The Best Mini Fridges To Keep Your Cold Ones Close By

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Forbes Vetted Francesca Sales Forbes Staff Forbes Vetted Nov 1, 2023, 05:19pm EDT | Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin The best mini fridges almost rival full-size refrigerators when it comes to keeping your lunch, favorite beverages (and even precious cosmetics!) chilled; and we’d argue that there’s also no better space-saving appliance for a tiny dorm room or garage. After researching our way through dozens of models in several categories, we awarded the RCA Compact Refrigerator the title of best mini fridge overall because of its reasonable price tag and excellent temperature control. Another favorite is the budget-friendly Magic Chef Freezerless Mini Fridge , a compact, no-frills pick if you don’t need freezer space; and for impeccable style, we like the adorably retro Smeg Fab5 Mini Fridge .

The best mini fridges, like the RCA Compact Refrigerator, don’t need to make major compromises when . . .

[+] it comes to function and style. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / IMAGE: RETAILERS There are a few things to keep in mind as you shop for a mini fridge. According to Mallory Micetich , home and small space living expert at Angi, the size of your space, the fridge’s storage capacity, whether it has a built-in freezer and its noise level while running are some of the most important things to consider.

In addition to our own appliance expertise—the Forbes Vetted home team has covered stories on the best refrigerators and side by side refrigerators , for starters—we researched popular products and enlisted Micetich’s insights to round up the best mini fridges for all your chilling needs. Best Mini Fridge Overall: RCA Compact Refrigerator Best Budget Mini Fridge: Magic Chef Freezerless Mini Fridge Best Mini Fridge For Dorm Rooms: Midea Compact Refrigerator Best Mini Fridge For Drinks: Homelabs Beverage Refrigerator Best Mini Fridge For Wine: Antarctic Star 24-Bottle Wine Cooler Best Countertop Mini Fridge: Cooluli Classic Compact Cooler/Warmer Best Retro Mini Fridge: Smeg Fab5 Mini Refrigerator Best Skincare Fridge: Facestory Skincare Mini Fridge Best Mini Fridge Overall Surprisingly Spacious, Versatile And Quiet For Its Price Point Good Value Amazon RCA RFR321 Compact Refrigerator Type: Compressor | Dimensions: 17. 5 x 18.

6 x 31. 6 inches | Weight: 50. 7 pounds | Capacity: 3.

2 cubic feet | Freezer: Yes | Energy Star certified: Yes This traditional-looking 3. 2-cubic foot mini fridge and freezer combo is a solid choice for chilling a gamut of foodstuffs, from chilling beverages to storing produce. The moveable shelves, sizable door bins and soda rack give plenty of options for storage.

It includes an adjustable thermostat for keeping everything at the right level of cool while helping to conserve energy. But what really gives this mini refrigerator an edge is the modern design: An invisible door handle gives the fridge a sleek look, especially for this price range. What’s more, it comes in six colors and the door is reversible so you can open it from either side, depending on the space you’re working with.

Before you buy this, though, it’s worth noting that you may need to consistently monitor the freezer for frost buildup, and some reviewers say that it may take some finagling to get the internal temperature just right. Best Budget Mini Fridge Nixes The Freezer To Maximize Precious Fridge Space Home Depot Magic Chef Freezerless Mini Fridge Type: Compressor | Dimensions: 18. 9 x 17.

3 x 19. 6 inches | Weight: 33. 6 pounds | Capacity: 1.

7 cubic feet | Freezer: No | Energy Star certified: Yes Finding a great mini fridge for under $150 can be a challenge but this 1. 7 cubic-foot model from Magic Chef fits tight budgets and spaces. While you shouldn’t expect a miracle at this price range (there’s no freezer, for instance, and the styling isn’t particularly chic), this petite-but-mighty model is big enough to hold several containers in the main compartment.

It also has room for drinks on the door, an adjustable temperature control and removable shelves, making it a great fit for a dorm room or bedroom. All in all, if you’re looking for something small and efficient to keep things cool on a budget, this one does the job. forbes.

com Home Depot Promo Codes | 10% Off In November 2023 | Forbes Best Mini Fridge For Dorm Rooms A Separate Freezer Is Spacious Enough For Pints And Ice Trays Midea Midea 3. 1 Cu. Ft.

Double Door Compact Refrigerator Type: Compressor | Dimensions: 18. 5 in x 19. 4 in x 33 inches | Weight: 52.

2 pounds | Total capacity: 3. 1 cubic feet | Freezer: Yes | Energy Star certified: Yes Ditch the stereotypical mini-fridge cube and upgrade to a model that looks and works like a full-size refrigerator and freezer. This pint-size fridge is like a dollhouse version of the one in your kitchen, complete with a totally independent freezer that’s big enough for a few pint-sized ice cream containers or ice trays—almost 1 cubic foot in total.

The two compartments have separate thermostats. You also get a separate fruit and vegetable drawer and door storage for cans and small bottles. The finish comes in white, black or stainless—both neutral and functional.

All that’s missing are your favorite magnets. Best Mini Fridge For Drinks A Blessedly Quiet Must-Have For Beverage Lovers Homelabs Homelabs Beverage Refrigerator And Cooler Type: Thermoelectric | Dimensions: 17. 3 x 18.

9 x 33. 3 inches | Weight: 68 pounds | Capacity: 3. 2 cubic feet | Energy Star certified: Yes If your cooling priority is keeping beverages frosty, this mini fridge more than delivers.

Instead of using a compressor like many of the other models on this list, this pick is thermoelectric. “Thermoelectric coolers are best used as wine and beverage coolers because they are quiet,” says Micetich, and reviews attest to its barely-there sound. Plus, the 3.

2 cubic foot capacity can accommodate a truly ridiculous number of cans of beer or soda—120 in all. (Simply adjust the three chrome shelves, and it’ll also accommodate several bottles of wine. ) The fridge’s signature feature, though, is its see-through glass door that lets you make your beverage selection before opening up.

But be aware that this fridge isn’t intended to store any sort of food or produce—it’s for canned beverages only. That’s because “[thermoelectric fridges] can’t keep the temperature as steady as a compressor fridge,” explains Micetich. Best Mini Fridge For Wine An Amazon-Bestselling Wine Cooler With Rave Reviews Amazon Antarctic Star 24-Bottle Wine Cooler Buy From Amazon Type: Thermoelectric | Dimensions: 18.

1 x 16. 9 x 29. 1 inches | Weight: 44 pounds | Total capacity: 2.

3 cubic feet | Energy Star certified: Not listed Keep your best bottles of wine and champagne close at hand and at just the right temperature with this 24-bottle capacity fridge. The fridge is airtight with a reinforced glass door. It also has a quiet cooling system, which clocks in at 38 dB, barely more than a whisper (as vouched for by several reviewers).

Plus, that system can keep your bottles between 40 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit and in constant humidity—ideal for long-term aging. In addition, the aesthetics are awesome. The sleek design includes adjustable metal shelves and a gentle blue interior light that gives you (and perhaps your dinner guests) an optimal view of your wine selection.

Best Desktop Mini Fridge A Petite Portable Mini Fridge That Can Double As A Warmer Amazon Cooluli Classic Compact Cooler/Warmer Mini Fridge $45 At Amazon Type: Thermoelectric | Dimensions: 7. 3 x 10. 3 x 10.

8 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Capacity: 4 liters (6 12-ounce cans) | Energy Star certified: Not listed Whether you like to keep hummus and bottled cold brew on hand at your desk or are a nursing mom who needs a tiny cooler for storing breastmilk, Cooluli has you covered. Unlike most mini fridges, this one runs on multiple power sources: AC, of course, as well as USB (handy if you keep it at your desk and want to plug it into your computer) or your car’s power adapter. It’s also super-portable, weighing in at 4 pounds and easy to pick up with a handle on top.

It’s designed to keep its contents up to 45 degrees cooler than the ambient room temperature. And just in case you need to keep something warm, it also has a warming capacity of up to 144 degrees. Best Retro Mini Fridge A 1950s-Inspired Stunner With A Decidedly Modern Interior Wayfair Smeg Freestanding Fab5 Mini Refrigerator Type: Compressor | Dimensions: 22.

5 x 15. 8 x 29. 3 inches | Weight: 55 pounds | Capacity: 1.

2 cubic feet | Freezer: No | Energy Star certified: No Smeg’s 1950s-inspired refrigerators are charming little retro-styled appliances at any size, including this 2. 5-foot tall beauty. The Italian-made mini fridge has adjustable glass shelves inside and stainless steel handles for ‘50’s-inspired charm.

Unlike fridges from yesteryear, however, the Smeg is equipped with an adjustable thermostat and internal LED lighting for a natural and decidedly modern feel. Further, you can get this model with either a right- or left-handed door—it’s not reversible, though. Keep in mind that with a capacity of 1.

2 cubic feet, this fridge doesn’t hold as much as the other options on our list. Still, if a certain aesthetic is more what you’re after, its compactness might actually work in your favor. Best Skincare Mini Fridge A Chic And Portable Option For The Beauty Guru Best Features Amazon Facetory Skincare Mini Fridge Ice Cream Series $45 At Amazon Type: Thermoelectric | Dimensions: 8.

5 x 12. 2 x 12. 9 inches | Capacity: 5 liters | Weight: 8.

82 pounds | Energy Star certified: Not listed Serums, creams, jade rollers, essential oils, face scrubs and other cosmetics stay fresh longer when chilled, but there is no need for them to share fridge door space with your ketchup and mayo. Facetory’s ice cream-inspired mini beauty fridge (which happens to be one of Forbes Vetted’s picks for the best skincare fridges ) is designed to keep cosmetics at the optimal temperature—in this case, somewhere between the range of 50 to 64. 4 degrees Fahrenheit.

The fridge is petite and cute enough to sit on your vanity or bathroom counter, though it also has a very stylish faux-leather handle for portability. Plus, it comes with an adjustable temperature display, a built-in LED light, a removable inside shelf and (perhaps most important for skincare buffs) a sheet mask organizer. MORE FROM FORBES VETTED This Month Is The Best Time To Buy A New Mattress And Save Big By Jessica Timmons Contributor The Best Outdoor Security Cameras To See What’s Happening 24/7 By Jason R.

Rich Forbes Staff Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted home team has extensively covered appliances big and small, from countertop ice makers to ice cream makers and everything in between. In addition to lening on our expertise, we researched popular mini fridges on the market and enlisted the help of Mallory Micetich , home and small space living expert at Angi, to help inform our product picks. Our staff also frequently refreshes this story to ensure our selections are accurately reported and still the best in their categories.

This piece was last updated in October 2023 by home writer Fran Sales , who added the Antarctic Star 24-Bottle Wine Cooler and the Facestory Skincare Mini Fridge . Coupons Great Wolf Lodge Link to Coupon Leah Koenig Francesca Sales Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions.