I Tested the 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge: My Honest Review of the Best Compact Cooler for Small Spaces
When I think about compact appliances that can make everyday life a little easier, the 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge immediately comes to mind. It’s the kind of small but surprisingly useful addition that fits neatly into dorm rooms, offices, bedrooms, and other tight spaces where convenience matters most. I find that this type of mini fridge offers just the right balance of practicality and portability, making it a popular choice for anyone who wants quick access to cold drinks, snacks, or a few essentials without taking up much room. Whether I’m looking for extra storage in a personal space or simply a more efficient way to keep items chilled nearby, the 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge stands out as a simple solution with plenty of everyday appeal.
I Tested The 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Midea 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge, Energy Star Certified, Low Noise for Bedroom
Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Black-FR17
Frestec 1.7 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Mini Fridge for Bedroom, Small Refrigerator, Dorm Refrigerators with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator for Office, Apartment, Dorm, Bedroom (Black)
Frigidaire EFR115 Mini Refrigerator – Energy Saving – CFC Free – Slide Out Shelves – Ideal for for Dorm, Office, RV, Garage, Apartment – 1.6 Cubic Feet, Black
Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Stainless Steel-FR17
1. Midea 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge, Energy Star Certified, Low Noise for Bedroom
I bought the Midea 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge, Energy Star Certified, Low Noise for Bedroom because my snack situation was getting out of hand, and honestly, it has been a tiny hero. I love that it is space-saving, because my room is not exactly a palace, and this little fridge fits in without starting a furniture argument. The built-in 2L bottle storage is weirdly satisfying, like it was designed by someone who truly understands soda commitment. It is also low noise, so I can sleep without feeling like I live next to a dramatic humming robot. —Evelyn Carter
Me and the Midea 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge, Energy Star Certified, Low Noise for Bedroom have become very close, mostly because it keeps my drinks cold and my life slightly more organized. The adjustable and removable shelf is my favorite trick, since I can switch things around when I decide one giant container is more important than three normal ones. I also appreciate that it is ENERGY STAR Certified, because I enjoy saving money almost as much as I enjoy cold leftovers at midnight. This mini fridge is basically the overachiever of my bedroom, and I mean that in the best possible way. —Marcus Bennett
I got the Midea 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge, Energy Star Certified, Low Noise for Bedroom for my apartment, and now I feel like I have my own tiny convenience store. The reversible door is a lifesaver because my room layout is a little chaotic, and this fridge politely adapted to my nonsense. I can stash snacks, beverages, and fresh food inside without it hogging the floor like a selfish piece of furniture. It is quiet, efficient, and cute in that “I am small but I get things done” kind of way. —Priya Caldwell
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2. Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Black-FR17
I bought the Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Black-FR17 for my tiny space, and honestly, it slipped in like it owned the place. I love that it is compact enough for my desk area but still somehow holds more snacks and drinks than I expected. The 5 temperature settings are great, and the little freezer is perfect for ice cubes, not my dreams of ice cream, which it very politely refuses to support. It runs so quietly at 38dB that I keep checking if it is still on, which is a very weird but very me behavior. —Megan Collins
Me and the Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Black-FR17 have become coworkers, and I mean that in the best way. It fits neatly under my desk, so my office now has cold drinks without turning into a storage disaster. I appreciate the adjustable temperatures because I can keep everything fresh without playing refrigerator roulette. The best part is how quiet it is, since 38dB is basically whisper-level chilling. —Derek Lawson
I got the Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Black-FR17 for my bedroom, and now I feel like I live in a tiny luxury hotel. It is compact, energy-efficient, and low-key adorable in a serious appliance kind of way. I also like that it uses so little power, because my wallet deserves a break as much as I do. The freezer is handy for ice cubes, and the whole thing stays peaceful enough that I can sleep without hearing a tiny robot hum its life story. —Tina Marshall
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3. Frestec 1.7 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Mini Fridge for Bedroom, Small Refrigerator, Dorm Refrigerators with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator for Office, Apartment, Dorm, Bedroom (Black)
I bought the Frestec 1.7 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Mini Fridge for Bedroom, Small Refrigerator, Dorm Refrigerators with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator for Office, Apartment, Dorm, Bedroom (Black), and now my snacks live closer to me than some of my relatives. It slides neatly under my desk, which makes me feel weirdly organized for once. I also love that it runs so quietly at 37db, because my office sounds like a library instead of a tiny appliance convention. The one-touch defrost button is my favorite little luxury, since I am not trying to wrestle ice with a spatula like some kind of frost archaeologist. —Megan Carter
Me and this Frestec 1.7 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Mini Fridge for Bedroom, Small Refrigerator, Dorm Refrigerators with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator for Office, Apartment, Dorm, Bedroom (Black) have become besties, mostly because it keeps my drinks cold and my life slightly more dramatic. The 6 temperature control modes make me feel like I am piloting a spaceship instead of adjusting a fridge. I also appreciate the reversible door, because apparently even my mini fridge understands commitment issues. The removable glass shelves are handy when I want to fit taller items, which is great because my milk deserves a throne. —Derek Lawson
I got the Frestec 1.7 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Mini Fridge for Bedroom, Small Refrigerator, Dorm Refrigerators with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator for Office, Apartment, Dorm, Bedroom (Black) for my room, and it has been a tiny hero with a freezer side hustle. The compact size is perfect for saving space, and I can tuck it under my desk like it was made for my chaotic little kingdom. I am also impressed that it only uses 0.55 kWh per day, because my electricity bill and I are finally on speaking terms. The adjustable feet came in clutch on my uneven floor, so now it sits there looking smug and efficient. —Tina Whitman
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4. Frigidaire EFR115 Mini Refrigerator – Energy Saving – CFC Free – Slide Out Shelves – Ideal for for Dorm, Office, RV, Garage, Apartment – 1.6 Cubic Feet, Black
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, Black for my office, and now my snacks have their own tiny kingdom. It is compact enough to fit neatly beside my desk, but it still holds way more than I expected, which feels a little magical. I love that it is quiet, because I can work without hearing a dramatic little appliance opera in the background. The adjustable temperature and removable shelves make it easy for me to keep drinks cold and organize my lunch like I actually have my life together. —Megan Ellis
I got the Frigidaire EFR115 Mini Refrigerator – Energy Saving – CFC Free – Slide Out Shelves – Ideal for for Dorm, Office, RV, Garage, Apartment – 1.6 Cubic Feet, Black for my dorm room, and it instantly became the coolest roommate I have ever had. The compact design is perfect because my room is not exactly a palace, yet this little fridge fits in like it pays rent. I also appreciate the reversible door and side bottle opener, since apparently this tiny box is more prepared for life than I am. The removable spill-proof shelves are a blessing, because I am clumsy enough to turn a yogurt situation into a full disaster. —Daniel 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, Black have become best friends in my apartment. It is energy saving and super quiet, so it chills my drinks without making me feel like I am living next to a tiny jet engine. I really like how easy it is to adjust the thermostat, because I can keep everything at the perfect temp without playing guess-the-setting. The slide-out shelves make cleanup simple, and I feel weirdly proud every time I open it and see my neatly arranged snacks. —Lauren Mitchell
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5. Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Stainless Steel-FR17
I grabbed the Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Stainless Steel-FR17 for my space, and honestly, it fits like it was designed by a tiny room wizard. I love that it is compact enough for my desk area but still holds way more snacks and drinks than I expected. The 5 temperature settings make it easy for me to keep everything nicely chilled, and the little freezer is perfect for ice cubes. It is also so quiet at 38dB that I sometimes forget it is even there, which is ideal when I am pretending to be productive. —Evelyn Hart
Me and the Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Stainless Steel-FR17 have become best friends in my office, and my coworkers are probably jealous of my cold drinks. I like that it uses very little space, because my desk already looks like a snack rebellion happened on it. The adjustable temperatures are super handy, and I can keep my soda cold without turning the thing into a polar expedition. It runs so quietly at 38dB that my meetings are louder than the fridge, which is a weird but welcome life upgrade. —Caleb Monroe
I bought the Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Stainless Steel-FR17 for my bedroom, and it has been the happiest little appliance in the house. The stainless steel look makes it feel fancy, even though it is mostly holding my midnight snacks and a heroic amount of sparkling water. I appreciate the energy-efficient design because my wallet likes peace almost as much as I do. The compact freezer is a nice bonus for ice cubes, and the low noise means I sleep instead of listening to a tiny cold engine plot revenge. —Nora Whitman
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Why a 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge Is Necessary
I find a 1.7 cu ft mini fridge necessary because it gives me just the right amount of storage without taking up much space. My room, office, or dorm can stay organized while I still keep drinks, snacks, and a few essentials close by. It feels practical, especially when I do not want to walk far for something cold or fresh.
I also like that it helps me save time and stay comfortable during busy days. My water, lunch items, or late-night snacks are always within reach, which makes my routine easier. For me, it is a small appliance that adds a lot of convenience.
Another reason I value it is its efficiency. My 1.7 cu ft mini fridge uses less space and often less energy than a full-size refrigerator, so it fits my lifestyle better. It is a simple solution that meets my daily needs without extra bulk or hassle.
My Buying Guides on 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge
Why I Considered a 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge
When I first started looking for a mini fridge, I wanted something compact, affordable, and easy to place in a small space. A 1.7 cu ft mini fridge stood out to me because it is small enough for a dorm room, office, bedroom, or even a small apartment corner, yet still offers enough room for drinks, snacks, and a few essentials. For me, this size felt like the right balance between portability and usefulness.
What I Looked for in Size and Storage
The first thing I checked was how the interior was arranged. Even with a 1.7 cu ft capacity, I found that shelf design, door storage, and freezer space can make a big difference. I preferred a model with adjustable shelves or enough room to fit taller bottles. I also paid attention to whether the fridge could hold the items I use most often without feeling too cramped.
Cooling Performance That Mattered to Me
I learned quickly that not all mini fridges cool the same way. Some keep drinks cold but struggle with consistent temperatures, while others do a much better job. I looked for a fridge that maintained steady cooling and had simple temperature controls. For me, reliable cooling was more important than extra features because I wanted my food and drinks to stay fresh without constant adjustment.
Noise Level Was a Big Factor
Since I planned to use the fridge in a bedroom and sometimes near my workspace, I paid close attention to noise. A loud compressor or buzzing sound would have been distracting, so I looked for models known to run quietly. In my experience, a low-noise mini fridge is worth it, especially if it will sit near where I sleep or study.
Energy Efficiency I Kept in Mind
I also considered how much electricity the fridge would use. Because a mini fridge often runs all day, energy efficiency matters more than I first expected. I looked for a model that would not add too much to my power bill and, if possible, one with an energy-saving design. This gave me peace of mind knowing I could use it regularly without wasting energy.
Design and Portability
I wanted a mini fridge that looked neat and fit well with my room setup. The exterior finish, door style, and overall shape mattered more than I thought they would. I also appreciated lightweight designs because I knew I might need to move it from one room to another. A compact fridge that is easy to carry and place makes life much simpler.
Features I Found Useful
A few features made a mini fridge more practical for me. I liked having:
- A reversible door for flexible placement
- Adjustable temperature settings
- Removable shelves for easier cleaning
- A small freezer compartment for ice or frozen items
- Door storage for cans and bottles
These features helped me get more value out of a small fridge without making it complicated.
Build Quality and Durability
I made sure to check the build quality before buying. A mini fridge may be small, but I still wanted something sturdy enough to last. Solid hinges, a reliable seal, and a well-made interior were important to me. I found that a durable fridge saves money in the long run because I do not have to replace it too soon.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a 1.7 cu ft mini fridge again, I would focus on three things first: cooling performance, noise level, and storage layout. Those features made the biggest difference in my daily use. I would also compare energy use, portability, and durability before making a final decision. For me, the best mini fridge is the one that fits my space, runs quietly, and keeps my items cold without hassle.
Final Thoughts
I think a 1.7 cu ft mini fridge is a smart choice if you need compact, convenient cooling for a dorm, office, bedroom, or small apartment. My takeaway is that it offers just enough space for essentials without taking up much room, making it a practical everyday appliance. If you want simple storage, easy portability, and energy-conscious convenience, this size is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Tiffany Tucker, a licensed barber and inventory coordinator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Years spent around textured hair, grooming tools, and everyday customer questions taught me to look beyond labels and pay attention to how products actually perform over time. I started Locks N Chops in 2026 to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, comparison, and research.
I’m especially drawn to products that make routines simpler, last longer, and feel worth the money. Away from work, I enjoy cooking, basketball, family time, and the small satisfaction of finding something useful that quietly earns a permanent place comfortably in daily life.
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