The 6 Best Mini Fridges to Store Snacks and Drinks in Small Spaces
Updated: Mar. 14, 2024
Buying an appliance can be intimidating, but our list makes it easy to find the best mini fridge that fits your needs.
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Sometimes a full-size refrigerator isn’t the best option for your space. Fortunately, there are plenty of excellent miniature versions that work just as well as regular models. If you’re in the market for the best mini fridge on the market, we’ve got you covered. Keep your food and beverages organized and at the right temperature all while optimizing a small space in your home.
Whether you’re moving into a small apartment or dorm room, or just need additional space at home or at the office, we’ve found the best mini fridge to fit all your favorite snacks and beverages. (Some even include freezers to accommodate like a full-size fridge!)
Best overall mini fridge
Midea Mini Fridge with Freezer
The best overall mini fridge earned its title for its many convenient features, like a built-in top freezer, reversible doors, adjustable shelves and a low price point. The Midea unit has adjustable legs and reversible doors you can customize to open from either the right or left side, depending on what fits your space best. At barely 20 inches wide and 3.1 cubic feet, you’ll have all the space you need in your cramped quarters. It also includes adjustable shelves and a fruit and vegetable drawer to help further organize the interior. If you’re looking for a mini fridge with freezer that closely mimics a full-size version, we’d be remiss not to mention this one first.
“I live in a studio apartment and I wanted a fridge with a freezer. This little dude definitely delivers,” writes five-star reviewer, S. Severn. “The inside of the fridge and freezer are a bit deeper than many models of the same cost.”
Pros
- Has a built-in freezer
- Offers 3.1 cubic feet of space
- Includes adjustable glass shelves
- Available in white, black and stainless steel finishes
Cons
- Can’t sit on a countertop or table
Best budget mini fridge
Frigidaire Beverage Cooler
The Frigidaire beverage cooler is so compact and lightweight (only 3 pounds!), it can fit virtually anywhere. Use it on a road trip, at the office or in your bedroom to store up to six standard-size cans. This best mini fridge is super-versatile, as it can be used as a beverage cooler, skincare fridge and even a warming box. At the flip of a switch, this mini fridge goes from a temperature of as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, it’ll add some personality to your space by coming in pink, mint, red and white colors.
Pros
- Wallet-friendly
- Offers a warming function
- Features a cute retro design
- Available in four fun colors
Cons
- Doesn’t have a freezer
- Only holds up to 4 liters
Best mini fridge for dorm rooms
Black + Decker Mini Fridge with Freezer
Dorm rooms typically aren’t very big, and they feel even smaller when sharing with another person. If you’re looking for the best mini fridge this extra-small space, this Black + Decker model is ideal. Measuring in at 17.5 inches wide and barely 20 inches tall, it easily fits into tiny floor plans. Surprisingly, this compact unit includes a built-in freezer and comes with an ice tray. The cherry on top is that it has a relatively quiet motor that won’t disturb you (or your roommate) while studying.
Pros
- Has a compact square design
- Includes a built-in freezer and ice tray
- Has door storage and adjustable shelves
- Available in white, black and stainless steel finishes
Cons
- Not ideal for large food storage containers
Best mini fridge for apartments
Commercial Cool Mini Fridge with Freezer
Believe it or not, not all apartments come with a refrigerator, especially if you’re residing in a large city. You could drop a pretty penny on a full-size unit that can crowd a small kitchen, or you could spend a fraction of the cost on the Commercial Cool mini fridge. With a top freezer, door storage and crisper drawer, this best mini fridge delivers everything you need. Properly organize your mini fridge, and you’ll maximize every bit of its 4.5 cubic feet of storage space. The best part about this particular mini fridge is that it has slide-out shelves to access your food and make cleaning a breeze. Plus, it’s gorgeous retro look automatically elevates your space.
Pros
- Only 19.3 inches wide
- Has a built-in top freezer
- Features slide-out shelves
- Includes a can dispenser and crisper drawer
Cons
- Only available in black
Best under-the-counter mini fridge
KitchenAid Mini Fridge
If you’re short on space, we recommend looking under your counter. This KitchenAid mini fridge can be used as a standalone appliance or professionally installed as a built-in unit. Easily keep all of your essentials close at hand with 5 cubic feet of storage space. The cool thing about this best mini fridge (pun intended!) is its automatic defrost function prevents frost buildup. It even has a door alarm that alerts you if the door was accidentally left open.
Pros
- Can be used freestanding or built-in
- Offers 5 cubic feet of space
- Has adjustable thermostat and lights
- Has an automatic defrost feature
Cons
- Doesn’t have a freezer
- Professional installation recommended
Best mini fridge for beverages
NewAir Mini Fridge
All your drinks are on display, thanks to the glass door on the NewAir mini fridge, which allows you to decide on your beverage without letting the cold air out. It can hold up to 126 cans at once, which is equivalent to roughly five cases of soda. Several removable storage racks make it easy to wipe clean in case of spills.
One satisfied shopper named it the “perfect beverage fridge” for holding cans, juice boxes, water bottles and more for guests during game days. They added that they recommend it to anyone, “looking to step up the entertainment area of their home.”
Pros
- Holds up to 126 canned beverages
- Glass door is ideal for visibility
- Has removable storage racks
- Features an adjustable thermostat
Cons
- Not ideal for food
What to consider when buying a mini fridge
Before purchasing a mini fridge, you should consider the space you’re working with and what you intend to use it for. For example, if this will be your main refrigeration system, then you might want one with lots of compartments for organization. On the flip side, if your mini fridge will mainly be used for beverages, you can go with something small and budget-friendly.
Types of mini fridges
- Mini fridges with freezers: Not all of the best mini fridges have built-in freezers, but those that do offer an added bonus since they keep drinks cold while also storing ice cream, frozen meals and small amounts of leftovers.
- Beverage coolers: Some mini fridges are so compact that they’re only meant to hold a six-pack of soda or even skincare. These are most ideal for desks, vanities and countertops, and shouldn’t be expected to fit a lot of stuff inside.
- Built-in under-counter mini fridges: These types of mini fridges are normally professionally installed, and are ideal for tiny homes, camping and apartment living.
How we found the best mini fridge
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
Do mini fridges use a lot of electricity?
Each mini fridge is different, but the wattage the unit uses should be labeled either on the door or somewhere on the exterior. An average mini fridge will cost around $5 to $7 to run each month.
How long do mini fridges last?
Although there’s no telling exactly how long each mini fridge will last, if you follow a few simple rules, it can run for 10 years or more. Keep up with regular maintenance by cleaning the internal mechanics and coils, and setting it at the right temperature, which is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can a mini fridge sit on carpet?
The best mini fridges can sit on carpet as long as they’re sealed properly to prevent leaks and deep cleaned regularly. Cleaning the fridge should include the exterior, interior and coils.
Originally Published: March 14, 2024
