If you’re tight on space but still want a practical, modern fridge, a compact larder model can be a brilliant solution. The Hisense RL170D4BCE 84cm Fridge in stainless steel is a good example of how under-counter fridges have evolved into sleek, efficient appliances that don’t dominate your kitchen. In this guide, we’ll look at what to consider when choosing a small larder fridge, how the RL170D4BCE fits into a typical UK home, and when you might prefer a simple white alternative such as the Hisense RL170D4BWE.
What is a larder fridge – and who is it for?
A larder fridge is a fridge-only appliance with no frozen compartment. Every inch of the interior is dedicated to chilled storage, which is ideal if you already have a separate freezer or rely more on fresh food than frozen. The Hisense RL170D4BCE falls into this category, giving you a dedicated, compact space for everyday essentials.
Under-counter larder fridges like this are a strong fit for:
- Flats and smaller kitchens where floor space is limited
- Couples or singles who don’t need a huge fridge freezer
- Families wanting a second fridge in a utility room or garage (where temperatures allow)
- Shared houses and student kitchens that need simple, easy-to-clean storage
If you want a deeper dive into real-world performance, layout and noise levels, you can read our full review of the Hisense RL170D4BCE 84cm Fridge once you’ve finished this guide.
Understanding the Hisense RL170D4BCE: size, style and practicality
The headline numbers and spec sheets only tell part of the story. What really matters is whether the Hisense RL170D4BCE will suit your kitchen day to day, and whether its stainless steel finish works with the rest of your appliances.
Compact 84cm height: why it matters
The RL170D4BCE is 84cm tall, which puts it firmly in the under-counter category. That means it’s designed to slide beneath a standard worktop, often with a little clearance. It’s a handy replacement if you’re upgrading an older under-counter fridge, as you can usually swap like-for-like without reworking the units.
Before you buy, measure your space carefully:
- Height: check from the floor to the underside of your worktop, allowing a little wiggle room.
- Width: account for skirting boards and any pipes or boxing-out at the back.
- Depth: remember the door will sit slightly proud of your cabinets when closed.
Leaving a small gap at the back and sides for airflow will help the fridge run efficiently and keep the motor cooler.
Stainless steel finish: pros and cons in a busy kitchen
The stainless steel door on the Hisense RL170D4BCE gives it a more premium feel than many basic white fridges. It can tie in nicely with stainless ovens, hobs and extractor hoods, and tends to look smarter in open-plan kitchens where your fridge is on show.
The trade-off is that stainless can highlight fingerprints and smudges more than white. If your household includes small children, you may find yourself wiping the door more often. That’s one reason some people prefer the near-identical white version, the Hisense RL170D4BWE – more on that below.
Layout and usability: how to get the most from a small larder fridge
With compact fridges, layout is just as important as capacity. The RL170D4BCE is designed to give you a sensible mix of shelves, door balconies and a salad drawer, so you can keep things organised without constant Tetris-style rearranging.
Making under-counter space work harder
While exact internal dimensions vary, you can usually expect room for a weekly fresh shop for one or two people. To maximise that space:
- Use the top shelves for ready-to-eat foods such as cooked meats and leftovers.
- Keep raw meat covered and on the lowest shelf to avoid drips.
- Use the salad drawer for fruit and veg – the slightly higher humidity helps it last longer.
- Reserve door balconies for milk, juice, condiments and jars.
Adjustable shelves (where fitted) are worth experimenting with. A small tweak can make it much easier to stand taller bottles upright or slide in containers without wasting vertical space.
Noise and everyday use
Modern larder fridges are generally quiet enough not to intrude in open-plan living spaces. The Hisense RL170D4BCE has been well received by owners, with an average rating of 4.8 from over 600 reviews at the time of writing, which suggests that daily usability, noise and reliability are all solid for most households. If you’re sensitive to humming or clicks, placing the fridge away from seating areas can help, and ensuring it’s level can also reduce vibration noises.
Energy rating and running costs: what an E rating really means
You’ll see the RL170D4BCE listed as E rated on the newer EU/UK label. This can sound disappointing, but the rating scales changed a few years ago. Appliances that were once A+ or better often now sit in the C–F range, even though their actual energy usage hasn’t worsened.
To keep your running costs sensible:
- Keep the temperature at a sensible setting – cold enough for food safety, but not at the minimum.
- Allow hot leftovers to cool slightly before placing them in the fridge.
- Avoid blocking vents at the back with tightly packed food.
- Check that the door seal is clean and closes firmly with no gaps.
A compact larder fridge like this usually uses less electricity overall than a large American-style fridge freezer, simply because it has a smaller volume to keep cold.
Hisense RL170D4BCE vs RL170D4BWE: stainless steel or white?
If you like the idea of this Hisense under-counter larder but aren’t sold on stainless steel, the Hisense RL170D4BWE 84cm Fridge in white is the obvious alternative. The core design and format are very similar, but the finish and overall look are different.
You can read our full review of the Hisense RL170D4BWE 84cm Fridge for more detail, but here’s how to decide between the two at a glance:
- Finish: Stainless steel (RL170D4BCE) looks more premium and pairs with other steel appliances; white (RL170D4BWE) blends into most kitchens and shows fingerprints less.
- Visual impact: Stainless makes the fridge more of a design feature; white is more discreet, especially in simple or rental kitchens.
- Price and deals: At the time of writing, the RL170D4BWE is typically very keenly priced, so if budget is tight it’s worth comparing the latest offers.
Both models share a similar very high user rating, so your choice will come down largely to style, price on the day, and what suits the rest of your appliances.
Planning your kitchen around an under-counter larder fridge
Choosing a compact fridge is about more than just ticking off specs. It’s also about how it shapes your day-to-day kitchen routine, especially if you’re juggling a small space.
Where to place an 84cm fridge
The most common spots are directly under a main worktop run, often near the sink or hob. That keeps ingredients close to where you prep and cook. If you bake a lot, placing the fridge near your main prep area can be a small but meaningful quality-of-life improvement.
Just try to avoid parking it right next to a heat source, such as a freestanding cooker or a south-facing window. Extra heat forces the fridge to work harder, which can add to running costs over time.
Pairing a larder fridge with a separate freezer
Many people buying the Hisense RL170D4BCE already own a separate freezer, whether that’s an under-counter model, a tall upright or a chest freezer in the garage. This combination can actually be more flexible than a standard fridge freezer, because you can mix and match sizes to suit the way you shop.
If fresh food is your priority, a larger larder fridge with a modest freezer might make sense. If you batch cook or buy in bulk, a roomy chest freezer paired with a compact fridge like the RL170D4BCE is often more efficient – you’re not powering a huge fridge section that you don’t really need.
Care, cleaning and keeping your larder fridge fresh
Once your fridge is in place, a little routine care goes a long way towards keeping it hygienic and efficient. The stainless steel finish of the RL170D4BCE is fairly forgiving, but regular attention will keep it looking smart for years.
Simple cleaning routine
A good basic routine might look like this:
- Wipe the door and handle weekly with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, then dry.
- Every month or two, empty a shelf at a time and wipe surfaces, walls and seals.
- Check the back wall for excess condensation and clear any small drain holes if fitted.
- Remove and wash salad drawers periodically to avoid odours building up.
Stainless steel polishes and specialist wipes are optional; a damp microfibre cloth is usually enough for everyday marks.
Organising to reduce waste
A small fridge encourages you to be disciplined with food storage. Keeping it organised can noticeably cut down on waste:
- Use clear containers for leftovers so you can see what needs using up.
- Place items with the shortest dates at the front in your eye line.
- Group condiments together in the door so you don’t buy duplicates.
- Keep a little “use first” corner for things that need eating within a day or two.
Because the RL170D4BCE is compact, you’ll see what you have at a glance – as long as you don’t overfill it. Leaving a bit of space between items helps air circulate and keeps temperatures more even.
Is the Hisense RL170D4BCE right for you?
With its tidy 84cm height, stainless steel finish and strong user feedback, the Hisense RL170D4BCE slots neatly into many UK kitchens. It’s particularly well suited if you:
- Have limited space but still want a smart-looking appliance
- Already own a separate freezer and mainly need fresh storage
- Prefer a simple, easy-to-use layout over fancy extras
If you’d like a deeper look at day-to-day performance, interior layout and owner feedback, you can read our full Hisense RL170D4BCE 84cm Fridge review here. And if a clean white finish feels more at home in your kitchen, it’s worth comparing it directly with the similarly rated Hisense RL170D4BWE before you decide.
Final thoughts
A compact larder fridge is one of those quiet workhorses that can transform how your kitchen feels, especially in a smaller home. The Hisense RL170D4BCE shows that you don’t need a towering American-style model to enjoy practical, modern chilled storage – you just need to pick the right size, finish and layout for the way you live.
Take a few minutes to measure up, think about where it will sit, and consider whether stainless steel or white will suit your space best. Then dive into the in-depth reviews linked above to confirm the details, and you’ll be well on your way to choosing a fridge that quietly gets on with the job for years to come.