If your living space is limited, or you wish to expand your refrigeration options beyond the kitchen, a mini fridge—or compact refrigerator—could be the ideal solution. These smaller refrigerators are less expensive and occupy minimal space. Additionally, they consume significantly less energy than standard refrigerators. You can even use them to store skincare products, ensuring a cool and soothing application experience.
Considerations When Shopping for a Mini Fridge
Keep several factors in mind while shopping for a mini fridge. We consulted Scott Mooers, an expert in the appliance industry with 30 years of experience, to understand the most important considerations. Below is a list of highly-rated mini fridges in various styles and prices.
Top Picks
- Best overall: This Euhomy mini fridge combines a refrigerator and a separate freezer. It features adjustable shelves, a crisper drawer, and a reversible door. Its quiet and energy-efficient compressor is ideal for work or sleeping environments.
- Best for small spaces: This compact fridge offers adjustable glass shelves and a reversible door. It comes in several colors, including green, purple, and blue, and features a can-hold area in the door.
- Most stylish: For a retro touch, opt for the Frigidaire model. It includes a built-in bottle opener and a can dispenser. Its flat back design enables the fridge to sit flush against the wall.
- Best for drinks: This beverage fridge can store up to 120 cans. It includes LED lighting, a glass front, and five wire slide-out racks. The internal fan ensures even temperature distribution.
- Best option with a freezer: Need a freezer too? This mini fridge offers a small freezer on top with a separate door. The fridge section has just over two cubic feet of space, glass shelves, and a produce drawer.
- Best portable option: The BougeRV portable mini fridge is versatile for on-the-go chilling. It cools rapidly in about 15 minutes and has built-in battery protection to keep your vehicle battery safe.
- Best small option: Perfect for nighttime feedings, this small fridge fit conveniently into a nursery to store bottles. It includes a small freezer section, a single shelf, and compartments designed for both tall bottles and smaller objects.
- Editor’s Pick: The Galanz mini fridge’s sleek design suits any space, from dorm rooms to offices. It has adjustable shelves and dedicated storage for cans and bottles.
- Best for skin care: Place this mini fridge on a bathroom counter for convenient skincare storage. It cools to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or warms up to 149 degrees. It includes a removable shelf and a slim door pocket.
How to Shop for a Mini Fridge
Select the right mini fridge based on your space and storage needs. Consider these questions:
Where will you put it?
The placement will guide how large a unit to buy. Ensure it sits on a hard, firm surface away from heating elements like sunlight or stoves to ensure efficient operation. Allow space for air circulation behind the fridge.
Do you need a freezer?
You can choose mini fridges with either internal or separate freezer sections. Separate freezers can store a few items, while internal ones are usually for small items like ice trays. Freezers in mini fridges are not ideal for long-term storage.
What do you plan to store in it?
Determine if you need storage for beverages, food, or skincare. Features like produce drawers or the number of shelves may differ accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mini fridges vary in size, offering capacities from 1.6 to 5.5 cubic feet. Smaller models are suitable for personal items, while larger ones can accommodate more like standard refrigerators.
A ‘compact fridge’ is essentially a smaller mini fridge, typically under 3 cubic feet, ideal for smaller snacks and drinks.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends setting refrigerators no higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Some mini fridges on this list cool to 32 degrees for those preferring extra-cold beverages. If a fridge has a freezer, set it to zero degrees Fahrenheit.
To clean, empty the fridge and wipe it with hot water and dish soap. Vinegar mixed with hot water also works well to remove grease and grime.
Expert Information and Recommendations
NBC Selected prioritizes independent advice from experienced experts like Scott Mooers, a seasoned sales consultant at Doyon’s Appliance in Bedford, Massachusetts.
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