How to Choose a Mini Fridge

If you’re in the market for a mini fridge, you need to do a little homework. These little appliances have become quite popular and are showing up everywhere from college dorms to family rooms. Because manufacturers are providing more and more options, choosing the right mini fridge will require making some decisions. Study the tips below before you begin to shop, and you’ll be prepared to choose the best mini fridge for your needs.

Instructions

1. Decide exactly what function you want your mini fridge to serve. A simple refrigeration unit is designed to keep snacks and drinks cold. A refrigerator/freezer chills food and drinks but also has a small freezer compartment. A beverage center is used only for keeping beverages cold; it isn’t designed to get as cold as standard refrigerators and should not be used for food. An outdoor unit is made to withstand the elements and will be more expensive than indoor models.

2. Compare sizes. Mini fridge interiors range from 1.7 to 6 cubic feet. For use on a countertop, a fridge’s height should be less than 20 inches. If it’s going to go under a counter, the height can be as great as 30 inches.

3. Look at different options and decide which ones are important to you. A reversible door hinge will allow you to change the direction the door opens. An eco-friendly fridge will have the Energy Star label, indicating that the unit meets guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA. A temperature control dial inside the fridge will be more convenient than one on the back of the unit. Noise is better controlled by a semiconductor cooler than by a traditional compressor. Glass or plastic shelves that are removable and adjustable are easier to clean than wire.

4. Compare different designs. Mini fridges are available in several different colors, including red, orange and pink. Virtual stainless, with a vinyl coating to reduce smudges, is also popular. A unit with interior coils conserves space, as it allows the fridge to stand flush against the wall. Another space-saving option is to choose recessed door handles.

5. Compare costs. The cost of a mini fridge varies depending on the size, type and number of options included. A basic refrigerator unit will cost under $100, while a more sophisticated double-door refrigerator/freezer will cost in the neighborhood of $200.