BLACK+DECKER 17 Cu. Ft. Convertible Freezer Refrigerator review

Intro

This review covers the BLACK+DECKER 17 Cu. Ft. Convertible Freezer Refrigerator (model BUC1700XB). It’s a freestanding upright unit that the listing describes as convertible between freezer and refrigerator modes, frost‑free, Energy Star qualified and garage‑ready in freezer mode only. Readers planning for small kitchens, apartments, or extra storage for bulk food will want to know how this unit performs in real life: how it cools, how flexible the storage is, how loud or heavy it is to install, and what the common reliability or setup problems are. The coverage below pulls directly from the product specification and recurring owner feedback so you can make a practical decision.

What it is / first look

The BLACK+DECKER BUC1700XB is a 17 cubic foot freestanding upright that, according to the listing, converts between a garage‑ready freezer and a full‑size refrigerator by changing the temperature settings. Key listing facts that define the first impression:

• Capacity: 17 cubic feet.
• Dimensions (D x W x H): 31.9" D x 28" W x 68.1" H and item weight 165.3 pounds.
• Door Material Type: steel.
• Four full‑width removable glass shelves, a bottom storage compartment with wire basket and 4 door bins (listing text).
• Features called out by the listing: electronic control with an LED display, frost‑free technology, and Energy Star qualification. The listing also notes the specification met: CSA and Energy Star.
• Installation type: freestanding. Voltage: 120 volts. Warranty: 1 year manufacturer.

Available colors listed for this model are Black, Stainless Steel Look and White. The unit is offered in multiple sizes across the product family; the listing specifically calls out several other capacities if you’re comparing sizes.

Box, weight and doorway planning

The listing gives an item weight of 165.3 pounds and height of 68.1". Owners repeatedly flag that you should measure carefully. Multiple owners report that the unit is tall and that fitting it into an alcove requires exact measuring — one owner said the unit fit with only about a half‑inch to spare. Because of its listed weight and size, plan for two strong helpers (or professional delivery) when moving it through tight doorways or up stairs; the unit is not a lightweight countertop appliance.

In daily use

Owners’ experiences provide the clearest picture of what living with this convertible freezer/refrigerator looks like. The listing promises quick swapping between modes; owners confirm the convertibility works by changing temperature settings. Below I summarize repeated owner themes about cooling, noise, storage and day‑to‑day convenience.

Cooling performance & temperature behavior

Listing claims: electronic LED control for precise temperature management and frost‑free technology. Owner reports are mixed but primarily positive:

• Several owners say the unit reached cold temperatures quickly even after being exposed to warm conditions during shipping — one owner specifically reported it reached freezer temperatures after being in a 90° day shipping truck.
• Multiple owners call the seal strong and the unit maintains cold well once settled.
• However, at least one owner reports persistent temperature fluctuation and inability to hold a steady low temperature; that buyer needed a stable deep‑freeze temperature for stored breastmilk and found the unit inconsistent. That pattern (one clear report of instability) is an important caution for anyone needing fail‑safe, clinically stable storage temperatures.

Practical takeaway: for general household frozen goods and everyday refrigeration, owners report satisfactory and often fast cooling. If you require a consistently exact low temperature for sensitive storage, the inconsistency reported by an owner suggests extra verification and monitoring after installation.

Noise and daily sounds

Owner feedback on sound is broadly positive: most owners describe a quiet, low‑pitch hum that isn’t intrusive unless you stand directly next to the unit. Several owners use words like "quiet" or "surprisingly quiet." Expect normal compressor sounds and occasional cycling; nothing in the listing or owner notes points to unusual rattling or loud fans as a common issue.

Storage layout and usability

The listing highlights 4 full width removable glass shelves, a bottom wire basket storage area and 4 door bins. Owners repeatedly praise the interior storage efficiency for the stated capacity: while 17 cu. ft. is not a full 22+ cu. ft. kitchen refrigerator, owners say the tall, vertical design makes it easier to find items than a chest freezer, and shelving helps avoid buried items. A few owners mention that you can still overfill it — something to watch if you plan to store many bulk items.

Switching modes and control

The listing describes the convertible design and electronic LED display for controls; owners report the mode swap is accomplished by changing temperature settings. One owner also advised not to "screw with" settings immediately after unboxing: allow the unit to sit and stabilize for a day or two after delivery (owners suggest waiting up to 48 hours) and then use the quick‑freeze or refrigerator presets as needed.

Materials & build quality

Stick to the listing and owner reports here. The listing gives explicit build facts and the owner notes provide lived‑experience signals.

Listed materials and construction

• Door Material Type: Steel (listing).
• Shelves: 4 full‑width removable glass shelves (listing).
• Bottom storage contains a wire basket and there are 4 door bins (listing).
• Freestanding installation and the listed unit weight is 165.3 pounds; item dimensions are 31.9" D x 28" W x 68.1" H (listing).

The listing also calls out frost‑free technology and an LED electronic control. CSA and Energy Star are listed under "Specification Met," which gives a degree of regulatory and efficiency context straight from the product information.

Owner impressions of fit and finish

Owners generally describe the finish and look as attractive — several mention the black finish hides fingerprints and the stainless look is tidy in a modern kitchen. Delivery reports show units arriving in good condition without dents for many buyers. Shelving and removable glass ledgers get praise for the flexibility they provide inside the stated capacity.

Safety considerations

Safety in a freestanding upright freezer/refrigerator covers both physical installation risks and temperature safety for stored foods. The listing and owner notes provide concrete signals to watch for.

Stability, weight and placement

The unit is heavy at the listed 165.3 pounds and tall at 68.1" — secure installation and careful maneuvering during delivery are essential. Confirm floor strength and doorway clearance for the listed depth and width. Owners report smooth delivery experiences when professionals handle the install, but you should plan help or professional delivery for tight spaces.

Garage placement & mode limitations

The listing explicitly says the unit is garage‑ready in FREEZER MODE ONLY. That matters if you plan to keep it in a non‑climate‑controlled space: the convertible mode gives you flexibility, but the garage‑rated claim applies only when it’s operated as a freezer, per the listing. Verify the placement environment and keep the control mode consistent with the listing guidance.

Temperature reliability

Most owners report fast cooling and steady temperatures after proper setup, but one owner reports repeated temperature fluctuations and poor customer support when they tried to resolve a stability issue. If you need guaranteed constant temperatures (for medical storage, breastmilk, or other sensitive items), that owner report is a safety signal to verify the unit’s stability with a thermometer and to confirm the manufacturer support and return policies before relying on the unit for critical storage.

Electrical and certifications

Listing facts: voltage is listed as 120 volts and the listing shows "Specification Met: CSA, Energy Star." Those are the only electrical/certification claims present in the listing; verify current manufacturer documentation for additional certifications if those matter to you. The warranty is listed as 1 year manufacturer coverage.

Customer support & warranty

One owner explicitly reported poor customer support response when trying to resolve temperature consistency issues. The listing lists a 1 year manufacturer warranty; beyond that, owners’ real‑world experiences with support were mixed and are worth considering if you want robust post‑purchase backing.

Who this is for / who should skip

Target kitchens and use cases are clear once you match the listing specs and owner patterns.

Good fit

• Small kitchens, apartments or tight alcoves where a full‑size refrigerator won’t fit — owners repeatedly say the unit’s tall, vertical layout is efficient for the stated 17 cu. ft. capacity.
• People who want a flexible extra unit — the listing’s convertible design lets you switch between additional refrigerator or freezer space as needs change.
• Buyers who want an Energy Star qualified, frost‑free upright with removable glass shelves and adjustable storage.
• Situations where quiet operation matters — many owners describe the unit as quiet and unobtrusive.

Who should skip

• Anyone who needs guaranteed, clinic‑grade temperature stability for critical storage. An owner reported persistent temperature fluctuation and trouble getting support — if you need absolute certainty, plan additional verification and consider a purpose‑built medical freezer or a model with stronger reliability signals.
• Large families who truly need 22+ cubic feet of refrigerated capacity — the listing and owners agree the vertical 17 cu. ft. is efficient but not a full‑size replacement in those households.
• Buyers who plan to use it in a garage as a refrigerator — listing explicitly says garage‑ready only in freezer mode, so don’t assume refrigerator reliability in unconditioned spaces unless you verify with the manufacturer.

Verdict

This BLACK+DECKER 17 Cu. Ft. convertible upright is a practical mid‑range option for people who need flexible extra cold storage in a compact vertical footprint. The product listing highlights sensible features — 17 cu. ft. capacity, frost‑free technology, removable glass shelves, an LED electronic control, Energy Star qualification and CSA listing — and owners generally reinforce those positives with repeated praise for quiet operation, quick cooling, efficient shelving and attractive finish options (Black, Stainless Steel Look and White).

However, the clear editorial caution is the single (but significant) owner report of temperature fluctuation combined with difficulty reaching manufacturer support. That complaint is not the majority voice in owner feedback, but it is serious for buyers who require rock‑steady low temperatures. If your needs are general kitchen use and flexible freezer/refrigerator extra space, the unit checks the necessary boxes according to the listing and multiple owner reports. If you’re storing anything that cannot tolerate temperature swings, verify performance carefully after delivery and confirm warranty/return support.

Check before you buy (quick checklist)

• Measure the installation space against the listed dimensions: 31.9" D x 28" W x 68.1" H. Ensure door swing fits your layout; the listing lists Door Orientation as Right but owners report some units have reversible door installations — confirm current listing details if door reversal is essential.
• Plan for weight and delivery: item weight is 165.3 pounds. Arrange adequate help or professional delivery for tight spaces or stairways.
• Confirm garage plans: listing says "Garage‑ready in FREEZER MODE ONLY." If you plan to use it as a refrigerator in an unconditioned space, verify with the manufacturer.
• Allow the unit to settle after delivery. Owners advise letting it sit and stabilize and to wait up to 48 hours before expecting final temperatures and before changing settings aggressively.
• Verify temperature stability if you need critical cold storage. Use a separate thermometer to confirm performance in your environment and test the unit for a day or two before relying on it for sensitive items.
• Note listed certifications and warranty: "Specification Met: CSA, Energy Star" and a 1 year manufacturer warranty — check the current listing/manufacturer documentation for details on coverage and support.

Bottom line: a solid convertible upright for general home use with practical shelving and energy credentials. Good for compact kitchens and flexible storage needs, but verify temperature stability and support if your storage needs are sensitive.

FAQ

Q: Can I put this unit in my garage?

A: The listing states the unit is "Garage‑ready in FREEZER MODE ONLY." That means the manufacturer lists garage suitability only when the appliance is used as a freezer; verify placement and local climate before using it as a refrigerator in an unconditioned space.

Q: Is the door reversible?

A: The listing specifies "Door Orientation: Right." Owner reports note that some buyers were able to install the door both ways, but the official listing calls the orientation Right. Confirm the current listing or installation instructions if a reversible door is required for your space.

Q: How many shelves and bins are inside?

A: The listing specifies 4 full‑width removable glass shelves, a bottom storage compartment with a wire basket and 4 door bins for organized storage.

Q: Does it defrost automatically?

A: Yes. The listing describes the unit as having "Frost Free Technology," which means the manufacturer lists it as not requiring manual defrosting.

Q: What are the dimensions and how much does it weigh?

A: The listing gives item dimensions as 31.9" D x 28" W x 68.1" H and item weight as 165.3 pounds. Owners repeatedly advise measuring carefully for tight alcoves because some reported very tight fits.

Q: How reliable are temperatures and how long until it cools down?

A: Owners report mixed but mostly positive real‑world performance: several owners say the unit reached freezer temperatures quickly after installation, even after being exposed to warm shipping conditions; however, at least one owner reports ongoing temperature fluctuation and inconsistent low temps. The listing shows an electronic LED control for temperature management and notes frost‑free technology, but if you require precise temperature stability, verify performance after delivery and monitor with an independent thermometer.

Q: What warranty and certifications are listed?

A: The listing states a 1 year manufacturer warranty. It also lists "Specification Met: CSA, Energy Star." For current warranty details and any additional certifications, verify the manufacturer's documentation or current product listing.

Q: Does the unit include an ice maker or what refrigerant does it use?

A: The listing does not explicitly specify whether an ice maker is included, and it does not list the refrigerant type. Some owners mention an ice maker cycling in their experience, but the listing itself does not confirm ice maker inclusion or refrigerant; verify the current listing/manufacturer documentation if those items are important to your purchase decision.