RS
MarathonModel MAR86W

Marathon MAR86W 8 cu. ft. Compact

3.93.9 out of 5Mini & Compact·Under $1,000 (MSRP $250)
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Marathon MAR86W 8 cu. ft. Compact

Quick verdict

The Marathon MAR86W 8 cu. ft. Compact is an 8.5 cu. ft. compact from Marathon in the budget tier. Annual energy use of 235 kWh runs about 59% below the median for compact models we've reviewed. At about $250, it sits below the median price per cubic foot for this layout. Our reviewers rate it 3.9/5 — best for small kitchen households.

Best for

  • Apartments and dorms
  • Offices and bars

Key specs

Capacity
8.5 cu. ft.
Dimensions
22.9" × 56.6" × 22.0"
Annual energy
235 kWh/year
Ice / Water
No ice · No water
Wi-Fi
No

Our Review

The Marathon MAR86W 8 cu. ft. Compact is a 8.5 cu. ft. compact refrigerator from Marathon, sitting in the sub-$1,000 range. With a 7.2 cu. ft. fresh-food compartment and 1.3 cu. ft. of freezer space, it's positioned for apartments and dorms.

What stands out

At this price, Marathon 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 22.9" W × 56.6" H × 22.0" D — check your opening, especially the depth with handles extended. Total useable capacity is 8.5 cu. ft., split 7.2 fresh / 1.3 freezer.

Bottom line

The Marathon MAR86W 8 cu. ft. Compact 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
8.5 cu. ft.
Fresh-food7.2 cu. ft.
Freezer1.3 cu. ft.
Dimensions
Width
22.9"
Height56.6"
Depth22.0"
Depth (with handles)24.5"
Energy
ENERGY STAR
Yes
Annual energy use235 kWh/year
Est. annual cost$38
Features
Ice maker
No
Water dispenserNo
Wi-Fi connectedNo
Smart featuresNo
Door styleSingle Door
Finishes availableStainless Steel, Black Stainless Steel, Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless, White, Black
Noise level

Pros & Cons

+Pros

  • Compact footprint fits dorms, bars, and offices
  • 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
3.9
Value
4.3
Reliability
3.9
Features
3.5
Energy
4.3

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 Marathon MAR86W fit a 36-inch opening?+
The Marathon MAR86W 8 cu. ft. Compact is 22.9" wide. With the recommended ~0.5" side clearance, it will fit a standard 36" opening (24.5" depth with handles).
How much does the Marathon MAR86W cost to run per year?+
At the U.S. average electricity rate (~$0.16/kWh) and the model's rated 235 kWh/year, expect roughly $38 in annual operating cost.
Is the Marathon MAR86W ENERGY STAR certified?+
Yes — the Marathon MAR86W 8 cu. ft. Compact is ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it meets EPA energy-efficiency requirements for its category.
Does the Marathon MAR86W 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 Marathon MAR86W have an ice maker and water dispenser?+
No ice maker; no through-the-door water dispenser.

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