Our Complete Guide to Mini Fridges

The mini fridge has to be one of the most useful and versatile appliances out there. Once you have one, you won’t look back. Not only are they a great way to expand your storage capacity for food and drinks (handy when you have friends and family over), they’re a great way to keep midnight snacks within easy reach. They’re perfect for offices. You can even put one in a summer house and create your very own outdoor bar for the summer months.

If you’re considering getting a small fridge of your own and want to know more about them, how to take full advantage of their capabilities and how to choose the right model, we’re here to help. In this comprehensive mini fridge guide, we’re going to run through everything you need to know.

What is a mini fridge – and just how small are they?

Let’s start with the basics: what defines a ‘mini fridge’? Not all small fridges are mini fridges – only the most compact models (those below 30 inches in height) are classed as mini fridges. This makes them a fair bit smaller than typical under-counter fridges, which are more than 30 inches tall and significantly wider and deeper.

Although mini fridges are less than 30” tall, this doesn’t mean all mini fridges are this large. The most compact models are half this height, making them significantly lighter and more portable than a traditional freestanding fridge.

What features do mini fridges have?

Mini fridges work in exactly the same way as a regular fridge, meaning they often have similar features too. Some of them have chiller boxes, for instance, and many come with energy-saving features. Just like regular fridges, you’ll have a dial that allows you to raise or lower the internal temperature of the fridge to suit your needs.

Perhaps the trump card of mini fridges is their portability. Many even come with built-in handles, allowing you to quickly and easily move them from room to room. Some specialised drinks coolers come with lockable doors too, allowing you to keep your favourite beverages secure when you’re not around.

Then, there are table top mini bars. These are extremely quiet appliances, emitting just 25dB of sound. 

What can you use a mini fridge for?

Anything you can use a regular fridge for, you can use a mini fridge for. Sure, there’s a lot less room inside a mini fridge, but they can still be used to store food provided the internal temperature is set correctly. If you have a compact kitchen and don’t have space for a full-size fridge, a mini fridge will serve you well.

Is a mini fridge different from a drinks cooler?

Yes. Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between each type of appliance. Generally speaking, drinks coolers operate at a slightly higher temperature than mini fridges, making them unsuitable for storing food. There are other differences too; check out our blog on the differences between mini fridges and beverage coolers to learn more.

What types of mini fridges are available?

As we mentioned above, most mini fridges are nothing more than shrunken-down versions of their traditional freestanding counterparts. A variety of different styles are available, however – some come with glass doors to showcase your food and drink, while others have a retro design. Some are intended to sit on your countertop, while others are specially designed to be built into a kitchen unit. Just like regular fridges, there’s an enormous selection of mini fridges out there to choose from.

Let’s not forget thermoelectric fridges, which are intended primarily for storing wine and other beverages. Although they’re perfect for their intended purpose (and they operate very smoothly and quietly), their variable internal temperature makes them unsuitable for storing perishable items (like dairy products and meats).

How expensive are mini fridges?

Not very. You can easily pick up a quality mini fridge for less than £100, and they’re pretty cheap to run too. Because of their compact size, mini fridges tend to use significantly less electricity than regular models, which is good to know!

How long do mini fridges last?

Just like full size fridges and freezers, mini fridges can last for a long time if they’re well looked after (potentially a decade or more). Provided you clean the appliance regularly and position it away from any heat sources, you can expect to be able to enjoy it for many years to come.