We see this cute mini fridge as a smart choice for travel because it comes with both AC and DC cords, giving you the option to conveniently plug it into a car cigarette lighter for cooling capabilities when you're on the go. The increase in size means you and your roadtrip buddy or commuting partner can share the space, too. We just wish the handle had been included with this model, but we are willing to forgo it for the other conveniences offered. Type:Thermoelectric | Dimensions: 17.3 x 18.9 x 33.3 inches | Weight:68 pounds | Capacity: 3.2 cubic feet | Energy Star certified: Yes On the other hand, if you go with a countertop or portable style of mini fridge, you can expect a shorter lifespan. (That often coincides with the smaller price tag.) Reports usually put them at one to two years before users start noticing changes in functionality.

A reversible door can make your mini fridge more accessible and flexible to install in your space. This feature means you can access your fridge by opening the door to the left or right. You'll usually need to switch the hinges by attaching them with screws, which already have designated holes added by the manufacturer. This feature is most suitable for those installing a fridge in a tight location, like the corner of a garage or a dorm room. You might want to put a folded paper towel along the bottom of the interior to catch drips from the automatic defroster, and you'll need to store frozen goods elsewhere. But when all is said and done, this retro fridge will get the job done and help ensure that you have fresh items wherever you are. You can shop it in several unique colors to show off your personal style.When it comes down to overall cost, you may also need to take energy consumption into account when buying your mini fridge. The higher the efficiency, the more money you save in the long run – important if you plan to keep it plugged in all the time, and obviously better for the planet. What features do I need? If you're purchasing a mini fridge to expand your drink storage, opt for one that's designed for beverages and full of helpful features: the Titan SS-FRBW6420DZ Signature French Door Beverage and Wine Cooler. It has adjustable, sliding shelves, as well as two cooling zones for storing wine, beer, and soda at their ideal temperature. A door alarm will notify you when one of the French doors has been left open, so the 20-bottle, 64-can interior remains stable. Johnathan Brewer, licensed general contractor and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board The fridge's door also features a can dispenser. However, it doesn't take over the entire door and is designed with angled slots for easily grabbing a soda or seltzer. The door is also reversible, meaning you can install the hinges to open the door to the left or right. If you're installing this mini fridge in a dorm room or tight space where you don't know the layout yet, this feature is very handy, because you can easily change the orientation as needed. An integrated door handle also makes this piece of the fridge more space-conscious, while a freestanding design gives it added flexibility. Notably, as with similar cooling fridge models, the fridge's effectiveness can be affected by the external temperature around it, and you can expect it to reach 32 to 40 degrees cooler, so take extra caution on those hot days if you have perishables inside. For day-to-day use, we think this model has lots to offer.

Of course, if you’re looking for a mini fridge that can travel with you, smaller is better. While you have to keep an eye out for models that require power leads to be bought separately, a travel fridge for the car is ideal for camping trips or long drives.The capacity of a mini fridge is often measured in cubic feet. If the mini fridge is dedicated to storing beverages, then it may also be measured in the number of Bordeaux-style wine bottles and cans you can fit inside. The larger the capacity of your fridge, the more you can store at one time. The average hovers between 3 and 4.5 cubic feet. Some countertop models will have just 0.5 cubic feet of space, while high-capacity models can reach 6 cubic feet and store the weekly groceries of two people. Review Board Member Johnathan Brewer says, if you're selecting a mini fridge to fit inside a specific compartment (such as within a cabinet space), you should verify the actual true dimension of the fridge. That includes the open door and will help you make sure the appliance fits in the desired space before purchasing or installing. When you open the door, you'll get a better glimpse at the adjustable shelves. The three shelves are made of glass, meaning any spills will be contained, and small items will stay put. An interior light also illuminates the inside, which is convenient if you're hosting a gathering at night. Plus, you don't need to roll up your sleeves and manually defrost the fridge whenever there's frost buildup, because the unit automatically does this task. Buyers also rave about its quiet operation, and we're glad to see that it's Energy Star certified, too. One potential downside is that you'll need to defrost it manually, but we see that as a (small!) price to pay. We could see this model in a bedroom, dorm room, or game room, or even an office where it makes sense to have a mini fridge that serves as both form and function.