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The 10 Best Mini Fridges: Reviews and Buying Guide!
Last updated 21st February, 2021

Whether you’re on the prowl for a little extra fridge space, or a more private place to keep your favourite cold drinks from grabbing hands, you may be in need of a mini fridge. Thanks to their small stature, these fridges can fit perfectly on a countertop, under an office desk or, well, pretty much anywhere with a power outlet!

With mini fridges becoming more and more common place, there are quite a lot of options to choose from—which can easily become a bit of a headache. Fortunately, after a long stint of research, we’re ready to run down the best options that exist on the market today. Better still, after our picks you’ll find a useful buying guide, with all the most important considerations to make your own informed decision as to which fridge will work best for you!

Why Buy a Mini Fridge?

Before jumping into the models themselves, it’s important to know why we’re even looking at mini fridges; after all it may seem odd to get such a small specialist fridge. For us, there are three big reasons why mini fridges are great.

No Need to Travel

This may seem like the pinnacle of laziness; but bear with us. Picture this: you’re watching your favourite sport, it’s the last few minutes and your loved one just walks in with a nice, cool drink—but they refuse to give you any. Well with a mini fridge, there’s no question, your drink will be right next to you, when you need it.

The Perfect Temperature

Not only will it always be around but given the fact you can set a mini fridges temperature independently, you can ensure that your favourite beverage could sit at that ideal temperature.

Additional Space

If you’re a big family, or sticklers for separating different types of produce, a mini fridge gives you that little extra space. Whether you use it for overflow, to keep prepared packed lunches, to separate your meats or just to keep your beers at that right temperature, having that extra space can save you some headaches. You might even want to store some medicines that are best kept cool, separate from your food and drink.

Top 10 Mini Fridges

1. 18-Can Portable Mini Fridge Cooler & Warmer

With among the highest energy efficiency on this list, this portable mini fridge has a large capacity of 15 Litres—making it good for a few drinks or leftovers of food items. What’s more is that it can both keep food hot (up to 65°C/149°F) and cold. There aren’t too many options on that market that can offer both cooling and heating, so if this is something you feel you’d need this mini fridge could be the answer.

  • Size: 41.5cm x 28cm x 31.2cm
  • Weight: 4.06kg
  • Capacity: 15 Litres
  • Energy efficiency: A++
  • Freezer: No
  • Price: ££
  • Retailer: Amazon

2. Subcold Ultra Mini Fridge Cooler & Warmer

As the smallest and cheapest option on this list, this mini fridge certainly sticks to its name as an ‘ultra mini’ mini fridge. This, paired with its convenient carrying handle, makes it a brilliant portable option—provided you can fit what you need inside. But what sweetens the deal even more is its capability to heat foods up to 65°C (149°F). That means it’ll be great for cold drinks or keeping food warm.

  • Size: 20.8cm x 27.5cm x 30.8cm
  • Weight: 3.0kg
  • Capacity: 6 Litres
  • Energy efficiency: N/A
  • Freezer: No
  • Price: £
  • Retailer: Amazon

3. Husky Coca-Cola Mini Fridge

Sporting the slick and familiar Coca-Cola red, this branded mini fridge will make a striking addition to any games room, student home or flashy countertop. Thanks to its impressive capacity and almost cubic dimensions, it is well suited to slot in exactly where it’s needed without leaving too large a footprint. Given its attractive and somewhat bold look, it could also be a fantastic gift for beer lovers.

  • Size: 51cm x 43cm x 46cm
  • Weight: 15.8kg
  • Capacity: 42.9 Litres
  • Energy efficiency: A+
  • Freezer: No
  • Price: ££
  • Retailer: Currys PC World

4. Husky Budweiser Mini Fridge & Drinks Cooler

We love the front window on this mini fridge. It’s bound to get you showing off its contents at drinks nights and BBQs with friends. There’s nothing better than lining up all your favourite drinks in a fridge and taking your pick. Speaking of which—what’s inside is sure to be Budweiser, given the bright red-and-white branding. That said, the exact same model also comes as a Stella Artois Mini Fridge, for fans of the Belgian pilsner .

  • Size: 43cm x 46cm x 51cm
  • Weight: 18kg
  • Capacity: 45.8 Litres
  • Energy efficiency: A+
  • Freezer: No
  • Price: ££
  • Retailer: Amazon

5. Russell Hobbs Table Top Small Fridge

Earning the coveted “Amazon’s Choice” label, Russel Hobbs’ mini fridge has clearly been a fantastic addition to countless homes already. With its reversible door, door-mounted bottle rack and choice of both colour (black, white, silver) and size (43 litre or 66 litre). Even featuring a small ice box compartment, this may well be the best static mini fridges for those on a budget.

  • Size: 47.2cm x 47.2cm x 45cm
  • Weight: 14kg
  • Capacity: 43 Litres
  • Energy efficiency: A+
  • Freezer: Yes (ice box compartment)
  • Price: £
  • Retailer: Amazon

6. Beko Undercounter Small Fridge

Notably larger than a lot of other mini fridges on the market, the 130 litre Beko Undercounter Small Fridge sits in the valley between a mini-fridge and a fully-fledged refrigerator. That said, for those looking for a spacious expansion for their main fridge, this four-shelved unit is sure to provide enough space—and then some.

  • Size: 84cm x 54.4cm x 59.5cm
  • Weight: 31kg
  • Capacity: 130 Litres
  • Energy efficiency: A+
  • Freezer: No
  • Price: £££
  • Retailer: John Lewis

7. Inventor Mini Fridge

As the most energy efficient fridge over 40 litres on our list, you shouldn’t underestimate how much opting for the Inventor Mini Fridge may save you on bills in the long run. And that energy efficiency doesn’t come with caveats. Its’ cubic shape, reversible door, organisation and 42 litre volume rival most similar fridges. And if you’re energy conscious but wanting something larger—they also have a 66 litre version!

  • Size: 47.2cm x 45cm x 49.2cm
  • Weight: 16.6kg
  • Capacity: 42 Litres
  • Energy efficiency: A++
  • Freezer: No
  • Price: ££
  • Retailer: Amazon

8. LOGIK Mini Fridge in Silver

Featuring a 4-litre ice-box for ice cubes or giving those beers a few minutes to get extra cold, this 66 litre fridge is one of the largest on the market that’s still suitable for those on a budget. Given its dimensions, it is well suited to being an expansion fridge—or a full-on (albeit small) fridge/freezer alternative for those with very limited space.

  • Size: 64cm x 44cm x 51cm
  • Weight: 17kg
  • Capacity: 66 Litres
  • Energy efficiency: A+
  • Freezer: Yes (ice box compartment)
  • Price: £
  • Retailer: Currys PC World

9. Baridi Under Counter Mini Fridge with Lock

With a gloriously clear glass door, everyone even passing the Baridi Under Counter Mini Fridge will want to open it right up—but you’ll keep control of who gets what with a hardy in-built lock on the door. This security lock makes this fridge the best choice on this list for locales filled with grabbing hands—for example public rec-rooms, or during house parties. But beyond safety, thanks to its more than adequate 80 litre size, and convenient easy-to-adjust thermostat, this is an outstanding mini fridge with lock for those willing to fork out a little bit more.

  • Size: 47.4cm x 44cm 84cm
  • Weight: 28kg
  • Capacity: 80 Litres
  • Energy efficiency: A+
  • Freezer: No
  • Price: £££
  • Retailer: Amazon

10. SMEG Mini Fridge in Red

Here we have one of the undisputed champions in the list of fridge and mini fridge manufacturers: SMEG. Now naturally this comes with a higher price tag, but given its iconic, attractive design, whopping 130 litre capacity and superior features (such as auto defrost) it is certainly a show-stopper. We love its specialty wine racks, and this mini fridge also doubles-up as an excellent wine cooler. Now there aren’t many options on the market that can boast that! For a versatile mini fridge that’s built to last, this is a strong bet.

  • Size: 96cm x 55cm x 64cm
  • Weight: 45.1kg
  • Capacity: 130 Litres
  • Energy efficiency: A+
  • Freezer: No
  • Price: ££££
  • Retailer: Currys PC World

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Buying Guide

What Will Go in It?

The first and probably the most important question to ask yourself is why do you need a mini fridge? Are you planning to keep your beer extra cool (if so check out our Best Beer Subscriptions Blog)? Or do you want a dedicated meat fridge or perhaps you just need a slight expansion to your main fridge? Depending on your choice; there are three key considerations.

1. Drinks and non-perishables vs perishables

Thermoelectric fridges are more suitable for storing drinks and non-perishables, so are commonly sold as drinks coolers. If you plan on storing any perishables in the fridge, you’re better of getting a compressor fridge – it’s easy to see which options are for non-perishables as the brands will always give a recommendation on what can and can’t be stored in each of their fridges.

Remember, if the main thing you want to keep in your mini fridge is a bottle of wine or even a few, you may be better off with a wine cooler. We've got some great options of these in our Best Wine Coolers Blog.

2. Should the items be out of reach of children?

If the answer is yes—because you’re planning to use it for alcohol or medicine—you should consider purchasing a mini fridge with a lock to ensure no accidents can occur. We have a few mini with lock alternatives to choose from, so take your pick!

3. Are you looking to freeze items?

Some mini fridges offer small freezer compartments—most commonly made for ice cubes. This means if you’re a fan of iced drinks you’re best looking for a drinks fridge (that’s typically what brands will call a mini fridge with a freezer compartment).

How Large?

Size has a few implications, but there are, again, three key ones to consider.

Firstly, how much space do you have for the fridge? Take a moment to measure up the countertop or hideaway to ensure that the minifridge will sit snugly in your desired location.

Second, how much are you planning to store inside your mini fridge? If you’re just looking for a small, personal drinks cooler you may be completely fine with a 6-can mini fridge. But, of course, if you’re planning to store a lot of food or drinks in it you’ll be in the market for something larger.

Third, is portability important? Some of the smallest fridges are very portable given their form-factor and weight—so consider whether you’ll be taking the your new mini fridge on any travels or days out with family or friends, or even for your own peace and quiet.

Your Budget

As one of the most important features of any fridge you’ll buy, your budget is hugely important to consider. As always, you never want to overspend, but it’s also worth ensuring that you aren’t sacrificing quality or features by going for a cheaper option.

If you’re looking for a small drinks cooler fridge, we’re confident you’ll be able to find something for under £80 ($110). But for better quality fridges you’ll be looking at over £100 ($130) and much more than that if you have a lot of boxes to tick. Given the range of prices, mini fridges can also be a great gift especially a gift for beer lovers. But there are so many other options out there too so if you are looking for a beer gift for someone in your life take a look at our Best Beer Gifts for Beer Lovers article for some more ideas.

But also do keep in mind, that energy efficiency will affect costs down the line—so it’s certainly worth making sure that your fridge is adequately energy efficient (both for the planet, and your wallet).

FAQs

How do you Defrost a Mini Fridge?

In the nightmare situation that your mini fridge cakes up with ice, don’t panic. The process is very easy. Simply remove all items from the mini fridge and store non-expired goods in an alternative fridge (or cold environment).

Then unplug the fridge, move it to a location where it won’t damage the floor, and place it atop a towel. This towel will catch any excess water that finds its way out. Then simply leave the fridge door open overnight.

To reduce the chance of it frosting over again, wipe all the surfaces and use a cleaning agent before getting it back up and running. Simple!

What Temperature Should a Fridge Be?

The UK Food Standards Agency suggests the ideal temperature for food is below 8°C (46.4°F). But to account for the temperature increase incurred every time the door is opened, it’s best to aim somewhere between 1-5 degrees.

Of course, water freezes below 0°C (32°), so to store liquids you will not want to go below that.

Conclusion

From large to small and cold to warm, these mini fridges have shown us just quite how much variation this innocent appliance can have. But amongst all these top picks, we have our top two recommendations.

The 18 Can Portable Mini Fridge Cooler & Warmer offers exceptional value for money, providing more than enough space for most uses while remaining portable – what a combination. And the opportunity to keep food warm is just the icing on the cake.

We are also big fans of the Baridi Under Counter Mini Fridge with Lock (you may have got that impression already from our description), due to its attractive look, large capacity, built in thermostat and the added safety of the lock.

Whether you have found your next mini fridge on this list or not, we hope our buying guide has helped to equip you with more answers than you have questions, whether on size, function or budget. Good luck in your search for your perfect mini fridge. For more ways to make the most of your kitchen or bar area, why not have a look at our best Home and Corner Bars that are great for entertaining and would no doubt match well with any of the mini fridges in our guide.

Affiliate disclaimer: on some or all of the products above, we receive a small commission if you make a purchase via our site. This does not impact the price you pay, but it allows us to keep helping people by writing these reviews, so thank you!


Tom
Co-founder at Mancaves HQ

A true man cave enthusiast. When he isn't trawling through Instagram looking for new ideas, you can find him navigating through the streets of London.