Best Mini Fridges in Canada for 2023: Convenient and Compact Cooling Options

Shopping for nearly any product can be a tedious task. There are hundreds of options in most categories, complicating the selection process with dozens of features, colours, brands, and prices. This rings true for mini fridges, which come in various shapes, sizes, colours, brands, and prices.

So, to help consumers like you simplify their search for various home-related products, we’ve stepped in. We’re committed to extensive research and evaluation to weed out the sub-par products and recommend nothing but the best of the best. Each model on every list performs at or above our expectations, earning it a place on our list.

We start our research with an initial roundup and analysis that just grazes the surface to determine the basics. After all that, we compile our findings and complete a final evaluation to determine whether each model deserves a place on the list. In closing, we create a comprehensive guide outlining our top picks, why we chose them, and what to look for in that particular product.

As we searched for the best mini fridges in Canada, we kept a sharp eye out for a couple of crucial factors, including the following:

• Size: Mini fridges come in various sizes, and to ensure we accommodate multiple needs, we included models that span the size range.
• Energy efficiency: A mini fridge can significantly affect your electric bill, especially if you choose a less efficient option. We included a couple of highly efficient options to help you save on your electric bill.
• Noise level: A noisy appliance can quickly become a nuisance, but if you store your mini fridge in a garage or far away from where you sleep, you might not mind. We included a few quiet models and some not-as-quiet models to ensure there’s something for everyone.
• Budget: We understand the variances in budget from one Canadian to the next, so we included models that span the price range.

Factors to Consider When Shopping For a Mini Fridge in Canada

As you surf the Internet for a mini fridge, don’t forget to consider all aspects of each option and how they fit your needs. Otherwise, you might end up with a fridge that doesn’t quite fit your expectations. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind as you shop.

Size and Capacity

Mini refrigerators vary drastically in size, fluctuating from around 0.14 cubic feet to 3.3 cubic feet. This is quite a big difference, so the size of your mini fridge is an essential consideration when shopping.

As you shop for a mini fridge, consider how much you want to store in it. A more compact model might be perfectly fine if you want to store a few bottles of beer or a couple of soda cans.

However, if you need to store more in it, a larger model is your best bet. For example, suppose you live in a dorm and want to store your leftovers throughout the week in your mini fridge. In this case, the tiny 0.14 cubic-foot refrigerators are likely too small. Instead, you may want to consider a larger model that is around 2.0 cubic feet or larger.

Aside from the capacity of your mini fridge, remember to consider the space you have available to store your mini fridge. A smaller model is the best option if you’re short on space. If you have plenty of room on your counter, floor, or shelves for a miniature fridge, the choice is yours.

However, it doesn’t hurt to measure the area you have for the fridge and compare it to the model you’re considering before buying it. This way, you can get a feel for how much space the refrigerator will consume in that area and ensure it fits like you want it to.

Energy Efficiency

The energy efficiency of each fridge is another critical deciding factor when shopping for a mini fridge. Some models are less efficient than others, and if you choose a highly inefficient miniature fridge, you may notice an increase in your electric bills.

So, we recommend shopping for a model that offers solid energy efficiency so you don’t pay excessive amounts for your electric bills. Energy-efficient mini fridges use less electricity, which offers dual benefits by reducing your carbon footprint and saving you money on your electric bills.

Look for options boasting an Energy Star rating to ensure you get an energy-efficient model. The Energy Star program was originally developed in the United States by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in conjunction with the Department of Energy (DOE) in an effort to promote energy-efficient products and minimize energy consumption.

However, this program is internationally recognized and is used throughout Canada, so you may see items boasting an Energy Star Canada sticker. These ratings clearly indicate the energy efficiency of various appliances, from furnaces to fridges.

Those with a higher Energy Star rating consume less power compared to those with a lower rating or those without one at all. So, if you’re trying to keep your energy bills to a minimum, we recommend keeping your eyes peeled for the Energy Star sticker.

Noise Level

Most mini fridges operate at a noise level between 25 and 50 decibels. For comparison, a whisper is about 30 decibels, while a normal conversation is around 60 decibels. So, these units are surprisingly quiet and usually won’t disrupt your day.

However, if you plan to put your miniature fridge in a sleeping area or common area where you spend a considerable amount of time, choosing a model that leans toward the quieter end of the spectrum is best. This way, the fridge’s constant noise won’t affect your sleep or interrupt your conversations.

Of course, sound isn’t much of an issue for those planning to position their mini fridges well away from their sleeping quarters. For example, the decibel level might not be a valid concern if you plan to put the fridge in the kitchen, a breakroom, a garage, or another area where it cannot disrupt you. 

Budget

When shopping for any new home appliance, it doesn’t hurt to consider your budget, especially if you’re working with a tighter budget. Before you start shopping, determine how much you’re willing to spend on a miniature fridge.

By outlining a budget based on what you want and what you’re willing to spend, you can skirt the disappointment of finding a model you like that is outside of your price range. Once you determine an amount, filter your search results using that number. Many websites allow you to filter the results with a price range, so you can easily find models that fall within the set amount.

Warranty

Many miniature fridges come with a warranty or return policy of sorts. On average, the coverage ranges from 30 days to a full year, although some go a step further with even better coverage. Choosing a model with solid warranty coverage will ensure you get the most out of your investment and minimize the chances of needing to foot the bill for a premature failure, so it’s not a bad idea.

We recommend looking for a model with some sort of warranty. It doesn’t need to be excessively long, but some coverage doesn’t hurt. In many cases, you can purchase a warranty through a third party, especially for appliances, but this is an optional add-on that will drive up the overall price of your fridge.

Purpose

Consider how you plan to use your fridge. Do you want to pack it with beers, sodas, seltzers, and juice to ensure you have a perfectly chilled beverage when you want it? Do you plan to pack it with leftovers throughout the week? Are you going to pack it with skincare items that require refrigeration? Do you want to freeze a few things, too?

Ask yourself what you want to store in your mini fridge. If you plan to pack it with beverages for a group, a larger model might be the better fit. You can find models with designated sections for beverages on the door or shelves.

If you want to store leftovers in there, ensure the fridge is large enough to fit your food storage containers or takeout boxes. If you plan to pack it with skincare items, ensure the fridge offers plenty of space for the size of bottles you use. If you want to freeze a handful of things, look for a model with a freezing compartment or separate freezer on top.