The hunt for the best mini fridge is on. It might feel like a bit of a First World problem, but if you’re working or studying in a far-flung, corner of the house, getting a sweat on in the attic-turned-gym, or hanging out on the balcony, the last thing you want to do is make the trek to the fridge when hunger — or a hankering for a cold one — strikes. Luckily, we think we can help by assisting in your search for the best mini fridge the shops have to offer.
Quick Menu:
1. Quick list
2. Mini fridge reviews
3. What to consider
4. FAQs
5. How we test
6. Where to buy
Whether it's for your dorm room or for your small bedroom in your apartment, a mini fridge is undoubtedly handy to have — even more so if it's cute and colorful. We've done our research and whittled down the best models out there, as rated by reviewers and shoppers. All of the mini fridges on this list have been given at least four stars for your peace of mind.
Don't miss our guide on the rest of the best small kitchen appliances for your tiny space.
The quick list of mini fridges
Want to keep your cool and find out what the mini fridges are? Below, you’ll find a roundup of our choices, detailed the best overall, the smallest in our edit, and the best mini fridge for your purse.
Size (in): H16 x W15 x D11.75
Capacity: 10L
Color: 1
When you've got friends coming around for a casual afternoon, this is a must. With space for 15 cans, it's an easy-to-run device, and burns far less electricity than your standard refrigerator, saving you dimes and earning eco points. Cooling the contents up to -20°F, the sleek design features vintage details, such as the signature Frigidaire logo, now synonymous with serious cooling credentials after almost a century in the game.
Size (in): H11 x W7 x D10
Capacity: 4L
Colors: 6
Free from some of the nasties used in other refrigerators, such as the scarily named chlorofluorocarbons, this design relies on specialized technology to warm and cool itself. It is pretty small, offering the equivalent of four cans' worth of space, but when you're just after something quick and easy, it's perfect. As an environmentally friendlier option, it's impressive enough. Add to this the unique sleep mode and ultra-low noise levels, and you have the perfect bedroom beverage.
Size (in): H19.8 x 18.05 x D17.91
Capacity: 48.1L
Colors: 8
Life on campus can get pretty spendy (especially when buying single cans of soda or Red Bull on assignment turn-in day). So if Mom or a family member has a Costco card, this is a great opportunity to bulk buy your beverages and store them in this. With glass shelving, it's got all the familiar features of a regular refrigerator without having to play Tetris with Tupperware. What's more, it won't chew into your utility bills as it costs less than ten cents a day to run. Don't forget that the freezer is a great shout for storing ice, emergency Hot Pockets, or a bag of Trader Joe's fried rice.
The best mini fridges to buy in 2023
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The best mini fridge you can buy
The mini fridge might be a relatively new invention, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice an old-fashioned aesthetic to take advantage of the convenience it offers. The brushed stainless steel design will fit into any modern apartment and is small enough to fit on your home office desk or a bookshelf. The best bit? The locking latch will stop roomies from stealing your soda supply... Sort of!
The best quiet mini fridge
This thermoelectric mini fridge has both cooling and heating capabilities, which might sound a bit mad, but you’d be surprised how it can come in handy! Users found its four-liter capacity to be the ideal size for a few cans of fizzy drink or a bottle of milk for those all-important hot drinks. That it looks very smart, with its stainless steel finish and pull-clasp closure, and that it can be taken on the road using the top cart handle and 12-volt input, is a bonus. But the best thing is that it can be kept in the bedroom without that mosquito-like buzz.
Partial to snacking or a can of soda while working away from your dorm or apartment bedroom? Meet my answer to quick-and-easy study breaks. With enough space for six cans, plus eco-friendly engineering and virtually no noise (a cool-but-quiet 25dB), it's ideal for your next semester. Oh, and if you and your buddies fancy a little getaway, it's compatible with most car plugs. Road trip! In terms of aesthetics, the colors on offer really pop.
The best mini fridge for the office
Talk about a blast from the past. Yep, those signature designs from the mid-century are back and bigger (not literally) than ever — making it smart enough for your home office. Perfect for personal use, this is fitted with metallic hinges and a handle and comes in a clean black shade or more playful hues. There's a handle up top for easy transportation, so you're all set for BBQs out back come summertime. Lightweight, it runs using a semiconductor heating and cooling module that's both reliable and more efficient than alternatives. And, of course, everything from dairy products to your cosmetics can be kept safely inside. Dreamy.
The best mini fridge for medication
Another mobile and meticulously-designed mini worth every buck. Capable of going from cool to warm with just a flick of the switch, this versatile piece of kit comes with a savvy transport handle and an elegant glass front. It's available in every hue, from fuchsia to gold, plus some loud-and-proud patterns.
In terms of its uses, the ball is very much in your court. Roam free and take it on your next tailgating excursion or have it as a pantry staple, offering quick and easy access to goodies, fresh produce, and more. Nursing moms and those with diabetes also say it's good for storing breast milk, medication, and insulin. Cooluli, you rock!
The best mini fridge for skincare
Skintellectuals and beauty buffs alike, this is a must in your facial regime. It's down for keeping all your exfoliators, masks, moisturizers, and vitamin C serums suitably cool. Plus, if and when you need your goodies at a slightly warmer temperature, simply set the fridge to your desired temp, hit the hay, and wake up to what you need. With a capsule-like silhouette and rose gold hardware, this handy hero comes with a digital display, and, of course, works just as well for non-beauty items, including drinks, medicines, and more. NGL, I'd personally keep my chocolate and candy in here too.
The best mini fridge on Amazon
Taking the top spot on my list if you want a little more room, this two-door design offers plenty of space for your greens, and there's a freezer for anything else you need — ice, bread, ice cream, nuggets, fries — your choice. Suitable for keeping seafood and meat, as well, it's more than just a drinks station, but also a perfect addition to the modern professional's home, where space is tight and smart living is essential. I'm personally into the cute aqua color, but for the wilder ones among you, there's a statement canary version. With little-to-no noise and steady temperature control, it's sure to make a great kitchen companion.
The best mini fridge with freezer for your dorm
Fitted with leveling legs, this comes complete with glass shelving and six temperature settings to choose from, making the operation a piece of cake. Be it snacks or sips you're storing inside, the angular silhouette sets an understated but slick tone, great for subtler tastes. As for the capacity, it bears up to 42 cans. What else needs to be said? There's more, though. With noise compression and energy-saving functionality, it shouldn't cost you more than $0.07 per day to run. Ideal.
I'd be making full use of the freezer functionality to store popsicles and ice pops for when the weather turns tropical in my home office. OK, maybe a few pre-mixed cans of cocktails too for when it's 5:31 PM on a Friday.
The smallest mini fridge
Meet the future of miniature refrigerating devices. An uber-compact option, this has enough room for six cans and runs without the use of nasty refrigerants. Silent as a mouse and light as a feather, it also nails the brief for quick, weekend getaways on the road. Yep, simply plug into your car and you'll be sipping a cold one or enjoying fresh snacks whether home or away. Equally, if you share a space with others, it's a neat addition to your weekend arsenal of party starters and looks modern and understated.
What to consider when buying a mini fridge
When shopping for the best mini fridge, buying with the following criteria in mind will help make a more informed decision. The decibel level, cost to run and size are things that will affect your day-to-day, so it's important to pick up something that isn't going to negatively impact your lifestyle.
Noise
No longer merely a novelty, mini fridges have come on leaps and bounds in recent years, but there are still a couple of things to keep in mind while navigating our list. If you’re worried about noise, especially if you want a mini fridge for the bedroom, look for a thermoelectric fridge, which is quieter than most. Around 40dB is the same as a quiet library, but the best-in-market refrigerators boast less than 30dB (aka a human whisper).
Efficiency
However, if you’re looking to keep food as well as drink in your mini fridge, you may want to buy a fridge with a condenser, as thermoelectric elements don’t keep risky perishables cold enough (according to official guidelines) to be safe to eat, although snacks like chocolate and fruit should be fine. If you're thinking about storing medication (like insulin), be sure to consult your doctor first.
How "mini" is mini?
Aside from that, it’s all about whether it fits in (both literally and aesthetically) and has the capacity and shelf and/or drawer configuration to meet your needs.
FAQs
What is the best mini fridge you can buy?
We think the Frigidaire Mini Fridge is the best mini fridge to spend your money on. It's affordable, a decent size, looks good, and keeps things *extra* cold. Read our full reviews below.
If you're in a rush and don't have time to read our entire guide, we've got a TLDR-style guide of our top three buys below.
Are mini fridges worth it?
Short answer: absolutely. While they're not as roomy as your standard fridge, they function as a zestier alternative to drink coolers, and they have the added convenience of being compact and easy to keep nearby. Soda on demand? Sounds like my kind of setup. Plus, when you've run out of ways to organize your fridge, it's a handy backup to store smaller items you need on hand. Provided you choose an energy-efficient option, you won't burn any holes in your pocket, meaning you can entertain, chill out, or cook away without stressing.
How we chose these mini fridges
With limited space, it's not always possible to get hands-on with the best mini fridges in the market. Because of this, we sometimes have to rely on an array of online reviews (available on retailer sites) and round-ups from real-life customers who have bought directly from the manufacturer. We generally look for appliances with a minimum rating of 4-stars (unless we have good reason to mention it otherwise).
As well as looking at the core specifications, we'll also assess how well the product does after its warranty period, and less fortunate incidents (ie: issues with performance and material durability), so that you know exactly what to expect.
Aesthetically, we'll evaluate whether the colors and finishes really do IRL and if any special finishes scuff (outside of normal expected wear-and-tear)
