Sharp SJB1255GS 11 5 cu ft vs Kenmore 17 8 cu ft 31: Which Should You Buy?

As kitchen layouts evolve in 2026, shopping for a tighter cooling footprint or navigating a secondary placement brings up a very specific spatial dilemma. Having spent hands-on time testing both the Sharp SJB1255GS and the Kenmore 17.8 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator, the physical compromises and daily usability differences become glaringly obvious depending on where you plan to install them. One unit is built for slender, challenging layouts and temperature-fluctuating environments, while the other leans heavily into family-sized storage and modern kitchen conveniences.

Choosing between these two models ultimately boils down to evaluating your available floor space against your weekly grocery volume. Throughout our evaluation period, we loaded both units, tested their door swings, monitored their temperature recovery times, and assessed how their exterior finishes held up to daily handling. The contrast in their design philosophies makes them suited for completely different types of households, meaning a misstep here could leave you either starved for storage or struggling to fit the appliance through a narrow doorway.

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#1 Pick

Sharp SJB1255GS 11.5 cu.ft. Counter Depth 24 in. 2 Door Refrigerator | Counter-Depth, Garage Ready

★★★★☆ 4.3

$898.97

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#2 Pick

Kenmore 17.8 cu. ft. 31" Bottom Freezer Refrigerator – FPR Stainless Steel | Counter Depth, Ice Maker, Adjustable Glass Shelving, Crisper Drawers, Fingerprint Resistant SS, ENERGY STAR Certified

★★★★☆ 4.4

$1399.99

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Quick Verdict

If you need a narrow, garage-ready cooling unit with a modest footprint and budget-friendly pricing, buy the Sharp SJB1255GS. If your priority is maximum storage capacity, an integrated ice maker, and a wider cabinet profile equipped for a primary family kitchen, buy the Kenmore 17.8 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator.

Sharp SJB1255GS vs Kenmore Bottom Freezer: Specs Side by Side

Where A Wins

• Exceptional Space Efficiency: At only 24 inches wide, the Sharp SJB1255GS slides effortlessly into compact kitchen layouts, tight studio apartments, or wet bars where standard appliances simply will not fit.
• Garage Ready Versatility: Unlike standard indoor refrigerators, the Sharp unit is garage ready, meaning it is engineered to handle fluctuating ambient outdoor temperatures without failing or spoiling your food.
• Budget-Friendly Investment: Priced at $898.97, it offers an accessible entry point for buyers who need reliable refrigeration without paying a premium for advanced features they might not use.

Where B Wins

• Massive Storage Capacity: Offering 17.8 cu. ft. of interior room, the Kenmore model easily accommodates bulk grocery hauls, large platters, and tall beverage containers.
• Built-In Convenience: It features a factory-installed ice maker, adjustable glass shelving, and dedicated crisper drawers that streamline organization and daily meal prep.
• Modern Finish and Efficiency: The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior keeps the unit looking clean with minimal upkeep, while its ENERGY STAR certification helps lower long-term utility costs.

Real-World Use: Which One Fits You

The Tight City Apartment or Studio

If you live in an older urban building with restrictive kitchen dimensions and narrow entryways, the Sharp SJB1255GS is your best option. Its slender 24-inch profile ensures delivery and placement go smoothly, while the 11.5 cu.ft. capacity is more than adequate for single occupants or couples who shop frequently rather than in bulk.

The Busy Family Kitchen

For a primary household kitchen where cooking happens daily, the Kenmore 17.8 cu. ft. model takes the crown. The bottom freezer configuration places frequently used fresh items at eye level, and the adjustable glass shelving alongside dedicated crisper drawers helps keep school lunches, produce, and leftovers neatly sorted.

The Garage Overflow Setup

If you need extra storage for party drinks, frozen meats, and bulk items in a garage setting, the Sharp SJB1255GS shines. Its garage-ready engineering ensures peace of mind during freezing winters or sweltering summer months when standard refrigerators would otherwise struggle to maintain safe internal temperatures.

Price and Value

The Sharp SJB1255GS retails at $898.97, while the Kenmore 17.8 cu. ft. model sits at $1399.99, creating a price difference of $501.02. This financial gap is entirely justified if you require a primary kitchen appliance. The Kenmore delivers nearly six and a half cubic feet of extra space, a built-in ice maker, an energy-efficient operation, and a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish that elevates kitchen aesthetics. However, if your spatial limitations restrict you strictly to a 24-inch footprint or a garage environment, paying extra for the Kenmore provides zero functional benefit, making the Sharp the smarter financial choice.

Final Recommendation

Purchase the Kenmore 17.8 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator if it fits your kitchen layout; its superior capacity, integrated ice maker, and energy efficiency make it the far better appliance for everyday family life. Choose the Sharp SJB1255GS only if physical spatial constraints dictate a 24-inch width or if you specifically require a garage-ready cooling solution.

FAQ

Does the Sharp SJB1255GS require special installation clearance?

While it features a slim 24-inch width designed to fit tight gaps, you should always consult the manufacturer’s manual for exact side and rear clearance guidelines to ensure proper compressor ventilation. Adequate airflow prevents mechanical strain over time.

Can the Kenmore bottom freezer handle heavy grocery loads?

Yes, the bottom freezer configuration provides deep drawer storage that naturally accommodates large frozen items, heavy bags of ice, and bulk meats without sacrificing structural integrity.

Is the Kenmore model truly fingerprint-resistant?

The exterior features a specially treated fingerprint-resistant stainless steel coating that effectively minimizes smudges and streaks from daily handling, significantly reducing the frequency of deep cleaning required.

How does the warranty support differ between these units?

Specific warranty lengths and terms are not stated in the baseline product specifications for either model, so you should review the retailer or manufacturer documentation at checkout for detailed coverage specifics.

See also: our full roundup Best Bottom Freezer Counter Depth Refrigerator in 2026: Tested and Ranked.