Types of small refrigerators
A small refrigerator is a compact, miniature version of a normal-sized refrigerator. It is also known as a mini-fridge or a micro-fridge. This refrigerator is ideal for limited spaces or small homes. Its portability allows users to conveniently store chilled items.
Small-sized fridges come in different types, depending on their functionality, design, and storage space. They include;
- book coolers: Book coolers are designed to look like a book. They are trendy among students and can only hold a few cans of drinks. Their low cooling capacity makes them unsuitable for perishable food items. In addition to this, book coolers are portable and lightweight; therefore, they can be carried to any place.
- Can coolers: Just like the name suggests, can coolers are refrigerators used to cool cans of drinks. They can only hold and cool one or two cans at a time. Can coolers are mainly used to chill drinks quickly.
- Desktop mini-fridges: Desktop mini-fridges are compact refrigerators best suited for office desktops. They have a storage capacity of up to 50 liters. Desktop mini-fridges can be placed under the office desk or on top of the counter without taking up much space. They are used to store snacks, drinks, and other small food items.
- Commercial mini refrigeration: Commercial mini refrigeration comes in different types and models. It is mainly used in bars, cafes, restaurants, and stores. This refrigerator has a larger storage capacity of about 48 cubic feet. It can store large quantities of drinks and food items. Business owners can preserve perishable food items with the help of commercial mini refrigeration.
- Dual zone mini fridge: A dual-zone mini-fridge has two separate chambers but is still compact in size. One chamber can be set to freezing temperature, while the other is used for cooling. This refrigerator is ideal for users who want to freeze ice cubes or keep items at super cold temperatures.
- Stereo mini-fridges: Stereo mini-fridges are designed to look like a music stereo. They are trendy and mostly used in bedrooms and dorms. They are available in different colors and designs to suit different tastes and preferences.
Function and features of small refrigerators
A compact fridge might be small, but it still has lots of useful features. Even though limited space usually constrains features, some can still be found.
- Energy Star certification: This shows that the refrigerator has high energy efficiency. Since small fridges are likely to be used in more than one location and often left on continuously, it makes sense to have energy-efficient ones that will help save money not spending on excess energy bills.
- Adjustable shelves: It helps customize storage based on needs. It allows repositioning of the shelves to suit varying product heights or to create extra storage space when required. In case some products need more protection when storing or moving them around, adjustable shelves provide the perfect solution.
- Freezer compartment: Most mini refrigerators come with a freezer compartment that allows the freezing of food items and ice making. Having a small freezer means users can store frozen ready meals, ice cubes for drinks, and other frozen foods.
- Built-in Can Coolers Coolers are built into some mini-fridges' doors. These cylindrical-shaped recesses are perfect for holding soft drink cans or beer. They keep drinks cold and save space inside the fridge.
- Compact size: They are smaller in size and are made to fit in small places where a full-size fridge would not fit. These include studio apartments, dorms, offices, game rooms, etc.
- Low noise operation: A mini fridge with low noise operation technology provides quiet cooling. This is great for bedrooms, nurseries, home offices, or any other space where noise could be annoying. Engineers specially design these small refrigerators to run quietly without making loud disturbing noises.
- Built-in bottle openers: Some models come with a bottle opener fixed to the outside of the fridge. This convenient feature provides an easy way to pop open a cold drink without searching for a tool or making a mess with a broken bottle.
- LED lighting: They are energy efficient and produce bright light to illuminate the compact interior. This lighting helps see everything stored inside clearly, even in low light. Some mini fridges use LED bulbs.
- Lock and key: Some mini refrigerators have locks and keys. This feature provides extra security and peace of mind. The lock prevents unauthorized access when stored inside. It stops others from opening the fridge and taking out drinks or food without permission.
Applications of Small Refrigerators
Small refrigerators are adaptable appliances that serve many industries. Small freezers are great for keeping things cold at stores because they come in different styles, like glass doors and under-counter models.
- Healthcare: Small fridges are useful for the medical field where tissues, crystalloids, vaccines, and certain medicines are stored in clinics, laboratories, hospitals, and pharmacies. They are also employed in preventive care facilities, dental offices, and doctors' offices to assist with healthcare operations.
- Food service: A restaurant small refrigerator is valuable for quickly and easily storing and accessing critical culinary components. They are great for putting in diners and food trucks that lack room because they keep everything from sauces to organic products fresh so culinary experts can get to them when they need them.
- Beauty Industry: Small beauty fridges are becoming popular for beauty lovers. However, beauty vials and patches are kept in refreshment coolers in salons, spas, and skincare stores. These small fridges help lower the temperature a little, making the skincare items easier to use and improving their appearance.
- Offices: Portable mini fridges are helpful for office environments because employees may keep drinks, lunch, and snacks in them, which encourages productivity and prevents trips during the working day. They can also help create a pleasant and cozy workspace by decreasing the need to visit break rooms or cafeterias. Additionally, they aid in distinguishing between business and personal use by providing easy access to goods during working hours and improving professional behavior.
- Education: Dormitory small refrigerators are necessities for college students. Generally, they are perfect for students to store and prepare their food because they have compact designs that fit into residence halls with limited space. These little fridges help unique students live independently by allowing them to keep their meals, snacks, and drinks handy.
- Retail: Glass door mini fridges are frequently utilized in retail businesses to display and keep beverages, dairy products, and other perishable commodities because they have transparent doors that enable clients to see inside. Grocery shops and convenience stores are only two examples of where these coolers are located.
How to choose small refrigerator
Small fridge choices depend on where one would like to position them. It also includes what will get stored inside and the budget. It is important to know the different types and features available in the market before purchasing. A small freezer fridge has a varied range of sizes. The average size of a mini-refrigerator is about 21 inches in width and about 30 inches in height. However, some models can be as small as 18 inches in width and 20 inches in height.
If one needs a small fridge with a larger width, the model can go up to 24 inches, and the height can increase to 34 inches. Generally, mini-fridges come with freezers. They may be an average size, but the freezer section will be less than a regular full-sized fridge. A mini-fridge with a freezer compartment is not going to keep food frozen for an extended period, but it will still do the job. When buying mini-fridges, checking the energy efficiency and how much they will consume is essential. Energy-star ratings will help determine which small fridges are more efficient.
Besides, regardless of its size, a small refrigerator must be maintained. Its insides should be kept clean. A damp cloth and dish soap are all that is needed to wipe down the walls and shelves. Remove any spills or stains immediately. As with conventional refrigerators, it is important to keep the refrigerator organized so that food does not rot or expire. Small refrigerators come with various settings and features, including temperature controls and energy consumption. These should be checked before purchasing to ensure they meet the buyer's expectations.
Q and A
Q1: How much power does a compact refrigerator use?
A1: Compact fridges use about 100 to 800 watts of power. Most models fall below 200 watts. The exact wattage depends on the size, cooling mechanism, and energy efficiency. Smaller mini-refrigerators use less power.
Q2: Can the small refrigerator be used in a garage?
A2: It is possible, but it depends upon the climate conditions of a specific area. Small refrigerators can work in garages if the temperature is not too hot or too cold.
Q3: How long should a small fridge last?
A3: A small refrigerator can be expected to last for 10 to twenties years.
Q4: Is it worth repairing a small fridge?
A4: If the repair cost is less than one-third of the small refrigerator cost, it is worth repairing it. Also, if the small fridge has been used for less than ten years, it is a good idea to get it repaired.
Q5: What should be the ideal temperature inside a small refrigerator?
A5: The ideal temperature inside a small refrigerator should be between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
