Top 5 Best Mini Fridges With Freezers for Dorm Rooms (& Why They’re Worth It)
Best Mini Fridges With Freezers for College
While a mini fridge isn’t absolutely necessary for college, it is amazing to have one. Being able to store leftover food is a perk that can’t be overlooked.
The thing is:
Not all miniature refrigerators are created equal.
And no one wants to waste money on a dud. So we did a bunch of digging to bring you a list of only the best mini fridges with a freezer for dorms.
Okay, let’s jump in and review what we uncovered…
If you’re in a rush:
✅ This mini fridge is the most popular.
Which Mini Fridge With a Freezer is Best for College?
When it comes to the small fridges with the best reviews, these are the 5 best mini fridges with separate freezers to choose from. All are great for college students and very affordable.
Mini Fridge With Freezer – Best Choices:
You’ll notice that they all have 2 doors – one for the fridge and one for the freezer.
This is a BIG plus.
Because it keeps frozen foods frozen, and refrigerated foods not frozen (unlike typical 1 door dorm fridges).
Euhomy 3.2 cu ft Mini Fridge with
Freezer – get more info.
3 Best Mini Fridges w/ Freezer:
1. Euhomy Compact Refrigerator (RF)
2. Midea Mini Fridge (WHD-113FB1)
3. Edgestar Dorm Sized Fridge (CRF321SS)
Compare Mini Fridges With Freezers
Below are the top 5 dorm-sized mini fridges with freezers this year:
| Info | Image | Current Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midea WHD-113FB1 Mini Fridge with Freezer, 3.1 cu ft |  | $249.00 | View on Amazon |
| Euhomy Mini Fridge with Freezer, 3.2 cu ft |  | $139.99 | View on Amazon |
| Galanz Retro Mini Fridge-Freezer, 3.1 cu ft |  | $259.00 | View on Amazon |
| COSTWAY Compact Refrigerator Freezer Combo, 3.2 cu ft |  | $249.99 | View on Amazon |
| EdgeStar Dorm Sized Fridge/Freezer, 3.1 cu ft |  | $299.00 | View on Amazon |
*Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-05-30
ANY of those 5 refrigerators above are all excellent choices.
But which small fridge is right for YOU?
Let’s take a closer look at this year’s top picks and the features they offer.
✅ Best Mini Fridge With Freezer for Dorm Rooms WINNER
1. Euhomy RF
Which mini fridge is best for college students? If we had to only pick one mini fridge we’d go with this one.
✅ This is the #1 Best Selling Mini Fridge with a Freezer on Amazon. It’s energy-saving, shipping is FREE, the color is classic, and it’s an all-around great unit for a dorm.
Highlighted Features:
Potential Drawback:
What I LOVE about this little refrigerator is that it has automatic defrost.
That might not sound like a big deal, but most mini fridges don’t do that…and without that feature, a fridge needs defrosting often (which is annoying!)
In my opinion, and taking into consideration all the reviews of this specific unit, based on price, value, quality, size, and overall functionality – this is the best mini fridge with a freezer you can buy that fits all college on-campus housing needs.
Plus:
It looks just like a scaled-down version of a regular refrigerator, don’t you think?
✅ AMAZON’S CHOICE for Best Mini Fridge With Separate Freezer
2. Midea WHD-113FSS1
Amazon chooses this small fridge/freezer combo as their ‘Amazon’s Choice’ Winner. Reviewers say it’s the perfect size for a dorm room and an excellent value.
This is a great option if you need a mini fridge with a freezer for your dorm, and the reviews are really good, so might be worth taking a deeper look.
Highlighted Features:
Potential Drawbacks:
The people have spoken – this compact fridge has an impressive 4.5 star rating on Amazon!
After digging around and reading the reviews, we managed to find a lot of convincing information. Consumers are LOVING it – especially college students who upgraded to this one after using a typical dorm-sized fridge.
The separate freezer compartment actually keeps things frozen and it’s ROOMY.
From what I’ve read here, it has enough space for a full-size pizza box.
So it’s safe to say:
This mini fridge can meet the demands an average college kid has for storing drinks, snacks, veggies, and frozen meals.
⟶ read reviews & get more info
3. Galanz Retro GLR31TRDER
This reto top freezer mini fridge is SO cute – who doesn’t love a good throwback style?? (see more pictures here!)
Highlighted Features:
Potential Drawbacks:
Everyone has their own specific needs and tastes. If you want to have the most unique little fridge on your floor – this one here is a solid choice.
It’s quite attractive to look at and it’s equally functional. The best part is that despite the uniquely stylish exterior, it’s price point is on par with other mini fridges in it’s class.
Many reviewers specifically compliment the accuracy of the temperature control. Keeping things cold is definitely a MUST for a good mini fridge, don’t you agree?
⟶ read reviews & get more info
✅ Best Value Long-Term
4. EdgeStar CRF321SS
Want a mini fridge that’ll last for your entire college career? This next option is quite impressive in those respects.
Highlighted Features:
Potential Drawback:
This dorm-size fridge is similar to the others we’ve looked at so far, in so much as looks and features. Honestly, it’s rather unassuming.
However:
LONGEVITY is what makes it stand out from the crowd.
Many reviewers say they couldn’t be happier with it because it’s still going strong after 2, 3, 4, & 5 years! It’s lasting so long that they’re passing it down to their second child starting college.
Being able to stretch your money is crucial when you’re a student. And this mini fridge offers a LOT of bang for your buck.
⟶ read reviews & get more info
5. COSTWAY 22672GR-CYEP
Let’s take a look at one more highly-rated unit that’s worth considering.
The guide is designed to help you compare brands and choices to find the best mini fridge with a freezer for college that fits YOUR needs.
Highlighted Features:
Potential Drawbacks:
This compact fridge has pretty much the same overall dimensions as the previous ones. BUT, it has an additional 1 cu ft of storage inside.
That’s two extra sodas you can put in it.
When you live in a dorm room – you know that every bit of space counts! Reviews confirm that it’s a GREAT little fridge to have at college.
⟶ read reviews & get more info
Microwave Refrigerator Cabinets For Dorm Rooms
A microwave is another small appliance that college students find really handy.
✅ Compare the 3 Best Microwave Refrigerator Cabinets for Dorms here
You shouldn’t have a problem with placing a microwave on top of a compact fridge.
However:
I totally get wanting a cabinet/stand for them. I LOVE all things organization.
The shelving and storage cabinet below are awesome – they’re made specifically for dorms. Any of these 3 options are great units that you should be very happy with.
- Durable black epoxy finish – versatile shelving to maximize space
- Wire Shelf and Storage Basket hold cooking supplies and kitchen essentials as well as your compact mini fridge – shelving adjustable in 1 Inch increments
- No tools required for assembly – Locking Caster Wheels for easy movement
- Durable black epoxy finish – Extra Tall shelving to maximize space
- 4 Adjustable Shelves to hold cooking supplies or electronics with space underneath for compact mini fridges
- No tools required for assembly – Feet can adjust for uneven floors
- Durable gunmetal gray epoxy finish with 18-gauge steel – Large size but still practical
- Shelves can adjust on 1″ increments – holds up to 300 lbs.
- No tools required for assembly – Feet can adjust for uneven floors
*Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: 2023-05-29
FAQ
What size fridge is good for a dorm?
What size mini fridge should I get for college? The answer to this question depends on 2 factors:
1. What are the rules for your university?
Check the housing policies. Most have guidelines for dorms and the fridge will need to fit within them.
2. Will you have a meal plan at college?
If you aren’t going to be eating on campus, a bigger compact fridge might be a better fit for you.
Whether you opted for a meal plan or not, a mini fridge comes in handy. Because for one, it’s so nice to have cold water in a Brita pitcher whenever you need it.
Plus:
It’s a pain to walk down to the dining hall for every time you’re feeling snacky!
Can a mini fridge fit under a dorm bed?
I’m sure you’ve seen pictures like this on Pinterest, Instagram, etc…
And I’ve gotta say that I LOVE the idea of storing a little fridge under the bed – it keeps everything neat & organized!
Now, will a mini fridge fit under your bed? If it’s lofted high enough, I don’t see why not!
College dormitories are all different though. You can check ahead of time by getting the details and dimensions from your school’s website or by asking a current/previous student.
For reference:
The dorm fridges we looked at above are all between 33 – 35 inches (just under 3 feet) tall.
Can a mini fridge lay on its side?
It’s okay to lay a small fridge on its side to transport or store it.
However:
DO NOT plug it in when it’s not sitting upright. And –
If the fridge has spent any time on its side, it’s absolutely CRUCIAL that you wait 24 hours before plugging it in.
Why?
The compressor fluids need time to drain back into the right places.
Plug it in too soon and you’ll ruin the whole refrigerator. Which is probably the exact problem some reviewers had when their new appliance stopped working after a few days…
So if you remember nothing else from this post, just remember to hold your horses and wait to plug it in!
Can I plug a mini fridge into a power strip?
I suggest consulting the user manual for the model you end up choosing to be 100% sure.
But in general:
Yes, you can plug a mini fridge into a power strip so long as it has a sufficient amp/watt rating.
Keep in mind, anything else you have plugged in will need to be below the maximum rating as well.
For example:
According to questions & answers, the Edgestar pulls 0.64 amps. This beast of a surge protected power strip is rated for 15 amps, so it would work for the fridge and have enough juice left over to plug in other things.
Does a mini fridge need a surge protector? It doesn’t technically need one, but I always recommend using a surge protector.
All it takes is one unexpected power outage to zap it and then you have to deal with the food inside before it goes bad – not fun!
Can you plug a mini fridge into a regular outlet? Yes, you can plug it into any 3-prong grounded outlet.
What to put in a mini fridge
It might not seem like it at first but you can do a LOT with only a dorm fridge and a microwave. Check out these easy college meals and you’ll see what I mean.
But what are some good foods to stock in a mini fridge, right?
Here’s a quick list of ideas for what to stock in it (besides beer)…
Example mini fridge grocery list
Fridge section:
- eggs (tip: cut the carton in half for a better fit)
- 1/2 gallon of milk
- baby carrots
- grapes
- strawberries
- cheese sticks
- cottage cheese
- hummus
- yogurt
- lunch meat
- salsa
- sandwich condiments (mayo, mustard, etc.)
- juice
Freezer section:
- steamer bag veggies
- bread – freezing it preserves the freshness (refrigeration makes it go stale faster)
- breakfast burritos
- ice cream bars
- edamame
- single-serve dinners
- pizza rolls
- hot pockets
⟶ Get more healthy dorm snack ideas here.
Conclusions
So those are our 2023 picks for best mini fridges with freezer for dorms. I hope this guide has helped you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Have you used any of these refrigerators? What’s your take?
Other posts you may like:
- Free College Packing Checklist With Details on Everything You Need to Bring
- 22 Unexpected Necessities for College That Freshman Often Forget
- 9 Cheap & Useful Things Every College Student Needs
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About Charlie
Charlie is the co-founder of College Life Made Easy and author of the book 175+ Things to Do Before You Graduate College. She’s a 2015 graduate who teaches overwhelmed students and parents of students how to confidently navigate the whole college thing. As a former broke college kid, she’s passionate about helping students develop the skills they need in order to thrive (instead of just survive), stress less, and actually enjoy the full college experience.