The best thing about going off to college is the fact that you’re finally free to eat and drink what you want. However, most students quickly realize that going outside of their bedrooms when they’re hungry is the last thing they want to do. If you get similarly lazy, why not treat yourself to one of the best quiet mini fridges on the market?
Ultimately, quiet mini fridges can save you valuable time and money you would’ve spent going to a vending machine. They’re also incredibly convenient, useful, and even energy-saving, especially in comparison to bigger refrigerators. And dorm rooms certainly aren’t the only areas that could benefit from having one of these.
How to Find the Best Quiet Mini Fridge
As always, before I get into my reviews, I ought to establish a baseline for the products we’re looking for. No matter what you need a mini fridge for, there are some basic features you should pay attention to. On top of those, there are all sorts of extra components that can make a mini fridge go from basic to extra in just a few moments. So let’s start with the most obvious one.
Mini Fridge Noise Level
In general, mini fridges are quieter and much less prone to breaking than the regular ones. Their smaller fans are typically pretty noiseless, both due to their build quality and due to the units’ less powerful motors.
The trade-off for the quiet operation is pretty obvious. On the one hand, you get a pretty energy-efficient, low maintenance product. On the other hand, you have to make peace with the fact that it’ll probably take a minute for your items to cool to the temperature you want them to be. So how did I decide which products are quiet?
Personally, I like it when companies include some kind of noise measurement, preferably in decibels. However, since that’s not really an industry standard for mini fridges, I had to go by the manufacturer’s product description and user reviews. I’m pretty satisfied with the units I’ve chosen to review — I’m sure you will be too.
You’re probably already aware of the kinds of noises regular refrigerators tend to make. After a while, many of them start making whirring or rattling noises due to different design aspects. After all, big fridges have several fans that are susceptible to breaking down. And even if they don’t break down, older models might vibrate against the floor due to the strength of the fans.
I’ve previously laid out the steps you can take to reduce the noise your fridge is making. However, if you get a mini fridge, you probably won’t need to worry about that.
Fridge Size and Capacity
The smallest models on the market are typically about 10 by 10 inches tall and deep, with a slightly more narrow front side. On the other hand, you can also get a much larger unit that’s still considered a mini fridge. The largest one on my list is about 30 inches tall, 20 inches deep and 17.5 inches wide, which is basically the size of a small cabinet.
Obviously, most fridges have shelves inside — although they tend to be removable. Still, the shelves usually determine the capacity of the unit by sectioning the inside of the fridge.
For example, the first Cooluli product on my list has space for two cans on the shelf and four more below it. So the manufacturer says that the unit has a 6-can capacity. Other products may have their capacity listed in bottles, liters, or cubic feet — if they’re on the larger side.
If you’re looking for a mini fridge for a dorm, an office, or a bedroom, size probably matters to you — and it should!
Functionality
The next thing you’ll need to consider before getting a mini fridge is why you need it. Whatever your intended purpose for the product is, you’ll need to ask yourself several questions:
- How big do you need the fridge to be? But since we’ve already talked about fridge capacity and dimensions, we can move right along.
- Do you need the fridge to be portable? If so, you have to consider the size of the fridge before you opt for a certain model.
- How you’ll power it. While the bigger units usually have a regular power cable attached to them, most of the smaller ones come with DC and AC power adapters. You could even find ones with USB charging — so you could easily use a power bank and take the fridge on the road with you.
- What is the temperature range of the device. The items may go bad if you don’t keep them at the appropriate temperature. Furthermore, in addition to their cooling functionality, some mini fridges also have warming capabilities. Those would be perfect for making a warm meal last in your dorm room.
The Design of the Device
If you’re a complete pragmatist, you may think that the design of your fridge doesn’t matter. However, I’m not only talking about the outer appearance of the appliances I’ll be reviewing. Even though it would be fun to play around with different colors or images that decorate some of the products on my list, that’s not the only choice you’ll have to make.
Namely, you can also choose your fridge by looking at the build quality and the materials. The materials that were used to make the mini fridge can also influence its weight. So if you’re planning on using the fridge as a portable unit, you’ll want to stick to plastic. Moreover, if you’re eyeing a lightweight and portable device, you should choose one that has a convenient carrying handle.
Even if you’re not going to take your mini fridge on road trips, you should still pay attention to the design of the product. For example, depending on the placement of the fridge, you may need its door to swing open in a certain direction. Many fridges are designed for right-handed people, so they open from left to right. However, plenty of them have reversible doors, so if you’re a lefty, pay attention to that feature while deciding on a fridge.
Best Quiet Mini Fridges Available Right Now (2021)
Before I go into the product reviews, I ought to shed some light on the way I’ve arranged the following list. Essentially, I’ve decided to group the appliances according to the features I’ve explained in the buyer’s guide section of this article. So, in addition to highlighting their size and capacity, I’ll also have them grouped based on their functionality.
1. BLACK+DECKER BCRK17W Ultra-Quiet Mini Fridge with Freezer
The Black+Decker company has already shown that its priorities lie in providing its customers with premium-quality kitchen appliances with an emphasis on quiet performance. So I wasn’t surprised with the astounding functionality of this fantastic mini fridge, which comes complete with a freezer section. That particular feature makes this little fridge perfect for RVs, dorm rooms, offices, garages, and even hotels. What’s more, its quiet operation makes it ideal for waiting rooms and nurseries!
The cubic unit measures in at 17.5 by 18.5 by 19.7 inches, which gives it a certain charm. It’s available in black, silver, and white, with all three versions having reversible metallic hinges. In addition to the neatly sectioned interior and the 2 by 8 inches freezer, the fridge also has storage space in the door that can even fit liter bottles. Overall, that gives you 1.7 cubic feet of space.
Even though the freezer section is smaller than most, it can still fit a frozen dinner or some ice trays. The rest of the fridge has adjustable temperature controls starting as low as 33.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Best of all, it uses only 70 watts of energy, which earned it the Energy Star award for the Most Efficient device in 2020.
Features:
- 17.5 by 18.5 by 19.7 inches
- Removable glass shelf, a freezer section, and additional door storage
- Adjustable temperature controls above 33.8 degrees Fahrenheit
- The customizable fridge comes in black, silver, and white
2. Cooluli Classic Ultra-Quiet Mini Fridge with Cooler and Warmer
Despite its diminutive size, this Cooluli mini fridge is actually one of the most impressive products I’ve come across in my search for the quietest appliance in this category. According to the manufacturer, the small fan only makes about 28 decibels of noise — which is basically completely silent. If you are looking for a mini fridge to keep in the nursery, you’ve found it!
In addition to being able to keep your items cool, this fridge can also warm them up. On the backside of the fridge, you’ll see a simple switch that will allow you to change between these two modes. There are also three charging ports in the back for AC, DC, and USB charging. You’ll even be able to power the fridge with a 2 amp power bank since it works with an energy-efficient, high capacity 3 amp cooling chip.
The fact that this fridge can only store six cans at a time makes it that much more portable. There’s a single removable shelf inside the fridge, as well as a small notch inside the door that’s great for holding chocolate bars or small medicine bottles.
The fridge is 10.75 inches tall, 10.25 inches deep, and 7.25 inches wide. Furthermore, it only weighs 4 pounds. Given that it has a convenient carrying handle, you’ll have no trouble carrying it around with you if needed.
Features:
- 25 by 10.75 by 10.25 inches
- 6-can capacity (or four liters)
- Cooling and warming options
- Seven colors available
3. Antarctic Star Quiet Mini Fridge/Wine Cooler
The Antarctic Star wine cooler is the perfect appliance for your entertainment room, basement, or kitchen. It can fit seventeen or eighteen 750 ml wine bottles, though it’s also available in 26 and 36-bottle capacities. The smallest one measures in at 17.44 inches wide, 19 inches tall, and 17.7 inches deep.
Since the primary function of this device is wine cooling, it has a temperature setting dial inside the fridge. Most people suggest that the perfect wine storing temperature is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. But if you use the dial, you’ll be able to set it to anywhere in the 40–61-degree range.
Thanks to the removable partitions, there are multiple ways to arrange the contents of the fridge. However, with both of them in, you’d get three levels of storage. The reversible glass door doesn’t give you any additional storage, but it does let you check inside the cooler. Because of the blue LED light inside, your items will be visible.
Between the dual-pane door and the airtight gasket, the door should protect your beverages from UV light and unwanted moisture. Like the door itself, the legs of the cooler are adjustable, guarding the device against dampness and allowing you to make it level.
Features:
- 17.44 by 17.7 by 19 inches
- 18-bottle capacity (also available in 26 and 36-bottle sizes)
- Temperature adjustable between 40 and 61 degrees Fahrenheit
- Black with a reversible UV-blocking glass door
4. Midea WHS-65LB1 Whisper-Quiet Refrigerator with a Reversible Door
The Midea mini fridge resembles a regular fridge and stands at 19.37 inches tall, 17.72 inches wide, and 18.58 inches deep. It’s certainly big enough to store all sorts of snacks. Its 1.6 cubic feet capacity interior is split in half by a removable metal grate shelf. Additionally, it has two shelves on the inside of the door for holding bottles and cans.
I should mention that the door of this fridge is actually reversible. Therefore, it’s one of the few products that would suit left-handed people. It also offers variety when it comes to color. You can get it in all black, all white, or you can choose a stylish combo — black with a stainless steel door.
The same options are available for the 2.4 cubic feet version of the product. There is also a larger, 3.4 cubic feet version that features a freezer compartment and a separate fruit drawer. However, since that product is 34.5 inches tall, I think that’s stretching the definition of the term “mini fridge.”
Unlike the smaller units I’ve described, this one only has cooling capabilities. However, despite its resemblance to a freezer, it can’t be used for storing frozen foods. The adjustable temperature only ranges from 32 to 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
Features:
- 72 by 19.37 by 18.58 inches
- 6 cubic feet capacity (or 2.4 cubic feet)
- Reversible door and adjustable legs
- Comes in black, white, and black with a stainless steel door
5. CosyFame Super Quiet Mini Fridge With Cooler and Warmer
The CosyFame mini fridge is another one of those small appliances that’s just ideal for cars, offices, and dorms alike. It has both cooling and warming features, so you’ll be able to switch between using it to keep your beverages cold and your lunch warm. Like some of the previous items on this list, this one has AC and DC power modes, allowing you to use it in a vehicle or plug it into an outlet.
The fridge is 9.45 inches wide, 13.8 inches tall, and 11 inches deep, so it’ll either fit two 750 ml or 500 ml bottles or five 330 ml cans. Overall, the internal dimensions are 11.42 inches tall, 7.5 inches wide, and 6.7 inches deep. However, the product comes with two removable partitions you can arrange as you like. There’s also a small, shallow shelf built into the door, which should be able to hold a couple of face masks at the very least.
The design of the unit is simple but stylish. It’s all white, except for the marble-style door. The door also has a tempered glass surface, allowing it to stay squeaky clean and blend into whichever room you put it.
Features:
- 9.45 by 11.02 by 13.78 inches
- 5-can capacity (ten or twelve liters)
- Cooling and warming options
- Attractive and dirt-resistant mirror design with a carrying handle on top
6. Cooluli Coca-Cola Americana Quiet Retro Mini Fridge
The second product from the Cooluli company I want to talk about is this retro Coca Cola-themed thermoelectric mini fridge with a 10-liter or 12-can capacity. Like the previous mini fridge I mentioned, this one also has both cooling and heating capabilities. Whether you want to keep your drinks cold or your food warm, this model will do the job.
Even though the unit doesn’t have USB charging, you can still choose between powering it through an AC or a DC plug in the back. The product is also pretty portable, weighing eight pounds when it’s empty. Additionally, the fridge is 13.4 inches tall, 9.4 inches wide, and 11.4 inches deep — so it should fit pretty much anywhere you need it to. It even has a handle that flips up from its top side.
There are two removable shelves inside the main fridge compartment and a smaller one on the inside of the door. Furthermore, unlike the previous Cooluli product I reviewed, this one opens from left to right. So if you’re a leftie, I’d stick with the first mini fridge on the list.
Finally, the most striking design element of this product is the retro-looking image on the door, with the words “delicious, refreshing Coca Cola” written on a red, white, and blue background.
Features:
- 4 by 13.4 by 11.4 inches
- 12-can capacity (10 liters)
- Cooling and warming options
- A 4-liter version is also available
7. RCA RFR321 IGLOO Mini Refrigerator With Freezer
If you liked the previous 3.2 cubic feet unit I’ve described, but you don’t necessarily need a glass door, you might want to check out this RCA mini fridge. Due to such a large capacity, the size of this fridge should come as no surprise. It’s about 31.6 inches tall, 17.5 inches wide, and 18.6 inches deep from the outside.
When you open the fridge, you’ll find the whole top section is taken up by the 0.2 cubic feet freezer. What’s more, you’ll see a temperature dial right next to it, allowing you to set the device to one of five cooling settings.
Depending on what you need to put inside, you may have to play around with arranging the two removable shelves in the six available slots. There are also four storage compartments built into the reversible door. The vertical can dispenser alone can fit seven or eight cans at one time, and the other sections can hold even taller bottles.
Lastly, you’ll be able to choose between seven stylish colors. If you’re not particularly flashy, you could stick with black, stainless steel, or white. However, if you want to bring some color into the mix, blue, orange, purple, and red versions are available too.
Features:
- 17.5 by 18.6 by 31.6 inches
- 84-liter capacity (3.2 cubic feet)
- Adjustable thermostat and reversible door
- Seven colors available
8. MIGO Super Quiet Mini Fridge With Cooler and Warmer
If white just isn’t your thing, this black MIGO mini fridge may be the one for you. And this time, when I say “mini,” I really mean it. The whole thing is only 11 inches tall and deep, and 8.66 inches wide — which is still, admittedly, larger than the smallest units I’ve reviewed. Naturally, the internal dimensions are even smaller at just over 5 inches wide and deep and 7.87 inches tall.
Suffice it to say, you won’t be able to stuff anything more than a few cans inside the space, especially if you keep the shelf in there. In addition to that removable partition, the fridge also has a tiny additional shelf built into the door. Honestly, you’d probably be better off getting this unit if you’ll only keep a drink and some snacks inside. Alternatively, you could use it as a skincare fridge.
Either way, you’ll be able to choose between two temperature settings using the switch in the back. The cooling mode will bring it down to 37 degrees Fahrenheit, while the warmer will keep your food or beverages at 140 degrees. In addition to the temperature switch, you’ll also find the two ports in the back of the fridge. One of them can hook the device up directly to a wall outlet, while the other will power it using your car’s cigarette lighter port.
Features:
- 11 by 8.66 by 11 inches
- 4-can capacity (or four liters)
- Cooling and warming options (at 37 or 140 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Black with a silver door and a carrying handle in the back
9. AstroAI Mini Fridge with Quiet Technology
AstroAI’s mini cooler is the perfect fit for dorm rooms, beauty salons, and nurseries. Its spacious interior, measuring approximately 10 by 8.3 by 6.2 inches, can fit two six-packs on the top and bottom shelf. So it’ll easily hold any food, skincare, and makeup products you need to keep cool — or even warm!
There are two temperature settings, allowing you to keep your items at 32 or 150 degrees Fahrenheit (or 18 and 66 degrees Celsius). You’ll find the temperature switch in the back of the fridge, along with two plugs. The 110 V AC plug should work for wall outlets, while the 12 V DC plug will let you hook the unit up to the 12 V cigarette lighter in your vehicle.
The cooling chip the fridge uses is environmentally friendly in addition to being pretty quiet. According to the company, this device only makes 25 decibels of noise! Blue and white versions of the fridge are available for purchase, though both have metal door handles and prominent company logos on the door.
Features:
- Interior dimensions of 9.96 by 8.26 by 6.22 inches
- 12-can capacity (or nine liters)
- Temperature adjustable to 32 or 150 degrees Fahrenheit
- Comes in light blue and white
10. HomeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
HomeLabs is another company that excels at making quiet devices — whether they’re air purifiers and dehumidifiers or kitchen appliances like ice makers or compact fridges. I say “compact” only because I could hardly refer to this 120-can capacity cooler as a “mini fridge.” However, it’s still small enough to be mentioned in this article.
At 19 inches wide, 33.3 inches tall, and 17.3 inches deep, this fridge is one of the largest units on my list. Its internal dimensions measure 16 inches wide, 29 inches tall, and 12 inches deep, which gives you plenty of space for any food or beverages you’d like to keep cool. There are also three removable shelves you can set to different heights to customize the interior. Thanks to the glass door, you’ll be able to see the items you’ll need to restock without even opening the fridge.
The device also has touch controls that allow you to turn on the white LED light inside and tweak the temperature settings. You’ll be able to get it down to 34 degrees Fahrenheit — and your fridge will remember your preference even if the power goes out. But remember, you’ll have to keep it level if you expect quiet performance. Thankfully, the feet of the device are individually adjustable.
Features:
- 18.9 by 33.3 by 17.3 inches
- 120-can capacity (or 3.2 cubic feet)
- Adjustable temperature settings via touch controls
- Stainless steel fridge with a left-hinge glass door and internal LED light
How to Make Your Mini Fridge Even Quieter
As we have discussed, the mini fridges in my reviews are all dependably quiet. Usually, that means you won’t hear a peep out of them. On top of that, there should be none of those weird vibrations you sometimes hear coming from a large fridge! That being said, let’s talk about what you should do if the device you get eventually starts buzzing or vibrating. If it happens, there are some things you could do to make it quieter:
- Adjust the feet of the fridge: For starters, check if the surface the fridge is on is even. If it’s not, try to make it so by adjusting the feet.
- Put the fridge on a soft surface: If you still hear some vibrations, put the fridge on a soft surface, like a quarter-inch thick carpet or an anti-vibration mat. Alternatively, you could make your own mat out of some old mousepads. As long as whatever you end up using is level, the fridge noise should subside.
- Make sure the fridge has enough room: You should check if the fridge is working overtime to keep itself cool. If the device has a fan in the back, make sure it has plenty of room to do its thing.
- Move the fridge: If all else fails, just keep the fridge on the other side of the room. It’ll be less convenient when you have to get up to get a drink, but at least the noise won’t bother you as much.
More Reasons for Getting a Quiet Mini Fridge
It seems that every time the finals roll up, self-care goes out the window. Most students even settle on eating horrifically unhealthy food to comfort themselves in those trying times, or they don’t eat at all.
Well, if you had a mini fridge in your dorm, you wouldn’t get the chance to develop those kinds of eating habits. Instead, you could keep leftovers, meat and cheese for sandwiches, pudding cups, or whatever else you might think of right there next to your bed.
And the fridge doesn’t even have to take up valuable floor space. You can pretty much keep it anywhere — on the nightstand, your desk, or in the closet. Anything goes when the item in question is about 10 by 10 inches deep and tall.
Aside from dorm rooms, there are plenty of other places that would benefit from the addition of a mini fridge. For example, you could keep one in the living room in lieu of a mini bar. Alternately, you could get one for the office to store fruit salads, snacks, and coffee.
Some ladies even get them for their bedrooms to keep their skincare products fresh. They’re also perfect for nurseries if you need to keep temperature-sensitive medication or breast milk at the ready.
And you don’t even have to stick to your home — you can always take your mini fridge on the road with you. Many of them can be plugged into the car, and some can even use power banks. However, figuring out what kind of fridge you need can be tough.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, you could definitely survive without a mini fridge — but why would you want to? Now that you’ve seen all the different kinds of fridges there are and the many ways you can use them, there’s no reason not to get one. Whether you need it to store pick-me-up beverages at the office, keep snacks in your dorm, or for a road trip — one of the products from my list will surely fit the bill. And best of all — you won’t hear a peep!
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A lawyer never retires. So I would just say that I am not as active as I used to be. Now I simply dedicate myself to fishing, my hobby, and my grandchildren. For Business Finance News I write about legal aspects of mortgage policies, mostly regarding the rights of policyholders. I also have articles about personal injuries.
