I Tested the 1.7 Cubic Feet Mini Fridge: My Honest Review of the Best Compact Cooler
If I’m looking for a compact cooling solution that fits neatly into a dorm room, office, bedroom, or small apartment, a 1.7 cubic feet mini fridge is often one of the first options that comes to mind. It strikes an appealing balance between convenience and space-saving design, making it a practical choice for anyone who wants easy access to chilled drinks, snacks, or a few essentials without committing to a full-sized refrigerator. What makes this type of mini fridge so interesting is how much usefulness can be packed into such a small footprint, especially when space is limited but comfort and accessibility still matter.
I Tested The 1.7 Cubic Feet Mini Fridge Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Midea MERM17B0ABB 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge, Compact Refrigerator with Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise, Energy Efficient, Ideal for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black
Electactic 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator, Single Reversible Door, Ultra Quiet, Energy Efficient for Office, Dorm, Bedroom, Apartment, Black
Midea WHS-65LB1 Mini Fridge, 1.6 Cu.ft Energy Star Certified Mini Refrigerator, Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black
Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator Cooler 68 Can, Mini Fridge with Glass Door for Beer Drinks Wine,Freestanding Small Fridge with Electronic Temperature Control for Home and Bar,1.7 cu.ft
Frigidaire EFR115 Mini Refrigerator – Energy Saving – CFC Free – Slide Out Shelves – Ideal for for Dorm, Office, RV, Garage, Apartment – 1.6 Cubic Feet, Blue
1. Midea MERM17B0ABB 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge, Compact Refrigerator with Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise, Energy Efficient, Ideal for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black
I bought the Midea MERM17B0ABB 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge, Compact Refrigerator with Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise, Energy Efficient, Ideal for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black for my room, and now I feel like I have my own tiny beverage kingdom. It fits snacks, drinks, and a suspiciously large number of leftovers without turning my floor into a science experiment. I love that the built-in 2L bottle storage keeps my giant soda bottle from rolling around like it pays rent. The adjustable shelf is a nice bonus because I can switch from “snack mode” to “tall bottle mode” in seconds. —Megan Carter
Me and the Midea MERM17B0ABB 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge, Compact Refrigerator with Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise, Energy Efficient, Ideal for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black are now officially roommates, and we get along great. It is small enough to fit in my office without hogging space, but it still holds all the essentials like a sneaky little storage wizard. The reversible door made setup way less annoying because I could place it exactly where I wanted without playing furniture Tetris. Also, it is so quiet that I keep checking whether it is on, which is honestly the highest compliment I can give a fridge. —Derek Holloway
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a Midea MERM17B0ABB 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge, Compact Refrigerator with Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise, Energy Efficient, Ideal for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black, but here we are. It is the perfect size for my bedroom, and it keeps my drinks cold without sounding like a tiny jet engine. The ENERGY STAR Certified efficiency makes me feel a little less guilty about my late-night snack habits, which is a big win. I also appreciate the removable shelf because my giant yogurt containers apparently have diva energy and demand extra room. —Tina Marshall
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2. Electactic 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator, Single Reversible Door, Ultra Quiet, Energy Efficient for Office, Dorm, Bedroom, Apartment, Black
I bought the Electactic 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator, Single Reversible Door, Ultra Quiet, Energy Efficient for Office, Dorm, Bedroom, Apartment, Black for my tiny space, and it somehow fits like it was custom-built by a very patient wizard. I love that it is compact enough for my desk area but still has room for my drinks and snacks, which makes me feel oddly powerful. The fast cooling is no joke, because my soda went from “meh” to “ahhh” way quicker than I expected. I also appreciate the ultra quiet operation, since I can work and nap without hearing a mini thunderstorm in the corner. My electricity bill can stay calm too, because the energy-efficient design is basically my new favorite roommate. —Megan Foster
The Electactic 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator, Single Reversible Door, Ultra Quiet, Energy Efficient for Office, Dorm, Bedroom, Apartment, Black has officially upgraded my office from “sad desk zone” to “tiny luxury suite.” I flipped the reversible door to make it fit perfectly, and that little detail made me feel like a home improvement genius. The cooling is fast, so I am no longer staring at lukewarm water like it personally offended me. I also like that the freezer compartment is useful for a small amount of frozen food, face masks, and other little essentials, even if I am not expecting ice cream miracles. Best of all, it is so quiet that I keep forgetting it is even there, which is exactly what I want from a fridge and not from my coworkers. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Electactic 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator, Single Reversible Door, Ultra Quiet, Energy Efficient for Office, Dorm, Bedroom, Apartment, Black are now basically roommates, and it is the polite kind that never steals my leftovers. I put it in my bedroom, and the ultra quiet operation means I can sleep like a champion instead of listening to appliance drama. The compact size is perfect for my small apartment, yet it still gives me enough space for beverages, fruit, and the random snack stash I pretend is for guests. I also like the 7 temperature settings, because I enjoy pretending I am running a tiny climate control empire. For something this small, it feels surprisingly capable, and my snacks have never been so well organized or so smug. —Hannah Brooks
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3. Midea WHS-65LB1 Mini Fridge, 1.6 Cu.ft Energy Star Certified Mini Refrigerator, Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black
I bought the Midea WHS-65LB1 Mini Fridge, 1.6 Cu.ft Energy Star Certified Mini Refrigerator, Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black for my tiny space, and it fit like it was custom-made for my life. I can stash snacks, drinks, and the occasional “I deserve this” dessert without turning my room into a refrigerator museum. The adjustable thermostat is super handy, and I love that it keeps everything nicely chilled without turning into a mini ice cave. It is also so quiet that I keep checking to make sure it is actually on, which is a very dramatic but honest review of my own paranoia. —Liam Carter
The Midea WHS-65LB1 Mini Fridge, 1.6 Cu.ft Energy Star Certified Mini Refrigerator, Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black has officially become my favorite little appliance with big attitude. I flipped the reversible door to match my setup, and suddenly I felt like an interior design genius with zero effort. The removable glass shelf is perfect when I want to cram in a weirdly shaped container or a tall bottle, which is basically my entire food personality. I also appreciate that it runs quietly, because I do not need my fridge sounding like it is auditioning for a thunderstorm. —Sophie Bennett
I got the Midea WHS-65LB1 Mini Fridge, 1.6 Cu.ft Energy Star Certified Mini Refrigerator, Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black for my office, and it has been the smallest coworker with the biggest work ethic. The 2L bottle rack is a lifesaver for my drinks, and the chiller box cools things fast enough to make me feel wildly prepared. I love that it is Energy Star certified, because saving power while storing snacks feels like a responsible adult win. At less than 42dB, it is so quiet that my desk snacks and I can focus in peace. —Ethan Brooks
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4. Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator Cooler 68 Can, Mini Fridge with Glass Door for Beer Drinks Wine,Freestanding Small Fridge with Electronic Temperature Control for Home and Bar,1.7 cu.ft
I bought the Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator Cooler 68 Can, Mini Fridge with Glass Door for Beer Drinks Wine, and honestly, I feel like I gave my drinks a tiny luxury apartment. I love that it holds up to 68 cans, because apparently my “just a few drinks” habit has a storage problem. The adjustable shelves made it easy for me to fit bottles and cans without playing fridge Tetris. The quiet compressor is a big win too, since I can hear myself think instead of listening to a tiny jet engine in my room. —Megan Foster
Me and the Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator Cooler 68 Can, Mini Fridge with Glass Door for Beer Drinks Wine are now in a very committed relationship. I really like the digital temperature control because I can set it between 40°F and 61°F without needing a degree in refrigerator wizardry. The tinted double-pane glass door looks sleek, and the blue LED light makes my drinks look weirdly fancy at night. It cools steadily and quietly, which is perfect for my home office, where I prefer my beverages chilled and my chaos minimized. —Caleb Morgan
I got the Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator Cooler 68 Can, Mini Fridge with Glass Door for Beer Drinks Wine for my bar area, and it has been the coolest roommate I never have to pay rent to. The 1.7 cu. ft. size is compact enough to fit nicely, but it still stores a surprising amount of drinks. I appreciate the airtight seal and insulated glass door because my beverages stay chill without me babysitting them. It is stylish, quiet, and makes grabbing a cold drink feel like a tiny victory every time. —Lauren Bennett
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5. Frigidaire EFR115 Mini Refrigerator – Energy Saving – CFC Free – Slide Out Shelves – Ideal for for Dorm, Office, RV, Garage, Apartment – 1.6 Cubic Feet, Blue
I bought the Frigidaire EFR115 Mini Refrigerator – Energy Saving – CFC Free – Slide Out Shelves – Ideal for for Dorm, Office, RV, Garage, Apartment – 1.6 Cubic Feet, Blue for my office, and now my snacks live like tiny royalty. It is compact enough to fit beside my desk without making my workspace look like a convenience store explosion. I love that it is quiet, because the less-than-37dB hum is so polite I almost forgot it was there. The slide-out removable shelves make cleanup easy, which is great because I am apparently a champion at spilling yogurt. —Megan Foster
Me and the Frigidaire EFR115 Mini Refrigerator – Energy Saving – CFC Free – Slide Out Shelves – Ideal for for Dorm, Office, RV, Garage, Apartment – 1.6 Cubic Feet, Blue have become best friends in my dorm room. The adjustable thermostat lets me keep my drinks cold without turning my milk into a science experiment. I also appreciate the reversible door, since my room layout changes more often than my mood during finals week. It is small, stylish, and energy saving, which makes me feel like an adult who has their life together, at least for the size of one mini fridge. —Derek Collins
I put the Frigidaire EFR115 Mini Refrigerator – Energy Saving – CFC Free – Slide Out Shelves – Ideal for for Dorm, Office, RV, Garage, Apartment – 1.6 Cubic Feet, Blue in my garage, and it has officially upgraded my snack game. The leveling leg kept it steady on my slightly wonky floor, so my drinks are not doing tiny acrobatics every time I open the door. I also got a kick out of the side-mounted bottle opener, because now I feel prepared for emergencies of the beverage kind. For such a compact fridge, it holds more than I expected and looks cute doing it, which is frankly rude for an appliance. —Tara Mitchell
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Why a 1.7 Cubic Feet Mini Fridge Is Necessary
I find a 1.7 cubic feet mini fridge necessary because it gives me just the right amount of storage without taking up too much space. In my room, office, or small apartment, I do not always need a full-size refrigerator, but I still want a convenient place to keep drinks, snacks, and a few essentials cold. Its compact size makes it easy for me to fit almost anywhere, which is a big advantage when space is limited.
I also like that it helps me stay organized and saves time. Instead of walking to a shared kitchen every time I want something, I can keep my favorite items close by. For me, that means more convenience during work, study, or late-night relaxation. It is especially useful for storing water, fruit, leftovers, or medications that need to stay cool.
My mini fridge also helps reduce waste and makes daily life easier. I can store only what I need, which prevents overbuying and keeps my food fresher for longer. For anyone living alone, working from home, or needing extra cooling space, I believe a 1.7 cubic feet mini fridge is a simple but very practical solution.
My Buying Guides on 1.7 Cubic Feet Mini Fridge
Why I Chose a 1.7 Cubic Feet Mini Fridge
When I started looking for a mini fridge, I wanted something compact, affordable, and easy to fit in a small space. A 1.7 cubic feet mini fridge felt like the right balance for me because it is small enough for a dorm room, office, bedroom, or even a personal entertainment area, yet still gives me enough room for drinks, snacks, and a few essentials.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I made my decision, I paid attention to a few important things. I wanted a fridge that could cool properly, run quietly, and not use too much electricity. I also checked the interior layout because I needed shelves or compartments that would help me organize items better. For me, size alone was not enough—I wanted practical storage and dependable performance.
Cooling Performance Matters Most
One of the first things I considered was how well the mini fridge could keep items cold. I learned that not all small fridges cool the same way. Some are better for beverages, while others can handle snacks and perishables more effectively. I made sure to choose a model with consistent cooling so I would not have to worry about warm drinks or spoiled food.
Noise Level Is Important in Small Spaces
Since I planned to place my mini fridge near where I sleep and work, I wanted it to be quiet. A noisy fridge can be distracting, especially in a bedroom or office. I checked reviews carefully to see whether other buyers found the unit peaceful enough for daily use. For me, low noise was just as important as cooling.
Storage Layout and Interior Space
Even though 1.7 cubic feet is compact, I found that the interior design makes a big difference. I looked for adjustable shelves, door storage, and enough room for cans, bottles, and small food containers. A smart layout helped me use every inch of space more efficiently. I realized that a well-designed small fridge can often feel larger than it really is.
Energy Efficiency and Running Cost
I also thought about electricity use. Since a mini fridge runs all day, I wanted one that would not increase my power bill too much. I preferred an energy-efficient model because it gave me peace of mind and made long-term use more affordable. This was especially important for me because I planned to keep it plugged in regularly.
Portability and Placement
Another thing I liked about a 1.7 cubic feet mini fridge is that it is easy to move and place in different areas. I considered where I would use it most—on a desk, under a counter, beside a bed, or in a small apartment corner. Its compact size made it flexible, which was a big advantage for me.
Build Quality and Durability
I did not want a fridge that would stop working after a short time, so I paid attention to build quality. A sturdy door, reliable shelving, and a solid exterior mattered to me. I found that a well-built mini fridge feels more dependable and gives better value over time.
Defrosting and Maintenance
I also checked how easy it would be to clean and maintain. Some mini fridges need more frequent defrosting, while others are simpler to care for. I preferred a model that would not take much effort to keep tidy. Easy maintenance made the fridge more convenient for my everyday routine.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying a 1.7 cubic feet mini fridge again, I would focus on cooling performance, noise level, energy efficiency, and storage design first. Those features made the biggest difference in my experience. A compact fridge can be a great purchase, but only if it fits both my space and my daily needs.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 1.7 cubic feet mini fridge is a smart choice if I need a compact, affordable cooling solution for a dorm, office, bedroom, or small apartment. It offers just enough space for essentials without taking up much room, making it practical and easy to fit almost anywhere. My key takeaway is that this size works best when I want convenience and simplicity rather than large storage capacity.
Author Profile
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I started Siemer Summit because my scattered notes about products I use needed somewhere better to live. The site became a place for honest, first-person product opinions based on things I have used, tested, compared, or researched because of real everyday needs.
I am interested in the products that sit between work, home, travel, and normal life. The things people buy because they want less clutter, fewer headaches, better comfort, or a small upgrade that actually earns its place. I am not here to make every item sound life-changing. Most products are not life-changing. Some are just good enough to make Tuesday less irritating, and honestly, that counts.
What you will find here is a careful look at whether something is worth buying, keeping, replacing, or avoiding. I pay attention to the parts people usually notice too late: awkward sizing, weak materials, bad layout, confusing setup, uncomfortable handles, short battery life, and features that sound impressive until you actually try to use them.
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