How to choose a narrow refrigerator: tips for buyers + 10 best models on the market

A mini-fridge is a smaller version of a regular refrigerator. Mini options are great for a summer house, for a rented apartment, for long business trips, as a bar or as a refrigerator in an office or garage for storing a stash. The mini-fridge is characterized by:

• up to 80 cm high,
• single-chamber design,
• volume up to 90 liters.

As a rule, these are energy-efficient devices with consumption class A+ or A. Unfortunately, some manufacturers do not hesitate to produce low-quality models with a flimsy design, a loose door, low-power and loud rumble. To prevent you from stumbling upon such a creation from unscrupulous fly-by-night companies, we have compiled a rating of the best mini-refrigerators of good quality.

Volume and placement principle

Representatives of the size range up to 85 cm have a useful volume from 30 to 140 liters. Of these, 5–30 liters can be allocated for the freezer. The products are equipped with one door. As a rule, such small refrigerators have a large loss of cooled air due to the opening of one door.

The freezer and small display refrigerator operate from the same compressor, so they defrost simultaneously.

A small display refrigerator with one chamber has a larger volume than a two-chamber one (subject to the same external geometry).

The useful volume of small two-chamber refrigerated display cases ranging in size from 85 to 140 cm is less, despite their large dimensions. Due to their greater height, their volume is 90-190 liters for the refrigerator compartment and 40-60 liters for the freezer compartment.

It is easier to place small household appliances, including a small display refrigerator, than large-sized products due to their compactness. If the kitchen set includes a built-in model, then the best option would be to choose a low refrigerator that harmoniously matches the parameters of the kitchen furniture.

Economical

The importance of the amount of energy consumed is important because small display refrigerators operate around the clock without interruption, absorbing a lot of kW. This inevitably leads to large payments and expenditure of the budget. Until 2003, the energy efficiency index labeling for appliances was based on 7 classes - A, B, C, D, E, F, G. The efficiency scale of small display refrigerators has changed significantly in recent years. It became possible to save energy from 30 to 55%.

In order to attract buyers, manufacturers have modernized small display refrigerators, and now offer the most economical models from the A+, A++, A+++ and Super A classes. Efficiency is calculated using a complex formula. But it has been proven that appliances with energy class A+++ and Super A lead to a significant reduction in monthly electricity bills. A+ installations include most devices, the most popular among which are Midea MR1050S, Saratov 505 KSh-120.

Small display refrigerators below class C have long been discontinued and are no longer sold in stores; they are considered uneconomical.

Criteria for selecting narrow units

When going to buy a refrigerator, you need to analyze in advance the main criteria that will help you understand which model is suitable in a particular case. This approach will greatly facilitate further selection.

The optimal loading volume of the refrigeration unit is calculated based on the total number of household members and possible guests on holidays and special circumstances. Amendments are made taking into account the dimensions that can fit in a particular kitchen

In addition to the dimensions, including the width, height and depth of the product, it is worth paying attention to a number of nuances: the location of the cameras; type of control unit; defrosting system; compressor type; functionality; noise level.

Number and location of cameras

Different models of narrow refrigerators may have one or two chambers. The first option is equipped with one door, opening which the user gains access to the freezer and refrigerator compartment simultaneously. In such solutions, the freezer is located on top: it has a small volume and is not divided into functional zones.

In two-chamber modifications, called “combi”, each chamber is equipped with its own door. The freezer compartment is larger, so it is well suited for long-term freezing of food. It consists of several drawers with a pull-out design located at the bottom.

The assortment includes convenient multi-chamber solutions with 3-4 doors and additional compartments designed for specific needs: dry freezing of seasonal berries, fruits and vegetables, storage of drinks, etc.

Refrigerator control methods

The control method in compact refrigeration units can be traditional mechanical or modern electronic. Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages. The mechanical control is simple and familiar: there are few settings and all of them are adjusted using a conventional control lever.

The electronic unit assumes a touch display that supports many functions that can be activated with one touch. The only disadvantage of such a system is its dependence on the stability of voltage indicators. Power surges often cause breakdowns of expensive electronic boards.

In principle, this problem can be prevented by installing a stabilizer that smoothes out sudden jumps.

Cooling options

Manufacturers offer two options for the cooling produced by refrigeration units. The first one has a drip system . During work, condensation inevitably forms on the internal walls. During operation, frost and snow cover appear on the back wall of the refrigerator.

When frozen pieces of ice reach a certain thickness (no more than 6-8 mm), the motor stops and they melt. The droplets that appear flow down the surface to the compressor, fall into a special tank and evaporate. Because of this feature, models with a drip system are called “crying” refrigerators.

It should be taken into account that the freezer compartment in them is periodically defrosted manually with the equipment temporarily disconnected from the network.

The second option is units with advanced No Frost technology. Their advantages are obvious: the system operates automatically without frost formation. By creating a dry internal microclimate, the products retain their original benefits and value without losing vitamins.

The air in the chambers of No Frost models is distributed evenly, which guarantees uniform, high-quality freezing without frost.

Some products with a built-in No Frost system are produced with a zero zone, where optimal humidity is maintained - up to 90%. Products stored in this compartment remain fresh for a long time

Type of compressor used

It is recommended to approach the selection of the main part of any refrigerator with special responsibility. We are talking about a compressor, available in conventional and inverter versions.

The first version of the mechanism has been used in the production of refrigeration equipment for many years. It works on an on/off principle.

When a difference is detected between the set and actual temperature in the chamber, the device turns on and quickly reaches the desired cooling mode, using maximum power. The compressors of inverter refrigerators operate smoothly, constantly maintaining the temperature at the appropriate level.

Inverter compressors are more economical than standard devices in terms of energy consumption. However, there are also nuances, which include a higher level of vibration, price, sensitivity to voltage changes

The power indicators of such compressors can change smoothly with a gradual decrease or increase in speed. The internal temperature in the chambers of models with this type of compressor is always stable.

Special functions and noise

Checking the capabilities of a narrow refrigerator is a must-do item when choosing equipment.

Comfortable everyday use is ensured by the following innovations:

• sound and light alarms;
• autonomous maintenance of a certain temperature regime in cases of power failure;
• mode of fast freezing and cooling of products - “Super freezing”, “Super cooling”;
• option to reduce electricity consumption - “Vacation”;
• regulation of the humidity level in the freshness zone.

The normal noise level of the equipment should not exceed 53 dB. Each modification has an individual indicator. It depends on the complexity of the design, technical capabilities and set of functions. The more complex the model, the noisier it behaves in operation.

For example, No Frost refrigerators are equipped with a fan that creates additional noise. Their average operating hum parameters are 44-47 dB.

Equipment with a different system operates noticeably quieter - in the range of 34-42 dB. Moreover, the difference of several points does not matter, but it affects the price category.

To understand the noise level, you can take into account several values: the noise created by leaves in windy weather is about 25 dB, a standard wall clock is 30 dB, loud conversation is 50 dB

Number of cameras

Depending on the number of chambers, small refrigerators are divided into single-chamber (with or without a freezer compartment inside) and two-chamber. Popular units with one door are the NordFrost DR 50, Kraft BC (W) 50, bravo XR - 50s models. The placement of the freezer inside a single-chamber apparatus can be top or bottom.

A small display refrigerator with two chambers is distinguished by ease of use and better quality of food storage due to the absence of temperature changes when opening the doors. The best model from this series is TESLER RCT–100 in four shades.