Price Range: $500-$600
Those consumers who are in the market for an economical top-freezer refrigerator particularly for use as a secondary refrigerator the Hotpoint HTS17GBSWW is worthy of consideration as it is a basic model and has the low price associated with being an entry level refrigerator. While the Hotpoint HTS17GBSWW is lacking of many performance and convenience related features it isn't totally devoid of useful features. For example, this model has a clear plastic crisper drawer and glass shelving, whereas a truly basic model might have drawers that are opaque and mesh wire shelving. Make no mistake though, the Hotpoint HTS17GBSWW is a refrigerator for those either on a budget or looking for a supplemental refrigerator, it isn't the model one would expect to see in an upscale kitchen.
As small top-freezer refrigerators go, the HTS17GBSWW is on the roomier side. With a total of 16.6 cubic feet that are divided by devoting 12.5 to the main food compartment and 4.1 to the freezer there is ample room for storing food enough for 2 adults. It is worth noting, however, that despite its relatively small size when compared to some of the newer side-by-side refrigerators the HTS17GBSWW is not particularly energy efficient, and will cost approximately the same to operate as some side-by-side refrigerators that are nearly 50% larger.
For storage Hotpoint has provided with HTS17GBSWW with a pair of fixed door shelves in the main food compartment that are the full width of the door and deep enough to hold a standard gallon jug. There is also a clear dairy compartment that is half of the door's width on the door. The shelf space in the main refrigerator compartment is provided by two glass shelves that are height adjustable. Although they are not humidity controlled, there are two clear crisper drawers, as well as a clear snack drawer rounding out the storage for fresh foods in this refrigerator.
Storage in the freezer compartment is provided by two full-width door shelves that are fixed in place. There is also a single wire mesh shelf, which is also fixed in place, that has a split level shape. As this refrigerator does not have an automatic ice maker, the shelf in the freezer was built with the ability to accommodate ice cube trays and an ice bucket, and to keep them apart from the larger freezer area.
Temperature is controlled via knob style controls on the top front of the main fresh foods compartment. This model is available only in white.
Hotpoint's goal with the HTS17GBSWW is quite clear. The company is attempting to provide consumers with a budget friendly refrigerator that will server their needs without breaking the bank. With its relatively large capacity, reasonable appointment of features, and in particular its low price, the HTS17GBSWW serves these goals. For those who are looking for a supplemental refrigerator, or who are shopping with a tight budget, this is a good choice.
