Cookology UCFR88BK Under Counter Freestanding Fridge Review

Have you been looking for a compact fridge that actually looks good in your kitchen and still gives you enough space for everyday essentials?

What You Get with the Cookology UCFR88BK Under Counter Freestanding Fridge

The Cookology UCFR88BK under counter freestanding fridge in black is designed to fit neatly under your kitchen worktop while giving you a respectable 93-litre capacity. You get a modern, stylish look, a reversible door, adjustable temperature control, and a quiet, energy-efficient operation that fits easily into everyday life.

Instead of feeling like a “secondary” fridge, it works well as a main fridge for smaller households, flats, offices, student spaces, or as a drinks and overflow fridge in busy family kitchens.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Before you decide if this fridge suits your needs, it helps to see the essentials laid out clearly. Here’s a quick overview of the most important details.

This layout gives you a quick snapshot so you can instantly see if the dimensions, capacity, and features will work in your space.

Design and Appearance: A Fridge That Actually Looks Stylish

You often end up compromising aesthetics when you choose a compact or budget-friendly fridge, but here you get something that looks surprisingly smart. The black finish gives your kitchen a modern, streamlined feel, especially if you already have darker or stainless steel appliances.

Because it’s freestanding and under counter, you can position it neatly under a worktop without needing a complicated built-in installation. This lets you keep a minimalist look and still have easy access to your chilled food and drinks.

How the Black Finish Works in Your Kitchen

You might be wondering if a black fridge will clash with your existing décor. In reality, black tends to work very well in a range of settings:

• In a modern apartment, it pairs nicely with matte black taps, dark worktops, or grey cabinets.
• In a traditional kitchen, it contrasts attractively with wooden cabinets or light-coloured units.
• In an office or studio space, it looks professional and clean rather than clinical.

Because the design is simple and clean, it doesn’t grab attention in a negative way. Instead, it gives a contemporary edge and can even become a subtle focal point if you keep the surrounding area tidy.

Build Quality and Materials

You’re not getting luxury-level build materials at this price point, but for an affordable under counter fridge, the overall quality is very respectable. The outer body feels robust enough for daily use, and the interior layout is practical rather than gimmicky.

The glass shelves inside feel sturdy and safer than wire racks when you’re storing small jars or awkward-shaped containers. The plastic of the drawers and door balconies is typical of this category, but as long as you treat it sensibly (no slamming or overloading), it holds up well.

Capacity and Interior Layout: How Much You Can Actually Store

Capacity numbers on paper don’t always tell the full story, so you probably want to know what you can really fit inside. With about 93 litres of capacity (and approximately 88 litres of usable space), you’re getting enough room for everyday basics for one or two people, or a very solid amount of overflow storage if you already have a main fridge.

Shelves and Main Compartment Storage

Inside, you get:

• Two full-width glass shelves
• One half-shelf positioned over the salad/vegetable drawer
• A salad/vegetable drawer for fresh produce

The two full shelves give you space to organise your food logically: for example, you can keep cooked foods and ready-to-eat items on one shelf, raw ingredients on another, and beverages or oversize containers where they fit best.

The half-shelf above the drawer is surprisingly useful. It gives you extra space for flatter items like cheese, deli meats, small tubs, or yoghurts, while still leaving enough height in the drawer for your fruit and veg.

If you like to batch-cook or store leftovers, you can fit several medium containers as long as you stack them neatly. It isn’t tall enough for something huge like a full-size cake box on a stand, but for everyday portions of pasta, curries, or salads, it works comfortably.

Salad / Vegetable Drawer

The salad or vegetable drawer at the bottom helps you keep produce separate from the rest of your food, which is helpful if you want to avoid bruising fruit or having leafy greens crushed under heavier items. The clear design lets you see what’s inside without pulling it fully out every time.

You can easily store:

• A bag of salad leaves or a lettuce
• Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, carrots
• A few pieces of fruit such as apples, oranges, or grapes

If you’re using the fridge in a shared flat or student house, this drawer can also be a handy dedicated “fresh food” space for one person.

Door Storage and Bottle Space

The door storage is where a lot of the everyday convenience comes in. Typically, you can use the door for:

• Tall bottles (milk, juice, soft drinks)
• Condiments (ketchup, mayonnaise, sauces, dressings)
• Smaller jars (jam, pickles, olives, spreads)
• Butter or cheese portions in the upper balconies

Because the door can accommodate taller items, it frees up the main shelves so you’re not wasting space standing bottles upright inside. If you often buy 1–2 litre bottles, you should be able to store a few in the door without trouble, as long as you don’t overload the shelves.

This makes the fridge ideal if you use it as a drinks fridge: you can line up cans on the shelves and keep bottles and mixers in the door so everything is visible and easy to reach.

Size and Fit: Will This Fridge Work in Your Space?

The physical size of the fridge matters just as much as capacity. With this model, the key measurements are:

• Height: 86.4 cm
• Width: 47.2 cm
• Depth: 44.6 cm

Fitting Under Your Counter

You’re getting a fridge designed to sit under a standard kitchen counter, but you should always check your available height, especially if you have very thick worktops or uneven flooring.

Because the height is just under 87 cm, you normally have enough clearance in most kitchens that use standard worktop heights around 90 cm, including a little airflow space. The adjustable legs help you raise or lower the fridge slightly so you can level it and align it with your counter.

The relatively narrow 47.2 cm width is useful if your kitchen is tight or if you’re converting a small gap into useful storage. Many under counter fridges are wider, so this can be an advantage when space is at a premium.

Depth and Clearance

With a depth of 44.6 cm, this fridge is on the shallower side, which means it won’t protrude too much past your cabinets in many setups. You’ll still want to allow some space at the back for ventilation, and a bit of extra room in front so the door can swing open comfortably.

If your kitchen is compact or you’re placing this in an office or studio where floor space is limited, the shallower depth helps keep traffic areas more open.

Reversible Door: Making the Layout Work for You

One of the most practical features you get here is the reversible door. This means you can install the door to open either from the left or from the right, depending on your kitchen layout.

Why Reversible Doors Matter

You might not think about door direction until you try to open a fridge into a wall, the side of a cabinet, or another appliance. With a reversible door, you can adapt the fridge to the space instead of having to rearrange your entire kitchen.

This is especially helpful if:

• Your fridge sits in a corner and only one side is open
• You’re in a rental property and can’t move cabinets or sockets
• You occasionally rearrange rooms, such as in offices or studio spaces

Adjusting the door direction is usually a straightforward process using the hinge points provided, but you’ll want to have a basic screwdriver and a bit of patience. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, someone handy in the household can typically manage it in a short time.

Adjustable Legs: Keeping Everything Level and Stable

Uneven floors are more common than you think, especially in older houses or converted properties. The adjustable legs on this fridge allow you to compensate for that and keep the fridge level.

Why Levelling Matters

You might be tempted to ignore a slightly wobbly fridge, but there are a few reasons you should take the time to adjust the legs:

• Door seal: A level fridge helps the door seal close properly, which improves efficiency and keeps cold air inside.
• Noise: A stable, balanced appliance usually runs more quietly with less vibration.
• Shelf stability: Liquids and food containers sit more securely on level shelves.

You can adjust the front legs so the fridge sits straight even on a slightly slanted or uneven floor, which improves everyday use and extends the life of the appliance.

Temperature Control: Keeping Your Food at the Right Chill

Temperature control is one of the most important aspects of any fridge, and here you get a simple mechanical thermostat. This isn’t a flashy digital panel, but it does the job reliably.

Mechanical Temperature Control

With a mechanical control knob, you choose a setting rather than a specific temperature in degrees. Once you get to know your fridge, you’ll quickly figure out which setting works best for your regular shopping habits.

Some tips you can use:

• Start at a middle setting for general use.
• If your milk or fresh meat doesn’t feel cold enough, move the dial slightly colder.
• If salad items are freezing, move the dial slightly warmer.

Because there’s no complicated interface, there’s less to go wrong. It’s also very easy for anyone in your household to adjust, without needing a manual or guessing what icons mean.

Energy Efficiency and Running Costs

Energy ratings changed in recent years, which is why you might notice “A+” mentioned together with an “Energy Class F” label. Under the older system, this fridge was rated A+, which was considered good at the time. The new rating system is stricter and re-labeled most appliances.

What the Energy Class F Rating Means for You

The official rating under the updated system is F, but the important detail for you is the annual energy usage of around 107 kWh. To translate that into real terms:

• If you pay, for example, £0.30 per kWh, the estimated annual running cost is around £32 (actual numbers will vary with your tariff).
• For a compact fridge, that’s modest and manageable for everyday use.

You’re getting an appliance that runs quietly and economically enough to keep your bills under control, especially if you’re replacing an older, less efficient fridge.

Noise Level: Quiet Enough for Open Spaces

At around 41 dB, this fridge operates on the quiet side. To put that in context:

• Regular conversation is typically 60 dB or higher.
• 40 dB is similar to a quiet library or a soft background hum.

You’ll hear the compressor occasionally when it cycles on, but it shouldn’t dominate the room. This makes it suitable for:

• Studio flats where your bed is near the kitchen
• Open-plan living areas
• Office kitchens or break rooms

If you’re sensitive to noise, you’ll likely still find it acceptable, especially once you’re used to the minor cycling sounds all fridges produce.

Manual Defrost: What You Need to Know

This fridge uses manual defrost, not auto-defrost. That means you’ll occasionally need to defrost it yourself, but the process is simple.

How Defrosting Affects You

Over time, a bit of ice or frost can build up on the back wall or around the cooling area. When that happens, the fridge runs less efficiently and can slightly reduce the usable space. With manual defrost:

• You switch off the fridge for a short time
• Remove your food items temporarily
• Allow the ice to melt and wipe away any excess water

If you keep the door closed properly and avoid leaving it open for long periods, frost build-up should be moderate. Usually, you’ll only need to defrost occasionally, and you can plan it for a time when your fridge is less full.

While automatic defrost is more convenient, manual defrost systems are simpler, cheaper, and reliable as long as you’re willing to perform this basic maintenance every so often.

Everyday Use: What It’s Like to Live with This Fridge

Beyond specs and features, you probably want to know how the fridge feels in daily life. You can think of it in terms of convenience, organisation, and flexibility.

For Small Households and Flats

If you’re living alone or with one other person, this fridge can comfortably be your main fridge. You can store:

• A few days’ worth of fresh meat or fish
• Dairy products like milk, cheese, yoghurt, and butter
• Fresh vegetables and salad items in the drawer
• Leftovers and meal prep containers
• A selection of drinks and condiments

If you tend to shop more frequently in smaller amounts, the space is more than enough. You’re not paying to run a half-empty full-size fridge, and your food is less likely to be forgotten in deep corners.

As a Secondary or Drinks Fridge

For a family home, this model works well as:

• A drinks fridge in the kitchen, dining room, or utility area
• Extra storage for busy times like holidays or parties
• A dedicated fridge for certain items (e.g., vegetarian food, baby food, or special diets)

You can stock it with soft drinks, mixers, wine, and snacks, keeping the main fridge focused on everyday cooking ingredients. Because the door shelves and glass shelves give a good clear layout, you can see what you have at a glance.

In Offices, Studios, or Guest Spaces

If you’re equipping a small office or studio space, this fridge hits a practical balance between size and capacity. You can store:

• Staff lunches and snacks
• Milk and drinks for coffee and tea
• Simple refreshments for visitors

The smart black look stops it from feeling like a cheap utility appliance and makes it blend more readily into professional or creative environments.

Installation and Setup

Getting this fridge up and running is straightforward. You don’t need any plumbing or specialist installation.

Steps You’ll Typically Follow

When you first receive it, you’ll usually:

1. Position the fridge in its place under your counter, leaving a bit of space at the back for airflow.
2. Adjust the legs to level it so it doesn’t wobble and the door closes properly.
3. Decide on the door direction. If you want to change it from the factory setting, you can switch the hinges following the included instructions.
4. Plug it in and allow it to cool down for a few hours before loading it with a full shop.
5. Set the thermostat to a middle position and fine-tune once you’ve used it for a day or two.

It’s helpful to wipe the interior quickly with a mild, food-safe cleaner or warm soapy water before first use, just to freshen it up from transit and packaging.

Maintenance and Cleaning

You don’t need to do anything complicated to keep this fridge running well, but a bit of regular care goes a long way.

Routine Cleaning

Every few weeks, you can:

• Remove any expired food or spills.
• Wipe the shelves, drawers, and door balconies with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
• Dry everything thoroughly before putting it back in place.

The glass shelves are easier to clean than wire racks because you can simply wipe them down or remove them to wash in the sink. This helps you quickly deal with spills and leaks from containers.

Keeping It Efficient

To get the best performance and efficiency, you can:

• Avoid overloading it, especially blocking the back area where cold air circulates.
• Keep the door closed as much as possible rather than standing with it open.
• Check the door seal occasionally to make sure it’s closing snugly.
• Perform manual defrost when you notice noticeable frost build-up.

These simple habits help your fridge maintain a steady temperature and reduce unnecessary energy use.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced Look

Every appliance has strengths and limitations, and this fridge is no exception. Seeing both sides helps you decide if it matches your priorities.

What You’re Likely to Appreciate

• Stylish black finish that looks more premium than many compact fridges.
• Compact width and depth for tight or narrow spaces.
• Reversible door to match your kitchen layout.
• Glass shelves and decent layout for neat organisation.
• Quiet 41 dB operation suitable for open-plan and small spaces.
• Reasonable running costs with around 107 kWh/year.
• Adjustable legs for levelling on uneven floors.

Altogether, these points give you a fridge that fits easily into smaller homes and secondary spaces without looking out of place or feeling flimsy for the price.

Where You Might Feel Restricted

• Energy class F on the new rating scale may not appeal if you’re focused solely on the label, even though real usage is moderate.
• Manual defrost means you need to occasionally handle defrosting yourself.
• No freezer compartment (it’s a larder fridge), so you’ll need a separate freezer if you regularly store frozen foods.
• Compact capacity is excellent for smaller households or secondary use, but may feel limited as a sole fridge for a larger family.

If you understand these limitations going in, you’re less likely to be disappointed and more likely to appreciate what it does well within its category.

Who This Fridge Suits Best

To decide if this specific model is the right match for you, it helps to picture how you’ll actually use it.

Ideal Use Cases

You’re likely to be happy with the Cookology UCFR88BK if:

• You live alone or as a couple and prefer a compact main fridge.
• You want an under counter fridge that looks good in a modern or stylish kitchen.
• You’re setting up a student flat, small rental, or annex and need reliable cooling without spending a fortune.
• You need a second fridge for drinks, parties, or overflow storage.
• You run a small office, waiting room, or studio and want something quiet and presentable.

In these scenarios, the size, design, and features align very well with typical needs.

Situations Where You Might Want Something Else

You might want to consider a different model or an additional appliance if:

• You have a large family that buys big weekly shops and needs a lot of space.
• You want a built-in unit that integrates behind cabinet doors rather than a freestanding appliance.
• You absolutely require an automatic defrost system and never want to deal with manual defrosting.
• You need a combined fridge-freezer rather than a fridge-only unit.

In those cases, you might still use this as a secondary fridge, but you would likely need something larger as your main food storage.

How to Get the Most Out of the 93-Litre Capacity

If you decide this fridge suits your situation, a bit of smart organisation helps you make the most of the space.

Practical Organisation Tips

You can get more usable room by:

• Grouping similar items together (dairy on one shelf, meats on another, leftovers in one area).
• Using stackable containers for leftovers and prepped food that fit neatly on shelves.
• Storing tall bottles in the door rather than on main shelves to free up depth.
• Using the half-shelf strategically for flatter items, cheese, or deli meats.
• Keeping the salad drawer for fruit and veg so they don’t get crushed under heavier items.

With those habits, the 93-litre capacity feels more generous than you might initially expect, especially if you prefer fresh food and regular top-up shopping.

Final Thoughts on the Cookology UCFR88BK Under Counter Freestanding Fridge

You’re getting a compact, stylish under counter fridge that balances function, appearance, and affordability. The black finish helps your kitchen look more modern, while the reversible door, adjustable legs, and logical interior layout keep day-to-day use simple and practical.

You need to be comfortable with manual defrost and the fact that it’s a fridge-only unit, but if your priority is a neat, quiet, under counter appliance for small households, flats, offices, or as a second fridge, the Cookology UCFR88BK fits that role very well.

If you want something that looks smart, fits easily under your counter, and gives you enough chilled space for everyday essentials without overcomplicating things, this fridge is a strong option to consider.

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