Imagine opening your mini fridge and discovering that the drinks and snacks you had stored inside are still warm. What a pity! Wouldn’t you feel really pissed off and probably start cursing? Well, I just want to let you know that it is a common issue with mini fridges because people are usually unaware of their cooling capacity.
A mini fridge is a great way to keep your food and beverages cold without taking up much space. But how cold do mini fridges get? And how can you increase cooling capacity if it isn’t cool enough? I’ve got you covered if you’re unsure about the answers to any of those questions. Today, we’ll answer these questions and show you how to keep your food and beverages at the proper temperature.
Do Mini Fridges Get Cold Enough?
The question about how cold a mini fridge can get is a difficult one to answer because it depends on the type of mini fridge you own. Although, I’ll still try my best to answer this question as accurately as possible.
A standard mini fridge should be able to get cold to at least 34°F. However, if you have a medical-grade or industrial mini fridge, the temperature can get to about -20°F. So, if you were under the impression that mini fridges can’t freeze things, think again because these small machines are quite efficient.
Most mini fridges have a thermostat that you can use to regulate the temperature. So, lower the thermostat if you want your fridge to be colder.
However, we should point out that some mini fridges lack thermostats. If this is the case, you have no control over the temperature and must hope it is cold enough for your needs.
How Cold Do Mini Fridges Get?
It’s not a new thing that how cold a fridge gets depends on its type, whether it’s a mini fridge or a large fridge. So, how cold do mini fridges get?
The average mini fridge can reach temperatures ranging from 33 to 40°F in the fresh food compartment and 7°F in the freezer. Some models can go as low as 26°F, but this is usually reserved for more expensive models. If you plan on storing items that must be kept cold, such as milk or ice cream, make sure your mini fridge can reach lower temperatures.
You can keep your mini fridge cool by keeping it in a cool, dark place and ensuring the door is tightly sealed. You can also keep the contents of the fridge cold by adding a block of ice.
Adding a second compressor to your mini fridge is one way to boost its cooling power. It will allow the fridge to reach lower temperatures faster and keep the contents colder for longer. A second evaporator can also be used to increase cooling power. It allows the fridge to keep lower temperatures for longer periods without having to cycle as frequently.
A chest freezer is a good option if you want a mini fridge that can reach extremely cold temperatures. Chest freezers typically have two compartments: one for freezing items and one for storing previously frozen food. This freezer is ideal for people who need to store a large amount of frozen food, such as ice cream or frozen dinners.
So, if you’re looking for a good mini fridge, remember that chest mini fridges are more usable due to their designs and sizes.
How Cold Should A Mini Fridge Be?
How cold a mini fridge can or should be totally depends on what you intend to put inside. You won’t have to worry about the fridge getting too cold if you’re storing drinks. However, if you intend to store perishable items inside, ensure the fridge is set to a colder temperature.
A mini fridge should be kept between 35°F and 40°F to keep food fresh and prevent spoilage.
If you’re unsure what temperature to set your fridge too, err on caution and choose a colder setting. This way, you can ensure that your food and beverages stay cold.
When in doubt, set your mini fridge to the coldest setting and relax. Just like a standard fridge, you can adjust the temperature settings on the fridge itself.
Keep in mind that mini fridges have less cooling capacity than full-sized fridges. If you intend to store perishable items, you should consider purchasing a larger fridge.
You can also keep things cold by putting ice packs or frozen water bottles inside the fridge. If your mini fridge is making a lot of noise and not cooling properly, check the vents and make sure nothing is blocking them.
How To Make A Mini Fridge Colder?
If your mini fridge isn’t cooling your snacks properly, you can improve its performance with a few simple tips. Here’s what you can do to cool down your mini fridge:
- Keep it in a Cool Spot
Keeping your mini fridge in a cool place is one of the best ways to keep it cold. If possible, try to locate it in an area with a lower ambient temperature. It will make your fridge work less hard to maintain its internal temperature.
- Use Ice Packs
Ice packs are another clever way to keep things cold in your mini fridge. These are usually found near the freezer section of the grocery store. You’ll be able to keep things much colder in your fridge if you keep one or two of these in there.
- Don’t Block its Vents
One common mistake with mini fridges is blocking the vents. These vents are essential because they circulate air and keep the fridge cold. So, if you’re putting your fridge in a tight spot, leave space around it for air to circulate.
- Clean the Condenser Coils
Cleaning the condenser coils is another tip for making your mini fridge run more efficiently. Because these coils are in charge of dissipating heat, your fridge will have to work harder to stay cool if they are dirty.
- Check the Door Seal
The door seal is another factor that can affect how well your mini fridge keeps things cold. These seals can wear out and become less effective over time. If you suspect yours is damaged, you can try replacing it. Most hardware stores sell easy-to-install replacement seals.
Is 1 or 5 Colder On A Mini Fridge?
You can do a few things when deciding which setting on your mini fridge is colder. For instance, figuring out between 1 and 5, which is colder on a mini fridge.
If you’ve ever wondered if your mini fridge’s 1 or 5 setting is colder, the answer is neither.
Each manufacturer makes their coolers differently, and the temperature settings may be in Celsius or Fahrenheit, but the temperature settings should be roughly the same for each.
The best way to determine the exact temperature for each setting is to read the user manual with your mini fridge. If you don’t have it, this is how you do it.
I’d recommend setting it to 1 and letting it run for a few hours to see how cool it gets, then set it to 5 and let it run for a few hours to compare. With this, you can generally tell which of the two is cooler, but if you want to be sure, get yourself a fridge thermometer.
Best Mini Fridge
- BLACK+DECKER BCRK43B 4.3 cu. ft. Freestanding Mini Fridge with Freezer
You can choose the BLACK+DECKER BCRK43B Freestanding Mini Fridge for a slightly lower price. This model features a reversible door, a crisper drawer, and 4.3 cubic feet of interior space. Despite the full-width internal freezer that takes up the top portion of the interior, this is enough for one person’s weekly groceries. The freezer is large enough for a bag of frozen vegetables and a couple of popsicles on its own, and it should not be underestimated.
The interior has thoughtful storage options in addition to space. Three glass shelves and three pockets on the door add to the elevated look and feel. A dispenser is also included, but it does not take up the entire door, making it ideal for those who use a mini fridge for more than just storing drinks. Most importantly, this selection is also energy-efficient. It consumes approximately 226 kWh of electricity per year, which is significantly less than other models on the market.
Pros:
- Considerate door storage
- Reversible door
- Garage-ready design
Cons:
- Its shelves are not adjustable
- It can manually defrost
Conclusion
That’s all there is to know about your mini fridge for now. Without consuming a lot of electricity, a mini fridge can get cold enough to freeze your snacks and drinks. However, you cannot rely on a mini fridge for everyday use due to space constraints, though they are ideal for office and dorm use.
I hope your questions about mini fridges and their temperature levels have been answered and that you will enjoy using these small appliances. If you’re still unsure how cold a mini fridge can get, consult your mini fridge’s user manual.
I’m a mom of three, a chef, a writer, and food blogger. I live in the suburbs of New Jersey where I love to cook and bake all day long. Cooking is a form of art and a way to preserve the beauty of nature. I create an edible canvas with fresh, seasonal ingredients.