Best Personal Refrigerators

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 2, 2024
Want to add comfort to your dorm room or office? Want to have snacks and beverages right on the go? Get a personal refrigerator! It is ideal for cooling your drinks and warming your food. Read this review and choose the best model that will satisfy all your needs.  ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Capacity
Shelves
Power Source
Convenience
Dimensions
Warranty
 
PROS

Thanks to the innovative EcoMax ™ technology, there will be no frost on the inner walls of the refrigerator. The exterior also maintains an optimal temperature, which is particularly relevant for hot office environments.

CONS

Some users say that the fridge works a bit loudly owing to 2 fans.

OUR VERDICT

Although a vast majority of personal refrigerators are designed for beverages only, this model can be used for food, breast milk, insulin, skincare product, medications and other essentials that require special storage conditions. It has extra-large capacity and can accommodate more stuff than its rivals.

detailed parameters
Capacity

0.35 cu. ft. (12 cans)

Shelves

2 removable shelves, Removable door rack

Power Source

AC, Car cigarette lighter port

Convenience

EcoMax™ technology, Cooler and warmer modes, Carrying handle, Non-skid feet

Dimensions

9.4" x 11.4" x 13.4"

7.9 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The built-in Bluetooth speaker is compatible with most Bluetooth-enabled devices. The unit does not consume too much energy and its fan is basically silent, producing less than 30 dB.

CONS

It's rather sensitive to power drops.

OUR VERDICT

The Gourmia GMF668 is a perfect 2-in-1 model for entertainment. Blasting music, this unit will be able to keep the drinks cold and the atmosphere hot. The integrated speaker easily connects to your iPhone, Android, or other compatible devices. An ideal option for small gatherings, picnics, and parties. 

detailed parameters
Capacity

0.14 cu. ft. (6 cans)

Shelves

1 removable shelf

Power Source

AC, Car cigarette lighter port

Convenience

Built-in Bluetooth speaker, Cooler and warmer modes, Carrying handle, Non-skid feet

Dimensions

7.25" x 10" x 11"

~4.8 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

In addition to the standard 110V AC adapter and a 12V DC car cigarette one, you will also receive a 2-Amp USB port that will allow you to power the fridge using nothing but a simple 2A power bank (USB cable included). 

CONS

The latching on the door is slightly unreliable.

OUR VERDICT

If you're looking for the best beer fridge to put in your office, a cooler and a warmer to place in your nursery, or simply a portable mini fridge that you can always take with you and enjoy all of the additional powering options, the Cooluli should be able to fit you to a tee.

detailed parameters
Capacity

0.14 cu. ft. (6 cans)

Shelves

1 removable shelf, Removable door rack

Power Source

AC, Car cigarette lighter port, 2-Amp USB port

Convenience

Cooler and warmer modes, Carrying handle, Non-skid feet

Dimensions

7.25" x 10.25" x 10.75"

4 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The two-way door boasts reinforced hinges designed to withstand many openings/closures and prevent it from sagging. And strong sealing on the door minimizes the loss of cold or warmth.

CONS

The car power cord could be longer.

OUR VERDICT

The AstroAI Mini Fridge is an ultra-durable model that is backed by a generous 3-year warranty. So, you can be sure this product will serve you for long years to come. It's made from high-quality materials and can stand up to heavy use. And since it makes virtually no noise, it's ideal for dorms or offices.

detailed parameters
Capacity

0.14 cu. ft. (6 cans)

Shelves

1 removable shelf

Power Source

AC, Car cigarette lighter port

Convenience

Cooler and warmer modes, Carrying handle, Non-skid feet

Dimensions

6.9" x 9.45" x 10"

~4.6 lbs

Warranty

3 years

PROS

The ergonomic handle allows you to comfortably carry this mini refrigerator in one hand. And a self-locking recessed door handle will never open during transportation.

CONS

Chrome-plated recessed door handle may scratch easily.

OUR VERDICT

This cute mini fridge can become an excellent gift for Coca-Cola fans. With it, they will be able to enjoy their favorite soda drink wherever they are. And in case you like Fanta or Sprite, the manufacturer also provides themed models in traditional orange and green colors.

detailed parameters
Capacity

0.14 cu. ft. (6 cans)

Shelves

1 removable shelf

Power Source

AC, Car cigarette lighter port

Convenience

Cooler and warmer modes, Carrying handle, Non-skid feet

Dimensions

7.25” x 9.25” x 10.5”

4 lbs

Warranty

3 months

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Cooluli I10L2BK

Larger than Others

If you're in the market for a portable fridge that would offer considerable storage space, you may like the Cooluli Infinity model. Available in 0.35 cu.ft. and 0.53 cu. ft. capacities, it can hold a bit more than its rivals. For example, the model in question can accommodate 12 regular-sized cans compared to 6 offered by other fridges. And if you choose the 0.53 cu. ft. option, you can fit as many as 22 cans inside (in case you take out the shelves). This means that even though this fridge is beautifully portable, it can accommodate enough beverages and snacks for a small party. It goes without saying that besides drinks the Cooluli fridge will ideally work to keep skincare products, cosmetics, breast milk, and medications as well.

It doesn't matter what you stash inside, the fridge will maintain the optimum temperature without any fails. It boasts upgraded foam for better insulation and the exclusive EcoMax technology that prevents frost and minimizes electricity consumption. When the fridge reaches the maximum efficiency, it automatically goes into the ECO mode.

Like most other high-end units, the Cooluli is able to carry out both cooling and warming functions, and it goes from one mode to another with a single switch. Basically, it can cool down up to 35°– 40°F below ambient temperature and warm up to 149°F.

Review of Cooluli I10L2BK Infinity 10 Liter Black Mini Fridge

Stylish Design

This mini-fridge boasts a very sleek design and comes in a variety of colors including classy white and stylish pink, blue, and gold. The fridge will look ultimately elegant wherever it's placed. So, we believe most customers will be able to find the option that would match their taste or decor perfectly. Even if you work in a luxury beauty salon, we suppose it'll become a thing you'd like to display rather than hide.

The fridge has a tempered glass front and a foldaway top handle that makes transportation a breeze. Despite its increased capacity, the appliance is small enough and not that difficult for adults to carry from a car to office, dorm, hotel, or campground. And to make use of it wherever you are, you can benefit from both AC and DC adapters. That is to say, you'll be able to connect the fridge to your car’s cigarette lighter while driving. So, instead of interrupting your trips with stopovers at gas stations or road shops, you'll be able to open the door of this fridge and reach for a snack you like. And since it can warm too, you'll be able to eat your hot dogs really hot to savor the taste and flavor.

To sum it all up, this stylish fridge can become really handy for use in office or salon as well as during getaways. It can store a bit more than its counterparts to keep your whole family refreshed and well-fed.

Cooluli I10L2BK Infinity 10 Liter Black Mini Fridge in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $79.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07Y8TM6SW

 

Gourmia GMF668

Blast Music

Portable coolers are all about entertainment and the Gourmia GMF668 takes entertaining guests to the next level. Aside from everything that these mini fridges are usually able to do, the unit comes equipped with a Bluetooth speaker. You can connect this speaker to an iPhone, Android, or any other Bluetooth-enabled compatible device and stream music or even listen to podcasts while enjoying cold refreshments. In other words, this fridge will prove indispensable at campsites, dorms, and more.

Setting its ability to blast music aside, the unit is not that different from most mini fridges. Its capacity is not excellent, measuring 0.14 cubic feet, which should be enough to accommodate ~six cans but not much more than that.

Also, probably due to the built-in speaker, the fridge weighs ~5 pounds, not especially heavy compared to most small beer fridges but a bit more than you'd expect considering the 7.25" x 10" x 11" overall dimensions. Sure, five pounds is easy to carry and the unit does come equipped with a handle but some might find this handle surprisingly difficult to grab and hold so you might be forced to use both hands to carry the fridge without worrying about dropping it.

Appearance-wise, the fridge does not disappoint. The all-black housing looks good, while the chrome handle spices up the otherwise one-dimensional profile and lets you open and close the fridge with comfort and ease.

Review of Gourmia GMF668 Mini Fridge With Bluetooth Speaker

From 32°F to 150°F

The fridge's portable disposition wouldn't be worth much if all you'd be able to use was an AC cord and the mains to sustain the unit. Fortunately, that's not the case. Aside from that, you can plug this portable appliance into any car cigarette lighter port and comfortably use the unit outdoors. It is able to keep the temperature inside as low as 32°F. That said, the unit will also let you switch to the warming mode and raise the temperature as high as 150°F. The interior is well-insulated, so the fridge is able to maintain the temperature for quite some time even after you unplug it.

From an organization perspective, there's not much inside except for the one shelf that you can remove to accommodate large bottles. There's no rack on the door, which's a shame since that's usually a great place for snacks but its absence makes sense considering the already limited maximum capacity.

To round things up, the Gourmia GMF668 will be able to elevate any party, keeping the drinks' temperature low and the energy levels high.

Gourmia GMF668 Mini Fridge With Bluetooth Speaker in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07JFQC2BZ

 

Cooluli CL4LBK

USB Will Do

The Cooluli CL4LBK will not be able to assist bachelors looking to throw epic parties. The fridge was not designed to do that. No, the unit is flexible and versatile but not from the capacity standpoint. Measuring 0.14 cubic feet, this mini fridge won't be able to hold more than ~6 cans. We're not complaining though. Again, this compact unit wasn't designed to accommodate as much content as possible.

Before anything else, the fridge was designed with mobility in mind. It weighs less than five pounds and measures 7.25" x 10.25" x 10.75", meaning you can easily carry this unit with one hand, especially thanks to the molded inset handle. You can choose between different colors, from blue and red to white and even cow (white housing with black spots) but we would recommend going with black since the matte finish really brings out the fridge's modern yet elegant profile, making this affordable product look expensive.

Setting aside the size, weight, and even the handle, what makes the unit so versatile and portable is also different power supply options. You can plug this mini fridge into the mains via the provided AC cord, not unlike most appliances. You can use the car cigarette lighter port to sustain the fridge, making the unit an excellent road trip or tailgate party assistant. Last but absolutely not least, you'll also be able to use a 2-amp USB port to keep the fridge working, which is a huge advantage since that means any power bank will be able to do the trick, so you can bring the fridge even onto picnics to places with no electricity sources around.

Review of Cooluli CL4LBK Classic 4 Liter Compact Mini Fridge

Bring Some Snacks With You

Does the product have its flaws? Sure. The latches that support the doors are pretty flimsy, so we would not recommend swinging it carelessly or opening the door with excessive force.

Aside from that though, the unit is good. You can switch between cooling and warming modes. It is able to keep the temperature inside as low as 35°F and as high as 150°F, so you'll be able to keep the meals warm when necessary too. You can remove the shelf to make more space for large bottles and remove the door rack to add that extra space necessary to place drinks horizontally. The rack can be used to hold snacks though, so we would definitely not recommend tossing it away.

Long story short, you can bring the Cooluli CL4LBK anywhere with you, from road trips to picnics. Plus, the unit is about as quiet as most laptops.

Cooluli CL4LBK Classic 4 Liter Compact Mini Fridge in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $49.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0771S9XT8

 

AstroAI M040BL

High-Quality Design

The AstroAI Mini Fridge is a very high-quality product that is definitely worth every cent. It's a CE, FCC, ETL, RoHS certified fridge that comes with a generous 3-year warranty by the manufacturer, which obviously means that the company is confident in it. And if you have some trouble or are not satisfied with the product, you can reach out to the customer support and solve any issue.

To begin with, we would like to stress that the unit is designed with an eco-friendly semiconductor refrigeration chip that is built to handle heavy, daily use. And to survive through numerous openings/closures, the door is fitted with reinforced hinges that prevent it from sagging. Take note that the door also has a safety latch for carrying, which locks very solidly but may take some effort to click into place. There is also a strong sealing on the door that minimizes the loss of cold or warmth.

The only thing you should be aware of is the fact that the fridge mustn't be placed in an enclosed cabinet since it needs a well-ventilated place for efficient heat dissipation. Also, it shouldn't be placed horizontally.

Though we don't think the placement will be an issue - the device is pretty compact with the inner dimensions of 5.5" x 5.3" x 7.85", so it can find a place in any environment. With that, it can hold 6 standard 12-oz cans. For a neat organization, it comes with a removable shelf.

Review of AstroAI M040BL Mini Fridge with handle

Silent Operation

Despite being so tiny and portable, the fridge works really well. It can cool down drinks to a reasonably low temperature in a few hours and keep them nice and cool for long. However, do note that it has no variable heat control and the lowest possible temperature depends on the surrounding environment. On average, the refrigerator maintains contents at 36-38°F in a cool mode without pre-freezing.

As mentioned before, the item also works in a warming mode. But it's important to know that it's intended mainly for keeping items warm rather than heating them up. So, if you want to have a warm meal later during the day, the best thing you can do is put in it something that's already warm.

The mini-fridge is fully-insulated, so it'll keep things cool/hot even when the motor isn't running. By the way, when the motor works, the unit emits virtually no noise. With 25dB, it'll bother neither you nor people around. So, we can admit it's a great mini fridge for dorms, offices, spa salons, and other environments where silent operation is needed.

AstroAI M040BL Mini Fridge with handle in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $49.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07S3VRZK4

 

Koolatron KWC-4

Adorable Design

This fridge looks absolutely gorgeous with its cute Coca-Cola print on the door. It looks very attractive and fun, so even if you're not a Coca-Cola fan or collector, you'll absolutely love it. Plus, chances are high that if you place it on your desk, it will provide you not only with cold drinks but also good mood. For those of you, who prefer Fanta or Sprite, two other options are available.

But design is not the only thing about this fridge we were much impressed with. What is also remarkable about is its capacity. The fridge can accommodate up to 6 regular soda cans or 4 x 16-oz water bottles, which is quite a lot for its dimensions. And if you're going to use it mainly for fresh food, this capacity will be enough to accommodate 8 small-sized yogurts, a small container and a couple of bananas or other fruit, quite a good bunch of food for a small gathering of people. Another advantage is that it has an adjustable shelf: you can remove it or rearrange conveniently depending on the foods you put inside.

Measuring 11.6” x 7.4” x 10.4”, the unit has just the right size to fit in confined corners and crawl spaces. Also, with a weight of 2.5 pounds, it is extremely lightweight, so it will be easy to carry it with no fatigue. Despite such portability, the fridge is made with durability in mind. It features a premium quality finish and a lock that automatically seals the door when you shut it, so there’s no risk that anything may drop out of it while you transport it.

The only slight gripe about this model is a bit loud operation. When things are completely quiet in the room, you'll likely hear its fan working. However, this sound isn't overly noisy and you should not have any problem with it.

Review of Koolatron KWC-4 Coca-Cola Personal 6-Can Mini Fridge

Make the Most Out of It

Of course, this fridge won't chill drinks as fast as a full-sized model, but it can achieve a temperature of about 35 degrees below ambient, which is a good rate. Also, it's capable of warming the contents up to a buffet line temperature that's considered optimal for hot foods storage. Besides, the unit switches from a chill to warm mode faster than many similar models in its class.

Though the Koolatron KWC-4 doesn't freeze foods, there are a few ways to maximize chill. You can store the items in the back and/or put cans horizontally with their bottoms close to the conductive metal liner of the unit (if not directly touching it). That's where you may also want to put milk, dairy products, and the like. If the refrigerator is full, the food near the front door will be cooled by contact with the cold stuff in the back and by the cold air between them.

In all, if you want to get a super-cute mini fridge on your desk to have something cold to drink or warm to eat while you're working or gaming, this one certainly fits the bill.

Koolatron KWC-4 Coca-Cola Personal 6-Can Mini Fridge in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $57.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B000JLNBW4

VIDEO
Coca-Cola Mini Fridge for Car and Home
 

What Is a Personal Refrigerator?

Beyond any doubt, on a hot summer day, you may be pursued by the desire to quench your thirst by drinking a chilled beverage. Having purchased a personal refrigerator, you will always have a fresh drink at hand. Personal fridges are very compact in size and lightweight so it's easy to carry them around. Besides, they can not only cool down food but also warm it, which favorably sets them aside from your average refrigerator.

Besides chilling/warming up your meal-time goodies and drinks, mini fridges can find a variety of other applications. For example, they can be used for storing breast milk, skincare products, insulin, medicine, and other essentials that you may need to take with you when going somewhere.

Do note that personal refrigerators can not freeze the contents. Typically, the temperature range in mini fridges is around 35-42 degrees Fahrenheit. This isn't very cold, but it will be just enough for short term storage of fresh foods.

And if you are interested in getting a compact refrigerator with a freezer, you might be interested in reading our best compact refrigerators review. These models are usually about the same size as mini-fridges, but along with a fresh food compartment they also have a tiny freezer for freezing meals.

What Features to Compare

Dimensions and Capacity

If you look for a fridge to store little quantities of beverages and food in the office or on desktop at home, the choice is obvious - you need a personal mini fridge. It won’t make up for performance and cooling capacity of a full-size refrigerator but it will surely come in helpful to chill beverages and remnants of food, leave you plenty of useful space and save you money on energy consumption bills. There are plenty of options in the market so that it’s easy to find the most suitable compact fridge to fit your room. You may pick one model over the other depending on capacity and dimensions of any particular unit, but the good news, you’re not going to be anyhow limited in choices. Whether you plan to bring a mini fridge around on picnics and outing gatherings or set it in a dorm room, here you’ll find all sorts of units for your best pick.

Conveniences

As being said above, the market is full of choices and all you need to define is what’s going to work best personally for you. That’s actually what the name “personal fridges” suggests. Manufacturers work hard to make their appliances not only look good and fit small premises but also enable convenience of use. There are now fridges with a solid carrying handle for transportation and those with a lock instead of magnets. Once loaded in a trunk, you can fire up ignition and set off on a trip without worrying that your food and cans may fall out of the fridge on a bumpy road. Despite overall low capacity, most modern personal fridges have an adjustable shelf to accommodate more food and beverages inside, so whatever they say, mini fridges come absolutely helpful and offer a lot of benefits you’d never think of. Among the obvious one, compact fridges don’t consume as much energy and can be fed from any regular 12V cigarette lighter.

Design and Features

The distinguishing feature of personal refrigerators is that they are capable of not only cooling but also warming food and cans. The cooling temperature of different units varies between 32F-68F while the warming temperature may reach 150F. The other thing that definitely defines mini fridges from conventional units is their peculiar design. You may find matte, glossy and printed finishes with plastic and metal inwards. In this review, we’d like to offer you 5 best selling personal refrigerators so that you can find the right one for your place.

Sources:

1. Choosing the best mini fridge, Consumer Reports. August 2013.

2. Mini Fridge Buying Guide, ConsumerSearch.

3. Tyler Wells Lynch Mini Fridge Roundup, Reviewed. October 11, 2012.

4. Kate Halse Best Mini Fridge: Top 5 Compact Refrigerators, Heavy. September 24, 2015.

5. The Best Mini Fridge, GIZMODO.

6. Martin Holladay Choosing an Energy-Efficient Refrigerator, GreenBuildingAdvisor. May 18, 2012.

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