Last Updated on February 15, 2023 by Tom
Are you in the market for a mini fridge? If so, you may be wondering which one is the best option. To help make your decision easier, we’ve teamed up with Wirecutter to create a guide for the best mini fridge according wirecutter.
In this guide, you’ll find our top picks as well as tips on what to consider when making your purchase. So whether you’re looking for a small fridge for your dorm room or a bigger model for your home office, we have you covered. Keep reading to learn more!
List Reviews of The Best Mini Fridge Wirecutter in 2022
What is a Mini Fridge?
A mini fridge is a small, compact appliance that keeps perishable items fresh longer. They are perfect for offices, dorm rooms, and other areas where storage space may be limited. Most models have an adjustable thermostat to allow the user to control the temperature of their unit. A majority also have a plastic storage shelf with smaller compartments for separating food items. A mini fridge is also capable of cooling below the ambient temperature, allowing it to be used in environments where air conditioning may not be available, such as camping trips.
Mini fridges are great for you because they’re smaller than full-sized models, making them perfect for offices or dorm rooms that don’t have room for a full size fridge. Many mini fridges also feature adjustable thermostats and plastic storage shelves with multiple compartments for separating food items. And most importantly, many can cool below the ambient temperature, so you can use them even where air conditioning is unavailable – like on camping trips!
List Common Types of Mini Fridges:
Based on Sizes
A portable mini fridge is a great solution for people who don’t have room to store a larger unit. They are perfect for picnics, tailgating parties, camping, or home bars. Many models also feature adjustable thermostats and storage shelves with multiple compartments.
Mid-size mini fridges are generally the preferred choice of most apartment dwellers, dorm students and small home owners. They are more energy efficient than smaller models or bar fridges and they can hold a little more food. Most of the mid-size units include adjustable glass shelves, lighted interiors with door storage, easy to use thermostats, crispers and bottle racks.
Under counter mini fridges are compact units that fit under most kitchen or bar counters. Many of these units include locks, adjustable thermostats, storage racks and bins, interior light, door alarm and tempered glass shelves.
Based on Technologies
There are different types of miniature refrigerators available on the market depending on their features, modes of operation and size. One popular type comes with separate freezer compartments while another kind incorporates an ice maker as well as other integrated features such as digital thermostats and LED displays.
Cooling systems used in these appliances come in three variations including compressor, thermoelectric and absorption cooling. Compressor models rely on a gas refrigerant to make the cooling cycle possible while thermoelectric and absorption models use coolants that convert electrical currents into cold temperatures. These types of appliances typically feature adjustable thermostats that allow users to set preferred temperature levels depending on the type of food they want to store in it.
The most popular brands include Danby, Newair, Haier, Igloo and Avanti. They offer a wide variety of products ranging from small beverage coolers to compact refrigerators with freezer compartments. If you have limited space in your kitchen or office but still want a stylish appliance for storing beverages and snacks, these brands are worth checking out.
Factors to Consider before Buying The Best Mini Fridge according Wirecutter
Here are some factors to consider before buying the best mini fridge for you:
- Noise Level
The noise level is affected by the compressor type, cooling technology used and fan speed. Some models feature an auto-defrost system that reduces certain components of the refrigerator or freezer to prevent ice buildup on them. These models are generally the quietest.
- Price
The best mini fridge wirecutter prices vary around $200 for around 3.2 cubic feet and go up to $500 or more for larger units that can store 7+ cubic feet of food and beverages. Many models in the $200-$300 range come with locks, locking casters, adjustable shelving and lighting. The more expensive models have digital thermostats and other luxury features.
- Brand
There are a number of brands that offer good quality mini fridge wirecutter at great prices including Danby, Newair, Haier, EdgeStar and Avanti Cooling. Among these brands, the most popular mini fridge options include the Daewoo KOR6L8WSS mini fridge, Danby DAR044A2WP Energy Star 4.4 cu ft 2-Door Flex Mini Refrigerator, New Air AI-210SB portable 7.1 cu ft Mini Fridge with Adjustable Thermostat and Haier HRF312BSL Energy Star 3.0 Cu Ft High-Efficiency Top-Freezer Refrigerator.
- Warranty
One year warranty is usually included for all parts and labor. Some brands offer additional years of warranty depending on the price range and the size of their units. You should however check guarantee information before you buy a unit to make sure it’s covered if there are any defects.
Here are some trusted brands that offer good quality products:
– Danby – offers a wide variety of small appliances including washing machines, compactors and even wine cellars. They have models ranging from 4 to 15 cubic feet which sell for under $300. The best selling mini fridge wirecutter from this brand include the Daewoo KOR6L8WSS mini fridge, Danby DAR044A2WP Energy Star 4.4 cu ft 2-Door Flex Mini Refrigerator and New Air AI-210SB portable 7.1 cu ft Mini Fridge with Adjustable Thermostat
– EdgeStar – offers products that are versatile and designed to meet the storage requirements of a typical family. Its products include under counter, portable and professional refrigerators as well as freezers. The company is known for its innovative designs and stylish products which can suit your taste and home décor.
Some of the best selling models from this brand include EdgeStar IB120SS compact 1.2 Cu Ft Built-In Ice Maker with Storage Bin, EdgeStar IB150SS portable 1.5 Cu Ft Built-In Ice Maker with Storage Bin and EdgeStar IB160SS built-in 1.6 Cu Ft Ice Maker.
– Avanti – manufactures a large variety of appliances including bar fridges which are very popular among the college crowd and the home mixologists. This company is known for providing the best quality appliances at very low prices. Avanti products are good options if you want something stylish and trendy without spending a lot of money.
Some of the most popular models from this brand include the Avanti 1.7 Cu Ft Beverage Cooler, Avanti 2.4 Cu Ft Mini Refrigerator and the Avanti 2.1 Cu Ft Reversible Door Mini Refrigerator.
– New Air – offers a wide variety of products that can suit any household need including compact refrigerators, beverage coolers, wine coolers, freezers and even whole house humidifiers. Products from this brand are designed to be compact yet functional enough to meet all your storage and cooling needs.
Some of the most popular models from this brand include the New Air AI-210SB portable 7.1 cu ft Mini Fridge with Adjustable Thermostat, New Air AI-215SB refrigerated 2.7 Cu Ft Portable Ice Box and New Air AI-450SS built in 4.4 Cu Ft Stainless Steel Ice Maker.
– Haier – specializes in manufacturing a wide variety of products including energy efficient appliances that can help save you a lot of money on your electricity bills. Their line of mini fridges range from 1 to 12 cubic feet and sell for under $200.
The most popular models from this brand include the Haier HRF312BSL Energy Star 3.0 Cu Ft High-Efficiency Top-Freezer Refrigerator, Haier HRF618SBD Energy Star 6.1 cu ft 2-Door Refrigerator with Freezer Drawer and the Haier HRF515SBD Energy Star 5.0 Cu Ft Two Door French Door Refrigerator .
The best mini fridge wirecutter prices vary depending on the size, brand, features and modes of operation. On average they range from $100 to $700 but you can get a good quality unit for under $200 if you know where to look for it.
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The Pros and Cons of Mini Fridge
A lot better than a standard refrigerator. They come in different sizes and shapes and can be placed anywhere in the home or office. Since they are compact, they do not occupy a lot of space which is very useful if you have a small kitchen with limited storage space.
Wirecutter mini fridge can also help you save money on your electricity bills as they use a lot less power than regular refrigerators since most models only consume up to 150 watts which is equivalent to powering three light bulbs.
The biggest disadvantage of mini fridge is that some models do not have freezer compartments so it’s impossible to store goo ds like ice cream and frozen vegetables.
Many people assume incorrectly that these units are low-cost alternatives to regular refrigerators but that’s not true. They are actually more expensive to manufacture and the price you pay is likely to cover the cost of convenience. The cheapest mini fridge can cost up to $300 or $400 but that does not include the cost of electricity required to power it.
Most models require a constant supply of electrical current and should therefore be plugged into surge protectors for safety reasons.
Why should you Choose Mini Fridge according to Wirecutter?
There are a few key reasons why the Wirecutter recommends mini fridges:
1. Mini fridges are more energy-efficient than full-size refrigerators.
2. Mini fridges can be placed in small spaces, making them ideal for apartments and dorm rooms.
3. Mini fridges typically have fewer features than full-size refrigerators, which means they’re simpler to use and maintain.
4. Mini fridges usually cost less than full-size refrigerators.
5. Wirecutter’s testers have found that mini fridges tend to keep food fresher longer than full-size refrigerators.
Choosing a mini fridge is a great way to save energy and space in your home. And, as an added bonus, mini fridges usually cost less than their full-size counterparts. So, if you’re in the market for a new refrigerator, be sure to consider a mini fridge.
Where to Put a Mini Fridge?
The best place to put your refrigerator is in a room where the family spends most of their time. It should be close to the main kitchen or living area but not near any heat sources such as radiators or fireplaces.
Refrigerators work more efficiently when placed against an exterior wall because they are not exposed to direct sunlight which can cause them to overheat. Although these appliances do not use a lot of energy, you need to make sure that they are plugged into outlets that have enough power supply for them to function properly at all times.
Mini Fridge FAQs
Q: How do refrigerators work?
A: There are three types of cooling systems used in miniature refrigerator including compressor, thermoelectric and absorption. Compressor models rely on a gas refrigerant to make the cooling cycle possible while thermoelectric and absorption models use coolants that convert electrical currents into cold temperatures.
Q: What is the difference between a mini fridge with freezer compartments vs one without?
A: Fridges with separate freezer compartments have much more storage space than those without so they are ideal for people who want to store fresh vegetables, ice cream and other frozen foods. Without this compartment, it’s impossible to keep ice cream because these items require freezing at very low temperatures which regular fridges cannot achieve.
Q: What are the advantages of using mini fridges?
A: Mini fridges are cheaper to run, more energy efficient and use less power than regular refrigerators. They can be put in any location without occupying much space because they are compact units that fit neatly into tight spaces. Another advantage is larger savings on your electricity bills as these appliances use up to 150 watts which is equivalent to powering three light bulbs.
Q: How many types of mini fridges exist?
A: There are 3 types of mini fridge wirecutter available including those with freezer compartments, thermoelectric cooling system and absorption cooling system. Compressor models rely on a gas refrigerant while thermoelectric/ absorption models use coolants that convert electrical currents into cold temperatures.
Q: How much do mini fridges cost?
A: Mini fridges come in different sizes and may cost anywhere from $100 to $500 or more based on the type of cooling system, built-in features and brand. The cheapest models retail for about $100 and the priciest ones sell for around $600 or more depending on size and additional features such as freezer compartments.
Conclusion on wirecutter best mini fridge
We’ve looked at a few of the best mini fridge wirecutters on the market and found that each has its own benefits. If you’re in the market for a new mini fridge wirecutter, one of these models is sure to fit your needs.
Keep in mind, though, that what works well for someone else might not be the best option for you. Be sure to read through all of our reviews before making your final decision. Thanks for reading!
