Compact refrigerators are usually larger than mini-fridges but smaller than the regular-sized refrigerators. They vary so much in size that some of them can be used as main refrigerators in the home while others can sit on a table. However, the best compact refrigerator is one that meets your needs perfectly. Although, spotting it may be a challenge if you don’t know what to look out for.
Because many of the manufacturers produce compact refrigerators with similar features, it becomes even more difficult to purchase the best refrigerator. Also, you don’t want to buy an appliance that will stop working after only a short while.
So, in this article, we would be looking at the best refrigerators in various categories. This will help you make a good choice when shopping for your compact refrigerator.
Table of Contents
Best Compact Refrigerator – Double Door Option
Product Name – Midea 3.1-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator with Freezer
Our Rating – 4.2 Star
Features
i. It has a reversible door that can be opened from either the left or right sides.
ii. It has a separate freezer compartment, hence its name, ‘double-door’ refrigerator.
iii. An adjustable thermostat is found in the refrigerator section to control the internal temperature.
iv. It is designed with very quiet technology which makes it great to use in bedrooms and offices.
v. It has an interior light that illuminates the refrigerator whenever it gets dark so that you can see all the items you’ve stored clearly.
The Midea 3.1-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is one of the best compact refrigerators with a separate freezer compartment. This separate freezer compartment allows you to store large items that should be stored at very low temperatures such as fresh seafood, soups, etc.
Also, you are left with enough refrigerator space to keep fruits, vegetables, and other items fresh.
This refrigerator has a unique beverage storage shelf at the door. You would also find a shelf that allows you to store large two-liter bottles.
Moreover, its interior is very spacious while it can fit into small corners of your room, offices, or even in your RV.
This refrigerator which comes in one of three colors (black, white, stainless steel) is great for people who need large storage areas in both the fridge and freezer compartments.
Best Compact Refrigerator – Affordable Option
Product Name – Black + Decker 2.5-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator
Our Rating – 3.9 Star
Features
i. Has a frost tray under the full-width chilling compartment to prevent frost from destroying the items in the refrigerator.
ii. It has a mechanical thermostat for regulating the internal temperature of the refrigerator.
iii. It’s compact and flat-back design allows it to fit into very small spaces.
iv. There are two adjustable leveling legs in front of the refrigerator that keep it balanced on various surfaces.
v. Two removable glass shelves are in the refrigerator section. They help you clean and organize your items better.
The Black + Decker 2.5-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is on this list because it is one of the most affordable compact refrigerators you can purchase for your homes and offices. Although it is super affordable, this refrigerator does not come with poor parts or features. So, you still get to keep your items cool and preserved while saving some money.
One of the features you can find in this refrigerator includes a small chilling compartment in the fridge space. This allows you to store small items like ice trays and small ice cream bowls. Moreover, when ice forms, it collects on the tray.
Because it has a manual defrost function, you will be required to clean the refrigerator regularly.
So, if you are in the market for a compact refrigerator that won’t drill a hole in your pocket, then you may want to consider getting this fridge.
You can learn more about the features of the Black + Decker 2.5-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator by checking out this review.
Best Compact Refrigerator – High-End Option
Product Name – Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator
Our Rating – 4.5 Star
Features
i. It has an automatic defrost option, which means you don’t have to manually remove ice from it.
ii. The removable door shelves are made of transparent plastic and are very attractive
iii. It has a Crisper drawer for preserving fruits and vegetables for longer periods.
iv. Its sleek design allows it to fit into any room perfectly.
The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is one of the most expensive refrigerators in its category. Although it doesn’t come in the largest size of compact refrigerators, it has a very unique design that makes it worth the price.
In addition to the design, this refrigerator has other features including an adjustable mechanical thermostat for temperature regulation and a separate freezer compartment.
We wrote an in-depth review of the Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Refrigerator here. You may want to take a look at it before you buy this refrigerator.
The Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is a great choice for people looking for something quite fancy and with strong features.
It features strong and durable glass shelves and strong plastic door shelves. It will also look great wherever you place it.
Best Compact Refrigerator – Best Highly Rated on Amazon
Product Name – Tavata 3.2-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator
Our Rating – 4.7 Star
Features
i. Both the fridge and freezer doors have strong chrome handles to enhance the beauty of the unit and make opening it hassle-free.
ii. Its compact size takes up just a little space in your bedrooms, dorm room, or kitchen.
iii. It has a can storage shelf and two glass shelves for better organization of your items.
iv. The vegetable crisper at the bottom of your refrigerator keeps your fruits and vegetables preserved for longer.
The Tavata 3.2-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is the best rated compact refrigerator on Amazon.
This refrigerator has similar features with other compact refrigerators. But, it stands out quite well with its retro look. The chrome door handles attached to both the fridge and freezer doors will add that ancient feel to your room.
This refrigerator also has a mechanical thermostat in the fridge section.
In terms of storage options, there are two removable and adjustable glass shelves in the refrigerator.
If you want a refrigerator with all the features of other compact refrigerators, and a nice antique touch, then go ahead and place your order for the Tavata 3.2-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator.
Best Compact Refrigerator – Freezerless Option
Product Name – Galanz 4.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator
Our Rating – 4.3 Star
Features
i. The reversible door hinges of this refrigerator allow you to open the door to the right or left. So, it can be used comfortably by right-handed or left-handed users.
ii. Its removable and adjustable glass shelves promote better cleaning and organization of the refrigerator.
iii. It has a vegetable crisper for preserving fruits and vegetables, and door shelves which increase the storage space of your refrigerator.
iv. Its stylish retro design allows it to fit perfectly wherever you place it.
The Galanz 4.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is on this list because it is the best compact refrigerator without a freezer or chilling compartment. Because this refrigerator only has a fridge section, there is enough space for you to store all your items if they do not require a lower temperature for storage.
Although this refrigerator is not a mini-fridge, it is very lightweight. So, it won’t be difficult to transport it to wherever you want to use it.
Also, the refrigerator has adjustable leveling legs which makes it balanced and not tip over when placed on uneven surfaces.
The Galanz 4.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is also Energy star-certified. So, you save some money that should be spent on power.
We gave a detailed review of the Galanz 4.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator here. You may want to check it out to learn more.
So, if you need a refrigerator that has no freezer space, then this fridge is a strong recommendation for you.
Best Compact Refrigerator – Chilling Compartment Option
Product Name – HomeLabs 3.3-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator
Our Rating – 4.5 Star
Features
i. Its mechanical thermostat has three temperature modes – Max, Med, or Min.
ii. The compact refrigerator has a reversible door and adequate space for storing several items.
iii. There are three removable glass shelves that can be adjusted to contain taller items.
iv. It has adjustable feet for level placement.
The HomeLabs 3.3-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is the best refrigerator with a chilling compartment. This chilling compartment is full-width and occupies a section in the refrigerator. In this compartment, you can keep your ice tray, chocolate bars, and small food containers.
The main fridge can contain several items. It has two removable shelves and door shelves. These allow you to store items of varying sizes.
However, the temperature regulation of the fridge is different from the chilling section because items in the chilling compartment are best stored at near-freezing temperatures.
For individuals who plan on making ice cubes and storing other small items at near-freezing temperatures, the HomeLabs 3.3-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is a good choice.
Best Compact Refrigerator – Small Capacity
Product Name – Danby 1.7-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator
Our Rating – 4.2 Star
Features
i. It has a white LED interior light for better ambiance and illumination in the dark.
ii. There are two removable and adjustable wire shelves in the refrigerator.
iii. It has both can and tall-bottle door storage.
iv. Its adjustable leveling legs allow you to place it on uneven surfaces, without the fear of tilting.
The Danby 1.7-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is on this list because it is the best compact refrigerator with a small capacity. If not for the lack of handles and the weight, this refrigerator would still go nicely as a mini-fridge.
The thermostat is located in the top area of the refrigerator. It also has two removable and adjustable wire shelves. The refrigerator door houses a tall bottle storage shelf and a small can shelf for your beverages. This allows you to store more items in the refrigerator.
What’s more? It is EnergyStar-certified. So, you won’t have to spend so much when using it.
The top of the refrigerator is also scratch-resistant.
If you need a small-sized refrigerator that has all the features you won’t find in a mini-fridge, then try the Danby 1.7-Cubic Foot refrigerator.
Best Compact Refrigerator – Large Capacity
Product Name – Danby 4.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator
Our Rating – 3.9 Star
Features
i. It has a full-width freezer inside the refrigerator compartment.
ii. It has an 8-can storage shelf which is larger than other compact refrigerators.
iii. There are three removable and adjustable glass shelves.
iv. The two front adjustable leveling legs give the refrigerator proper balance on any surface.
The Danby 4.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is the best compact refrigerator of large capacity. It has been used by thousands of people and maintains a good rating. The features of this refrigerator also make it preferable for people looking for a compact refrigerator with relatively large capacity.
The large can and bottle storage provides even more space for storing other items in your refrigerator. Since it has only a small chilling compartment in the fridge section, you can only get a few items to near-zero degrees.
Read our in-depth review of the Danby 4.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator here to learn more about it.
You can check out this refrigerator if you want something large, but not as big as regular-sized refrigerators.
Check out these other in-depth articles/reviews…
- Bottom Freezer Refrigerators: A Buying Guide
- Kegerators: A Complete Buying Guide
- Chef Base: A Complete Buying Guide
- Commercial Refrigerators: How To Buy The Best
- How To Buy The Best Freezerless Refrigerator
- Under-counter Refrigerators — How To Buy The Best For You
Best Compact Refrigerator – Buying Guide
Now that you have a good knowledge of the best compact refrigerators, you may be eager to make a purchase of one or two for your homes and offices. But before you do so, there are a few things we should let you know to avoid buying the wrong compact fridge.
For instance, do you know that the differences between some small compact refrigerators and mini-fridges are not so much?
In the next section, we would look at how to know if you should purchase a mini-fridge instead of a compact refrigerator.
Compact refrigerators .vs. Mini-refrigerators
Compact refrigerators with small capacities like the Danby 1.7-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator have similar storage size when compared to mini-refrigerators like the Cooluli Concord 20-Liter Mini Fridge.
So, if you have only a small amount of items to preserve, then you may want to consider the mini-refrigerators. Mini-refrigerators also come in various sizes and have many different features that make them useful in homes, offices, and even vehicles.
Moreover, mini-fridges can be carried wherever you go. They are great for people who plan to go camping or hiking alone or with their friends and families. Some even come with speakers that keep you entertained as you enjoy your meal.
But if you plan to store more items than a mini-fridge can contain, then it is advisable to go for a compact refrigerator.
Let’s take a look at various factors you should consider before purchasing your refrigerator.
Factors to Consider Before You Buy a Compact Refrigerator
Size
The size of the refrigerator you want to buy is one of the most important factors to consider. You can’t just buy a refrigerator of any size because it looks good. To get a compact refrigerator that fits your needs, make a list of what you plan to use the refrigerator for.
Do you have a larger refrigerator you use at home? Are you getting this refrigerator to assist the main one or is it meant to serve as the main refrigerator?
When you are able to answer these questions, you can then decide on a size.
Don’t get something that is too large, because there will be a lot of empty space in the refrigerator.
Also, it will be quite painful when you realize you could have saved some money.
Buying a refrigerator with a capacity that is lower than what you need may lead to extra expenses. Because if you don’t have enough space to store your items, you may have to get another refrigerator.
Available Space
How much space do you have in your room?
The space available for you to install your refrigerator is also a very important factor. This is because it determines the size of the compact refrigerator to purchase.
For instance, if you are buying a refrigerator for the office, and the only available space is on a shelf or table-top, you can’t get a Galanz 4.4-Cubic Foot Refrigerator that will stay on the floor.
Some refrigerators are designed to stand alone, while some others are built to fit into the cabinetry. You would also see some refrigerators that can fit perfectly in both categories.
So, before you buy a compact refrigerator, use a measuring tape to determine the dimensions of the area you want to place your refrigerator and be sure that the fridge can fit into the available space.
Style
Manufacturers develop compact refrigerators with various features. It is advisable to buy refrigerators with features that you’re interested in.
If you go through the catalog of compact refrigerators on Amazon, you’ll see some refrigerators with a separate freezer compartment, while some others have no freezer compartments.
People who want to store products at low temperatures are better off with refrigerators that have a freezer compartment. Examples of these items include ice cream, soups, fish, and meat among others. When these items are stored in the fridge compartment, they may go bad as a result of improper storage conditions.
But if all your items will remain fresh when stored in the refrigerator, it is advisable to get a refrigerator that doesn’t have a freezer compartment. There’ll be enough space for you to store some extra items.
Some refrigerators such as the HomeLabs 3.3-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator also come with chilling compartments inside the fridge area. They can take smaller-sized items like chocolate bars and ice-cube trays.
Vegetable crispers and can storage shelves are other features to look out for in a compact refrigerator.
Noise level
Most compact refrigerators make sounds because they run on compressor systems. You hear these sounds when the compressor is running.
If you’re someone who needs the refrigerator in the office or for your bedroom, you wouldn’t like to purchase a very loud refrigerator.
It may even be costly because you have to turn it off when you want to work or sleep. As a result, the perishable items in the refrigerator may get damaged.
One of the surest ways to know if the refrigerator you want to purchase is noisy is to check the reviews on the product. So many users complain about loud refrigerators. You can’t miss it.
For instance, the Costway 3.4-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is a bit noisy while you won’t hear sounds when the Midea 3.1-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator is working.
Warranty
How long can you use the mini-fridge you’ve purchased without any complaints?
No one knows.
This is why you need to look out for the warranty on any mini-fridge you plan to buy.
Some compact refrigerators develop faults just after the warranty period is over. For refrigerators that don’t come with a warranty or those that fall in the category earlier stated, you have to spend your money to fix all these problems. But if you’re still in the warranty period, you only have to make call the manufacturers to get it fixed.
Conclusion
If you follow the guidelines we have given above, you will end up with the best compact refrigerator for your homes or offices.
Although it is difficult to choose the best of these top compact refrigerators, the Midea 3.1-Cubic Foot Compact Refrigerator outranks the others. This is because this refrigerator is very spacious, has a large and separate freezer compartment, features a reversible door, LED interior lights, and doesn’t make noise when it’s in use.
All that being said, ensure that you choose a compact refrigerator that is suitable for you.
