Want to know the most energy-efficient mini-fridge available these days? Our expert testers searched, tested, and analyzed over 20 different varieties in the last three years, and recommend these six top-rated picks for this year’s list. Take a peek!
Here are the most energy efficient mini fridges you can buy in 2024:
- Most Affordable (Single Door Mini Fridge): Midea WHS-65LB1
- Durable (Single Door Mini Fridge): BLACK+DECKER BCRK17W
- Fast Cooling (Single Door Mini Fridge): RCA RFR322-B RFR322
- Quiet (Dual Door Mini Fridge): Euhomy Mini Fridge with Freezer
- Retro Design (Dual Door Mini Fridge): Galanz GLR31TBEER
- Easy To Clean (Dual Door Mini Fridge): GE GDE03GGKBB
| 6 Most Energy Efficient Mini Fridges | ||
|---|---|---|
Most Affordable | Midea WHS-65LB1
| |
Durable | BLACK+DECKER BCRK17W
| |
Fast Cooling | RCA RFR322-B RFR322
| |
Quiet | Euhomy Mini Fridge with Freezer
| |
Retro Design | Galanz GLR31TBEER
| |
Easy To Clean | GE GDE03GGKBB
| |
Most Affordable: Midea WHS-65LB1
- Cooling well at the default setting – accurate adjustable thermostat & advanced EnergyStar certified compressor
- Easy to maneuver – lightweight design
- Reliable – 1-year warranty
- A bit convenient to use at night
- Chances of rattle noise after a while of use
This 1.6-cubic-foot fridge is on the smaller side than other single-door models. In turns, it is very lightweight, energy-efficient (thanks to the advanced EnergyStar certified compressor), and the most affordable in its class.
It still features many useful features, like reversible doors, adjustable legs, and removable shelves. The adjustable thermostat is pretty accurate - It cools really well at the default setting.
The manufacturer’s 1-year warranty makes it more reliable.
But take note that this model doesn’t have any interior light, which is a bit inconvenient to find a snack at night. And, many customers complained about the rattle noise after a while of use.
| Midea WHS-65LB1 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 17.72 x 18.58 x 18.19 inches |
Capacity | 1.6 Cubic Feet |
Freezer Capacity | 0.045 Cubic Meter |
Annual Energy Consumption | 213 kWh |
Highlight Features | accurate adjustable thermostat advanced EnergyStar certified compressor 1-year warranty |
If you’re looking for the smallest single-door mini fridge at the most affordable price, then the Midea WHS-65LB1 will check off the majority of your boxes.
Durable: BLACK+DECKER BCRK17W
- Durable – rust-free stainless steel material & great warranties
- Sleek looking - recessed door handle
- The rack on the door is loose
This 1.7-cubic-foot mini fridge from BLACK+DECKER is slightly pricier than our 1st pick, but more spacious and durable. It’s backed by the manufacturer’s two-year warranty for compressor parts and one-year for labor and other parts.
We were impressed the most by its consistent performance. Unlike the MIDEA, this one works quietly and accurately through the test of time. Same as its beautiful stainless steel shell!
One small detail that our testers pretty liked was the recessed door handle, which is space-saving and looks sleek.
| BLACK+DECKER BCRK17W Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 18.5 x 17.52 x 19.72 inches |
Capacity | 1.7 Cubic Ft. |
Freezer Capacity | 0.33 Cubic Ft. |
Annual Energy Consumption | 201 kWh |
Highlight Features | rust-free stainless steel material & great warranties recessed door handle |
We have tested many mini fridges of all sizes and styles. We confidently assure you that the BLACK+DECKER BCRK17W is the most durable single-door model on the market without breaking the bank.
Fast Cooling: RCA RFR322-B RFR322
- Keeping more snack and beverages – 3.2-cubic-foot capacity
- Space-saving - 17.7” (L) x 18.5” (W) of dimensions
- Fast-cooling - cutting-edge refrigeration technology and advanced compressor
- The freezer is not frost-free
- Can rack design is a bit weird
We loved the RCA RFR322-B RFR322 so much because it gives nearly double the storage capacity compared to the two above while taking the same floor space. It is just 17.7” long and 18.5” wide.
But the best part is the fast-cooling capacity despite its larger size. It even can cool at the default setting in hot weather. That’s a big thank you to the cutting-edge refrigeration technology and advanced compressor.
The light inside is also handy.
| RCA RFR322-B RFR322 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 17.7 x 18.5 x 32.8 inches |
Capacity | 3.2 cu. Ft. |
Freezer Capacity | 0.2 cu. Ft. |
Annual Energy Consumption | 219 kwh |
Highlight Features | 3.2-cubic-foot capacity 17.7” (L) x 18.5” (W) of dimensions cutting-edge refrigeration technology and advanced compressor |
Built with cutting-edge refrigeration technology, the RCA RFR322-B RFR322 is fast-cooling enough to satisfy any impatient user.
Quiet: Euhomy Mini Fridge with Freezer
- Ideal for bedroom – quiet operation
- Eliminating temperature loss - microcellular foaming technology
- Able to keep more frozen foods and larger items - 3.2 Cu. Ft. capacity
- The crisper drawer has no hanger
This type of fridge lets you store more frozen goods simultaneously, as well as bigger items.
The Euhomy Mini Fridge with Freezer has 3.2-cubic-foot capacity (including 0.96 cubic feet for the freezer), also the largest on the market. But it really doesn’t change your electric bill noticeably.
It’s also quiet enough to work well in a bedroom. Thanks to the microcellular foaming technology, the mini fridge can minimize temperature loss effectively, so its compressor doesn’t work as much as others and lasts longer.
| Euhomy Mini Fridge with Freezer Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 19.4 x 19.9 x 33.5 inches |
Capacity | 3.2 Cu. Ft. |
Freezer Capacity | 0.96 Cu. Ft. |
Annual Energy Consumption | 358 kwh |
Highlight Features | quiet operation microcellular foaming technology 3.2 Cu. Ft. capacity |
The Euhomy Mini Fridge with Freezer works so quietly that you hardly hear any noise, which is perfect for a home office room, bedroom, or office.
Retro Design: Galanz GLR31TBEER
- Bringing retro 50’s looking - retro-style handles
- Matching any kitchen décor - three color options
- Fast-cooling
- The handles are plastic, not chrome
If you’re in the market for a double-door mini fridge with a beautiful retro look, then this pick is your best bet. It emphasizes the true retro-style handles and is available in three color options.
The noise level is very low and the temperature is excellent. Water bottles are frozen after only several hours and the fridge remains cold at the preset temperature level.
| Galanz GLR31TBEER Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 19.17 x 23.31 x 35.16 inches |
Capacity | 3.1 cu. Ft. |
Freezer Capacity | 0.95 cu. Ft. |
Annual Energy Consumption | 320 kwh |
Highlight Features | retro-style handles three color options |
With three beautiful color options and true retro-style handle design, the Galanz GLR31TBEER is a great choice to enrich your kitchen or room.
Easy To Clean: GE GDE03GGKBB
- Easy to clean – high-grade glass shelving
- Sturdy - durability-tested compressor
- Less labor work to maintain the fridge - frost-free fresh food section
- The slots for soda cans are difficult to load
This GE mini fridge is outfitted with adjustable shelving, which really expands its 3.1-cubic-foot interior. But making it outstanding from other counterparts is the high-grade transparent glass material that makes sanitization a lot effortless.
Although you’ll spend more money on this fridge, it features a durability-tested compressor for consistent performance, frost-free fresh food section, and recessed handles for space-saving. It’s really worth the money!
We also liked the extra-tall bottle storage.
| GE GDE03GGKBB Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 20.1 x 18.8 x 33.4 inches |
Capacity | 3.1 Cubic Ft. |
Freezer Capacity | .93 cu. ft. |
Annual Energy Consumption | 321 Kilowatt Hours Per Year |
Highlight Features | high-grade glass shelving durability-tested compressor |
If you need a double-door mini fridge that not only has a clean look but is also easy to clean, then the GE GDE03GGKBB is the best pick
How To Choose The Most Energy Efficient Mini Fridge?
Size
While the thought of having a large fridge in your kitchen is appealing, if you don’t actually need that much capacity, don’t buy it.
Choosing the right fridge size to your family’s needs is the easiest and most effective way to save energy. The capacity of a mini fridge is measured in cubic feet, or cu. Ft. On the market, fridges come in a lot of size options but a 16- to 20-cubic-foot model is enough for a standard family’s needs.
Energy Star Label
A simple trick to modern-day energy savings is the Energy Star label.
A mini fridge that’s certified Energy Star standard can save 8% on total energy consumption compared to a model that doesn’t qualify. To compare between Energy Star certified mini fridges, the higher the rating, the greater the efficiency.
Energy Rating Label, Or Energuide Label
This label shows you raw figures of the annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours, or kWh. To know the total money amount you’ll have to spend on a mini fridge per year of use, multiply this number by the energy cost per kWh in your area.
For example:
- Your mini fried consumes 300kWh/year
- The energy cost per kWh in your area is 20 cents
- Then, you will have to spend 300 x $0.2 = $60 per year of use.
From that point, the lower the number of energy ratings, the greater the efficiency.
Which Brands Make The Most Energy Efficient Mini Fridge?
Midea
This well-known Chinese brand has currently been one of the largest enterprises for household appliances in the world for comprehensive technology lines. Midea's goods are consistently at the forefront of quality and professionalism due to its large-scale and cutting-edge technology lines.
BLACK+DECKER
With over 100 years of experience, BLACK+DECKER has been at the top of the American home appliance market by delivering functional and high-quality goods that cater to the demands of all clients.
GE
Considered as one of the US’s largest firms by gross revenue and one of the best companies focusing on energy, GE is a reliable stop for shoppers who are seeking the most energy-efficient mini fridges or any other household appliances.
FAQs
How much will a mini-fridge raise my electric bill?
A mini-fridge (from 1.7 to 4.5 cu. ft.) will raise your electric bill from 20 to 50 dollars.
How do I know if my refrigerator is energy efficient?
To know if your refrigerator is energy-efficient, look for the Energy Star label or compare its energy rating to other similarly sized counterparts.
How can I make my refrigerator more energy-efficient?
To make your refrigerator more energy-efficient, follow these tips:
- Avoid putting hot foods in it
- Store food properly
- Keep the refrigerator full but well-organized
- Make sure the door of refrigerator is tightly closed with no gap
- Position the unit in a cool, well-ventilated place
Does turning off the refrigerator save energy?
No, it doesn’t. Turning off the refrigerator for a short time will not help you save energy because to restart the unit, it needs more energy.
Does an empty freezer use more electricity?
Yes, it does. An empty freezer uses more electricity because the sole thing to keep it at the proper temperature is the electricity. Therefore, it’s recommended keeping the unit full and organized.
Conclusion
We have searched thoroughly the market and customers’ needs for years and also have periodically updated our knowledge. That’s why our team feels confident to share this review list of the most energy-efficient mini fridge to you as we know it will surely meet your needs, no matter what.
