10 best mini fridges for cool dorms, basements, offices and more
Whether you’re a student in a dorm in need of essentials or a new grad in a tiny apartment, you’ll need a small mini fridge. These space-savers are great additions to any space (and are 100% worth the buy).
Specifically for college students, chances are the communal fridge is a breeding ground for theft and half-eaten items, so it’s no wonder that a mini-fridge and freezer are on most students’ packing lists when headed back to school.
🎬 Get Free Netflix Logins
Claim your free working Netflix accounts for streaming in HD! Limited slots available for active users only.
- No subscription required
- Works on mobile, PC & smart TV
- Updated login details daily
What’s more, they’re perfect for smaller spaces. This could also translate to a countertop in your bathroom or even under your desk for a 2:00 p.m. pick-me-up soda and snack at work.
Regardless of your reason for refrigeration, we have your back. We rounded up all sizes and colors from Amazon, Walmart, and more, helping you to keep your cool, especially if you’re helping your child find a mini fridge for a dorm.
Pros:
- Separate freezer compartment for frozen meals, ice cream, and ice cubes
- Adjustable glass shelves, door bins, and crisper drawer for flexible storage
- Compact size ideal for dorms, offices, and small apartments
Head to Walmart for the lowdown on all things mini fridges. This one comes with a freezer, too, which is all the better for frozen meals and ice-cold drinks. It’s available in two colors, has door bins, a crisper drawer, and adjustable glass shelves.
If in need of an ice chest? Check out one of our top picks here.
Dimensions: 18.5″ W x 19.4″ D x 33.3″ H | Capacity: 3.2 cu. ft. | Color Options: Stainless Steel, Black
Pros:
- Holds up to 8 cans plus a door snack shelf
- Cools up to 36°F below ambient temperature
- Built-in USB port to charge your phone or controller
Cons:
- Cooling performance depends on the surrounding temperature
Elevate game time with this sleek XBOX mini fridge. It uses AC and DC power, so it’s great for travel. It also has a slim storage compartment on the interior door for candy bars, jerky and other noshables you want to keep fresh.
Dimensions: 14.4″ H x 7.3″ W x 7.3″ D | Capacity: 4.5L (up to 8 cans) | Color Options: Black
Pros:
- Large 3.2 cu. ft. capacity holds up to 120 cans, great for storing drinks in the office
- Adjustable chrome wire shelves
Cons:
- Not designed for food or frozen storage
The hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler is the perfect solution for keeping your drinks perfectly chilled and easily accessible. With a spacious 3.2 cubic feet capacity, adjustable shelves, and a sleek glass door, this energy-efficient cooler is ideal for home, office, or bar, ensuring your beverages are always ready to enjoy.
Dimensions: 17.3″ D x 18.9″ W x 33.3″ H | Capacity: 3.2 cu. ft. (up to 120 cans) | Color Options: Stainless steel
Pros:
- Holds up to 68 cans in a compact 1.6 cu ft. size
- Digital temperature control with display and security lock
If you’re not big on sharing food, this lockable mini fridge is worth the investment. Its compressor cooler is quiet, making it a good choice for the office or bedroom, and the bottom shelf can hold up to 22 beverage cans alone!
Dimensions: 18.75″ D x 17″ W x 20.5″ H | Capacity: 1.6 cu. ft. (68 cans) | Color Options: Stainless Steel
Pros:
- Energy Star rated for efficiency and lower electricity costs
- Quiet compressor cooling for consistent temperature
- Adjustable thermostat for customized cooling
Cons:
- Smaller capacity than larger mini fridge models
The Magic Chef Stainless Steel Refrigerator delivers convenience without sacrificing performance. With adjustable shelves, an easy-to-set thermostat, and Energy Star efficiency, it’s perfect for keeping drinks, snacks, and condiments at the ready in small spaces.
Dimensions: 17.7″ D x 18.5″ W x 24.9″ H | Capacity: 2.4 cu. ft.| Color Options: Stainless steel
Pros:
- Adjustable thermostat with 5 temperature settings
- Includes a small freezer compartment for ice cubes and frozen snacks
- Operates quietly
Cons:
- Freezer space is very limited, not suitable for large frozen items
The Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge offers the best of both worlds: a refrigerator space and a freezer space. So, you can store your late-night Ben & Jerry’s without fail. Plus, it boasts adjustable shelves and a practical, durable design.
Dimensions: 17.7″ D x 18.9″ W x 19.3″ H | Capacity: 1.7 cu. ft. | Color Options: Red, Black, Blue, Mint Green, Pink, Stainless, White
Pros:
- Dual function: thermoelectric cooling and warming
- Digital temperature control with easy-to-read display
- Stylish glass-front design fits nicely in bedrooms, nurseries, offices, and dorms
- Dual voltage for home or car use
If you like tailgating, this might be your new best friend. It can plug into a car or a home. Notably, it’s great for its spacious three interior shelves and ability to be used for skincare and beauty products. It’s available in four pretty colors, including a pastel blue (shown above).
Dimensions: 7.7″ D x 10.2″ W x 10.5″ H | Capacity: 20 liters (~21.1 quarts) | Color Options: Blue, Black, Pink, White
Pros:
- Stylish retro design adds character to any room
- Energy-efficient R600a compressor cools quickly and quietly
- Adjustable manual thermostat for precise temperature control
Regardless of the size of your dorm room, apartment, or office, one of the Galanz Retro Compact Refrigerators will work. Along with coming in a variety of old school colors, it’s available in eight different sizes. There’s also a chiller compartment with an adjustable thermostat, removable glass shelves, plus lots of side storage. A great alternative to the retro-looking Smeg.
Dimensions: 17.6″ D x 21.02″ W x 28.15″ H | Capacity: 2.5 cu. ft. | Color Options: Red, Black, Blue, Green, White
Pros:
- Includes 0.3 cu. ft. freezer compartment for ice cubes and frozen treats
- Automatic defrost for easy maintenance
- Energy-efficient compressor with low annual power use
- Multiple shelves and door bins, including a dispense-a-can door storage
Cons:
- Freezer is small — best for ice and small frozen items only
Consider this a space-conscious design that fits perfectly in dorms, apartments, or offices. Its reversible door and adjustable thermostat make it easy to work, while the built-in freezer compartment helps keep those frozen peas cold.
Dimensions: 16.73″ D x 17.83″ W x 33.27″ H |Capacity: 3.2 cu. ft.Color Options: Platinum Stainless
Pros:
- Reversible door and adjustable shelving for easy access and flexible storage
- Intuitive digital controls with 5 cooling settings and customizable interior LED lighting
- Whisper-quiet operation is perfect for any environment
If the slightest sound wakes you from sleep, you’ll like how quiet this little fridge is. Meant for beverages, we think a few sandwiches could be squeezed inside, too, or anything on the smaller side. We even like it for beauty products, especially with the see-through door.
Dimensions: 16.92″D x 17.71″W x 29.13″H | Capacity: 2.5 cu. ft. | Color Options: Black
What is the best mini refrigerator on the market?
If you’ve been hunting down the best mini fridge for your dorm, office or basement, you know there are plenty of options to choose from. It all boils down to what you’re looking for.
Our overall favorite is the Arctic King Mini Fridge, which has more than 16,000 five-star ratings at Walmart. The energy-efficient pick has a customizable interior, features a reversible door, and a separate freezer — ideal for ice cream, ice packs and TV dinners. For those looking for a mini fridge that feels like its larger counterpart, you really can’t do any better.
How long do mini refrigerators last?
A mini fridge can last up to 14 years.
If you already have one and are curious if it’s time to invest in another, condensation on the interior is sometimes a sign that it’s time for a replacement. Another sign is an overheating motor (touch the sides and back to feel if it’s warm) or ice forming on the inside.
Are mini fridges worth it?
If you want to keep food fresh but don’t have a lot of space, a mini fridge is absolutely worth it. They come in a variety of price points, so regardless of your needs, you’ll likely be able to find one that fits your budget. They also last a long time, so you can enjoy them as you move from dorm to dorm or into the yard as your new outdoor mini fridge.
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
Let’s be honest—no matter how stressful the day gets, a good viral video can instantly lift your mood. Whether it’s a funny pet doing something silly, a heartwarming moment between strangers, or a wild dance challenge, viral videos are what keep the internet fun and alive.