8 of the best mini fridges for keeping sodas, snacks and skincare cool AF

What's cooler than being cool? Ice cold 🧊

Mini fridges on purple pastel background
(Image credit: Future)

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.

The best mini fridges to buy in 2023

Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best mini fridge you can buy

Frigidaire retro mini fridge with brushed stainless steel design

(Image credit: Frigidaire)

1. Frigidaire Mini Fridge

Specifications

Best for: Retro design
Dimensions (in): H18.11 x W10.43 x D12.99
Capacity: 10L
Weight: 9 lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Sleek retro design
+
Holds 15 (11-ounce) cans
+
Quiet and vibration free
+
Two shelves for storing multiple items
+
Locking latch keeps items secure

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited colorways

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

AstroAI Mini Fridge in black

(Image credit: AstroAI)

2. AstroAI Mini Fridge

Specifications

Best for: Size
Dimensions (inches): H10 x W6.9 x D.945
Capacity: 4L
Weight: 4.49 lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Cooling and heating functionality 
+
Smart brushed steel look
+
Super quiet (25dB)
+
Has two removable shelves
+
-37°F to 150°F temperature range

Reasons to avoid

-
Some Amazon customers mention that it overheats

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

Koolatron 4L Mini Cooler

(Image credit: Koolatron)

3. Koolatron 4L Mini Cooler

Specifications

Best for: Keeping your home office stocked
Dimensions (in): H10 x W9.45 x D6.81
Capacity: 4L
Weight: 4.1lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Attractive mid-century modern design
+
Includes AC adapter for on-the-go use
+
Removable shelf
+
Available in three colors

Reasons to avoid

-
Chrome-plated plastic handle can be fragile
-
Some reviewers say it's noisy

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

Cooluli 10L mini fridge in fractal pink design

(Image credit: Cooluli)

4. Cooluli 10L mini fridge

Specifications

Best for: Versatilty
Size (in): H13.4 x 9.4 x D11.4
Capacity: 10L
Weight: 7.9lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Easy-to-open-and-close door
+
35°-149°F temperature range
+
Great for RVs and tiny homes
+
Door has adjustable shelves
+
Handle makes it ideal for portability
+
Features advanced EcoMax Technology which uses minimum energy and prevents frost.

Reasons to avoid

-
Some Amazon reviewers say it breaks within a year

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

HOMCOM Portable Beauty Fridge with LED Lighting

(Image credit: HOMCOM)

5. HOMCOM Portable Beauty Fridge with LED Lighting

Specifications

Best for: Makeup storage
Size (in): H17.5 x W10.75 x D10.75
Capacity: 12L
Weight: 10.56lb

Reasons to buy

+
Great for keeping creams, jade rollers, and GuaSha stones cool
+
Three modes: intelligent constant temperature mode, night mute mode, and energy-saving mode
+
The design comes complete with shelves and drawers
+
Drawers fit full-sized facial creams
+
28dB-43dB (depending on mode)

Reasons to avoid

-
The most expensive in our edit
-
Noisy in comparison to others (43dB)
-
Some Amazon reviewers say that shelves aren't as sturdy as expected.
-
Reviewers wish it went cooler than 50°F

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

WANAI Compact Refrigerator

(Image credit: WANAI)

6. WANAI Compact Refrigerator

Specifications

Best for: If you can't store a full-sized refrigerator
Size (in): H35.4 x W18.8 x D17.7
Capacity: 90.6L
Weight: 44lbs
Voltage: 110V

Reasons to buy

+
Large size is great for small apartments
+
Comes in four colorways
+
Spacious two-door design
+
2-in-1 fridge/freezer
+
Includes crisper drawer for vegetables
+
7 temperature controls
+
Adjustable legs and wheels ideal for even the most unstable floors
+
Equipped with a high-efficient R600a compressor and foam insulation to keep the temperature low
+
-0.4-50°F temperature range
+
1-year warranty

Reasons to avoid

-
Size might not be suitable for extra-small spaces
-
Heavier than standard mini fridges
-
Initially loud (manufacturer says this will subside over time)

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

Frestec Mini Fridge

(Image credit: Frestec)

7. Frestec Mini Fridge

Specifications

Best for: 2-in-1 college solution
Size (in): H19.8 x W17.83 x D16.73
Capacity: 48.1L
Weight: 30.7lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Cheap to run
+
2-in-1 fridge-freezer design
+
Comes in eight colorways
+
5-star energy rating
+
6-setting adjustable temperature control
+
28°F to 50°F temperature range
+
Engineered with whisper-quiet compressor
+
Reversible door for left and right-handed users
+
Detachable door seal for easy cleaning

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the quietest (40 dB)

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

Honeywell Personal Fridge

(Image credit: Honeywell)

8. Honeywell Personal Fridge

Specifications

Best for: Small desks and bedroom nightstands
Size: H7 x W6.97 x D7.7
Capacity: 4L
Voltage: 120V

Reasons to buy

+
Quiet operational system (as low as 25dB)
+
Adjustable height feet
+
6-setting adjustable thermostat control
+
28.4-50°F temperature range
+
One-touch defrosting system
+
Stores up to 6 x 12 oz cans
+
Ergonomic handle

Reasons to avoid

-
Only one colorway

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)

Where to buy a mini fridge

Christina Chrysostomou
Former acting head ecommerce editor

Hi, I'm the former acting head ecommerce editor at Real Homes. Prior to working for the Future plc family, I've worked on a number of consumer events including the Ideal Home Show, Grand Designs Live, and Good Homes Magazine. With a first class degree from Keele University, and a plethora of experience in digital marketing, editorial, and social media, I have an eye for what should be in your shopping basket and have gone through the internal customer advisor accreditation process.

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