When it comes to living in a college dorm, having a mini fridge can be a game-changer. It allows you to store your favorite snacks, drinks, and even meals without having to rely solely on the dorm cafeteria or vending machines. Plus, it can save you money in the long run and make your overall college experience more comfortable. However, with so many mini fridge options available, it can be challenging to choose the best one for your needs. That’s why we’ve researched and analyzed the top mini fridges on the market to help you find the perfect one for your dorm room.
In this article, we will discuss the factors to consider when selecting a mini fridge, as well as our top picks based on size, capacity, energy efficiency, noise level, and price. Whether you’re a freshman moving into your first dorm or a seasoned college student looking to upgrade your mini fridge, this article has got you covered.
Top 11 Best Mini Fridge For Dorm Reviews of 2023
1. BLACK+DECKER BCRK32V Compact Refrigerator Energy Star Single
With its 3.2 cu ft. capacity and cleverly designed compartments, this mini fridge is perfect for small dorm rooms. Featuring a full-width freezer with an ice cube tray, 2-liter door storage, two full-width slide-out glass shelves, and a six 12-ounce can dispenser, you’ll have plenty of space to store all your food and drinks.
Measuring just 19.3” x 17.5″ x 32.7”, this mini fridge is compact enough to fit in tight spaces, and the reversible hinge door makes it even more versatile. The internal compressor with adjustable temperature control lets you chill your meals to a minimum of 32 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that your food stays fresh and cool.
At just 45 dB, this mini fridge operates quietly, making it ideal for use in shared spaces. Whether you’re studying or sleeping, the noise level won’t interfere with your concentration or rest.
2. FRIGIDAIRE EFR376-BLACK 3.1 Cu Ft Black
Introducing the 3.1 Cubic Foot Retro Fridge with Can Opener – the perfect combination of style and functionality. With its compact size, this refrigerator can be placed virtually anywhere there’s an electrical outlet, making it ideal for dorm rooms, offices, or small apartments.
Featuring a built-in side bottle opener, opening bottles has never been easier. The 2 slide-out adjustable spill-proof glass shelves allow you to personalize your food storage to meet your unique needs. And, with the included ice cube tray, you can make ice any time you want.
The retro design adds a touch of nostalgia to your space while the can opener makes it easy to enjoy your favorite beverages. Whether you’re a college student, a busy professional, or simply looking for a stylish and functional mini fridge, this 3.1 Cubic Foot Retro Fridge is sure to exceed your expectations.
3. RCA RFR321-B-Black-COM RFR321-BLACK Mini Refrigerator
Bring home the RCA RFR321 Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer in sleek black color – the perfect addition to your dorm room, office, or small apartment. With a freezer capacity of 0.5 cubic feet and a fresh food capacity of 3.2 cubic feet, this mini fridge is spacious enough to store all your food and drinks.
Measuring 17-1/2” W x 18.5/8” D x 31.5/8” H and weighing 50.7 lbs., this mini fridge is compact enough to fit in any spot of your room. The reversible door makes it even more versatile, allowing you to place it in tight spaces with ease.
Featuring compressor cooling, this mini fridge delivers ultimate performance even in hot weather. The adjustable thermostat and adjustable lever feet offer the ultimate versatility, allowing you to customize the temperature and height to suit your unique needs.
With refrigerant type R134a and 1.77 Oz/50g, this mini fridge is built to last. So, whether you’re storing perishable items or your favorite beverages, you can rest assured that your food will stay fresh and cool. Get the RCA RFR321 Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer today and enjoy the convenience and versatility of having a mini fridge in your space.
4. Midea WHD-113FB1 Double Door Mini Fridge
Introducing the ultimate mini fridge for your dorm room or small apartment – the Adjustable Temperature Mini Fridge. With adjustable temperature ranges, the refrigerator compartment can chill your food from 32′ to 50′ F while the freezer compartment can cool down to -11.2′ to 5′ F.
Featuring adjustable legs and a reversible door that can open from left or right, this mini fridge can fit in any space and complement any decor. The interior light adds convenience and makes it easy to find what you need in the fridge, while the separate fruit and vegetable drawer helps keep your produce fresh.
With 2.2 cubic feet of fresh section and 0.9 cubic feet of the freezer section, you’ll have ample space to store all your food and beverages. Plus, the internal walls of the main compartment are slightly tapered toward the back, maximizing storage space even further.
Whether you’re storing snacks for late-night study sessions or your favorite beverages for movie nights, this Adjustable Temperature Mini Fridge has got you covered. Get yours today and experience the convenience and versatility of having a mini fridge right in your room.
5. CROWNFUL Multifunctional Mini Fridge
The CROWNFUL Mini Fridge is the perfect portable solution to store your favorite drinks, snacks, cosmetics, and medications. It’s a multifunctional mini-fridge that’s great for dorms, offices, road trips, camping, boating, and more.
With just a flip of the switch, you can easily switch between cool and warm modes. The fridge cools down to 35°F(2°C)~42°F(5.5°C) below ambient temperature or keeps warm up to 149°F(65°C) on the internal thermostat.
The mini-fridge has a 10-liter capacity, which can store up to 12 12 oz. soda cans. It comes with two removable shelves, one container basket, and a convenient carry handle, making it easy to take with you on the go. The spring-lock design on the door handle helps to secure & protect the items inside.
The Portable Electric Cooler & Warmer Fridge operates quietly with a brushless high-grade fan motor. It performs silently (25 dB Sleep Mode) and lasts longer than ever. You can rest easy knowing that this mini-fridge is 100% Freon-free and ETL certified with advanced safety technology for long-lasting durability and energy efficiency.
The mini-fridge comes with plugs for both standard home outlets and a 12V car charger, making it a versatile option for any setting.
6. EUHOMY Mini Fridge with Freezer
Euhomy Mini Fridge with Freezer offers the best of both worlds with its 2-door design that combines a fridge and a freezer in one compact unit. The 0.96 Cu. Ft of freezer space is perfect for storing ice cream and frozen food, while the 2.24 Cu. Ft of fridge space is ideal for keeping fruits, vegetables, and drinks fresh. The mini fridge has 7 temperature settings that can be easily adjusted to suit your specific needs. It also operates quietly with its powerful compressor, making it a perfect addition to your bedroom or office.
Euhomy has designed this mini fridge with LED lights that provide clear visibility even at night. The shelves and crisper drawer are multi-layered and adjustable to help you organize your food and eliminate odors. With its user-friendly design and practical features, the Euhomy Mini Fridge with Freezer is perfect for anyone who wants an easy and convenient way to keep their food fresh and drinks cool.
7. Danby 4.5 cu. ft. Compact Refrigerator with True Freezer
The Danby mini-fridge boasts a spacious full-width freezer section and three adjustable glass shelves that offer ample storage space for your groceries. Additionally, the integrated door shelving can easily accommodate tall bottles.
Thanks to the reversible door hinge, you can change the direction in which the door opens to suit your needs. However, it’s worth noting that this fridge is relatively large and may not fit in tiny spaces.
The compressed power technology ensures that the fridge works efficiently, even when placed against the wall. As an Energy Star-compliant fridge, it uses an eco-friendly R600a refrigerant that won’t cause a significant impact on your monthly energy bill. The manufacturer estimates a yearly energy cost of just $32.
This mini-fridge is unique in that it features a “true freezer” that operates at a chilly -18°C (0°F), ensuring that your ice cream stays frozen. The freezer occupies the entire width of the fridge, providing more space for frozen food.
8. Frigidaire EFR176-BLUE 1.6 cu ft Blue Retro Fridge
With its two-door compartment shelves, this refrigerator provides ample storage for single cans and even a 2-liter bottle. You’ll no longer have to search through crowded drawers for your bottle opener, as this fridge features a built-in side bottle opener for easy access. It offers a 1.35 cu. ft. fresh food compartment and a .25 cu. ft. freezer compartment, allowing for storage of fresh food and frozen goods. Its compact size means it can be placed almost anywhere with an electrical outlet. Plus, with its reversible door, you can customize the placement to your liking.
Looking for a compact yet functional refrigerator that can fit in tight spaces? Look no further than this two-door refrigerator with convenient storage options and a sleek design.
With shelves specifically designed to store single cans and 2-liter bottles, this fridge maximizes storage space while keeping everything organized and easily accessible. And with a built-in side bottle opener, you’ll never have to search for a bottle opener again.
The 1.35 cu. ft. fresh food compartment and .25 cu. ft. freezer compartment provides ample storage space for fresh food and frozen goods. Plus, the compact size of this fridge means you can place it virtually anywhere there’s an electrical outlet, making it perfect for small apartments, dorm rooms, or even offices.
9. BLACK+DECKER BCRK17W Compact Refrigerator Energy
With its sleek and modern design available in black, stainless steel, and white, this small refrigerator (17.5″ x 18.5″ x 19.7″) is perfect for small spaces, including college dorm rooms, offices, garages, home bars, small apartments, and RV campers. It consumes minimal energy (70 watts) while still providing ample storage for food, soda, beer, and other beverages. Its freezer capacity is 1 cubic foot, and its fresh food capacity is 1 cubic foot.
The removable glass shelf allows for easy cleaning and expands the storage space. The additional door storage includes a top shelf that can fit two cans or small containers and a bottom shelf that can fit taller bottles and containers such as water, wine, and milk.
This mini fridge is highly practical, with a reversible door, adjustable temperature control (with the lowest setting at 33.8 degrees Fahrenheit), and leveling legs. Its small freezer (8 inches wide x 2 inches tall) is perfect for storing ice packs, most frozen dinners, and the included ice tray.
With its low sound operation, this mini fridge is perfect for places where you don’t want a noisy appliance, such as waiting rooms, TV and game rooms, and even baby rooms where you can store milk for easy feeding.
10. BLACK+DECKER BCRK25B Compact Refrigerator Energy Star Single Door
With dimensions of 17.5″ x 18.5″ x 26.6″, this small refrigerator offers a space-saving design that can store food, beverages, and more, all while consuming minimal energy. Its sleek and modern style, available in black, stainless steel, and white, makes it ideal for various settings such as college dorm rooms, offices, garages, home bars, small apartments, and RV campers.
The fridge’s 2 removable glass shelves not only expand its storage space but also make it easy to clean. The additional door storage fits up to five 12 oz. cans (like soda and beer) and small containers on the top shelf. Moreover, the 2-liter door storage can accommodate taller bottles, making it convenient for storing various beverages.
This mini fridge is equipped with a reversible door, leveling legs, and adjustable temperature control (32 degrees Fahrenheit at the lowest setting) that make it more practical for different settings. The small freezer (12.8 inches wide x 4.3 inches tall) is perfect for storing ice packs, most frozen dinners, and the included ice tray.
The fridge operates quietly, making it perfect for use in areas where you don’t want a noisy appliance, such as waiting rooms, TV and game rooms, and even baby rooms where you can store milk for easy feeding.
11. AstroAI Mini Fridge, 4 Liter/6 Can AC/DC Portable Thermoelectric Cooler
The AstroAI mini fridge is a versatile and compact appliance that can be used to store a variety of items such as drinks, snacks, skincare products, makeup, and breast milk. Its small size makes it ideal for use in various locations like bedrooms, offices, dorms, camps, boats, and travel.
With a capacity to hold 6 cans or 12 oz, the AstroAI mini fridge can easily store your favorite drinks or snacks. The removable shelf is perfect for organizing small items like breast milk, cosmetics, skincare, or food.
The mini fridge comes with AC and DC adapters, making it easy to connect to either a 100-120V home power supply or a 12V car power supply. Please note that the cooler/heater should only be used while the vehicle’s engine is running to avoid draining the battery.
ECThe AstroAI mini fridge features a semiconductor refrigeration chip that is freon-free and environmentally friendly. Its quiet technology ensures that it operates at a low noise level of 25dB, allowing for a peaceful and restful environment. It is an excellent gift idea for Father’s Day.
Things to Consider When Buying A Mini Fridge For Dorm
When it comes to selecting a mini fridge for dorm room, there are several factors to consider to ensure you choose the best one for your needs. In this buying guide, we will discuss these factors in more detail to help you make an informed decision.
1. Size and Capacity
The first factor to consider when selecting a mini fridge is the size and capacity. Mini fridges come in a variety of sizes, ranging from compact models that can fit on a desk or countertop to larger models that can hold more food and drinks. It’s essential to consider the available space in your dorm room and any restrictions set by your college. Most colleges have restrictions on the size of appliances allowed in dorm rooms, so be sure to check with your college before purchasing a mini fridge. Additionally, consider the capacity of the mini fridge and whether it can hold all the food and drinks you need.
2. Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a mini fridge for your dorm room. Look for mini fridges with the ENERGY STAR label, which means they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Energy-efficient models can save you money on your electricity bill in the long run.
3. Noise Level
The noise level of a mini fridge is another important factor to consider, especially if you have a roommate or live in close proximity to other students. Look for mini fridges with a low decibel rating, which means they operate quietly and won’t disturb your roommate or neighbors.
4. Additional Features
Some mini fridges come with additional features that may be important to you. For example, some models come with a freezer compartment, adjustable shelves, or a built-in can dispenser. Consider your specific needs and preferences to determine which features are important to you.
5. Price
Price is, of course, an important factor to consider when selecting a mini fridge for your dorm room. Mini fridges can range in price from around $50 to $200, depending on the size, capacity, energy efficiency, and features. Determine your budget before you start shopping and look for models that offer the best value for your money.
FAQs
1. Why do I need a mini fridge for my dorm room?
A mini fridge can provide you with a convenient and accessible way to store your favorite snacks, drinks, and even meals without having to rely solely on the dorm cafeteria or vending machines. It can also save you money in the long run by allowing you to buy groceries and snacks in bulk.
2. What should I consider when choosing a mini fridge for my dorm room?
When selecting a mini fridge for your dorm room, you should consider factors such as size, capacity, energy efficiency, noise level, and price. You should also check to see if the mini fridge has any additional features that may be important to you, such as a freezer compartment or adjustable shelves.
3. How big should my mini fridge be for my dorm room?
The size of your mini fridge will depend on your personal needs and the available space in your dorm room. However, most dorms have restrictions on the size of appliances allowed, so be sure to check with your college before purchasing a mini fridge.
4. Is an energy-efficient mini fridge worth the investment?
Yes, an energy-efficient mini fridge can save you money on your electricity bill in the long run. Look for mini fridges with the ENERGY STAR label, which means they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
5. Are there any noise restrictions for mini fridges in dorm rooms?
Some colleges have noise restrictions for mini fridges in dorm rooms, so be sure to check with your college before purchasing a mini fridge. Look for mini fridges with a low decibel rating, which means they operate quietly and won’t disturb your roommate or neighbors.
6. How much should I expect to pay for a mini fridge for my dorm room?
A: The price of a mini fridge can vary widely depending on the size, capacity, energy efficiency, and features. On average, you can expect to pay between $50 to $200 for a quality mini fridge for your dorm room.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best mini fridge for dorm room can be a crucial decision that can make your college experience more comfortable and enjoyable. There are many options available, each with its unique features and benefits. It’s important to consider factors such as size, capacity, energy efficiency, noise level, and price before making your final decision.
Based on our research and analysis, we have identified several top mini fridge models that are perfect for college dorm rooms. Ultimately, the best mini fridge for your dorm will depend on your individual needs and preferences. With the right mini fridge, you can store your favorite snacks, drinks, and meals while staying organized and maximizing your limited space.
