Midea MRU03M2ABB 3.0 cu ft Upright Freezer: features, specs and who it suits

The Midea MRU03M2ABB is a compact upright freezer in black with 3.0 cubic feet of storage. It suits small spaces where a second freezer is useful: a kitchen corner, an office or a dorm room. Here is what the specs mean and what to measure before you decide.

Capacity: what 3.0 cubic feet holds

3.0 cubic feet is about 85 litres. Midea describes it as ample space for frozen food. As a rough guide, that is enough for a modest stock of frozen meals, ice cream and bagged vegetables, but not a bulk purchase of meat. Upright freezers also make it easier to see what is stored than a chest design.

The shelves and wire basket can hold up to 105 lb of food, according to the brand.

Temperature control

An external mechanical thermostat sets the temperature, with Midea listing a range from 10.4°F to -11.2°F (roughly -12°C to -24°C). Midea says a dynamic cooling system cools more efficiently than other freezers. The control is a dial rather than a digital display, which keeps things simple but means you may want a freezer thermometer to confirm the setting.

Energy use and refrigerant

Midea lists an annual energy consumption of 240 kWh and an R600A compressor, which it describes as high efficiency. R600A is isobutane, a refrigerant commonly used in modern small appliances. Actual energy use depends on room temperature, how often the door opens and how full the freezer is.

Noise

Midea says the freezer runs at 42dB, quiet enough for homes, kitchens and offices. For comparison, a quiet library is often put at around 40dB, though any compressor cycling on and off may be noticeable in a silent room.

Fitting it in

Adjustable legs let you level the unit on an uneven floor, and a reversible door hinge allows the door to open from the left or right. The listed size is 21.3 inches deep, 19.7 inches wide and 33.9 inches high, and the weight is 52.9 lb (about 24 kg). That height is close to a standard countertop, but check the figure against your space.

Defrosting

The freezer uses manual defrost, meaning you periodically switch it off, empty it and let the ice melt. Midea says this keeps cleaning simple. Manual defrost typically helps keep food from drying out, but it needs a little planning.

Who it suits

It suits dorm rooms, small apartments, offices and anyone needing extra frozen storage near the kitchen without a full-size appliance.

What to check before you buy

• Space and clearance: measure the spot, and leave gaps for ventilation as the manual describes.
• Door swing: confirm which way the door should open, then set the hinge accordingly.
• Delivery path: make sure it fits doors and stairways.
• Power: use a suitable outlet as the manual says, and follow local codes.
• Defrost routine: be ready to empty and defrost it from time to time.

The short version

• A 3.0 cubic foot compact upright freezer from Midea, model MRU03M2ABB.
• Thermostat range of 10.4°F to -11.2°F, manual defrost.
• Listed energy use of 240 kWh a year and noise of 42dB.
• Reversible door, adjustable legs, shelves and a wire basket up to 105 lb.
• 21.3 x 19.7 x 33.9 inches and 52.9 lb.

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