A mini fridge is a versatile must-have for dorm bedrooms, home coffee bars, and bathrooms. Whether you want to keep beverages cold, store coffee essentials, or chill beauty products, a mini fridge comes in handy. In our testing at the Food and Meal, we prioritize easy setup, effective cooling, and convenient features like removable shelves and interior lighting. We have selected the 7 best mini fridges of 2024.
What to consider when buying a mini fridge
When searching for the best mini fridge, considering the following factors will help you make a well-informed decision. The noise level, operating cost, and size are important considerations that can impact your daily life, so it’s crucial to choose a mini fridge that won’t have a negative impact on your lifestyle.
Noise
Mini fridges have advanced significantly in recent years, no longer being mere novelties. However, there are still a few things to consider while exploring your options. If noise is a concern, especially if you intend to use the mini fridge in a bedroom, look for a thermoelectric fridge, which tends to be quieter compared to others. A noise level of around 40dB is equivalent to a quiet library, but the top-of-the-line refrigerators offer less than 30dB, comparable to a whisper.
Efficiency
If you plan to store both food and drinks in your mini fridge, it may be preferable to purchase a fridge with a condenser. Thermoelectric fridges may not maintain perishable food at a safe temperature (according to official guidelines), although they should suffice for storing snacks like chocolate and fruit. If you are considering storing medication such as insulin, it is essential to consult your doctor for guidance.
How “mini” is mini?
Apart from these factors, it’s important to ensure that the mini fridge fits both physically and aesthetically in your space. Consider its capacity and the configuration of shelves and drawers to ensure it meets your specific needs.
Best Mini Fridges of 2024
GE Double Door Mini Fridge
Retro style
Comes in a variety of colorways
Based on our extensive testing of GE fridges, we have consistently found them to excel in maintaining and distributing temperatures. Therefore, we confidently recommend the GE Double Door Mini Fridge. This model features a separate freezer compartment on top, offering ample storage space, including storage options on the door. The refrigerator section is equipped with a transparent crisper drawer, shelving, and a can rack on the door.
The flexibility of the GE Double Door Mini Fridge is worth noting. The glass shelves can be easily removed, allowing for more room to accommodate larger soda bottles or stacked beer cans. Additionally, the mini fridge features an interior light that automatically turns on when opened, enhancing convenience and usability.
It’s important to keep in mind that the manufacturer does not recommend placing this appliance outdoors or in a garage.
Frigidaire 1.6 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator
Reversible door
Comes in seven different colorways
For an affordable price of approximately $100, our top value pick is the Frigidaire Single Door Mini Fridge. This mini fridge is perfect for smaller spaces, providing ample room to store soda cans and a variety of snacks. One of its standout features is the generous door storage, offering convenient organization options. Moreover, the door is reversible, allowing you to customize the fridge’s configuration to suit your space.
One aspect we particularly love about this mini fridge is the wide range of color options available. With seven different colors to choose from, you can find the perfect match for your space’s aesthetics. An Amazon reviewer shared their positive experience, stating, “I like everything about this refrigerator, especially the color. I have it in my bedroom to keep cold water. This way I don’t have to go up and down stairs.”
The Frigidaire Single Door Mini Fridge also includes a small freezer compartment, suitable for holding an ice cube tray or ice roller. However, it is worth noting that the freezer compartment is relatively small in size.
Galanz Retro Compact Refrigerator
Multiple colors and sizes to choose from
Offering a spacious interior with three levels of storage and ample door storage, including a convenient can rack, the Galanz Retro Compact Refrigerator stands out as one of our larger recommendations. While this mini fridge doesn’t come with a freezer, it does feature a small chiller compartment designed to freeze a compact ice cube tray. Additionally, it is available in red, black, and green, with five different sizes to choose from in case the 3.3 cubic foot model doesn’t suit your space requirements.
It is important to note, however, that we encountered a few drawbacks during our evaluation. Attaching the handle proved to be a bit challenging, and the overall sturdiness of the handle was found to be lacking.
COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator
Top freezer with separate door
Can rack
The Costway mini fridge is the ultimate addition to any dorm bedroom. It offers all the functionalities of a regular fridge, but in a more compact size. According to reviewers, this mini fridge operates just as quietly as a full-sized refrigerator, which is perfect for those who need a peaceful environment for studying or getting enough sleep before finals.
The Costway mini fridge comes equipped with various features to enhance convenience. It includes a separate freezer compartment, an ice tray for your chilling needs, a crisper drawer to keep your produce fresh, a can rack, and door shelving for additional storage options. Moreover, it features an internal thermometer, allowing you to easily adjust the temperature settings to your preference.
The glass shelves in this mini fridge are adjustable, making it possible to accommodate taller items. They are also removable, facilitating easy cleaning and maintenance. Additionally, the Costway mini fridge offers three color options — black, stainless steel, and white — allowing you to select the one that best matches your bedroom’s aesthetic.
Smeg 50s Retro Style Mini Right Hinge Orange Refrigerator
Capacity: 1.5 Cubic Feet
Configuration Compact: Freezerless
Color: Orange
Special Feature: Compact
Comes in a variety of colorways
The Smeg Mini Refrigerator is a stylish and retro-inspired mini fridge made in Italy, featuring a design reminiscent of the 1950s. It is available in a range of vibrant colors, including black, white, red, cream, and orange.
One of the standout features of this mini fridge is its sturdy handle, which provides ease of use when opening the unit. The adjustable door bins are particularly convenient as they allow for flexible storage, accommodating taller bottles and containers with ease.
It’s important to note that the hinge of this mini fridge is not reversible. However, when placing an order, you have the option to select a left or right hinge configuration to suit your specific requirements.
Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer
Also great for storing beauty products in your bathroom
Handle for carrying
This mini fridge takes the concept of being compact to a whole new level, weighing a mere 4 pounds! It is particularly suitable for road trips as it can be powered using your car’s DC adapter or a USB port. Additionally, it comes with an AC cord for indoor use. For added convenience, it features a built-in handle on the top, making it easy to carry around.
While we haven’t personally tested this specific model, one aspect we appreciate is its inclusion of a warming function, providing versatility in its functionality. However, it is important to note that this mini fridge has limitations when it comes to temperature. The coldest temperature it can achieve is 40˚F, making it more suitable for cooling purposes rather than chilling or maintaining perishables at a safe temperature. To store perishable items properly, an ideal temperature range of 35 to 38˚F is recommended.
hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
Adjustable shelves
White LED interior light
When it comes to storing beverages, the HomeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler stands out as the ultimate choice among our mini fridge picks. With a generous capacity of up to 120 cans, this mini fridge offers ample space. Moreover, the adjustable shelves allow for customization, accommodating bottles or tall cans as needed.
One of the standout features of this mini fridge is its glass window door, enabling you to keep track of your inventory without having to open it. Additionally, it allows you to showcase your drink selection to guests, adding a stylish touch to your space. The white LED interior light adds further convenience and enhances visibility. The easy-touch temperature controls and auto-defrost feature contribute to the user-friendly design.
We received positive feedback from one of our editors who recently added this model to their basement, reporting satisfactory performance. It’s worth noting that some Amazon reviewers mentioned a slight freezing issue with items placed against the back wall of the mini fridge, so it’s advisable to be mindful of this when organizing the contents.
FAQs
Q1: What are the key features to consider when choosing the best mini fridge in 2024? A1: Consider factors such as size, energy efficiency, noise level, cooling performance, additional features (like a freezer compartment or adjustable shelves), and overall design.
Q2: How do I determine the ideal size of a mini fridge for my needs? A2: Assess your storage requirements and available space. Mini fridges come in various sizes, ranging from compact countertop models to larger units suitable for dorm rooms or offices.
Q3: Are there energy-efficient options available among the best mini fridges of 2024? A3: Yes, many mini fridges are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Look for models with the ENERGY STAR certification, which indicates they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines.
Q4: Can I use a mini fridge for both cooling and freezing purposes? A4: Some mini fridges come with a separate freezer compartment, allowing you to store frozen items. However, the size and temperature range of the freezer may vary, so check the product specifications.
Q5: How noisy are mini fridges, and are there models with low noise levels? A5: Noise levels can vary between models. Look for information on decibel levels in product specifications. Some manufacturers prioritize quiet operation, making these models suitable for quiet environments like bedrooms or offices.
Q6: Are there smart features available in the best mini fridges of 2024? A6: Yes, some mini fridges come equipped with smart features such as temperature control through mobile apps, voice command compatibility, or integration with smart home ecosystems.
Q7: Can I use a mini fridge for outdoor purposes, such as in a patio or garage? A7: It depends on the model. While some mini fridges are designed for indoor use only, others may have features like weather resistance that make them suitable for outdoor use. Check the product specifications and guidelines.
Q8: How do I clean and maintain a mini fridge for optimal performance? A8: Regularly clean the interior and exterior surfaces with a mild detergent. Defrost the freezer if applicable, and ensure proper ventilation around the unit. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific maintenance guidelines.
Q9: Can I transport a mini fridge easily if I need to move it to a different location? A9: The portability of a mini fridge depends on its size and design. Smaller models are generally more portable, but larger units may come with built-in wheels or handles for easier movement.
Q10: What warranty options are available for the best mini fridges of 2024? A10: Warranty terms vary by manufacturer and model. Check the warranty information provided by the manufacturer to understand coverage for parts and labor. Consider models with longer warranty periods for added peace of mind.
I'm Kelly Atkinson, with a passion for dissecting the world of home goods. My reviews stem from thorough testing and a love for sharing detailed insights. Each piece I write offers a glimpse into my explorative journey, aiming to guide readers to informed choices with authenticity and precision, making every review a blend of exploration and expertise.
I'm Mark Zoch, a culinary expert, Production Manager at Hana Hotel Travel Company, and the proud founder of "The Dinner Dude." My journey, shaped by personal and familial health struggles, has also led me to become a renowned health coach in Houston, where I'm dedicated to transforming lives through tailored nutrition and wellness programs.