Are you looking for a device to cool your drinks without having to clutter up your room or office? Opt for the mini fridge! Representing 10% of refrigerator sales with table tops, mini fridges are attractive because of their compactness. But how to choose one? Discover our advice and our guide to choose the ideal model.
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Our selection
"More than just a mini bar, the CHiQ CSD46D6 is a true miniature refrigerator that can hold all kinds of food and drinks. Its minimalist…"
"The AstroAI 4 liter portable mini fridge is perfect for keeping drinks and meals cool or warm during a picnic or a trip."
"The Klarstein Manhattan mini fridge offers excellent value for money considering the features and performance it presents."
"If you're looking for an ultra-compact mini fridge for your car or for camping, go for this Ultra 6 model from Subcold. The Ultra 6…"
More than just a mini bar, the CHiQ CSD46D6 is a true miniature refrigerator that can hold all kinds of food and drinks. Its minimalist appearance gives it a classic and elegant look!
103 £ on AmazonCHiQ CSD46D4 is a mini refrigerator with a simple and elegant design. Thanks to its compact size, you can place it wherever you want, as it occupies little space. It has a capacity of 46 liters and is made of food grade interior materials for safer and healthier food storage. You will be able to adjust the temperature in seven levels. The interior is divided into two separate compartments, including a standard refrigeration compartment and a freezer compartment.
This model is low noise with a maximum sound level of only 39 db. The bottom line is energy consumption. Indeed, the CHiQ has an energy efficiency rating of F. Note that one of the particularities of this model is that the door is reversible and can be opened to the left or to the right.
The AstroAI 4 liter portable mini fridge is perfect for keeping drinks and meals cool or warm during a picnic or a trip.
41,58 £ on AmazonFor its price and for its performance, the AstroAI portable mini fridge is one of our favorite products. With a capacity of 4 liters and weighing only 2 kg, this mini car fridge/mini room fridge has two shelves. Its 2-in-1 function allows you to cool your cold drinks and fruits, but also to warm up your coffee or your dishes.
It is the ideal companion for your nature outings with family or friends. Delivered with a 12 V DC and a 220 V AC plug, you can plug it either on the cigarette lighter or on a wall socket.
The Klarstein Manhattan mini fridge offers excellent value for money considering the features and performance it presents.
139 £ on AmazonHere is a mini fridge with unmatched performance and exceptional design. With a capacity of 35 liters, it ranks in the list of mini fridges with large capacity. The Klarstein Manhattan mini fridge has 3 temperature settings. It allows you to keep your snacks, drinks or even medicines and other cosmetic products cool. It is ideal for the office or bedroom.
Depending on your preferences, you can install or remove the grill, to better manage the interior space or get more useful volume. Thanks to a noise level of only 30 dB, you won't hear it while it's running, even during the night. In addition, this mini fridge with energy class A will save you money by reducing the electricity bill. Finally, you should know that its reversible door allows you to position it according to your needs in terms of location.
If you're looking for an ultra-compact mini fridge for your car or for camping, go for this Ultra 6 model from Subcold. The Ultra 6 is very compact in size, but unfortunately also in capacity.
47,96 £ on AmazonThis mini fridge is really "mini" with a capacity of 6 liters. In addition, there is enough room for 8 of your favorite 330 ml cans. The internal shelf is removable, so you have the option of using it as a beverage or food only fridge, or both. The Ultra 6 does offer storage space in the door, but it's just wide enough for a thin chocolate bar, so it's still a nice addition, as it gives you even more storage options. Measuring just over a foot tall, the Ultra 6 is definitely a compact choice.
The Ultra 6 is more like an electric cooler when it comes to cooling, as rather than maintaining a set temperature, it simply cools down to 18°C below room temperature. Since the Ultra 6 is designed to be portable, it includes a carrying handle and the ability to use AC or 12V power.
Any specific needs?
The best entry-level mini fridge
Your guide :
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| The best | LOWEST PRICE | HIGHEST RANGE | Excellent | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
7/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
CHiQ CSD46D4
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Mini Frigo de Chambre ASIM40 AstroAI
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Klarstein Manhattan silent mini fridge 35L
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Mini Fridge Subcold Ultra 6
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More than just a mini bar, the CHiQ CSD46D6 is a true miniature refrigerator that can hold all kinds of food and drinks. Its minimalist appearance gives it a classic and elegant look!
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The AstroAI 4 liter portable mini fridge is perfect for keeping drinks and meals cool or warm during a picnic or a trip.
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The Klarstein Manhattan mini fridge offers excellent value for money considering the features and performance it presents.
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If you're looking for an ultra-compact mini fridge for your car or for camping, go for this Ultra 6 model from Subcold. The Ultra 6 is very compact in size, but unfortunately also in capacity.
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Dimensions
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47.4 x 44.7 x 49.6 cm
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27.6 x 24.6 x 18.6 cm
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45 x 39 x 52.5 cm
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27.3 x 20.8 x 30.8 cm
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Capacity
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46 L
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4 L
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35 L
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6 L
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Noise level
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39 dB
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26 dB
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30 dB
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28 dB
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Energy class
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F
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A+
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A
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-
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Temperature range
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0 at 10 °C
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5 at 30 °C
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5 - 12 °C
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3 at 65 °C
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Even if a mini fridge offers a reduced storage capacity compared to a standard fridge, it varies from one model to another. The model you choose should have enough capacity to hold the type or amount of product you want to keep cool. If you just want to cool two or three cans of drinks, for example, a compact mini fridge, also known as a mini walk-in or portable fridge, may be right for you. If you need to refrigerate food and prepared meals in addition to your drinks, consider choosing a larger capacity mini fridge.
Beyond your capacity needs, you should also consider the size of your mini fridge based on the space available. If you want to install it in your office, or in a small room, consider determining its intended location beforehand and measuring the space. You should then base your decision on the measurements obtained when you choose your mini fridge.
For more comfort of use and / or for a better integration of your mini fridge in your interior, you can also take into account the available features. These are mainly:
A mini fridge naturally consumes less energy than a "normal" fridge, but some models are more energy consuming than others. It is also important to know that there is not a big difference between the power consumption of a mini fridge and a normal size fridge. That's why this criterion must be considered when you choose. The very small portable fridges are obviously the ones that consume the least and you don't have to worry about their energy class. However, if you are buying a larger mini fridge, you should at least choose a model with an A+ energy rating. Those with an A++ or A+++ label are the most energy efficient.
There are mini fridge models with varied and original designs. If the appliance is intended to be part of your everyday world, for example your office, you can adapt its design to the room's layout. The transportable models come in a multitude of colors and shapes, and can even find their place on a side table or on a shelf. Some of the compact mini-fridges, for example, take the shape of a famous can. Others feature a carrying handle or decorative elements that make them design objects in their own right. Still others have a retro red or white design that looks great.
To produce cold, a refrigerator has a built-in cooling system. There are three categories of mini fridges according to their cooling system:
The mini fridges with Peltier module
The mini fridges with Peltier module are most of the time models called 2 in 1, which means that they are able to produce cold as well as heat. The functioning of a mini fridge with Peltier module is based on thermoelectricity. This technique consists in using electrical current to produce temperature variations. Cold and heat are generated by a component called Peltier module.
Unaffected by shocks and jolts, the Peltier module cooling system is perfectly suited for portable mini-fridges. In addition, it does not produce any operating noise. On the other hand, the temperature does not drop very low. It can be found for example on the mini fridge coca cola, the mini fridge monster, the mini car fridge or the mini fridge can.
Mini fridges with compressor
The compressor cooling system uses an electric motor and a compressor. It is characterized by its high cooling efficiency and low energy consumption. For fast cooling of your favorite drinks, the compressor mini fridge is ideal.
The disadvantage of a mini fridge with a compressor is that it generates a slight noise when it is in operation, but this will not bother you. To avoid discomfort, consider choosing a certified silent model.
Cold absorption mini-fridges
With a closed circuit in which a refrigerant liquid circulates, a mini fridge with cold absorption has the big advantage of not emitting any noise during operation. It is the quietest mini fridge. It is perfectly adapted for a use in a room. The disadvantage with this cooling system is that the temperature cannot go below 10°C. Therefore, it is not advisable to store perishable food for more than a day in a mini absorption fridge.
The efficiency of a mini-fridge depends on the ambient temperature. Remember to keep it out of direct sunlight or not to lock it in a car with the windows closed.
The different categories of mini-fridges are suitable for more or less specific uses.
The portable mini fridge, like the mini cola fridge or the mini can fridge, is ideal to carry your drinks during your car escapades or a picnic. Very compact and light, you can also use it as a mini camping fridge to refresh your drinks or heat up your meals when you travel. It plugs into a 220 V outlet or a 12 V cigarette lighter. It is also effective to cool your drinks or heat your snacks quickly at the office, without cluttering the room.
The average mini fridge, like the mini bar fridge, whose capacity is around 50 L, is ideal to store several bottles of drinks as well as food to be consumed quickly. It is usually equipped with a cold absorption cooling system. A medium-sized mini fridge is perfectly suited for use in the bedroom or office.
The "large size" mini fridge, finally, is recommended if you want to benefit from the advantages of a classic fridge while favouring compactness. With a storage volume of up to 70 L or 80 L, this category of mini fridge allows you to keep your food and drinks in the best conditions. It is generally equipped with a compressor cooling system, and most often includes a compartment dedicated to freezing.
The minimum temperature of the freezer of a mini fridge does not go below -12°C, while on a normal freezer, it can go up to -18°C. It is therefore advisable not to keep your frozen food too long.
Ideal in a bedroom, office or car, the mini fridge comes in 3 types: Peltier module, compressor or absorption. Thus, it offers a wide choice to find the best for you. Because of its small size and consequently its low weight, this device can be carried almost anywhere and takes up little space. Moreover, its movement does not require any help from others and some models are even equipped with a wrist to facilitate its transport. The mini fridge often has a freezer compartment, a refrigerator compartment, removable shelves to put different products.
In addition, it has a thermostat and other features to meet the expectations of its user. Moreover, it is a compact and easy to maintain device. On the other hand, almost all mini fridges can only hold a small amount of food. You may have to cut up some food to make room. This small appliance is not suitable for families. Also, it requires a nearby power source to operate, unlike the electric cooler.
The electric cooler has the same use as the mini fridge and has most of the same functions. It works on 230 V or on a 12 V cigarette lighter. But beyond a mini fridge, it has a battery. Which is really handy if you want to take it fishing for example. Compared to a simple cooler, it does not need ice packs to cool down and cannot contain water after use. An electric cooler is also available in 3 models: with Peltier module, with compressor or with absorption. In addition, it has a dual function of keeping your food cold or hot.
The electric cooler is often made of plastic, lightweight and easy to carry. However, even if it works well without being plugged in, the autonomy of its battery is rather weak. It varies from 6 to 15 hours. Large capacity coolers are also heavy when filled, requiring extra hands. Some coolers may not come with power cables, so you'll have to buy them separately. And, like mini-fridges, some electric coolers also make noise.
The choice between these two appliances is up to you. Turn to the mini fridge if you are sure to always have a source of electricity nearby. If not, choose a cooler for its autonomy.
For its practicality
A mini-fridge, as the name suggests, is a small device that can be installed anywhere, whether in an office, a living room, a kitchen or a garage. You can even have one in your car so that you have cold drinks available while you are on the move. Most models are equipped with a 12V charger. Also, it can be moved around as much as you like and you won't need any help to do it.
To save space
A conventional refrigerator can be bulky, especially if you have a small kitchen. Because of its size, it can be difficult to find a place for it that allows you to move around smoothly. You won't have this kind of problem anymore by opting for a mini-fridge. Its design has been thought in order to save you space and make your life easier. It allows you to organize the layout and decoration of the room.
For its usefulness
It is a small and indispensable device, both for professionals and for individuals. You can, for example, put your lunch in it if you have some at the office, or your usual drinks. This way, you won't have to go out at lunchtime. It's also a way to have a variety of snacks at hand so you don't waste time and can better concentrate on your work. In addition, you can use it as an extra accessory to a mini-bar at home.
For its accessibility
Generally, a mini fridge costs less than a normal model. If you have a limited budget while you want to buy a functional device, a mini fridge is all you need. In addition, some inexpensive models offer features that go beyond those of conventional fridges.
For its low energy consumption
The majority of models sold today are equipped with an energy saving system, yet they perform similarly to a large refrigerator. Not only will you save money on your bill, but you will also benefit from optimal cooling by purchasing a mini-fridge.
In our opinion, the best brands of mini fridges in 2022 are :
Klarstein is a brand of the German Berlin Brands Group. The brand is specialized in household appliances. Klarstein products are manufactured with the highest quality standards.
Based in Southern California, AstroAI is an American brand specialized in car accessories. The brand has extended its range to include portable mini-fridges for motorists. Functional and design, AstroAI mini fridges are high quality products.
Founded in 1892, Severin is a German brand of small appliances offering a wide range of products that are both simple and reliable. Severin mini fridges are among the best on the market.
Frigelux is a young household appliance brand belonging to the French group La Sommelière International. Frigelux products offer a good quality / price ratio.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Vegetables.
Get into the habit of washing and cutting up your vegetables before storing them in your mini fridge. This will be much more convenient for snacks and quick meals. Try to incorporate green, red, orange and yellow vegetables into your diet.
Fruit.
Remember
that fresh, frozen, dried, and canned fruit are all equally important. But if you like fresh fruit, feel free to reserve a spot for it in your mini-fridge. Again, wash and cut up your fruit before storing it. They can easily be added to your morning oatmeal or yogurt.
Milk and yogurt.
Skimmed or low-fat milk can be added to oatmeal or whole grain cereal for a nutritious and filling breakfast. Individual containers of low-fat or light Greek yogurt are convenient and portable. Don't forget to pop some in your mini-refrigerator so you can mix it with your fruit and nuts for an energizing breakfast.
Don't forget the water.
Store
water in your mini fridge. Invest in a small carafe that can easily fit in your appliance. This will allow you to enjoy fresh water throughout the day, and even overnight if necessary.
Clean your mini fridge every month.
Try to
clean your mini fridge every month or whenever you go away for an extended period of time. You'll be able to extend its longevity. And you'll also avoid the very unpleasant surprises of forgotten food rotting in your appliance.
In our opinion, the best mini fridge for most people is the Klarstein Mini Silent Fridge 35L Minibar. To find out more, read our buying guide.
Use a mixture of hot water and baking soda or white vinegar to clean the inside of your mini fridge. The outside can be washed with a sponge dampened with soapy water and rinsed.
To find out if your mini bar or bedroom fridge uses a lot of electricity, take a look at its energy label. An A++, A++ or A+ label means that the appliance is energy efficient.
There must be a 10 cm clearance behind and on both sides of the appliance to ensure proper operation. Of course, portable mini-fridges do not require this precaution.
You can put all types of food in your mini fridge if it has at least one shelf. But do not put frozen food in it if it is not equipped with a freezer.
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