The 5 Best Mini Freezers Mean Storing More Ice Cream in 2024
Updated: Apr. 17, 2024
The best mini freezer provides additional storage without taking up a lot of space (or costing you a fortune!).
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If the freezer in your full-size refrigerator just isn’t cutting it anymore, then it might be time to invest in additional space. With that being said, you don’t need to go all out and buy a massive deep freeze that’ll take up half the room. Mini freezers are a smart alternative that offer extra storage for meats, veggies, fruits and leftovers that you might not need to use every day. Because they’re relatively compact, it’s easy to find the best mini freezer for whatever type of space you have.
Wonder what to store in your mini freezer? As long as you follow a few basic rules, you can freeze practically any type of food. We suggest stocking up on vacuum-sealed freezer bags or food storage containers, but keep in mind that you shouldn’t fill them too full, because liquid expands when frozen—and the last thing you want is a cracked container or leaking bag!
Although your mini freezer might be used to store extra food you aren’t planning to eat right away, it’s important to keep in mind that your frozen goods won’t last forever. They might prolong the life of your food, but everything still has an expiration date and should be thrown out if it smells weird (even ice cubes!) or has freezer burn.
There are hundreds of mini freezers on the market right now, so we’ve made the decision easier with a list of the best mini freezers, including various sizes and options in every price range.
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Best Overall Mini Freezer
Hotpoint Manual Defrost Chest Freezer
For anyone who truly doesn’t know where to start when looking for a mini freezer, you can’t go wrong with the Hotpoint’s chest freezer. It offers 4.9 cubic feet of space—the largest on our list. A removable organization basket is ideal for storing items you use the most to ensure they’re always on top and easily accessible. Plus, you can adjust the temperature as needed to ensure everything is completely frozen through. It also has a front defrost drain that makes it easy to do a full deep clean and system reset.
Verified purchaser, David, says it’s an “excellent additional freezer for the garage,” adding it “cools quickly and runs without any noise.”
Pros
- Has 4.9 cubic feet of space
- Budget-friendly
- Easy-access defrost drain
- Adjustable temperature
- Removable organization basket
Cons
- Takes a while to get cold
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Best Budget Mini Freezer
Arctic King Upright Freezer
If you’re looking for a unit that’s super-compact and relatively affordable, then this 1.1-cubic-foot upright mini freezer might be for you. It’s a quality mini freezer for dorms, bedrooms or anyone wanting extra storage for snacks and beverages. This mini freezer easily fits a few pints of ice cream and some frozen meals. You might not be able to fit a lot inside, but it takes up minimal space and is ideal for a single person.
To make it even more convenient, the door is reversible so it can open from the left or right side. For a small price tag, reviwer, Darlylj, says it’s an “awesome little freezer.” Stephanie, who bought it for a one-bedroom apartment, writes she uses it to “stock up on frozen foods” and claims it was “ready to use in under an hour” after plugging it in.
Pros
- Wallet-friendly
- Compact design
- One storage shelf
- Reversible door
Cons
- No drain
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Best Mini Freezer on Amazon
Midea Mini Freezer
It’s no secret that shopping on Amazon is easy and convenient, especially if you have a Prime membership that gets you access to fast, free shipping. This model from Midea is the best mini freezer on Amazon with thousands of five-star ratings and plenty of useful features. Unlike many chest freezers, it has a door that opens at various angles without having to hold it up, making it easy to grab items quickly without letting all the cold air out. It comes with a storage basket and temperature knob that gives you full control over how cold you keep your food.
With 3.5 cubic feet of space, this pick is small enough to sit inside without taking up too much space, but still large enough to hold roughly 120 pounds of food. It’s ideal for storing meat and frozen meals, like pizzas and chicken nuggets. Five-star reviewer, Coffee Fan, raves that this mini freezer is “so quiet, I thought it was defective.” They also share that it’s “three times the volume” of a full-size top freezer on a refrigerator.
Pros
- Has a defrost drain and removable storage basket
- Door remains open at various angles
- Features a quiet motor
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Has a short cord
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Best Mini Freezer for Kitchens
Summit Mini Freezer
Appliances aren’t always the prettiest things in the world, but luckily, we found one that can blend in. This mini freezer from Summit is available in stainless steel or wood-panel finishes. Approved for commercial use, it can be used as a standalone unit, or professionally installed underneath a countertop to look cohesive in your space. Aside from its looks, the freezer has 4.7 cubic feet of space and an ice maker. Plus, it has a temperature memory function and a frost-free system that automatically adjusts the temperature to prevent excess frost from building up.
This best mini freezer pick has three adjustable shelves that make it easy to organize. Since practically everything stays visible, it’s ideal for anyone who has an “out of sight, out of mind mentality.” “The shelves are sturdy and the cooling is great,” writes verified customer, Judy. “Design looks nice and makes my kitchen look more attractive.”
Pros
- Choice of stainless steel or faux wood finishes
- Freestanding or under-counter installation
- Has adjustable shelves and an ice maker
- Temperature memorization function and alarm
Cons
- Right hinge door only
- Pricey
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Best Mini Freezer with Fridge
KitchenAid Undercounter Refrigerator and Freezer
Believe it or not, there’s a difference between a mini fridge with a freezer and a mini freezer with a fridge. Mini fridge freezers are far smaller than something like the KitchenAid Double-Drawer, which offers an equal amount of space for both, equaling nearly 4.3 cubic feet. Available in stainless steel and panel-ready designs, use it on its own or have it professionally installed beneath a countertop. The pull-out drawers work with most spaces, allowing you to see everything you have in stock.
As far as additional features go, it has a door alarm that lets you know if one of the drawers was accidentally left open, as well as temperature monitoring. It has an ice maker so you don’t have to worry about strategically placing ice trays inside. A five-star reviewer, dayzzzzzz, shares they use it to support their wet bar and love that the “top drawer allows for most wine bottles to fit upright.”
Pros
- Equal space in fridge and freezer
- Has pull-out drawers
- Includes temperature monitoring
- Features a door alarm and ice maker
Cons
- Pricey
What to consider when buying a mini freezer
Buying any appliance is a big deal and shouldn’t be done without some thought and research. Before making a final selection for your mini freezer, make sure it’s within your budget and will fit in your space. There are many models, including chest freezers, pull-out freezer drawers and traditional freezers with doors that open from the side. If you’re looking for something truly compact, then a chest freezer might be the way to go.
Why you should trust us
I’m a product reviewer and shopping writer with over five years of experience. I’ve reviewed more than 50 products and conducted interviews with multiple field professionals. It’s my job to know how to test and research all sorts of products to vet the best of the best.
How we found the best mini freezers
To find the best mini freezers, I found the top-selling products from the retailers and manufacturers we trust the most, based on years of personal experience and product testing. We then dissect all their specs, from design and engineering to cost and reliability. In addition, we pore through hundreds of reviews from real customers to get a good sense of how these mini freezers perform over time in a home setting.
FAQ
How much will mini freezers hold?
Each mini freezer offers a different amount of space, so you’ll want to check its cubic feet before purchasing to ensure it meets your needs. For example, our list’s smallest and most compact option offers 1.1 cubic feet while the largest has 4.9 cubic feet of space.
How much energy does a mini freezer use?
Like the amount of space they have, a mini freezer’s energy depends on its size and cooling abilities. Larger units will naturally use a little bit more energy than smaller ones. Even so, they only use anywhere from 50 to 100 watts, costing roughly $4 per month or $50 per year.
Originally Published: March 20, 2024
