Mini fridges are relatively a new concept to people that enjoy outings and picnics.
They have made the complex process of moving logistics of picnics from one place to another very easy.
You can use mini fridges during a warm day at the office when you have a late shift, you can have some cold drink and solid food from the mini fridge.
Same at home on a weekend you can move the mini-fridge to the pool or any other room for cool beverages or a pack of ice-cream.
Here is a guide for you to buy the best mini fridge to satisfy your needs.
If you are in hurry, here’s our top pick for you:
Avallon AFR151SSODRH 3.3 Cu Ft 15″ Refrigerator
How Mini-Fridges Work?
Mini fridges are divided into 3 categories that work differently.
Thermoelectric mini fridge
Thermoelectric mini fridges function by transferring heat from one side to another using a pump.
There is no liquid used, a fan is present which makes it less noisy than compressor fridges.
Compressor mini fridge
Compressor mini fridges use a liquid moved through coils and tubes in vaporized form as air from the fan blows through the refrigerator compartment.
There is a small amount of noise due to the compressor motor.
Absorption mini fridge
Absorption fridges work the same as Thermoelectric, by the usage of heat.
These do not use any fan so they are very quiet.
Mostly they are used for long term usage, in hotels and rooms because of their no noise property.
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Outdoor vs Indoor Fridges
Both fridges may look the same but they both have their differences.
Outdoor refrigerators are made to tolerate the different variations in weather, whereas indoor refrigerators don’t have to work that hard because the temperature remains the same.
Outdoor refrigerators usually come with extra insulations and stronger compressors to deal with summer heat as compared to indoor fridges.
Secondly, the weatherproofing of the components inside outdoor fridges, as they can meet with water from rain or splashes from the pool.
However, indoor fridges tend to have more features as compared to outdoor ones.
They come with extras like a small screen, ice dispensers, etc.
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How to Insulate Your Outdoor Mini fridge?
Insulation is important for outdoor fridges due to extreme weather variations.
In very cold temperatures regular fridges may seize and stop working.
If you live in such conditions you should consider using insulation.
Wrap your fridge in a blanket or Styrofoam blocks, these re good insulating materials, they also help against strong debris.
Don’t insulate the evaporator of the fridge which is usually inside but can be identified as it is warm on the outside.
If you live in very dry and humid or relatively dry-cold conditions the door seals, pipes and gaskets can corrode and rot, this cannot be avoided unless you can replace them periodically.
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Things to Consider Before Buying an Outdoor Mini Fridge
- Buy a mini fridge that uses a liquid and compressor because they tend to keep the drinks and foods colder than a thermoelectric fridge.
Compressors tend to keep the cooling liquid moving in the vents around the container, food and beverages stay cool and solid.
- Size is also important to notice when buying.
Most fridges look big but have a small container, the doors and insulation take up more space than the actual cooling compartment or freezer.
Look for a full-width freezer that takes up the whole front, giving you more space for your food and drinks.
The ideal size would be 5-6 drink cans placed next to each other.
- Be sure to measure the dimensions of the place where you want to place your mini fridge.
There should be at least 3 inches of space between your fridge and the wall or other appliances.
This ensures the ventilation of the refrigerator and keeps it functioning with ease.
After you’ve measured the dimensions you can place your fridge or make space for it.
- Doors are important too when it comes to cooling.
The Doors ensure that insulation is strong and the coldness stays inside the container.
Doors should provide good insulation.
Without insulation, heat will enter the fridge if the surroundings are hot.
Transparent shelves are better than wired ones as they prevent spilling and as they are removable storage can be increased.
Best Mini Fridge for Outdoor Use
Avallon AFR151SSODRH 3.3 Cu Ft 15″ Outdoor Built-In Refrigerator
This Avallon AFR151SSODRH 3.3 Cu Ft 15″ Refrigerator looks very sleek but also offers a very large storage space.
Made by stainless steel all around protects it from impacts and the food inside from the outside environment.
The inside and outside both are stylish and unique.
The three glass shelves enhance the functionality and the extra door storage increases the space for your beverages and food.
It is equipped with an efficient compressor that works with powerful fans, providing even cooling throughout the container.
You can monitor and control the temperature between 34F – 50F through the digital touch screen to keep your food under your desired temperature.
The carbon filters stop the unwanted odors keeping your foods and drinks fresh.
Click Here for Latest Reviews and Price of Avallon AFR151SSODRH 3.3 Cu Ft 15″ Refrigerator
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Bulb Type: | LED |
| Defrost Type: | Automatic |
| Door Alarm: | No |
| Door Lock: | Yes |
| Includes Freezer: | No |
| Reversible Door: | Yes |
| Total Capacity: | 3.3 |
| With Casters: | Yes |
| Depth: | 24″ |
| Height: | 36″ |
| Width: | 15″ |
| Carbon Filter | Yes |
EdgeStar CBR1501SSOD 24-Inch-Wide 142 Can Built-In Outdoor Beverage Cooler
EdgeStar mini fridge comes with beautifully carved glass shelves that allow you to rack up cans up to 142 ounces very easily.
The outside shell is made from the stainless steel built to sustain any hard impact against it or any weather.
The cooling comes from a fan circulated liquid in the vents providing cold spots throughout.
This also means that all the beverages and food will be evenly cooled and no drink will be left behind.
The size of this fridge is ideal for installations under kitchen counters, it comes with a 24-inch width.
A solid and sleek door maintains the inner temperature. The temperature range for this mini fridge is 38 – 50°F.
Click Here for Latest Reviews and Price of EdgeStar CBR1501SSOD mini fridge
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Bulb Type: | LED |
| Defrost Type: | Automatic |
| Door Alarm: | No |
| Door Lock: | Yes |
| Includes Freezer: | No |
| Reversible Door: | Yes |
| Total Capacity: | 4.4 |
| With Casters: | Yes |
| Depth: | 21 5/16″ |
| Height: | 33 1/16″ |
| Width: | 20 12/16″ |
Danby DAR044A6BSLDBO 4.4 Cu.Ft Mini Stainless Look-All Fridge for Outdoor
This Danby DAR044A6BSLDBO 4.4 Cu.Ft Mini fridge by Danby is a strong unit designed to work in tropical environments, it can easily handle a variety of temperatures in the surrounding atmosphere.
The stainless door is curved with a rubber handle and the top with a stylish design.
The interior is as good as the exterior, provides you with 4.4 cubic feet of storage.
The interior shelves are also glass made which can be removed to increase storage for a long bottle.
Additionally, it comes with a thermostat to set temperature and an automatic defrost system that makes cleaning easy.
A drink dispenser further enhances this minifridge’s functionalities. The temperature range in which it can work is 109 – 43°C.
Click Here for Latest Reviews and Price of Danby DAR044A6BSLDBO 4.4 Cu.Ft Mini fridge
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Bulb Type: | LED |
| Defrost Type: | Automatic |
| Door Alarm: | No |
| Door Lock: | Yes |
| Includes Freezer: | No |
| Reversible Door: | Yes |
| Total Capacity: | 4.4 |
| With Casters: | Yes |
| Depth: | 21 5/16″ |
| Height: | 33 1/16″ |
| Width: | 20 12/16″ |
Kuppet-Mini Refrigerator Compact Refrigerator
Kuppet mini fridge and freezer combine to form a stylish and cutting-edge technology.
The sleek and stylish design with its recessed handlebars can blend into any environment and house.
The dispenser along the door helps you keep your chilled drinks in an organized manner.
There is no noise for you to worry about, maintain a silent environment.
The temperature can be controlled by a thermostat knob.
Click Here for Latest Reviews and Price of Kuppet-Mini Refrigerator
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Bulb Type: | none |
| Defrost Type: | Manual |
| Door Alarm: | No |
| Door Lock: | No |
| Includes Freezer: | Yes |
| Reversible Door: | Yes |
| Total Capacity: | 3.3 |
| With Casters: | Yes |
| Depth: | 19.1″ |
| Height: | 31.2″ |
| Width: | 17.5″ |
| Carbon Filter | No |
SPR627OS 24 4.6 Cu. Ft. Capacity Frost-Free Outdoor Compact Refrigerator with Lock
This SPR627OS 24 4.6 Cu. Ft. Capacity Frost-Free Outdoor Compact Refrigerator is built such that it can sustain the outdoor or indoor environments.
The design is sleek and featured by jet black container and a stainless-steel door, a lock for additional security.
Inside it contains a state-of-the-art compressor and fans for even cooling throughout the cabinet.
The temperature can be set with a digital thermostat.
For storage, adjustable glass shelves are presently making a 4.6 cu ft of space.
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Bulb Type: | LED |
| Defrost Type: | Frost free |
| Door Alarm: | No |
| Door Lock: | Yes |
| Includes Freezer: | No |
| Reversible Door: | Yes |
| Total Capacity: | 4.6 |
| With Casters: | Yes |
| Depth: | 23.5″ |
| Height: | 34″ |
| Width: | 23.63″ |
| Carbon Filter | No |
Which One to Choose?
All of these mini fridges are the best in the field respectively, but the Avallon AFR151SSODRH 3.3 Cu Ft 15″ Refrigerator has to be awarded the win.
The Avalon might be a little smaller than other mini fridges but it offers full width cabinet with all functionality.
It can handle more food than other mini fridges as it has well-designed storage.
The door insulates the inside very strongly, the carbon filters installed in the doors stop the odor too.
Most importantly the compressor and fans are very good in their work, the automatic defroster makes it easy for you to clean too.
Thus, this mini fridge satisfies all the qualities required.
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