Mini fridge sizes

Compact refrigerators are usually divided into four groups based on size: cube, mid-size, counter-height and two-door mini fridges. Of these, cubes are the smallest and least expensive, but they also tend to have the poorest performance and often lack extra features such as adjustable shelves. The largest compact refrigerators, two-door models, usually have the best performance and the highest price tag (about $150 to $200, which about twice the price of cubes).

Cube refrigerators measure between 18 and 21 inches on each side and weigh between 25 and 50 pounds, making them by far the easiest type to move. They're also inexpensive -- some cost less than $100 -- and they can be stacked on top of or under other appliances. At 1.5 to 1.8 cubic feet in capacity, cube fridges don't have a lot of space, and the freezer section (if one is included) is usually tiny. This type of refrigerator tends to have poor cooling performance, especially if it uses a thermoelectric cooling system.

Counter-high refrigerators stand about as tall as a kitchen counter -- 32 to 34 inches high -- but are only slightly wider and deeper than cube models, so they don't take up noticeably more floor space. Among compact refrigerators, counter-height models perform better than other sizes in professional tests and are more energy efficient overall, but they're more expensive. Most counter-high refrigerators have a capacity between 4 and 4.6 cubic feet. Two-door mini fridges with a separate freezer compartment often cost as much as $250 and have a smaller overall capacity (3 to 3.5 cubic feet). However, owner comments posted at retailer websites indicate that the freezers in two-door models work better than those in cube refrigerators.

If a cube refrigerator is too small and a counter-height mini fridge costs more than you'd like to spend, a mid-size model may be a good option. Medium-size compact refrigerators are between 24 and 28 inches high and about 18 to 20 inches wide and deep. Most have a capacity of 2.5 to 2.7 cubic feet and cost between $115 and $160. As with cube fridges, the freezer compartment is often tiny, but mid-size models typically have better performance and energy efficiency than their smaller counterparts.

Freezer performance, energy efficiency are problems

There are two things to consider when buying a compact refrigerator. First, with the possible exception of two-door mini fridges, freezer performance among compact refrigerators is poor. The tiny freezer compartment in most models shares airspace with the refrigerator and simply cannot keep food solidly frozen without causing ice to form on refrigerated food. The freezer is usually cold enough to make ice cubes, albeit slowly.

Second, compact refrigerators use a lot of energy compared to larger refrigerators. The smaller size reduces the amount of insulation that can fit in the refrigerator's walls, so they don't hold cold air in as well as large fridges. Even Energy Star-compliant mini fridges are inefficient compared to full-size refrigerators. For example, the Danby DAR440 (*Est. $200), an Energy Star-compliant, 4.4 cubic foot, counter-high compact refrigerator, uses 329 kWh per year. But a typical Energy Star-compliant full-size refrigerator, like the 19 cubic feet Kenmore 699 (*Est. $720), can keep about four times as much food cold for only about $7 more each year (396 kWh per year energy use).

Most compact refrigerators -- especially cube fridges -- have limited features and options compared to full-sized refrigerators. Analog-dial temperature controls are almost universal, and extras such as automatic freezer defrost or a humidity-controlled crisper can add significantly to the price. Considering the number of owner complaints about breakdowns we read, the one extra that may be worth paying for is an extended warranty.

Don't go solely by the fridge's capacity specs, the configuration of the interior space is important too. If you want to store large items, go for a model with adjustable shelves and skip the in-door can dispenser, which takes up space. Similarly, large shelves in the door that are designed to hold gallon jugs or 2-liter bottles are an inefficient use of space, if you'll mainly be putting small items such as yogurt and cans of soda in your fridge.

The reviewer shopping tips below are helpful when researching mini fridges:

  • Check with your school before buying a mini fridge for a dorm room. Most dorms permit compact refrigerators, but some have restrictions on size and energy consumption.
  • Buy the largest mini fridge that will fit and that you can afford. Not only do larger compact refrigerators hold more food, they almost always perform better and are more energy efficient. All compact refrigerators -- regardless of size -- take close to the same amount of floor space, varying mainly by height.
  • Go for glass shelves over wire, if you have a choice. Solid shelves help contain spills, are easier to clean and provide more stability to small items. This feature is more common in larger compact refrigerators.
  • Choose a mini refrigerator with an interior configuration that suits your storage needs. Large door shelves work well for gallon jugs and 2-liter bottles, and some units include soda can dispensers. Adjustable shelves are helpful if you want to refrigerate large items.
  • Opt for a model without automatic freezer defrost to save money. Freezers with automatic defrost settings are convenient, but the feature adds to price and energy use of the mini fridge. Most compact refrigerators with a freezer have a push-button defrost setting or must be defrosted by hand. Refrigerator-only models usually include automatic defrost.
  • Consider a two-door model with a separate freezer compartment, if you must keep frozen food in a compact refrigerator. The freezer section in single-door units is usually tiny and ineffective. You'll sacrifice some space for the separate freezer: two-door refrigerators have less total capacity than similarly-sized single-door models and cost $50 to $100 more.
  • Avoid thermoelectric coolers for anything but beverages. This type of compact refrigerator often costs less and is very lightweight, but it may not keep leftovers or perishable foods at a safe temperature, especially if located in a warm room.

Back to top