Compact refrigerators come in different colors and finishes, including black, white, faux stainless steel, and wood grain. Black is most popular, perhaps because it blends into many décors, and a stainless-look metallic finish is a close second. Take a look at your school’s housing policy to find out what dimensions are acceptable (many schools require ones that are 5 cubic feet or smaller, though some max out at 3.5 feet). You’ll also want to factor in where you might place it, once you consider the major furniture that’s provided—and that you’ll be bringing with you.
On the door of the fridge, there’s a can dispenser as well as two shelves, including one for tall soda bottles and a smaller one for condiments. We tested mini fridges the same way we test full-size fridges—just scaled down to size. The Costway EP22672BK offers an average amount of storage space, but with a slightly smaller fridge and a slightly larger freezer.
Sleek and discreet, the Whirlpool 2.7 Cubic Feet Mini Refrigerator measures 24.69 inches high, 19.13 inches wide, and 19.69 inches deep and can easily fit in your space. Offering flexibility with its reversible door, the two-shelf mini fridge has a small freezer compartment, an adjustable Arctic King thermostat, and a four-can dispenser to conveniently hold your snacks and beverages. At under $175, the Frigidaire Single Door Mini Fridge is our best value mini fridge. This pick is ideal for smaller spaces, yet it still offers enough room to store cans of soda and plenty of snacks.
When it comes to mini fridges, we look for models that are easy to set up and operate and that keep items cold — or even frozen. We also look for handy features like removable shelves, interior lighting and crisper drawers. These are the best mini fridges of 2022 according to our lab testing, expert insights and extensive research. The Sunbeam 3.1 Cubic Feet Mini Refrigerator is a 32.8-inch by Arctic King 19.13-inch by 21.1-inch model with a spacious design that can fit extra beverages, snacks, and perishables. Once you’ve nailed down a budget for your new mini fridge, you’ll next have to decide what you want to use it for. If you need a bit of extra storage for groceries or beverages, opt for a model with at least 4 cubic feet of interior space and temperature controls for optimal cooling.
Whirlpool brand offers a variety of options to complement your home. Your mini fridge should be set to at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit to help curb the growth of harmful bacteria that can grow on your food and beverages and make you sick. Don’t forget about keeping some treats in the freezer for late-night snacks or study sessions. 4.3 cubic feet is huge for a mini fridge, so this won’t slide under a desk, but $35 per cubic foot is a solid price.
Hang in there, we are looking for alternate products just for you. If you thought you didn’t have room for in-home laundry, learn about space-saving washers and dryers that will have you reimagining the possibilities. Providing your exact location will allow us to ensure our products are available in your area.
The common capacity for these models range from 11 to 13 cubic feet. I chose a variety of price points, designs, and sizes of mini fridges to suit almost every budget and purpose. I even chose a mini fridge model with a Sabbath Mode for Jewish customers who observe strict rules about using electronics on the Sabbath and religious holidays. The LED interior light uses a motion sensor to automatically turn on as you approach. The door has an alarm system that signals when it’s left open for too long.
If it’s above 5 degrees F, the freezer’s not reliable for long term food storage. They don’t keep foods at a set temperature but rather change in relationship to the room condition. When it’s very warm, they don’t cool to an acceptable level for food safety. And, when the temperature changes, the temp in the fridge goes up or down. We measure each shelf, bin, or other storage location separately, then add those areas together. It’s easier to compare capacities across different models that way.
I’ve broken down their features and price points so you can compare and choose the one that is the best fit for your home, office, or dorm. But don’t expect the same temperature performance of a regular refrigerator. That’s why the best uses for compact refrigerators are to keep sodas and other beverages cold and to provide temporary storage of snacks. Compact Refrigerator and Freezer features a sleek stainless look that’s perfect for keeping your food fresh and your drinks cold. It has a full width freezer department, dual doors look, reversible door option and adjustable legs, and also includes an adjustable thermostat control, two glass shelves, and a handy can dispenser. Ft., this compact refrigerator and freezer make it an ideal fit for the office, dorm room or game room.