How much is a mini fridge?

Prices for a mini fridge (or a compact refrigerator) can vary depending on factors like size, features and use case. Some mini fridges are designed to keep snacks and drinks cool, while others are made for outdoor use, and still more have a separate freezer. Prices tend to start around $170-$200 and go up from there.

Can you put a mini fridge on a carpet?

While most dorms use a tile floor, some students may want to place their compact refrigerators on a rug or carpet. It's not the best idea—carpet can block ventilation and increase your energy use, or even damage the floors or carpet below if condensation becomes an issue.

How do you defrost a mini fridge?

No one wants to defrost a mini fridge, but the process isn't hard. Unplug it, remove your food, beverages and everything inside, then leave the door propped open to defrost. Place a towel in front of the door to catch and absorb any melting water. Leave it this way overnight. To speed the process along, add a bowl of heated water to the fridge, and let the steam melt away frozen ice inside.

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What's The Best Mini Fridge for a Dorm?

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What's the Best Mini Fridge for a Dorm?

An open mini fridge beside a desk and desk chair.

By: Sean

Content Writer

9 min read

Heading off to college? Chances are you'll be starting off in a dorm, and every dorm room needs a mini fridge (otherwise known as a compact refrigerator). These are the perfect place to keep snacks, beverages, coffee must-haves and leftovers. Abt stocks some of the best mini fridges for dorms, with everything from extra-small versions to luxe compact refrigerators that will stun new roommates and friends alike. Check out our list of the best, and don't forget to check your school's requirements for sizes: some only allow a certain height, width and depth in their dorm rooms.

Frigidaire 3.1 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator in Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel Look - FRPE3136AV

$278

Comp. Value: $309

Frigidaire 3.1 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator in Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel Look - FRPE3136AV

Danby Refrigerator Compact 1.6 Cu Ft in Black - DAR016B1BM

$189.99

Danby 1.6 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator 17-Inch Wide in Black - DAR016B1BM

Avanti Refrigerator Compact Chiller Compartment 3.3 Cu Ft in White - RM3306W

$158

Comp. Value: $229.99

Color: White

Avanti 3.3 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator 19-Inch Wide in White - RM3306W

Danby Refrigerator Contemporary Classic Compact 4.4 Cu Ft in Black - DAR044A6MDB

$305.99

Comp. Value: $379.99

Color: Black

Danby Retro 4.4 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator 21-Inch in Midnight Black - DAR044A6MDB

Danby Refrigerator Diplomat Compact 3.3 Cu Ft in White - DCR033B2WM

$229.99

Danby Diplomat 3.3 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator 19-Inch Wide in White - DCR033B2WM

Frigidaire 3.1 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator in Fingerprint-Resistant Stainless Steel Look - FRPE3136AV

$278

Comp. Value: $309

A Big Freezer for Quick Meals

One thing most mini fridges for dorms don't have is a freezer. That's where this pick from Frigidaire comes in. It has separate refrigerator and freezer compartments, along with glass shelves, in-door storage and a drawer that's great for produce (or classic snacks). In truth, it's one of the best on our list, and the freezer makes it a great spot to store freezable dinners and ice cream pints.

Extra Small Storage

Not all of the best mini fridges for dorms need a freezer. This pick by Danby is smaller with just 1.6 cubic feet of storage, but it has everything you'll need. Some schools require smaller refrigerators, and if that's the case, look for a choice like this model. A wire shelf helps you make the most of every inch, while in-door storage gives you room for caffeinated drinks, sodas, juice and coffees. Plus, the door hinge is reversible, meaning you can adjust this extra-small refrigerator to open or close in a way that fits your space.

Danby Refrigerator Compact 1.6 Cu Ft in Black - DAR016B1BM

$189.99

Avanti Refrigerator Compact Chiller Compartment 3.3 Cu Ft in White - RM3306W

$158

Comp. Value: $229.99

Color: White

The Budget-Friendly Pick

This dorm mini fridge is one of the best among it's competitors, and it's at Abt for an incredible price as we're publishing. With 3.3 cubic feet of space, multiple shelves, tons of in-door space and a built-in chiller, it's hard to think of an appliance this small that gives you more. Instead of a freezer, the Avanti mini fridge has a chiller compartment, or a space to keep cold things for short-term storage. You can't leave frozen meals here for days, but it's a great spot to keep things in the short term. The budget-friendly Avanti is a favorite among many, and with all of its upgrades, it's easy to see why.

The Produce Protector

Not unlike the Avanti above is the Danby Diplomat. It has many of the upgrades you'd find in the great mini fridge above, like boosted storage and a chiller compartment. However, this compact refrigerator has one extra that's hard to find; a produce drawer. And while not every student focuses on fresh greens and fruits during their stay at college, it's important to stay healthy. They can keep produce fresh and crisp here in the bottom drawer, access frozen favorites in the chiller above, and store snacks and leftovers all throughout the Danby Diplomat compact refrigerator.

Danby Refrigerator Diplomat Compact 3.3 Cu Ft in White - DCR033B2WM

$229.99

Danby Refrigerator Contemporary Classic Compact 4.4 Cu Ft in Black - DAR044A6MDB

$305.99

Comp. Value: $379.99

Color: Black

For the Stylish Study

Not all of the best mini fridges for dorms have a boring white facade. The shining black Danby Retro mini fridge makes a vintage yet modern statement, showing off design prowess that sets any student apart. You and your roommates will have fun checking out the interior, too; multiple shelves, a produce drawer, a soda can rack, and other in-door space is just the start. There's lots of room inside (a full 4.4 cubic feet) making this model one of our best mini fridges for a dorm, especially if you hope to keep lots inside your compact refrigerator, or are sharing with more than two people.

Preparing for your first year of college can be scary, but if you have the right gear with you, you'll tackle every issue, from late-night projects to dining halls that close early. And while you can't bring a whole kitchen with you, a compact refrigerator, along with a microwave and a coffee machine can help you get ready for a day of classes and a night full of studying. We've got other things you'll need for school here at Abt, too; check out our guide to back-to-school must-haves as well as our recent comparison of the MacBook Air and MacBook Neo laptops.