Dorm Refrigerator Reviews

Your college dorm room may be packed with all sorts of furniture and appliances, from your microwave and TV to your game console or PC. Those items take care of cooking and entertainment, what about food storage? For midnight snacking, mini room parties or convenience, a dorm room needs a mini-fridge or a compact fridge. Not so big such that it takes up all the room's space, not so mini that nothing fits and it should be capable of storing all sorts of foods and drinks at the right temperature. Looking for such an ideal refrigerator? Search no more, below are some hints to picking the best fridge and a few top models that have aced dorm refrigerator reviews.

Key Factors to Look for in a Dorm Refrigerator

Before purchasing a dorm refrigerator, you need to keep a few points in mind:

I. Size
Compact, mini, small... whatever the measuring term used, your dorm refrigerator has to be compact enough to fit in your room without occupying too much room. Now the correct dorm refrigerator dimensions for your room depends to some extent on the size of your room. Size is a vague term, a better one is available space. If you have a lot of furniture like tables and chairs, adding a medium-sized refrigerator to the mix is not a good idea. But you need to consider your storage needs as well.

The typical size of a dorm refrigerator is between 1.5 cubic feet to 6.0 cubic feet. If you plan on storing just beverages or small food items like snacks, your size should be between 1.5 - 2.5 or 3 cubic feet. But if you are the cooking type and plan on making full meals and storing leftovers or if you entertain a lot and need to store a lot of food items, then go in for something larger. A mini-refrigerator size also depends on the number of people sharing the fridge. One or more room-mates, each with their own stuff to store will require adequate space.

II. Features
A lock on the fridge is a great way to hoard all foodstuffs and beverages safely, especially if your room door is always open. Keeping a fridge clean is another factor. Spill-resistant shelves, glass over plastic shelves for easier cleaning etc., are small points that highlight the usability of a fridge. Some dorm refrigerators are equipped with a separate freezer compartment. Now if you need to store frozen foods and ice, then this is a necessary ability. In most models, the deep freezer is often too small and not very efficient for freezing food and even ice. If a freezer in your fridge is important, then try to opt for a 2-door or a slightly larger model, as the freezer quality is better.

Other perks include -

• Shelves fitted on fridge door for large bottles
• Adjustable width and height shelves
• Auto-defrost feature
• Stainless steel exterior
• Glossy or shiny fridge color
• Ice or soda dispenser ability
• Refrigerator top can be used as a counter-top

III. Price
Electronics are rarely cheap. In fact, the cheaper the device, the more you need to worry about little defects and repairing costs in the long run. But a compact refrigerator's price is dependent on its storage capacity and size. Plus freezer facility and perks like auto-defrost also add to the cost. If you and a room-mate or two are sharing the cost, then go in for a bigger and little more costlier model. If you are the sole purchaser, then check out models that you can use later, outside college. Check out the warranty of the device and the store policy regarding money-back and returns.

IV. College Rules
Your college's boarding house or dormitory should allow such an appliance in the first place. Even if dorm refrigerators are allowed, there will be some regulations as to its size and energy consumption. Make sure you are completely savvy with the rules and specifications of what refrigerator is allowed, prior to purchase.

Top 4 Dorm Refrigerator Models

♠ Koolatron Coca Cola Personal Fridge

• Model no: KWC4
• Very compact mini fridge for cold drinks/cans/small foodstuffs
• Portable enough for travel use
• 4 liter capacity will hold 6 12' ounce cans or 4 bottles of 500 ml bottles
• Dynamic red and white "Coca-Cola" design
• Recessed door handle self locks
• Can be powered with AC adapter, connects to power socket of car as well
• Price: $60

♠ Sanyo Mid-Size Refrigerator with Platinum Door

• Model no: SR-2570M
• Capacity of 2.5 cubic foot
• Compact and smart design with reversible door hinge and flat-back
• 2 full-width shelves in door with can dispenser fitted
• Separate ice compartment with tray
• Adjustable thermostat control
• Price: Between $160 - $180

♠ Avanti 1.7 CF All Refrigerator - Black

• Model no: AR1733B
• Capacity of 1.7 cubic foot
• Auto defrost control
• Adjustable temperature control feature
• Full-width door shelf can hold 2-liter bottle
• Cube shaped with flat-back and reversible door hinge
• Energy Star® compliant
• Price: Between $100 - $130

♠ Danby Diplomat Compact Refrigerator

• Model no: DAR0488BL
• Capacity of 1.7 cubic foot
• 1 full-width door shelf and 1 wire shelf
• Auto defrost ability
• Stylish and compact design with flat-back and reversible door hinge
• Price: Between $100 - $200

Top Dorm Refrigerator with Freezer Models

♠ Haier 4.5 Cu. Ft. ENERGY STAR Refrigerator/Freezer

• Model no: ESRN045B
• Capacity of 4.5 cubic foot
• Separate storage area for canned goods with Dispense-A-Can ability
• 2 door shelves and 3 glass shelves
• Capable of storing 2-liter bottles
• Compact design with reversible door and flat-back
• Energy Star® compliant
• Price: Between $170 - $200

♠ Danby Dual Door Compact Fridge with Freezer

• Model no: DCR326BSL
• Capacity of 3.1 cubic foot
• Separate freezer compartment with door
• Smart steel finish exterior
• Perks include built-in light and vegetable crisper as well as reversible door
• Energy Star® compliant
• Price: $215 (approximately)

The search for a good mini-fridge, especially for college budgets and room sizes can be a little confusing and exhausting at times. Hopefully, with the above reviews, your search for the perfect fridge for your room has been made a little easier.