Mini fridges are the ultimate convenience upgrade. Small but mighty, they’re there whether you need to store an overflow of drinks and snacks or use them as your sole refrigerant in a dorm room or office space. To start narrowing down the best mini fridge for your needs, you’ll want to measure your available space and decide on your must-have features (like freezers, can racks, crispers, and interior lights).
Once you’ve got that taken care of, you can decide how big your mini fridge will be. Capacity is measured in cubic feet, but layout matters just as much as size. Shelves, racks, and door storage can make a big difference in how much you can actually fit inside.
Energy efficiency is another factor—an Energy Star label means lower yearly costs—as is the cooling system. Compressor models tend to chill more consistently and last longer, while thermoelectric options are quieter and often more efficient. We’ve listed each of these details for all of our picks below—take a look and get ready to find your new favorite fridge for just about any space.
Skip the Garage
When we talk about mini fridges, we’re not talking about fridges that are designed to be used in uninsulated garages or outdoor areas. (Too hot or too cold, and they won’t run properly!) If you need a refrigerator for the garage, look for models that are specifically designed for that.
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What We Like
Door rack
Full-width freezer
Crisper drawer
Roomy
This Magic Chef mini fridge is our overall best pick for making the most of its space—it has a door can rack that keeps 12-ounce cans neatly tucked away and frees up the main shelves for food, and the rest of the door storage is cleverly designed to fit items of different sizes, be it tall bottles or small condiments.
Inside, the full-width freezer offers more room than the partial-width versions found in many other models, and three shelves plus a crisper drawer give you plenty of storage for fresh fruit, snacks, or other ingredients. At 4.4 cubic feet, it’s one of the roomiest mini fridges on our list.
Each of the tempered glass shelves holds 2 to 3 pounds of weight, which is one of the reasons why we think this fridge would be great for busy areas or those who need plenty of storage—it can hold lunches, drinks, and snacks for up to five people. There’s also several size and color options to choose from to best suit your space.
Though it’s a quiet, unobtrusive fridge, there may be some noise when the compressor kicks in, which could annoy sensitive ears.
Dimensions: 19.1 x 22.7 x 32.9 inches | Capacity: 4.4 cubic feet | Colors: Stainless, black, white | Freezer: Yes | Energy Consumption: 228 kilowatt hours per year | Energy Star Rated: Yes
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What We Like
Crisper drawer included
Spacious interior
Adjustable shelves
Quiet
For under $200, you can get a sturdy, spacious Energy-Star rated mini fridge that, like our overall best, comes with a small crisper drawer to help keep you stocked with a few fresh fruits and vegetables. Most mini fridges at this price do not include a crisper drawer, which is a plus, especially for dorm students who want something more than cold pizza for sustenance.
Since this fridge does not have a freezer, there’s more room for storage on the three adjustable shelves. Aside from that and the crisper drawer, you’ll also have plenty of door storage. We also like that this is reportedly a quiet mini fridge, which is important if you’re putting it in a bedroom, dorm, or office.
You may need a little patience to get the temperature control just right for your needs, as it may stay too cold in spite of manually adjusting the temperature knob. It’s easy to combat, though; just make sure to keep an eye out when you first plug it in to see how you like the temperature inside the fridge and adjust it accordingly.
Dimensions: 17.5 x 20.6 x 33.2 inches | Capacity: 3.2 cubic feet | Colors: White, black, stainless | Freezer: No | Energy Consumption: 268 kilowatt hours per year | Energy Star Rated: Yes
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The soft color options of the Frigidaire Retro Fridge can’t be beat—that, along with the vintage cube design, makes for a stylish focal point whether it’s sitting on the floor or placed on a shelf. Another selling point? If you’re a fan of drinks in glass bottles, the built-in bottle opener is a clever, practical touch.
We love the idea of this mini fridge in a bedroom, not only for its design but also for its chiller compartment. That way, you’ll never have to run out of the room for a cold drink in the middle of the night ever again.
One caveat to note: Be sure to put only taller items on the door behind the plastic storage bars, as shorter items could slip out from underneath. And although it’s tiny, the mini fridge’s compressor may make a little noise when it kicks in, which is something to consider—you might want to tuck it out of the way if you’re a light sleeper.
Dimensions: 19 x 18.7 x 19.8 inches | Capacity: 1.6 cubic feet | Colors: Black, blue, coral, moonlight, pink, red, and white | Freezer: Yes | Energy Consumption: 207 kilowatt hours per year | Energy Star Rated: Yes
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What We Don’t Like
No lock on door
Not cold enough at times
If you’re considering a mini fridge specifically for storing drinks, this beverage cooler has the most essential features you need: three wire shelves to hold cans or bottles, a glass door for visibility, and a digital control pad to fine-tune the temperature between 34 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
This mini fridge for drinks has an impressive capacity of 3.2 cubic feet. This isn’t quite as much space as our overall best, but it’s enough to store 115 cans. There is more adjustability for the interior space than you’ll find on other mini fridges as well. The three shelves can be configured across six slots, so you can create more space between shelves for beer bottles or wine bottles, or keep things compact to fit the maximum capacity of beer or soda cans.
The glass door and stainless steel trim also make this appliance look a little more elevated for an entertaining space, basement, or kitchen. Plus, LED lighting makes it easy to browse the fridge’s contents at any time. Unfortunately, though, this pick isn’t Energy Star certified.
Dimensions: 33.125 x 19 x 17.31 inches | Capacity: 3.2 cubic feet | Energy Star Rated: No
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What We Like
Can rack on door
Full-width freezer
Crisper drawer
This mini fridge is packed with similar features as our overall best option but at a slightly smaller size, which makes it perfect for fitting into the limited space of a dorm room. Even with just 3.2 cubic feet, there’s enough room on the door rack for eight 12-ounce cans, plus a full-width freezer (with manual defrost) and a crisper drawer.
There’s only one adjustable shelf, but it’s removable, so you can rearrange the interior to fit taller items. The thermostat has five settings ranging from 33.8 to 46.4 degrees Fahrenheit (just note it’s not cold enough for ice cream), and the freezer temperature changes with your fridge setting.
Some have also noted that the fridge has a louder, continuous hum, so it may not be ideal for those who want total silence. On the plus side, it’s energy-efficient, using only about 0.5 kWh per day, and the noise is easy to ignore in busier areas such as a dorm room.
Dimensions: 18.7 x 17.4 x 33 inches | Capacity: 3.2 cubic feet | Colors: Black, blue, pink, green, red, white, stainless look | Freezer: Yes | Energy Consumption: 206 kilowatt hours per year | Energy Star Rated: Yes
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Great for under-the-counter use, this modern-looking GE mini fridge is spacious and has well-organized interior bins to hold food and drinks for an office of one (or more!) with its slightly larger size of 5.6 cubic feet. The stainless steel fridge is also true stainless steel rather than a painted stainless steel that some mini fridges offer.
It has two mini ice cube trays that can handle ice for cold drinks, and inside, you’ll find adjustable glass shelves and roomy door storage, including a spot for tall bottles and a can rack to keep sodas or seltzers neatly in place.
The full-width freezer provides extra space for frozen meals or ice packs, and the clear crisper drawer is perfect for keeping fruits and veggies fresh. With its thoughtful layout, this fridge makes it easy to keep everything visible and organized, even when it’s fully stocked.
This GE model is also Energy Star rated and costs about $29 a year to run. The stainless steel exterior is easy to wipe clean and resists fingerprints better than most, making it a smart choice for busy offices, small apartments, or even entertainment rooms.
Dimensions: 23.6 x 23.76 x 34.1 inches | Capacity: 5.6 cubic feet | Colors: Stainless steel, black, and white | Freezer: Yes | Energy Consumption: 236 kilowats per year | Energy Star Rated: Yes
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This charming Galanz Retro Compact Refrigerator is more of a statement piece than a fridge. Its vintage-inspired design and vibrant color options make it the centerpiece of any room, whether it’s a dorm, office, or eclectic kitchen.
Beyond its good looks, the freezer performs better than many mini-fridge freezers, reliably keeping items frozen instead of just cool. The chiller section runs 5 to 10 degrees colder than the main compartment, which helps maintain safe temperatures for drinks, snacks, and perishables.
While style is its strong suit, there are a few things to keep in mind. The shelf isn’t made from tempered glass, and a handful of buyers have reported breakage during shipping. The compressor can also run on the louder side, which might make it less than ideal for bedrooms or other ultra-quiet spaces. Still, for those who want a functional mini fridge with personality, the Galanz Retro delivers both charm and chill power.
Dimensions: 17.6 x 21 x 35.4 inches | Capacity: 3.3 cubic feet | Colors: Black, blue, green, red | Freezer: Yes | Energy Consumption: 218 kilowatt hours per year | Energy Star Rated: No
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This tiny, nearly square cube of a mini fridge is one of the most ultra-modern, minimalist designs we’ve seen. Compact yet stylish, it tucks neatly under a desk, in a dorm room, or even in an RV, blending into small spaces without looking clunky.
Despite its size, it has useful features like a full-width adjustable shelf, an adjustable thermostat, and a small chiller compartment for extra-cold storage. It’s also one of the quietest models on the market, making it a great choice for bedrooms, home offices, or anywhere noise is a concern.
The freezer section measures just 8 inches wide by 2 inches tall—enough for a couple of ice packs, a TV dinner, or a single ice tray. That said, some find it too small to be practical and feel it takes up space that could otherwise be used for fridge storage.
Still, with its Energy Star certification, efficient cooling, and whisper-quiet operation, this mini fridge is a sleek, space-saving option for anyone who needs a compact storage solution.
Dimensions: 17.5 x 18.5 x 19.5 inches | Capacity: 1.7 cubic feet | Colors: Black, white, silver | Freezer: Yes | Energy Consumption: 201 kilowatt hours per year | Energy Star Rated: Yes
Final Verdict
Our pick for the best mini fridge is the Magic Chef Mini Fridge. It’s roomy, packed with features (like a can holder, crisper drawer, and full-width freezer!), and easily fits in compact spaces. We also love the Vissani Mini Refrigerator, a sturdy, feature-rich model for under $200, which is our pick for best budget mini fridge.
How We Picked the Best Mini Fridges
We’ve reviewed hundreds of mini fridges over the past few years. To narrow our picks down to only the best, we start by looking at the basics: dimensions, capacity, and overall footprint, since the right fit can make or break a purchase. We also consider the range of available finishes and colors, as style matters when your fridge doubles as part of your decor.
Storage configuration is another major factor—adjustable shelves, crisper drawers, can racks, and door storage can completely change how much you can realistically fit inside. We check whether a model includes a freezer and, if so, whether it’s partial- or full-width, and how well it actually freezes food. Energy consumption is key, too, so we note annual energy use and whether the fridge is Energy Star certified.
Whether you’re looking for a fridge that blends into your space or one that makes a bold statement, every pick on our list has been vetted for both function and style.
What to Look for in a Mini Fridge
A Fridge That Fits Your Size and Capacity Needs
Mini fridges are sold by the cubic foot. Though you don’t need to calculate the cubic feet you’ll need, you will want to know the dimensions of the space you want to place your mini fridge.
When measuring the space for a mini fridge, it’s important to note that although they typically feature flush “refrigerator-style” backs to fit tight-fitting spaces, these units require space around the back and sides of the fridge for proper ventilation and to prevent overheating.
The smallest mini fridge we’ve featured on our list is the 1.6 cubic foot Frigidaire Retro Mini Fridge (our best for bedrooms pick) with the largest being the GE Mini Fridge, our best for offices pick, at 5.6 cubic feet.
But don’t base your decision cubic feet alone—the Insignia Beverage Cooler (our best for drinks pick) is a moderate 3.2 cubic feet and fits 115 12-ounce cans inside based on the way the interior is organized (with only shelves, might we add).
Why Layout Matters
In other words, cubic feet can tell you how much space a fridge takes up, but smart interior design determines how much it can actually hold.
An Energy Star Rating
Not every mini fridge is Energy Star rated. Sometimes, it simply depends on the size of the unit. For Energy Star’s purposes, mini fridges (or compact refrigerators) are typically defined as having a total refrigerated volume of less than 7.75 cubic feet and a height of 36 inches or less, according to the Energy Star website.
An Energy Star-rated mini fridge should run more efficiently than a model that is not rated. For example, the GE Mini Fridge, our best for offices pick, should cost an inexpensive $29 a year to run at 5.6 cubic feet. If you’re choosing between two models with similar features, that rating can be the deciding factor for both energy savings and long-term value.
A Durable Compressor
When shopping for a mini fridge, you’ll find that they’re either thermoelectric or compressor models. Compressor models often perform best when cooling the unit and may keep temperatures more consistent. All of the picks on our list are compressor models.
Compressor mini fridges may also have a longer lifespan than a thermoelectric model. A mini fridge with a compressor should last about 10 to 15 years, which is a little less than the lifespan of the best regular-sized refrigerators or chest freezers, which can last up to 20 years.
Compressors, however, can be a little noisy or create a subtle rattling sound when they kick on. Take note if you find a mini fridge, like the Black + Decker Compact Refrigerator (our best modern pick), where reviewers applaud the quietness of the compressor.
A thermoelectric mini fridge uses a different method to cool a refrigerator. Since it does not use a compressor, a thermoelectric fridge is often quiet, energy-efficient, and may be able to both cool and heat your food and beverages.
Adjustable Features
Most mini fridges have adjustable thermostats, one to three adjustable glass or wire shelves, and beverage holders or bars on the door.
The trickiest feature to get right, however, is the adjustable thermostat. Many users say their mini fridges do not get cold enough, while others say they freeze up too easily. It’s rare to find one, like the Galanz Retro Compact Refrigerator (our best retro pick), with a freezer that gets an A for being cold enough, even though it’s on the smaller side.
According to the USDA, the maximum safe temperature for a refrigerator, including a mini fridge, is 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the freezer should be at 0 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. It’s challenging when both the fridge and freezer are in the same compartment and not separated, as they typically are in regular or apartment-sized refrigerators, such as the Black + Decker Mini Fridge, our best modern pick.
Adjust, Test, Repeat
The best mini fridge advice is that you will need to continually monitor and adjust your fridge’s thermostat to find the best range for your unit, keeping in mind that the temperature should never go above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
In addition, you’ll find that most mini fridges must be manually defrosted. Larger mini fridges, especially ones with separate freezers, might have auto-defrost features, but manual defrosting keeps the costs down.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Marilyn Zelinsky-Syarto, a writer for The Spruce who’s edited home decor, home improvement, and gardening articles since 2019. Zelinsky-Syarto has over three decades of experience reviewing products in the design and home improvement field. She’s also had numerous mini fridges over the years, but the longest-lasting one (well over a decade!) is her 3.5 cubic foot stainless steel Haier mini fridge with a freezer that really works, even for ice cream.
