Best Mini Fridge for Bedroom, Dorm Room, TV Room, and More

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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My mini fridge is my little heaven in my bedroom and is just an arm's reach whenever I need something refreshing. Mini fridges are especially great for a dorm room where random parties and hangouts happen, as I used to do back in Uni. These fridges are a great investment too, but to get the best out of them, you have to get the best mini fridge for bedroom or dorm rooms

My first choice is the RCA mini fridge, which has a compact design and enough capacity for my drinks and snacks. My second pick is the Frigidaire, which gives me many options for different situations. I can get retro aesthetics and designs to fit different interior design options. My third pick is Black+Decker, which has a very strong and modern design. The reversible door on the fridge makes it perfect for any spot in a room.

But first, what is a mini fridge?

What is a Mini Fridge?

Image Source: abbasakhavan.com

A mini fridge is a compact fridge that can fit in smaller spaces that the standard refrigerator would not fit. Mini fridges do not offer as much capacity as the standard fridge serving a household. However, the fridge is handy for many other situations, including staying in the bedroom.

In my search for the best mini fridges, I came across some impressive options.

Best Mini Fridges

1) RCA Mini Fridge

RCA RFR322 Mini Refrigerator, Compact Freezer...
  • STYLISH: Our RCA Compact Refrigerator comes in a variety of...
  • REVERSIBLE DOORS: It is small enough to fit in any dorm, kitchen,...
  • ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT CONTROL: The thermostat may be easily...
  • ENERGY SAVING: Our mini-fridge not only keeps your beverages and...
  • ICE CUBE CHAMBER: 0.3 cu ft compartment that can reach 32 degrees...

RCA is a compact mini fridge with an adjustable thermostat, which was the first thing that attracted me to it. Secondly, the fridge has a reversible door, making it possible to place the fridge in any spot I want. The door further has storage slots, adding the capacity of the fridge. RCA has a capacity of 3.2 cubic feet, which is enough for my snacks and drinks.

Image Source: smkkrian1.sch.id

RCA has a freezer compartment which makes it more exciting to store beverages. RCA further has removable shelves, which makes it possible to keep small cans and tall bottles.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Compact refrigerator
  • Enough storage capacity
  • Sleek design
  • Great for storing food and drinks
  • Portable model
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Reversible door

Cons:

  • The freezer compartment reduces fridge capacity.

2) Frigidaire Mini Fridge

Sale
Frigidaire EFMIS129-RED Mini Portable Compact Personal...
  • THE MOST CONVENIENT MICRO-FRIDGE: This compact fridge is perfect...
  • PORTABLE MINI FRIDGES: 3 pounds, perfect for on the go. You can...
  • GREAT FOR SMALL SPACES: This mini-fridge is (10 x 7 x 10 inches)...
  • COMPACT: 4 Liter capacity chills six 12 oz. soda cans; interior...
  • GO GREEN! : This product was engineered with thermoelectric...

Frigidaire has the looks that caught my eye, and I was hoping other specifications match the looks. Luckily, they do. The fridge is portable and perfect for use on the go. Furthermore, the fridge has multiple chargers, making it easier to use on any outlet.

Image Source: dontwasteyourmoney.com

Frigidaire has a 4-litre capacity to hold up to six soda cans. The fridge is environmentally friendly and uses thermoelectric technology, free of refrigerants and CFCs.

Pros:

  • Stylish with a retro aesthetic
  • Portable
  • Environmentally friendly

Cons:

  • No freezer section

3) Black+Decker Mini Fridges

Sale
BLACK+DECKER BCRK17B Compact Refrigerator Energy Star...
  • COMPACT & STYLISH - This space saving small refrigerator (17.5" x...
  • LARGE CAPACITY - The removable glass shelf expands the storage...
  • CONVENIENT FEATURES - A reversible door, leveling legs, and...
  • ULTRA QUIET - Low sound operation is perfect for places where you...
  • ONE YEAR WARRANTY - 1 year warranty for parts and labor, and 2...

Brick+Decker is a sleek fridge with a quiet operation, making it more attractive to use in a bedroom. The fridge has a dark finish, which is easy to work with in interior design. With a reversible door, making it is strategic to use on any spot in a room. I can convert the fridge to fit my needs with adjustable shelving.

Image Source: blackanddecker.com

Black+Decker has adjustable legs, an adjustable temperature, an included ice tray, and more features that make the fridge fun to use.

Pros:

  • Sleek design
  • Portable
  • Reversible doors
  • Leveling legs
  • Ultra quiet

Cons:

  • No automatic defrost function

4) Astroai Mini Fridge

AstroAI Mini Fridge 2.0 Gen, 6 Liter/8 Cans Makeup...
  • Practical and Stylish: The compact fridge has a futuristic...
  • Suitable Capacity: Its upgraded interior readily stores up to...
  • Warming and Cooling Functions: Cools up to 32-40℉(18-22℃)...
  • Home & Car Use: Includes 2 power cords, 1 AC and 1 DC. Connect...
  • Intuitive Design: Unique silicone pads on the base prevent...

Astroai makes it to my top five mini fridges because I can use it in a car. This makes it possible to use the fridge on road trips and camping. Furthermore, the fridge has silicone pads to avoid spillage in case of. Astroai stands out because it has warming and cooling features, expanding its capabilities.

Image Source: astroai.com

Astroai has additional storage on the doors, which adds to its capacity.

Pros:

  • Home and car use
  • Stylish
  • Warming and cooling functions
  • Practical design

Cons:

  • No freezer section

5) Frigidaire Pink Portable Mini Fridges

Sale
Frigidaire EFMIS175-PINK Portable Mini Fridge-Retro...
  • THE NEW AND IMPROVED 9-CAN RETRO PINK COLOR IS TIMELESS AND A...
  • NEW 9 CAN DESIGN LARGER BUT STILL COMPACT - This new design is a...
  • RETRO PINK COLOR IS TIMELESS AND RARE!! - Cools 27-36 degrees...
  • GREAT STORAGE AND HAS SO MANY USES!! Store snacks, beverages, and...
  • NEW DIMENSIONS BIGGER AND STILL EASILY FITS- Designed to fit...

Frigidaire has a lot of options for different situations. One of them is the pink portable mini fridge. I had to get the fridge for my daughter simply because of its aesthetic appeal. The fridge not only looks pretty but functions well too.

Image Source: kroger.com

The fridge can fit nine cans, three more than most fridges. Furthermore, the fridge can fit snacks, beauty products, drinks, and food. The fridge is lightweight and portable, making it easy to move for hangouts and parties.

Pros:

  • Bigger fridge than most mini fridges
  • 9-can design
  • Lightweight fridge
  • Portable option
  • Aesthetically pleasing

Cons:

  • The design might be limited to a certain niche.

What to Look for When Buying a Mini Fridge

a) Overall Size

Size is one of the key features I look at when picking a fridge. A fridge can be a headache when it does not fit in its intended spot. Such a scenario can be costly, especially if the kitchen has to be remodeled to fit the fridge.

An average mini fridge ranges between 29 and 35 inches tall.

Luckily, there are specifications on items such as fridges that you can check before purchasing.

b) Capacity

The capacity of a fridge is a vital feature because it shows you how much space you have to fit your favorite snacks and drinks. The capacity of a fridge is measured in litres. Most mini fridges average between 12 Cu Ft.

c) Reversible Door

One of the best fridge designs was to make it possible to change which way the fridge opens. This means that the fridge can fit almost anywhere in a room. Reversible doors on most mini fridges do not require a professional to make the adjustments, as you can do them yourself.

d) Price

Your budget will limit you to certain options. The options we have provided above are affordable and best in their price range.

e) Portability

Being able to move the fridge easily from one place to another is what sets a mini fridge apart. I should be able to use a fridge in my garage, bedroom, mancave, outdoors, and more.

f) Noise

Since you are looking for a fridge to put in your bedroom, you have to look for one that will let you sleep too. Your best pick should be a fridge with an absorption cooling system, which tends to be quieter than other fridges.

If you have to bring the fridge to other places like an office, it needs to be quiet.

g) Adjustable Thermostat

Adjustable temperature control in a fridge makes it perfect for its job. If you can pick the temperature range to suit your needs, that is the fridge you should go for.

There are more advanced mini refrigerators that you can adjust remotely without locating the thermostat yourself.

h) Storage

Your mini fridge can have different compartments for storage. There are mini fridge options with freezer compartments and those without. If you get one with a freezer compartment, there is a chance you will be sacrificing some fridge space. You have options depending on your needs. I don't mind getting ice cubes from the main fridge in the kitchen so that my fridge can be large enough to hold wine bottles and other items.

Most mini fridges today have door storage space, which adds to the overall capacity of the fridge.

i) Style and Design

A fridge should not look out of place in the bedroom. Therefore, when getting a fridge, get a color that matches your bedroom interior colorsOther than the color, you can pick the mini fridge design. For instance, you can get a retro or glass door mini fridge. It all boils down to your taste.

j) Compressor Vs. Thermoelectric

Your mini fridge will likely be a thermoelectric cooler because most freestanding mini-fridges can fit this cooling in them. These fridges use the Peltier effect to cool the items in them. Thermoelectric fridges are slightly more costly but friendlier to the environment.

Compressor coolers, on the other hand, tend to be larger and are mostly inbuilt. These coolers work through vapor compression and use chemical coolants to keep the temperatures low in the fridge.

k) Removable Shelf

The organization options in your fridge should not be limiting, especially if you have a fridge with a separate freezer section. A fridge with removable glass shelves is better because you can adjust it to fit other items. For instance, wine bottles need more space compared to beer cans.

Adjusting storage is so important, even full-sized fridges have adjustable shelves.

l) Cup Dispenser

The cups become too much baggage when they have no specified place to keep them. Furthermore, if I have to go for the cup in the kitchen, I can use the kitchen fridge as well, as there would be no point in having a mini fridge nearby. Cup dispensers prove to be very helpful.

Other Ways to Use a Mini Fridge

Other than the bedroom, there are other places where mini fridges come in handy. Here are some places you can use the mini-fridge.

i) The Office

Michael Scott would agree with me on this; A mini fridge in the office is a great way of keeping the energizers like food, drinks, snacks, water, and more. There is no better way to keep working without the distracting office vending machine.

ii) Allergy Management

Whenever an allergic kid or pet is around, there is a need to ensure their safety. One way is by keeping their food separate from others; a mini fridge is a one-stop solution.

iii) Guest-Fridge

I prefer it when my guests are comfortable walking to the fridge. However, I don't prefer it in my family fridge. Therefore, my next plan is to get a mini fridge for my bar once I do my house remodel.

iv) Garage

I spend most of my time in the garage doing different DIY projects, and a drink is my favorite company whenever I am drowning my mind in work. A mini fridge saves me the hustle of traveling miles to the kitchen.

v) Exclusive Toddler Mini Fridge

There is nothing more sensitive than having to organize a baby's meals and expressed breast milk. This is how I got the first mini fridge in the house, which I later converted into my bedroom mini fridge.

To ensure toddlers are safe, a lockable mini fridge is advised.

vi) Outdoors

Outdoor kitchens are the best for hanging out with family and friends. Instead of making many trips to the fridge in the house, a portable mini fridge is perfect for such a setting. If hosting is your hobby, then a mini fridge will make those moments special.

vii) Camper Van

The next best place to bring your fridge is everywhere, in your camper. One of the most important things when RVing is what you will eat, and a mini fridge solves a lot of that problem. Furthermore, a mini fridge can be powered by the RV comfortably.

viii) Mancave

If you have a man cave, a mini fridge is one of the best things to have in it. This makes life in there much more exciting.

Bedroom Mini-Fridge Tips and Tricks

1) Stack Bottles on the Side

The most common items in a bedroom mini-fridge are drinks. However, some drinks come in tall bottles and might be hard to keep in the fridge. In such a case, stack the bottles on their sides to form a pyramid shape. This way, your bottles are safe and will not fall easily, and you will have to fit a bunch of bottles in the mini refrigerator.

To make the bottles more stable, you can stack them using a bottle stacking mat to ensure extra stability for the bottles.

2) Keep It Simple Inside the Fridge

It is not a good idea to bring everything that needs to be cooled inside the bedroom. Keeping the bedroom mini fridge full with only the things you need is a better move. Otherwise, it is time to take the fridge out of the bedroom.

3) Keep it Clean

A clean fridge is lovely to look at, and since there is a chance that you are keeping edible items inside the fridge, keeping it clean is hygienic.

4) Transport Upright

When moving the fridge, it is better to move it upright or on the side. You should avoid moving the fridge on its back because you can spoil the components that run the fridge.

5) Decorate the Fridge

Fridges are a great place to have photos, reminders, affirmations, notes, and more. Have an important reminder to read each time you grab a drink.

6) Group Items

Grouping items in the fridge makes it easier for you to grab them without looking. Grouping items in the fridge makes life surprisingly easier because you do not have to waste extra seconds digging and disarranging items to look for one. Neatly grouped items will give you that extra satisfaction and a mood just right for your bedroom.

7) LED Strips

If you are into gaming aesthetics, you can not miss extra LED lights in or behind the fridge. This gives the fridge a beautiful pop in darkness. Lighting is a powerful tool to create mood and is a big part of bedroom interior design.

8) Accessorize the Mini Fridges

The fridge does not have to be lonely on its spot. You can add items around and on top of the fridge. For instance, a lampshade would look stylish on the fridge. You can add shelves on top of or underneath the fridge to make good use of space.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mini-Fridge

a) Do mini-fridges keep food at safe temperatures?

A mini fridge is just a smaller version of a full-sized refrigerator. Therefore, the fridges will function similarly to the larger fridges.

b) Are mini-fridges noisy?

The compressor in the fridge is likely to generate some noiseThe fridge has to use a cooling mechanism that can be noisy sometimes. You can expect hums below 45 Db from a mini fridge, which is not too bad.

c) What is the lifespan of a mini fridge?

A mini fridge can last up to ten years. The best mini refrigerators can last longer. However, the lifespan of any appliance largely depends on how the user handles it. More importantly, there is a chance that most things are intentionally not built to last in today's market. Therefore, expect your fridge to last about ten years.

d) Do mini-fridges increase electricity consumption?

Just like any other appliance, a fridge will use up some electricity. Depending on the power rating, you can pick a fridge that will not set you back by too much when it comes to power. A 70 W fridge will cost you less than $3 a month.

e) Does a mini fridge heat the house?

Fridges emit some heat when working as they have to transfer the heat from within to the outside to keep the cold beverages cool.

f) Can I use the mini fridge on its side?

Tilting a fridge is not a good idea because some fluids depend on gravity to work well. Using the fridge on the side can damage the components in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

A mini refrigerator is a great investment for many applications, including the bedroom. Even better, the fridges can be moved to a game room, next to your tv armoire, waiting room and more. You can never go wrong with a mini refrigerator because it is portable and lightweight.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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