From here on out, mini fridges are cool (literally). Gone are the days when their mere mention would summon up visions of cluttered bedrooms and frat bros. Now, the humble, miniature refrigerator is an integral dorm room essential. Of course, there's no shame in admitting the convenience of a mini fridge remains an alluring factor. The option to keep party drinks somewhere else when guests are over? Sold. Even better? You can use these fridges to store some of your holy-grail skincare products, too. Enter: your teeny knight in pastel and metallic armor. We think this is going to be the ultimate small kitchen appliance of 2023.
So, gone are the days of boring colors, dated designs, and general cringe. I've found a bunch of new, stylish iterations, guaranteed to please any taste. We're talking baby pink hues, chrome plating, and the iconic features we all associate with the colorful, 1950s Smeg designs. Yep, the vibe shift has happened.
Even better? I've taken into account the sometimes wobbly bank accounts typical to first-time buyers, renters, and students navigating inflation, rising house prices, and other 21st-century conundrums. So, whether it's a temperature stat, an internal freezer, an automatic defrost function, or mechanical temperature control you're after, specs like these are sure to keep a cold brew at arms' reach all year round.
Keep it chill with these 9 stylish mini fridges
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Portable and pretty
Size (in): H10 x W6.9 x D.945
Capacity: 4 L
Colors: 6
This is our favorite stylish mini fridge, and thousands of Amazon reviewers agree. Partial to snacking or a can of soda while working away from your dorm or apartment bedroom? Meet my answer to quick-and-easy study breaks. With enough space for six cans, plus eco-friendly engineering and virtually no noise, it's ideal for your next semester. Oh, and if you and your buddies fancy a little getaway, it's compatible with a 12-volt car plug. Road trip! In terms of aesthetics, the colors on offer really pop. Indeed, that pink made this boy wink.
Our fave for style and function
Size (in): H13.4 x 9.4 x D11.4
Capacity: 10 L
Colors: 8
Another mobile and meticulously designed mini worth every buck. Capable of going from cool to warm with just a flick of the switch, this versatile piece of kit comes with a savvy transport handle and an elegant glass front. It's available in every hue, from fuchsia to gold, plus some loud-and-proud patterns. In terms of its uses, the ball is very much in your court. Roam free and take it on your next tailgating excursion or have it as a pantry staple, offering quick and easy access to goodies, fresh produce, and more. Yep, I'm sold.
The greener option
Size (in): H11 x W7 x D10
Capacity: 4 L
Colors: 3
Free from some of the nasties used in other refrigerators, such as the scarily named chlorofluorocarbons, this design relies on specialized technology to warm and cool itself. It is pretty small, offering the equivalent of four cans' worth of space, but when you're just after something quick and easy, it's perfect. As an environmentally friendlier option, it's impressive enough. Add to this the unique sleep mode and ultra-low noise levels, and you have the perfect bedroom boozer.
Contemporary cool
Size (in): H7.7 x W6.97 x D7
Capacity: 4 L
Color: Silver
Meet the future of miniature refrigerating devices. An uber-compact option, this has enough room for six cans and runs without the use of nasty refrigerants. Silent as a mouse and light as a feather, it also nails the brief for quick, weekend getaways on the road. Yep, simply plug into your car and you'll be sipping a cold one or enjoying fresh snacks whether home or away. Equally, if you share a space with others, it's a neat addition to your weekend arsenal of party starters and looks modern and understated.
Retro realness
Size (in): H10 x W6.8 x D7
Capacity: 4 L
Colors: 3
Talk about a blast from the past. Yep, those signature designs from the mid-century are back and bigger (not literally) than ever. Perfect for personal use, this is fitted with metallic hinges and a handle and comes in a clean black shade or more playful hues. There's a handle up top for easy transportation, so you're all set for BBQs out back come summertime. Lightweight, it runs using a semiconductor heating and cooling module that's both reliable and more efficient than alternatives. And, of course, everything from dairy products to your cosmetics can be kept safely inside. Dreamy.
A mini fridge with a mini freezer built-in
Size (in): H19.8 x 18.05 x D17.91
Capacity: 48.1 L
Colors: 2
Fitted with leveling legs, this comes complete with glass shelving and six temperature settings to choose from, making the operation a piece of cake. Be it snacks or sips you're storing inside, the angular silhouette sets an understated but slick tone, great for subtler tastes. As for the capacity, it bears up to 42 cans. What else needs to be said? There's more, though. With noise compression and energy-saving functionality, it shouldn't cost you more than $0.07 per day to run. Ideal.
Our larger pick
Size (in): H35.4 x W18.8 x D17.7
Capacity: 90.6 L
Colors: 2
Taking the top spot on my list if you want a little more room, this two-door design offers plenty of space for your greens, and there's a freezer for anything else you need: ice, bread, ice cream — your choice. Suitable for keeping seafood and meat, as well, it's more than just a drinks station, but also a perfect addition to the modern professional's home, where space is tight and smart living is essential. I'm personally into the cute aqua color, but for the wilder ones among you, there's a statement canary version. With little-to-no noise and steady temperature control, it's sure to make a great kitchen companion.
For modern spaces
Size (in): H16 x W15 x D11.75
Capacity: 10 L
Color: Chrome
When you've got friends coming around for a casual afternoon, this is a must. With space for 15 cans, it's an easy-to-run device, and burns far less electricity than your standard refrigerator, saving you dimes and earning eco points. Cooling the contents up to -20°F, the sleek design features vintage details, such as the signature Frigidaire logo, now synonymous with serious cooling credentials after almost a century in the game.
The best for your beauty products
Size (in): H17.5 x W10.75 x D10.75
Capacity: 12 L
Colors: 2
Skintellectuals and beauty buffs alike, this is a must in your facial regime. It's down for keeping all your exfoliators, masks, moisturizers, and serums suitably cool. Plus, if and when you need your goodies at a slightly warmer temperature, simply set the fridge to your desired temp, hit the hay, and wake up to what you need. With a capsule-like silhouette and rose gold hardware, this handy hero comes with a digital display, and, of course, works just as well for non-beauty items, including drinks, medicines, and more.
Are mini fridges worth it?
Short answer: absolutely. While they're not as roomy as your standard fridge, they function as a zestier alternative to drink coolers, and they have the added convenience of being compact and easy to keep nearby. Soda on demand? Sounds like my kind of setup. Plus, when you've run out of ways to organize your fridge, it's a handy backup to store smaller items you need on hand. Provided you choose an energy-efficient option, you won't burn any holes in your pocket, meaning you can entertain, chill out, or cook away without stressing.
