Best Mini Fridges 2022: Reviews And Buyers Guide

BLACK+DECKER BCRK32B Compact refrigerator

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Trusted Brand
A fantastic, traditional little fridge with a separate freezer compartment from a well-known brand.

PROS
A mini fridge with freezer storage, 3.2 cubic feet of storage space, and adjustable temperature control that you can adjust are just a few of the features available with this refrigerator. Choose from three different colors for the fridge. With removable glass shelves for a customized organization.

CONS
It may not be ideal for keeping meat, so double-check the instruction booklet before using it.

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Firares 10 Liter/12 Can Mini Fridge

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Best for Small Spaces
A compact fridge that is ideal for storing beverages.

PROS
This refrigerator is capable of both heating and cooling. Cools down to 35°F(2°C) below ambient temperature. Can accommodate up to 10 liters of liquid, making it ideal for keeping beverages. With door storage and removable shelves.

CONS
It's not ideal for keeping meals; it's only meant to chill makeup and beverages.

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Midea 1.6 Cubic Feet Compact Refrigerator

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Easiest to Use
This is a space-saving compact mini fridge that maintains food consistently cold.

PROS
With door storage for drinks in bottles and cans. Draws little power. Can keep an item frozen for a short time despite its small size. Adjustable legs, stainless steel door, and ideal dimensions fit in dorm rooms, under desks at work, and in recreational areas. With enough internal space.

CONS
The freezer is more for keeping things cold than making ice cubes.

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Galanz Retro Compact Refrigerator

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Most Stylish
This is an inexpensive and low-energy option for a mini fridge.

PROS
A fantastic mini fridge for those looking for something small that still meets their needs. It has drink holders, as well as a chiller compartment. With a temperature range of 32ᵒ F to 47ᵒ. Available in blue, bright red, or seafoam green. With adjustable shelves for easy cleaning and organizing.

CONS
There is no light inside this mini fridge, which can be a concern.

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RCA 1.7 Cubic Foot

BOTTOM LINE
Bargain Pick
May be the best compact mini fridge for people on a budget.

PROS
A best-value mini fridge with comparable features to other versions, including a reversible door. With an adjustable Thermostat for better performance in hot weather. It has eight distinct colors to choose from, ensuring that it will complement any décor.

CONS
Some users reported that ice trays did not freeze entirely when placed in the chiller compartment.

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How to Choose the Best Mini Fridges

The term "mini-fridge" may bring back fond recollections of your college days. This pint-sized refrigerator is undoubtedly a helpful appliance in a cramped dorm room where every inch counts.

Even after you've graduated from college, a mini fridge may have a useful purpose in your life. Perhaps you'd want to store your favorite foods in the basement recreation room. Perhaps your current full fridge isn't large enough for your favorite sports drinks or alcoholic beverages. These may be kept in a mini fridge, leaving room for other food in your kitchen refrigerator.

If you're considering buying a small fridge, it's vital to know how they differ from big fridges.

Allow for some free space behind the mini fridge when measuring your home. It won't function as well as it could if there isn't adequate air circulation around the unit.

MINI FRIDGE DESIGNS

Not all mini fridges are made equally. Some are designed to store a wide variety of foods, while others are built only to chill alcoholic beverages. The most common mini fridges are as follows:

Cube refrigerator

Most mini fridges are cubes. Its square form fits well in tight places and beneath low counters. Because it isn't as tall, a cube-style mini-fridge might not be suitable for taller objects like gallon jugs.

Beverage refrigerator

A small beverage fridge is generally quite compact. It's meant to store a range of soda and beer cans, usually between 12 and 30. It is not ideal for storing food.

"If you're concerned about energy efficiency, consider getting a small fridge that has an Energy Star rating."

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Travel refrigerator

A vehicle-based travel fridge is designed to be used in a car. This mini fridge draws power from the automobile battery and runs off its AC adaptor.

On the other hand, some of these mini fridges require a great deal of electricity to function properly, so you should avoid using them when the automobile is off.

Undercounter refrigerator

This mini fridge, also known as a mid-sized mini-fridge, fits under the counter. It works well as a bar refrigerator or a second refrigerator in the kitchen.

Its energy efficiency, when compared to other designs, is superior. This is also the most costly type of mini fridge.

Wine refrigerator

The normal wine mini fridge has a nice aesthetic. The bottles within may be visible through the glass doors.

A double glass pane in the door is a smart idea to keep the wine cool. You might want to consider a fridge with a tinted glass door to protect the wine from UV light.

DID YOU KNOW?

Due to their form, cube-style mini-fridges aren't as well insulated as some other models. Consequently, running this type of fridge may be expensive in terms of energy.

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MINI FRIDGE CAPACITY

It's critical to pick a small fridge appropriate for your desired space. However, it must also be able to chill the products you want to keep cold. Mini fridges from a variety of manufacturers are available on the market.

Up to 1.5 cubic feet

In a cube-shaped fridge with a capacity of 1.5 cubic feet, you can expect to fit roughly 30 to 45 12-ounce cans. Don't expect anything more than a few beers or soda cans to fit in a fridge with a capacity less than this. Furthermore, this sort of refrigerator will not easily accommodate tall items unless you remove shelves, which reduces the unit's capacity even more. In most cases, a fridge with a freezer of this size won't have any freezer space. However, if the refrigerator does contain a separate freezer, it's more than likely to store an ice cube tray rather than much else.

1.5 to 3 cubic feet

The capacity range of 45 to 60 12-ounce cans is one of the most popular among users, and it's available in various designs.

The fridge from this range is ideal for storing tall foods. You might even be able to fit a gallon container on its side, but it may leak if positioned that way.

Over three cubic feet

A typical mini refrigerator with more than three cubic feet of storage space can store objects of many shapes and sizes. For example, gallon jugs might fit.

Furthermore, because of the larger capacity, these fridges can often store extra-large things like a half-gallon of milk. In this fridge, you should be able to fit roughly 55-75 12-ounce cans.

OTHER FEATURES TO CONSIDER

Don't restrict your search for a mini-refrigerator to form and capacity. Here are a few additional characteristics to examine while shopping for the best compact mini fridge:

Door depth

Having a door capable of containing half-gallon jugs might be beneficial. However, some small refrigerator doors are low and can only accommodate 12-ounce bottles. When choosing an appliance, keep the depth of the door in mind.

Limitations

Certain models may be restricted depending on where you intend to put your mini-fridge. Some college dormitories, for example, impose a maximum capacity on the appliance. The institution may also want energy efficiency in your student housing.

Multiple capacities

Mini fridges from different manufacturers are available in a variety of capacities. This implies that if you like a particular model, it may be available in the perfect size for your needs. Danby and Midea are two of the most popular brands, and some of their models are available in several sizes.

"The best wine cooler for small spaces has double-paned glass in the door. This improves the unit's efficiency."

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Reversible doors

If you need to fit your mini-fridge into a tight location, a reversible door may come in useful. You can then turn the door to open in the most practical direction for your room arrangement.

Weight

Mini refrigerators range in weight from 30 to 100 pounds. If you need to move your mini-fridge frequently, this information will come in handy. For example, if you're going to college with a mini-fridge, you might want to choose something lighter, so it's easier to transport in and out.

Price

A basic fridge is typically between $50 and $300. The interior volume of bigger units tends to be more expensive. Specialty fridges (wine refrigerators, refrigerators with larger freezer compartments) can sometimes cost more.

Cost of operation

You might be shocked by how much it costs to maintain a small refrigerator. These refrigerators aren't as energy-efficient as full-sized refrigerators. Expect to spend anywhere from $25 to $60 yearly on electricity expenses associated with your mini-fridge. (This amount is just slightly less than the cost of running a full-sized fridge.)

Modern refrigerator designs are subject to federal energy usage rules, which means they will operate more efficiently and require less upkeep than previous models.

FAQ

Q. Why would I want a mini-fridge? I’m not a college student anymore.

A. A mini fridge is a great partner for college and apartment dwellers, but various people may also use it. You could store cold beverages in your workplace or at home. When your regular fridge is full, you might want an overflow storage spot for food storage.

Q. What should I buy if I want a mini fridge with a precise temperature control?

A. If you want a fridge with accurate temperature control, don't choose the smallest one available. In most situations, thea average mini fridge (in terms of storage) can't regulate temperature accurately. Instead, consider a larger mini fridge (often known as a "mid-size" mini fridge), which has three cubic feet or more capacities. These units frequently include a similar temperature control dial to that seen on full-sized refrigerators.

Q. When selecting a mini-fridge for wine storage, what should I consider?

A. Different sorts of wine have different temperatures at which they taste best, so a wine refrigerator must be accurate. Red wines should be served between 55°F and 65°F, while white wines should be kept between a temperature range of 45°F and 55°F. If you have both types of wine on hand, consider a two-section unit with separate temperature controls. And check to see whether the fridge can accommodate the number of bottles you want it to keep. Some refrigerators can hold as few as three or four bottles; others may contain up to a dozen or more.

Q. What are the disadvantages of mini-fridges?

A. The most common disadvantage of a small refrigerator is its tiny stature. A mini-fridge can't store as much food or drink as a full-sized one can, and many have no freezer  compartment space at all.

Mini refrigerators consume a lot of energy, too; they just aren't as energy efficient as larger models. Some small fridges with dedicated freezer, on the other hand, are unable to reach a low enough temperature to keep meat safe.

BLACK+DECKER BCRK32B Compact refrigerator

BOTTOM LINE
Trusted Brand
A fantastic, traditional little fridge from a well-known brand.

Shop Now

Firares 10 Liter/12 Can Mini Fridge

BOTTOM LINE
Best for Small Spaces
Mini fridge that is ideal for storing beverages.

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Midea 1.6 Cubic Feet Compact Refrigerator

BOTTOM LINE
Easiest to Use
This is a compact and space-saving refrigerator that maintains food consistently cold.

Shop Now