The 11 Best Mini Fridges of 2023

Best Overall

GE GDE03GGKBB 3.1 cu. ft. Freestanding Double-Door Mini Fridge

4.5

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When it comes to mini fridges, the GE GDE03GGKBB Double-Door Mini Fridge will check off the majority of your boxes. This 3.1-cubic-foot fridge is on the smaller side but has a long list of useful features. To kick things off, the unit has a separate freezer compartment, which gives it the look and feel of a larger appliance. This type of freezer lets you store more frozen goods at one time, as well as bulkier items like pints of ice cream. You can put sticks of butter or bags of frozen fruit in the second door, before organizing your fresh food in the refrigerator compartment.

Inside, you'll find two glass shelves and a crisper drawer. Cans can be stored in the dispenser built into the door, while smaller pockets can hold tall and small items like containers of vegetable broth or yogurt. An interior light helps you find a snack with ease, while a reversible door makes the entire freestanding unit flexible when it comes time to set it up in a college dorm room, finished basement, or office. You can't install this model in a garage or outside, as it's not built to withstand very hot or cold temperatures.

Note that this appliance does manually defrost, meaning you'll need to chip away at ice buildup once it's become 1/4-inch thick, a good indicator that it's also time to clean the freezer. The instructions are all laid out in the user manual, and the process will take a few hours. While that can be annoying over time, you'll likely find that the fridge is suitable in a variety of settings and situations.

Price at time of publish: $409

_{Total Capacity: 3.1 cubic feet | Dimensions: 33.38 x 18.75 x 20.12 inches | Freezer Type: Top door | Installation Type: Freestanding | Defrost Type: Manual | Garage Friendly: No}

Best Budget

COOLULI I10L2W Infinity 0.35 cu. ft. Retro Mini Fridge

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Despite its extremely compact build, the COOLULI I10L2W Infinity Retro Mini Fridge packs a big punch—at a small price. This budget-friendly countertop fridge is meant to be placed in a tiny space that's maybe not equipped for a full-sized fridge but could benefit from an appliance like it. It can be placed in either an indoor or outdoor setting, and be the spot for your little water bottles, yogurt cups, skincare products, or even breast milk. It's outfitted with adjustable shelving that really expands its 0.35-cubic-foot interior, as well as a warming mode that'll preserve hot food at the flip of a switch.

While there are other products on the market that are very similar (and beloved by those on TikTok), we ultimately recommend this one for your compact refrigeration needs because it's super versatile and actually keeps items cool—something that other ones like it can't necessarily do past eight or nine months of use.

The manual recommends giving room-temperature drinks about two to three hours to completely chill after you've added them in. (To speed up this process, you can always pre-chill your items before popping them into the interior.) However, this detail shouldn't be worrisome. It's no indication that the fridge is not functional. In fact, the fridge keeps your items chilled without creating lots of noise or using a ton of energy. It has a frost-free design that also makes it ideal for installing in a basement bar, office, boat, nursery, or dorm room.

You might want to put a folded paper towel along the bottom of the interior to catch drips from the automatic defroster, and you'll need to store frozen goods elsewhere. But when all is said and done, this retro fridge will get the job done and help ensure that you have fresh items wherever you are. You can shop it in several unique colors to show off your personal style.

Price at time of publish: $80

_{Total Capacity: 0.35 cubic feet | Dimensions: 13.4 x 9.4 x 11.4 inches | Freezer Type: No freezer | Installation Type: Freestanding | Defrost Type: Frost free | Garage Friendly: Yes}

Best Garage Ready

BLACK+DECKER BCRK43B 4.3 cu. ft. Freestanding Mini Fridge with Freezer

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At a slightly cheaper price point, you can opt for the BLACK+DECKER BCRK43B Freestanding Mini Fridge. This pick is no stranger to amenities, like a reversible door and crisper drawer, and it offers 4.3 cubic feet of interior space. This is plenty for one person's weekly groceries—despite the full-width, internal freezer that takes over the top portion of the interior. In itself, the freezer is roomy enough for a bag of frozen vegetables and a couple of popsicles, and it shouldn't be underestimated either. The compact fridge could function well in a basement kitchenette layout.

In addition to space, the interior has thoughtful storage options. There are three shelves made of glass for an elevated look and feel, and three pockets on the door. A dispenser is also present but doesn't take up the entire door, which is ideal for those who are using a mini fridge for more than storing drinks. Most notably, this mini fridge pick is also energy-efficient. It uses an estimated 226 kWh of electricity per year, which is significantly less compared to other models on the market.

The drawbacks to this BLACK+DECKER fridge are that it manually defrosts, and its shelving isn't adjustable. The space in between shelves isn't very tall, which may be an issue for storing bulkier items, such as salads, jumbo containers of berries, or massive leftovers. But we think this mini fridge will save you money upfront and during its lifetime, which might help you overlook these few limitations. Not to mention, it has a freestanding and garage-ready design that makes it both flexible and easy to install.

Price at time of publish: $237

_{Total Capacity: 4.3 cubic feet | Dimensions: 32.72 x 20.63 x 20.94 inches | Freezer Type: In-fridge | Installation Type: Freestanding | Defrost Type: Manual | Garage Friendly: Yes}

Best Splurge

Café CDE06RP4NW2 5.7 cu. ft. Built-in Undercounter Dual Drawer Refrigerator

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You'll definitely spend some serious money on the Café CDE06RP4NW2 Undercounter Dual Drawer Refrigerator. However, if you're in the middle of or considering a kitchen remodeling project, and in the market for a mini fridge that expands your fresh food storage and looks stylish, then we think this pick is your best bet. It's outfitted with 5.7 cubic feet of space between its two soft-close drawers, which is about 1 cubic foot more than the average mini fridge. An adjustable divider makes it easy to organize your food and drinks, and both drawers are tall enough to hold upright bottles, so it's an ideal pick for entertainers and wine lovers alike. Just know that there is no freezer compartment.

When you pull out one of the drawers, you'll notice the interior features LED lighting and a stainless steel finish. These fun features, along with the built-in design, make this pick more elevated. You can install the fridge under a countertop, and it'll look like it's always been a part of your home, thanks to multiple hardware and finish options. If you're worried about children reaching for drinks and leaving the drawer wide open, a door alarm will also ease your nerves and remind every resident to clean up after themselves. Other amenities you can make use of include a Sabbath mode and automatic defrosting, which saves you time and energy chipping away at any ice buildup, one of the advantages over manual defrosting models.

Still, you should know that you can't install this drawer-style mini fridge in an outdoor kitchen or a garage. The bottom drawer also needs a little nudge to close at times, and the fridge can be noisy. According to the manual, any cracking, clicking, humming, and buzzing sounds are all normal and a result of the compressor or automatic defroster putting in work.

Price at time of publish: $3,499

_{Total Capacity: 5.7 cubic feet | Dimensions: 33.88 x 23.88 x 26 inches | Freezer Type: No freezer | Installation Type: Built-in | Defrost Type: Automatic | Garage Friendly: No}

Best Retro

Frigidaire Mini Portable Compact Personal Fridge Cooler

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Retro fridges have made a major comeback, and we think this mini personal fridge cooler from Frigidaire will be the most stylish and functional piece in any space. The fridge comes in five different colors (although not every retailer carries every option, so make sure to do your research), and it can be purchased alongside a retro-inspired coffee maker or microwave oven to fit with any retro kitchen design, making it particularly great for a college student or apartment dweller who'd like to check a few appliances off their shopping list at once.

With a 4-liter or six-can capacity, it sits right alongside other countertop mini fridges in terms of volume, and the slide-out shelf can be adjusted to make the interior work for you. This wouldn't necessarily be a piece to replace your kitchen fridge, but an added convenience you can use in any room of your choosing, or even on-the-go! It weighs just 3 pounds and boasts a handle at the top for easy transport. Plug it in at home, or bring a charger with you for tailgating, barbecues, or any other gatherings.

It would also work for skincare storage, although be warned you may be so enamored by the vintage aesthetic that you'll get distracted during your nightly routine. (Or maybe that's just us?) We're also fans of the small window at the center of the door, giving you a view of its contents without actually having to open it up.

Note, this fridge does not include a freezer, but with the flip of a switch it can be used as a warmer. (You know that dip you want to bring to the big game watch party? You're covered!) It does have limitations when it comes to cooling. You can count on 32 degrees cooler than the room (or outside) temperature, so plan accordingly if you live in a hot climate or anticipate lots of temperature fluctuations in your future.

Price at time of publish: $42

_{Total Capacity: 4 liters | Dimensions: 7.5 x 10.25 x 10.25 inches | Freezer Type: No freezer | Installation Type: Freestanding | Defrost Type: Not applicable | Garage Friendly: Not listed}

Best for Bedroom

Frigidaire 1.6 cu ft Blue Retro Fridge

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An aesthetically pleasing, brightly colored, retro-inspired mini-fridge with a built-in bottle opener? Yes, please! This adorable Frigidaire offers all of that and more. The cute design and cheery color choices (including red, blue, moonbeam, and coral) make it easy to style in your bedroom, and the reversible door gives you added flexibility. This model is compact at 16 inches deep, 18 inches wide, and just under 19 inches tall, and it weighs just 31 pounds—lightweight by appliance standards, giving you more options for placement than more sizable models. You can even store it under a desk or lofted bed. (Just be warned that it's cute enough that you'll want to keep it in view.)

As far as the inside goes, it comes with an adjustable wire shelves along with wire door compartments, so whether you're storing food containers, beverages, or skincare, you'll have options. The freezer compartment is small, at just 0.25 cubic feet, so don't plan on using it for ice cream cakes or family-sized lasagnas. A perfectly sized ice cube tray is included, so making ice will be a cinch.

Buyers also rave about its quiet operation, and we're glad to see that it's Energy Star certified, too. One potential downside is that you'll need to defrost it manually, but we see that as a (small!) price to pay. We could see this model in a bedroom, dorm room, or game room, or even an office where it makes sense to have a mini fridge that serves as both form and function.

Price at time of publish: $107

_{Total Capacity: 1.6 cubic feet | Dimensions: ‎16 x 18 x 18.5 inches | Freezer Type: In-fridge | Installation Type: Freestanding | Defrost Type: Manual | Garage Friendly: Not listed}

Best for Skincare

Cooluli Skincare Mini Fridge (White)

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One look at TikTok, and it's easy to see that fridges dedicated to skincare are all the rage. If you're ready to elevate your beauty routine, then this sleek and sophisticated skincare fridge from Cooluli is an excellent choice. Available in six colors, including two different shades of pink, plus a cow pattern (yes, you read that correctly!), this mini cooler is gorgeous enough to keep front and center on your counter. It has a 4-liter/six-can capacity that makes it convenient for masks, moisturizers, and more. If you're not sure you'll have enough skincare products to fill it, it's more than suitable for snacks and drinks, too. It also boasts a warming feature, so for any at-home spa treatments or for when you need to take the chill off of something, it has you covered.

It can be used with a standard electrical plug, and it comes with a car adapter, and it's USB-compatible, making it a great choice for travel. Buyers also report that it's quiet enough to use at work, too, although some note issues with using it long-term, such as temperature fluctuations and water collecting inside.

It's worth mentioning that this unit would be convenient to use in addition to your home fridge, but not necessarily in place of it. The internal temperature can be up to 40 degrees below the ambient temperature of your room (or car, or outside). It won't keep your dairy items, such as that extra carton of milk, fresh during a summer heatwave, but your eye patches and favorite serums will be left feeling refreshing and cool.

Price at time of publish: $50

_{Total Capacity: 4 liters | Dimensions: 7.25 x 10. 25 x 10.75 inches | Freezer Type: No freezer | Installation Type: Freestanding | Defrost Type: Not applicable | Garage Friendly: Not listed}

Best for Travel

AstroAI Mini Fridge 2.0

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The previous model of the AstroAI Mini Fridge has developed a fan following online, so we were excited to see the development of the 2.0 version. It's more spacious than the previous iteration (and many of its competitors), with a 6-liter capacity, or eight soda cans. It also has a sleek design that feels more updated and modern. The removable shelf gives you flexibility to organize the interior to your preferences, whether you need room for taller bottles or prefer smaller sections for snacks. It's more than suitable for skincare, too. Another subtle structural change is the switch to nonslip silicone pads on the base of the machine (instead of hard pads), which produce a smaller gap between your fridge cooler and the surface it sits on. We like this added feature because that means less space for dust or debris to collect.

We see this cute mini fridge as a smart choice for travel because it comes with both AC and DC cords, giving you the option to conveniently plug it into a car cigarette lighter for cooling capabilities when you're on the go. The increase in size means you and your roadtrip buddy or commuting partner can share the space, too. We just wish the handle had been included with this model, but we are willing to forgo it for the other conveniences offered.

Notably, as with similar cooling fridge models, the fridge's effectiveness can be affected by the external temperature around it, and you can expect it to reach 32 to 40 degrees cooler, so take extra caution on those hot days if you have perishables inside. For day-to-day use, we think this model has lots to offer.

Price at time of publish: $58

_{Total Capacity: 6 liters | Dimensions: 9.84 x 7.28 x 12.2 inches | Freezer Type: No freezer | Installation Type: Freestanding | Defrost Type: Not applicable | Garage Friendly: Not listed}

Best for Beverages

Titan Signature 24 in. French Door Beverage and Wine Cooler

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If you're purchasing a mini fridge to expand your drink storage, opt for one that's designed for beverages and full of helpful features: the Titan SS-FRBW6420DZ Signature French Door Beverage and Wine Cooler. It has adjustable, sliding shelves, as well as two cooling zones for storing wine, beer, and soda at their ideal temperature. A door alarm will notify you when one of the French doors has been left open, so the 20-bottle, 64-can interior remains stable.

This pick doesn't feature a freezer compartment. It's also not ideal for storing food. However, it does have a flexible design and can be installed in a freestanding or built-in setting, making it perfect for a basement or living room bar set-up. The Titan mini fridge is also frost-free, so you won't need to unload your bottles and cans regularly to maintain the appliance. There's an interior light for easily showing off your favorite sips, LED controls, and a Sabbath mode. Most notably, this fridge has a wide internal temperature range. While it can't be installed in a garage, you can set the internal temperature anywhere between 38 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

All in all, the Titan fridge won't leave your drinks hanging. It'll treat them to the very best environment, as compared to a general fridge that's also suitable for food. Just be aware that the fridge is on the expensive side before adding it to your cart. One tip to lower the cost on pricey items: Brittney Castro, certified financial planner and founder of Mint, says to help cut costs, you can look for appliances with minor scratches or dents and negotiate a discounted rate. "This is an easy way to still get the product you want, but with some minor cosmetic imperfections on the outside," she explains.

Price at time of publish: $1,939

_{Bottle Capacity: 20 | Can Capacity: 64 | Dimensions: 33.86 x 23.82 x 23.35 inches | Freezer Type: No freezer | Installation Type: Built-in and freestanding | Defrost Type: Frost free | Garage Friendly: No}

Best with No Freezer

Danby DAR026A1WDD-6 Designer 2.6 cu. ft. Freestanding Mini Fridge

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If you only need fresh food storage, a mini fridge with no freezer feature is the best pick for you. There's no compartment internally or externally that takes up precious space, so you're able to store more refrigerated foods and drinks at one time. When it comes to freezerless mini fridges, the Danby DAR026A1WDD-6 Designer Freestanding Mini Fridge tops other picks, because it's both reliable and thoughtful. The interior is 2.6 cubic feet large, which is smaller than average, but it features three adjustable shelves. You can set them up however you need and store a small bottle of orange juice in the door, too.

The fridge's door also features a can dispenser. However, it doesn't take over the entire door and is designed with angled slots for easily grabbing a soda or seltzer. The door is also reversible, meaning you can install the hinges to open the door to the left or right. If you're installing this mini fridge in a dorm room or tight space where you don't know the layout yet, this feature is very handy, because you can easily change the orientation as needed. An integrated door handle also makes this piece of the fridge more space-conscious, while a freestanding design gives it added flexibility.

A downside of this Danby fridge is the controls are located on the back of the unit. It might take some maneuvering to set the internal temperature and adjust it once it's been installed. In addition, the fridge manually defrosts, and wire shelves make it easy for tiny items to slip through. You'll want to purchase storage bins for sauce packets and easily bruised fruit. Still, the fridge will likely save money during operation, thanks to an Energy Star rating.

Price at time of publish: $300

_{Total Capacity: 2.6 cubic feet | Dimensions: 27.37 x 17.68 x 20.06 inches | Freezer Type: No freezer | Installation Type: Freestanding | Defrost Type: Manual | Garage Friendly: No}