Whether you’re a student in a dorm, a new grad in a tiny apartment or even someone who loves to keep their skincare on ice, you need a mini-fridge.
These space-savers are great additions to any space (and are 100% worth the buy).
Specifically for college students, chances are the communal fridge is a breeding ground for theft and half-eaten items, so there’s no wonder that a mini-fridge and freezer are on most student’s packing lists when headed back to school.
What’s more, they’re perfect for smaller spaces. This could also translate to a countertop in your bathroom or even under your desk for a 2p.m. pick-me-up soda and snack at work.
Regardless of your reason for refrigeration, we have your back. We rounded up all sizes and colors from Amazon, Target, Walmart and more, helping you to keep your cool in 2023.
1. Best Overall Mini Fridge: Galanz Retro Compact Refrigerator
Regardless the size of your dorm room, apartment or office, one of the Galanz Retro Compact Refrigerators will work. Along with coming in a variety of old school colors, it’s available in eight different sizes. There’s also a chiller compartment with an adjustable thermostat, removable glass shelves, plus lots of side storage. More than 2,000 customers on Amazon think its design is super chill!
3. Best Compact Mini Fridge: Proctor Silex 1.7 cu ft Mini Refrigerator
This mini fridge from has an interior shelf and room for 2-liter bottles, condiments and more on the side door. It has an adjustable glass shelf, interior light, and a reversible door hinge. The compact design makes it great for dorms, small offices or even an entertainment room.
Go retro when designing your dorm this year. The cute mini fridge from Frigidaire mini fridge is stylish, comes in blue, as well as red, and is one of the more affordable options on this list. Plus, its compact size is beyond compare.
5. Best Mini Fridge With Freezer: Arctic King Two Door Mini Fridge
Head to Walmart for the lowdown on all things mini fridges. This one comes with a freezer, too, which is all the better for frozen meals and ice cold drinks. It’s available in two colors, has door bins, a crisper drawer, and adjustable glass shelves.
6. Best Mini Fridge for Bedroom: Crownful Mini Fridge
If you’re looking for a simple, compact mini fridge that will keep your drinks and snacks cold, you can’t go wrong with Crownful. Plus, it comes in five fun colors to add some spice to your dorm room.
7. Best Energy Save Mini Fridge: Magic Chef Retro 3.2 Cu. Ft. 2 Door Mini Fridge
Procuring a cold drink or chilled snack doesn’t have to be magic. Instead, get this Magic Chef mini fridge at The Home Depot and you can even pick your color. The retro-style fridge comes in white, red and black, has removable glass shelves for easy cleaning and is ENERGY STAR qualified.
9. Best Mini Fridge for Skincare Products: Finishing Touch Flawless Mini Beauty Fridge
Beauty lovers will find joy in this little option. It’s effortlessly chic with its white and rose gold design while being the perfect compact size.
10. Best Mini Fridge With Color Range: Cooluli Mini Fridge
Sleek, portable and compact, Cooluli is an elite mini fridge that boasts a front temperature-control view. Notably, it’s great for its spacious three interior shelves and ability to be used for skincare and beauty products. It’s available in four pretty colors, including a pastel blue (shown above).
11. Best Desktop Mini Fridge: Living Enrichment Mini Fridge
How could we resist a cute pink fridge? This one from Amazon is beloved by more than 2,000 happy owners, namely for its vibrant exterior and roomy interior. It also comes in black, white, and hot pink to match whatever aesthetic you prefer.
12. Best Mini Fridge With Glass Door: Dandy 117- Can Free Standing Beverage Cooler
You’ll never get thirsty with this mini fridge by your side! The Dandy 117-Can Free Standing Beverage Cooler holds all the Red Bull, water bottles and sodas you could ever want. The glass door makes it easy to see when you’re running low on supplies, and the interior blue LED lights add some ambiance.
13. Best Thermoelectric Mini Fridge: XBOX Series X Replica 8-Can Mini Fridge
Elevate game time with this sleek XBOX mini fridge. It uses AC and DC power, so it’s great for travel. It also has a slim storage compartment on the interior door for candy bars, jerky and other noshables you want to keep fresh.
14. Best Mini Fridge With Accessories: Frigidaire 3.2 cu. ft. Retro Mini Fridge in Black
This Frigidaire Mini Fridge comes with handy bottle opening on the side and has lots of space. The side door can hold up to six soda cans, has a spot for milk and additional smaller items. An ice cube tray is included, and the door is even reversible for more placement options! Available in seven different colors.
15. Best Rated Mini Fridge: RCA Mini Fridge
More than 17,000 Amazon customers have rated this RCA Mini Fridge, the majority giving it five stars. Here’s why: lots of storage, including a freezer compartment, a reversible door and thermostat control. It also comes in six different colors, and is sleek enough to stand discretely in most corners.
16. Best Space Saving Mini Fridge: Magic Chef Mini Fridge
This isn’t a super fancy mini fridge but it gets the job done. The compressor cooler keeps food and drinks at a consistent temperature, and there’s indoor storage for things like juice and soda. If you spill anything, simply remove the wire shelf for a quick wipe down.
17. Best Mini Free With Free Shipping: FaceTory Skincare Mini Fridge
If you’re a makeup and skincare lover, this is for you. The FaceTory Skincare fridge has a perfect place for face masks on the door and the inside has two shelves for taller and shorter beauty products.
What is the best mini refrigerator on the market?
If you’ve been hunting down the best mini fridge for your dorm, office or basement, you know there are plenty of options to choose from. It all boils down to what you’re looking for.
If you’re interested in a mini fridge to store beauty products in, try something like the Living Enchantment Mini Fridge (Amazon, $40), which has plenty of space for serums and creams.
For those of you who want to keep alcoholic beverages out of the hands of minors (or maybe you simply don’t want to share your favorite soda with your roomies), go for the Whynter Stainless Steel Mini Fridge With Lock (The Home Deport, $198). If you want lots of storage (and color options), try the Galanz Retro Compact Refrigerator (Amazon, $220).
How long do mini refrigerators last?
A mini fridge can last up to 14 years.
If you already have one and are curious if it’s time to invest in another, condensation on the interior is sometimes a sign it’s time for a replacement. Another sign is an overheating motor (touch the sides and back to feel if it’s warm) or ice forming on the inside.
Are mini fridges worth it?
If you want to keep food fresh but don’t have a lot of space, a mini fridge is absolutely worth it. They come in a variety of price points, so regardless of your needs, you’ll likely be able to find one that fits your budget. They also last a long time, so you can enjoy them as you move from dorm to dorm or into another apartment.
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