10 Best Mini Freezers for Perfect Freezing

Advancement of technology has resulted in a rise in the number of small appliances in the kitchen. A mini freezer is one such appliance that has seen a rise in sales over the past decade.

There are several reasons why you need one in your home. It helps in keeping your favorite frozen pizza and ice cream pint at the ideal sub-zero temperature. The best thing about it is, it doesn’t consume high energy.

Why Should You Buy a Mini Freezer?

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Extra fridge storage is always helpful for a large family like mine. It helps in the segregation of certain food items from the main fridge. A full-fledged refrigerating unit is just not ideal for students who are living in dormitories or small housing space, so it makes sense to just get a mini freezer to store meats and frozen foods in.

Not to mention the dollars you will save in maintenance of a mini freezer when compared to a large unit. Since they are small in size, they are easy to carry if you travel a lot.

You can also place them anywhere in the house since they do not require a lot of space for storage. And if you decide to change houses, you can just pick one up yourself.

Mini Fridge vs Mini Freezer: The Difference

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As the name indicates, the Best Mini freezer is a refrigerating unit that has a sub-zero temperature range for storing ice, frozen foods, and ice cream. It cannot be used for keeping things like milk, dairy items, beverages, and fruits and vegetables. It only has one compartment that is essentially a freezing unit independent of a refrigerator unit.

A mini fridge, on the other hand, is a smaller version of a refrigerator. It has the provision for storage of most of the items that we can store in a fridge. You can keep your dairy items and beverages along with frozen foods and ice cream in it. While not all of the small fridges come with a freezer, I’ve tested a few of them which has a freezer. Mini fridges also have a wider temperature range than a mini freezer.

When it comes to power consumption, The tiny freezers are generally heavier on electricity usage because of the higher capacity compressor.

The Best Mini Freezers

When you make a search on the Internet, you’ll find an endless list of them. However, not all of them might not be perfect for you. What’s even more frustrating is, many products don’t even have a proper description. That’s why I decided to test a few of the top models and make a list of the best ones for different purposes.

1. Whynter CUF-210SS Upright Freezer

This 44 lbs Whynter Upright Mini Freezer comes with 2.0 cubic feet capacity and 20 x 17.5 x 27.5 inches dimensions.

Whynter has always been a trusted name in the fridge community, and this product is no exception. It has a stainless steel exterior that gives it a premium sophisticated and sleek feeling and makes it easy to clean.

The freezer has a standalone form factor which means that it does not need external support for standing upright. You do not need to place the set against a wall or corner to provide balance. But it does mean that you need to allow some space behind the back of the fridge to allow clearance. Do not place the unit flush against any surface.

The door for the freezer has a reversible installation feature, that is you can set the freezer door to be opened left or right according to your convenience and storage space available. It has two removable shelves which you can customize in whatever way you like according to your needs, making it a convenient and variable appliance to use.

Another feature I love about this unit is that it has a cylindrical lock and key system that adds an extra layer of protection. When I need to store items that should be kept away from the hands of my teenagers, this is where I stick them. If you are living in a dormitory, the lock will help you stay free of worries, as your food will never get stolen.

2. Midea WHS-129C1 Single Door Chest Freezer

The Midea Single Door freezer comes in three sizes – 3.5 cubic feet, 5 cubic feet, and 9 cubic feet – pick whatever model suits you best. This is one of the few mini freezers in the market that comes with such versatility of choice.

Whether you want a mini freezer for your large family, or you are just a student who wants a small appliance for his dormitory, there is something for everyone.

The freezer is pearl white in color and comes with a sleek and sophisticated finish to its exteriors. The dimensions are 3.5″ L x 22.2″ W x 20.59″ H for the 3.5 cubic feet model.

The media model also comes with an external thermostat which can be used to control the inside temperature of the freezer, according to the foodstuff that you want to store in it. The temperature range is from -12 to -28 degrees centigrade. The lower temperature ranges are ideal for storing meat items.

There is also a hanging wire basket that you can use for keeping frozen fruits and vegetables separate from ice and frozen meats. The Midea, is, therefore, an extremely versatile and convenient appliance to use. The freezer has a hinge style vertical door that opens between 45 to 75 degrees, convenient enough for using the freezer without falling back.

It has a freestanding, standalone form factor. That is, it does not need support from the back to stay upright. The external part of the fridge is made of stainless steel and provides it with both durability and sleek finish.

The unit comes with a one year warranty for the entire freezer and a 2-year warranty for the compressor.

3. Sunpentown UF-304W Upright Compact Freezer

Sunpentown is one of the most trusted household names when it comes to fridges and freezers. The model comes in 3 cubic feet size and is a very small and compact machine that is powerful without adding on to the weight of the appliance. This makes Supentown Mini Freezer not only easy for transportation, but also for those of you who do not have a lot of space to store it.

The appliance has a flush back design that does not need extra support from walls for standing upright. Some space is needed from the back wall to allow room for the flow of air. The freezer also has front leveling legs that allow it to rise above the floor level. So if you have carpeting and you don’t want to damage the fabric, this is the freezer for you.

The Sunpentown Mini Freezer has a mechanically adjustable thermostat that allows the freezer to reach true 0 degrees Fahrenheit, a feat most freezers in the market still incapable of.

There are three pullout baskets in the freezer that allow for customization and easy placement of food. I also love the fact that an ice cube tray is included in the package that fits the freezer perfectly. Now you don’t have to go hunting for specialized trays for your mini freezer.

A manual defrost setting allows easy removal of ice without losing space in the freezer. It also has a lock system that adds security to the whole appliance.

You can install the door in whatever direction you like according to your preference and storage space requirement.

4. Danby DUF408WE Upright Mini Freezer

Danby is probably one of the most popular refrigerator brands on Amazon. Most of the Mini Freezers and fridges under the Amazon choice label are those of Danby.

Danby Upright Freezer is probably one of the largest freezers on this list. With 4.2 cubic feet capacity, it has all the storage room you may need. It is therefore perfect for those of us with a large family and requires extra freezer space.

Since it has such larger storage space, it is also great for people who live in trailers and small apartments who are going to be using this unit as their main fridge.

One of the most sophisticated features of this unit is the integrated door handle. The ergonomic design is not just ideal for easy handling but also gives it a sleek finish.

The Danby unit is energy certified, that is it will save you money on your monthly bills, therefore it is a godsend for students and people looking to save some dollars in their everyday life.

The worktop for this freezer is scratch-resistant, therefore you can use it as a countertop if you are tight for space. This feature again makes it a great choice for students and those living in tiny apartments who can always use an extra countertop.

The freezer has 2 quick-freeze shelves and 3 door shelves making it easily customizable according to your needs. Another handy feature I love is that the door hinges are reversible, you can switch them around whenever you want.

This appliance has a manual defrost feature, so you can get rid of that pesky ice without compromising on storage space. It also has a thermostat.

5. Midea WHS-109FW1 Compact Upright Freezer

The top-rated and the most popular Mini Freezer in many categories, the media is one of its own kind appliances. The appearance itself is stunning with clean lines and stylish exterior which makes it easy to blend in with your kitchen decor.

The Midea unit has three cubic feet capacity, making it one of the most compact appliances on this list. The freezer is an upright kind of appliance which means that it can be used as a regular fridge instead of featuring a door with a hinge, as is seen in commercial equipment.

It has a mechanical thermostat which is manual in function. You can adjust between minus 11.2 and 8.6 degrees Fahrenheit temperature, according to your requirements and the foodstuff that you are storing in the freezer. It can achieve true 0° Fahrenheit.

The door handle is recessed, providing an ergonomic and sleek finish. The back of the freezer is clean, so you can store it against the wall without worrying about damaging the compressor.

The door installation is reversible, that is, you can use it left-handed or right-handed. The front legs of the freezer are adjustable, making it easy to place it almost anywhere.

It also has a manual defrost feature for the removal of ice. The unit comes with UL listing, which makes it one of the most secure appliances on this list. The Energy Star rating also makes it one of the cheapest freezers to use.

The freezer comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

6. Whynter CUF-301BK Energy Star Upright Freezer with Lock

The elder brother of the Whytner CUF 210SS comes with 3 cubic feet capacity and is glossy black in color.

This model is free-standing in its form factor, that is, it does not need any support from a back wall or a corner. But do take care while deciding a spot for the unit, as it needs clearance towards the back and sidewalls.

It has a manual defrost function to get rid of that pesky ice that wastes space inside the unit. The difference between this unit and the CUF 210SS is that it comes with the mechanical temperature control and a wider temperature range. With this unit, you can set the temperature anywhere from – 11 degrees to 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit. This feature makes the unit more customizable than any other Whynter unit.

The door is a swing type and it can be installed right-handed or left-handed side. The handle on the door is recessed. This unit has a special feature – it comes with a reduced noise level. the freezer is guaranteed to make less than and 42 Decibels of sound, a perfect feature for those who have infants in the house.

The freezer also comes with a cylinder lock system and two keys for added extra security. If you have kids in the house, or if you live in a shared housing system and want to prevent your food from being stolen, this is the perfect machine for you.

Also Read: Best Mini Fridges with Lock

One of my favorite features is the removable basket shelf. Use it if you want to store frozen fruits and vegetables, and remove it when you want extra storage for ice or meat.

The freezer also comes with 3 fast freezing coil shelves, that allow it to function much better than any other freezer in this category.

7. Midea WHS-52FB1 Compact Reversible Single Door Upright Freezer

This is the smallest freezer by Midea which comes with only 1.0 cubic feet capacity. The freezer is ideal for students and those that are living in dormitories, student housing, small apartments or trailers. It is the perfect appliance for those who have limited space for a freezer.

It may be small but it does come with all the features that larger units come with.

There is a mechanical and adjustable thermostat which can be used to set the temperature control according to the food items being stored. The appliance is ideal for storing frozen foods and ice cream, along with ice cubes. In smaller units, this feature is quite conveniently forgotten, so I love that this model comes with its own thermostat.

It also features adjustable legs, so you can place it anywhere without worrying about balance. It also has an adjustable, reversible door that can be opened from the left or right side.

The main compartment has a removable shelf so you can use it when you require and remove it when you need to store larger bottles. The door of the freezer does not have a rack, and the freezer walls taper towards the back.

The unit comes with Energy Star rating, making it easy on your pocket, and it also runs quietly. There is a full 1-year warranty card that comes with this freezer.

8. COSTWAY Compact Single Door Upright Freezer

Like most mini freezers, COSTWAY Single Door Freezer comes in 3 cubic feet size, ideal for small families and students.

The exterior of the mini freezer is made of stainless steel and looks like a smart black cabinet. Therefore it is very easy to integrate this very sleek and modern looking unit with your kitchen decor.

The freezer is an upright kind and does not need support from the back to stand straight. It occupies very little space and is perfect for people who have small kitchens. The flat back design is also good for saving space.

This freezer has two removable shells that are chrome finish. So not only do you get more functionality but also more sophistication.

There is a manual temperature control (adjustable temperature) thermostat located on the inside of the freezer. You can control the temperature between -8 degrees and 7 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the food you are storing inside.

The legs of the freezer are adjustable, so you can place it even on the unbalanced setting. I especially love this feature, because I have lived in spaces where it is impossible to find a flat surface to place your freezer.

The door handle is recessed, and there is a manual defrost function to keep the freezer clean and free of ice.

The unit is ETL approved.

9. Danby DUFM032A1WDB Upright Freezer

One of the most user-friendly freezers in the market is the Danby Upright Freezer unit which comes in 3.2 cubic feet capacity and is pearl white in color.

It is just the right size – neither too large nor too small. So it can be used by anybody and everybody, in apartments and trailers, by students and even in offices. It does come in 4 different sizes so choose your fit.

The unit can be used to store groceries, ice cubes, ice cream, and leftovers because of its thermostat that allows temperature control between -13 degrees and 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit. The thermostat is manual and mechanical.

The tiny machine can also achieve true 0° Fahrenheit, to allow storage of meats and certain sensitive food products.

It has a manual defrost feature to get rid of ice and two quick freeze shelves that allow flash freezing of certain food items. So if you are in a hurry, you can get things done quickly without any hassle.

It has a smooth back design that allows you to place it anywhere, a necessary feature for small apartments and dormitories. Additionally, the door is reversible so you can reinstall it whenever you want.

The integrated handle saves not just space but also effort. The freezer has a scratch-resistant worktop, so it can be used to store other items on the top.

For those of you who are concerned about the Earth, it has an environment-friendly refrigerant. The fridge comes with a 1-year limited warranty and excellent customer service.

10. Sunpentown UF-150SS Upright Compact Freezer

Sunpentown has hit it out of the park again with this Upright compact freezer that is lightweight, durable and extremely sleek looking.

Since it has only 1.1 cubic feet space, this is probably not a good appliance for those who were looking to store a lot of items in your freezer. But if you are a student who wants to keep some basic items cold, this is the one for you.

Although it is a very small mini freezer, it can reach 0 degrees Fahrenheit, a feat still unachievable by many larger freezer units. You can store your meat and icecream without any worry.

It has a flush back design that further saves space. The exterior is made of black stainless steel and enamel casing, very nice looking and sophisticated. The handle of the Mini freezer is recessed, another extremely ergonomic design.

It can be locked and it has a manual defrost function to get rid of the ice. There is a thermostat and a reversible door to help increase the customizability of the unit. There is also a wire shelf that comes with the unit, which can be removed as needed.

Front leveling legs allow you to place the freezer anywhere – even on carpets, and the top of the unit can be used as a countertop.

Mini Freezer Buyer’s Guide

Before buying a mini freezer, there are several things that you need to consider. Some of the major factors to keep in mind are – capacity, accessibility, appearance, customer support, energy usage, maintenance, and the size of the unit – just to name a few.

The most important factor, of course, is the capacity. If you are just a student or living alone, 3 cubic feet or less capacity should be enough for you. But a larger family may require a bigger unit.

The appearance of the freezer should be compatible with your kitchen. If you have limited storage space, do keep in mind the size of the unit which is usually given in inches on retail stores.

Mini freezers look small, but they run on a lot of energy. If you have a tight budget, look for a unit that has an energy star rating and requires less electricity to keep your food fresh.

Most of the mini freezers come with the manual defrost feature to get rid of excess ice. If you are someone who does not have a lot of time, try to find something that comes with automatic defrosts.

If you live in shared housing or if you have kids in the house, buy a freezer that has a lock and key system to prevent your items from being stolen or falling into the hands of your kids.

Some units have the thermostat at the back of the freezer, which may be hard to access. So if you have elderly family members in the house, get a unit that has a thermostat in the front or inside the freezer.

Lastly, most of the bigger companies have excellent customer support, with executives that are eager to help you. While buying a mini freezer from a small company, make sure that they have good customer relations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Verdict

If you want a Mini freezer that is 3 or more cubic feet in size, your best bets are Midea WHS-129C1 and COSTWAY Compact Upright Freezer. Both units are highly recommended and have excellent ratings on Amazon and other retail platforms. In addition, they come equipped with all the modern features, and the Whynter unit even has a lock if you want to keep your items far away from kids.

For those of you who have smaller families and need only a two cubic feet unit, I would recommend the Whynter CUF-210SS. It has all the features of a larger model and small size without compromising on performance.

If you live in a dormitory and only need a very small freezer unit to keep your food-stuff in, get the Sunpentown UF-150SS. In the 1 cubic feet category, there is nothing better than this model. Along with other cool features, it even has a lock that will keep your food safe from being stolen in shared housing.

Why Should you listen to Me?

After having lived in University campus for several years where I used many models of mini freezers almost all of which seemed to malfunction after 2 months, I think I have gained enough insight into the area to figure out what the best ones in the market are. I have experimented with everything from the best to the worst, so let me dish out the dirt and tell you what works and what doesn’t.

Having said that, over time, I have realized that some companies certainly do a better job of making mini freezers, even if they do not excel at other kitchen appliances.

My top three favorites include Whynter, Danby, and Midea. Different models have different features, but almost all units by these three companies will be flawless and stay with you for a long time.