14 Best Mini Fridges In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide

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Here are the best mini fridges available today.

Mini fridges function as standard-sized refrigerators do, except they do not require large spaces or a higher electricity bill to maintain. These small appliances are perfect for those staying in small apartments, studios, dorm rooms, and RVs who need the provisions but can’t exactly fit a full-size refrigerator .

We rounded up the best mini fridges available today and included a buying guide to help you choose the best option for you.

Our Top Picks for the Best Mini Fridge

1. AstroAI 4L Mini Fridge

What Customers Have To Say

One buyer commented that the AstroAI 4L Mini Fridge is the perfect solution to keep his drinks cold on the go. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to install in any vehicle. The mini-fridge also ensures that he never has to worry about warm drinks again.

Another shopper said that the AstroAI 4L Mini Fridge is the perfect size in any dorm room, apartment, or even on a desk. It’s very lightweight and can be carried around with ease. She uses it to store drinks and food at home or take it on trips!

Why We Think It’s Great

The AstroAI 4L mini fridge is the perfect size for storing quick snacks and beverages. It can keep your drinks cool for hours, and even store breast milk or medications at a specific temperature.

It comes with adjustable temperature controls so you can choose the best setting to suit your needs. With its unique cooling technology, this mini fridge can maintain a consistent temperature of 32°F (18°C).

It's perfect for small spaces like dorm rooms, offices, bedrooms, and more. This mini fridge uses a high-efficiency, environmentally friendly semiconductor cooling chip that is designed to operate with minimal noise and vibration.

Plus, with its patented Silent Technology, sound levels are kept at a minimum ( 25dB ). You can rest easy knowing you won't be disturbing your neighbors or loved ones.

AstroAI also offers amazing discounts on the following products. Hurry! Shop now at their official store .

Who Should Buy It

This mini refrigerator is ideal for those who want to keep their skincare, drinks, and snacks cold. It is also best for people that work long hours or travel often. With its compact design, it can fit into any office space without taking up too much room.

2. RCA Purple Compact Fridge - Best Budget-Option

What Customers Have To Say

One shopper was satisfied with the product, noting that it was large enough for her taste. And another customer, unfortunately, reported that it arrived – but her daughter is obsessed with the color and won’t be returning it.

Why We Think It’s Great

Feast your eyes with a pop of color, as this is one of the few fridges that are made in purple! Its reversible door ensures that you could position it anywhere without a hassle. It also houses a compressor cooling system and an adjustable thermostat to set the ideal temperature to your desire.

With its 3.2 cubic ft. size, you can fit it in your small kitchen, dorm room, office, bedroom, or any space you want it to be placed. The fridge has a built-in freezer where you can stock up your ice cream and other frozen treats. It also has sleek-looking tempered shelves that can easily slide out for faster and efficient cleaning.

Another great thing this fridge boasts of is a can dispenser and a 2-liter bottle holder located in the door compartment. The refrigerator is also compressor cooled, which means that it will work well even in outdoor and hot settings.

Who Should Buy It

Given its robust look, this budget-friendly fridge is perfect for your home bar or entertainment room.

3. KUPPET Retro Mini Fridge

What Customers Have To Say

One customer said this little thing is fantastic and fits well in her bedroom. As it is in her bedroom, she is a bit skeptical of the noise, but it is not enough to disturb her sleep while it does make a small sound.

Why We Think It’s Great

Flashback to the 50s and admire the Kuppet Retro mini refrigerator’s classic design. Its pair of polished chrome handles seems to be the cherry on top of an already exquisite style.

This beauty is installed with LED interior lighting–to illuminate your vintage fridge for guilt-free midnight snacking. This timeless piece of machine combines state-of-the-art technology and style to create “feel good” vibes to your home.

The fridge features two slide-out glass shelves and a separate freezer compartment. It also boasts 2-liter bottle storage and a can dispenser built inside the fridge door.

Functioning at less than 40 decibels, you can enjoy a low to no noise life even when the fridge is working 24/7. Plus, you won’t have an issue assembling the handles to the body as it only requires four head screws to attach to the fridge.

Who Should Buy It

If you happen to have a whole retro theme going on in your house already, this is a must-buy to add to your décor. Or, if you simply love the aesthetic and want a cute, random pop of 50s-inspired kitchen appliances – this one’s your groove.

4. Midea WHS-121LB1 Compact Mini Fridge

What Customers Have to Say

Pleasantly surprised, a customer suggested that you don’t need to buy from expensive brands of mini-fridges, as this is a reliable, affordable option. It consists of tons of space and fits a 24-pack with ease.

Why We Think It’s Great

This sleek black box rightfully deserves its title of Amazon’s Choice. Its mechanical temperature control helps to set your fridge to your desired coolness.

At the same time, the reversible door hinge ensures it could be opened in any position wherever you intend on placing it. The Midea mini fridge includes a separate freezer compartment for food that needs extra chilling. However, it is not ideal for freezing food or making ice.

Of course, like many other products on this list, this fridge is also Energy Star compliant, which means that you get to save more energy while the machine is being used. This fridge also boasts a manual defrost setting that allows you to clean whenever you want a cooler temperature. You would also need the adjustable legs of this fridge, so you can change its height to find the perfect balance.

Who Should Buy It

For those looking for something simple, stylish, and timeless – this is your best bet. Its sophisticated black color will never go out of style and is versatile in every environment, be it your bedroom, porch, or underneath a countertop, have an ice-cold beer ready in any room.

5. BLACK DECKER Compact Refrigerator

What Customers Have to Say

A delighted customer said that the product was perfect for their family’s needs – the door will hold up about nine cans and even a 2-liter bottle snuggly. Also, another customer set this mini-fridge in her office, and she loves how its freezer is big enough for her frozen meals.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Black Decker compact refrigerator has a compact and stylish look that stores your food and beverage at the required temperature. It has two removable glass shelves that expands the storage area, so you can place as many snacks as you can. Plus, the additional door storage can fit in 12 oz. cans, small containers, and 2-liter door storage for water bottles.

Aside from it standing out as Amazon’s Choice, this fridge is Energy Star-certified and complies with DOE 2014 standards. Its reversible door, smooth top surface, and compact measurements make it a space-saving product that can conveniently fit the layout of any room. It also operates in low noise, making it an ideal fridge to be placed even in your bedroom.

Who Should Buy It

This sleek, minimal fridge can be best showcased in a contemporary bar, basement, or apartment - for drinkers to chill their craft beers in and pull out their snacks. Of course, its environmental-friendly features are some of the things everyone should be considering in this century.

6. hOmeLabs Stainless Steel Mini Fridge

What Customers Have To Say

After reminiscing on the mini-fridge he owned back in college, a customer said everything about this mini fridge is excellent. Another customer was thrilled at how spacious and easy it was to clean.

Why We Think It’s Great

At first glance, the Homelabs mini-fridge may seem like your average miniature refrigerator with its chic stainless steel reversible door and glass shelves–but it isn’t.

It features a removable drain tray to catch drips of water from the freezer when it is defrosting. Aside from this, the compartments in the door area is also a great space saver to keep your condiments, canned beverages, and even bottles of wine!

You can also adjust the fridge’s settings in three temperatures: Max, Med, or Min. The first and second option is used to freeze ice cubes in the freezing chamber. Whereas the Min option is the ideal temperature when maintaining the desired coolness of the fridge.

But best of all, it has a secret feature – you can write on the door! The stainless steel material can quickly turn into a board to list down your to-do list or food items to replenish. Just be sure to use a dry-erasable marker and wipe with warm water.

Who Should Buy It

Buy it for your RV, college dorm room, garage, or office, as it can house all your typical fridge essentials - from subway sandwiches to cartons of milk! Perhaps, you may also buy it for its door – to leave cute messages for your spouse or even reminders for the children.

7. Danby Mini Refrigerator

What Customers Have To Say

An Amazon customer filled this mini fridge with all types of soda, water, fruits, and beer. “It’s a keeper,” according to one shopper. The user adds that it keeps everything in the fridge ice cold while at half-setting and well-packaged.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Danby mini fridge boasts of its elegant and sophisticated dark interior, which is uncommon among refrigerators.

While it has a black color, you could still raid your fridge with no problem because of its bright LED light to illuminate your food. But aside from aesthetics, the refrigerator is more than functional, with several racks and compartments where you can store your food and drinks.

Not to mention, this sophisticated mini fridge comes with a door lock – to possibly guard your beer stash against the restless hands of children. It also has a scratch-resistant surface and a reversible door hinge that allows you to adjust it for either left or right-handed opening.

Plus, the automatic defrosting mechanism will help you save time in cleaning and maintaining the fridge’s temperature.

Who Should Buy It

As pointed out already, this product would make an excellent fridge to store your beers, either in the entertainment room or home bar. If you’re willing to splurge on a good fridge, this is for you!

8. Tavata Double Door Mini Fridge

What Customers Have To Say

A customer believes the fridge is just what she wanted to compliment her kitchen/desk space. She disclosed that she received her order quite early (14 days before the estimated delivery date) and highly recommended buying from the company due to its reliability.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Tavata compact refrigerator features an independent freezer that can get as low as 3°F, ideal for storing meat and cold treats such as ice cream! It also has a double door design perfectly sized to keep your food and beverage cold without taking up much space in your area.

Topping off its charming appearance and retro-style chrome features, it has also been approved by the ETL and HIPS energy-saving properties. Lastly, this product is available in eye-popping green and red. Any color you choose, this fridge will genuinely make a statement in your kitchen.

Who Should Buy It

It would make an adorable appliance in your professional studio or in an apartment-for-one to give it a little more of a homey charm.

9. KUPPET Small Refrigerator

What Customers Have To Say

Although initially concerned it would arrive dented, a customer highly recommends the product as it was as gorgeous as it is in the picture, in perfect condition, and was well-packaged with lots of foam.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Kuppet mini refrigerator has a contemporary, chic, and energy-efficient mechanism that boasts removable glass shelves, adjustable temperature levels, reversible doors, and spacious compartments. It also comes with a can dispenser for you to access your canned beers with ease.

The fridge also boasts an adjustable temperature control where you can change the coolness according to the type of food being stored. It also features an ultra power modern technology that enables a quiet compressor but with guaranteed efficient performance. This sleek fridge will be your best buddy whether you are moving to a new apartment, dormitory, or office.

Who Should Buy It

If you happen to purchase canned drinks in bulk shamelessly, this product's dispenser is made convenient for you! Several customers also pointed out that this will work well in kindergarten classrooms, professional workplaces, garages, or basements with its signature handsome design. It has a huge room perfect for storing drinks in bulk.

10. RCA Black Mini Refrigerator - Most Efficient

What Customers Have To Say

An avid Amazon shopper loves that this fridge has a delightful design with a very comfortable size and adapts to small spaces. Another Amazon shopper got this mini fridge for the patio for some drinks and pops during the summer.

Why We Think It’s Great

Among the small refrigerator’s category, this product was listed as Amazon’s choice. Its adjustable thermostat and compressor cooling system are sure to keep your food cool during hot weather conditions. Finding an appropriate place for this product is made more accessible by its reversible door and adjustable lever feet.

While it is tiny in size, this fridge has a total capacity of 3.2 cubic feet, which means that you can place your favorite drinks, food, and condiments in one.

It also comes in two interior racks that can be adjusted easily should you need to store a huge-sized bottle or cartons of milk. What’s even better is that it is available in various colors such as black, blue, green, and orange, among others.

Who Should Buy It

Interestingly, one customer pointed out that it’s an excellent buy for those currently in self-isolating this quarantine season – as it fits all provisions enough for a person to last weeks. Other than that, it’s an ideal item to get for your mini kitchen, office, or playroom! It’s great, it’s affordable, and it’s efficient.

11. Frigidaire Retro Bar Mini Fridge - Most Stylish

What Customers Have To Say

A customer loves this cute little fridge with its very retro design, nice compartment, easy to set up, and sits about waist-high from the ground. She loves it so much that she’s planning to buy another one.

Why We Think It’s Great

Is it Throwback Thursday yet? This little gem will have everyone longing for the 50s again because of its sweet retro style. It comes in seven vibrant colors that are sure to grab attention! Plus, its built-in bottle opener is a unique feature - for smacking lips and popping old-school cola slushies.

The Frigidaire retro bar fridge has a lot of room where you can store your favorite food and drinks. The removable glass shelves make it easier to clean and deodorize the inside without struggling to reach the corners or sides.

Plus, it operates quietly so that you won’t have a problem waking up in the middle of your sleep. The interior compartment can also keep your fresh and leftover food long-lasting for a couple of days. Moreover, you would love the gallon door bin that can safely hold your bottle of wine and maintain its quality.

Who Should Buy It

Heard of an outdoor fridge? Get one! This product would be a nice decorative touch next to a fun summer barbeque. Let it chill your soda pops and beers to refreshment haven.

12. Midea WHD-113FB1 Black Compact Refrigerator

What Customers Have To Say

After purchasing this for her home office, an Amazon customer reviews sent this collage of her ref’s photos to show how spacious it is for such a small fridge. Another Amazon customer loves this mini fridge because it looks stylish.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Media compact refrigerator is an excellent choice to keep your meat, seafood, drinks, and other food as fresh as possible. It boasts adjustable thermostats in both the freezer and fridge parts to ensure all types of meals are at their optimum temperature. It also comes in a reversible door hinge that can be installed to open either left or right.

Similar to the aforementioned Midea mini-fridge on this list, this model is also Energy Star rated and has earned its UL energy certification, which explains a great deal about the company’s campaign.

Moreover, this industrial-styled fridge comes with a crisper drawer and ancillary accessories such as an ice cube tray and even an ice scraper for your convenience – its door can be set left or right too.

Who Should Buy It

Given its spacious and “whisper quiet” properties, this bad boy would make a friendly appliance for those living in small homes or apartments, shared dorm rooms, RVs, or any small space that is expected to be considerate of silence.

13. Cooluli Mini Fridge

What Customers Have To Say

An Amazon customer bought this fridge to keep beside her vanity table to store skincare items that she likes to stay cold. Without the middle shelf placed, she can put a dozen sheet masks, three 1-2 ounce vials of serums/toner, an eye cream, and an eye serum roller. It worked perfectly and made everything cold.

Why We Think It’s Great

The Cooluli mini fridge is your best friend in keeping your skincare or snacks cool as they need to be. The most miniature refrigerator on the list, this machine boasts of its classic 4-liter thermo-electric cooler/warmer. It is designed to be used with multiple functions, whether you plan on storing your face essentials or maybe a few bars of chocolates and cans of cola.

The fridge’s advanced technology has a unique semiconductor operation that is energy efficient and ultra-quiet. It also comes with AC and DC power cords for indoor and outdoor use. You can also charge the fridge using a USB cord for ultra-flexibility.

Aside from these great things, the Cooluli mini fridge has an easy removable inner shelf and a container basket where you can place even bulky and oversized items. It is also molded to have a top handle to hold onto and carry anywhere you wish.

Who Should Buy It

Do you love skincare products? If you answer yes to this, you will fall in love with this fridge’s features to keep your favorite moisturizers, cleansing wash, and other skin essentials at their optimum temperature.

14. Costway Small Refrigerator

What Customers Have To Say

An Amazon customer says that this is quite a nice mini-fridge, as it has a separate freezer compartment that freezes ice quickly. Another shopper recommends it for its small but workable size, adding that she could fit all her fruits and vegetables in it.

Why We Think It’s Great

Standing at 3.4 cu. ft., the Costway Compact refrigerator gives you enough space to keep your fresh food, drinks, and frozen food appropriately stored. It has a double door design wherein you can separate frozen meat and seafood packages from vegetables, fruits, and eggs.

It fits more than just your go-to snacks with unique features and compartments such as a roomy freezer, ice tray , egg divider, and crisper draw. Plus, its removable shelves are convenient for cleaning.

It also comes with an adjustable thermostat, so you can set your temperature from -13°F to 50°F to keep your desired food in its ideal condition. You also don’t have to wait for a long time until the ice freezes since the water solidifies immediately.

Plus, it doesn’t have a disturbing and whirring sound during operation. Whether you want a black or white-colored fridge, this brand can offer these two options to match the theme of your kitchen.

Who Should Buy It

The Costway Compact Refrigerator has got you covered for all fridge essentials, perfect for people living in a small space. It makes an excellent choice for college students to have in their dorms or cross-country travelers on the road.

Best Mini Fridge Buying Guide

Mini fridges strive to deliver equally impressive cooling performance as their larger counterpart, but for a lower price. To break it down for you, here are certain factors worth looking into before investing in this small appliance.

• Location of Installation

Where will you put your mini fridge? Under the counter in your wet bar, the corner of your shared dorm room, or in the garage next to your workshop? Not many mini fridges are capable of staying cool when exposed to hot temperatures.

If not designed for outdoor installation, placing your mini-fridge in your garage or porch, for example, can cause it to overwork itself and shorten its lifespan. Familiarize what sort of cooling system for this kind of installment, if it is what you want.

• Availability of Freezer

Unlike traditional refrigerators, mini-fridges may often not include a freezer compartment. Should it have a freezer, it is usually not separated from the rest of the fridge and is likely not cold enough to keep your frozen delights frozen-solid, defeating its purpose.

To solve this, it is up to you whether you want to buy a stand-alone freezer appliance or a mini fridge with a separate freezer compartment that is sure to keep your food frozen.

• Design

Mainly, refer to the design of the door. Arguably, 2-door (fridge/freezer) mini-fridges are the way to go, as these can hold two temperatures better, and can fit all kinds of fridge essentials.

Also, a reversible door is a versatile feature that allows you to access your stash from both sides without worrying about the layout of your space to accommodate it.

• Intended Use

Ask yourself, what do you plan on storing inside the mini-fridge? Perhaps you see your mini fridge as an additional storage space at home to hold your craft beers and other fun refreshments. Or a place to keep your homemade lunch, coffee, and snacks in the office. Every situation is unique, just as your refrigerator needs are, so you should think it through.

• Easy Clean-Up Features

Now for the clean-up part, two notable features are convenient to have when cleaning up your fridge: removable shelves and a frost-free function. Removable shelves can be taken out to wipe the fridge’s interior with more ease.

On the other hand, most mini fridges need to be defrosted manually, which is quite time-consuming. Check the product description or manuals to watch out for these features.

• Additional Accessories

Lastly, depending on your preferences, you may be delighted with what add-ons your mini fridge will come with. Common add-ons include an ice cube tray , egg divider, crisper drawer, can dispenser, bottle openers, and an ice-scraper. Compared to the previous criteria, however, this feature is not as relevant.

Compact Mini Fridge FAQ

1. Do mini fridges take up a lot of electricity?

While it is complicated to calculate the precise amount of energy consumed by your average mini fridge - compared to the standard-sized refrigerators, mini-fridges take up a lot less electricity to operate, thus, making it easier on the pocket.

However, this will vary based on its energy-efficient properties, insulation, and usage of the product. Consider how frequently you open the refrigerator, and how warm the food is upon leaving it there.

2. What is the best temperature to set my mini fridge?

Ideally, you would want to set your mini fridge to a temperature of 35-40° Fahrenheit or 1-4° Celsius, as this would prevent your food from spoiling.

Luckily, many refrigerators come with adjustable thermostats that are not set in Celsius or Fahrenheit but from 1-10. All of which will not deteriorate the quality of your food.

3. Does a mini fridge need ventilation?

Unless specifically designed as an under-the-counter refrigerator, a clearance of 1 to 2 inches from the rear is advised to dissipate heat effectively. Proper ventilation is important as it is with any other kitchen appliance to prolong its lifespan and maximize its efficiency.

4. How can I prevent frost build-up in my mini fridge?

Unless your refrigerator of choice has frost-free features that prevent this sort of build-up, you must defrost your fridge manually - that is, by unplugging it and waiting for the ice to melt for you to wipe away.

Refrigerators are bound to accumulate moisture eventually; if not dealt with promptly, the appliance's cool temperature may cause frost. Depending on your model, follow the suggested maintenance tips in the product manual.

5. How can I make use of the reversible door feature on my mini fridge?

If you take a close look at the door upon the product's arrival, you will notice pre-drilled holes on each side of the fridge. Whichever you prefer, you may install the hinge on the left or right side for your convenience. Be sure to read additional instructions about this process in the manual beforehand.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide has set an excellent foundation for your mini refrigerator shopping experience-to-come and inspired you to prepare a checklist of features you would appreciate in this staple appliance. As always, it is best to do your research on the side to get the best value for your money.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly fridge, the RCA Purple Compact Fridge is what you need. It’s affordable and retro! If you want a stylish fridge that can go with any decor, the Frigidaire Retro Bar Fridge is what you’re looking for. And if you want an efficient fridge, the RCA Black Mini Refrigerator will definitely aid you on your quest.

If you like this article, you may also want to check out our buying guide on special wine refrigerators , as these are great to have in your home bar as well.

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