We know that one of the biggest reasons for stopping you from buying a sub refrigerator is electricity bills. Yes, refrigerators do eat up lots of energy but the good news is there are lots of modern small refrigerators these days designed to be more energy-efficient.
In this article today, we’re going to introduce to you the 6 most energy-efficient small refrigerators:
Here are the most energy efficient small refrigerators you can buy in 2024:
- Dual Door Refrigerator (Best For Baby Rooms): BLACK+DECKER BCRK25B
- Dual Door Refrigerator (Ultra-Quiet): TACKLIFE Compact Refrigerator
- Dual Door Refrigerator (Best For Bedrooms): TECCPO 1.7 Cu. Ft. Dorm Refrigerator
- Dual Door Refrigerator (Fast Cooling): Galanz GLR31TBEER
- Dual Door Refrigerator (Easy To Clean): Midea WHD-113FSS1
- Dual Door Refrigerator (Best For Garage): KUPPET Retro Mini Refrigerator
| 6 Most Energy Efficient Small Refrigerators | ||
|---|---|---|
Dual Door Refrigerator | BLACK+DECKER BCRK25B
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Dual Door Refrigerator | TACKLIFE Compact Refrigerator
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Dual Door Refrigerator | TECCPO 1.7 Cu. Ft. Dorm Refrigerator
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Dual Door Refrigerator | Galanz GLR31TBEER
| |
Dual Door Refrigerator | Midea WHD-113FSS1
| |
Dual Door Refrigerator | KUPPET Retro Mini Refrigerator
| |
Dual Door Refrigerator (Best For Baby Rooms): BLACK+DECKER BCRK25B
- Spacious & neat interior – including a small 12.8” x 4.3” freezer, two main shelves, and two-section door storage
- Quiet operation – noise level of 45dB at the highest settings
- Dependable & high-quality – good warranty policies
- No light
For parents who are looking for a budget-friendly mini-fridge for storing milk and it also runs quietly, we highly recommend the BLACK+DECKER BCRK25B.
While the outer dimensions are 17.5" x 18.5" x 26.6" – compact enough for a small space, its interior is quite spacious and neat, including two main shelves, two-section door storage, and a small 12.8” x 4.3” freezer.
There are some temperature settings, and at the highest, it only makes a humming noise of 45 decibels, which will never wake your baby up unwantedly.
With this mini-fridge, your purchase is under the manufacturer’s 2-year warranty for compressor parts and a 1-year warranty for labor and parts.
| BLACK+DECKER BCRK25B Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 18.5 x 17.52 x 26.61 inches |
Capacity | 2.5 Cubic Feet |
Temperature Range | 32 degrees Fahrenheit at the lowest setting |
Highlight Features | including a small 12.8” x 4.3” freezer, two main shelves, and two-section door storage noise level of 45dB at the highest settings under the manufacturer’s 2-year warranty for compressor parts and a 1-year warranty for labor and parts |
Presenting the most affordable option with low noise levels and spacious interior space that we reviewed, the BLACK+DECKER BCRK25B is an ideal option for baby rooms.
Dual Door Refrigerator (Ultra-Quiet): TACKLIFE Compact Refrigerator
- Ultra-quiet – 37dB noise level
- Well-organized & keep vegetables fresher – a separate veggie crisper compartment
- Energy-efficient and money-saving - Energy Star rated
- The of the refrigerator gets fairly warm
- Lack of interior lighting
But if you find the 45-decibel noise level is still a bit loud to your preference, here is a better deal.
While the interior arrangement and capacity are quite similar to the previous pick, and there are five temperature settings, it only makes 37 decibels of noise during operation.
According to the temperature range of 32 to 41 degrees F, it is good to keep beverages and food. But for meat storing or ice cream freezing, you might want to consider another model.
In turn, we do appreciate the separate veggie crisper compartment. A big bonus is that this model consumes just 0.56kWh per day and is Energy Star rated.
| TACKLIFE Compact Refrigerator Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 18.7 x 17.4 x 33.1 inches |
Capacity | 3.2 Cu Ft |
Temperature Range | 32 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit |
Highlight Features | 37 dB noise level a separate veggie crisper compartment Energy Star rated |
Considering the other options available on the market, TACKLIFE Compact Refrigerator is our solid choice for its incredibly quiet operation
Dual Door Refrigerator (Best For Bedrooms): TECCPO 1.7 Cu. Ft. Dorm Refrigerator
- Ideal for bedrooms – compact size, spacious 40-can capacity, and quiet operation
- Able to customize interior storage space – a removable glass divider
- Prevent frosting - the One-touch Easy Defrosting System
- No light
While most other mini-fridges in this list impressed us in a specific performance area, this model seems to conquer all of the categories.
It is compact yet spacious (with 40-can capacity), budget-friendly, easy to use, energy-efficient, and quiet while operating (37dB of noise level).
In terms of the interior design, it includes a removable glass divider for two compartments and two-door shelves. The freezer is a bit smaller than usual.
But if you just want to store beer cans, water bottles, or other beverages with some snacks in your bedroom for a late meal, such construction turns out to be appropriate. A notable feature is the One-touch Easy Defrosting System that prevents frosting excellently.
| TECCPO 1.7 Cu. Ft. Dorm Refrigerator Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 17.83 x 18.05 x 19.8 inches |
Capacity | 1.7 Cu. Ft. |
Temperature Range | 28.4 ' to 50 'Fahrenheit |
Highlight Features | compact size, spacious 40-can capacity 37 db noise level Energy Star rated a removable glass divider the One-touch Easy Defrosting System |
The TECCPO 1.7 Cu. Ft. Dorm Refrigerator achieves high scores in spacious, well-organized inner storage and ultra-quiet operation due to its low noise levels. That is the reason we picked it for bedrooms.
Dual Door Refrigerator (Fast Cooling): Galanz GLR31TBEER
- Cool fast yet energy-saving - the R600a compressor
- Neat and customizable inner storage – a removable glass divider
- Not easy to disassemble
Galanz GLR31TBEER is quite a popular dual-door mini fridge because of its quick-cooling capabilities with lower energy consumption, all thanks to the R600a compressor.
We really like the way it is organized. Including a freezer compartment plus one-section door storage, two open compartments, one veggie crisper, and three-sectional main door storage. You can remove one glass divider if there are bigger items needed for storing.
There’s a knob where you can manually control the fridge temperature.
| Galanz GLR31TBEER Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 19.17 x 23.31 x 35.16 inches |
Capacity | 3.1 Cu. Ft |
Temperature Range | – 32ᵒ F to 47ᵒ F |
Highlight Features | the R600a compressor a removable glass divider |
Galanz GLR31TBEER is a solid performer in terms of fast-cooling. So if that is also what you’re looking for, give it a try
Dual Door Refrigerator (Easy To Clean): Midea WHD-113FSS1
- High-quality, dependable, and energy-saving - UL Energy Certification and Energy Star Rating
- No ice buildup – the compressor prevents frosting
- Easy to clean – minimal inner construction, a removable glass divider, & glossy outer finish
- It does make a low-grade hum
- The doors need improvement
If “easy cleaning” is one of your top priorities when looking for a new dual-door mini-fridge, then the Midea WHD-113FSS1 is worth a look.
While the interior construction is quite minimal and it also features a removable glass divider, the outer finish is glossy type. So, unless you’re living in a high-moisture environment, this fridge will not bother your normal use.
A big plus is that its compressor prevents frosting, meaning that there is no ice buildup at all.
Some other highlight features of this fridge are UL Energy Certification and Energy Star Rating.
| Midea WHD-113FSS1 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 18.5 x 19.37 x 32.95 inches |
Capacity | 3.1 Cu. Ft. |
Temperature Range | The freezer temperatures range: -11.2F to 5F The internal refrigerator temperature range: 32F to 50F |
Highlight Features | UL Energy Certification and Energy Star Rating the compressor prevents frosting minimal inner construction, a removable glass divider, & glossy outer finish |
For those who are in need of an energy-efficient and easy-to-clean dual-door fridge, consider the Midea WHD-113FSS1
Dual Door Refrigerator (Best For Garage): KUPPET Retro Mini Refrigerator
- Easy access your snack and beverage at night - LED interior light
- Perfect for garages – bring a dynamic, 1950s vintage look
- Spacious - 3.2 Cu.Ft interior capacity
- A bit loud while operating
- The handles are plastic
KUPPET Retro Mini Refrigerator not only gives a reliable storage for your snack and beverage but also an impressive accent in your garage.
We love its red design combining with shiny, glossy trims, logo, and handles that bring a dynamic, 1950s vintage look.
Regardless, it comes in a bit larger size – 3.2 Cu. Ft, and more organized interior. But the biggest selling point is LED interior light for easy access at night.
| KUPPET Retro Mini Refrigerator Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 19.09 x 21.85 x 33.46 inches |
Capacity | 3.2 Cu. Ft |
Temperature Range | 32°F - 50°F |
Highlight Features | LED interior light bring a dynamic, 1950s vintage look 3.2 Cu.Ft interior capacity |
Not only because of its beautiful design but also the excellent functionality that we choose the KUPPET Retro Mini Refrigerator for garages.
How To Choose The Most Energy Efficient Small Refrigerator?
Fridge Size
Talking about the size of mini-refrigerators, there’s a basic rule of thumb – the smaller the machine, the more energy-efficient. But take note that it is only true as long as the fridge size is suitable for the number of people using it.
What we are trying to talk about is to never pick a too-small refrigerator that will force you to cram it full because a lack of airflow inside the machine will result in food spoilage and poor energy efficiency.
Long story shorts, count the number of people who are going to use the small refrigerator before consideration which size to go for.
The larger the family, the bigger the size. Following the rule: 6 cubic feet per person.
Besides, remember to calculate the spot that you plan to place it in. It should be one inch (at least) of clearance on all sides of the mini refrigerator so that it can breathe.
Style
As you might know it or not, there are three styles of a mini refrigerator according to the freezer placement:
- Top-mount
- Bottom-mount
- Side-by-side
According to Energy Star, top-mount mini-refrigerators are the most energy-efficient out of a bunch; the side-by-side is the least. In general, a side-by-side mini-refrigerator consumes 630 kWh, a bottom model 560 kWh, and a top one only 360 kWh (per year).
The reason is that the freezer placement affects the compressor operation.
In a bottom mini-refrigerator, as its compressor is positioned near the bottom, it creates heat, which makes it more difficult to reach and retain the desired temperature.
Energy Star Certification
Sticking to the Energy Star label when looking for a new small refrigerator will help your decision-making process to be a lot easier and simpler.
When compared to standard models, a product that is Energy Star certified will be 10% to 20% more energy-efficient, which also leads to lower maintenance cost and utility.
Which Brands Make The Most Energy Efficient Small Refrigerator?
BLACK+DECKER
Started as a small machine shop in Baltimore in 1910, BLACK+DECKER has now been one of the biggest brands in the world dedicated to home improvement products, home appliances, power tools, and more. Aside from some patents, they get compliments for affordable price tags and great value.
TACKLIFE
In Tacklife, innovation is everything they live for. Although they were established in 2015 – quite a young brand, they have received four iF Design awards and two Red Dot Design Awards.
Galanz
One of the longest-standing Chinese manufacturers of electronic home appliances – founded in 1978. At the current, they own lots of branches in North America, Europe, Korea, Japan, and H.K, along with 52 sales offices and 13 subsidiaries in headquarters.
Midea
Another great option is Midea, founded in 1968 and headquartered in Guangdong. Nowadays, it owns over 60 overseas branches and 200 subsidiaries. Midea has been listed on the Fortune Global 500 since July 2016.
FAQs
Does a small refrigerator use much electricity?
Depending on the size, a mini-refrigerator consumes from 85W to 100W. If it is Energy Star certified, the total amount will be 10% to 20% lower.
How much will a mini-fridge raise my electric bill?
To get the exact number of the annual energy cost of your small refrigerator, multiply it with the electricity cost rate in your area.
The average cost of electricity in the United States is 13 cents. Suppose yours consumes 80W per hour, 8 hours per day. In this case, its operating cost per year is 0.08kWh x 8 x 365 x 13 = $30.
Will a mini-fridge heat up a room?
Yes, it will. A mini-fridge will heat up a room because it requires the cooling system (driven by the compressor) to transfer heat from inside out to make the inner of the machine cold.
Can I turn my mini-fridge off at night?
Technically yes, you can. But if you want to turn it off at night just for saving electricity consumption, then the answer is no. Small fridges need to be kept at a consistent temperature setting.
Can I put a mini-fridge in my bedroom?
Yes, you can. Mini fridges are designed to be safe enough for being placed in a bedroom. Your task is just choosing an ultra-quiet model because loud noise might wake you up unwantedly.
Conclusion
We have just provided you with informative tips and in-depth reviews about the most energy-efficient small refrigerators. Hope that they’re helpful for you in your decision-making process. Thanks for reading!
Jane Orta
