Mini fridges are a gift from modern science and technology that keeps on giving. Most of us who have lived in a dorm or traveled with friends own this tiny machine that makes our lives easier. In recent years, a newer feature has been added to the already practical machines, the ability to lock them.
Needless to say, this is a huge upgrade. We have all seen those days when we return to our dorm only to find our beers misplaced and fruits or food stolen. Worry no more!
A mini-fridge with a lock will not only save you a lot of space in your student housing, offices, and recreation rooms but the fact that it can be locked means that you can live in peace with no worries.
It is also convenient to travel with a lockable mini fridge, so you don’t have to worry about anyone getting their dirty mittens on your favorite Pepsi.
Contents
- List of Best Mini Fridges with Lock
- 1. Whynter CUF-210SS Energy Star Upright Freezer with Lock
- 2. Danby 120 Can Beverage Center Stainless Steel
- 3. Whynter CUF-110B Energy Star with Lock
- 4. Haier 150-Can Beverage Cooler with Lock
- 5. Danby DAR044A6DDB Contemporary Classic Compact Refrigerator with Lock
- 6. EdgeStar Fridge Freezer with Lock
- 7. Sunpentown UF-150W Freezer
- 8. Ivation 18 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
- 9. Avanti 5 cubic feet Beverage Center
- 10. Frigidaire FFPE4522QM: Best Frigidaire Mini Fridge with Lock
- Advantages of Lock in a Mini Fridge
- Verdict
List of Best Mini Fridges with Lock
| # | Image | Product Name | Features | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Whynter CUF-210SS Energy Star Upright Freezer |
| Buy Now |
| 2 |  | Danby 120 Can Beverage Center Stainless Steel |
| Buy Now |
| 3 |  | Whynter CUF-110B Energy Star |
| Buy Now |
| 4 |  | Haier 150-Can Beverage Cooler with Lock |
| Buy Now |
| 5 |  | Danby DAR044A6DDB Contemporary Classic Compact Refrigerator with Lock |
| Buy Now |
| 6 |  | EdgeStar Fridge Freezer with Lock |
| Buy Now |
| 7 |  | Sunpentown UF-150W Freezer |
| Buy Now |
| 8 |  | Ivation 18 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler |
| Buy Now |
| 9 |  | Avanti 5 cubic feet Beverage Center |
| Buy Now |
| 10 |  | Frigidaire FFPE4522QM |
| Buy Now |
1. Whynter CUF-210SS Energy Star Upright Freezer with Lock
- Energy Star rated (uses less power than a light blub); Low noise level. Perfect for storing breast milk, ice cream and frozen food.
- Freestanding setup (clearance around the unit is needed); 2.1 cu. ft. total storage volume; Product external dimensions: 17.5″W x 20″ D x 27.5″ H
- Sleek stainless steel reversible swing door; Recessed handle provides a flush finish with the door
- Cylinder lock and two keys for added security; Mechanical temperature control -10° - 2°F
Everybody knows the gripes of living with limited space. At some point in our lives, we have all lived in a dorm where there was never enough space to fit in all that you needed. Well, no matter now. The Whynter is here to rescue you. This amazing item gives you the best of both worlds. A mini-fridge with a freezer and it can be locked! Come on, what more can you ask for?
Upright Freezer
The Whynter CUF-210SS comes in a 2.1 cubic feet model, colored in elegant silver. The most prominent feature, which makes it the perfect fridge for students, offices, and basements, is that the adjustable thermostat allows you to turn it from a fridge into a freezer.
The temperature range is -2 degrees to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. Whether you are traveling with a bunch of friends or hosting a party at your form, just adjust the temperature and your fridge is now perfectly capable of storing frozen items.
Besides, there is the flush back feature. I could place my Whynter anywhere I wanted without worrying about space. Unlike normal refrigerators, you can keep it anywhere without any clearance from the back wall. It will fit cleanly against your walls and corners.
The reversible swing door setting lets you adjust your preferable side to open the machine. The energy star rating will save money and the shelves are removable to allow you adjustment of the fridge space at your convenience.
Additionally, the cylinder lock that comes with two keys is enough to keep your beverages and eatables safe from the hands of your kids.
- Flush back
- Adjustable thermostat
- Removable shelves
- Customer service is unreliable
- The freezer is faulty, may stop working after a few months
2. Danby 120 Can Beverage Center Stainless Steel
- 3.3 cubic feet capacity beverage center (up to 120 cans)
- Mechanical thermostat with temperature range of 43F - 57F
- 3 black wire shelves and interior light.
- Recessed side mount door handle and integrated lock with key. Tempered glass door with stainless steel trim and black body
A mini-fridge with a lock and a glass door to keep your beverage safe are indispensable if you want to host a party or are traveling with friends. Danby is a well-known name when it comes to refrigerators and for good reason. This mini fridge has all the qualities you will need to keep your guests entertained without ever feeling shorthanded.
Beverage Center
with Lock
The glass door with the stainless steel trim gives it a neat and sleek look. Not to mention the protection that the tempered glass offers from UV rays. That means your drinks are now cooler and safer than ever before. The fridge has a storage capacity of 3.3 cubic feet. I could store up to 120 cans in the mini-fridge. I found that number sufficient enough to take care of my party needs.
The manual, high tech, the adjustable thermostat allows you to switch between 43-degree Fahrenheit and 57-degree Fahrenheit, enough to make changes as per the beverages being stored. The fridge is fitted with LED light which I believe is an excellent move to save energy and reduce those electricity bills. Also, the lights inside the machine are activated by the door, so you do not have to worry about energy wastage at all.
There are 3 wire shelves that lend it a classy and refined finish. The door is adjustable, you can switch it to the right or left-hand side at your convenience. The lock and key fitted into the door not only make the mini-fridge secure, but you can also now stay worried free that the kids might get their hands on something they are not supposed to.
- Tempered glass door
- Door activated LED lights
- Switchable door
- Unreliable temperature settings
- Sides can get too hot
- May become too loud
3. Whynter CUF-110B Energy Star with Lock
- Energy Star rated (uses less power than a light blub); Low noise level. Perfect for storing breast milk, ice cream and frozen food.
- Freestanding setup (clearance around the unit is needed); 1.1 cu. ft. total storage volume; Product external dimensions: 18.5″W x 17.7″ D x 19.5″ H
- Sleek black reversible swing door; Recessed handle provides a flush finish with the door.Noise Level: <42 dB
- Cylinder lock and two keys for added security; Mechanical temperature control -10° - 2°F
The Whynter CUF-110B is one of the top-selling mini-fridge by Whynter which has a lock and key. Featuring a 1.1 cu.ft capacity, it will store just the things you need and still make it super compact.
1.1 Cubic Feet
Upright Freezer with Lock
With 17.7 x 18.5 x 19.5 inches and weighing just about 36 pounds, it is one of the most compact and portable mini fridges out there.
The fridge has mechanical temperature control and ranges from -10 F to -2 F. The fridge has a reversible door which makes it easy for installation anywhere. Apart from that, of course, it has a cylindrical door lock and key system.
This model is an energy star rated fridge which makes it extremely energy efficient. This model is the best mini fridge for dorms and college students as it is placed at a reasonable price, has a lock and key, and also very compact.
- Flatback design
- Separate door panels for fridge and freezer
- Decent lock
- Does not get hot
- Runs quietly
- The machine is heavy
- Peg legs can dent sensitive flooring
- Fridge space is not as cool as freezer
- Needs to be kept running constantly
4. Haier 150-Can Beverage Cooler with Lock
- Beverage center for chilling and storing up to 150 12-ounce cans
- 4 full-width adjustable vinyl-coated shelves hold both cans and bottles
- Adjustable thermostat; reversible glass door with recessed handle
- Removable lower bottle rack; automatic defrost; lock and key for optional security
In recent years, Haier has come to be known as a household brand. Reliability and integrity are synonymous with the company name now.
150-Can Beverage Center
with Lock
The new Haier 150-can beverage center mini fridge is perfect for storing your drinks. Whether you are at a party, or traveling, or using the fridge for your recreation center, it will be your perfect companion. It is also a good partner for office goers and students living in a dorm.
The four full-width glass shelves give the machine a sleek and stylish finish, not to mention increased storage capacity. They also provide immense flexibility to the fridge, with the ability to clean them whenever you feel like it is getting dirty. The door is made of glass with black cabinet and metal trim, adding to the sophisticated look even more.
Also Read: 10 Best Haier Mini Fridges with Reviews, Pros and Cons
The fridge can hold a whopping 150 cans at one time, so I never had to worry about running out of beer at a party. Depending on the kind of space where you store your fridge, and whether you are right-handed or left-handed, you can change the side on which the glass door opens according to your convenience. The handle on the door is recessed, giving it even more of a refined look, along with increased functionality.
The lights fitted inside the fridge are LEDs, so I could rest in peace that there will be no excessive energy wastage. The adjustable thermostat with a temperature range of 39 degrees to 55 degrees is just perfect to suit your needs. The lower bottle rack can be removed if you want to store bigger bottles.
The fridge also features automatic defrost to help you avoid the hassle of defrosting every few days. There is the lock and key mechanism to add another layer of security to your items and keep them secure from kids and unwanted hands.
- Removable, glass shelves
- Automatic defrost
- Reports of leakage from several units. (Although solved)
- Difficult to achieve a temperature lower than 50 degrees.
5. Danby DAR044A6DDB Contemporary Classic Compact Refrigerator with Lock
- Iridium Silver Metallic door finish with rubber grip chrome ergonomic door handle
- Black interior with White LED lighting
- Glass Shelves
- Door Lock
The Danby fridges are classic in North America. The company is a leading name in household appliances. You can buy a Danby contemporary fridge with eyes closed, that is how unique, inspired, and reliable their products are. The new mini fridge is no exception.
The fridge comes in a pearl, metallic white color and the chrome accents serve to make it look even more iconic. It looked like a little bit of a futuristic piece of technology sitting next to my other household items. The door is curved like they used to do in old fashioned fridges, but somehow it gives the machine a quaint charm. The door handle is ergonomically designed with a rubber grip.
As far as storage is concerned, there is plenty. There are two full-width glass shelves and one half-width glass shelf to keep your items. All the shelves are adjustable to allow you to get the maximum out of your fridge. Additionally, there is tall bottle storage to store larger items and a crisper drawer to keep your fruits and vegetable fresh. The most exciting feature for me, however, was the Canstor beverage dispenser.
It has all the features of the older models – mechanically adjustable thermostat to allow achievement of desirable temperature, an integrated door lock for added security, and LED lights fixed inside to avoid energy wastage. The machine also comes with an energy star rating, so you will definitely save a lot on that front.
The feature that sets it apart though is that the interior is entirely black in color. This again adds to the futuristic look of the mini-fridge. Like its predecessors, the door hinge is adjustable – open it left or right as per your desires. The top of the fridge is scratch resistant and features a chrome finish. If you are in a crunch for space, you can use the machine as a counter-top. Additionally, it uses a new environment-friendly refrigerant, so it is the perfect mini fridge for those of us who are concerned about the planet.
- Environment friendly
- Scratch resistant countertop
- Black interior
- Unreliable customer service
- Not ideal for storing frozen items
6. EdgeStar Fridge Freezer with Lock
- office product
- office
- home office
- student chair
The EdgeStar Freezer with Lock may be the smallest and most compact on this list, but that does not mean that it is any less powerful than its competitors. I found the size of this mini fridge perfect for traveling and dorm students. If you have to fit a ton of furniture into a small space, be sure to check it out.
The door is made of stainless steel, adding a new level of sturdiness to it. Not to mention the refine look that polished metal can lend an appliance. The fridge is truly multifunctional. A full range thermostat allows temperature adjustment from zero degrees to 40 degrees. I could use my Edgestar mini fridge as a freezer when I needed ice or wanted to keep your drinks ice cold.
The door features a lock at the bottom center and comes with two keys. This adds an additional layer of security to the mini fridge. The manual defrosts helped me avoid a lot of hassle, not to mention the dollars I saved on energy consumption. This newer model also features an entirely new refrigerant that is more energy-efficient than the predecessors.
The door is reversible like other models on this list. The flush back design makes the appliance easy to store in small spaces since it can be placed in a corner or under a table. The handle on the door is recessed, giving it an ergonomic design and a graceful look.
- Compact build.
- Can be used as a freezer.
- Stainless steel door.
- Manual defrost that saves energy.
- Temperature does not fall to true zero degrees.
- Thermostat control markings are unclear, it can be hard to understand temperature adjustment.
- Instructions in the manual are not precise.
7. Sunpentown UF-150W Freezer
- 1.1 cu.ft. capacity, true 0°f capability, manual defrost, mechanical adjustable thermostat.
- Stainless steel door with black cabinet, reversible door, lock & key.
- Flush back design for space saving, front leveling legs, recessed handle
- UL approved
A Sunpentown UF-150W freezer is a multi-functional appliance that offers you the ability to store goods at zero degrees. So you do not have to worry about your vegetable getting spoiled or your cold drinks getting warm. Additionally, you can use it as an ice-making machine. The fridge can make a whopping 12 pounds of ice daily and can store up to 6 pounds.
The body of the fridge is made of stainless steel and gives it a refined and graceful finish. Not to mention the security layer that the steel adds. You can also switch the door to the left or right side as per your convenience if you have limited space availability. The unit comes with a lock and key system to ensure your grub is safe from the hands of unwanted people.
The freezer cum fridge has another special feature that I love. It is an under-counter mini-fridge, that is it can fit snugly under a standard kitchen countertop, saving even more space than other mini fridges in this list.
The machine has an auto shut off the system. Basically, when you are using it as an ice-making machine, you do not have to babysit the fridge and switch it off. The mini-fridge will automatically cut the power supply. Consequently, you save both money and energy. The manual defrost system is again an advantageous one when it comes to saving energy. Now you can easily get rid of that pesky ice that occupies unnecessary space without too much hassle.
The mechanical adjustable thermostat allows you to switch between the fridge and freezer setting easily. The fridge features adjustable legs so you can place it on uneven surfaces without worrying about dis-balancing the unit.
- Adjustable legs
- Automatic shut off
- The door handle is not ergonomically designed
- The unit does not last longer than a year or a year and a half
8. Ivation 18 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
- WINE COOLER (wine Cellar / Wine Chiller) A MUST HAVE: The only way to protect the quality and taste of your wines long or short term, and ensure it AGES at a...
- PERFECT Stable TEMPERATURE: The Ivation cooler enables you to store your wines short & long term in a consistent stable temp environment, and allows you to...
- HUMIDITY, MINIMAL LIGHT: Insulated with Solid polyurethane heavy foam (CFC-free) & Closed with Thermopane doors that are tempered smoked, to ensure an interior...
- NO VIBRATION & SUPER QUIET: Specially built with an Energy-efficient thermoelectric cooling system with no compressor, to minimize the vibration effect and...
The Ivation Wine Cooler is the best mini fridge you can find under 200 dollars. Not only does it come with a lock and key security system, but it also throws in a bunch of other cool features, literally.
First of all, the appearance itself is a show-stealer. I loved the sleek design that came with the cooler. There is a beautiful exterior digital display with temperature control and it made the whole thing extremely easy to use.
There is enough storage space in the cooler. The five slide-out metal shelves were just enough to store all my wine and then some. What’s more, I could pop them out whenever I want to clean up the insides. You can easily store up to 12 wine bottles in the fridge without feeling like they are crammed in.
The external display keeps the temperature control consistent and visible, so you never have to worry about your precious beverages getting spoiled. The fridge allows you to adjust between 50 degrees to 64 degrees Fahrenheit.
One of the most unique features and the one I loved the most is that it is internally insulated with polyurethane and the door is made of Thermopane glass. It keeps the cork in your wine bottles from spoiling and the door keeps the harmful ultraviolet rays away from your expensive drinks.
The cooler also allows humidity control to provide optimum conditions for aging your wines. As a wine connoisseur, there is not much I can ask from a mini fridge. The soft indoor lighting also keeps your wine from spoiling due to excessive exposure to light.
The fridge has a lockable system, so you have absolutely no worries about keeping your wines safe. It also runs quietly and smoothly, to help your drinks settle in an age without any external disturbance. However, if you don’t need a wine cooler with lock, then check our list of best wine coolers.
- Quietly operating fridge
- Thermopane glass and polyurethane lining
- External display
- Humidity control
- Light and temperature setting are not separate
- Temperature control can be unpredictable
- Customer service is unreliable
9. Avanti 5 cubic feet Beverage Center
The Avanti mini fridge with lock is one of the most compact mini-fridges in this list. It comes in a black metal finish with a glass door. The design lends it a sophisticated look and the metal trim is an added bonus.
The glass door is double-paned so that you have another layer to avoid the breakage of the door. The door frame and handle are made of stainless steel. This gives it a stylish look, along with sturdiness and strength. It has a black, glossy finish on the outside and the interior lining is also black in color, making it an absolutely chic and gorgeous appliance.
The fridge also has a unique quality one of the others on the list do. It provides you with an electronic display. Not only could I view the inside temperature to check if my beverages are being cooled at the optimal temperature, but I could also control the fridge settings at the touch of my fingers. The control features are intuitive and easy to get used to. The display settings can be turned off or on, to avoid wastage of energy.
The fridge features three adjustable, vinyl-coated shelves. You can easily move them around to get the best storage settings you need to store your grub. The fridge has an auto-defrost feature to help you avoid the hassle of manual defrosting. It also allows you a full range of temperature control so you can find the best setting for your beverages.
Contrary to previous models, it features a new kind of refrigerant that is environment-friendly and less power consuming. So you are not only saving dollars, but also Mother Earth.
- Auto defrost
- Sleek looks
- Full temperature control
- The legs are wobbly
- Unit may stop working after a year.
10. Frigidaire FFPE4522QM: Best Frigidaire Mini Fridge with Lock
- Store-More Door Bins: Refrigerator door bins offer additional storage and organization.
- SpaceWise(R) Countertop: Perfect place to store your microwave or other items when space constrained.
- Reversible Door Swing Option: Door can be installed to open left or right based on your needs.
- Lock with Pop-out Key: The key automatically ejects after locking so you don't have to worry about leaving it in the door.
This bestselling mini-refrigerator boasts of providing a whopping 4.5 cubic feet capacity, and that makes it the largest with a lock. The sleek silver-colored exterior lends it a sophisticated look. The best feature of this mini fridge is its user-friendliness. Everything is designed in an intuitive manner and I did not need to consult the user manual after the initial setup.
Refrigerator with Lock
Everything about this fridge is designed to get the maximum out of a small space, while still keeping things classy. There are Store-More door shelves and Store-More drawers to, you guessed it, store more drinks and organic produce. The in-door can rack is a life savior, I was able to store just enough beer. The glass shelves lend it a refined look. There are two more shelves – can you believe it? One half-width door shelf and one full-width door shelf. Just enough to keep my stuff fresh and cold.
This compact machine has another brilliant feature. I could pop out the door to install it, either way, left or right, as per my convenience. Additionally, the lights installed are bright enough to see what is inside. The SpaceWise design is a boon for dorm students. You can install a microwave over your Frigidaire, or simply use it as a counter-top if you are in a bind when it comes to space.
The kicker, of course, is the lock. It’s a key type lock. While that in itself may be old fashioned, what is cool is that it’s a pop-out kind. As soon as I locked the fridge, it popped out the key so there is no chance I would forget it inside.
- Compact, sleek design
- Pop out lock
- Store-More shelves and door
Reversible door
- Difficult to obtain spare parts
- The lock can be opened with a wrench
Advantages of Lock in a Mini Fridge
If you are living in a flat and sharing space with some roommates, it is imperative that you get a mini fridge with a lock. How else would you make sure nobody touches your chilled beers and fresh fruits? Or imagine this; you are hosting a party with a few friends in your basement, recreation room, or entertainment room.
How inconvenient would it be to go to the kitchen every time you want to crack open a cold one? Get a mini fridge with a lock. That way, you can keep your iced beverages close enough, without worrying about your kids getting their hands on them.
Lockable mini fridges are also a great companion when you are traveling in a group. They are not just sturdy, compact and lightweight, but also secure. Carry them everywhere you go with the additional security of a lock that will prevent anything from being stolen.
These fridges are small in size and are extremely ergonomic in their design. Especially for students who do not have much room in their dormitories, a lockable mini fridge can not only save space, but it also makes sure that none of your stuff can be misplaced. Additionally, many of these mini fridges come with scratch-resistant tops so you can use them as counter-tops.
These compact machines are also the perfect companion for bachelors and anyone who changes places often. Not only are they portable and easy to carry, but the lock mechanism makes sure none of your eatables will be misplaced even when you are moving to another place. You can check EvaChill’s guide to buying a mini fridge if you’re interested in knowing about the factors we consider before adding every product.
Verdict
There is no dearth of lockable mini fridges in the market, online and offline. However, some are obviously better than others. Depending on your budget, I would advise you to stick with the tried and tested. The older companies are famous and reliable for a reason. A Frigidaire or a Whytner mini fridge may cost you more but if you are looking for a long term solution, it’s best not to go cheap.
The customer services are supportive and it is easy to find spare parts. The lesser-known, cheaper models like Avanti are good if you only want a temporary fridge until you get a bigger, better one. Students looking for a mid-range yet trusted product should give Emerson and EdgeStar a shot. Although the products are old, they have proven their worth over the years. And you can always find one on discount at Target, Amazon, and Walmart.
