There are refrigerators and there are mini refrigerators. One may think that mini refrigerators are made to be portable versions of the standard refrigerator. While some can be viewed that way, there are actually more things about mini refrigerators that you may not know about.
What are mini refrigerators?
Mini refrigerators look and function just the same as regular refrigerators, but they are smaller in height in order to save space. They are generally used in dorms or small rooms to store basic foods that need standard refrigeration ranging from fruits to other foods. Some mini refrigerators sacrifice shelf space to include a mini freezer with ice trays for freezing ice and storing small amounts of frozen food.
Pros and Cons
Because of their small sizes, mini refrigerators are obviously lighter making them easier to carry for transport during occasions like moving or organizing house parties. Some mini portable refrigerator are purpose made to be easily moved and carried.
They also save space allowing these refrigerators can be placed in rooms other than the kitchen without sacrificing the overall look of the room. A mini bar refrigerator is suited for a home bar or a house that requires a place store cool drinks. A mini office refrigerator is great for business or small offices that need a place to keep drinks for after work or lunches.
Since the area inside the mini refrigerator is smaller, less power is needed to cool the insides saving in on consumed electricity.
There are some limitations in mini refrigerators however and once again the size is the obvious double-edged sword here. It may save space, but that means limited items can be placed inside. Only few models can store a 2 liter bottle inside. Since the cooling is limited in some brands, mini refrigerators aren’t ideal for some foods that need complete refrigeration. The ones that are capable of cooling more are often more expensive.
Different Kinds of Mini Refrigerators
There are some mini refrigerators like the Haier mini refrigerator HNSB02 that are shorter and more box-like and usually have a couple of shelves for storing things and a drawer for other foods and beverages. The rear of the door may also have some shelves for storing slim drinks. Some models have lesser shelf space and a freezer instead. The smaller models usually are half the size as the slightly taller ones. Certain mini refrigerators like the Igloo FR180 can even store a single 2-liter bottle.
Buy Mini Refrigerator
Mini refrigerators should be found in the same sections as the other refrigerators. You may find them hidden among the taller ones so keep looking down and you might find one that is half the size. Some department stores may also have some top brands in their appliance section so you can look there as well. You can also visit the brand websites and obtain information on where you can order online. To take advantage of the warranties, it is best to purchase these refrigerators from authorized retailers. One benefit of ordering these online is the reduced shipping costs compared to standard-sized ones.
If you are living in a dorm or want a spare refrigerator on the 2nd floor of your home, a mini refrigerator will save you money in so many ways and provide extra space for cooling foods and drinks.
One Comment
Hi Pat,
Thanks for the question.
The big names in smaller refrigerators are Igloo, Danby, Sanyo, Haier, GE, LG and Marvel. I’d recommend looking into these brand names if you are looking for a 1.7 cu ft with good cooling ability. A word of warning about Haier – it is a Chinese brand and while cheap, many customers find that they are delivered damaged from poor packaging.
I’m assuming that your uncle will have the fridge in the room with him so be aware that some of these refrigerators can be noisy.
You may want to checkout the Igloo FR180 1.7-Cu-Ft (see Amazon reviews at http://www.amazon.com/Igloo-FR180-1-7-Cu-Ft-Stainless-Refrigerator/dp/B0002YIJ7U/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1258707850&sr=1-8) – it is the right size and has a reputation for good cooling ability.
Hope this helps. Let me know how you go.