Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation of your Hamilton Beach 1.6 Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator, Model RFR115. Please read these instructions thoroughly before use and retain them for future reference.
The Hamilton Beach 1.6 Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is designed for cooling and storing food and beverages in compact spaces. It features an adjustable thermostat, a small freezer compartment, and a reversible door for flexible placement.

Image: Front view of the Hamilton Beach 1.6 Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator. The refrigerator is black with the Hamilton Beach logo on the upper right side of the door.
Safety Information
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury, follow these basic precautions:
- Read all instructions before using the appliance.
- Do not store explosive substances such as aerosol cans with a flammable propellant in this appliance.
- This appliance must be properly installed and located in accordance with the installation instructions before it is used.
- Connect to properly grounded outlets only. See 'Grounding Instructions' in the Setup section.
- Never unplug your appliance by pulling on the power cord. Always grasp the plug firmly and pull straight out from the outlet.
- Repair or replace immediately all electric service cords that have become frayed or otherwise damaged. Do not use a cord that shows cracks or abrasion damage along its length, the plug, or the connector end.
- Unplug your appliance before cleaning or before making any repairs.
- If your old appliance is not being used, we recommend you remove the door and leave the shelves in place. This will reduce the possibility of danger to children.
- Do not use any electrical device or any sharp instrument in defrosting your appliance.
- This appliance is intended for household use only.
- Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit to prevent overheating.
Setup
Unpacking
- Remove all packaging materials, including foam and tape.
- Inspect the refrigerator for any shipping damage. If damage is found, do not plug in the unit and contact customer support.
- Clean the interior of the refrigerator with a damp cloth before use.
Placement
- Place the refrigerator on a flat, stable surface strong enough to support the unit when fully loaded.
- Allow at least 5 inches (12.7 cm) of space between the back and sides of the refrigerator and any adjacent walls to ensure proper air circulation.
- Avoid placing the refrigerator in direct sunlight or near heat sources such as stoves, heaters, or radiators.
- This appliance is designed to operate in ambient temperatures between 50°F (10°C) and 90°F (32°C).
Electrical Connection
Grounding Instructions: This appliance must be grounded. In the event of an electrical short circuit, grounding reduces the risk of electric shock by providing an escape wire for the electric current. This appliance is equipped with a cord having a grounding wire with a grounding plug. The plug must be inserted into an outlet that is properly installed and grounded.
- Do not use an adapter plug.
- Do not use an extension cord.
- Ensure the voltage and frequency of your power supply match the ratings on the appliance's rating label.
Reversible Door
The door of this refrigerator can be reversed to open from either the right or left side, offering flexibility for placement. Refer to the detailed instructions in the full product manual for the door reversal procedure.

Image: Angled view of the Hamilton Beach 1.6 Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator, showing its compact size and black finish.
Operating Instructions
Initial Operation
- After plugging in the refrigerator, allow it to operate for 2-3 hours empty before placing food inside. This ensures the interior reaches the desired temperature.
Temperature Control
The temperature control dial is located at the rear of the refrigerator, in the bottom right corner. It typically ranges from 1 (warmest) to 7 (coldest) or 'OFF'.
- Turn the dial to the desired setting. A setting of 4 or 5 is generally recommended for normal use.
- Adjust the setting higher for colder temperatures or lower for warmer temperatures.
- The 'OFF' position will stop the cooling cycle.
Freezer Compartment
The refrigerator includes a small internal freezer compartment suitable for making ice cubes or storing small frozen items. An ice cube tray is typically included.
- Place items directly into the freezer compartment.
- Avoid overfilling the freezer compartment to ensure proper air circulation and freezing.
Door Storage
The door features a basket designed to hold items such as 2-liter bottles and smaller beverages.

Image: Interior view of the Hamilton Beach 1.6 Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator. The image shows the main compartment with a shelf, a small freezer section at the top, and a door rack holding bottles and cans.
Maintenance
Cleaning
Always unplug the refrigerator before cleaning.
- Interior: Wash the interior surfaces with a solution of warm water and baking soda (2 tablespoons of baking soda to 1 quart of water). Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
- Exterior: Clean the exterior with a mild detergent and warm water. Dry with a soft cloth.
- Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or scouring pads, as they can damage surfaces.
Defrosting
This refrigerator features manual defrost. Frost will accumulate on the freezer compartment walls. When the frost layer becomes approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick, it should be defrosted.
- Turn the temperature control dial to 'OFF' and unplug the unit.
- Remove all food items from the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
- Place a towel or shallow pan beneath the freezer compartment to collect melting ice.
- Leave the refrigerator door open to allow frost to melt naturally. Do not use sharp objects or heating devices to speed up defrosting.
- Once all frost has melted, clean and dry the interior thoroughly.
- Plug the refrigerator back in and reset the temperature control. Allow it to cool for a few hours before returning food.
Power Outage
In case of a power outage, keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible to maintain internal temperature. Most food will remain frozen for several hours under these conditions.
Troubleshooting
Review this section before calling for service. It may save you time and expense. This section includes common issues that are not a result of defective materials or workmanship.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator does not operate. | Not plugged in; circuit breaker tripped/fuse blown; temperature control set to 'OFF'. | Ensure plug is secure; reset circuit breaker/replace fuse; set temperature control to a numerical setting. |
| Temperature is too warm. | Temperature control set too low; door opened too frequently; warm food placed inside; poor ventilation. | Adjust temperature control to a colder setting (higher number); minimize door openings; allow hot food to cool before storing; ensure adequate space around the unit. |
| Temperature is too cold. | Temperature control set too high. | Adjust temperature control to a warmer setting (lower number). |
| Excessive frost buildup. | Door not sealed properly; high humidity; frequent door openings. | Check door gasket for proper seal; defrost the unit as per maintenance instructions. |
| Unusual noises. | Unit not level; objects vibrating against the unit; normal compressor operation. | Adjust leveling feet; ensure nothing is touching the refrigerator; some operational noises are normal. |

Image: Rear view of the Hamilton Beach 1.6 Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator, revealing the compressor unit and electrical connections at the bottom.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | RFR115 |
| Capacity | 1.6 Cubic Feet |
| Product Dimensions (D x W x H) | 18" x 20" x 20" (approximate) |
| Item Weight | 30.5 Pounds |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Number of Doors | 1 |
| Defrost System | Manual |
| Configuration | Compact Internal Freezer |
| Installation Type | Freestanding |
| Color | Black |
Warranty and Support
Limited Warranty
This Hamilton Beach product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase. During this period, the manufacturer will repair or replace, at its option, any part that fails in normal use. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident, misuse, abuse, alteration, or improper installation.
Proof of purchase is required for all warranty claims. Please retain your original sales receipt.
Customer Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty inquiries, please contact Hamilton Beach customer service. Contact information can typically be found on the manufacturer's official website or on the product packaging.
When contacting support, please have your model number (RFR115) and date of purchase readily available.







