A mini fridge isn’t a replacement to the large-sized refrigerators. However, they are in popular at places where you can’t take or keep a conventional refrigerator. At places with limited space, a lot of people prefer small refrigerators over the large ones. Few of the places include dorm rooms, office spaces, bedrooms, or in automotives like RVs, trucks and cars.

Looking for the best mini fridge? Jump to the list

A few popular uses of a Mini Fridge include:

  • Dorm Rooms [Used by Students to store food items]
  • Office Spaces [For chilled water, beverages, and food items]
  • Bedrooms [Food items for midnight cravings, drinks, breast milk for a newborn]
  • Cars, Trucks and RVs [For storing food items for snacking, insulin for diabetic people, water, and refreshments]
  • Kitchen [Mostly used by people living in small apartments as a replacement for a large refrigerator]

There’s not a person who doesn’t like to preserve their favorite beverage on a hot summer day or a bitter winter night. But the gigantic body sizes of the usual refrigerators pose as a significant obstacle to it. Fortunately, through the ever-evolving technology, the efficiency of a refrigerator has been compacted down to a smaller size which is popularly known as Mini fridges.

What is a Mini-Fridge?

They are simply fridges, but smaller in size. However, that’s just how things are at first glance. While they do appear to be tiny small fridges, you’ll see a world of difference upon closer inspection. In their endeavor to make themselves smaller, they end up losing a lot of the features and benefits of conventional fridges.

In fact, most of the time these features are selectively added to the mini-fridges to let them remain functional while making sure that they don’t too large or cumbersome to serve the primary purpose of a mini-fridge: size and portability. That being said, there are some features that simply cannot be put in place without making the fridge large, and here is where the distinction in purpose comes into play.

Different mini-fridges are built for different purposes. Some are meant to save you space while others are meant to help you store more food while being lesser in size. Some are meant to be carried around during road trips and picnics.

The Best Mini Fridges of 2020

The following is a list of fridges which I have compiled has the best mini fridge to suit different purposes. You can go ahead to make a better choice if you see one. However, most items in this list can be adapted to multiple purposes on their own.

After all, what is a mini-fridge suited to just one purpose? Some of them can’t be helped, of course, like Wine Coolers and Beverage Fridges. However, for the rest, they can suit most purposes pretty well. Take a good read and select the one which you think would suit your purposes the best. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box!

So shall we begin with the list?

#ImageProduct NameFeaturesBuy Now
1Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler

  • Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.3 x 8 inches

  • Weight : 8.05 pounds

  • Capacity: 4 L

  • Freezerless

Buy Now
2Midea WHS-65LB1 Compact

  • Dimension: 17.7 x 18.6 x 19.4 inches

  • Weight: 35.3 pounds

  • Capacity: 45L

  • Freezer on top

Buy Now
3Danby Designer DCR044A2BDD Compact Refrigerator

  • Dimensions: 20.9 x 20.7 x 32.7 inches

  • Weight: 57.8 pounds

  • Capacity: 4.4 cu. ft. (126 L)

  • Freezer on top

Buy Now
4Gourmia GMF600 Thermoelectric Mini Fridge Cooler and Warmer

  • Dimensions: 10 x 7.25 x 11 in

  • Weight: 4.6 pounds

  • Capacity: 4L

  • Freezerless

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5Cooluli CMF15LT Mini Fridge Electric Cooler

  • Dimensions: 10.6 x 13 x 15.2 inches

  • weight: 12.5 pounds

  • Capacity: 15 L

  • Freezerless

Buy Now
6Danby DAR026A2BDB Contemporary Classic

  • Dimensions: 20.4 x 17.7 x 27 inches

  • Weight: 55 pounds

  • Capacity:2.6 cu. ft. (73.6 L)

  • Freezerless

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7Igloo RCA Retro Bar Mini Fridge

  • Dimensions: 19 x 21 x 21 inches

  • Weight:36.8 pounds

  • Capacity: 1.6 cu. ft (45 L)

  • Freezer-on-top

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8Black + Decker BCRK43V Compact Refrigerator

  • Dimensions: 20.9 x 20.6 x 32.7 inches

  • Weight: 63.9 pounds

  • Capacity: 121.7L

  • Freezer-on-top

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9Kenmore Compact Mini Fridge

  • Dimensions: 22.1 x 20.6 x 32.5 inches

  • Weight: 76 pounds

  • Capacity: 4.5 cu.ft (127 L)

  • Freezer-on-top

Buy Now
10Magic Chef MCAR320B2

  • Dimensions: 17.5 x 18.7 x 33.4 inches

  • Weight: 46.7 pounds

  • Capacity: 90.6 L

  • Freezerless

Buy Now

1. Best for Cans: Cooluli Mini Electric Cooler

Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler
Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler

The Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler is capable of holding up to 12oz. cans within its compartments. Innovatively designed, this refrigerator is aimed at being an all-rounder when it comes to preserving beverages.

It is capable of instantly switching between being a beverage cooler to being a food warmer. Hence, this not only works as an ideal mini fridge but also as a satisfactory food warmer.

Given its ability to run on AC or DC, it can be plugged in a 110V power supply like any other mini-fridge. This means you can run it from a power bank which is cable of outputting 2A of charge.

The refrigerator comes included with a 110V AC and a 12V DC power adapter which enables you to use it when plugged into a car charger. Owing to the included 12V DC power cord. The ability of this mini fridge to provide efficient cooling and warming environments just off of a 12V DC charge added with its extremely portable nature makes it the ideal companion to take on vacations and road trips.

It is made from a lightweight yet sturdy polypropylene material which gives it a sleek and matte-finish design.

Pros
  • Lightweight yet sturdy.
  • Affordable pricing.
  • Can work both as a food warmer and beverage cooler
Cons
  • Comes with limited space.

2. Best Mini Fridge for Home and Office: Midea WHS-65LB1 Compact

Midea WHS-65LB1 Compact
Midea WHS-65LB1 Compact

Midea WHS-65LB1 Compact comes in two variants (single door and double door) and varying sizes (1.6 cubic feet to 3.5 cubic feet.) The unique thing about this refrigerator is that it allows you to change the sides from where the door can be opened. Besides being customizable, it’s also efficient.

It is able to reach temperatures from 2′ Celsius to -2’ Celsius which makes it the ideal spot to chill, freeze or preserve your favorite beverages or food items. Despite its abilities to drop to below freezing temperatures, the refrigerator is quiet and silent when it’s functioning which makes it the ideal mini refrigerator for an office environment or a dorm where silence is absolutely necessary. You can preserve ice, it doesn’t have a freezer, therefore, it can’t make ice for you.

It is designed with energy efficiency and affordability in mind as it is included with energy-saving elements that enable it to efficiently chill or freeze any desired food items without any noticeable warm spots.

It enables it to be compressed in tight spaces without the improper flow of heat affecting its functioning. The Midea WHS-65LB1 Compact comes in three color variants namely the Black, White and Stainless Steel. It is one of the most reliable mini-refrigerators out there.

“Perfect Solution,” said one couple with a tiny but cozy space.

Jessica Mayer
Pros
  • Saves energy and has low noise
  • Comes with a separate
    compartment for extra chilling
  • Technology is environment-friendly
  • The best option for small spaces
Cons
  • The chilling compartment is a bit small.
  • Doesn’t have space for storing lots of items.
  • The single door variant can’t make ice and can’t store frozen food items.

3. Best Large Mini Fridge: Danby Designer DCR044A2BDD Compact Refrigerator

Danby Designer DCR044A2BDD Compact Refrigerator
Danby Designer DCR044A2BDD Compact Refrigerator

The Danby Designer DCR044A2BDD Compact Refrigerator can be easily described as a counter-high refrigerator designed to provide large storage area within a compact environment. This mini-fridge comes in numerous storage size variants ranging from 1.6 cubic feet to 4.4 cubic feet.

The storage areas within this compact refrigerator are intricately designed to give maximum storage options with minimal elements. It also features a CanStor beverage dispenser that designed specifically for storage of canned beverages and can hold up to 8 cans (for the 4.4 cubic feet model.)

This mini fridge also features a 2.5 glass shelf design that offers increased storage versatility coupled with the ability to accurately control the temperatures within the mini-fridge through the included mechanical thermostat which is integrated with a simple push-to-defrost button.

This appliance is Energy Star rated which essentially means that it is going to provide you with maximum efficiency with affordable energy consumption. It also features a reversible and convenient door hinge that allows it to be configured for both left-handed and right-handed openings. The mini-fridge also ships with a rather generous 18-month warranty on parts with in-home service.

Pros
  • Comes with glass shelves for holding beverages
  • Elegant design
  • Large storage area
  • Gives you the ability to control the temperature
Cons
  • No lock

4. Gourmia GMF600 Thermoelectric Mini Fridge Cooler and Warmer

Gourmia GMF600 Thermoelectric Mini Fridge

The Gourmia GMF600 Thermoelectric Mini Fridge is capable of shifting within temperatures ranging from 32°F to 150°F enabling it to act as a beverage cooler as well as an efficient food warmer. This mini fridge was designed with extreme convenience in mind given its ability to function off of an AC or DC power supply.

It utilizes thermoelectric technology to ensure efficient cooling and warming modes for your favorite food beverages and items without having a negative effect on the environment. It also features a Thermoelectric Peltier Element for effective heat dissipation to provide it with a lasting life and reliable nature.

It features semiconductors that are free of CFC’s and refrigerants that makes it eco-friendly and less harmful to the environment. This mini fridge can hold up to 6 full-sized cans within its storage area. Given all the features of this mini fridge and the extremely affordable price tag, it is one of the perfect companions to take on a road trip or a family vacation as it is one of the smallest fridges out there.

Pros
  • High performance and convenient
  • Fan operation is quiet, so it doesn’t make noise
  • Lightweight and the best option for transportation
  • Eco-friendly
  • Temperature control option
Cons
  • Needs to be unplugged every 48 hours to prevent the
    problem of overheating

5. Cooluli CMF15LT Mini Fridge Electric Cooler

Cooluli CMF15LT Mini Fridge Electric Cooler
Cooluli CMF15LT Mini Fridge Electric Cooler

The Cooluli CMF15LW is specifically designed for car trips, but given the slew of features it is embedded with, it is almost ideal for any environment or condition that is feasible.

This favorite car trip refrigerator comes in two size variants namely the ten litres/12 cans or the 15 litres/18 cans size versions. Since it is designed for travel, it features AC and DC adapters, that are included in the box, which makes it extremely versatile when it comes to efficient energy consumption. It does not have a freezer compartment.

Instead of using refrigeration technology, it utilizes thermoelectric principles to provide efficient cooling, and warming modes on the flick of a switch are making the output absolutely Freon free and extremely environment-friendly.

It is lightweight and portable as it is built with high-quality and sturdy plastic. Along with that, it is easy to clean owing to its matte plastic finish. It comes in various color variants including black, pink, blue, turquoise, and yellow. Considering the storage space, it offers along with a slew of features, the refrigerator comes with an affordable price tag.

Pros
  • High performance in any kind of environment
  • Environment-friendly
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Comes in different color variants
Cons
  • Storage capacity is less

6. Danby DAR026A2BDB Contemporary Classic Mini Fridge

Danby DAR026A2BDB Contemporary Classic
Danby DAR026A2BDB Contemporary Classic

The Danby DAR026A2BDB Contemporary Classic comes in various size choices ranging from 1.7 cubic feet to 4.4 cubic feet. It is one among Danby’s Contemporary Classic family which is designed to reimagine the retro design for the modern consumer. The Contemporary Classic family aims to blend simplicity with a flare to make for an appealing design choice that is reminiscent of the mid-century styling.

Apart from its sleek looks, the device features a scratch-resistant worktop along with a separated tall bottle and can storage on the interior. This mini fridge utilizes the R600a refrigerant which makes it as eco-friendly as it is efficient in functioning. Along with its other features, it is Energy Star rated which essentially means that it is going to provide you with all the high-quality functions of a name brand with minimal energy consumption throughout the year.

This mini fridge sports a reversible door hinge which allows for both left-handed and right-handed openings. The interior features a CanStor storage section which is implemented specifically for the storage of canned beverages and depending on the size variant that you choose, it can store up to 8 full-sized beverage cans in a moment.

It is the perfect choice if one wants the best of designs and efficient functionality given its unique and sleek retro design. Danby’s attempt at combining sleek looks with efficient working is commendable, and the efforts certainly show in their contemporary classic family.

Pros
  • A unique combination of design and functionality
  • Minimal energy consumption
  • Interior LED light
Cons
  • Second levelling foot, you might have to use a shim

7. Best for Home Bar: Igloo RCA Retro Bar Mini Fridge

Kenmore Compact Mini Fridge
Kenmore Compact Mini Fridge

Retro lovers should rejoice as the Igloo RCA Retro Bar Mini Fridge is something everyone should have it. The looks, the bottle cap opener on the side and its compact size is something you should not miss out on.

Be it your bedroom, dorm room or living room, this compact refrigerator delivers fast chilling. You can adjust the temperature levels as per your desire. The door is reversible and very versatile. There’s a built-in bottle opener that can help you open the beer or soda bottles. This is my personal choice for a home bar and my friends love it.

If nothing more, gift this as a novelty gift to your friends who love having a retro bar at home. It weighs less than 26 pounds and super compact.

Pros
  • A compact mini fridge that fits everywhere.
  • Gives the stylish retro feel with different colors.
  • Ideal for a home bar, bedroom, and retro-styled living rooms.
Cons
  • Space is a bit let since it is compact but fits the essentials.

8. Best Value for Money: Black + Decker BCRK43V Compact Refrigerator

Black Decker BCRK43V Compact Refrigerator
Black Decker BCRK43V Compact Refrigerator

The BLACK DECKER BCRK43V is one of the all-rounder choices that is capable and built for storing any kind of food beverages in their optimum temperature conditions. The intricately organized interior of this mini fridge features specially designed compartments dedicated to storing a certain kind of food item or beverage.

It has a separate canned beverage compartment capable of storing eight cans of your favorite beverage along with a tall bottle compartment just below it where you can store the taller bottled beverages. This compartment comes equipped with a full-width freezer compartment where you can freeze your ice cubes for future use. Along with all of that, it also features a slide-out bottom compartment for storing and preserving fruits and groceries within their optimal conditions.

The device is extremely versatile given its adjustable leveling legs and manual thermostat control to ensure that it blends it with your desired environment, regardless of where and what it might be. It can also be customized to store just about anything that you might want it to store with its removable shelves.

Adding to all of the customizability and storage features, it sports a reversible door hinge through which you can configure it for left-handed or right-handed door openings. Despite its powerful and efficient cooling features, it almost works in complete silence making it the ideal choice for a mini-fridge within a quiet environment like that of offices, libraries or homes.

Pros
  • Works in absolute silence.
  • Separate canned beverage compartment
  • Blends seamlessly with your environment
  • Reversible door hinge
Cons
  • No drawer
  • No locks

9. Best Premium Mini Fridge: Kenmore Compact Mini Fridge

Kenmore Compact Mini Fridge
Kenmore Compact Mini Fridge

The Kenmore 99059 Compact Mini Refrigerator is a premium fridge among the bunch of mini-fridges in the list. The best feature of this fridge is the built-in quick chill compartment which is handy when you need to quench your thirst quickly.

The fridge has enough space to store bottles, groceries, beer cans and a lot more. Despite having enough space, the fridge is compact and will fit easily in your office, home mini-bar or the bedroom. The fridge weighs just about 75 pounds.

Pros
  • Stores bottles, beer cans, and groceries.
  • Ample space for storage yet compact.
  • Quick-Chill freezer built-in.
Cons
  • The door opens only one way.

10. Best Energy Efficient Mini Fridge: Magic Chef MCAR320B2

Magic Chef MCAR320B2
Magic Chef MCAR320B2

The Magic Chef MCAR320B2 covers 3.2 cubic feet of space and is capable of preserving all kinds of beverages and food items. It is extremely customizable with removable shelves that make it configurable to store any food items. Along with the same, the mini-fridge includes a crisper drawer and a 12-oz. Beverage can dispenser to organize and separate your beverage types.

It also features a reversible door hinge making it capable of being configured for both left-handed and right-handed use. This mini fridge also features a flush and sleek design making it capable of blending in any kind of environment. It also comes equipped with an adjustable temperature thermostat control to manually adjust the interior temperature. Which helps it to preserve varying kinds of beverage and food items better.

The Magic Chef MCAR320B2 is as energy efficient as it is appealing to the eye. With an Energy Star rating of 259kWh/year. This mini fridge not only serves its purpose but also enables to you drastically lower your energy bills. If one wishes to get a simple mini organized fridge and gets the job done then this is the ideal choice to pick from.

Pros
  • Silent operation
  • Reversible door
  • Sleek design
  • Energy efficient
Cons
  • No locks

Mini Fridge – The Buyer’s Guide

Cooling and Refrigeration are important factors when you want to preserve food or other perishable items and more often than not, a simple icebox just doesn’t cut it. You can be away for a long time and might require refrigeration. In other cases, you might want to use a fridge, but might not want to invest as much in a larger fridge, or simply don’t have enough space to accommodate a large refrigerator. In such cases and more, a mini refrigerator is what is most useful.

Mini Fridge Buying Guide
Your only guide to
buying a mini refrigerator

Before you buy one, it is always best to know what to look for in one of these. The compact size sure sacrifices quite a lot of features of a larger fridge. However, a Mini fridge has its own advantages.

As a result, we have decided to make a guide for you to help you decide which mini fridge you would like to purchase given the advantages and drawbacks of all the types of mini-fridges available in the market. However, if you want to select the best one yourself, continue reading this guide and learn about the things you shall consider when buying a compact refrigerator.

Things To Consider When Buying a Mini Fridge

Mini Fridge Infographic by EvaChill
  1. The Size of the fridge: You wouldn’t want to waste unnecessary space.
  2. The Type of Fridge: Each type is suited for some purpose or the other. While this guide focuses on types of compact fridges.
  3. Space available. It’s always best to go for a fridge which has more space for storage inside of it.
  4. The purpose of the fridge. This helps you determine what you can preserve in it.
  5. Noise, The lesser the better.
  6. Insulation.
  7. Brand Value, Warranty, and Customer Support

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s take a look at all the aspects of choosing a Mini Refrigerator.

1. Size

Bigger isn’t always better, and certainly not in the case of Mini Fridges. In this case, smaller is much better. After all, you are looking for miniature refrigerators. You should only look for a larger fridge if you think that it doesn’t have sufficient storage space for your purposes.

Going for a larger fridge not only takes up more space, but it also makes it less portable in addition to adding more weight to it. Conversely, it will also use up much more energy and run out of battery sooner than smaller variants. It is always advisable to select a space for your mini-fridge before you go out to buy one. The following are the most common sizes available:

1.1. Cube Mini-Fridge

Cube Mini-Fridges are the smallest of the lot. They are practically cube-shaped refrigerators which enable you to store sufficient amounts of food and drinks for a picnic, or for use in an office or room where you might occasionally opt for a chilled drink or a little snack.

These types of fridges usually don’t have freezers and hence, cannot freeze water into ice or keep temperatures sub-zero. They also don’t have a lot of space, making them ideal for simply cooling snacks and drinks instead of actually preserving them for longer.

You will end up with a chilled drink with one of these, but it won’t be ample for anything more than that. These are meant only for storing snacks and other smaller meals and eatables. These are essentially meant purely for cooling without any focus on preservation.

Pros
  • Extremely small in size.
  • Extremely portable.
  • Light Weight.
  • Inexpensive.
  • No problem defrosting.
Cons
  • Poorly insulated.
  • Not a lot of space available.
  • Consumes more power because of poor isolation.
  • Not the best suited for freezing or keeping ice frozen.
  • Not economically feasible for the long run.
1.2. Mid Size Mini-Fridges

Mid Size Mini-Fridges are exactly what they sound like. They are mid-sized fridges which are neither as small as Cube Fridges, nor as large as Under the Counter fridges.

Their size is optimal, allowing you to store ample amounts of food in them. They also feature more shelves than Cube Fridges and usually have a separate Freezer Section and might even come with a thermostat to control the temperature with.

They are also better insulated than Cube Fridges but require good internal insulation to make sure that ice doesn’t start collecting around outside of the freezer area. All of this comes at the price of a larger size, heavier weight, less portability, and greater expense.

Pros
  • Optimal size and space.
  • Thermostat Control.
  • Separate Refrigeration area.
  • Good isolation.
  • Economically feasible even for a long run.
Cons
  • Might be difficult to carry around.
  • Heavier weight.
  • Comparatively more expensive.
  • Can’t be placed anywhere.
1.3. Under the counter Mini-Fridges

Under the counter mini Fridges are the largest of mini-fridges available. They have a great amount of storage space available and are well isolated. They also have thermostat controls, usually for both sections of the fridge, the refrigerator section as well as the freezer section.

However, they are extremely large and expensive and are meant to be kept in one place. They cannot be carried around with ease. Some of these even have features such as lights, locking mechanisms and more. However, sometimes these fridges are simply too large for any purpose and are preferred by people who wouldn’t have much use of a full-sized refrigerator in the first place.

Pros
  • Ample amounts of space available.
  • Well insulated.
  • Economically efficient.
  • Can be used as a backup fridge.
  • Thermostat Control.
  • Separate Refrigeration Area.
Cons
  • Too large to fit anywhere. It needs a fixed place with lots of room to accommodate it.
  • The most expensive kind of mini-fridge.
  • Extremely heavy. DIfficult to move around.
  • Not meant to be portable. Meant as a substitute for a larger fridge in a limited space.

Now that the sizes are out of the way, it’s time we take a look at the technologies used in fridges. This will definitely impact the way your fridge functions.

2. Types

The technology used in your mini-fridge is primarily what enables it provides cooling to whatever’s kept inside of it. How well your fridge can chill your food and beverages depends entirely upon the technology used. Furthermore, it also dictates how much energy your mini-fridge uses. More energy-efficient fridges use less battery while cooling more. The following technologies are commonly found in mini-fridges:

2.1. Thermoelectric

Thermoelectric Fridges use a pump to suck the heat out from inside the fridge and dispense it outwards. While this helps the fridge cool the area inside it, it also heats up whatever is outside of it. These types of fridges don’t make much noise seeing how they merely have a pump and fan to vent out any heat. These types of fridges can also keep whatever is inside warm as well since their pump can be configured to work the opposite way, transferring heat from the outside to the inside of the fridge.

The problem with these fridges is that they use up a lot of energy. Furthermore, the amount of noise rises as the size of the fridge decreases. Considering how this technology is quite cheap, it is usually found in smaller fridges, usually making them noisier. They are also not useful for long-term use.

2.2. Compressor

Compressor Fridges use the same technology used by full-sized fridges. They are filled with a compressor liquid inside of them which is vaporized and pumped around inside with the aid of multiple pipes and vents running throughout the interior of the fridge.

The gas in these vents soaks up all the heat present inside, making the content inside colder over time. These fridges are mostly silent. While these fridges spend less energy and make less noise, this technology makes the fridges heavier.

Furthermore, another drawback to this technology is the fact that the temperature fluctuates with the change in external temperature and the thermostat must be frequently changed to accommodate the aforementioned factor. They always run the risk of freezing food or simply leaving it too warm.

2.3. Absorption

Absorption Fridges use liquid Ammonia which constantly evaporates and takes all the heat away from the inside of the fridge. This type of fridge does not require any motor, making it the most silent type of fridge that is available. It also doesn’t suffer from many temperature fluctuations.

However, the problems with this fridge are that this technology is quite expensive to use and maintain over time. Furthermore, this also renders the fridge unable to be carried around as the fridge must be kept upright and level at all times to make sure that the Ammonia can absorb heat and that the fridge works.

These were the most commonly available types of fridges. Now before you go ahead and purchase a fridge, take some time to think about what you’d like to use it for and what you’d like to store in it. You can check our guide to different types of refrigerators if you’re interested in learning about another type of fridges.

3. Purpose of it

Different mini-fridges are built for different purposes in mind. Some of them are meant to store food. Some of them are meant to provide cooling for a short duration.

Some fridges are meant to store delicate beverages, while some are meant to freeze things put inside of them. Knowing what you want to do with your fridge will greatly help you purchase one. A fridge suited to one purpose but used for another can be disastrous.

3.1. Freezers

If you want to merely preserve food and raw materials going for a refrigerator with a freezer section seeing how they take away from space which can otherwise accommodate more food would be a better choice. However, in case you want to store ice or frozen foods, you’ll need to find that this option is quite necessary for a refrigerator.

Also Read: Best Mini Freezers for Perfect Freezing

While they might take away from the overall space of the fridge, they provide you with a separate section that provides greater cooling for those who need it. When buying a fridge of this sort, it is important to go for the well-insulated fridge so that the freezer does not end up freezing the rest of the contents of the fridge.

Furthermore, a fridge which doesn’t need to be switched off to defrost would also be recommended as the change in temperature while the ice is left to melt can result in the rest of the refrigeration area becoming a breeding grounds for bacteria and other microbes which can spoil your food for you.

A double door mini-fridge comes highly recommended. We’ve made a list of mini-fridges with freezer functionality check it out to find the best one for your needs.

3.2. Beverage Fridges

Unlike regular mini-fridges, beverage fridges are merely meant to keep your beverages chilled. They usually have a clear glass panel in front and have a greater number of racks and shelves which can be used to store more beverages.

They can easily provide you with a chilled beer, but they lack a freezer section entirely, and the temperature isn’t ideal for storing food. Choose this fridge only if you wish to use it for cooling your beverages or storing food for short amounts of time at a stretch. It is important to go for a refrigerator that uses solid panels instead of wire meshes to make it easier to clean spillage.

3.3. Wine Fridges

Wine Fridges are like Beverage Fridges in that they have multiple shelves and are meant to hold Wine Bottles. However, they have separate sections for Red and White Wine and the temperatures are usually different for both sections in order to preserve the delicate taste of the wine.

They usually also have a tinted front panel to keep sunlight from harming the wine inside the bottles. Good Wine Fridges also have automatic temperature controls that react to the temperature of the surrounding areas to preserve the taste of the wine.

3.4. Travel Fridge

Travel Fridges are like picnic baskets with cooling abilities. They generally consume a lot of power but provide enough storage space to carry your food with you on a trip. They are not suitable for long term use, but they can easily carry a lot of food inside of them.

They are also particularly noisy. However, they are extremely portable and inexpensive, making them ideal for use on short trips or long drives. Now before you go on ahead and decide to buy a fridge, take a look at some final few things to consider when buying a mini-refrigerator.

4. Insulation

Insulation is the most important part of a mini-fridge. Larger refrigerators are already well insulated and need not worry much about it. However, mini-fridges need to be lighter and hence, must sacrifice on some of the insulation to make them more portable and smaller in size.

A well-insulated fridge insulates the inside from the outside, making the heat stay outside the fridge and keep the interior cooler. If a fridge is not properly insulated, heat from the outside will continue to creep back in, causing the fridge to constantly keep working to dissipate that heat. This not only consumes far more energy than necessary but also harms the life of the motor in the fridge.

Apart from external insulation, multiple sections of the same fridge must also be insulated from one another. If a fridge has two temperature sections, they must have good insulation. Otherwise, heat will continue to bleed into the cooler side, causing difficulties in maintaining temperature. Even in the case of a fridge with a freezer section, it must be well isolated from the refrigeration section. Otherwise, things in the fridge can freeze where they are not meant to and cause problems with the longevity of the consumables inside the fridge.

5. Brand Value, Warranty, and Customer Support

The biggest overlooked factor when buying an electronic appliance is the warranty and the customer support offered by the manufacturer.

Your mini-fridge can have thousands of features at extremely competitive rates and all that you could ever ask for, but none of it is any good if the manufacturer can’t put their money where their mouth is and help you out with their product in case anything goes wrong with it.

Sometimes it’s not even the fault of your manufacturer. Perhaps they just don’t provide service for the area of your residence. As a result, it is recommended that you go for the brands which are not only reputed, but also provide a good warranty on their products. Furthermore, Good Customer Service is always helpful whenever you need some help with your appliance.

Mini-fridges can be manufactured by the best brands out there, but in the end, humans are the ones controlling production and human error is always a factor.

Any machine can break down and have something go wrong with it. In such an instance, it’s better to have the required Warranty and customer support than to need it and not have it.

On that note, here is a list of few reputed brands that manufactures mini-fridges:

  • Danby: Danby is quite a reputed brand when it comes to mini-fridges. They produce a wide variety of fridges and provide a solid 2-year warranty on most of their mini-fridges. They have prompt customer service which usually doesn’t require you to drag the fridge to the service center. They are willing to come over to your home to repair your defects for you.
  • Cooluli: Cooluli is a brand that focuses primarily on more compact mini-fridges. You’ll mostly find that their products are mostly Cube fridges. They provide a 2-year warranty on their products, and their customer support is quite helpful. However, you’ll have to take your fridge over to them in case you can’t repair it on your own. It shouldn’t be a problem seeing how their fridges weigh so light.
  • Black + Decker: Black + Decker generally makes under the counter or larger sized mini-fridges. However, they provide a two-year warranty on all of their products and have great customer support. They provide good coverage over the USA, however, their fridges have to be carried into their service centers.
  • Magic Chef: Magic Chef, much like Black + Decker makes larger sized mini-fridges. Even their customer service and support are exceptional. However, they only provide a one year warranty on their products wherein their defective machinery has to be carried into their service centers on your own. They do provide a five-year warranty on their compressors, notwithstanding.
  • Midea: Midea is a Malaysian brand that makes mini-fridges. They provide a 2-year warranty on all of their fridges. They also have a very assistive customer service. However, unless you buy it from a licensed seller and succeed in supplying them with your warranty card within 14 days of purchase, your warranty will be void. At the same time, they offer a five-year warranty on their compressors. Labor charges and service charges must be paid for on your own. Furthermore, they only offer the replacement of one part only once during their warranty period. Thankfully, the brand is reputed enough to have a very low failure rate in the market.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the basics of how a fridge works and what to look for in a fridge in order to suit your specific needs. Hopefully, you can now make a more informed choice about the fridge which you’re looking to purchase after reading this.

While this does not cover all the features of a mini-fridge, it covers the most important and the most commonly found factors that will make a lasting impact in your investment of preserving food, beverages, and other consumables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do mini fridges keep food cold enough?

Depending on whether the mini fridge is with freezer or freezerless, they are optimal refrigerators to keep the food cold. The fridges with a compressor will keep the food more cold than a thermoelectric fridge.

What is the smallest refrigerator available?

Mini fridges, also known as compact refrigerators come from sizes between 1.7 cubic feet to 4.5 cubic feet.

How long do mini-refrigerators last?

While this depends on a person’s usage and handling, a good quality mini fridge can last anything between 4 to 12 years.

Do mini fridges use a lot of electricity?

Mini fridges receive an Energy Star rating if they consume no more than 239.42 kilowatt-hours per year and definitely energy efficient than regular-sized mini-fridges.

Final Verdict

This marks the end of our list of the top 10 best mini-fridges that are available on the market right now. The above-mentioned choices are the most probable to serve your preserving and cooling needs while being the most efficient in energy consumption and serving their purpose that they are built for.

If you’re looking for just a compact refrigerator for your dorm, try the Midea WHS-65LB1 Compact Fridge. If you’re looking for something on the premium and mid-sized mini fridge for your living room or kitchen, you can go for Black + Decker BCRK43V Compact Refrigerator or Magic Chef MCAR320B2. Let us know which one did you like the most and which one are you going to buy among this best list of mini fridges!

  • This really is a great list, and you’ve covered exactly what one who wants to buy a mini fridge must be interested in knowing. The guide is really detailed, I wish there was a PDF version of it so that it could’ve been easier for study purposes.

    • Thanks Jason,

      I appreciate your feedback and based on it, I’ve added an infographic which has important things to look up when buying a mini fridge. Let me know if there’s something else you need help with! I’d love to help you!

  • I bought the Black and Decker BCRK43V and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, it really is a great refrigerator for my bed room. It looks very classy and modern in looks that it totally fits my bedroom without affecting the furniture as it blends with it.

    • Sheila, it indeed is a great model. I’ve used one in the past for my bedroom too! I still own one, but I have the smaller variant of it i.e. Black+Decker BCRK17B in my daughter’s room!

  • Confused between Danby and Midea models. Which one would you recommend for my office?

    • Hey Glenn,

      Both the brands you mentioned are just as good. All you need to do is see what specs you are looking for and then weigh in the pros and cons of both the models of mini fridges.

      At the end the best one will be the one which matches your needs and solves your problems!

      Let me know if you need any more help!