As your student gears up for dorm life, one of the best — and most fun — purchases is a mini fridge. When you’re on the hunt for a great option for their space, you’ll want something that can store snacks, beverages, and leftovers to make dorm living that much more convenient. And trust us, there are a lot of options out there — that’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best mini fridges for dorms!
To help narrow down our picks for the best mini fridges for dorms, I researched a ton of popular products and brands, scoured trusted websites, and read hundreds of reviews.
Ahead, check out the best mini fridges for dorms based on design, capacity, and overall value.
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Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Frigidaire Retro 2-Door Mini Refrigerator – $163 at Amazon
- Also Great: COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator – $217.79 at Amazon
- Best Colors: RCA Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer – $142.86 at Amazon
- Best Without Freezer: Danby Designer Mini Fridge – $299.99 at Amazon
- Best Budget: Galanz Compact Dorm Refrigerator – $88 at Walmart
Reviews of The Best Mini Fridges for Dorms
1. Best Overall: Frigidaire Retro 2-Door Mini Refrigerator
When it comes to maximizing space without sacrificing functionality, this model by Frigidaire takes first place. The double-door design is great for storage, combining a .96 cubic foot freezer with 2.4 cubic feet of fridge space. On the inside, the fridge has a large vegetable crisper, door shelving with enough clearance to store tall bottles, and two glass shelves that are easy to clean (as opposed to wire shelves that allow items to fall through).
The incandescent lighting on the interior also gives off enough light to see what’s inside without blinding their roomie while grabbing a midnight study snack.
It also boasts a cool, retro-inspired design without standing out too much, which means it’s a breeze to match with the rest of your dorm decor.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 21.26″D x 17.83″W x 33.5″H
- Capacity: 3.1 cubic feet
- Finish: Stainless steel
- Weight: 32 pounds
The Pros:
- Spacious top freezer
- Electronic temperature control
- Large vegetable crisper
The Cons:
- Stainless steel finish may require cleaning
What Others are Saying:
The Frigidaire Two-Door Fridge and Freezer was named the best mini fridge with a freezer by Teen Vogue. Additionally, it has a 4.2-star rating on Amazon from more than 3,400 views.
Buy the Frigidaire Retro 2-Door Mini Refrigerator
2. Also Great: COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator
This COSTWAY model does it all. Like our first choice, it’s a compact but sturdy model with separate refrigerator and freezer sections that allow the user to customize the temperatures with rapid-cooling technology. (If you’re looking for more space-saving items for a dorm, check out some of our favorites here!)
The refrigerator section has a glass shelf that can be removed for more room, a clear crisper drawer for fruits and vegetables, a large bottle rack on the door, and wide-angle LED lights to help see inside. Although the design isn’t as flashy as our first choice, it’s a great pick if you want something a bit more subdued for the space.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 19″D x 19.5″W x 34″H
- Capacity: 3.2 cubic feet
- Finish: Stainless steel
- Weight: 52 pounds
The Pros:
- Versatile
- Adjustable shelves
- Shelves are easy to wipe clean
- Spacious
The Cons:
- Reviewers note that it can be a bit loud
- Heavy
What Others are Saying:
The COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator was named the best overall mini fridge for dorms by Teen Vogue. Additionally, it has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon from more than 900 reviews.
Buy the Costway Compact Refrigerator
3. Best Color Options RCA Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer
Want to add a pop of color to a dorm room? The RCA Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer has you covered with its range of vibrant hues, like glossy purple, blue, and green. It’s a piece of functional decor that is guaranteed to brighten up any space.
With its adjustable thermostat, reversible door, and slide-out shelves, it offers both style and convenience in one compact package. It won’t take up a ton of floor space, with measurements fo 17 by 18 by 33 inches. Even though this one isn’t a double-door model, it does have a built-in freezer compartment that will still fit a pint of ice cream and some ice!
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 16.73″D x 17.83″W x 33.27″H
- Capacity: 3.2 cubic feet
- Finish: Stainless steel
- Weight: 42.7 pounds
The Pros:
- Lots of color options
- Smaller footprint
- Built-in freezer
- Spacious
The Cons:
- Single door model
What Others are Saying:
The RCA Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer was named the best overall mini fridge by Good Housekeeping, and it has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon from more than 17,000 reviews.
Buy the RCA Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer
4. Best Without Freezer: Danby Designer Mini Fridge
The Danby Designer Compact Mini Fridge makes our list of the best mini fridges because it balances budget, size, and efficiency. What it lacks in freezer space, it more than makes up for in storage space. At 4.4 cubic feet, it’s the largest on our list, with more than enough room to hold food and beverage essentials.
The spacious interior has adjustable shelves and integrated door shelving to fit cans of soda, bottles, milk, and more. There are no bulky handles on the door to get in the way, and it even has handy reversible door hinges. If you need to maximize fridge space and you don’t need a freezer, this is the one for you.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 20.16″D x 20.16″W x 33.16″H
- Capacity: 4.4 cubic feet
- Finish: Stainless steel
- Weight: 53.9 pounds
The Pros:
- Large capacity
- Quiet
- Scratch-resistant top
- Reversible door hinges
The Cons:
- Cannot store frozen items
- Heavy
What Others are Saying:
The Danby Designer Mini Fridge was named the quietest mini fridge for dorms by Teen Vogue and it also has a 4.4-star rating from more than 1,300 Amazon reviewers.
Buy the Danby Designer Mini Fridge:
5. Best Budget: Galanz Compact Dorm Refrigerator
Looking for a mini fridge that won’t break the bank? The Galanz Compact Dorm Refrigerator is the perfect budget-friendly option. Despite its affordable price tag, it doesn’t skimp on features: The adjustable thermostat allows the user to control the internet temperature, while the reversible door, removable wire shelf, and lower storage area are all awesome added perks.
With a capacity of 1.7 cubic feet and a half-width freezer compartment, this mini fridge is compact enough to fit in tight spaces while still having enough space for essentials.
The Specs:
- Dimensions: 19.09″D x 17.48″W x 19.49″H
- Capacity: 1.7 cubic feet
- Finish: Black
- Weight: 29.9 pounds
The Pros:
- Adjustable storage options
- Quiet operation
- Reversible door
- Fits under desks
The Cons:
- Small freezer
What Others are Saying:
The Galanz Compact Dorm Refrigerator has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon from more than 470 buyers.
Buy the Galanz Compact Dorm Refrigerator
Other Mini Fridges for Dorms to Consider
Frigidaire Mini Portable Fridge
The best part about this mini portable fridge is its cool retro design that matches other products in the line. If you want something portable to take along on road trips or to a tailgate, it’s great because it can be preset to cool for beverages or warm for food, plus it only weighs three pounds. But it’s so small that it’s best for only a few beverages, so it might not be worth it for a dorm. The Frigidaire Mini Portable Fridge is available at Amazon for $27.88.
Cooluli Vibe Mini Fridge
For those looking for a cute and portable option, this Cooluli mini fridge is your best bet. It has a sleek design with a magnetic blackboard surface on the front for writing notes and keeping memos handy. Its dual function gives it the ability to go from cooling to warming with one quick switch. Because of its small capacity (15 liters), it can fit into the tiniest of places, but it’s so small that they may not be able to fit a ton in there. The Cooluli Vibe Mini Fridge is available at Amazon for $99.99.
Magic Chef Mini Refrigerator
The Magic Chef model is a popular choice because it has many of the features that we love in our top picks, like a separate freezer, great interior storage, and lots of built-in space. But there’s one big dealbreaker: Multiple reviews mentioned it can get stuck on its coldest setting and freeze everything inside. The Magic Chef Mini Refrigerator is available at Home Depot for $249.
Why You Can Trust Us
Hi! I’m Belle, an award-winning digital content creator with a healthy passion for all things lifestyle, including shopping, food, fashion, and French culture. I also own an award-winning content creation agency, plus I teach communications at three colleges and universities. My writing and on-camera work can be seen on Better Homes & Gardens.
For this roundup, I researched trusted websites and read hundreds of reviews to narrow down the best mini fridges for dorm rooms, considering the design style, capacity, and overall value. When choosing a good fridge for a dorm, you want to make sure you’re investing in a model that’ll last the entire school year, so durability and features are other important factors I kept in mind.
Everything to Know Before Buying a Mini Fridge for Dorms
What to Consider Before Buying a Mini Fridge for Dorms
Here’s what to keep in mind before buying a mini fridge for a dorm:
Size and Capacity: Dorm rooms are typically small, so space is a huge consideration. If you can, find out the dimensions of the room before purchasing a mini fridge to ensure it fits comfortably. Consider the fridge’s capacity as well—do they need enough space for just a few drinks and snacks, or do they plan to store larger items like gallon jugs or leftovers? If your student will have a roommate, consider their needs as well. As an added bonus, make sure it’s not too heavy, either — there’s nothing worse than lugging weighty items to dorm rooms that are on high floors.
Storage Features: Consider the layout and storage options of the mini fridge, including shelves, door compartments, and freezer compartments. Adjustable shelves and removable bins can help maximize storage space and accommodate items of varying sizes. If they need to store frozen foods or ice, look for a mini fridge with a freezer.
Style and Design: While functionality is essential, don’t forget about aesthetics. Choose a mini fridge with a design and color that complements the dorm room decor and reflects your student’s style. Whether you prefer a sleek stainless steel finish or a retro-inspired look, there are plenty of options to suit your taste.
Budget: Mini fridges come in a range of price points, so consider your budget before making a purchase. Keep in mind that higher-priced models may offer additional features or higher energy efficiency, but there are also plenty of affordable options that provide reliable performance. If you’re not planning on keeping your mini fridge longer than a couple of semesters, you may want to keep the price point on the lower side, too.
What is the Best Sized Mini Fridge for Dorm?
Selecting the perfect-sized mini fridge for a dorm dependd on various elements, such as the room’s available space storage demands, and any particular features. Typically, mini fridges that range from 1.7 to 3.2 cubic feet in capacity are good options.
Where Should You Put a Mini Fridge in a Dorm Room?
Ultimately, the best location for a mini fridge depends on your student’s preferences, room layout, and lifestyle. You can experiment with different placements to find the option that works best for them in terms of accessibility, functionality, and space utilization.
For example, placing the mini fridge near the entryway of a dorm room can make it convenient for grabbing snacks on the way in or out. Just be mindful of foot traffic and ensure the fridge doesn’t obstruct the doorway, their roomie’s side, or create a tripping hazard.
How Do You Defrost a Mini Fridge?
It’s recommended to defrost a mini fridge regularly, especially if you notice a significant buildup of ice or frost. This can help prevent issues such as reduced cooling efficiency and odors. Luckily, defrosting a mini fridge is pretty easy to do.
Simply unplug the unit and remove everything from inside it, including any drawers or shelves. To speed up the process, place bowls of hot water inside the fridge and close the door. Make sure you have two towels ready to go: One to put underneath to catch any water runoff, and the second to remove ice buildup or wipe away any excess water that may pool inside.
After the mini fridge has warmed to room temperature, clean the interior, leaving the door open for a few hours to dry out completely.
Do You Need a Mini Fridge in a Dorm Room?
While having a mini fridge in a dorm room is definitely not a necessity, it is a convenient addition. It can store perishable foods, leftovers, and snacks, plus it keeps drinks cold. If they accidentally miss meal times in the dining hall, they can also grab a snack between classes to keep them nourished.
One potential downside of a mini fridge is its limited storage capacity. Due to its compact size, a mini fridge may not be able to accommodate large quantities of food or beverages, especially for individuals who prefer to buy groceries in bulk or cook meals frequently. It’s also taking up precious space in a dorm. That being said, most dorm students are not doing that, and it may be a worthwhile investment in the end.
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
