Mini freezers can add a lot of value to a small space. If you like to do advanced meal prep, having extra freezer space can make batch cooking more accessible. Even if you aren’t into that, having extra room in the kitchen to store ice cream treats is always a plus in my book.
And full-sized chest freezers can be weight, bulky, inefficient in terms of energy, and cost a lot. Basically, mini freezers are just more efficient.
But which mini freezer makes the most sense?
I like the Koolatron 3 Cu. Ft. Compact Chest Freezer for its sturdiness, ample storage space, removable wire basket, and overall quality.
But there are several factors that can influence your preferences. You might want an upright freezer over a chest freezer. You might also prefer models that have an energy star rating.
Keep reading to learn about the best mini freezers, their features, their pros, and cons, as well as what to look for when buying a mini freezer.
Contents
Best Mini Freezers Reviews
Koolatron Compact Chest Freezer: Best Mini Chest Freezer
Dimensions: W: 22 inches (60 cm), H: 33 inches (84 cm), D: 24 inches (75 cm)
Volume Capacity: 3 cu. ft. (85 L)
Annual Energy Usage: 193 kWh
Power: 110 Volts
The Koolatron Compact Chest Freezer offers a high storage capacity of 3 cubic feet while maintaining a small footprint. And since this freezer is standard countertop depth, you can easily store it in the kitchen.
The Koolatron features manual defrost. While that typically can be a hassle, this freezer has a front-access defrost drain so you can empty water without making a mess. Koolatron claims this can save up to 40% energy and keep food fresh longer.
The removable storage basket on one side allows you access to smaller items or foods that you use commonly. The basket is made of corrosion-resistant vinyl-coated wire.
Easily open this chest freezer with one hand. The door stays open at any angle past 45° and has rear-mounted hinges. So you don’t have to worry about the lid damaging the wall or your fingers.
The energy-efficient compressor technology, external thermostat control dial, and strong magnetic lid seal all maintain the freezer’s temperature between -11.2° to 32°F (-24° to 0°C).
Customers were happy with the Koolatron. They confirmed that it’s great for small spaces. People used this mini freezer to store meat, vegetables, goat’s milk, and milk for newborns.
They liked the low noise level and the light weight. This freezer is easy to maneuver.
The most common complaint, by far, was that buyers received dented units. Most everyone said it didn’t affect the performance of the freezer, but a dent can be an eye-sore.
But at a budget-friendly price point, it’s tough to beat. If you want a basic, no frills freezer at a reasonable price (and you can handle the possibility of a dent), this Koolatron is definitely a good pick.
Pros
- Stay-open hinge lid
- Removable basket
- Low running noise
- Light weight, easy to move
Cons
- Several had dents from shipping
Midea Mini Freezer: Best Splurge Mini Chest Freezer
Dimensions: W: 21 inches (53 cm), H: 33 inches (84 cm), D: 22 inches (56 cm)
Volume Capacity: 3.5 cu. ft. (99 L)
Annual Energy Usage: 193 kWh
Power: 120 V
The Midea Chest Freezer has a storage capacity of 3.5 cubic feet (99 liters), so it’s large enough to store food for approximately four people.
This model has a removable wire storage basket so you can easily access small or favorite items. The adjustable temperature control ranges from 10.4℉ to -11.2°F (-12℃ to -24℃).
Keep the hinged door open by lifting as little as 45 degrees. And the recessed handle makes lifting easier while saving space.
The adjustable leg offers easy leveling and a long power cord for convenient placing. And with the defrost drain, you can complete a manual defrost without making a mess.
One note of caution. This Midea chest freezer will work great within an ambient (surrounding) temperature range of 50°-100°F (10°-38°C). Outside of those temperatures, the motor has to work overtime to cool. This will significantly cut down on the freezer’s lifespan.
So what does that mean? It means you shouldn’t store this compact freezer in the garage unless that garage is insulated.
It’s also a good idea to let the freezer stand for 2 hours after opening before turning it on for the first time.
Customers used the Midea chest freezer to store frozen foods, ice cream, and more. They said the Midea has a lot of storage space packed into one small freezer.
Several people were pleased with the performance and the quiet running. The flip side is that some said it was difficult to tell if the unit was on. An interior light would have been nice for them.
The biggest complaint was damage during the shipping & delivery process. This is common with almost any kitchen appliance, unfortunately.
The good news is that most people said it didn’t affect the performance, and many of the dents were in inconspicuous places, like in the back or in a corner.
While the Midea model is on the more expensive end, it does have a larger capacity than other freezers. And people were quite pleased with the performance in cooling and storing frozen items.
This small freezer is the perfect choice if you want to balance saving space with storing enough for a family.
Pros
- Spacious for a compact freezer
- Adjustable temperature control
- Hinge door stays open between 45-75 degrees
- Defrost drain in front
- Solid performance
- Includes removable wire basket
Cons
- Pricier model
- Complaints of shipping damage
- No indicator/interior light
Black + Decker Compact Upright Freezer: Best Compact Upright Freezer
Dimensions: W: 19.7 inches (50 cm), H: 19.3 inches (49 cm), D: 19.7 inches (50 cm)
Volume Capacity: 1.2 cu. ft. (34 L)
Annual Energy Usage: unlisted
Power: 120 V
When you think of Black+Decker, you may think of power tools, not mini freezers. But this Black+Decker mini freezer is one of many kitchen appliances the company manufactures. It has a storage capacity of 1.2 cubic feet (34 liters), one of the smaller units on my list.
The freezer has a compact size that can fit almost anywhere. It comes with an interior full-width wire shelf to help you organize frozen meals and ice cream to your liking.
This Black+Decker freezer also features an adjustable thermostat control and a space-saving flat black design. Plus, it’s energy star rated to save you in energy costs.
Instead of a top-door chest freezer, this unit is an upright freezer with a front reversible swing door. This means you can store this upright mini freezer almost anywhere, even at eye level.
The recessed handle and leveling legs also serve to save space, while the adjustable thermostat control allows you to select the perfect temperature for your foods.
So what did buyers think? They liked the Black+Decker upright mini freezer. Several used it to store frozen treats like ice cream and waffles, frozen food at work or while camping, and ice packs.
Customers especially liked how quiet the unit was, along with the reliable performance. It’s cost-effective, too.
Some were surprised, though, at how small this freezer was. You won’t be able to store a lot of larger items.
And one customer said that while the freezer was supposed to have a reversible door, the holes were not lined up correctly to make that possible. Frustrating, but definitely not a deal breaker.
Pros
- Good for one person
- Energy efficient
- Quiet
- Reversible door
- Compact size
Cons
- Several thought it was too small
Whynter Cuf Upright Freezer: Best Locking Mini Freezer
Dimensions: W: 18.5 inches (47 cm), H: 19.5 inches (50 cm), D: 17.7 inches (45 cm)
Volume Capacity: 1.1 cu. ft. (31 L)
Annual Energy Usage: unlisted
Power: 115 V
The Whynter Cuf Upright Freezer has a storage capacity of 1.1 cu. ft. (31 liters) and comes in a sleek black or stainless steel exterior. Perfect for small spaces, this mini freezer can easily fit on a countertop.
The Whynter Cuf small upright freezer is energy star rated and uses less electricity than a light bulb, so it has excellent energy efficiency. It features a temperature range of -10° to 2°F (-23° to -17°C). The adjustable temperature dial is located on the inside of the freezer.
This mini freezer has a reversible door with a recessed handle for a space-saving design. The cylinder key lock will keep out food bandits or accidental openings.
The flat slide-out wire shelf can help you organize or stack food. And the low noise level means it won’t disturb you while it keeps your ice cream, breast milk, or frozen food cold.
Buyers were able to use their Whynter Cuf freezers to store ice cream, frozen meals, milk, ice packs, and more. Several people used these upright mini freezers in their RVs or camping trailers.
They liked the energy efficiency and the fact that it took up such a small space. Need extra floor space? No problem. Several people put this on the countertop. Others slid it under a table.
Additionally, several people appreciated the lock system. I guess plundering roommates or coworkers are quite prevalent. A freezer that locks can keep your food… well, yours.
As with the other mini freezers, this one was prone to suffering dents and other damage during shipping. It wasn’t as common, though, as with other models.
The Whynter Cuf upright freezer is budget-friendly, although you’ll sacrifice some extra space in exchange for the price.
Pros
- Includes lock and key
- Flat, slide-out shelf
- Adjustable temperature control
- Compact size
- Quiet
- Affordable
Cons
- Complaints of shipping damage
Koolatron Mini Upright Freezer: Best for Energy-Efficiency
Dimensions: W: 19.7 inches (50 cm), H: 19.5 inches (50 cm), D: 19.5 inches (50 cm)
Volume Capacity: 1.2 cu. ft. (34 L)
Annual Energy Usage: unlisted
Power: 110 V
Also from Koolatron comes this upright mini freezer. It has a storage capacity of 1.2 cubic feet (34 liters), although there are sizes ranging from 1.2 cu. ft. to 7 cu. ft.
This Koolatron upright freezer has a reversible swing door with a recessed handle for opening and closing. The single removable wire shelf makes for easy storage and organization, while the grid pattern prevents smaller items from falling through.
The adjustable thermostat and external dial control maintain the freezer temperature between -11.2° to 32°F (-24° to 0°C). The efficient compressor technology and manual defrost mean this upright freezer uses up to 40 percent less energy than self-defrosting models.
This Koolatron is ideal for a dorm room, small apartment, or office lunchroom. It’s pricier than other mini freezers of comparable size, but has superb performance.
Users were pleased with their Koolatron upright mini freezers. In addition to the usual frozen treats, frozen foods, and drinks, some people also used this freezer to hold beauty products like shampoo, lotions, etc.
They liked the small space this model requires, along with the temperature control. They were also pleased with the small amount of electricity the freezer used and how quiet it was while running.
Some people did receive damaged freezers, although this mostly happened with the larger-sized models. The small-capacity version didn’t have the same complaints. They did say this upright freezer was more expensive per cu. ft., but the performance was worth it for most everyone.
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Quiet
- Reversible door
Cons
- Pricey for the size
Black + Decker Mini Fridge with Freezer: Best Mini Fridge/Freezer Combo
Dimensions: W: 18.5 inches (47 cm), H: 26.6 inches (68 cm), D: 17.5 inches (44 cm)
Volume Capacity: 2.5 cu. ft. (71 L)
Annual Energy Usage: unlisted
This Black+Decker mini refrigerator and freezer provides the perfect combination for reliable cooling and freezing. It comes in a color choice of black, white, or stainless steel, with a total capacity of 2.5 cubic feet (71 liters).
Watch the video below to show how much food this refrigerator/freezer can hold:
With a low sound operation of just 45 decibels (lower than the average home), you won’t have to worry about a noisy appliance disrupting your daily routine.
This appliance features two removable glass shelves to expand the storage space and make the fridge easy to clean. The additional door storage fits an assortment of drinks, including five 12 oz. cans and 2-liter door storage for taller bottles.
A reversible door, leveling legs, and adjustable temperature control make this mini fridge even more practical. The small freezer measures 12.8 inches wide by 4.3 inches tall (33 cm x 11 cm). It fits ice packs, most frozen dinners, and the included ice tray.
This Black+Decker Mini Fridge with Freezer features a temperature range dial with 7 settings, so you can find the best temperature for your frozen foods.
Customers raved about the Black+Decker mini refrigerator and upright freezer. They used it at home and the office for drinks, frozen foods, and more. They said this model had good temperature control and was great for a dorm room, office, or apartment.
This refrigerator and freezer combo got glowing reviews, but if you’re looking for a lot of freezer space? This unit doesn’t provide much room in the freezer section.
While the overwhelming majority of users were happy with the Black+Decker, there were some who had issues. They did not have a good experience with customer service, so if you have a defective unit, buckle up.
Overall, though? The combination of reviews, performance and affordable price make the Black+Decker the perfect choice for a refrigerator/freezer combo.
Pros
- Mini fridge/freezer combo
- Adjustable legs
- Quiet
- Removable glass shelves
- Adjustable temperature
- Includes ice tray
- Reversible door
- Affordable
Cons
- Not much usable space for freezer
- Complaints of poor customer service
Galanz Retro Mini Fridge with Freezer: Best Retro Mini Refrigerator with Freezer
Dimensions: W: 19.2 inches (49 cm), H: 35.2 inches (89 cm), D: 23.3 inches (59 cm)
Volume Capacity: 3.1 cu. ft. (88 L)
Annual Energy Usage: 320 kWh
Power: 120 V
Who says compact freezers all have to look the same? If you have an itch for something vintage, this Galanz Retro Mini Refrigerator with Freezer can scratch it. It has a capacity of 3.1 cu. ft. (88 liters), enough to easily hold food for two people.
The Galanz features a retro design and comes in four bold colors: red, blue, black, or green. It has chrome-finish plastic handles for the fridge section and the separate freezer.
Watch below to get the highlights of the Galanz retro collection:
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The low-energy consumption compressor can cool food quickly with the advantage of using less energy to do so.
The adjustable temperature control is located on the interior of the fridge. The refrigerator section has a temperature range of 32° to 47°F (0°-8°C), while the small freezer runs below 0°F (-18°C).
The crystal crisper keeps food fresh, while adjustable shelves allow you to organize food. The interior light is ideal for finding the perfect midnight snack.
Users love the Galanz Mini Refrigerator and Upright Freezer. They said it kept food and beverages cold, and there was ample room in the fridge section. The freezer doesn’t have as much storage space, but they were still pleased with it.
Several commented on an annoying high-pitched noise that the unit makes sometimes. I wouldn’t recommend this model to go right next to a bed. Otherwise, it should be fine.
They weren’t huge fans of the plastic handles, either. But with such an affordable price point, most users understood the trade-off.
If you want something retro without sacrificing quality or convenience, this Galanz is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Cool retro look
- Fridge with small freezer
- Adjustable shelves
- Energy efficient
- Adjustable temperature control
Cons
- Not much storage space in freezer
- A little noisy
Watoor Mini Freezer: Best Display Mini Freezer
Dimensions: W: 17.5 inches (44 cm), H: 19.6 inches (50 cm), D: 18.6 inches (47 cm)
Volume Capacity: 1.1 cu. ft. (31 L)
Annual Energy Usage: 240 kWh
Power: 110 V
For those who want a display freezer, like something you’d find in a swanky hotel, this Watoor Small Upright Freezer is for you. It has enough storage space for 1.1 cu ft (31 liters), so it’s ideal for one person.
Unlike other small freezers on the market, this Watoor model uses a triple layer of premium glass for airtight construction. This helps keep a steady temperature while keeping the glass clear and the contents visible.
This Watoor mini freezer features a glass heating system that allows the outer glass to heat automatically. This means that steam won’t condense to water and cover the glass door. The copper wire and high-quality compressor extend this upright freezer’s lifespan.
The compressor’s low operating sound prevents any annoying hums, and the two removable shelves maximize storage space.
This convenient freezer features seven temperature settings. Easily change the temperature with the thermostat located at the back of the freezer, from 1 (Off) to 7 (Coldest). The temperature ranges from -8°F to 14°F (-22° to -10°C).
Users loved storing ice cream, gelato, and beverages in this Watoor freezer. They liked the shelves and were able to use every bit of the 1.1 cu. ft. storage space. They liked the sleek design and the temperature control.
The only complaint? Some buyers were disappointed at the lack of inside lighting. With the modern design and glass display, a light would definitely complete the look and add to the function.
Other than that, though, users were very pleased. The Watoor does cost more than other models, but it’s the only display freezer on the list.
Pros
- Clear, convenient display glass
- 2 removable shelves
- Adjustable temperature control
- Low operating noise
Cons
- Lacks an interior light
- Pricey
Homelabs Compact Upright Freezer: Best Mid-Size Mini Freezer
Dimensions: W: 17.5 inches (44 cm), H: 25 inches (64 cm), D: 21.2 inches (4454cm)
Volume Capacity: 2.1 cu. ft. (59 L)
Annual Energy Usage: 256 kWh
Power: 115 V
Next up on my list of compact freezers is this energy-efficient Homelabs Upright Freezer. It has a capacity of 2.1 cubic feet (59 liters) and is designed to fit in any college dorm, apartment, garage, or office space, or kitchen.
While you’ll find mini freezers in a range of sizes, most of the time you find capacities close to 1 cu. ft. or 3 cu. ft. and above. This Homelabs freezer features a capacity of 2.1 cubic feet, which is a uniquely convenient mid-range size.
The thermostat knob has seven temperature settings that range from -4°F to 6.8°F (-20℃ to -14℃). 1 is the warmest setting, while 7 is the coldest. These temperatures are perfect for keeping snacks, ice cream, beverages, ice cubes, or breast milk.
The manufacturer recommends starting with the “4” setting and then adjusting to the desired setting after 24 hours.
This freezer features a manual defrost and a low energy-consuming compressor is designed to be energy efficient. Additionally, the 42-decibel operating sound is low enough to be suitable for nurseries, hospitals, and other quiet places.
The reversible swing door with a hinged cover can swing either left or right, depending on your preference. The removable slide-out wire shelf is sturdy and gives easy access.
This Homelabs freezer features a keyed door lock with two keys. The advantage of having a freezer that locks is ensuring that medicine, go-to meals, and other personal items stay put and stay at the correct temperature.
Finally, the adjustable front legs support easy leveling, including on uneven surfaces.
Pros
- Reversible door
- Removable wire shelf
- Energy-efficient
- Includes door lock
- High storage capacity
Cons
- Some users report the freezer stopped working after a while
- Quick to frost
Mini Freezer Buying Guide
What Size Mini Freezer Do I Need?
The size of a mini freezer is arguably the most important consideration. The interior volume, or total storage capacity, of a mini freezer, is measured in cubic feet. This tells you how much food a freezer will hold.
The exterior dimensions of a mini freezer are also important. The dimensions tell you if a mini freezer will fit in a given space or not. Also, don’t forget to include the space needed for the door to open completely.
As a general rule, you should plan for 1-1.5 cubic feet per person.
Upright Freezers vs. Chest Freezers
Upright freezers have a smaller footprint and are suited for more narrow spaces. Depending on the size, they might come with a single shelf or multiple shelves. You might also see small freezer drawers to keep food organized. An upright freezer will have a door that swings open.
Many feature automatic defrost technology to prevent ice buildup. But the downside is that an upright freezer won’t hold quite as much food as chest freezers due to the shelves and/or drawers cutting into the space.
Chest freezers, on the other hand, have a hinged lid that lifts open. They can hold a significant amount of food and frequently include a basket containing smaller or more commonly-used items for easy access.
Chest freezers are better for long-term storage, as opposed to everyday storage. They can keep food colder for a longer period of time, but they aren’t quite as space-efficient as upright freezers.
Why Do I Need to Leave a New Freezer to Settle?
It is very common during shipping for the oil inside of the compressor to drain into the refrigeration system. The oil won’t damage the freezer if allowed to settle. But switching on the freezer before the oil has settled could cause a blockage.
Some freezers recommend as little as one hour, others recommend quite a bit longer. The instruction manual for each freezer should include that information. If unsure, go with 4 hours to be on the safe side.
How Long Does It Take for a Mini Freezer to Get Cold?
Depending on the make and model, most freezers will be cold enough to use in 1 to 2 hours.
What Features to Look For in Mini Freezers
Temperature control on a freezer is absolutely necessary. The FDA recommends setting a freezer’s temperature to 0°F (-18°C) to prevent dangerous bacteria growth.
But you may want to adjust the temperature of the mini freezer based on what’s inside, so an adjustable temperature range is helpful.
To adjust the temperature, some freezers have a dial or switch on the exterior of the unit. This allows you to change the temperature without opening the door and releasing cold air.
Other models feature interior controls, a preferable choice for homes with children and/or pets that could accidentally change the temperature.
If you like the idea of lower energy costs and/or a smaller environmental impact, you definitely want a mini freezer with high energy efficiency. Energy Star-certified mini freezers have at least 10 percent less energy consumption than the minimum federal standards.
Other features that are nice to have include bins or baskets for easy organization and access, a door lock to prevent children or other people from accessing the inside of the freezer, and an alarm to alert you if the door has been left open too long.
Best Mini Freezer: The Final Verdict
Which of these models earns the title of the best mini freezer? My top pick would be the Koolatron Compact Chest Freezer. It’s one of the best small freezers in terms of value, capacity, and performance.
But there are several others with great reviews and reputations. Whichever model you choose, you can keep your food frozen while saving energy in the process.
