Best mini fridges 2024: Jump Menu
1. The list in brief ↴
1. Best overall: GE Double door
2. Best value: Frigidaire 1.6 cu ft Compact
3. Best luxury: Smeg Fab5
4. Best compact: Midea Compact
5. Best spacious: Danby Diplomat
6. Best quiet: Homelabs Beverage Refrigerator
7. Best built-in: Café Dual Drawer
8. Best budget: Magic Chef Freezerless
9. Best for skincare: Cooluli Mini Beauty
10. How to choose
11. FAQs
12. How we research
Whether you choose to place your mini fridge in your bedroom, office, garage, or car, these petite appliances walk the line between laziness and luxury. They don't take up much room, but can keep all your favorite things within just an arm's reach.
Whilst they might seem simple, there's a lot more to mini fridges than meets the eye. Some have the capacity to heat, some have freezers, and others specialise in keeping specific foodstuffs cool.
Having researched the best refrigerators on the market, I was unsurprised to see a lot of manufacturer crossover. Well-loved household brands like Smeg, GE, and Frigidaire make excellent miniature versions of their bigger models. However, there are also brands, such as Midea, Homelabs and Magic Chef who specialise in making brilliant mini fridges.
I've scrolled through thousands of mini fridges and though a culmination of expert and user reviews have chosen these nine as the best mini fridges on the market.
The quick list
Here's a micro introduction to these mini fridges. If you want to dive deep into the details, you'll find more information further down this buying guide.
The best overall
This freestanding fridge, complete with a separate freezer, is a true miniature marvel. It comes with a crisper drawer and stabilizer legs, but the shelves aren't adjustable.
The best value
For around $100, Frigidaire offers a range of bright colorways. It's ultra-compact and the door is reversible. The only thing limiting you is the tiny freezer compartment.
The best luxury
Available in a range of styles and finishes, this takes luxury to new levels. It feels sturdy, comes with adjustable door bins, and has capacity for bottles. However, it's expensive.
The best compact
Small enough to sit in desks and dorm rooms, this sleek mini fridge is perfect for storing a few snacks and drinks in. The temperature regulation is good, and it's reasonably priced.
The best spacious
'Mini' and 'spacious' don't typically go together, but the Danby is excellent. It comes with a crisper drawer and full-width freezer, but costs a little more than most models.
The best quiet
HomeLabs specialises in drinks mini fridges, but if you need a quiet model, you won't find any more silent than this one. Just be careful of pressing food against the back: it'll freeze.
Load the next 3 products ↴
The best built-in
In their truly chic style, Cafe's customizable drawer refrigerators are great for adding some extra cool space to your kitchen. They come at quite some cost though.
The best budget
If you don't mind losing the freezer function, this is an effective mini fridge. It's compact and yet capacious, popular as a drinks or snacks option.
The best for skincare
This is the most popular skincare refrigerator on the market. It doesn't have a mirror like others, but it's exceptionally well-designed and keeps a consistent temperature.
The best mini fridges we recommend in 2024
You can trust Homes & Gardens. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, helping you choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best mini fridge overall
Buy it if
✅ You want freezer space: this has nearly 1 cu ft of it
✅ You want a premium model: this is made from glass and stainless steel
✅ You need efficiency: this has an energy star rating
Don't buy it if:
❌ You don't need a freezer: this will be wasted space
❌ You're on a budget: this is over $400
❌ This will go in the garage: it's not safe for outdoor use
The bottom line
🔎 GE Double Door: this offers everything your normal fridge would, just scaled down. It's high-spec, but that comes at a cost.
GE make great full-sized refrigerators, so it should be no surprise that they've shrunk their classic design into an incredible mini fridge. Refrigerators are rarely aesthetically pleasing, but this sleek, brushed stainless steel style looks stylish and luxurious. It needs to, however: this costs over $400.
What GE does really well is the technicalities. Experts unanimously agree that this is excellent at temperature regulation, in both the fridge and freezer section. Lots of mini fridge freezers don't get cold enough to be useful for ice and ice creams, but this has both the capacity and freezer strength to keep your frozen food, well, frozen.
Inside the refrigerator section, there's a clear crisper drawer, shelving, and a door rack. If that's too compartmentalized for your larger soda bottles and cans, the glass shelves are easy to remove. It's a shame that they're not adjustable, because you're potentially left with a stray sheet of glass in your home.
That might sound like a big demand on your utilities, but the GE has an Energy Star for efficiency, meaning you're making the most of your money. The dual doors mean that you don't end up opening the freezer every time you reach for a snack in the fridge.
There's a lot to love about the GE, but if you're thinking of storing this in your garage or outside, think again. GE explicitly says that it is not suitable for either of these places. That could be an expensive storage mistake to make.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Plenty of space, adjutsble too | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Expensive, but worth it | ★★★★★ |
| Aesthetics | Classic style | ★★★★★ |
The best value mini fridge
Buy it if
✅ You are short on space: this is ultra compact
✅ You're color conscious: this is available in eight shades
✅ You use ice often: this has some freezer space
Don't buy it if:
❌ You need a lot of fridge space: this is small
❌ You need a lot of freezer space: this is really only big enough for ice trays
❌ You'll have this in your room: the fans are loud
The bottom line
🔎 Frigidaire 1.6 cu.ft Compact: this is one of Walmart's best sellers. There's enough space for your basics, but, be warned, the fan is louder than other models'.
Frigidaire has taken all their expertise on full-sized fridges and scaled it down into the ultra-compact mini fridge. 1.6 cubic feet might not sound like much space, but if you read the customer reviews, you'll find people have room for 2 liter soda bottles, cans, and food too.
The bottom shelf is slightly capped in capacity with a small ledge, so you're better off storing loose ingredients here, rather than boxes and cans. The only other place you'd be squeezed for space is in the 'freezer', which really only has enough room for an ice cube tray.
There are lots of well-considered features all over the Frigidaire. The reversible door suits both left and right handed users, the back can sit flush against the wall, and there are some useful levelling legs.
I read reviews saying this reached temperature in as little as ten minutes and then has an accurate, adjustable thermostat which can adjust the temperature to suit how full your mini fridge is. All that comes in at just $80, which is incredible value, too. Nobody faulted the Frigidaire on price.
The most common warning issued in reviews is the fan noise. Users describe this as sounding like wind blowing in the house. If you prize peacefulness, this isn't the one for you. In an office, it's no problem, in a bedroom it is.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | On the small side | ★★★★ |
| Value | Great value | ★★★★ |
| Aesthetics | A little crude | ★★★★ |
The best luxury mini fridge
Buy it if
✅ You put style first: this is beautiful
✅ You want premium finishes: this feels luxurious
✅ You want capacity: this is surprisingly spacious
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're on a budget: this is expensive
❌ You want a lot of freezer space: this is limited
❌ You'll switch between right and left opening: the door hinges are fixed
The bottom line
🔎 Smeg Fab5: pretty and petite, this is the most stylish mini fridge on the market. It feels premium, but comes at a high cost.
Nobody does style better than Smeg. One look at the smooth curves and glossy colors of the Smeg tells you everything you need to know about this glamorous, 1950s-style mini fridge. It's all about appearances. There are plenty of color options available from Smeg (if you look at just one, make it their limited edition Dolce & Gabbana's Mediterranean print), so if you need a stylish option for your home, you're in good company.
Inside, the layout is just like a normal refrigerator. There are two adjustable shelves, and two storage options in the door (one balcony and one bottle shlef). It also comes with an ice cube tray, so you can use this as a drinks fridge, or a useful snacks fridge.
Smeg's larger refrigerators have been criticised for their efficiency, but this boasts an ultra-low noise level and an A+ energy efficiency rating. As you can see, there's a lot to love about this luxurious option. However, the inevitable price tag is a lot less appealing. You'll need to set aside at least $1,000 for one of these. It also isn't completely customizable. Some $80 models have reversible hinges, suiting a range of positions. When you buy a Smeg mini fridge, you need to pick whether you want a right or left hand hinge when you order it.
It would be remiss of me not to give an honorable mention to the Galanz Retro Compact Refrigerator. This was incredibly close to stealing the spot for 'best luxury' and 'best retro' mini fridge. This costs just one third of the price of Smeg's and still boasts 3.3 cu ft of capacity and an impressive aesthetic. It would have taken top spot if it didn't feel so cheap.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Good space | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Expensive | ★★★ |
| Aesthetics | Stunning and available in a range of colors | ★★★★★ |
The best compact mini fridge
Buy it if
✅ You're on a budget: this is a good value option
✅ You're short on space: this is compact
✅ You'll fill this: it has good temperature control
Don't buy it if:
❌ You need freezer capacity: this is small
❌ You want a luxury finish: this feels a little cheap
❌ You'll use lots of ice: the freezer isn't a constant temperature
The bottom line
🔎 Midea Compact WHS-65LSS1: this is mini, but mighty, offering a surprising amount of capacity for the floor space it demands. It's let down by the freezer.
I found plenty of professional reviewers online who recommended this above the Smeg, Frigidaire, and GE. Whilst that is high praise for the Midea, and I still think it's the best choice for compact mini fridge, I'm not totally blown away with it.
In the Midea's favor, it has a tiny footprint, which is great if you're in a compact dorm room or office. In spite of the small, cubic design, Midea has created enough capacity for a small freezer compartment, fridge door, and two shelves. This amounts to 1.6 cubic feet of space (that's about 46 cans of soda). Even when packed full, customers reported a good, stable temperature, which ensured their drinks were cooled and lunch was kept fresh.
There are a few reasons I hesitate to boost the Midea further up our buying guide. The first is the shelves. They don't take much to sag under the weight of cans and the interior finishes all look and feel a little cheap. That's because this is relatively cheap, but I would expect more from some models. The freezer is often reported to be a little inconsistent temperature wise. This isn't unique to the Midea, it happens in plenty of models, but it would stop me from keeping anything in there long-term.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Good considering size | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Cheap, but feels it | ★★★ |
| Aesthetics | A little boxy | ★★★★ |
The best spacious mini fridge
Buy it if
✅ You eat fresh food: there's a crisper drawer
✅ You want premium finishes: this is crafted from glass and stainless steel
✅ You drink juice: this is tall enough for big bottles
Don't buy it if:
❌ This will go under a desk: it's tall
❌ You'll use the freezer long-term: it's quite warm
❌ You're short on space: this is larger than other models
The bottom line
🔎 Danby Diplomat: if you need height and some good shelving options, this is a premium investment. This demands more space than others, but offers more capacity too.
This just sneaks into the bracket of mini fridges. It's pretty large, but a good upgrade if you want some more substance to your mini fridge. It's a popular option when being used to replace a normal fridge in dorm rooms and outbuildings. If that sounds like what you're looking for, you're in for a treat.
This is more expensive than the average mini fridge. It retails at around $340, but reviewers all agree that it's worth it. The shelving feels substantial, the freezer has plenty of capacity, and there's even a full-width crisper drawer for keeping perishables fresh. Danby explains that the crisper drawer regulates airflow and humidity, keeping fruit and vegetables ultra-fresh.
In total the fridge has 4.4 cubic feet of space. Inside, the adjustable glass shelves enable you to sit juice bottles, cans, and tubs, which are a range of sizes, effortlessly in. Expert testers found that this sits perfectly within the recommended temperature range for refrigerators (35-28 degrees Fahrenheit), making it safe for long-term storage. The freezer is closer to ten, which is okay. It's not ideal to keep your ice cream in there for too long, but it will do the job.
As you might expect, a larger capacity comes with some significant dimensions. This is taller than the average model. I found a number of people commenting that this was about 3 inches too high for their standard, 30 inch desk. If you have a space in mind for this, make sure you measure it before leaping into a purchase.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Plenty of space | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Only a little more expensive than others | ★★★★ |
| Aesthetics | Sleek design, but too tall | ★★★ |
The best quiet mini fridge
Buy it if
✅ You need a drinks fridge: this is made for cans and bottles
✅ You'll have this in a bedroom: it's silent
✅ You need capacity: this is large
Don't buy it if:
❌ You don't want to see inside: it's a little ugly
❌ You want a freezer: this is only a fridge
❌ You're short on space: this is quite big
The bottom line
🔎 HomeLabs Beverage Refrigerator: designed for drinks, the HomeLabs has a lot to offer. It has a huge capacity and consistent temperature controls, but lacks a freezer.
HomeLabs designed this refrigerator for drinks. It has enough capacity for 120 cans, but you can adjust the shelves to fit bigger bottles too. It's wide and deep enough for plenty of drinks and reviewers all praised the consistent temperature that this maintains.
A real favorite feature is, of course, the glass window, which makes it easy to do a drinks stock check. Whilst I like this for a drinks fridge, if you were to use this as a normal mini fridge, being able to see inside isn't quite as appealing. Fridge contents aren't particularly Instagram-worthy.
HomeLabs has accidentally captured a totally different mini fridge audience to those looking to stack cans and bottles. This is the quietest mini fridge on the market. Ask any expert reviewer and they'll tell you that this is close to silent. If you're sensitive to noise or using this in your sleep space, you'll value this endlessly.
However, it's worth noting that the back of the fridge freezes up. Whilst this us useful for providing ice cold drinks (note that this doesn't have a freezer compartment), lots of people found that their items had either frozen or frozen to the back. This isn't a problem with cans and bottles, but it will make fresh fruit and veg go a little soggy.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Plenty of space | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Reasonable value | ★★★★★ |
| Aesthetics | A little ugly | ★★★ |
The best built-in mini fridge
Buy it if
✅ You need extra storage in your kitchen: these drawers are a subtle addition
✅ You want customizable style: these come in a range of designs
✅ You want adjustable interiors: the insides are all flexible
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're on a budget: this will cost you a few thousand
❌ You live in rented accommodation: these are built-in
❌ You're short on space: these are quite big
The bottom line
🔎 Café Dual Drawer: perfect for wine, snacks, or some overflow from your main fridge, these fridge drawers are luxurious. They're expensive too though.
Café's appliances are synonymous with luxury and subtlety. The first thing to note is that these are built-in, so only apply to spaces that you own. Landlords might not appreciate you integrating these, albeit lovely, drawers into your rented kitchen.
The design is completely customizable with a range of chrome handles, base colors, and hardware to choose from. I've seen plenty of these installed in kitchens and they look classy. The drawers could pass as simple cupboard space, but, pulled open, they offer a whopping 5.7 cubic feet of extra fridge space. Whilst this won't replace your main fridge, it's perfect for overflow in the kitchen. If you're hosting, it's a good place to store canapes.
As drawers, you might be a little apprehensive about storing bottles inside. Café has put neat bottle storage in, so you can keep everything in one place. The adjustable dividers make it easy to keep everything else stable too. People loved the soft-close drawer too; they felt it added to the luxurious feel of the drawers. There's even a Sabbath Mode which disables the refrigerator's electric features on holy days.
Don't fall in love just yet though. These are $3,299 at the moment. That's a huge amount to spend on some extra fridge space. Granted, they look good. They've also reviewed exceptionally well for appearance and features, but, when it comes to value, people don't feel quite as satisfied.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Lots of space | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Very expensive | ★ |
| Aesthetics | Beautiful | ★★★★★ |
The best budget mini fridge
Buy it if
✅ You're short on space: this is ultra compact
✅ You want efficiency: this is energy star certified
✅ You're on a budget: this is great value
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want quality: this feels a little cheap
❌ You need capacity: this is small
❌ You care about appearances: this isn't very beautiful
The bottom line
🔎 Magic Chef Freezerless: this is a good, cheap option if you're short on space and shopping on a budget. It doesn't have a freezer and lacks premium finishes.
When you're kitting out a dorm room or shopping on a budget, you don't need the frills and finesse of other fridges. This basic model is the one which will get the job done for you.
For those short on space, this simple cube can fit in even the tightest room. Inside is a 1.7 cubic feet of space, which is enough for some essentials and a few bottles to be stored in. The door has space for drinks too and all the shelves are removable if you buy a big or bulky foodstuff. What's even better is that this is Energy Star certified, so it's cheap to buy and even cheaper to run.
Don't get carried away with the Magic Chef. Whilst it's a good basic, it isn't chic. The box shape is very plain. It's also quite noisy to run, lots of reviewers mentioned the fan sounds it makes and this doesn't have a freezer (if you hadn't guessed from the name already).
Generally, people say it feels good for the money that it costs. The door closes nicely, it fits in small spaces, and makes a good, basic drinks fridge. If you're looking for premium finishes, you'll be disappointed.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | A little limited | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Very cheap | ★★★★★ |
| Aesthetics | A bit unrefined | ★ |
The best mini fridge for skincare
Buy it if
✅ You travel a lot: this is portable
✅ You're short on space: this is compact
✅ You want a cute design: this is available in a range of colorways
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want power: this is a little weak
❌ You need a freezer: this is basic
❌ You want a mirror: this doesn't have one
The bottom line
🔎 Cooluli Mini Beauty Refrigerator: this incredibly popular fridge has been an internet sensation. Portable and colorful, it's a convenient option for your cosmetics
If you've watched any makeup routines or cosmetics hauls online, you'll have seen the Cooluli. This chic mini fridge is immensely popular and it's easy to see why. This comes in a range of colors, from classic white or black, to pink and a fun cow print. They're perfect for adding some creative expression to your home. Even better, this is ultra-quiet: people didn't find it disruptive to their sleep.
The Cooluli is compact, with small dimensions, but it has a 4 liter capacity, which is enough for six cans to sit inside. It obviously depends on your cosmetics collection, but, for most people, this is more than enough room. Plenty of people used this for more than just skincare though. I found people using this for baby food and breast milk, insulin, and food and drinks. It's a useful option, because it's completely portable.
Whilst these have been a sensation online, they're not without fault. For the most part, people love theirs. It's easy to store and can be used for both warming and cooling. The Cooluli can get as low as 40ºF-45ºF below ambient temperature, but can also heat to up to 122ºF-144ºF when needed. However, there were some reviewers who found this stopped working after a few months. When a fridge is as cheap as $40, its inevitable that there will be some build quality compromises. The sentiment seems to be that this is 'good while it lasts'. For some people, that's years. For others, it's a matter of months.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Good capacity | ★★★★★ |
| Value | Cheap, but faulty for some | ★★★★ |
| Aesthetics | Fun and colorful | ★★★★★ |
How to choose the best mini fridge for you
Mini fridges come in all shapes, sizes, and specs. Choosing the right one for you isn't tricky, you just need to know your needs. When narrowing down your options, think about these key factors:
Capacity
Mini fridges are, by nature, mini. However, some are smaller than others. You can choose a model with anything from 1 to 6 cubic feet of capacity. It depends on how much you plan on storing in there.
Interior Layout
Different mini fridges are designed for different functions. Some will have crisper drawers and freezers for fruit and vegetables, whilst others will have places to lie bottles. Whether you'll use this for snacks or drinks will affect which you choose.
Price
You can get a decent mini fridge for around $100, but you could spend above $3,000. I'd recommend looking around the $300
Design
Mini fridges can make a big impact on your interior. Choosing one which has the colors and aesthetics to match your room is important. Thankfully, lots of mini fridges come in a range of colors and styles.
FAQs
What is a good capacity for a mini fridge?
1.5 cubic feet is about the smallest I would go for a mini fridge. Anything above 5 cubic feet is beginning to move away from 'mini'
Which brands make good mini fridges?
There are plenty of well-known fridge brands which also make mini fridges: Frigidaire, GE, and Smeg are just a few names that spring to mind. There are also brands which specialise in mini fridges, such as Magic Chef and Galanz. Always look for expert reviews before leaping into a purchase.
How I researched these mini fridges
At Homes & Gardens we pride ourselves on practical, honest, unsponsored recommendations. When we can, we test and review products ourselves. When that is not possible, such as in the case of mini fridges, our team of experts research the market extensively.
We dedicate days to looking through the best (and the worst) on the market. We'll scour through expert and customer reviews to find everything there is to know about an appliance. If a brand makes a claim, we'll make sure there's user-evidence that it's actually good.
By the time I'm finished, I know everything there is to know about each mini fridge. We'll make sure you do too. If you're interested in finding out more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test.
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