The extra 0.8 cu.ft might only be good for obliquely packaged food. In the future if I notice milk spoiling early, I’ll take note and start shopping around sooner instead of just turning it up colder. Clark Howard says that with kitchen appliances, it is better to replace rather than fix, after the 3-5 year mark, which I found surprising.
However they vary in size, features and how well they keep foods cool. We’ve rounded up a selection of models that maintain safe temperatures for food safety in a variety of sizes so there’s one to select regardless of your needs. One of the Arctic King ATMP032AES’s best features is its stainless steel facade, which looks nicer than the glossy plastic of some other mini fridges we tested. Mini fridges are a great solution when you either have very limited space or need somewhere to store excess items.
This model has a single wire shelf that can be removed, making it easier to lug around when moving in and out of dorms or when you need to wipe out the mini fridge. Mini fridges are also fairly affordable, retailing for just a few hundred dollars for a 3 to 4 cubic foot model, though it is possible to find some for even cheaper. And there are very expensive high-end models that would be at home in a commercial kitchen or a fancy home-chef kitchen that come with motion-activated interior lights, touch controls, and door alarms. To help you find the perfect mini fridge for your budget and needs, I put together a list of the five best models you can buy.
Again, because there are only a handful of big manufacturers, the parts are roughly the same, and so too is the quality. If you really want to step it up and are looking for a wine fridge, we have recommendations here. Featuring a shelf, in-door storage, and a chiller, the Frigidaire 1.6-Cubic-Foot Compact Fridge has just enough room to store your mini fridge basics. These models have a separate freezer with its own door, similar to a full-sized top-freezer.
Don’t forget about keeping some treats in the freezer for late-night snacks or study sessions. Normally $190, currently $150 which is pretty good for a 4.3 cubic foot mini fridge with a freezer compartment too (0.5 Arctic King cubic feet). This Kenmore refrigerator includes three premium glass shelves that can easily be adjusted to accommodate tall items. The chic design is perfect for ushering in some retro vibes into your space.