The Best Mini Fridges with a Lock [2021 Edition]
Filed under: kitchen
Introduction
Usually, a regular-sized refrigerator is the one we traditionally go for especially when we’re starting to build our home. However, different circumstances proved that having a mini refrigerator or a compact one as an option is incredibly helpful, especially for those who are just starting to live alone and students living in dorm rooms. It’s also a great piece of appliance in offices, cabins, and even trucks or RVs!
Having a mini fridge with a lock is not only great for security and space-saving, but it is also budget-friendly and reasonable.
Though a mini fridge with a lock is not exactly a necessity for the greater public, it pays to know that you have an option in case you would need one in the future. In this article, we will discuss several important things you must know about seven great mini fridges with a lock currently popular in the market.
Buyer's guide
Before anything else, take into consideration a few personal things, like will you keep on transferring the mini fridge from one place to another? Is it going to be something you need temporarily or for a long time? Or where are you putting the mini fridge? After all these factors are taken into consideration, the following are the features you need to think about:
1. Size and Capacity
It is important to make sure you know how much space the mini fridge will take up depending on where you’re placing it. Mini fridges are about 15 inches to 24 inches in height and may go from 30 to 50 pounds of weight. Normally, mini fridges do not come with wheels, so they are not easy relocate. If you will keep transporting the mini fridge from one place to another, it pays to get one that is lighter.
2. Noise
More often than not, a mini fridge with a lock does not make a lot of noise but some are also not as quiet as we expect them to be. If the slight noise is not something that will bother you or other people, then this is the last thing you have to think about. However, if you want something that you can barely hear, it also pays to know which one is the quietest.
3. Freezer mode
Although some mini fridges have a freezer compartment don’t expect them to perform like a regular-sized refrigerator with a freezer. Often, mini fridges do not have the capability to maintain the proper temperature for freezing goods. However, this feature can often come handy, especially if you’re just using it temporaryly.
4. Energy Consumption
Generally, mini fridges do not consume a lot of energy compared to regular sized refrigerators. But if you still want to make an environmentally friendly decision and also save on your energy bill, get a mini fridge with an Energy Star certification.
Product reviews
Whynter CUF-210SS
Features
- Dimensions: 20” D x 17.5” W x 27.5” H
- Weight: 44 lbs
- Capacity: 2.1 cubic feet
- Installation type: freestanding
- Temperature range: -10°F - -2°F
- Wattage: 75 W
- Energy consumption: 251 kWh per year
Pros
- Energy Star rated
- Reversible swing door
- Cylinder door lock with 2 keys
Cons
- No auto-defrost feature
- It produces noticeable noise in freezer mode
- Can’t function as a refrigerator and a freezer at the same time
Review
Our best choice and Amazon’s choice for a mini fridge with lock is the Whynter CUF-210SS. It’s the best for various reasons such as its price, its features, and its overall performance. This mini fridge has a volume of 2.1 cubic feet making it a little more spacious than other mini fridges and it also doubles as a great freezer. It can also be used permanently and is ideal for people who are starting out or even those who live alone. If you need a fridge that can help you save space and energy while serving you well, this is the right one for you.
EdgeStar CRF150SS-1
Features
- Dimensions: 17.75” D x 18.5” W x 19.25” H
- Weight: 42 lbs
- Capacity: 1.1 cubic feet
- Installation type: freestanding
- Temperature range: -10°F - -2°F
- Wattage: 138 W
- Energy consumption: 215 kWh per year
Pros
- Full range thermostat
- Cylinder door lock with 2 keys
- Very compact
Cons
- Expensive
- Works either as a refrigerator or a freezer — it cannot be both
Review
Sleek looking and compact, the EdgeStar 1.1 cubic feet Convertible Freezer/Refrigerator is really worth the extra bucks. The temperature can be set from 0 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit which is not commonly available for other mini fridges out there. This is perfect especially for those who want to save some space and are conscious about energy consumption while having the need to switch between the freezer mode and the refrigerator mode.
Whynter CUF-110B
Features
- Dimensions: 17.75” D x 18.5” W x 19.25” H
- Weight: 42 lbs
- Capacity: 1.1 cubic feet
- Installation type: freestanding
- Temperature range: -10°F - -2°F
- Wattage: 79 W
- Energy consumption: 251 kWh per year
Pros
- Energy Star rated
- Low noise level
- Reversible swing door
- Cylinder door lock with 2 keys
Cons
- Manual defrost
- Cannot be used as a refrigerator and freezer at the same time
Review
If you are a student who lives in a dorm room, a single person just starting out in the world, if you live in a small apartment with roommates, or you're someone who needs a fridge on his boat, RV, or cabin, then this mini fridge with a lock is probably the best one for you. It’s not just compact and weighs less than most other mini fridges, it’s also budget-friendly while providing great service for its owners especially those who are always on the move.
Danby DAR044A6MDB-6
Features
- Dimensions: 21.3” D x 20.75” W x 33.07” H
- Weight: 59.3 lbs
- Capacity: 4.4 cubic feet
- Installation type: freestanding
- Temperature range: -32°F - -50°F
- Wattage: 100 W
- Energy consumption: 288 kWh per year
Pros
- Energy Star rated
- Automatic defrost system
- Has more space for sharing
- Good price point
- Available in different colors
Cons
- Inconsistent temperature
Review
If you’re looking to share it with roommates, this mini fridge is just the right size for you. Though sleek and compact, it is important to note that this is more spacious than other mini fridges. The Danby has a volume of 4.4 cubic feet which offers plenty of room for food and beverages. It also has a small freezer compartment and other extra space for beverages in the interior. This is a good choice especially if you’re going to use it at home or in an apartment since it provides more space for storage than other mini fridges.
Smad 1.1 cubic feet Mini Fridge
Features
- Dimensions: 17.3” D x 15.7” W x 19.7” H
- Weight: 29.7 lbs
- Capacity: 1.1 cubic feet
- Installation type: countertop
- Temperature range: 37.4°F - 53.6°F
- Wattage: 65 W
- Energy consumption: 215 kWh per year
Pros
- Silent
- Reversible door
- Compact and sleek
- Adjustable shelves
Cons
- Expensive
- Higher energy consumption than other mini fridges
Review
If you are looking for a quiet device, the Smad 1.1 cubic foot Mini Fridge is an excellent choice. Compared to other models, this mini fridge produces less noise which is especially important if you want to use it in a small space. The design is very compact, but it still has a good amount of space for food and beverage storage. Ideally, the Smad Mini Fridge is best for those who are single or who live alone.
VBENLEM 1.4cu.ft Portable Refrigerator
Features
- Dimensions: 19” D x 19” W x 23” H
- Weight: 40.8 lbs
- Capacity: 1.4 cubic feet
- Installation type: freestanding
- Temperature range: 37°F - 53°F
- Wattage: 60 W
- Energy consumption: 318 kWh per year
Pros
- Auto-defrost feature
- Silent
- Reversible door
Cons
- Heavy for a portable mini fridge
- Not as sturdy and stable as others
Review
This mini fridge is one of the quiet types with an eco-friendly design. The shelves are adjustable, there’s a manual controller for temperature adjustments, and it has an auto-defrost feature. If you’re looking for a mini fridge with a lock, and want to save space--the VBENLEM 1.4cu.ft Portable Refrigerator is the one for you. Since it is quieter than other mini fridges, this could be perfect for office spaces or rooms that are shared since you won’t need to worry about the noise disturbing other people.
SMETA Compact Refrigerator
Features
- Dimensions: 17.9” D x 15.8” W x 22” H
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Capacity: 1.2 cubic feet
- Installation type: countertop
- Temperature range: 32°F - 50°F
- Wattage: 65 W
- Energy consumption: 310 kWh per year
Pros
- Auto-defrost system
- AC/DC compatible
- Silent
- Reversible door
- Sleek and compact
Cons
- Heavy for a portable fridge
- On the more expensive side
Review
If you are looking for a device with a sleek design, quiet operation, low energy consumption, ample space, and with auto-defrost, the SMETA Compact Refrigerator is the one for you. Ideally suitable for people who want to save more space and have the budget for a slightly more expensive mini fridge. Of course, others can deliver the same kind of quality but what’s great about this one is its capability to work on either AC or DC.
Conclusions
Whether you are a camper, a constant traveler, a student, someone starting out anew, or simply space conscious, you might have good use of a mini fridge with a lock.
Our best choice is the Whynter CUF-210SS mainly for the performance and resilience it offers. Meaning, it can be useful for students in dorm rooms, living alone, or in cabins and offices. It has a reasonable price, decent capacity, and it is aesthetically pleasing without compromising the quality.
If you have the budget and you want a really compact appliance, the Edge Star is the best to get. It boasts great quality, great appearance, and serves its purpose wherever you wish to place it.
Lastly, if you want something more budget-friendly that still gets the job done, the Whynter CUF-110B is still a good choice given its quality and affordability.
There are many options out there and it’s always important to consider your needs before jumping into buying one and we hope we helped you choose the perfect mini fridge for your particular needs.