Top Design
Astroai Mini Fridge
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Mini fridges are one of the most convenient innovations to exist in the modern world. Trust me—keeping drinks in my room has been a life changer. Mini fridges offer all the utility and features of a regular fridge in a smaller, more convenient size. These fridges are often portable and can fit almost anywhere. Whether you need it for your room, shop, salon, or car, we’ll help you find the best mini fridges in 2024. In fact, we've already done just that. We tested the top mini fridges of the year, and it was the Upstream Single-Door Mini Fridge With Freezer that impressed us the most. Read on to learn more!
Mini Fridge Buying Guide
With so many mini fridges to choose from, it's easy to get lost in the colors and shapes. I know I can get overwhelmed by it! Luckily, we're here to help. So, whether you’re looking to store food, drinks, makeup, or medicine, here are the things to consider when purchasing a mini fridge.
What to Consider When Buying a Mini Fridge
Space
Space and storage are a key concern for anyone buying a mini fridge. Why else are you buying the miniature version of something? Most have a 4-liter capacity at minimum, while others can hold more than that. Generally, a mini fridge can store up to a dozen cans or a picnic lunch. Alternatively, they can also hold multiple skin care products or medicines. People often prefer having bigger mini fridges in case they have to store things last minute.
Cooling
Some mini fridges offer the regular cooling that normal fridges do. With this, you can easily store drinks, snacks, medicine, and skincare here. They often come with adjustable cooling levels so that you can control temperates for your stored items. Additional cooling features in some mini fridges include the ability to turn the whole thing or a certain compartment into a freezer. With this, you can store ice cream or other frozen treats in the summer. Two-door mini fridges often have the feature to turn one compartment into a designated freezer while one-door fridges usually turn the whole unit into one. Surprisingly, some fridges also come with a heating feature that keeps things warmer than the outside environment. This is often to prevent skincare products or medicines from freezing in the winter months. This can come in handy depending on what you’re planning to store in the mini fridge.
Purpose
Your purpose for a mini fridge plays a big role in what you should buy. If you only have things that need to be stored at one temperature, then you can easily opt for a single-door mini fridge. However, if you have certain items that need to be kept frozen while others need to be chilled, then a two-door mini fridge is the best option for you. This applies to almost anything you would need to store. For example, if your skincare products need to be stored at a certain temperature then you can get a fridge that both cools and heats when required. Not sure which skin-care products can and can't go in your mini fridge? Check out this YouTube video: [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JAzK_BfmLY[/embed]
Portability
The size and weight of a mini fridge affect its portability. While I may only want my mini fridge for indoor use, some people buy a mini fridge for trips and picnics. They may also use it to carry medicines in the vehicle. Portability also depends on the build of the mini-fridge. Some features that promote portability include a carrying handle, battery charging, and reversible doors. When buying a mini-fridge, you need to check how much room it gives for portability options.
Power
Another important feature of a mini-fridge is how it’s powered. The power factor greatly influences where you can take the fridge and whether it’s portable or not. Most fridges take power directly via an electrical socket. These fridges are best for keeping in a room, shop, or office with a guaranteed power supply. Other fridges have USB power options and can be attached to a car battery or external power source as well. These fridges are easy to move around since they are not bound to a socket. More expensive versions include solar-powered fridges that require no wires at all.
Energy saving
Energy saving is important for people on a budget, such as students in dorms or people trying to save in general (like me!). This ensures that the mini-fridge doesn't produce a very high cost of operation. Energy-saving mini-fridges are efficient and sustainable for those who do not have a lot of extra money to spend on bills.
Noise
Noise is a large factor that people consider when buying a mini-fridge. I doubt anyone likes being woken up in the middle of the night to the sound of their mini fridge whirring. Try to look for a mini fridge that makes less noise. Some fridges have noise reduction technology and extra insulation equipped to keep them quiet. This feature often does not cause any major change in price.
Appearance
The last thing that you should consider is the appearance of the mini fridge. Who doesn't want a cute mini fridge? I know I do! As they come in many colors, you can easily pick a fridge that matches the aesthetic of your room. Mini fridges can add a modern chic aesthetic to your living space, and the one you pick can say a lot about your personality. However, if you are buying a mini fridge for a car or picnics, white fridges stay cooler than most due to their reflective properties.
Top Picks
- Top Design: Astroai Mini Fridge
- Top Multi-Purpose: Cooluli Skin Care Mini Fridge
- Most Versatile: Rca Single Door Mini Fridge
- Most Portable: Crownful Mini Fridge
- Most Traditional: Midea Single Reversible Door Refrigerator
- Best Overall: Upstreman Mini Fridge With Freezer
Reviews
Top Multi-Purpose
Cooluli Skin Care Mini Fridge
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Most Versatile
Rca Single Door Mini Fridge
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Most Portable
Crownful Mini Fridge
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Most Traditional
Midea Single Reversible Door Refrigerator
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Best Overall
Upstreman Mini Fridge With Freezer
The Upstream Single-Door Mini Fridge With Freezer is your ultimate companion for compact and convenient refrigeration needs. Designed with modern living spaces in mind, this sleek and stylish mini fridge is perfect for dorm rooms, offices, studios, and small apartments. If space is at a premium, this mini fridge can help thanks to its petite footprint. Not only does it offer an array of features but it caters to everyday cooling and freezing requirements as well. At the heart of this mini fridge is its cooling system. You can rely on it to keep your beverages, snacks, and fresh produce chilled to perfection. The built-in freezer compartment adds even more functionality. That way, you can store ice cream, frozen dinners, or ice cubes for your favorite drinks. Thanks to the thoughtfully organized interior, adjustable shelves, temperature controls, and door storage, this mini fridge is the top choice on our list.
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FAQs
Can I power my mini fridge via my car battery?
Yes, it is possible to power your mini-fridge via a car battery if it supports that option. However, you will need to keep it on for longer and it will quickly drain your battery. The best option to do this is during travel when the car is moving.
My mini fridge is leaking water, how do I fix this?
You must first figure out whether your fridge is leaking water or coolant from the back where all the wiring is. If it is leaking water, you may need to make sure you don’t leave the door open too long. However, if it is leaking coolant, that part will need a replacement.
How to stop ice from freezing inside the walls of a mini fridge in the freezer setting?
You must make sure you do not put wet objects into the freezer, nor do you let the door remain open for long periods of time. Try having the freezer in a horizontal setting to avoid the escape of air.
Why are water droplets accumulating on the walls of my mini fridge?
Water droplets often accumulate on the walls of the fridge if the cooling setting is too high and moisture is constantly being let in.
How long do mini fridges last?
A high-quality mini fridge should last about 10 years with proper use and care. Most brands offer a year-long warranty as well.