RS
CriterionModel CUF14M2

Criterion CUF14M2 14 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer

4.14.1 out of 5Bottom Freezer·Under $1,000 (MSRP $600)
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Criterion CUF14M2 14 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer

Quick verdict

The Criterion CUF14M2 14 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer is a 13.8 cu. ft. bottom-freezer from Criterion in the budget tier. Annual energy use of 211 kWh runs about 42% below the median for bottom-freezer models we've reviewed. At about $600, it sits below the median price per cubic foot for this layout. Our reviewers rate it 4.1/5 — best for small kitchen households.

Best for

  • Apartments and dorms

Key specs

Capacity
13.8 cu. ft.
Dimensions
28.0" × 61.8" × 32.0"
Annual energy
211 kWh/year
Ice / Water
No ice · No water
Wi-Fi
No

Our Review

The Criterion CUF14M2 14 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer is a 13.8 cu. ft. bottom-freezer refrigerator from Criterion, sitting in the sub-$1,000 range. With a 9.8 cu. ft. fresh-food compartment and 4.0 cu. ft. of freezer space, it's positioned for apartments and dorms.

What stands out

At this price, Criterion delivers the headline specs (capacity, ice maker, ENERGY STAR rating where present) and skips the extras. If you need a working refrigerator and don't care about cabinet-flush styling or app integration, that's a fair trade.

Layout and capacity

Exterior dimensions are 28.0" W × 61.8" H × 32.0" D — check your opening, especially the depth with handles extended. Total useable capacity is 13.8 cu. ft., split 9.8 fresh / 4.0 freezer.

Bottom line

The Criterion CUF14M2 14 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer delivers the basics at one of the lowest prices in the category. If your goal is a working fridge with the right capacity, this gets the job done.

Full Specs

Capacity
Total capacity
13.8 cu. ft.
Fresh-food9.8 cu. ft.
Freezer4.0 cu. ft.
Dimensions
Width
28.0"
Height61.8"
Depth32.0"
Depth (with handles)34.5"
Energy
ENERGY STAR
Yes
Annual energy use211 kWh/year
Est. annual cost$34
Features
Ice maker
No
Water dispenserNo
Wi-Fi connectedNo
Smart featuresNo
Door styleBottom Freezer
Finishes availableStainless Steel, Black Stainless Steel, Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless, White, Black
Noise level

Pros & Cons

+Pros

  • Eye-level fridge section reduces stooping for daily use
  • ENERGY STAR certified for lower annual operating cost
  • Aggressive pricing makes it one of the cheapest ways into the category

Cons

  • No built-in ice maker on this configuration
  • Trim and drawer hardware feel lighter than premium competitors

Rating Breakdown

Overall
4.1
Value
4.3
Reliability
3.9
Features
3.5
Energy
5.0

Where to Buy

RetailerCurrent Price
Home DepotSee retailerShop at Home Depot
Best BuySee retailerShop at Best Buy
Lowe'sSee retailerShop at Lowe's

Prices and availability vary by region. We may earn a commission on purchases at no cost to you — see our disclosure & methodology. Affiliate relationships do not influence ratings.

Frequently asked questions

Will the Criterion CUF14M2 fit a 36-inch opening?+
The Criterion CUF14M2 14 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer is 28.0" wide. With the recommended ~0.5" side clearance, it will fit a standard 36" opening (34.5" depth with handles).
How much does the Criterion CUF14M2 cost to run per year?+
At the U.S. average electricity rate (~$0.16/kWh) and the model's rated 211 kWh/year, expect roughly $34 in annual operating cost.
Is the Criterion CUF14M2 ENERGY STAR certified?+
Yes — the Criterion CUF14M2 14 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer is ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it meets EPA energy-efficiency requirements for its category.
Does the Criterion CUF14M2 have Wi-Fi or smart features?+
No, this configuration is not Wi-Fi connected. If app control or remote diagnostics matter to you, look at Wi-Fi enabled models in the same price tier.
Does the Criterion CUF14M2 have an ice maker and water dispenser?+
No ice maker; no through-the-door water dispenser.

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