Cheap Mini Fridges Review

In today's money-conscious climate, cheap compact refrigerators are a popular item. Although often considered an "extra" expenditure, a cheap mini fridge serves lots of extra functions: it lets office workers and college students save on eating out, it holds movie snacks for the watch-at-home crowd, it fits in small spaces, and it offers versatile cool storage for a fraction of the cost of a full-sized refrigerator. Because these modestly-sized cheap mini fridges are typically second refrigerators or short-term solutions, it doesn't make sense to overspend. Moreover, industry experts tend to give cheap mini fridges relatively low scores for performance and durability in comparative tests. Consumers, on the other hand, are far more likely to appreciate their cheap mini refrigerators for what they are. Here's a brief rundown of the best cheap mini fridges under $150.

The Danby DAR259 (starting at $129, Amazon) is a standout model in the cheap mini refrigerator category, based on cheap mini fridge reviews from both experts and users. It comes in black or white, has a reversible door, and features storage for cans and tall bottles. This 2.5 cubic-foot unit beat out portable refrigerators twice the price for a "number two" spot on Buzzillions, earned 4.4 out of 5 stars in cheap mini refrigerator reviews at Walmart.com, and garnered 4.5 out of 5 stars from users posting cheap mini fridges reviews on Abt.com. One consumer products review site ranks the Danby DAR259 its best mini-fridge for features like roomy storage and an Energy Star rating.

The Danby DAR259 has no freezer section, but most users, including one who posted a mini refrigerators review on Abt.com and another who posted on Buzzillions, consider that a plus. The reason: freezers in cheap mini refrigerators are too small to be useful, say consumers, and periodic defrosting is a time-sink.

The majority of mini fridge reviews say this compressor-run refrigerator is quiet and its cooling power is robust. But consumers are divided about some issues. One Walmart shopper notes in a portable refrigerators review that drinks freeze when the temperature is set too low. Beer enthusiasts and those who use the mini fridge as a mini-bar appreciate the in-door can storage but others consider it wasted space. Additionally, reviews are split between buyers who received their cheap mini fridges in good condition and those who got models that were dented or dinged, according to mini refrigerators reviews on Walmart. And a few users gripe about its inconveniently-located temperature dial, as noted in a mini fridge review on Abt.com.

Another cheap mini refrigerator to consider is the Avanti SHP170 Superconductor Refrigerator (starting at $98, Amazon). While this tiny, 1.7 cubic-foot mini fridge may not suit everyone, its super-cheap price makes it a great choice for dorm rooms or under-desk storage at the office. And, it's available in black, white, or stainless steel finishes. Expert mini refrigerator reviews on this model are absent, but mini fridge reviews on Buzzillions rank the Avanti SHP170 "number one" among portable refrigerators for its quiet operation, effective cooling, and stable temperature control. Wize.com, in its mini fridges reviews, rates this cheap compact refrigerator a Wize Choice product.

Like the Danby DAR259, the Avanti does not have a freezer compartment; but once again, that missing feature doesn't concern users, according to mini fridges reviews on Abt.com. Overall, complaints about the Avanti SHP170 are minor. One mini refrigerators review on Buzzillions, however, comments that the unit comes with incomplete instructions and dents easily.

Prospective buyers of cheap mini refrigerators who need freezer space might consider the Magic Chef MCBR170 (starting at $100, Amazon), which is available in black and white finishes and features a reversible door. Another 1.7 cubic-foot model, this cheap mini fridge finds favor with some Home Depot shoppers, whose mini refrigerators reviews give it an above-average rating for its price, relative spaciousness, and versatility. On the other hand, several users report premature failure and inadequate cooling, and this model is panned by a consumer products testing site.

Consumers who like the Magic Chef MCBR170, including one who posted a mini fridges review on Epinions, mention that it has a better-than-usual freezer compartment and does what it's supposed to do for a good price; that is, keep food and drinks cold. A few disgruntled buyers complain in mini refrigerators reviews on Home Depot about receiving lemons, and one user review notes that this compact refrigerator doesn't automatically reset following power outages.

If you're looking for a cheap mini fridge with a freezer and a bit more space than a cube model, Magic Chef also makes larger portable refrigerators, including the 3.6-cubic-foot MCBR360 (starting at $98, Amazon) and the 2.4-cubic-foot MCBR240 (starting at $100, Amazon). These minis earn higher ratings in compact refrigerators reviews on Home Depot than the smaller MCBR170 and sell for comparable prices. Consumers seem to appreciate the freezer compartments, saying they're large enough to hold frozen entr�es, and also note the refrigerator compartment keeps food properly chilled. A few users report the MCBR360 is a bit noisy and warn it may give out after a few years.

Another cheap compact refrigerator with a small freezer compartment, the Kenmore 92489 (starting at $100), features 2.4 cubic feet, door racks, and a reversible door. Mini fridges reviews on Sears are sparse for this model, but those posted are more favorable than not. A couple of consumers are satisfied with the Kenmore 92489's performance, while one writes that everything in the fridge froze even with the thermostat turned to the lowest setting.

Cheap compact refrigerators by brand giants like GE, Frigidaire, and KitchenAid don't make a good showing in the Cheapism price range, either because these models are tagged above $150 or because they don't fare well with users. One example is the Frigidaire FRC252 (starting at $139). This 2.5 cubic-foot appliance scores only 2.5 out of 5 stars in mini refrigerators reviews on Lowe's due to issues like inadequate cooling, spotty performance, and lukewarm customer service, and one user says the need for frequent defrosting makes the fridge more trouble than it's worth.

Despite the fact that expert reviews of cheap mini refrigerators are rare and well-recognized brands don't appear at the party, there are good mini fridges at attractive prices. Buyers should temper their expectations, however. These cheap portable refrigerators may not have the durability of higher-end models, but unless your cheap compact fridge serves as your primary food storage, this may not be an issue.