Mini fridges are compact refrigerators that help bridge the gap between a full-size fridge and smaller cooler. They allow you to store extra snacks and drinks when you find your refrigerator is about to reach full capacity. Mini fridges help keep things cold while taking up minimal space, much less so than a full-size refrigerator requires, which makes them a go-to option for small spaces like offices, student halls, patios and even guest bedrooms. Keep reading to find the best mini fridge for you.

Ways to Use a Mini Fridge

Whether you're short on space or looking to take your entertaining skills to the next level, mini fridges can help you with all of your chilling needs. Get creative and use a mini fridge to make your life easier (or more luxurious) with treats like midnight snacks or cosmetics and skincare.

Midnight Snacks

Cut down the late-night trips to the kitchen by adding a mini fridge with a freezer compartment to your bedroom. Whether you want to store extra bottles of water or indulge in a few sweet treats, you’ll have everything you need for an after hours-bite. Add in a few extra breakfast items so if you oversleep, you can run out the door without detouring to the kitchen first.

Makeup & Skincare Products

Storing skincare products in your bathroom can result in the products themselves being affected by the heat and steam from the hot shower. Opt for a mini fridge with temperature control to store your most-loved cosmetics and skincare products so you don’t have to take up precious space in your usual refrigerator. Eye products, like masks or creams, will feel refreshing and cooling once applied. Think of it like a luxurious spa treatment from the comfort of your own home.

Allergies

Prevent unwanted cross contamination with foods that family and friends are allergic to by keeping a mini fridge for specific foods, like milk or peanut butter. This will keep foods completely separated and reduce any allergy-related anxiety.

Bar Fridge

Create the ultimate home bar setup. Whether you're an ale connoisseur or just love to entertain, add a mini fridge with stylish glass shelves to store your bar essentials. Place it in a location that you find yourself entertaining in often, that way you can grab a beer or fill up your wine glass without having to leave the party.

Best Mini Fridges

When choosing the best mini fridge, it’s important to consider size, installation type and which key features are important to you. Keep these in mind when shopping for a mini fridge.

Popular Mini Fridge Sizes

Mini (Smaller Than 15"): If you're looking for a mini fridge that is small enough for one person, opt for a miniature-sized mini fridge. It's a small and compact refrigerator – perfect for personal use. Store a few cans of your favourite drinks and a few snacks for a midday break at the office. Don’t limit yourself to beverages and food. Add a mini-size mini fridge to your bathroom or bedroom to take advantage of its temperature control and store skincare and other beauty products (like eye patches) at a cool temperature.

Small (15" – 30"): This mini fridge is small enough to fit on a countertop but large enough to hold its own as a freestanding fridge. Even though it is a compact refrigerator, it's still large enough to store a few packs of beverage or any must-have snacks in your office or bedroom.

Medium (31" – 40"): A medium mini fridge is great for holding a few days’ worth of leftovers and drinks at a time. Medium mini fridges are commonly found in apartments or small offices.

Large (41" & Larger): A large mini fridge is the perfect addition to a kitchen with a large family. Store bottles of wine for the adults or store drinks and snacks for the kids to grab easily. A full-width mini fridge is also a great option for larger offices with a few people who need to store leftovers and food items in the freezer compartment or a small apartment that can’t fit a full-size refrigerator.

Best Mini-Fridge Installation Types

Freestanding: A freestanding mini fridge can stand on its own and is a great addition to a corner of a home office, spare room, small apartment or even a student hall. They can be moved to another area of the home where you may need extra storage, making them a great option if you love to entertain.

Built-In or Undercounter: A built-in mini fridge, commonly called an undercounter mini fridge, sits flush with your cabinets and countertop, making it look like it was made for your space. Most commonly used in kitchens, this is a great option for someone who wants to keep alcoholic drinks separate and chilled.

Countertop: Countertop mini fridges tend to be small and compact refrigerators, allowing them to sit comfortably on top of a counter without taking up too much space. They can also be placed in desks, bookcases or wherever there's a stable surface.

Tip: Fridge looking a bit of a mess? Don’t worry, we’ve put together a guide that'll not only help you organise your fridge so that it looks Insta-worthy, but will also solve all your fridge storage needs. Read our How to Organise a Fridge for Maximum Use guide.

Extra Mini-Fridge Features

Portable: If you're constantly on the go and want to bring your mini fridge with you, choose a portable mini fridge. A portable mini fridge is small and compact, making it easy for you to take it with you and set it up whenever you need a small refrigerator. They're great for camping!

Ice Maker: Save yourself a trip to the kitchen by opting for a mini fridge with an ice maker in the freezer compartment. Make sure there is a waterline nearby so you can hook up your mini fridge to allow for ice to be made automatically.

Approved for Outdoors: If you love spending time outdoors on your porch or patio, you’ll love an outdoor mini fridge. Made to withstand the elements, having one of these close by will cut down on your trips inside and let you stay outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. This makes for the perfect addition at garden parties.

Automatic Defrost: If you find your mini fridge getting ice buildup in the freezer compartment, opt for a mini fridge with an automatic defrost option. It warms the appliance during the defrost cycle. The buildup will melt and drain through the bottom of the mini fridge. There is a small tray behind the mini fridge that will collect the drained water and keep your floors dry.

Energy Star–Compliant: Mini fridges tend to consume less energy than a full-size fridge due to their small size. To be Energy Star–compliant, the product must adhere to strict energy efficiency guidelines from the government. For an environmentally-friendly choice, opt for an Energy Star–compliant mini fridge to ensure you are using the least amount of electricity possible.

Locking Door: If you're using your mini fridge to store alcohol or anything you want to keep out of reach, opt for a lockable door. This will keep things stored away and prevent any unwanted guests or hands getting into your mini fridge.

Tip: Find more of what you like with:

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