Products Reviewed:
Best Budget: Midea WHS-87LSS1 Refrigerator
Best Splurge: Kalamera Beverage Refrigerator
Best with Ice Maker: Midea WHD-113FSS1 Compact Refrigerator
Best with Glass Door: hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
Best Overall: RCA RFR322 Mini Refrigerator
In today’s fast-paced world, compact appliances are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and versatility. One such appliance that people have fallen in love with over the years is the mini fridge. Mini fridges, also known as compact refrigerators, are small refrigeration units that are perfect for dorm rooms, small apartments, offices, and other spaces where space is limited.
When it comes to choosing a mini fridge, there are many factors to consider, such as the size, style, and features. However, one of the most important factors to consider is the material of the fridge. Stainless steel mini fridges are a popular choice due to their sleek and modern look, durability, and ease of cleaning.
Stainless steel mini fridges come in a variety of sizes and styles, from simple, single-door models with a small freezer compartment to larger, two-door models with separate fridge and freezer sections. Some models even come with additional features like adjustable shelves, built-in can dispensers, and reversible doors to suit your specific needs.
One of the advantages of having a mini fridge is that it provides a convenient space to store food and drinks, especially when you don’t have access to a full-sized fridge. You can use it to keep your favorite beverages cool, store snacks and leftovers, or even use it as a dedicated space for your skincare products or medications.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the best stainless mini fridges on the market. We’ll be reviewing a range of models, from budget-friendly options to high-end models with advanced features. We’ll also be discussing the key features and factors to consider when choosing a mini fridge, as well as some tips on how to care for and maintain your appliance.
So whether you’re a college student looking for a dorm room essential or someone who wants to add some extra storage space to their home, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of stainless steel mini fridges and find the perfect one for you!
How do we choose
When it comes to buying compact refrigerators, there are several factors to consider. We’ve done the research, checked out reviews and customer experiences extensively to select the best ones for you.
Here are some key things we looked for when making our picks :
Size and Capacity
The first thing you need to consider is the size and capacity of the fridge. Mini fridges come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1.6 to 4.5 cubic feet. Think about how much space you have available and how much food and drinks you plan to store in the fridge. If you need more space, consider a larger model with a separate freezer compartment.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is an important factor to consider, especially if you plan to use the mini fridge regularly. Look for models with an Energy Star rating, which indicates that the fridge is designed to consume less energy and save you money on your electricity bill in the long run.
Style and Features
Stainless steel mini fridges come in different styles and with various features. Some models have a single door, while others have separate fridge and freezer sections. Consider the features that are important to you, such as adjustable shelves, a built-in can dispenser, or a reversible door. Make sure the fridge has enough room for the items you plan to store.
Noise Level
Some mini fridges can be quite noisy, which can be annoying if you plan to use it in a quiet space like a bedroom or office. Look for models with a low decibel rating, which indicates that the fridge operates quietly.
Price
Mini fridges can range in price from around $100 to $500 or more, depending on the size, features, and brand. Consider your budget and choose a model that offers the features you need within your price range.
Best Budget
Midea WHS-87LSS1 Refrigerator, 2.4 Cubic Feet, Stainless Steel
Why We Love It
The Midea WHS-87LSS1 Refrigerator is a great pick on a budget for several reasons. Firstly, it is one of the most affordable mini fridges on the market, with a price point that is often lower than other similarly sized models. This makes it a great option for those who are looking for a compact fridge without breaking the bank.
Despite its affordable price, the Midea WHS-87LSS1 doesn’t skimp on features. It has a small freezer compartment, which is a rare feature in mini fridges at this price point. It also has adjustable legs, a wire shelf, and a vegetable crisper drawer, which makes it easy to organize your items and keep everything in its place.
Additionally, the Midea WHS-87LSS1 is energy-efficient, with an Energy Star rating that means it uses less energy than other similar models. This can help you save money on your electricity bill in the long run, making it a great investment for those on a budget.
What You Should Know
The Midea WHS-87LSS1 has a capacity of 2.4 cubic feet, which is enough to store a variety of food and drinks. However, it may not be large enough for those who need to store larger items or have a lot of food to store.
It operates at a low noise level of less than 42 decibels, making it a great option for use in quiet spaces like bedrooms or offices.
Aesthetically, the Midea WHS-87LSS1 has a sleek and modern design, with a stainless steel exterior that is both durable and easy to clean. It measures 20.08 x 17.52 x 24.8 inches, making it a compact option that can fit in small spaces.
The mini fridge also has a manual temperature control that allows you to adjust the temperature to your liking. However, it may take some trial and error to find the ideal temperature for your items.
Overall, the Midea WHS-87LSS1 is a great pick for those who are looking for an affordable and energy-efficient mini fridge with useful features like a small freezer compartment. However, it may not be the best option for those who need to store larger items or have a lot of food to store.
Best Splurge
Kalamera Beverage Refrigerator, 24 inch Under Counter Beer Fridge
Why We Love It
The Kalamera Beverage Refrigerator is a great splurge option for several reasons because of its large capacity, temperature range, build, design and energy efficiency.
The refrigerator is designed to store up to 154 cans, which is significantly more than most mini fridges on the market. This makes it a great option for those who entertain frequently or want to store a variety of beverages. Additionally, it has a temperature range of 32-41℉, which is ideal for keeping beverages cool without freezing them. The temperature can be adjusted easily with the digital display and touch controls.
The Kalamera Beverage Refrigerator is made with high-quality materials, including a stainless steel door and a sturdy frame. This ensures that the fridge is durable and able to withstand frequent use. Its versatile design enables it to be used in a variety of settings, including home bars, kitchens, and man caves. It can be installed as an under-counter fridge or used as a freestanding unit.
Lastly, despite its large capacity and advanced features, the refrigerator is designed to be energy-efficient. It has a low noise level and a compressor-based cooling system that uses minimal energy.
What You Should Know
The Kalamera Beverage Refrigerator measures 22.4 x 23.4 x 33.1 inches, making it a relatively large fridge that may not be suitable for smaller spaces. However, its sleek and modern design, with a stainless steel door and black frame, make it a stylish addition to any room.
The fridge also comes with adjustable wire shelves that allow you to customize the interior to fit your needs. The shelves are removable, making it easy to clean the interior of the fridge.
There is also the built-in door lock that provides added security and peace of mind, especially if you have children or pets in your home.
The Kalamera Beverage Refrigerator is a splurge option, with a higher price point than many other mini fridges on the market. However, its advanced features and high-quality construction make it a worthwhile investment for those who want a premium beverage fridge.
Best with Ice Maker
Midea WHD-113FSS1 Compact Refrigerator, 3.1 cu ft, Stainless Steel
Why We Love It
The Midea WHD-113FSS1 is actually a mini fridge with a freezer compartment, not an ice maker. However, we love it as it gives you the best of both worlds. It has a huge capacity of 3.1 cu ft, which can store most of your food and beverages.
On top of that it’s energy efficient design and has that sleek, modern design that’ll look good in any kitchen or living room. The stainless steel finish and built-in handle add extra elegance to the mix. that gives it a clean and streamlined look.
We absolutely love the reversible door, which means you can open it from either side. This is great for placement, because you’re not bound by how it opens to leave space for the door.
What You Should Know
The Midea WHD-113FFS1 is one of those compact refrigerators that is great for ice but also pretty solid in terms of functionality. It’s adjustable thermostat control works like a charms to keep your water bottles at the optimum temp.
It’s also incredibly easy to clean due to its removable shelves and drip try. All you need is a cloth to wipe down the interior, while some soap and water will do the trick to keep the stainless steel shining like new.
Best with Glass Door
hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
Why We Love It
The hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler is a great option for those who are looking for a mini fridge with a glass door. We love it for a variety of reasons starting with it’s large capacity. It has the capacity to hold up to 120 cans, making it a great option for those who want to store a variety of soda or other beverages in one place.
The fridge also comes with adjustable and removable shelves that allow you to customize the interior to fit your needs. This makes it easy to store bottles, cans, and other items of various sizes.
It has a temperature range of 33-50°F, which is ideal for storing a variety of beverages at their optimal temperature. The temperature can be adjusted easily with the digital display and touch controls. And despite its large capacity and advanced features, the hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator is designed to be energy-efficient. It has a low noise level and a compressor-based cooling system that uses minimal energy.
What You Should Know
The hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator measures 18.9W x 17.3D x 33.07H inches, making it a compact option that can fit in small spaces. It has a sleek and modern design, with a black and stainless steel exterior that looks great in any setting.
Thanks to its removable shelves and drip try, it is incredibly easy to clean. The glass door is also easy to clean and can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Additionally, the compact refrigerator operates at a low noise level, which makes it a great option for use in quiet spaces like bedrooms or offices.
The beverage refrigerator is a great mid-range option with a glass door allowing you to see the contents of the fridge without having to open it, which helps to conserve energy and prevent temperature fluctuations.
Best Overall
RCA RFR322 Mini Refrigerator
Why We Love It
The RCA RFR322 Mini Refrigerator is a feature-packed, heavy duty fridge with a large capacity, separate freezer compartment, adjustable shelves while also being energy efficient. Not only that, it is much more affordable than other premium mini fridges out there, making it our best overall pick.
The compact refrigerator has a capacity of 3.2 cu ft. It also has a separate freezer compartment, which is ideal for storing frozen foods and ice. This allows you to have both a fridge and freezer in one compact unit.
The adjustable shelves make customization of the interior all to easy. In essence, you can make more room for chilled sodas, bottles and other items of various sizes. Additionally, the RCA RFR322 Mini Refrigerator is quite energy-efficient. It has a low noise level and a compressor-based cooling system that uses minimal energy.
What You Should Know
The RCA RFR322 Mini Refrigerator measures 17.7″D x 18.5″W x 32.8″H inches, making it a compact option that can fit in a small kitchen. It has a sleek and modern design, with a platinum stainless exterior that looks great in any setting.
The fridge also has a reversible door that allows you to open it from either the left or right side, which gives you greater flexibility in placement and installation. The temperature control is a godsend. The adjustable thermostat control allows you to set the temperature to your desired level. This makes it easy to keep your food and beverages at the optimal temperature.
Best Mini Stainless Steel Fridge: Frequently Asked Questions
As with any appliance, there may be questions or concerns that arise when considering the purchase of a compact refrigerator. In this section, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about mini fridges to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right one for your needs. From concerns about size and capacity to maintenance and upkeep, we’ll cover everything you need to know to ensure that you get the most out of your mini fridge. So, let’s dive into some of the most commonly asked questions about mini stainless steel fridges.
How to clean stainless steel fridges?
To clean a stainless steel fridge, first remove any food or spills from the inside. Then, mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water and use a soft cloth to wipe down the exterior of the fridge. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or sponges, which can scratch the surface. Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean cloth.
How to clean stainless steel fridge door?
To clean a stainless steel fridge door, follow the same steps as for cleaning the entire fridge. Pay special attention to any fingerprints or smudges on the door, and use a soft cloth to buff the surface until it shines.
What to clean stainless steel fridge with?
Use a mild dish soap and warm water to clean a stainless steel fridge. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or sponges, which can scratch the surface. You can also use specialized stainless steel cleaners, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
How to fix dent on stainless steel fridges?
To fix a dent on a stainless steel fridge, you can try using a plunger or a vacuum cleaner to suction the dent out. Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer to heat up the metal and then use a can of compressed air turned upside down to cool the area quickly, causing it to contract and potentially pop out the dent. If these methods don’t work, you may need to call a professional for repair or replacement.
How to polish stainless steel fridges?
To polish a stainless steel fridge, use a specialized stainless steel cleaner or a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Apply the solution with a soft cloth and buff the surface until it shines.
Why is my stainless steel fridge rusting?
Stainless steel fridges should not rust, as they are designed to be rust-resistant. However, if the surface has been scratched or damaged, it may be more susceptible to rust. To prevent rust, avoid using abrasive cleaners or sponges, and wipe up spills and moisture promptly.
Are mini fridges worth it?
Mini fridges can be worth it if you have limited space or want a dedicated space for keeping drinks and snacks cool. They are also convenient for outdoor use or in dorm rooms, offices, or small apartments.
Do mini fridges use a lot of electricity?
Mini fridges or compact refrigerators are designed to be energy-efficient, but they do still use electricity. The amount of electricity they use will depend on the model, size and capacity in cu ft, but they typically use less energy than a full-sized fridge.
Can a mini fridge cool a room?
No, a mini fridge is not designed to cool a room. It is only intended to cool the items inside the fridge.
Do mini fridges last long?
The lifespan of a mini fridge will depend on the model and how well it is maintained. However, with proper care and upkeep, a mini fridge can last for several years.
Do mini fridges overheat?
Mini fridges can overheat if they are overloaded or if the ventilation system is blocked. To prevent overheating, avoid overloading the fridge and ensure that there is adequate airflow around the appliance.