Nothing beats coming home to a house that is sparkling clean and smells as fresh as daisies!
Nonetheless, spring-cleaning checklists can get overwhelming. So, let’s just take it one at a time.
A few years ago – with my youngest off to the city, my husband and I had become empty nesters. Going from a family of four to a family of two (minus the dogs), I knew it was time for a garage sale and a move to smaller things, including a smaller fridge.
My spouse was aghast at the decision because even the large side-by-side fridge had never been enough. However, the first spring cleaning itself revealed to me that storage was not the issue; in fact, the problem was a habit of leaving unnecessary things at the back of the fridge.
Hi! My name is Stacy. And I have been on the lookout for the best refrigerator for small kitchen ever since, and I'm now down to these five.
Top 5 Refrigerator For Small Kitchen
1. hOmelabs Mini Fridge HME030210N
This sleek but understated minifridge fits easily under kitchen counters, and the glossy silver exterior gives the entire kitchen a seamless look. When looking for the best refrigerator for small kitchen, steering clear of bulky designs is a must if you want the best results.
Product Highlights
The dimensions of this mini fridge are 18.5 x 17.7 x 33.9 inches – which makes it a perfect fit for standard kitchen counters. Evidently, it is made for spaces like offices, patios, dorm rooms, and most importantly, homes with small kitchens.
Taking a look inside – you find three glass shelves that are sturdy and easy to clean. On the other side, i.e. on the reversible door’s interiors, you get three more racks and a long beverage box to boot.
In addition, it is equipped with a freezer box, so you can always crank up the cooling to the max level. Unless, of course, you want to leave it at a minimum or medium temperature.
What’s even better is that you can write on the shiny and elegant stainless steel fridge door with a wax crayon or a whiteboard marker. Be warned, however, that while the door is made of silver-colored stainless steel, the back is a shiny black shade.
What's There To Like About It?
Since I have a modular-style kitchen with a grayish-black theme going on, this fridge doesn't look out of place. Moreover, the neutral colors create an illusion of a roomier and tidier space.
Another big bonus for me was the whiteboard effect of the fridge door since, Lord knows, how forgetful I am! I can now use this space to jot down grocery lists, instead of forgetting what I need by the time I find a notepad – it’s quick and sustainable!
What's There Not To Like About It?
When I first came across this unit, I lamented that it was not made during my university days. It would’ve saved me all that trouble of having to fight over the last yogurt cup from the shared fridge. However, I noticed that the fridge makes a lot of unnecessary noises at night – now, I can’t imagine having to sleep next to it!
Pros and Cons of hOmelabs Mini Fridge HME030210N
Pros
Cons
- This single door electric mini fridge with 18.5 x 17.7 x 33.9 inches measurement and 3.3 cubic feet capacity is perfectly sized to keep your favorite beverage cool while taking up minimal space in your college dorm, RV, apartment, garage or office
- By turning the thermostat knob, our refrigerator can be adjusted to three temperature modes: Max, Med, or Min. The Med and Max modes are used to freeze ice inside the freezing chamber. While on Med mode, the temperature inside the refrigerating chamber is around 33 to 35°F.
- Designed with a sleek black exterior that adds a classy touch to any room in your home or office. It features a single door with a unique design that allows you to write personal notes on the front and removable glass shelves that can be adjusted if you want to tuck something a little taller in the fridge
2. Danby DCR031B1BSLDD
If what you’re looking for is a mini-fridge that does not look like one, then take a peek at this two-door fridge that had me fooled! To say the least, the Danby compact refrigerator looks like a pinched version of a full-size fridge.
Product Highlights
Hotel room minibars shaped my perception of minifridges, and it only changed when I came across this two-door minifridge that has a separate freezer section. What’s more, there is extra space for a vegetable crisper at the bottom.
Of course, all this is in addition to the tempered glass shelves. One shelf is on the freezer door, two in the fridge compartment, and two on the fridge door, next to the long can holder. With so much storage, it’s almost unbelievable that the dimensions of this fridge are 18” x 20” x 33”.
And, don’t worry about how it will look in your kitchen – the shiny exterior is made of stainless steel that goes well with almost any décor. Simplistic and elegant at once, it isn’t embellished with much, except for the convenient door handles on both the freezer and fridge compartments.
What's There To Like About It?
A classic two-door fridge has a special place in my heart, even though it might not be as fancy as one with French doors. This style especially looks striking on a mini-fridge. What was even more eye-catching was the vegetable crisper – which, again, is not easy to find in small units.
Apart from the appealing look, this mini fridge by Danby helps save electricity. With an annual consumption of 319 kWh, your kitchen and your electricity bill will look much more condensed.
What's There Not To Like About It?
It’s still a mystery as to why my husband’s medicines ended up frozen when I put them in the back of this fridge. Sometimes, possibly due to an absence of automatic defrosting, there will be a frost problem that will solve itself and drain the water out. However, I found that putting medicines on the door shelves is the quickest solution.
Pros and Cons of Danby DCR031B1BSLDD
Pros
Cons
- 3.1 cubic feet total capacity refrigerator | 0.87 cubic feet capacity freezer
- Product dimensions – 18” W x 20” D x 33” H | Capacity – 3.1 cubic feet | Recommended clearance around item – 5”
- Vegetable crisper and cover
3. Danby DAR044A6DDB
Another product from Danby, this one is a pretty piece inside and out. The simple exterior is supplemented with modern features that make it a one-size-fits-all minifridge despite its small frame.
Product Highlights
At first glance, this mini fridge does not look like much – the door has a nice sheen and a sleek look but overall, it is nothing to write home about. One might say it still looks pretty, in an understated way.
The interiors, however, are a whole different ball game – you will get a solid black chrome look that complements the silvery metal door finish. Apart from three glass shelves and a vegetable crisper drawer, there is ample storage on the fridge door.
That’s not all; the engineering of the door shelving allows for an elaborate can dispensing system and three shelves – out of which one is crafted for tall bottle storage. And, just to add some pizzazz to it all is a string of LED lights at the top of the fridge.
What's There To Like About It?
This fridge can be availed in five different colors to adapt to any kitchen or room. Perhaps the next time I am looking for a fridge for the garage workshop, I might go for this model in the dazzling red shade because it just looks so gorgeous.
Aside from the exteriors, I was taken aback by how roomy this mini fridge actually is. Even without a freezer compartment, it makes spaces for veggies, leftovers, canned beverages, frozen food, a large bottle of soda, and more!
What's There Not To Like About It?
Unlike my husband, I prefer all my beverages to be ice-cold. However, this fridge maintains a temperature between 37°F and 40°F, which is not too bad. But, it also does not match up to other products or my expectations in this regard.
Pros and Cons of Danby DAR044A6DDB
Pros
Cons
- Compact Mini Fridge: This Danby Contemporary Classic counter high mini fridge is the ideal mini fridge for additional refrigerator space in the kitchen, basement, family room, dorm or office
- 4.4 Cubic Feet (124 Liters) Capacity: The All refrigerator unit is roomy with 4.4 cu. ft. of fridge space
- Integrated Door Shelving: Tall bottle storage is ideal for large pop, water, juice, or other drink bottles
4. Avanti RA7316PST
Here’s a great option for small and enclosed kitchenettes typical of RVs, studio apartments, and the like. Apart from a maximized storage area that comes from a greater depth, this refrigerator from Avanti offers all the goodness of compressor fridges.
Product Highlights
This handy compressor fridge deserves to be on this list because it's a winner when it comes to fridges for RVs and studio apartments. After all, these small enclosed spaces might just be the biggest market for downsized refrigerators.
To get started, the dimensions of this fridge are 55.75” x 21.75” x 23.5”. Needless to say, it is narrow and space-saving, but also spacious, owing to its greater height. Complete with a separate freezer compartment, it has three adjustable shelves in the fridge compartment and a plastic vegetable crisper. The door shelving consists of four racks – the bottom-most can easily fit tall bottles of soda.
Coming to the exteriors, it is made up of a black cabinet and shiny platinum doors. The tall and slender shape, done up in the classic freezer style, lends it the look of a regular-sized fridge.
What's There To Like About It?
As you already know, I appreciate a separate freezer compartment and two-door design even if I am looking at a minifridge. Coupled with its elegant and slender style, this fridge emanates the feel of a complete kitchen, rather than a kitchenette.
Perhaps, what makes it even better is that it is a compressor fridge that doesn’t require gas. Apart from the fact that compressor fridges have better cooling, it also reduces the risk of gas leaks – something you definitely don’t want in an RV or any enclosed space.
What's There Not To Like About It?
While my previous recommendation wasn’t too great at cooling, this fridge goes the opposite direction and absolutely freezes everything. Thanks to the manual defroster, you can defrost every few days, but it becomes a hassle to prepare vegetables on a whim if they are always frosty.
Pros and Cons of Avanti RA7316PST
Pros
Cons
- Avanti 7.4 cuff 2 door refrigerator plat
5. Bull Outdoor 11001
Before I wrap things up with a guide, let me introduce you to another top-notch product, which comes from the reputed brand Bull. Needless to say, it is a force to be reckoned with if what you are looking for is cooling and durability even in harsh outdoor temperatures.
Product Highlights
Straight off the bat, this unit defines simplicity done well. For exteriors, you have a stainless steel minifridge that is clean and sleek from front to back. This is to say that the flush back design makes sure that the compressor, coils, and other bulky parts don’t protrude behind the fridge.
Naturally, this fridge, which measures 20.75” x 20.5” x 33”, fits snugly under any counter and flatly against any wall. Overall, you will get an interior space of 4.4 cu. ft. equipped with three shelves, and a vegetable crisper tray. Moreover, the door has built-in can-holding wireframes.
With so much room to store all sorts of cans and bottles of soda or beer, this unit is starting to sound more and more like a dream for barbecue nights! What’s more, the full range temperature control allows users to set the cooling according to their whim. So, you may turn the settings up to level 8 for chilled drinks, or leave it at a low 5 for regular cooling.
What's There To Like About It?
This minifridge remains unchallenged when it comes to durability – it is sturdy enough to stand the test of time, and even hurricanes, literally!
In the year 2017, an acquaintance of mine had bought this for her outdoor kitchen when hurricane Irma struck Florida. The minifridge got subdued in the rising water for hours on end. However, two weeks of air-drying was enough to resuscitate the fridge.
Now, years later, the fridge still readily cools all their drinks for any occasion.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Since it has been built for the outdoors, the makers at Bull could not compromise on quality. Needless to say, this means that the minifridge sits in a more-than-average price range. It’s only worth it if you are willing to overlook capacity for durability.
Pros and Cons of Bull Outdoor 11001
Pros
Cons
- Stainless steel exterior door panel.Cooling method:Compressor.Frequency : 60 hertz.Finish type : Glossy.
- Space saving flush back design
- Reversible door - left or right swing
Buyers Guide
Now that you have gone through my picks for the best refrigerator for small kitchen, it’s time to choose your ideal one. But, before you get started, there are a couple of things that should be kept in mind – let this buyers' guide show you the way!
1. Design
After going through the curated list, you may have noticed that no two minifridges are built the same. Not limited to just aesthetics (though that does matter too!) designs can be broken up into three different styles.
A. Cube
As the name suggests, you will get a boxy unit that is tailor-made for dorm rooms, studios, and hotel rooms. Owing to its diminutive size, it can easily be tucked away out of sight in corners and under tables.
As the years have gone by, the retro-looking cube minifridge has also undergone changes – some can now store large pizza boxes, groceries, snacks, and food for as many as two people.
B. Tall Mini-fridges
These shrunken fridges are affordable and more energy-efficient than their full-grown counterparts. On the flip side, you can think of these as a cube minifridge that has been given a separate freezer box.
Given their slender stature, they take up as much room space as short and stout minifridges, and also offer much more storage. More so, not all items require the same cooling temperatures, therefore it is always a good idea to have a dedicated compartment for frozen foods.
C. Under-the-counter
I call this one the “fancy-pants minifridge” because it is a much more refined version of the previous two. Under-the-counter minifridges have to be professionally installed as a seamless part of a finished kitchen – which signals that it really is a big deal.
Moreover, you will find that these are equipped with the same settings as regular-sized fridges, and may come in a similar price range.
2. Size
Now that you have your eyes set on a style, it is time to measure the space. Not only is it important to measure the kitchenette and see if your choice of fridge fits, but you should also consider the interiors.
How much are you willing to downsize? Will you be storing groceries for the entire week? Can you switch to organic, instead of frozen food? Ask these questions first, and then make a realistic estimate of how much storage space you require.
3. Storage Shelves
A creatively executed shelf plan can affect how many things can fit in at once and, at the same time, they make your fridge look well-organized. Remember, adjustable shelves and trays are your best friends – they allow you to fit in the occasional tall item with minimum hassle.
Moving on, if you cook often with frozen food, then it is highly recommended that you find a minifridge with a separate freezer. Adding a tray to the freezer, and not to mention the shelves on the freezer door, easily doubles capacity.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a unit to store snacks and beverages exclusively, then most minifridges will do. As an added tip, can dispensing systems are particularly efficient for separating a large number of cans in minimal space.
4. Cooling
What good is a fridge if it has a faltering cooling system? Very often, minifridges suffer from non-uniform cooling, which means that there are random pockets inside your fridge that are prone to freezing or spoilage.
The best way to prevent such inconsistencies is to look for a minifridge that utilizes compressor cooling technology. Although far from foolproof, this is your best bet for a powerful yet reliable cooling system. As a matter of fact, regular refrigerators are exclusively powered by compressors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thermoelectric systems are generally preferred for short-term cooling needs – for example, a thermoelectric wine cooler will do just fine for a party. Moreover, these units have inconsistent cooling, and factors like outside temperature may affect their efficiency.
Compressor fridges, on the other hand, are known for maintaining accurate temperatures throughout – no matter if it's warm, chilly, dry, or raining outside. Additionally, compressor technology is mostly used for regular-sized fridges.
These units, which have a height of about 32 to 34 inches, are much more accessible for those with mobility issues who may be able to afford the price, but not the height constraint.
Rather than being a budget alternative, under-the-counter fridges are specially designed to be a downsized version of top-of-the-line regular-sized fridges. After all, these have to be installed by a professional in a permanent space among the kitchen cabinets. What’s more, under-the-counter units are equipped with all the important features of regular fridges, including full temperature control.
Most minifridges will have an energy star rating, which means that it is an energy-efficient option. On an average, minifridges will have an energy consumption of about 300 kWh per year. In simple words, this means that your yearly electricity bill from the fridge alone will amount to the price of just a couple of chilled beers!
My Final Recommendation
Sometimes, the best things come in small packages. And this surely rings true for my top pick – that is, the small but sturdy hOmelabs Mini Fridge HME030210N model.
This under-the-counter minifridge comes at a fraction of the price of its counterparts, while maintaining the standards of any high-end model. And, it also has a freezer chamber to boot.
Speaking of freezers, a close second would be the Danby DCR031B1BSLDD, which boasts of a separate freezer door and compartment. This nifty find surprisingly packs a lot of space in spite of its slender shape.
And, there you go – your guide to the best minifridges for a small kitchen! Get one soon, and keep your food and beverages cool all year round.