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Mini Bar Fridge: How to Choose Size, Energy and Noise
Mini Bar Fridge: How to Choose Size, Energy and Noise
A mini bar fridge is a practical choice when you want a little cooling in a small space, such as an office, bedroom, student room or holiday home. Before you choose, look at the capacity, energy use and noise. Here you can see how to compare them, using the energy label and the models in our catalogue.
- Small mini bar fridges usually hold 30 to 50 litres, enough for drinks and snacks.
- Models of 90 to 93 litres fit a lot more food.
- The energy class runs from A to G. Always compare the kWh per year.
- If the fridge will be close to where you sleep, check the noise level first.
Contents
What a mini bar fridge is and where it fits
The term comes from hotels, where you usually find one inside the room. Today the same type of appliance is used in offices, student rooms and holiday homes. You will also see it sold as a mini fridge or a single door fridge, but sizes vary, so it is worth knowing what you need.
- Office: water, soft drinks and lunch.
- Bedroom or student room: a small size and quiet operation.
- Hotel or holiday let: drinks and snacks for guests.
- Holiday home: used a few times a year.
Litres: how much you need
Capacity is the first thing to check. Small models usually hold 30 to 50 litres, enough for a few bottles and milk for your coffee. Models of 90 to 93 litres hold a lot more, so they suit you when you want to store food for several days.
Think about what you will store each week and how many people will use it. For drinks and snacks, a small model is enough. For vegetables and food for a bigger household, look at the 90 to 93 litre models.
Measure the space before you buy. The small 41 litre model is 51 cm high, 44 cm wide and 47 cm deep, as its name shows.
Small or larger model: the comparison
The table puts the two sizes side by side, based on the product names.
| Feature | Small model 41 litres | Models of 90 to 93 litres |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 41 litres | 90 to 93 litres |
| Height | 51 cm | 85 to 86 cm |
| Width | 44 cm | 47.2 to 48 cm |
| Depth | 47 cm | 45 cm |
| Energy class | E | E |
| Colour | White | White or Stainless Steel |
| Best for | Office, bedroom, student room | More food, families, hotel or holiday let |
Energy use and energy class
A fridge runs all the time, so its energy use matters. The label runs from A to G, where A means the lowest energy use. Compare the kWh per year and models with a similar capacity, because a bigger fridge usually uses more energy.
All the models from our range shown below are class E, as their names say. The class alone is not enough, because two models in the same class can differ in kWh.
To see the yearly cost, multiply the kWh on the label by the price per kilowatt hour on your bill. This way you compare two models on the same basis, without guessing.
Noise in the office and bedroom
Fridges with a compressor make a low hum when the motor runs. Models with Peltier technology are almost silent, but they cool less and are not always the right choice in a warm room.
The names of our models do not list the dB level, so for a quiet room check the technical details of each model. In a bedroom this matters a lot, because even a slight hum is noticeable at night.
Place the fridge on a firm, level surface, because a fridge that is not level vibrates and sounds louder.
Placement and continuous use
Yes, you can leave it on all the time, because that is how a fridge is designed. To make it work properly, follow these rules.
- Ventilation: leave free space at the back and at the sides. If you place it under a worktop, trapped air heats the appliance.
- Room temperature: keep it away from radiators, ovens and direct sunlight.
- Cleaning: wipe the dust from the back every few months.
- Door: check that the seal closes properly.
If you will be away for several days, empty the fridge and leave the door open a little, so that moisture does not build up.
Our models by capacity
Below you will find our models, grouped by capacity. You can see the full range in the mini bar fridges category.
Fridges of 90 to 93 litres from our store
Small 41 litre model from our store
Measure your space and compare it with the dimensions in each model's name.
When you need a fridge freezer
If you also want a freezer, a mini bar will not be enough. A no frost fridge freezer, which defrosts automatically, is usually better for a family, because it does not need manual defrosting. To compare, see our guide to no frost fridge freezers.
Frequently asked questions
Is setting 7 the coldest on a mini bar fridge?
Usually yes, but not on every model. On many mini bar fridges the highest setting is the coldest. The numbers, however, are not degrees Celsius, so use a thermometer if you need a steady temperature.
Which mini bar fridge brand is the most reliable?
No single brand is the most reliable for everyone. Look at the model you are interested in: the length of the warranty, the spare parts and user reviews of that exact model.
What are the disadvantages of a mini bar fridge?
It holds less than a standard fridge, so it does not replace your kitchen fridge. Models with a compressor can be noisy, while silent Peltier types cool less. They also need free space around them.
How long does a mini bar fridge last?
There is no fixed number, because lifespan depends on use, ventilation and maintenance. With proper care, it usually works for several years. Read the warranty before you buy.
Can I leave the mini bar fridge on all the time?
Yes, that is how a fridge works. Make sure it has ventilation and is not near a radiator. If you are away for many days, empty it.
How much does a good mini bar fridge cost?
The price depends on capacity, energy class and cooling type. It usually ranges from a few tens of euros for the very small models to a few hundred for the larger ones.
Which one to choose in the end
For an office, a student room or just a few drinks and snacks, the small 41 litre model is enough. If you want more room for food, choose one of the 90 to 93 litre models after measuring the space first. If you cannot decide between the two, start with the space you have.
In any case, compare capacity, kWh and noise for the space where it will go. Browse the full range of mini bar fridges and choose the one that suits your space and needs.
Find the mini bar fridge that suits you
Models from 41 to 93 litres, for an office, bedroom, student room or holiday let.
See the mini bar fridges