Mini-fridges are no longer just for dorm rooms. It should now be obvious that they are useful for a wide range of scenarios. We like a mini-fridge to serve as extra storage when the primary unit runs out of space, or to be tucked away in a corner of the basement for convenient access to snacks. There are mini-fridges designed only for beverages, and others are even small enough to take to the office and keep near the office.
The question now is which one to buy.
What are the best mini-fridges?
Efficiency and convenience are the top priorities. So you’ll want to consider temperature control, energy efficiency, and size when choosing the best mini-fridge for you. The best mini-fridges also come in a wide variety of models and styles. So you’ll also want to consider aesthetics and how these fridges will fit into your space. Here’s what you should look for.
Temperature Control: The temperature control dial is the thermostat of the refrigerator, and it is the tool that keeps the unit at the right temperature. Typically, a mini fridge doesn’t have the same power as a full-size appliance, so maintaining the correct temperature can sometimes be a problem, especially if you plan to store perishable items like meat or dairy. Some mini-fridges also come with a freezer setting, or a built-in freezer compartment, which we consider a bonus.
Energy efficiency: Any large appliance uses a lot of energy, including a mini-fridge. We looked for energy efficient models, both for the sake of your energy bills and the planet.
Size: If you’re just looking for a fridge to keep your Lacroix cool next to your desk, you probably don’t need a large model, and will be happier with a tiny, portable option. If you need something a little more sturdy, or if you plan to use the mini-fridge as your primary appliance in a small space, there are many larger models available. The size you need will depend on your own space, so measure carefully.
Style: A mini-fridge doesn’t have to be ugly. After all, it’s going to be installed in your home, so it should match your own style. Or at least, it doesn’t have to be an eyesore. In most cases, we like the clean style, but design elements like a glass or colored door can fit nicely into an already decorated space.
1. Black & Decker Compact Refrigerator
Black & Decker’s compact refrigerator is the perfect choice for a college dorm because of its relatively small size.
It’s only 26 inches tall, making it the smallest mini-fridge we recommend, but Black & Decker’s design maximizes the space inside. There are three shelves, plus a dedicated space for a two-liter drink, four cans and three small jars on the door. It even has a small freezer ideal for ice cream. Black & Decker accompanies its refrigerator with an ice tray specifically designed for this refrigerator.
If you don’t need a lot of bells and whistles, and you want a mini fridge that’s small enough to fit under a desk, Black & Decker’s compact fridge is the one for you.
Buy: Black & Decker Compact Refrigerator $201.00
2. Marshall Bar Fridge
We know Marshall for its iconic amps, which makes its Bar Fridge the coolest (pardon our pun) mini-fridge we’ve ever seen.
A traditional Marshall amp, it stands 32.25 inches tall, made famous by bands like AC/DC. Marshall says his fridge can hold 36 small cans, 18 large cans, 28 bottles of beer and eight bottles of wine on its four shelves, door and freezer. That’s an impressive amount of storage for a mini-fridge. Marshall’s fridge even emits a blue light when opened, instead of the traditional white light, making it stand out even more.
If you have a home studio, a garage band, or just love classic rock, the Marshall fridge is a gift worth buying. It will take a little while for this fridge to arrive, but the wait is definitely worth it.
Buy: Marshall Bar Fridge $499.99
3. Homelabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
The Homelabs Beverage Fridge is a classy, under-counter mini fridge that will give your kitchen the look of a restaurant or bar.
It measures 33.3 inches, which isn’t much larger than our other mini fridge recommendations, but can hold up to 120 standard size cans on its four shelves. We can adjust the top three shelves in height to accommodate soda or wine bottles, depending on what you prefer to drink.
Homelabs touts this mini fridge’s cooling system, which you can operate using a touch-sensitive control panel toward the top of the unit. You can make settings down to the degree. A digital display shows the current temperature of the fridge. If you store wine, or prefer your drinks to be a little cooler or warmer, this is an important feature.
The only thing the Homelabs beverage refrigerator doesn’t have is a dedicated freezer space. If that’s not an issue, this is definitely the mini fridge to buy.
Buy: Homelabs Beverage Refrigerator $369.97
4. RCA Single Door Mini Refrigerator
The RCA Mini Single Door Refrigerator is a slightly larger version of the traditional single door refrigerators we recommend in this guide, and it’s also the most affordable.
It measures 32.8 inches tall; It uses its space wisely. There are three shelves, plus space for cans, bottles and jars on the door. It has a small dedicated freezer space, but RCA does not include an ice tray. This mini-fridge is available in eight colors, so if you want a unit that fits the decor of the room it’s in, RCA’s is a brilliant choice.
If you’re on a budget and want the most storage space for your money, the RCA Single Door Mini Fridge is the best choice.
Buy: RCA Single Door Mini Refrigerator $281.44
5. Midea Compact Refrigerator
Midea’s compact refrigerator is the only two-door mini fridge in our guide, and the only one to consider if you need a large, dedicated freezer space.
This fridge stands 33 inches tall, and its freezer space features three small shelves, as well as extra space for bottles and cans on the door. The refrigerator section of this mini-fridge doesn’t offer as much storage as our other choices, but that’s because its freezer is quite large.
You shouldn’t have a problem fitting several pints of ice, frozen foods (although pizza can be too big) and other perishables in there. The freezer is about half the size of the refrigerator in terms of cubic feet, which is significant.
If you’re looking for a mini-fridge that’s basically a smaller-scale version of a traditional refrigerator, Midea’s compact refrigerator is our top pick.
Buy: Midea Compact Refrigerator $281.44
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