Aside from saving space, a mini fridge is ideal for storing extra foods, snacks, drinks, or even favorite leftovers wherever you are like in the office, in the living room, and on the move. I’ve seen questions from people asking about drip trays for mini fridges. So, do mini fridges have drip trays?

Your refrigerator’s drip pan serves as a container for condensation that is directed from the freezer’s defrost drain to the outside of the appliance so it may evaporate. On occasion, you might need to reach the drip pan to clean it, clear a clog from the drain line, or even fix it. If you know where to look, finding the drip pan is straightforward and just takes a second. Continue reading this article to find out more about drip trays in mini fridges.

Do Mini Fridges Have Drip Trays?

Aside from size, there is often little difference between a fancy refrigerator and a simple mini fridge. This essentially means that some features (not all) are shared by both types of refrigerators. Consider coils, compressors (yes, many mini fridges have compressors), and similar components. So, do mini fridges have drip trays?

Yes, mini fridges usually come with drip trays.

Most modern refrigerators have a defrost function. Many of us are familiar with the general concept of melting the layer/frost of ice that forms around the interior of the refrigerator, preventing cool air from flowing into the mini fridge. 

Without a drip tray, defrosted water can form inconvenient “streams” at your home. According to the description of what it dies, a drip tray does exactly that: it collects drips/condensation before they spill onto your floor.

Do I Need a Drip Pan Under My Mini Fridge?

A drip pan is made to ensure that your flooring, carpet, or furniture stays in impeccable condition at all times. Do you really need to get a drip tray under your mini fridge? 

Yes, you absolutely do. A drip tray, on the other hand, is not required if you have a defrost-free mini fridge.

If you genuinely care about your space, your carpet, your furniture, or even your appliance, a drip pan under your mini fridge is a must. In fact, if your mini fridge has a defrost function, it should have a drip pan.

A drip pan is like a superhero who comes to the rescue. When your mini fridge goes on an unavoidable defrosting spree, a drip pan comes in handy, catching all the water and keeping it from ruining your space.

What Should You Put Under a Mini Fridge?

Although it may not appear to be necessary to store anything under your mini fridge, knowing what you can put under your fridge safely will allow your mini fridge to operate more efficiently. Before choosing something you want to put under your mini fridge, you need to consider the flow of air before deciding what to put under your mini fridge. There should be no restrictions on airflow.

A properly centered fridge on a stand typically aids in air circulation throughout your mini fridge. There are other budget-friendly options if you are on a tight budget. A sheet of plywood has been shown to work perfectly well. You can also use a rubber mat or vinyl, or linoleum flooring. They all work flawlessly.

Just to mention, putting something under your mini fridge isn’t entirely necessary. You don’t need anything below if your fridge sits on a flat and hard surface with enough space between the bottom of the fridge and the surface. If your fridge’s resting surface is something else, the obvious solution is to purchase a fridge stand. These are quite common.

Can You Put Cardboard Under a Mini Fridge?

For the majority of us, cardboards are usually at the top of the list of “things to put under a mini fridge.” So, can you put cardboard under a mini fridge? Is it a good idea?

The answer to the question of whether you can put cardboard under a mini fridge is No. A piece of cardboard under your refrigerator is more likely to cause harm than good. While the option is popular, it does not always represent the best option.

To begin, there is the issue of airflow. A cardboard barrier beneath your mini fridge obstructs the airflow around your fridge. Cardboard under your fridge can also cause a faulty condenser, which is usually located at the bottom of the fridge.

The condenser requires proper air circulation to function properly. Cardboard does the exact opposite. Furthermore, because cardboard is made of ordinary papers, it is highly flammable, and you do not want it near your refrigerator coils.

How Do You Clean a Mini Fridge Drip Tray?

Most people overlook the drip tray when cleaning their refrigerators. This usually results in the formation of molds and odors, which begs the question, “Why is my mini fridge smelling after a thorough cleaning?” The answer is beneath your refrigerator.

Drip trays are either removable or fixed. To clean a removable drip pan, you must first gain access to it by removing it. To locate the tray, consult the owner’s manual for your refrigerator. If the booklet is ineffective, there is always the internet.

After locating the drip tray, it’s possible that when you pull it out, it will be empty due to evaporation, but if there is water inside, pour it out before proceeding with the cleaning process. To clean a removable drip pan, follow these steps:

• In a clean spray bottle, combine bleach and warm water in a 1:2 ratio. You can also substitute white vinegar or carbon soda for bleach.
• Spray the tray completely with the cleaning agent and allow it to sit for about 2-3 minutes. In the case of mold, use a stronger cleaner to loosen it and disinfect the area.
• Scrub the inside of the drip tray with a cleaning rag or sponge to remove any buildup.
• The drip pan should then be rinsed with warm water to remove the cleaner and residue.
• Before reinstalling the tray, dry it with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Allow the drip tray to air-dry for 30 minutes before replacing it.

A claw grabber can be used to remove a non-removable drip pan. To clean a non-removable drip pan, follow these steps:

• Wrap the cleaning wet wipe or sponge in the grabber after dipping it in the cleaning solution.
• Slide the grabber end into the drip tray and carefully rub around the tray’s edges to clean it, changing the wipes as needed.

Do I Need a Drip Pan Under My Mini Fridge?

If you’ve seen people putting a drip pan under their mini fridge and that has left you wondering if it’s really important, then I’ve got you covered as I’ll be answering the question: do you need a drip pan under your mini fridge?

You need a drip pan under your mini fridge. If you genuinely care about your space, your carpet, your furniture, or even your appliance, a drip pan under your mini fridge is a must. In fact, if your mini fridge has a defrost function, it should have a drip pan.

A drip pan is like a superhero who comes to the rescue. When your mini fridge goes on an unavoidable defrosting spree, a drip pan comes in handy, catching all the water and keeping it from ruining your space. A drip tray, on the other hand, is not required if you have a defrost-free mini fridge.

Where Is the Refrigerator Drip Pan?

If you know where to look, you can easily locate a refrigerator drip pan. So, where can you find a drip pan in a refrigerator?

Despite variations among refrigerator models, the drip pan is usually always found in the bottom of the device to allow effluent to be drained away by gravity. If you still have the owner’s handbook from when you purchased the appliance, see if it describes where to find the drip pan. If not, try tilting the kick panel and dragging it out to remove it from the front of your refrigerator.

Most likely, the drip pan for your refrigerator is hidden beneath the kick panel. You can remove a front-access drip pan if you have one. If not, try removing the refrigerator from the wall and seeing if you can get to it from the rear. To prevent the refrigerator from leaking while you look for the drip pan, it’s a good idea to turn off the water supply. If you need to remove your fridge, turn off the electricity at the main switch to prevent electrocution.

Get a flashlight and try to locate the defrost drain line if you can’t detect the drip pan. Till you come upon the drain opening, follow it downward. The water-catching drip pan is positioned beneath the opening.

Slide the pan out carefully because it probably has some standing water in it. After that, you can empty the water into the sink and clean the refrigerator drip pan..

Best Drip Tray For Mini Fridge

1. WirthCo Drip and Spill Containment Drip Tray

The Drip and Spill Containment Tray from WirthCo can contain about 2 US Gallons of spilled liquid, which can subsequently be poured off or disposed of. When the drip tray is loaded with 2 gallons, the liquid extends up to the upper lip or edge by about 12″. Before it overflows and becomes unsafe to manage any movement to dispose of the liquid, the tray will store an additional 2 quarts, approximately.

At 180 degrees F, polypropylene begins to soften when positioned underneath machinery. As it holds drips, spills, or leaks from refrigerators, mini-fridges, air conditioners, and other such equipment, it is a heavy-duty tray with various functions. Additionally works well as an oil containment tray for large machinery and cars.

Pros:

• Heat resistant up to 180 degrees F.
• Drain pan is made of chemical resistant polypropylene plastic.
• It’s ideal for most drip trays.

Cons:

• Expensive.

Conclusion

Mini fridges have grown in popularity in recent years. In many applications, their small size gives them an advantage over larger refrigerators. They are simple to install and provide the benefit of eating freshly preserved foods, snacks, and chilled drinks.

Furthermore, you don’t have to be concerned about the sudden formation of small streams in your home as a result of defrosting; the drip tray has your back! Drip trays are included with mini fridges to ‘catch’ condensation, leaks, and spills that would otherwise ruin your floor or carpet. The trays are very simple to clean. It’s as simple as removing it from beneath your refrigerator, scrubbing it with your preferred cleaner, drying it, and then reinstalling it.