People buy refrigerators for small apartments or dorm rooms. Others purchase them to place in bedrooms for skincare. Still, others will put them in offices, basements, or even back patios. Campers have them often, as well. Whatever your reason is, you likely want the best compact refrigerator your money can buy.
So, what are the best small fridges to buy? The best will be well-suited to what your intended use is. Choose a size that will accommodate what you want to store in it. The use will also determine whether you want a two-door small refrigerator with a freezer, or not. Decide the installation design you want. Various features are available on certain kinds. Prioritize those and choose an option with all you want for what you want to pay. Moreover, if you are also interested in the best refrigerator, we have a separate article on the subject.
Before we talk further about what you should look for, let’s look at a few options for the best small fridges. You’ll start to get an idea of what may work for your situation.
Top Small Chillers
RCA RFR322-B RFR322 3.2 Cu Ft Single Door Small Chiller with Freezer
These are ideal small fridges for a dorm room. It comes in 8 color choices and has a single reversible door so you can position it wherever there’s space. You can level it with adjustable feet, as well as adjust the temperature with an accessible dial. Inside is a small freezer box. The 3.2 cubic foot capacity allows for room to store some groceries, drinks, and leftovers.
Pros:
- Easy to match any décor
- Fits almost anywhere with an easily reversible door
- Freezer included inside
- Nice aesthetic
- Energy efficient
Cons:
- Heavy
- Somewhat noisy
- Runs colder than setting says
Euhomy Small Cooler with Freezer
This is a two-door small refrigerator with a freezer. It’s an ideal addition for most dorm rooms or studio apartments. It also works well for office settings. The capacity is split between 0.96 cubic feet of freezer space and 2.24 cubic feet of refrigerator space. You’ll have 7 levels of temperature adjustment. The powerful compressor keeps the noise level down for anyone who’d like to place this refrigerator in their bedroom beside a small kitchen server. LED lights illuminate the inside upon opening the door. The feet are adjustable, and the door is reversible.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- 2-door small type for easy access
- Automatic lights inside
- Quiet operation
- Microcellular foam technology makes sure food stays cold with less energy
Cons:
- Uneven cooling in the refrigerator
- Crisper drawer sits on the floor of the refrigerator
- The top shelf falls short of the back wall of the refrigerator
Black+Decker BCRK32V Compact Single Door Small Cooler with Freezer
These single-door small fridges come in black, white, and gray. It has a freezer box inside. The door is reversible so you can place it wherever you have space. It has a modern design and removable shelves so you can set it up how you want. It’s easy to clean, operates quietly, and has 3.2 cubic feet of storage space.
Pros:
- Energy-efficient appliance
- Easy-to-clean interior
- Recessed door handle
- Includes can dispenser storage
- Operates at only 45 dB
Cons:
- The freezer isn’t cold enough for some frozen items
- Not cold enough for hot climates
- Poor packaging
Are Small Coolers Worth It? What Are Some Reasons To Buy One?
They are worth it in situations where a full-sized refrigerator aren’t needed or feasible. People buy them for a multitude of reasons. Here’s a list of some of them:
- Dorm rooms
- Office fridges
- Beer fridges
- Camper fridges
- Storing breast milk
- Skincare products
- Insulin or medications
- Supplement to a full-size
- Game room or basement fridges
It’s up to you what you use your small fridges for. If you choose wisely, the best is worth the money.
What Small Cooler Size Do I Need? Are There Different Sizes Available?
Look at how much space you have for your small fridges. Some of your decision on size must be determined by where you’re going to put it. Choose your capacity based on how much food or other items need to fit inside.
Many refrigerators are measured in cubic feet. A 3.2 cubic foot small refrigerator is average-sized and is what you see in many hotel rooms. Small fridges for skincare products are usually much smaller and portable, in some cases. Other kinds of these fridges measure capacity in terms of what goes inside. For instance, a wine refrigerator is described by how many wine bottles will fit.
Is A One- Or Two-Door Small Cooler Better?
Whether a one- or two-door small refrigerator is better comes down to if you want a freezer or not. While many one-door small fridges have freezer boxes inside, they don’t function well as freezers. Consumers often report their ice cream melts and things don’t stay frozen. If you want a freezer for storing frozen items, go with a two-door small refrigerator.
Can You Put One On A Counter? What Size Can You Put?
Small fridges are used for storing all sorts of items. That has prompted manufacturers to design a few different kinds of fridges.
You can put small types on a counter if you get one designed for it. Many of the best refrigerators for skincare products are made for putting on counters and tables. They’re also portable so you can take them with you on trips.
Other small fridges are designed to be installed under countertops. These are built-in types. You’ll see these often in kitchens where there are wine fridges.
Are They Expensive To Run?
Generally, no, they’re not expensive to run. Check how much power each small one uses to operate and compare that against others. Running it for a full year shouldn’t cost you more than $50. Look for the best small fridges with Energy Star ratings and they will cost less than that.
Conclusion
A good quality small refrigerator will keep your food cold and fresh, your beer cold and handy, or your skincare products cold and ready for use at all times. The size you need should be determined by where you’re going to put it and how much you need it to hold. Decide between a freezer with its own door or a freezer box inside it. Make a priority list of features you like and pick a small one with those features for a price you can afford.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it dangerous to have a small refrigerator in your room?
They are not dangerous to have in bedrooms. The only risk associated with this situation is you won’t be able to sleep due to the loud noise some of them make.
What is the lifespan of small fridges?
They don’t last as long as full-sized refrigerators. Their average lifespan is nine years.
Do they consume a lot of electricity?
They do not. Average small fridges consume between 233 kWh and 310 kWh per year.
Are they loud?
They have a reputation for being loud. A good compressor should bring the noise level down, though. Check the decibels before you decide on a small refrigerator.
What should I put under my small refrigerator?
Many owners will put a piece of wood, a plastic mat, or a kitchen mat under their small refrigerators. It helps protect flooring materials.
Where should you not put it?
Don’t put your small fridges next to a heat source. Ensure you aren’t blocking the refrigerator ventilation system with its position. Don’t place them in hot garages. Carpet isn’t ideal for small refrigerator placement either.
What is the highest-rated small fridge?
Which company mini fridges is best?
Are mini-fridges worth it?
How do I choose mini fridges?
Are mini fridges noisy?
Is it safe to have mini fridge in room?
What is the lifespan of mini fridge?
How do you maintain a mini fridge?
Why is my mini fridge so cold?
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Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by Harold Chan
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