Mini fridges are also fairly affordable, retailing for just a few hundred dollars for a 3 to 4 cubic foot model, though it is possible to find some for even cheaper. And there are very expensive high-end models that would be at home in a commercial kitchen or a fancy home-chef kitchen that come with motion-activated interior lights, touch controls, and door alarms. To help you find the perfect mini fridge for your budget and needs, I put together a list of the five best models you can buy. 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. Also: The best coolers: Keep everything icy cold during summer Whether you’re looking to buy a mini fridge for your dorm or office or need extra space at home for groceries, the Hisense LCR44D6NSE freestanding mini fridge is an almost perfect option. It has 4.4 cubic feet of space, and it forgoes a freezer section to provide more room for things like 2 liter bottles and gallon water or milk jugs. The door hinge is reversible, allowing you to choose whether it opens to the left or right to better fit into your space. The glass shelves easily slide out for when you need to make space for extra large items or when you need to clean the inside of the mini fridge. The stainless steel door adds a touch of modern style to any space and even coordinates with tool chests and workbenches in your garage. The body of this mini fridge is designed to sit flush with your kitchen cabinets as well, if you want to tuck it under your counter for extra cold storage, allowing it to blend into your decor and other appliances. Pros:
Reversible door hingeCounter depth designStainless steelLots of interior space
Cons:
No freezer sectionNo door light
This mini fridge from Whirlpool sells for under $200, making it a great choice for anyone who has to stick to a modest budget when shopping. It features both a refrigerator and a freezer section, each with its own door, so you can chill drinks or store extra groceries and even make extra ice for gatherings with family and friends. The refrigerator door has sections for storing cans as well as larger bottles, and there is an interior light that comes on when you open the door, allowing you to quickly see what you need even at night. The legs of this mini fridge can be adjusted to accommodate uneven floors in your kitchen or garage for optimal compressor performance and cooling. Pros:
Separate refrigerator and freezer sectionsInterior lightAdjustable/leveling legs
Cons:
Door hinge not reversible
This mini fridge from KitchenAid is a high-end model with lots of premium features that make it well worth the almost $2,400 price tag. It comes in either silver or dark stainless steel, with a design that mimics wine chillers and commercial refrigerators, which means this model will be right at home in any chef-quality home kitchen or home bar. The door features a glass panel for easy identification of what you have inside and to help take stock of beverages and snacks at-a-glance. 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. The mini fridge even has an over-temp alarm, which alerts you to when the unit is holding at temperatures over 45 degrees Fahrenheit for more than four hours so you can troubleshoot issues and save your food from spoiling. You can easily adjust the internal temperature with the backlit touch control panel and even enable Sabbath Mode, which disables automatic lights and alarms for religious holidays and the Sabbath when electronics are prohibited. Pros:
Motion LED lightsDoor and over-temp alarmsSabbath ModeSleek design
Cons:
No freezer sectionNo gallon door storage
When working from a home or traditional office, having a mini fridge for drinks, lunches, and snacks is a nice perk to have. And the Frigidaire EFR494 almost feels like it was designed for use in an office. The matte, retro design won’t stand out too much from the rest of your office furniture, and the door hinge is reversible so it can open to the left or right. It also features a 1 gallon water tank and dispenser so you can fill your reusable water bottle with fresh, cool water whenever you like. The interior has 4.5 cubic feet of space, and the door has enough room for gallon water jugs and 2 liter soda bottles. There’s a freezer section at the top that you can either use to make ice for your drinks or to store frozen meals for quick lunches at your desk. It also has three removable glass shelves for making more room for tall items or when you need to wipe out the fridge. Pros:
Water dispenserDoor space for 2 liter bottles and gallon jugsFreezer sectionReversible door
Cons:
Freezer section isn’t very bigNo interior light
Having a mini fridge in your dorm is a great way to keep drinks and food handy for study sessions and hangouts with friends. The Frigidaire EFR100 is small enough to fit on a dresser top or under a lofted bed, and the reversible door hinge gives you even more placement options by allowing it to open to the left or right. The door has enough space for 2 liter bottles and the freezer section is perfect for an ice tray or frozen meals for a quick bite between classes. This model has a single wire shelf that can be removed, making it easier to lug around when moving in and out of dorms or when you need to wipe out the mini fridge. Pros:
Small and compactReversible door hinge2 liter bottle storage in doorFreezer section
Cons:
No interior lightOnly comes in black
