23 Best Dorm Refrigerators for College Students in 2024

Dorm life can be challenging, but having the right appliances and essentials can make all the difference. One important item for any dorm room is a refrigerator. A dorm refrigerator is a compact unit designed to fit into small spaces and hold just enough food and drinks for one or two people. Even if you have a meal plan, you will need a place to store carry-out food, snacks, and drinks.

 

When purchasing the best dorm refrigerator, there are a few critical things to consider. The first is size. You want to ensure the refrigerator fits comfortably in your dorm room without taking up too much space. You also want to make sure that there is enough room for your snacks and drinks. 

 

The second is energy efficiency. Since you'll be using the refrigerator for an extended period, you want to ensure it is energy-efficient and doesn't consume too much electricity. Many dorms are older, and appliances that utilize too much energy may pop breakers. Finally, you want to consider the refrigerator's important features, such as a freezer, ice trays, full-size refrigerator or mini fridge, adjustable shelving, crisper drawer, different colors, and a built-in ice maker.

 

We spent hours researching reviews and testing dorm refrigerators to identify the ones that offer the best value for a college kid. In the following sections, we'll share our top picks and explain why they stand out.

 

Related: List of Dorm Room Essentials

 

Note: This article may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, the website may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

We understand the importance of having a reliable and efficient refrigerator that is the right size for your needs, especially in dorm living. That's why we've compiled a list of the best dorm refrigerators. 

Whether you need a compact fridge for tight spaces in your dorm room or a larger option with adjustable shelves for your shared living space, we've got you covered. We share the refrigerator's best features and also some drawbacks. Check out our top picks below.

Related: Best College Dorm Fans for Students to Stay Cool

 

If you're looking for a compact refrigerator with a separate freezer compartment, the Igloo IRF32BK6A is a great option for dorm rooms.

Pros

• The spacious 3.2 cubic feet of storage space provides ample storage for snacks, beverages, and frozen foods.
• The adjustable mechanical temperature control lets you set the perfect temperature for your items.
• The recessed door handle provides a stylish flush finish to the door.

Cons

• The manual defrost feature requires you to defrost the freezer compartment periodically.
• The compressor static cooling system doesn't have a fan, which may result in uneven cooling.
• The 1-star Energy Star rating means it may not be the most energy-efficient option.

We found the Igloo IRF32BK6A to be a reliable and budget-friendly compact refrigerator. The two slide-out adjustable glass shelves with spill guards and 8-can dispenser-2L bottle storage & condiment or bottle storage shelving provide plenty of storage options. 

 

The separate freezer compartment is ideal for any frozen foods.

If you're looking for a compact refrigerator with a separate freezer compartment for your dorm room or home office, the Igloo IRF32BK6A is a solid choice.

 

Another reliable and compact refrigerator to consider for your dorm room is the Honeywell Compact Refrigerator.

Pros

• The separate chiller compartment is perfect for keeping a few items frozen inside the refrigerator.
• The adjustable thermostat helps keep your food and drinks at the desired temperature.
• The reversible door can be configured to open on the right or left, making it easy to fit into any space.

Cons

• The manual defrost system may require some extra maintenance.
• The removable steel wire shelf may not be very sturdy.
• The 1-star Energy Star rating means it may not be as energy-efficient as other models.

We recently had the chance to test out the Honeywell Compact Refrigerator and were impressed with its overall performance. The separate chiller compartment is a great feature, allowing us to keep a few frozen items inside the refrigerator without wasting too much space. The adjustable thermostat also worked well, keeping our food and drinks at the perfect temperature.

 

Remember that the manual defrost system may require some extra maintenance, but it's not a huge inconvenience. Additionally, the removable steel wire shelf is not the sturdiest, so you'll want to be careful when placing heavier items on it.

 

The Honeywell Compact Refrigerator is a decent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable mini fridge.

 

If you want a compact and stylish refrigerator for your dorm room, the Frigidaire Retro Mini Refrigerator is a great choice.

Pros

• The compact size of this refrigerator makes it perfect for small spaces, and it can be placed virtually anywhere there is an electrical outlet.
• The built-in side bottle opener is a nice touch, and makes opening bottles a breeze.
• The two slide-out adjustable spill-proof glass shelves allow you to personalize your food storage to meet your unique needs.

Cons

• The plastic and metal materials used to construct this refrigerator may be prone to damage if not handled with care.
• The door handle is chrome-plated plastic, which may not be as durable as stainless steel.
• Some reviews report that the freezer compartment is less effective than they would like.

Overall, the Frigidaire Retro Mini Refrigerator is a stylish and functional option for dorm rooms. Its compact size and built-in bottle opener make it perfect for small spaces, while the adjustable shelves allow you to customize your storage options. 

 

However, the plastic and metal construction may not be as durable as other materials, and the freezer compartment may not be as effective as some users would like.

 

For a compact and stylish mini fridge that doesn't take up too much space, consider the BLACK+DECKER Energy Star mini fridge, which is a great option. It's perfect for dorm rooms with a modern square design that fits well into any space. It's available in black, stainless steel, and white.

Pros

• The fridge is compact and energy-efficient, using only 70 watts of power.
• It has a surprisingly large capacity, with a removable glass shelf that expands the storage space.
• The fridge is ultra-quiet, perfect for dorm rooms where you want to sleep and study in peace.

Cons

• The small freezer is only 8 inches wide by 2 inches tall, so it can't hold much. This is more of a fridge for snacks.
• The interior shelves on the door are not very useful because they are too narrow and shallow for most bottles.
• The fridge requires manual defrosting, which can be inconvenient.

The fridge is the perfect size for small spaces and fits nicely under a desk. We love that it's so energy-efficient and doesn't make any noise. The adjustable temperature control is also a nice feature to keep drinks and snacks at the perfect temperature.

 

The removable glass shelf is a great addition, storing larger items.

 

Overall, we recommend the BLACK+DECKER Energy Star mini fridge to anyone looking for a compact and energy-efficient fridge for their dorm room for extra snack and drink storage.

 

If you're looking for a compact fridge with a unique feature, the Frigidaire Retro Eraser Board Refrigerator might be a good fit. This 3.2 cu ft fridge has a black retro design that can complement most dorm rooms. The most notable feature of this fridge is the eraser board surface that allows you to write and erase messages on the front, making it a fun and personalized addition to your dorm room or office.

Pros

• The eraser board surface is a fun and unique feature that can add personality to your space.
• The reversible door allows for left or right-hand opening, making it easy to fit in any room layout.
• The adjustable thermostat control allows you to control the fridge's temperature easily.

Cons

• The freezer section is small and might not be enough for those who need more freezer space.
• Some reviews have reported receiving the fridge with dents due to shipping.
• The fridge might be a bit noisy for some users.

The Frigidaire Retro Eraser Board Refrigerator can be a good option for those who want a compact fridge with a unique feature. However, if you need more freezer space or prefer a quieter fridge, you might want to consider other options.

 

Another compact and energy-efficient mini-fridge that's perfect for small spaces is the RCA RFR322 Mini Refrigerator.

Pros

• The reversible door enables you to adapt your refrigerator to unyielding dorm spaces.
• The thermostat may be easily controlled with the control dial.
• The budget-friendly mini-fridge not only keeps your beverages and food cool and fresh, but it's also friendly to your wallet.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the temperature controls can be confusing.
• It is noisy, especially at night and when trying to study. The motor will wake you up if you are a light sleeper.

We are impressed with its sleek design and energy-efficient compressor cooling. The mini-fridge is perfect for a dorm room, and the built-in freezer allows you to store a frozen dinner, ice cream, or other snacks.

The door bracket neatly stores your drinks, while the slide-out shelving makes it easy to clean the fridge's inside. 

 

We recommend the RCA RFR322 Mini Refrigerator for an affordable and efficient mini-fridge. Its compact size and reversible door make it easy to fit in any space, and the adjustable thermostat control ensures that your food and drinks stay at the perfect temperature.

 

If you're looking for a bit more space in your dorm mini fridge, the HAILANG 3.1 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer is worth considering.

Pros

• Spacious interior with adjustable shelves and door storage
• Easy to clean with removable shelves and drawers
• Energy-efficient and eco-friendly design with whisper-quiet operation

Cons

• Manual defrost system
• Limited temperature control range (32°F-50°F)

We were impressed with the amount of space offered by this mini fridge, which can accommodate a variety of foods and beverages thanks to its adjustable glass shelves and door storage. The removable shelves and drawers also make it easy to clean and maintain.

 

The energy-efficient design of the HAILANG mini fridge reduces your carbon footprint with eco-friendly materials that meet environmental standards. The advanced soundproofing also ensures whisper-quiet operation, so you won't be disturbed while you study or sleep.

 

The manual defrost system may require some extra effort to keep the freezer compartment frost-free, and the limited temperature control range may not be suitable for everyone's needs.

 

If you're looking for a two-door compact and efficient fridge for your dorm, the EUHOMY Mini Fridge with Freezer is a great option.

Pros

• The mini fridge with freezer combo offers the best of both worlds, with 0.96 Cu.Ft of freezer space and 2.24 Cu.Ft of fridge space.
• The 7-level temperature adjustment allows you to customize the temperature of the fridge and freezer to your liking.
• The LED lights and multi-layer shelves make it easy to organize your food and find what you need.

Cons

• The fridge may take up more space than other mini fridges due to its 2-door design.
• The top shelf of the fridge may experience some condensation.

We were impressed with the EUHOMY Mini Fridge with Freezer's ability to store both frozen and refrigerated items efficiently. The temperature adjustment options allowed us to find the perfect temperature for our food and drinks. The LED lights and adjustable shelves made it easy to see and organize everything in the fridge.

 

The reversible door and adjustable feet make finding the perfect spot for the fridge in any dorm room easy. We appreciated the energy efficiency of the fridge and the fact that it comes with a one-year warranty. Overall, we highly recommend the EUHOMY Mini Fridge with Freezer for anyone needing a compact and versatile fridge.

 

Let's take a quick break from refrigerators and talk about this cool storage console. If you want to create a snack or coffee station around your fridge, this cabinet thing will fit around your fridge nicely.

Pros

• Provides additional storage space over and around your compact mini fridge
• Durable, easy-to-put-together organizer for your college kitchen supplies
• Compact size - great for small dorm rooms or off-campus apartments

Cons

• Assembly can be time-consuming if the assembly isn't your thing
• The fridge opening is a bit small, so you will need to find a fridge that fits

The organizer provides extra storage space for snacks, drinks, plates, and more while keeping the mini fridge and microwave in one convenient spot.

 

If you're looking for a compact and stylish fridge for your dorm room, the Frigidaire EFR176-BLUE is a great option.

Pros

• The two-door compartment shelves allow for easy storage of single cans and a 2-liter bottle.
• The built-in side bottle opener is convenient and saves you from fumbling through drawers looking for a bottle opener.
• The compact size of the fridge allows you to place it virtually anywhere there is an electrical outlet, making it perfect for small dorms with limited space.

Cons

• The handle is made of plastic and is not the most functional as a pull to open the door.
• The fridge makes some noise when the compressor is running.
• The freezer compartment is small and can only hold a few items.

This fridge has a retro look that will add a touch of style to any room. The two-door compartment shelves and built-in bottle opener are convenient features that make storing and accessing your items easy. However, the plastic handle and small freezer compartment are minor drawbacks to an otherwise great product.

 

The BLACK+DECKER Energy Star mini fridge is another great option to consider for your dorm room.

Pros

• This mini-fridge's sleek, modern design is perfect for small living spaces like dorm rooms.
• With a capacity of 2.5 cubic feet, this mini-fridge has plenty of interior storage space for food, soda, and other beverages.
• The adjustable temperature control, can dispenser, removable glass shelves, reversible door, and quiet operation make daily life much easier with one small appliance.

Cons

• The small freezer (12.8 inches wide x 4.3 inches tall) might not be enough for those who need more freezer space.
• The manual defrost system requires some effort to keep the fridge clean and free of ice buildup.
• The matte surface scratches easily, so it might not be the best option for those looking for a more durable mini-fridge.

We found that the BLACK+DECKER mini fridge is a great option for those who are looking for a compact and stylish mini-fridge that doesn't take up too much space. The adjustable temperature control and removable glass shelves make it easy to customize the interior storage space to fit your needs. The reversible door and space-saving flat back design also make it easy to fit this mini-fridge just about anywhere.

 

However, the small freezer might not be enough for those who need more freezer space, and the manual defrost system requires some effort to keep the fridge clean and free of ice buildup. Additionally, the matte surface scratches easily, so it might not be the best option for those who are looking for a more durable mini-fridge.

 

Overall, we think the BLACK+DECKER Energy Star mini fridge is a great option for those looking for a compact and energy-efficient mini-fridge for their dorm room, office, or small living space. With its sleek design and convenient features, it's definitely worth considering.

 

We highly recommend the Cooluli Mini Fridge for anyone looking for a small, portable refrigerator.

Pros

• This micro fridge is super versatile and can store food, drinks, skincare products, and medications.
• It is lightweight and portable, perfect for dorm rooms.
• The unique semiconductor operation is energy-efficient, ultra-quiet, and environmentally friendly.

Cons

• The cooling capacity of the fridge is limited to 40ºF-45ºF below ambient temperature, which may not be sufficient for some users.
• It is also a warmer but reviews show that it is not effective when warming.
• The fridge is super small and can only fit a few small items.

The Cooluli Mini Fridge is the perfect solution for anyone who wants to place a portable refrigerator on a shelf or nightstand. Whether you need to store food, drinks, skincare products, or medications, this mini fridge covers you. Its lightweight and portable design makes it perfect for dorm rooms.

 

 

If you are looking for a drink cooler for your dorm, consider this one.

Pros

• The dual-use cooler and warmer feature allows you to keep your drinks and meals at the perfect temperature, whether it's hot or cold outside.
• The fridge comes with both AC and DC power cords, making it easy to use at home, in the office, or on the go.
• The compact size and lightweight build make it easy to carry wherever you need it, and its flexible design allows you to use it vertically or horizontally.

Cons

• The manual defrost system may require more frequent cleaning and maintenance.
• The fridge's 6-liter capacity may not be sufficient for those who need to store larger items.
• The fridge may not be able to cool or warm items as quickly as larger, more powerful units.

We were impressed by the SUAVO mini fridge's versatility and portability. Its ability to cool and warm items with a simple flip of a switch makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a compact and efficient cooling and warming solution. The fridge's dual power cords and flexible design make it easy to use in a variety of settings, and its lightweight build makes it easy to carry wherever you need it.

 

If you're looking for a compact refrigerator that's perfect for your dorm room, the FRIGIDAIRE EFR176-RED is worth considering. It's affordable, stylish, and has enough space to keep your drinks and snacks cool and fresh.

Pros

• The retro design with a bottle opener is a great addition to any dorm room.
• The adjustable thermostat allows you to keep your food and drinks at the perfect temperature.
• The flush-back design and adjustable feet make it easy to fit the fridge in just about any space.

Cons

• The freezer capacity is quite small, so you won't be able to store many frozen items.
• The manual defrost system can be a bit of a hassle to clean.
• The fridge can sometimes be a bit noisy, especially when the compressor kicks in.

The retro design with a bottle opener is a fun addition to any dorm room, and the adjustable thermostat allows you to keep your food and drinks at the perfect temperature. The only downsides are the small freezer capacity and the manual defrost system, but these are minor issues easily overlooked.

If you're looking for a bit more space from your compact refrigerator with a separate freezer, the HAILANG Mini Fridge With Freezer is a great option. It's perfect for dorm rooms.

Pros

• The 2-door design separates the freezer and fridge compartments, making organizing your food easy and keeping everything at the right temperature.
• With a 3.2 cubic foot capacity, this fridge has plenty of room for all your essentials.
• The adjustable thermostat and compressor cooling ensure your food stays at the perfect temperature, even in hot weather.

Cons

• The defrost system is manual, so you'll need to defrost the freezer to prevent ice buildup periodically.
• Some customers have reported issues with the fridge not getting cold enough, but this seems rare.
• The fridge can be a bit noisy when the compressor is running.

Overall, we think the HAILANG Mini Fridge With Freezer is a great choice for anyone who needs to share a compact refrigerator with a roommate. It's affordable, spacious, and easy to use.

 

The Antarctic Star Compact Mini Refrigerator Separate Freezer is another fun option.

Pros

• The 3.2 cubic feet capacity offers ample space to store your food and beverages.
• The choice of exterior color adds a touch of elegance to your dorm room or small office space.
• The double-door design with a separate freezer compartment allows for versatile storage options.

Cons

• The temperature control knob doesn't offer precise temperature settings.
• The manual defrost system requires regular maintenance.

This mini fridge is perfect for those who need a compact storage solution for their dorm room. The 3.2 cubic feet capacity provides enough space to store your food and beverages, while the double door design with a separate freezer compartment allows for versatile storage options.

 

Here is another fun Cooluli Mini Fridge that is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The Cooluli 10L Mini Fridge is lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go.
• With its upgraded foam insulation and EcoMax technology, this mini fridge is energy-efficient and helps prevent frost.
• The dual-voltage feature of this mini fridge means that it can be used anywhere in the world.

Cons

• While the Cooluli 10L Mini Fridge is spacious enough to hold up to twelve 12-oz cans, it may not be large enough for those looking to store larger items.
• Some users have reported that the fridge may not get as cold as they would like.
• The noise level of the fridge may be noticeable in quiet environments.

We've had the opportunity to use the Cooluli 10L Mini Fridge and we think it's a great option for those in need of a compact and portable fridge for drinks. Its lightweight design makes it easy to take on the go, whether you're headed to an outdoor space to study or hang out. Plus, with its upgraded foam insulation and EcoMax technology, this mini fridge is energy-efficient and helps prevent frost.

 

One of the standout features of the Cooluli 10L Mini Fridge is its dual-voltage capability. This means you can use it anywhere in the world, making it a great option for frequent travelers. Additionally, the fridge's tempered glass front and sleek design make it a stylish addition to any room or space.

 

 

It isn't elegant looking, but we highly recommend the Danby Designer Compact Mini Fridge as a reliable and energy-efficient fridge for their dorm.

Pros

• The fridge has a spacious interior with 4.4 cubic feet of fridge space, allowing for maximum storage versatility and optimal cool air circulation.
• The integrated door shelving with tall bottle storage makes storing drinks and snacks easy, and the CanStor beverage dispensing system is efficient and tidy.
• The reversible door swing and integrated door handle make it easy for both left and right-handed users to access the fridge.

Cons

• The fridge does not have a display for temperature control, but the mechanical thermostat ensures easy operation and automatic defrost means no extra maintenance is required.
• The fridge is better suited for 12 oz cans than larger bottles, but the versatile shelving allows for easy customization of storage space.
• The fridge is not suitable for those who require a freezer section.

 

Once you select your mini-fridge, you may need some storage options.

Pros

• Hassle-free fridge storage with 12 pockets of different sizes for storing various items
• Durable polyester material that is easy to clean and maintain
• Versatile hanging organizer that can be hung over top of your mini-fridge

Cons

• Pockets could be larger for better storage options
• Limited color options
• May not fit all mini-fridges

The 12 pockets of varying sizes allow storing everything from utensils and plates to bottles and spices. While we did find the pockets to be a bit small, they were still sufficient.

Please note that this product may not fit all mini-fridges, so check the dimensions before purchasing.

 

We highly recommend the Tiastar Mini Fridge for anyone looking for a compact and portable fridge for drinks, medication, and skincare products.

Pros

• The Tiastar Mini Fridge is highly portable and compact, making it easy to use in dorm spaces.
• With its cooling and insulation design, you can lower the temperature to 32-40℉ (18-22℃) below the ambient temperature or keep it warm to 150℉ (66℃) to meet your need to maintain the optimal temperature for food, drinks, and other items.
• The mini-fridge has two power cords (AC & DC) for home and car use.

Cons

• The fridge has a small capacity, with internal dimensions of 5.3x5.7x7.9 inches to store up to six 12oz soda cans.
• The Tiastar Mini Fridge is only available in black, limiting your options if you want a specific color.
• The fridge makes a slight noise when in use, which may bother some users.

The Tiastar Mini Fridge is a great option for a portable and efficient mini-fridge. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around, and its cooling and insulation design ensures that your fdrinks and skincare products remain at the optimal temperature. The dual power supply also makes it a versatile option for any situation.

 

The Cooluli Vibe Mini Fridge is an excellent choice for dorms.

Pros

• The fridge is lightweight and portable, making it easy to take wherever you go.
• You can switch from cooling to warming with one quick switch to keep your food and drinks at the perfect temperature.
• The stylish blackboard surface is perfect for storing magnets, keeping notes and memos handy.

Cons

• The fridge has a capacity of only 15 liters, so it may not be large enough for some users.
• Some users have reported that the fridge can be noisy when it's running.
• The fridge may not be as durable as some other mini-fridges.

One of the coolest features of the Cooluli Vibe Mini Fridge for Bedroom is the blackboard surface on the front of the fridge. This surface is perfect for storing magnets, keeping notes and memos handy, and even doodling. It is a great way to keep track of a grocery list and to-do list.

 

If you're looking for a stylish and compact mini fridge for your dorm room, the Upstreman Retro Compact Refrigerator might be the perfect fit.

Pros

• The retro design with chrome handles and bright red color is unique and stylish, adding a touch of elegance to your space.
• The compact size and 2.5 Cu.ft capacity make it space-efficient, while the side bottle opener and slanted drink holders provide easy access to your favorite drinks.
• The adjustable thermostat with 6 temperature settings and easy one-button defrost make storing and accessing your food and drinks convenient.

Cons

• The freezer is not suitable for ice cream.
• The fridge might arrive with some dents or scratches, although the seller is very responsive and willing to resolve any issues.
• The product might be heavy and difficult to move around.

The fridge is easy to set up and use, and the adjustable thermostat allows you to customize the temperature. The side bottle opener and slanted drink holders are a nice touch.

 

 

If you're looking for a compact and stylish refrigerator for your dorm room or garage, the COMFEE' Retro Refrigerator is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The retro design is sleek and eye-catching.
• The self-closing door helps save energy and keep your food fresh.
• The HIPS interior material is food-grade and keeps your food fresher for longer.

Cons

• The handle is made of plastic and may not be as sturdy as some users would prefer.
• The door hinges swing out on the opening rather than straight, which may require a bit more space.
• Some users have reported receiving a refrigerator with a dented door.

We recently purchased this refrigerator for our garage and have been quite pleased with it so far. The retro design adds style to the space, and the black color looks great with our other appliances.

 

One of the standout features of this refrigerator is the self-closing door, which helps ensure that the cool air stays inside and your food stays fresh. We've also been impressed with the HIPS interior material, which seems to do a great job of keeping our food fresher for longer.

 

One thing to note is that the handle is made of plastic, which may not be as sturdy as some users would prefer. Additionally, the door hinges swing out on the opening rather than straight, which may require a bit more space.

 

When choosing the best dorm refrigerator, there are several factors to consider. We've compiled a list of features to look for to help you make an informed decision.

Related: Dorm Decor Headboards: Ideas for College Room Space

The first thing to consider is the size of the refrigerator. Dorm rooms are typically small, so choosing a refrigerator that will fit comfortably in your space is important. Look for a compact refrigerator that is no larger than 4.5 cubic feet. This size is perfect for storing snacks, drinks, and a few small meals.

Another important factor to consider is energy efficiency. Look for a refrigerator that has an Energy Star rating. This means the refrigerator meets energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. An energy-efficient refrigerator will save you money on your energy bills and help reduce your carbon footprint.

Temperature control is also an important feature to consider. Look for a refrigerator that has adjustable temperature settings. This will allow you to keep your food and drinks at the desired temperature. Some refrigerators also have a built-in thermometer, which can be helpful in ensuring that your food is stored at a safe temperature.

Storage space is another important factor to consider. Look for a refrigerator that has adjustable shelves and door bins. This will allow you to customize the refrigerator's interior to fit your needs. Some refrigerators also have a separate freezer compartment, which can be helpful for storing frozen meals and ice cream.

Finally, consider the noise level of the refrigerator. Look for a refrigerator with a noise level of 40 decibels or lower. This will ensure that the refrigerator won't disturb your sleep or studying.