At a Glance:
U-Line® 5.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Compact Refrigerator
Lynx® Sedona 20" Outdoor Refrigerator-Stainless Steel
LG 6.9 Cu. Ft. Platinum Silver Compact Refrigerator
Frigidaire® 4.5 Cu. Ft. Silver Mist Compact Refrigerator
Frigidaire® 3.1 Cu. Ft. Silver Mist Compact Refrigerator
Tips for Choosing the Best Mini Fridge
A mini fridge is an incredibly useful appliance to keep in your home. You can place these refrigerators in your living area to store drinks and snacks – especially if the kitchen is upstairs or on the other side of the house. Many mini-fridges are developed for the outdoors, which means you can store them in your garage or on your patio. The compact appliances are even found at office desks and in dorms with minimal space.
But what is the best mini fridge on the market? What features are essential for your home and which brands fall within your budget? Here are five compact refrigerator options to start your search and help you find the best mini fridge available.
1. U-Line® 5.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Compact Refrigerator
If you are looking for a top-line model, consider this refrigerator by U-Line. This is the best mini fridge for people who want durable products in their homes. Enjoy three adjustable tempered glass shelves so you can easily organize your refrigerator to meet your needs. This option can store up to 123 12-ounce bottles or 185 12-ounce cans. You can bring the temperature down to 34 degrees or use the mini fridge to chill wine up to 60 degrees.
There are a few design features that also make this refrigerator desirable. Enjoy a black interior that makes your appliance look sleek – allowing it to blend in with your other decor options. This interior is complemented by white LED lighting that illuminates your food and drinks.
You can buy this model in black, white, stainless steel, or as a panel-ready appliance. You can choose either a built-in option or a freestanding refrigerator. The door is also reversible depending on whether you want it to be right or left opening. Prices for this mini refrigerator start at $2,200. Read customer reviews to learn what people think of this option.
2. Lynx® Sedona 20" Outdoor Refrigerator-Stainless Steel
Sedona by Lynx is another option if you are looking for a mini fridge without a freezer. This model is meant to withstand the elements and can is appropriate for outdoor use. You can place it on your patio or in your garage for optimal use.
This is one of the more flexible refrigerator options to choose from. It comes with three wire racks that can be placed in eight different positions. You can make room for a large bottle of champagne or evenly space the shelves to hold drinks and snacks. The side door is specifically meant to hold drinks without taking up an excessive amount of space.
This refrigerator can be purchased as a freestanding appliance or a built-in model. The door is right-hinged but comes with a left-open convertible kit. You can buy this mini fridge for outdoors for just over $1,400. Learn what other buyers think about this model by reading customer reviews.
3. LG 6.9 Cu. Ft. Platinum Silver Compact Refrigerator
Compact refrigerators don’t have to be small. This refrigerator can hold almost seven cubic feet of groceries, drinks, and other items. The majority of the appliance is dedicated to the refrigerator side (6 cubic feet) with a small freezer section for extra cold items. What might strike you with this refrigerator is how it's built. The appliance is only 21 inches wide but 51 inches (more than four feet) high. It can fit into a narrow space but it is not meant to be placed underneath cabinets.
This mini fridge comes with three shelves and one crisper bin. The bottom bin is meant to keep vegetables fresh with temperature and humidity controls. This appliance is ENERGY STAR® qualified, so it can chill your items without wasting electricity.
Consider this option if you want one of the more unique mini fridges with freezer models on the market. You can buy it for less than $500. Read customer reviews to learn more.
4. Frigidaire® 4.5 Cu. Ft. Silver Mist Compact Refrigerator
If you love the full-size Frigidaire model in your kitchen, consider investing in a Frigidaire mini fridge for other areas of your home. This model holds an impressive 4.5 cubic feet, which includes an in-door gallon storage bin. There is also a mini freezer section at the top to keep items safely frozen even in the hottest months. This freezer can cool down to -8 degrees and store ice.
Each of the shelves is removable and adjustable based on your needs. This means you can store your Thanksgiving turkey inside or remove all of the shelves for easy cleaning. Choose whether you want the door installed to the left or the right depending on where you plan to store the mini-fridge.
You can buy this mini fridge for $242 dollars. This is one of the most highly-rated options available. Customers mention how it fits easily into the garage and quiet the compressor is compared to its cooling power. It’s a popular model to add to your home.
5. Frigidaire® 3.1 Cu. Ft. Silver Mist Compact Refrigerator
Frigidaire also makes compact refrigerator options that can be placed in college dorms or under office desks. This is one of the smaller models, holding three cubic feet of items. It has separate doors for the refrigerator and the freezer, ensuring your frozen food remains cold even when you need to access the refrigeration compartment.
Enjoy a bright interior light that turns on whenever you open the fridge, easily illuminating all of your food. You can spend less time looking for items and more time enjoying them. This model also comes with a crisper drawer to protect your vegetables until they are ready to eat. Choose whether you want the door to open to the left or right.
You can buy this refrigerator for less than $240. It is a highly-rated model and is frequently recommended by customers. Buyers say that it is great for small spaces and continues to protect their food.
Tips for Choosing the Best Mini Fridge
There are a lot of refrigerator options to choose from, but how do you select the best mini fridge for your home? Here are a few tips to narrow down your options and make the best choice.
- Measure your space. Make sure your mini fridge is the right height, width, and depth for the space you have. Otherwise, you will bump into it or will have trouble opening the door.
- Identify want needs to be stored. If this mini fridge serves a specific purpose, make sure you find models that can hold your items. (For example: wine bottles, gallon jugs, cans, vegetables, etc.)
- Decide whether you want a freezer compartment. Some people need full refrigeration and freezer capabilities. Other people simply need a drinks fridge and space for overflow items. Set your priorities.
- Choose between indoor or outdoor models. Some brands specifically create outdoor refrigerators. Decide if the best mini fridge for your needs is outdoor rated or if an indoor model will suffice.
- Set a budget. Once you look at the available options, decide what you are willing to spend. Keep in mind the best models might not be the most expensive or the cheapest options.
After you review these criteria, you should be able to filter your refrigerator models down to a select few options. It’s up to you to decide which brands you like, what features you want, and what style choices you prefer.
FAQ
Can you store a refrigerator outside?
Not all refrigerators are meant to be stored outside. If you keep your refrigerator exposed to the sun, water, and other elements it could start to break. Look for models that are specifically outdoor-rated. Alternatively, you can store your mini fridge outside but in a protected environment – like in the garage or on a covered patio.
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Shop Compact Refrigerators at East Coast
There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop compact refrigerators online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you find the best mini fridge for your home, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms to see why we are the best appliance store in Virginia. Visit us today!
Learn More: How to Shop for Refrigerators Online: A Step-by-Step Guide