How to Buy the Best Dorm Fridge

Your Guide to buying the best dorm fridges

Overview

This buying guide provides an overview of dorm fridges, including the different types of fridges available, features to consider when making a purchase, and tips for getting the best value. We'll also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of owning a dorm fridge, so you can make an informed decision about whether it's the right appliance for your needs. Whether you're looking for a compact and stylish mini fridge, a full-size model with plenty of storage space, or a unique combination appliance, this guide will help you find the perfect fridge for your college dorm room.

Key features

  1. Size: Consider the size of your dorm room and the amount of space you have available before purchasing a dorm fridge. Choose one that will fit your space without taking up too much room.
  2. Capacity: Choose a dorm fridge that is large enough to store all of your food and beverages without overcrowding it. Consider how much food and beverages you plan to store.
  3. Temperature Control: Make sure that the dorm fridge you choose has a reliable temperature control system that you can adjust to keep food and beverages at the desired temperature.
  4. Noise Level: Choose a dorm fridge that is quiet enough that it won’t keep you up at night or disturb your roommate. Pay close attention to the noise level rating when shopping for a dorm fridge.
  5. Energy Efficiency: Select a dorm fridge that is Energy Star certified for maximum energy efficiency. This can help you save money on energy bills.
  6. Special Features: Look for a dorm fridge with special features such as an adjustable door shelf, interior light, or adjustable legs. These features can make it easier to store food and beverages.
  7. Price: Look for a dorm fridge that fits within your budget. Compare the features, price, and energy efficiency of different models to find the best value.

See the most popular dorm fridges on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Compact Size: Dorm fridges are designed to fit in small spaces and take up minimal counter-space.
  • Energy Efficiency: Dorm fridges usually feature energy-saving settings that can help lower electricity costs.
  • Space Saving Storage: Dorm fridges often come equipped with removable shelves, door-mounted condiment racks and other clever storage solutions.
  • Affordable Prices: Dorm fridges are typically more cost-effective than full-sized refrigerators.
  • Secure Lock: Most dorm fridges are equipped with a secure locking mechanism to keep food items safe.
  • Quiet Operation: Dorm fridges tend to be much quieter than full-sized refrigerators, which can be beneficial for students living in close quarters.

Cons

  • Size: Dorm fridges tend to be smaller than full-sized fridges, so they may not be able to accommodate a large quantity of food.
  • Noise: Dorm fridges may make more noise than larger models.
  • Power Usage: Dorm fridges are typically less efficient than full-sized fridges, meaning they may use more power.
  • Cost: Dorm fridges typically cost more per cubic foot of storage than full-sized models.
  • Functionality: Dorm fridges usually lack additional features such as digital temperature controls and ice makers.

Best alternatives

  1. Mini Fridges - Smaller than dorm fridges, mini fridges are compact and ideal for storing just a few basic items, such as snacks, drinks, and other small food items.
  2. Chest Freezers - A chest freezer is an energy-efficient alternative to a regular refrigerator. It provides ample space for storing a variety of items, without taking up much space in your dorm room.
  3. Compact Refrigerators - Compact refrigerators are great for small spaces, such as dorm rooms. They offer a great combination of convenience and energy efficiency.
  4. Wine Refrigerators - If you’re looking for a specific type of refrigerator, a wine refrigerator might be the perfect choice. These refrigerators are designed to store and chill wine bottles, while also preventing the bottles from getting too warm.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Mini Fridge - A small refrigerator typically used in dorm rooms.
  • Extension cord - A cord providing additional length for connecting an appliance to a power source.
  • Thermometer - An instrument used to measure the temperature of the fridge.
  • Door lock - A lock used to secure the fridge door to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Light bulb - A bulb used to illuminate the interior of the fridge.
  • Drip tray - A tray located at the bottom of the fridge to collect any water that may accumulate.
  • Hinges - Hardware used to keep the door of the fridge in a proper position.
  • Ice cube trays - Trays used to make and store cubes of ice.
  • Leveling feet - Adjustable legs used to correct the imbalance of the fridge.
  • Shelves - Shelves used to store food and beverage items inside the fridge.
  • Humidity control - An adjustable knob used to increase or decrease the amount of humidity inside the fridge.

Common questions

  1. What size should I get? It depends on the size of your dorm room and your storage needs, but a mini fridge typically ranges from 1.7 to 4.5 cubic feet.
  2. What features should I look for? Features to look for include adjustable shelves, reversible door, temperature control, energy efficiency, and a built-in freezer.
  3. Are dorm fridges energy efficient? Yes, most modern dorm fridges are energy efficient and have an Energy Star rating.
  4. How much do dorm fridges cost? The cost of dorm fridges can vary depending on size and features, but typically range from $50 to $200.
  5. Are dorm fridges noisy? Most modern dorm fridges operate quietly and should not be too disruptive in your dorm room.

Trivia

An interesting fact about dorm fridges is that some universities have regulations around the size of the fridge that can be purchased. For example, the University of Pittsburgh has a rule that the maximum size for a fridge in a dorm room is 4.5 cubic feet - no larger than that. This is to ensure that the fridge won't take up too much space in the dorm room or monopolize the electricity in a shared area. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.