9 Best Mini Fridges with Freezers for Dorm Rooms
Looking for the best mini fridges with freezers for dorm room? Here are 9 that would be perfect for your college dorm.
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When choosing a mini fridge for your dorm room, it’s essential to consider both the refrigerator and freezer space.
You’ll want a fridge that can hold all your food and drinks and a freezer for ice cream and frozen pick-me-ups.
You can quickly browse our top picks, but this post is so much more than the 9 best mini fridges with freezers for your dorm room!
We dug deep to give you must-consider points (pre-purchase) and simple organization tips to maximize your dorm fridge space (post-purchase).
| Mini Fridge | Storage Capacity (cu ft.) | Dimensions (DxWxH) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black + Decker BCRK32V | 3.2 | 19.3″ x 17.5″ x 32.7″ | Best overall |
| Danby Compact Refrigerator with True Freezer | 4.5 | 23.06” x 21.31” x 34” | Best for larger spaces |
| Insignia NS-CF26BK9 | 2.6 | 17.75” x 19.125” x 31.375” | Best for medium spaces |
| Honeywell Compact Mini Fridge with Freezer | 1.6 | 17.7” x 18.6” x 19.4” | Best for tiny spaces |
| Insignia (NS-BC115SS9) Beverage Cooler | 3.2 | 17.3” x 18.9” x 33.1” | Best for drinks |
| Euhomy Mini Refrigerator with Freezer | 3.2 | 24” x 21.8” x 37” | Best tech-y fridge |
| Midea WHD-113FB1 | 3.1 | 19.37” x 18.5” x 32.95” | Amazon highest-rated |
| Galanz GLR31TBEER | 4 sizes | Various | Best retro-themed fridge |
| Edge Star CRF321SS | 3.1 | 18.75” x 19.75” x 33.5” | Best long-term value |
Why Do You Need a Mini Fridge With A Freezer In Your Dorm?
Although most colleges offer meals to their students, sometimes these may not suit your dietary requirements.
Additionally, your schedule may prevent you from making the on-campus cafeteria timings.
And a few more reasons why a mini fridge for a dorm room is needed:
- Save money on eating out
- It’s easier to eat healthily if you have healthy foods on-hand
- Reduce food waste by freezing leftovers and unused ingredients
Simply put: you need a place to store food and drinks you can easily prepare at a moment’s notice because it’s faster, healthier, and cheaper!
To help you avoid analysis paralysis when debating between mini fridges with freezers, you should consider these main points.
Things to Consider When Buying a Dorm Mini Fridge
This section is for all of you decision-wafflers (like me)! There are a lot of different mini fridges on the market, and these four considerations will quickly help you decide.
1. Your Budget
Your top priority when purchasing a mini fridge for your dorm room is budget.
Always remember that the more features available will increase the cost. For example, a larger mini fridge with a stainless steel door will always cost you more than a smaller one with a glass door.
Therefore, ensure you account for this when shopping for a mini fridge for your college dorm room.
2. The Capacity
Typically, manufacturers list mini fridge capacity in cubic feet. Alternatively, they sometimes list the capacity in terms of the number of 12-ounce cans you can store within the dorm fridge.
So always consider the number of items you need to keep when purchasing one for your dorm room. For example, a 3.4 cubic foot mini fridge is enough to hold food for up to four people.
Some fridges come with a separate freezer compartment and a door, offering more storage capacity.
The separate compartment prevents other items from experiencing freezer burn due to the frosting of the in-built freezer.
3. Your Dorm Room Space
Most colleges offer shared accommodation for their students, so you may not have sufficient space for your mini fridge for the dorm.
I suggest opting for a dorm fridge that is tall and thin to allow more space for your other belongings. Also, consider a reversible door model since these can open either way and save you tons of space.
4. Get One with Compressed Power
Consider units that use compressed power when getting a mini fridge with a freezer for the dorm. Compressed power does not require airflow to dissipate heat, so you can place them in the corner of your tiny dorm room and they will work fine.
Bonus: mini fridges with compressed power are more environmentally friendly.
Why?
Because they are energy efficient and use non-polluting refrigerants. For example, the Danby 4.5 cu. ft. compact refrigerator only requires 244 kWh of energy annually.
Best Mini Fridges with Freezer for Dorm Room
Now you know the main things to consider before buying a dorm refrigerator!
But the choice can still be daunting, so we put together these “best of the best” mini fridges with freezers for dorm rooms.
Whether you’re looking for something compact and stylish or a little extra space for all your snacks, we’ve got you covered.
1. Best Overall – Black + Decker BCRK32V
Here is what you can expect when you get the Black + Decker BCRK32V dorm fridge:
- 3.2 cubic feet storage capacity
- Reversible hinge door
- 19.3″ D x 17.5″ W x 32.7″ H
- Quiet (45 dB)
- With a yearly energy consumption estimate of 216 kWh, you are only looking at energy costs of around $26 annually
- Available in black, gray, and white to suit your décor
- Does not have automatic defrosting or a crisper
This 3.2 cu ft. unit is organized with the following compartments: a full-width freezer with an ice cube tray, 2-liter door storage, two full-width slide-out glass shelves, and a six 12-ounce can dispenser.
The fridge is ideal for small dorm room spaces since it only measures 19.3” x 17.5″ x 32.7”. It has a reversible hinge door allowing you to operate it in tight spaces.
The internal compressor with adjustable temperature control allows you to chill your meals to a minimum of 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
It operates at 45 dB, meaning the fridge will not interfere with your studying (or sleep) when it’s running.
2. Best For Larger Spaces – Danby Compact Refrigerator with True Freezer
The Danby Compact Refrigerator with True Freezer almost won “best overall,” but I bumped it down because it takes up the most space of any mini fridge on our list.
“With great storage capacity comes great space usage,” so it should fit all of your food but may not fit all dorms.
Here are some highlights:
- It is large enough to hold food for 4 students, with a storage capacity of 4.5 cubic feet
- Reversible door hinge
- Energy Star compliant
- 23.06” D x 21.31” W x 34” H
The Danby has a full-width freezer section, two full-width glass shelves, and 1-1/2 width adjustable glass shelving. You also get integrated door shelving that is sufficient to hold tall bottles.
The reversible door hinge allows you to switch the door direction. Though, it is one of the larger mini-fridges and may not fit if you have a tiny space.
It uses compressed power, meaning it will still work well even if you place it next to the wall.
The dorm fridge is Energy Star compliant and uses an environmentally friendly R600a refrigerant.
Therefore, it will not significantly impact your monthly energy bill, with the manufacturer estimating a yearly energy cost of $32.
This is one of the few mini fridges with freezers for dorm rooms on this list that have a “true freezer.” And it’s called this for 2 reasons:
- The freezer takes up the full width of the container.
- The freezer operates at -18°C (0°F), whereas many other mini refrigerators operate at a higher temperature. You don’t have to worry about your ice cream melting at zero degrees!
3. Best 2.6 Cubic Foot Mini Fridge – Insignia 2.6 cu ft. Mini Fridge NS-CF26BK9
If the first two options are too bulky for you, you can check out the Insignia 2.6 cu ft. Mini Fridge. Here is what you can expect from your purchase:
- 2.6 cubic foot storage capacity
- 17.75 D x 19.125 W x 31.375 H
- In-door storage
- Reversible door hinge
- Matte-black only
A 2.6 cubic foot storage capacity is available on three adjustable glass shelves, with integrated door storage for your tall drinks and four 12-ounce cans. You also get a small freezer unit.
The Insignia mini fridge also features a reversible door, which you can fasten to the left or right to suit your room placement. In addition, the free-standing design ensures space efficiency for even the smallest of spaces.
The fridge is only available in a matte black finish, which may conflict with your décor.
The 250 kWh yearly energy consumption makes it more expensive to operate than the Black + Decker model above.
Pro Tip: You can get this model cheaper from Best Buy, which is highly affordable if you are cost-sharing with your roommate.
4. Best 1.6 cu ft. Mini Fridge – Honeywell Compact Refrigerator 1.6 Cu Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer
If space is an issue, you can opt for the Honeywell 1.6 cubic foot Mini Fridge with Freezer.
Although it will not be sufficient to store ingredients for making a romantic date night meal, it will still serve you well for takeout meals and your favorite beverages.
Here are the unit’s stand-out features:
- Removable shelf
- Reversible door hinge
- Manual thermostat
- 17.7” D x 18.6” W x 19.4” H
- Stainless steel only
This Honeywell model features a removable shelf for the refrigeration area, which allows you to store more oversized items. It has a freezer area to keep a small tub of ice cream or make ice cubes.
The unit has a manual thermostat for fast temperature control. It does not have an automatic defrost function. So, ensure you set it correctly to avoid freezer burn to your food items.
At only 17.7 X 18.6 X 19.4 inches, you can fit the mini fridge anywhere in your room. The reversible hinge door and lightweight (29.7 pounds) are a bonus to the ease of installation this dorm fridge offers.
Warning: This unit does not dissipate heat well, requiring at least 30cm of space above and 10 cm for the sides and back panels.
5. Best Mini Fridge for Drinks – Insignia 115-Can Beverage Cooler (NS-BC115SS9)
You do not need a mini fridge to store food only. You can also have one to only store your beverages, and there is nothing better than the Insignia 115-Can Beverage Cooler.
As the name suggests, you can easily store 115 12-ounce cans of your favorite beverage in this unit! It does this through the following features:
- 3.2 cubic foot storage capacity
- 17.3” D x 18.9” W x 33.1” H
- Reversible door hinge
- LED touch control
- Modern design
This 3.2 cubic foot model offers 3 adjustable wire shelves, and you can change the levels to fit your bottles to provide variety.
The fridge offers electronic temperature control to keep your drinks between 34- and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You can change the temperature using the touch control and LED display on the top shelf of the unit.
The Insignia 115-Can Beverage cooler has an automatic memory system, ensuring your temperature remains constant, even after a power outage.
The glass door and stainless steel side finish complement your dorm room décor seamlessly by offering an ultra-modern look.
At 33.1 inches in height, 18.9 inches in width, and 17.3 inches in depth, the Insignia 15-can beverage cooler can fit in the tight spaces of your room.
Furthermore, the unit comes with a reversible door hinge to offer you flexibility when placing the fridge in your room.
6. Best Mini Fridge Technology – Euhomy Mini Refrigerator with Freezer
The Euhomy Mini Refrigerator is the most technologically advanced mini fridge for dorm room you can buy. Here are some of the features to justify this claim:
- 3D refrigeration technology
- 3.2 cubic feet
- LED lighting system
- 24” D x 21.8” W x 37” H
- UL certification & only requires 0.98 kWh daily
- Automatic noise reduction technology
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
The dorm fridge uses 3D refrigeration technology to offer you a 7-level temperature adjustment range. You get separate freezer and refrigeration sections, each with its own door for more storage capacity.
The multilayer shelving, with integrated door storage in each compartment, gives the fridge a storage capacity of 3.2 cubic feet.
An LED lighting system gives the mini fridge a cleaner, well-lit look when you open the compartment.
It uses less energy to power the internal lights, and you always find what you are looking for, even if the compartments are crammed.
The fridge is compact enough to fit most small dorm rooms and offices at 37 inches in height, 21.8 inches in width, and 24 inches in length.
It features a reversible hinge and adjustable feet, allowing you to squeeze it in your tight spaces.
7. Amazon’s Best Mini Fridge with Freezer – Midea WHD-113FB1
Amazon is the largest online retailer in the world boasting the most critical customers in the world (they are never afraid to give a bad review).
According to Amazon consumer reviews, the Midea WHD113FB1 Double Door Mini Fridge with Freezer is the best mini fridge for dorms and offices. Below are some of the reasons why:
- Mechanical temp control
- Double doors
- Best for two college students
- 19.37” D x 18.5” W x 32.95” H
- Reversible door hinge
- LED lighting system
- Colors: black, stainless steel, and white
This Midea model has a separate refrigerator and freezer compartment that keeps things at a constant cool temperature.
Both compartments come with adjustable temperature ranges, with the freezer compartment ranging between -11.2 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit and the refrigerator offering a range of between 32 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
The mini fridge is roomy enough to meet the needs of two college kids comfortably. You get 0.9 cubic foot storage from the freezer and 2.2 cubic feet of storage from the refrigerator section.
In addition, you have three adjustable glass shelves for the refrigerator and integrated door storage for both compartments.
It also comes with adjustable legs, allowing you to fit the dorm fridge almost anywhere. This fridge measures 18.5 inches in width, 19.37 inches in length, and 32.95 inches in height, making it one of the most compact mini fridges on the market.
The reversible door hinge allows you to configure it to your exact space requirements.
The fridge has an LED lighting system and internal compressor with automatic noise suppression that consume 270 kWh annually.
8. Best Retro Mini Fridge for Dorm Rooms – Galanz GLR31TBEER Retro Compact Refrigerator
If you’re all about the aesthetics, then your best choice for a dorm fridge is the Galanz Retro Compact Refrigerator.
Here are the most notable features for this fridge:
- 4 size options (3.1 – 4.6 cubic feet)
- Reversible door hinges
- Double doors
- LED lighting
- Colors: blue, black, red, green
The mini fridge is available in four variations ranging from 3.1 to 4.6 cubic feet in storage capacity.
In addition, you can purchase it in four colors, blue, black, red, or green, to suit your dorm room’s décor perfectly.
The fridge has reversible door hinges and retro plastic handles, which you can adjust to suit your space requirements.
The base model has dimensions of 19.17 inches in width, 23.31 inches in depth, and 35.16 inches in height, making it the perfect addition to your dorm room.
This double-door fridge offers adjustable temperature ranges of between 32- and 47 degrees Fahrenheit for the refrigerator section and <= 0 degrees for the freezer section.
You also get two adjustable and removable glass sleeves on the 3.1 cubic foot model, allowing you to store varying sizes of food items for two people.
Despite offering LED lighting, the fridge is not energy efficient compared to the other picks on this list. You can expect to consume around 357 kWh of energy annually.
9. Best Long-Term Value Mini Fridge for Dorms – Edge Star CRF321SS 3.1 cu ft. Energy Star Compact Fridge
Are you looking for a mini fridge that will last you for years? You should consider purchasing the Edge Star CRF321SS. Some of the features include:
- 3.1 cubic feet storage
- 18.75” D x 19.75” W x 33.5” H
- Automatic and manual defrost
- Colors: glossy stainless steel
- Warranty: 90 days for labor and one year for parts
The Edge Star offers 3.1 cubic feet of storage capacity available on the refrigerator and a compact freezer section on top.
The slide-out wire shelves and integrated door storage for both sections allow you to store plenty of food and drink items.
The mini fridge is one of a few on this list with automatic and manual defrost features for the refrigerator and freezer sections. Despite this, you can still expect to consume only about 270 kWh of energy annually, costing you around $32.
How to Organize Your Mini Fridge
If you’re anything like me, your mini fridge is a disaster after week 1. But it doesn’t have to be!
With a little organization, your mini fridge can be a clean, functional, and embarrassment-free space.
1. Read the Manual
Unfortunately, most people skim through device manuals once they open the packages.
Some manufacturers offer useful suggestions on installation and maintenance. For example, you will find instructions on the best ways to set up your dorm fridge shelves and compartments.
Take time to read the manual, as it may save you expensive repair costs due to improper usage!
2. Invest in Stackable Storage Containers
Remember, your mini fridge is not a storage locker!
Be mindful of the capacity and invest in stackable storage containers for optimal space use. For example, using specific containers for specific foods will help you identify items quickly. You can also look into a mini fridge caddy.
3. Maintain a Mini Fridge Clean-Up Schedule
Regularly cleaning your mini fridge will ensure it lasts longer and prevents the build-up of odor.
Cleaning your dorm fridge every two weeks will ensure items do not go bad and that you avoid expensive maintenance costs.
How to Clean Your Mini Dorm Fridge
Although most mini fridges have an automatic defrosting function, they also require regular cleaning as part of their maintenance.
For example, dust can build up on the unit’s fans, causing them to overheat. Food can also spill in your mini fridge, which can cause the shelves to get pretty gross.
Below is a quick guide on how to clean your dorm fridge:
- Remove all items and discard any expired food.
- Next, unplug your mini fridge and leave it overnight for defrosting. Place some towels around the storage compartments and outside the door to collect any drain water. Prop the fridge door to let air in as you leave the fridge overnight.
- Then, remove the shelves and compartments and wipe the interior with dry towels. Ensure the inside is completely dry before you close the door to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
- Thoroughly clean all shelves and storage compartments. Ensure you use warm water with baking soda to remove stains and disinfect the storage areas.
- Finally, rinse the shelves and wipe them completely dry before returning them to the mini-fridge.
This post was all about the best mini fridges with freezers for dorm rooms.
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