If you live in a small home, need extra fridge space or want to keep things cold somewhere other than your kitchen, a mini fridge, also known as a compact refrigerator, is a great option. They tend to cost less than a regular fridge and have a small footprint. Another bonus? They tend to require much less energy, too. You can even use them to stash skin care products so they feel cooling and soothing when you apply them.
If you are on the hunt for a mini fridge, there are a few things to keep in mind as you shop. To help, I asked appliance experts for the most important considerations. I also compiled a list of highly rated mini fridges at different price points and styles.
How I picked the best mini fridges
What you should look for when shopping for a mini fridge depends on what you’ll be using it for and the space you have. To make the most of your purchase, the experts I spoke with suggest keeping the following in mind:
- Size: Mini refrigerators range in size from 30 to 35 inches in height, 18 to 24 inches in width and 19 to 26 inches in depth. As for capacity, they typically range from 1.6 to 5.5 cubic feet. Before purchasing, measure your space to ensure it will fit.
- Design: Different mini fridges cater to different needs, says appliance expert Scott Mooers, a sales consultant at Doyon’s Appliance in Bedford, Massachusetts. Certain models may have better space for items that need to be stored horizontally (like wine bottles), while others may have lots of compartments for different-sized items.
- Adjustable shelves: Because of their size, mini fridges tend to have limited storage capacity. Adjustable shelving can help you make the most of that space. “Most of the larger units offer two shelves or more, and some offer door storage along with shelves that can be removed for taller items,” said Mooers. Others have a reversible door that can open in both directions, allowing you to place the fridge anywhere in your space.
- Energy use: For the most part, a mini fridge is something you keep plugged-in all of the time. For that reason, you want to make sure you choose something energy efficient. Experts recommend one that consumes between 200 kWh and 300 kWh per year. An Energy Star seal on the fridge is a sign that it is energy efficient. Mini fridges that are Energy Star certified are up to 20 percent more energy efficient than models that meet the federal minimum energy-efficiency standard, according to the Energy Star website.
Top-rated mini fridges to consider
To come up with this list of mini fridges, I used the expert guidance above to source options that meet different size and style needs. All of the models below are highly rated, with at least a 4-star average rating from hundreds of reviews.
Best overall
On the larger side, this compact refrigerator comes with an adjustable thermostat, built-in freezer and has a reversible door. It also comes in eight colors, including green, purple and blue. It also has an area that can hold cans in the door.
Most stylish
If you like a retro vibe, consider this option from Frigidaire. It has a built-in bottle opener on the outside and a can dispenser on the inside of the door. There are two adjustable slide-out shelves and the back of the fridge is flat so it can sit flush against a wall.
Best for drinks
This beverage fridge has a glass front and can hold up to 120 cans. It has five wire slide-out racks to hold drinks, LED lighting and a reversible door. The internal fan-forced circulation results in even temperature distribution throughout the interior, according to Whynter.
Best option with a freezer
Need freezer space, too? This mini fridge has a small freezer on top with a separate door. The fridge portion gives just over two cubic feet of space and has glass shelves and a produce drawer. The doors can be switched to open on either side and there is an interior LED light that allows you to see what you are looking for in a dark room.
Best small option
When my son was born last year, I bought this small fridge to get us through late-night feedings. We live in a multi-level house and the thought of going up and down the stairs to get formula or stored breast milk from our kitchen fridge in the middle of the night sounded exhausting. Instead, I put this in his nursery and stored bottles in there each night. It is a pretty basic fridge, with a small freezer space and one shelf. The door also has two different compartments — one that you can store taller bottles in and another for smaller objects.
Best for skin care
Want to refrigerate your skin care? Consider stashing this mini fridge on your bathroom counter. But even if you are not interested in chilling your moisturizer, you can use this compact unit to keep a few sodas cool and ready to drink. You can cool the temperature of this fridge down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but you can also use it as a warmer by turning it up to 149 degrees Fahrenheit. The fridge also has a removable shelf and a slim pocket in the door.
How to shop for a mini fridge
Choosing the right mini fridge depends on the space you have and your needs. To help you hone in on exactly what you need, experts suggest asking yourself the following questions:
- Where will you put it? Where your mini fridge will go will help you determine how big you can go. Electrical Safety Experts, a platform that offers guidance on electrical safety, suggests looking for a firm, hard surface away from a window and not near any heating elements. The heat emitted by things like direct sunlight, stoves and radiators will make the fridge work harder to maintain the required internal temperature. You also want to allow for a little room behind the mini fridge for air to circulate freely. “If you plan to place your fridge next to a wall, you also need 2.5 inches between the wall and the hinge side of the door so it can swing open,” says Mooers.
- Do you need a freezer? Freezers in mini fridges come in two forms—either inside the fridge or separate, usually on top. The separate unit can hold a few food items, whereas the internal unit is usually only large enough for an ice tray or two. Either way, the freezer is not meant for long-term storage, especially for meat. “Internal freezers, in particular, tend not to work as well because of temperature fluctuation,” says Mooers.
- What do you plan to store in it? Some mini fridges are specifically made for drinks — like bottles of wine or cans of seltzer or soda. Other mini fridges are designed more generally for food and drinks — there are even options with produce drawers. Super small versions are best suited for skin care or a few drinks. Determining what you’ll be putting in your fridge, will help you look for the features that will be most beneficial to you.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Scott Mooers is a sales consultant for Doyon’s Appliance in Bedford, Massachusetts, and has been in appliance sales for 30 years.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am a contributing editor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle. I have written about vacuum storage bags, mouse traps and dermarolling. For this story, I interviewed an appliance expert on what to look for when shopping for a mini fridge.
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