had sufficient packing material to protect the refrigerator.  There were no dents or scuffing.  The strapping made it easy to move.  Obviously Id recommend not removing the strapping until you get it where you want it, although this lightweight Avalon is not awkward or heavy to move.  Remove the strapping, pull up the outer cardboard, then the inner.  The fridge is very well-packed, something I appreciate totally.  Attention to detail is what I like.

  ASSEMBLY:

The only assembly needed was to put the freezer door on.  I did like the positioning of the door so didn't have to change the swing.  There are three extra plastic plugs included for those just-in-case moments weve all had.  Losing a plug or breaking one can be some irritating.  Rather like having extra buttons for a garment.  Love it.  I did have to remove a bit of packing material, material such as tape of bits of cardboard used to protect the shelves, doors, freezer compartment, etc.

FEATURES:

  Adjustable Thermostat
  Reversible Door (Right or Left Swing)
  Convenient Racks on Door, Including 2-Liter Bottle Rack
  Adjustable Legs
  Separate Freezer Compartment with Cover
  UL Certified
  Manual Defrost
  Estimated Energy Cost $25 (Average 12 Cents per Kwh)

  LEVELING / CLEARANCE:

Now, there is obviously refrigerant in the fridge that needs to settle, but you can set everything up and wait to load.  The Avalon, however, can be plugged in while waiting.  I do know which areas in my house are level and which are not.  There are no directions for leveling, but the process is easy.  There are two leveling legs on either side on the front of the Avalon.

Take a carpenters level and place it on top of the Avalon and work with those legs.  You will need adequate clearance (2 to 3 inches) around this mini refrigerator.  There are many cautionary notes in the instructions, but as I always say, common sense goes a long way.

  TEMPERATURE  /  THERMOSTAT CONTROL:

The surface temperature in the main compartment when I had the thermostat on the highest setting was 32.  Now thats where youll get those mega-cold drinks.  Of course, as I mentioned, you won't want that if you are storing your fruit or lunch because its too cold.  The temperature will drop approximately 1 to 2 when the door is opened, but it has a rapid recovery time.

The main compartment is sufficient to hold food or drink for one to three people, but of course thats dependant on what one wants to stuff in there.  As I mentioned, overloading won't do this any favors and will freeze things in the main compartment.  Make sure you keep the seal clean to make it a long-lasting one.  Theres sufficient information in the Avalons Users Manual.  Its not lengthy, but well worth the read.

SPECS:

  Model:  A1-1.6CFSDBLK
  Voltage:  115V-
  High Side:  60 Hz
  Low Side:  150psig
  Rated Current:  60psig
  Refrigerant:  R600a. 0.53 Oz
  Volume:  1.6cu ft.
  Temperature Range:  32 to 50F  (approximate)
  Weight:  39.9 pounds
  Dimensions:  21.1 x 20.3 x 19.1

CERTIFICATIONS:

RoHS

Operation of the Avalon, of course, is intuitive.  There is a decent owners manual, complete with visuals for if  / when you want to change the swing.  There are the usual cautionary notes that should be read and followed.  Im definitely impressed with the performance, one thats based on experience with these mini fridges.  One thing I did notice was that a lot of the specs were similar to that of my expensive fridge, the one thats used in high-end hotels.

Obviously the look is much different, but those specs tell me the inner workings are quite similar.  I do love everything about this fridge, including the look, but do make sure you follow energy-savings guidelines or your yearly energy cost could jump.  Ive checked out several on the Internet and would recommend anyone considering purchase do the same.

Sample provided for review.