A small refrigerator is a wonderful asset if you are looking to elevate your entertainment space. You can invest in a wine cooler that chills your favorite bottles or purchase a beverage center that holds beer and soft drinks. Some compact refrigerators are also designed to store food so you can keep snacks ready for your guests.
Investing in a compact refrigerator with freezer makes hosting friends and family members easier because it keeps people out of your kitchen. Guests can grab drinks when they are lounging in your living area or spending time outside on the patio. There will be fewer people moving through your house and you can have extra space to prepare any meals you plan to serve.
Learn more about compact refrigerators and choose the best one for your needs. This guide will cover everything you need to know.
Explore Refrigeration at Friedmans
Find the perfect compact fridge for any room in your house! Browse our range of undercounter refrigerators, wine coolers, compact fridges, and more at Friedmans, today!
Shop RefrigerationTypes of Compact Refrigerators
As you start your search for different types of refrigerators, you will start to realize just how diverse this market is. This is great news because you can find products that are ideal for your specific needs rather than buying a one-size-fits-all fridge.
Beverage centers have come a long way from the mini fridges of college dorms. Modern options are more advanced and provide better storage experiences. Here’s what you need to know.
➥ Compact Refrigerators: These are small refrigerators that can be used in entertaining spaces or guest rooms. You can buy a compact refrigerator without freezer functionality or with a freezer and ice maker. These units also vary in size.
➥ Under-the-Counter Refrigerators: These are designed to be installed under your countertops. A compact refrigerator freezer can be freestanding, built into your cabinets, or covered with a cabinet panel to create a cohesive look.
➥ Refrigerator Drawers: These are some of the most unique appliances on the market. Instead of pulling open a single door, you open a drawer, not unlike the ones built into your kitchen.
➥ Beverage Centers: These models are meant to only hold drinks, not food. They might just have shelves instead of drawers and the temperature might not drop below freezing.
➥ Wine Coolers: These appliances are designed exclusively for wine storage. They may have racks instead of shelves and a more limited temperature range.
Knowing what you want from your appliance can help you search for it effectively. For example, if you want a small compact refrigerator with no freezer, you might look into a beverage center or a simple mini fridge. However, if you want an icemaker, you know this functionality is available.
→ Learn more: 5 Reasons to Buy an Undercounter Refrigerator
Pros & Cons of Small Refrigerators
Every appliance purchase comes with benefits and drawbacks, and compact refrigerators are no exception. Whether you choose a wine cooler or beverage center, you will need to decide whether this investment is right for you. Here are a few pros and cons to keep in mind that can guide you through the decision-making process.
Pros
Space-Saving
Ideal for small apartments, dorm rooms, offices, and RVs, compact refrigerators fit into tight spaces without taking up much room.
Energy Efficiency
Many models consume less power than full-size refrigerators, leading to lower electricity bills.
Affordability
Generally cheaper than standard refrigerators, making them a budget-friendly option.
Portability
Lightweight and easy to move, compact fridges are perfect for temporary setups or frequent relocations.
Convenience
Offers quick access to drinks and snacks, especially in workspaces, bedrooms, and entertainment areas.
Superior Temperature Control
Many beverage centers have specialty temperature settings that are designed for wine and beer, ensuring perfectly cool pours.
Cons
Limited Storage
Smaller capacity means less space for groceries, making them impractical for large households.
Inconsistent Cooling
Some models have uneven temperature distribution, potentially affecting food freshness.
Minimal Freezer Space
Often includes a small or ineffective freezer that may struggle to keep items fully frozen.
Durability Concerns
Budget-friendly models may wear out faster or have shorter lifespans than full-size refrigerators.
Noise Levels
Some compact fridges can be noisy, which may be disruptive in bedrooms or quiet spaces.
Defrosting Hassle
Many models require manual defrosting, adding maintenance work for users.
Despite the potential drawbacks, many homeowners love their small refrigerators and enjoy how they make entertaining easier. They are an asset to countless homes across the country.
→ Learn more: Our Top 5 Refrigerator Drawers on the Market
5 Featured Compact Refrigerators
Several options are available to homeowners who are ready to add a beverage refrigerator to their living spaces. These compact refrigerators are a great place to start in your search because they can accommodate different lifestyles, size needs, and budgets. Explore various mini refrigerator options to see which one is ideal for you.
Monogram® 4.3 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Compact Refrigerator
Shop this Monogram® Compact Refrigerator
This pick is a beautiful small refrigerator that is ideal for anyone who loves entertaining. It produces up to eight pounds of ice per day, keeping up with your beverage needs. The LED lighting makes it easy to see your drinks and choose your favorite brew. At 24 inches wide and 24 inches deep, this refrigerator is meant to align perfectly with your cabinets and create a seamless look. However, it is still a freestanding fridge that can be installed anywhere.
Featured Monogram Compact Refrigerator Review: “Love the pull-out ice bin. It’s so convenient. The fridge is very large for an under-counter unit that also has an ice maker. Could not be happier, it’s perfect for my kitchen bar.”
→ Learn more: 5 Best-in-Category Beverage Centers You Should Know About
Perlick® Signature Series 5.0 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Under the Counter Refrigerator
Shop this Perlick® Under the Counter Refrigerator
You might be surprised by the amount of room that compact refrigerators have. This model can hold up to 14 wine bottles and 41 cans. It has multiple temperature ranges that can accommodate different beverage times, ensuring your wine is stored at the perfect range.
This under-counter refrigerator comes with a commercial-grade stainless steel door that will keep your drinks cold. The Cool Blue LED lighting is both fashionable and useful for finding specific drinks.
→ Learn more: What Type of Wine Cooler Do I Need? [Single, Dual, Multi-zone]
JennAir® 5.2 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Wine Cooler
Shop this JennAir® Wine Cooler
This JennAir wine cooler is one of the most elite compact refrigerators on the market. The clear glass door makes it easy to see what beverages are inside, while soft LED lighting illuminates each drink. The glass is UV-resistent which prevents the sun’s rays from warming the drinks.
There are four temperature presets to accommodate the various types of drinks you want to store. It even has a door open alarm so you don’t accidentally let the cold air out.
JennAir® Noir™ 4.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Refrigerator Drawers
Shop these JennAir® Refrigerator Drawers
These refrigerator drawers are a great option if you want something completely unique in your home. Instead of a standard refrigerator, look into two refrigerator drawers. You can pull open the top section to grab a can and then scoop out some ice from the bottom. There are eight temperature presets that allow you to maximize your cooling capacity. The ice comes in a cool crescent shape that is designed to melt slowly.
Crosley® Conservator® 7.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Look Compact Refrigerator
Shop these Crosley® Compact Refrigerator
Not all compact refrigerators are designed to be installed underneath countertops. This small refrigerator comes with a dedicated freezer section and would be ideal in a guesthouse or downstairs den. It’s ideal for storing healthy snacks and small treats when you don’t want to walk to the main kitchen. This is a freestanding fridge that can be placed almost anywhere. It comes in black, white, and stainless steel to accommodate different design aesthetics.
This model highlights how diverse compact refrigerator sizing can be. You can start as small as a compact refrigerator 1.7 Cu. Ft. and get up to 7.1 Cu. Ft. and more.
→ Learn more: What’s the Difference? Beverage Centers, Wine Coolers, Undercounter Fridges
Frequently Asked Questions
There are considerable overlaps between beverage centers and mini refrigerators. However, beverage centers are designed to store wine and other drinks exclusively, while a mini fridge reaches food-safe temperatures. Consider what you want to store and the best way to keep it cool.
Beverage centers are designed to hold a wide range of drinks, including colas, beer, and seltzers. Wine coolers will have dedicated racks that display wine bottles. Wine coolers will also have a temperature range that is made for wine, not beer or food.
Many refrigerators are not meant to be placed outside. Extreme heat in the summer can wear out the refrigerator and force it to work harder to keep your drinks cool. Humidity can also fray the electrical elements. If you want a fridge for your patio, make sure it is designed for outdoor use and try to place it in a dry, shaded area.
Residents in Pleasant Hill, California can find a wide selection of compact refrigerators at Friedmans Appliance. You can discover beverage centers, wine coolers, and other mini refrigerators for your home. Stop by today and see how Friedmans has the best prices and a strong reputation for exceptional customer care.
Why Trust Friedmans Appliance?
Established in 1922, Friedmans Appliance has been the most trusted name in the Bay Area for over 100 years. What started as a small appliance store in Oakland has expanded to include every appliance you need for your home. Our commitment to value, inspiration, and character has only grown, creating an unbeatable reputation for top-notch appliances. At Friedmans, we strive to give our customers the best of the best, including our selection of top appliance brands and our exceptional customer service. Speaking of which, we offer a 100-day price guarantee on all our products — the longest in the industry!
Our wide selection of appliances is just one of the reasons we’re the best Bay Area appliance store. We carry refrigerators in every style, every cooking appliance to show off your chef skills, and every dishwasher or laundry appliance you need for cleanup.
Shop Refrigerators at Friedmans
See for yourself why Friedmans is a trusted name in the Bay Area and shop compact refrigerators online. While we are located in Pleasant Hill, we deliver to all of Northern California — even Reno! If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help you search through our wide selection of compact refrigerators, whether you call us at 925-808-2950, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our appliance store in Pleasant Hill to experience the quality in person. Visit us today!
→ Learn more: 5 Wine Coolers to Step Up Your Sommelier Game