From convenience to practicality, compact refrigerators are a smart and economical choice for the home, office or dorm room. These small fridges are a great fit for tight spaces and as additions to a rec room, bar, shared living space or kitchenette at your workplace. It’s simple to store your stock of wine, beer, soda and even a few snacks in these handy units. Not only do these fridges solve convenience and space issues, but compact units are also energy-efficient, making many models an excellent option for cold storage. Some models also offer limited freezer space. These refrigerator and freezer combos are great for keeping popsicles frozen in your outdoor entertaining space, and prepared meals handy and ready to heat up in the microwave at the office or in the dorm room. Every dollar you spend on a compact refrigerator is sure to pay dividends in hours of saved time and cash saved on costly meals out. Your kids, coworkers and roommates will appreciate quick access to beverages, snacks and small meals that are certain to satisfy thirst or hunger. With a range of options on the market, you are sure to find the model that works best for your needs.
Finding the Right Size for Your Space
Choosing a unit for cold food and beverage storage can be a big task. The number of models on the market can leave you feeling overwhelmed when all you really need is a quality fridge in the right size that can be trusted to keep food and drink cold and accessible. Take the guesswork out of adding a fridge to your space with compact refrigerators, which come in a variety of sizes. Ranging from 1.7 to just under 6 cubic feet, these smart little units are built to be used for a variety of purposes. Let’s take a look at a few sizes and uses:
Mini Fridges
Mini fridges are ideal for a wide variety of uses. They are often simple to place on a shelf or transport to different locations. These convenient units provide ample space for small items such as veggie packs, juice boxes and microwave meals.
Danby DAR195BL All Refrigerator offers 1.8 cubic feet of interior space, a reversible door hinge and a cycle defrost. This counter-top model comes equipped with the CanStor® beverage dispensing system for easy access to cans of soda or juice.
Haier HCR17W Refrigerator/Freezer boasts 1.7 cubic feet of well-designed space, offering door storage, including room for a two-liter bottle and smaller items in the door. One of the standout features of this model is the half-width freezer, which comes equipped with an ice cube tray.
These units work very well under the bar, in a private office, in the kids’ playroom or nursery, and even the in the small-scale layout of a dorm room. Slide it under a desk. Place one on a shelf or small table. Mini fridges work exceptionally well for both beverages and snacks, and will keep everyone satisfied.
Larger Compact Fridges
When you have the need to store even more cold items, that mini-fridge just may not cut it. Cute as those minis are, when the whole family, or all of your coworkers, need a place to chill snacks and drinks or store their lunches, these larger units are made to fill the bill:
GE 5.7 Cubic Foot Spacemaker sports some excellent options: a 12-can beverage rack, full-width freezer with two Ice N’ Easy trays, and two fresh food door shelves for easy access. With interior lighting and reversible hinges for the doors, the Spacemaker boasts many full-size refrigerators’ features in a small space.
Maytag MURM24FWBS 5.6 Cubic Foot Undercounter Refrigerator is big on form and function, featuring a sleek exterior design, three tempered glass shelves and three clear door bins. Temperature is controlled from the outside and interior lighting makes items easy to see.
Perfect for an office environment where multiple people need short-term use of cold storage for lunches and drinks, larger units are a sound investment. Under the counter models work extremely well for overflow storage of fruits and vegetables or items that you like to keep in stock but that clog up your kitchen refrigerator. You won’t find yourself worrying about where you will place the five-dozen eggs you need for baking delicious treats during the holidays. One of these added to your dining room will keep wines chilled to wow dinner guests. The possibilities are truly endless with these efficient refrigerators.
There is a Happy Medium
In-between the mini and large size refrigerators are two models that provide a combination of interior space and streamlined design:
Magic Chef 2.6 Cubic Foot Mini Refrigerator is Energy Star® qualified and will save you more than a few bucks on your utility bill. It features a can dispenser on the inside of the door and easy-to-clean glass shelving, along with a freezer compartment and up front, adjustable temperature control.
Danby DAR440BL 4.4 Cubic Foot Compact All Refrigerator is also Energy Star® qualified and is a counter-height unit with a scratch-resistant work top and 2 ½ wire shelves. Like its mini counterpart, this unit offers the CanStor® beverage dispenser inside the door.
Brand Awareness: Leading Manufacturers
Leading manufacturers of small refrigerators include several brands that are well-known and offer an excellent track record for manufacturing high-quality, long-lasting, affordable units. Here’s a breakdown of some of these major brands:
General Electric (GE)
GE has been manufacturing home appliances, including refrigerators, since 1892. In the small refrigerator market, they offer an affordable line of products that are easy to use, economical and a practical addition to your space. GE is the frontrunner where fridge/freezer combinations are concerned. These no-fuss units get the job done.
- Five different compact models to choose from
- ADA Compliant: units are easy to open and accessible
- Price Range: $229.00-$259.00
- Parts Warranty: Limited 1-Year Entire Appliance
Sanyo
Known for everything electronic but refrigerators, Sanyo is a surprising contender in this market. Small refrigerators are the company’s specialty in the appliance arena and they focus on manufacturing contemporary and stylish compact fridges and freezers. Buyers rank Sanyo units as some of the most attractive on the market.
- 11 compact and counter-high models to choose from
- Wide Range of Options: Compact Refrigerators, Under Counter Units, Apartment Size Models and Beverage Coolers
- Attractive and sleek design
- Price Range: $177.00 to $300.00 + (Compact and counter-height units only)
Haier
Specializing in compact and wine refrigerators for the American market, this global company offers some great products for cold storage. With a focus on specialty refrigerators, Haier really shines when it comes to offering quality units with lots of options at an affordable price.
- 11 compact models to choose from
- Perfect for: Outdoor entertaining, dorm rooms and rec rooms
- Three Color Options: Black, white and stainless steel
- Price Range: $199.00 -$295.00
Igloo
With a strong foothold on the portable cooler market, Igloo also offers a wide range of options in the electric cold storage market, and these straightforward units are quite affordable. Options include models with and without freezers that are sure to fit any budget.
- 10 models to choose from
- Size Range: 3.2 cu. ft. to 4.6 cu. ft.
- Two-door fridge and freezer options
- Price: Starting at $119.99
Magic Chef
Variety is at the heart of the Magic Chef line of mini and small refrigerators and freezers. After being acquired by Whirpool, their core, and focus, became these practical little units. The diverse product line offers something for every cold storage need from just beverages to fresh and frozen foods.
- 29 models to choose from
- Size Range: 1.7 cu. ft. to 10 cu. ft (mini and compact units only)
- Offered in black, white and stainless steel
- Price: Starting at $169.99
Danby
Compact appliances are the specialty at Danby, and this tight focus allows them to make a product that’s superior to others on the market. They manufacture energy efficient units that work for a variety of purposes and will save on utility costs.
- Mini, mid-size and large compact refrigerators are Energy Star® rated
- Size Range: 1.7 cu. ft to 4.4 cu. ft.
- Offered with and without freezer compartments
- Price: Starting at $109.95
Frigidaire
Well known throughout the world, Frigidaire has been in business for over 80 years. In 1986 they were acquired by Westinghouse appliances, another household name. The mission of these two giants is to manufacture well-made appliances that stand the test of time.
- Five models to choose from
- Size Range: 2.5 cu. ft. to 4.5 cu. ft.
- Offered with and without freezer compartments
- Price Range: $209.00 to $379.00
Brands such as Oster, Chefmate and Slim also produce some of the most popular small refrigerators on the market. Like their competitors, they offer a wide range of models and styles to choose from, with price points that work with any budget.