A miniature refrigerator might seem a little unnecessary at first, but their uses are varied: Beauty and skincare enthusiasts will love having their cooling night creams right there at bedtime; sports enthusiasts who love halftime beers will be grateful to not miss a moment of the game with a drink fridge near the big screen; people with in-home bars hosting guests won't have to retreat to the kitchen for another round when entertaining. Myriad uses abound, but which model is right for you?
We looked at a variety of mini cooling units, many of which come in gorgeous colors and styles. The retro kitchen gadget trend continues to dominate in 2021, hence the many mid-century modern and other vintage style options below, but those with a flair for the modern will enjoy the more streamlined version below. Whatever your purpose or required size, here are several of our favorite compact refrigerators in every budget for your home, office, and beyond.
As always, you can trust our independent reviews. We may earn a commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing, expert advice and our own research. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer (4 Liter / 6 Can): AC/DC Portable Thermoelectric System w/ Exclusive On the Go USB Power Bank Option (Pink)
© Provided by Indy 100 This little pink dream is perfect for girl-ing up your office or beauty room with a touch of pastel that will soften any color scheme.
Petite and pretty, the Cooluli holds up to six cans (or a few less plus some snacks) but is really ideal for storing skincare that works best when cooled down to help with topical inflammation reduction. Some users even note it's great for storing breast milk right in your nursery, thus reducing the need to run to the fridge for a midnight feeding.
Buy now £49.99, Amazon
Nostalgia 0.4 cu.ft. Retro 6-Can Personal Mini Refrigerator in Aqua without Freezer
© Provided by Indy 100 Another pastel option on the smaller side of things is this retro throwback model by Nostalgia that perfectly encapsulates the style of yesteryear in a thoroughly modern convenience.
10 x 10.43 inches, this little guy is just enough for the bare essentials and cools to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The thing that sets it apart from the competition? It also heats food up to 130 degrees F, making is dual purpose for hot and cold beverages. Grab one for your office and never have to make a midday run to the kitchen again.
Buy now £49.99, Home Depot
Magic Chef Retro 3.2 cu. ft. 2 Door Mini Fridge in Red
© Provided by Indy 100 Our next suggestion is a significant jump in price and size, but functions perfectly for the type of person who needs more storage and cooling power-ideal for someone in a roommate situation who wants to ensure their leftover don't get swiped from a communal fridge.
The red color seen here on the Magic Chef 3.2 cubic feet mini fridge is a bold option to add character to any space, but white and mint green are also available if you're looking for quieter shades. Handy shelves help organize foods in the door and main compartment, and a separate freezer allows for frozen goods to be tucked away without the fear of thawing.
Buy now £249.99, Home Depot
3.1 cu. ft. Mini Fridge in Stainless Look
© Provided by Indy 100 If a retro vibe isn't quite your speed, Magic Chef also offers sleek stainless options like this 18.7 x 33.5 inch model seen here. It also contains a freezer complete with a separate door, and the polished look will be unassuming and modern in any living space. Black and white options are also available in the same model.
Buy now £199.99, Home Depot
InsigniaT - 130-Can Beverage Cooler - Silver
If you're reading through this list and think "blegh, what's all this cute stuff? I'm looking to beer-up my man cave," well. here you go.
This mack daddy holds 130 cans of your beverage of choice-boozy or not-and contains a whopping 4.6 cubic feet of storage space. An LED light and clear door allows you to see exactly what you're grabbing, so snag one of these to put in your home bar to ensure you never have to break from the party just to grab a couple brews.
Buy now £279.99, Best Buy
Koolatron CVF18 Coca-Cola Official Design Push Button Vending Machine Mini Fridge Holds 10 Cans
Coca-Cola enthusiasts will get a real kick out of this kitschy fridge.
A slim viewing window allows for quick choice-making without losing valuable coolness inside, plus it encourages organization for streamlined aesthetic reasons.
The most fun part, though? There's button-push vending! You simply choose which beverage you'd like and press the selector button, and out pops the soda in a cute little holder below. Kids and guests will especially appreciate the novelty of having an in-home soda machine, and you'll still the experience without paying two bucks a soda at a real vending machine.
Buy now £179.99, Target
Personal Chiller Mini Fridge Black Marble K4107MRBK
© Provided by Indy 100 There's something very art deco about this low-cost option. The marbling and minimal shape lend a certain sophistication, making it ideal for a dark aesthetic beauty room for the skincare lover with an edge, or just something classy to stick next to your bed so you can keep a cool bottle of water on hand. Either way, it's hard to beat the under $30 price tag.
Buy now £29.00, Walmart
Frigidaire Portable Retro 12-Can Mini Fridge EFMIS462, Blue
© Provided by Indy 100 Yes, we're including two teal blue retro-looking options on this list because let's face it, the color and shape are simply adorable.
This Frigidaire has the benefit of a tried and true name behind it, plus it holds up to 12 cans and is portable thanks to a convenient handle. Think of it as a stylish cooler and mini storage unit in one, and revel in the atomic shapes created by the text and front window on this unit.
Buy now £49.94, Walmart