The Right Mini Fridge is a Must-Have for any House, Office, or Dorm Room!
Whether you need to free up space in your kitchen, or don’t have room for anything bigger in the dorm, a mini fridge is a great addition. And, with so many mini fridge sizes, brands, and features to choose from, it’s easy to find a tiny appliance that suits all of your needs.
Why Get a Mini Fridge?
First and foremost, it can go anywhere. It can go in the corner of your kitchen for some extra storage. It can go on the patio so that you can keep snacks and drinks nearby when you’re out by the pool. It can even go in your office, so that you don’t have to go out for lunch!
Plus, mini personal fridges are easy to move around. You can take them anywhere. Some even plug right into your car’s cigarette lighter, so that you can use them at tailgate parties or camping trips!
And, a mini fridge is just as reliable as its bigger counterparts. You won’t have to worry about it breaking down or needing maintenance. Just like your bigger refrigerator, you can simply store your food and drinks without giving it a second thought!
So, What’s The Best Mini Fridge For You?
It depends on how much space you have.
Mini fridges come in three basic sizes – Cube, Mid-sized, and Counter-high. The only difference between the three is their height. Most mini fridges are about the same width, so they all take up relatively the same amount of floor space.
- Cube refrigerators look like just that – a cube. They are all 18”-21” on each side. Sometimes, these mini fridges are called “dorm refrigerators”, because you’ll find them in most dorm rooms. In fact, many college campuses only allow cube refrigerators, because they use the least energy.
Aside from being the most energy efficient, they are also the cheapest mini fridge you can buy. In fact, you can get a basic cube refrigerator for less than $100!
- Mid-sized mini fridges are about the same width as cubes, but they are a little bit taller. Most mid-sized mini fridges are 24”-28” high. And, luckily, that extra space doesn’t come with too much of an extra cost. Most mid-sized mini fridges cost less than $150.
- Counter-high compact refrigerators are a little bit wider than cubes, but they are much taller. Counter-high mini fridges got their name because they are the same height as most counters. They range from 32” to 34” high. And, you can find most of them for sale for less than $250.
But What About Mini Fridge Features?
After all, a mini fridge is only as good as the accessories and “extras” that it comes with! So, what features should you be on the lookout for?
- Energy star-rated
Sure, these fridges are much smaller than their traditional counterparts, but you don’t want them using up a bunch of unnecessary energy. Just like bigger appliances, you can find mini fridges with an energy star rating. While it’s possible to find smaller mini fridges with an energy star rating, usually, the bigger the fridge you get, the more energy efficient it is. If you’re big on “going green”, you may want to invest in a taller mini fridge.
- Analog-dial temperature controls
This is one of the most common mini fridge features, and you’ll find it on even the cheapest mini fridges. With analog-dial temperature controls, it’s easy to adjust the coldness setting in your fridge, so that everything stays at just the right temperature.
- Automatic freezer defrost
The last thing you want to do is get stuck with a mini fridge that’s full of frost. But, with this feature, the mini fridge’s evaporator coil heats up every few hours and melts any frost that has formed.
- Humidity-controlled crisper
This mini fridge feature is usually only found on the bigger models, and it does add a bit to the price. However, it can be well worth it if you love fresh fruits and vegetables. By keeping moisture away, your fruits and vegetables will stay fresher, longer.
- Glass shelves
The cheapest mini fridges usually come with wire shelves, which can lead to a mess if anything spills. However, with glass shelves, spills won’t drip all over the place. Plus, you’ll be able to store small things, without worrying that they will fall through.
- Shelves in the doors
Door shelves give you some extra storage, which can always come in handy!
If you want to really spruce things up, you can get a stainless steel mini fridge. The stainless steel won’t affect the functionality of your fridge, but it looks a lot more sophisticated than a traditional white fridge. However, that upgraded look will cost you. You can expect to pay about $20 more for the stainless steel version of your mini fridge.
So, What Mini Fridge Brands Are The Best?
Just like traditional refrigerators, there are certain mini fridge brands that are better than others. Manufacturers like GE, Black and Decker, Kenmore, Maytag, Sanyo, Danby, and Haier all make mini fridges that are compact and convenient.
With the right mini fridge, you can have a cool drink or a delicious meal right at your fingertips – even in the smallest of spaces!
