Retro Mini Fridges (Unbiased Reviews)
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Authors: The Crib Supreme Team
The Best Retro/Vintage Mini Fridges of 2023
A retro mini fridge is an appliance that is both practical and decorative. Whether your goal is to use it in a home bar or in your bedroom, a vintage/unique mini fridge is a worthwhile investment. Fortunately, there are numerous models on today’s market from which to choose, from classic Frigidaire retro models to vintage Coca-Cola mini fridges that remind you of the good old days.
Below you can find some of the most popular models on today’s market and what each one has to offer:
Our Quick List
Scroll down for full reviews or click on a product’s name
EDITOR’S PICK
KUPPET Red Retro Mini Refrigerator
Capacity: 3.2 ft3
Weight: 52.8 lb
Size: 19.1″ x 21.9″ x 33.5″
BEST VALUE
Frigidaire Retro Bar Fridge
Capacity: 3.2 ft3
Weight: 52 lb
Size: 19″ x 16.5″ x 31″
Colors: Red, Black, Blue, White, Pink, Coral
POPULAR MODEL
Galanz Retro Mini Fridge
Capacity: 4.4 ft3
Weight: 62.2 lb
Size: 24.3″ x 21.7″ x 35.4″
Colors: Blue, Green, Red, Black
Capacity: 3.2 ft3
Weight: 44.1 lb
Size: 33 x 20″ x 19″
Colors: Red, Black
ERASE BOARD
Frigidaire Erase Board Retro Mini Fridge
Capacity: 3.2 ft3
Weight: 51 lb
Size: 17.5″ x 19.1″ x 31.2″
Capacity: 4.4 ft3
Weight: 66.1 lb
Size: 23.8″ x 20.5″ x 37.8″
Colors: Red, Mint, White, Blue, Beige
Full Reviews
Here are our full reviews of the most popular and top rated retro mini fridges currently on the market.
KUPPET Retro Mini Refrigerator (Editor’s Pick)
Measuring 3.2 cubic feet, the KUPPET Retro Mini Refrigerator is a top-freezer model, which means it offers a true separate freezer where ice or other items can be kept frozen. Both compartments have a settings dial and efficiently chill and freeze various foods and beverages. Featuring a red finish and silver metallic lettering, it looks like a vintage item at first glance. This attractive model also comes with door racks, sliding shelves, and a produce drawer at the bottom.
PROS
- Well designed to offer the most space possible
- Freezer top model
- Has removable shelves
- Features an attractive red finish
CONS
- A bit difficult to attach the handles
- Not as quiet as advertised
VERDICT
This model holds quite a bit for its size and runs well. If you are looking for a bold, flashy vintage mini fridge with a freezer, you will likely be very pleased with this practical and decorative model.
Frigidaire Retro Bar Fridge (Best Value)
This attractive 3.2 cubic foot Frigidaire Retro Bar Fridge is the perfect model if you want to keep your favorite beverages cool and easily open them as soon as they are removed from the fridge. This mini fridge features a beautiful blue finish with silver, vintage lettering and decorative accent “wings” on the bottom. It also comes with a very practical bottle opener, which is installed on its left-hand side.
The Frigidaire retro bar fridge opens to the right and comes with a built in ice cube chamber at the top. Also included are two adjustable, spill proof, slide out glass shelves that let you personalize your food storage. The inner door of this model has four different racks for storing various beverages, and an ice cube tray is included.
PROS
- Comes with built in bottle opener
- Complimentary ice cube tray included
- Shelves and racks can be adjusted
- Flush-back design fits well in offices and dorms
CONS
- Hums rather loudly when first plugged in
- If kept on highest setting, some foods may freeze
VERDICT
If you are looking for a classic, vintage mini fridge with convenient features such as an ice chamber, built in bottle opener, and adjustable racks and shelves, you will not be disappointed with this Frigidaire model.
Magic Chef Retro Mini Refrigerator
The Magic Chef retro-style, two-door compact fridge in black is guaranteed to make a statement in your office, home, or dorm room. Its spacious, 3.2 cubic foot capacity lets you to store a generous amount of your favorite snacks and beverages. This model features an adjustable glass shelf for easy cleanup and organization. It also comes with a crisper drawer for vegetables and fruits, as well as a built in can holder on the interior door. This mini fridge also has LED interior lighting for excellent viewing.
Its contoured, retro styled doors give it a nostalgic flair, and it opens to the right. There is a separate freezer for making ice and storing frozen foods, and although it is not frost free, defrosting the unit manually is quick and easy. This model is available with a shiny red finish. The Magic Chef Retro Mini Fridge comes with a one-year warranty on parts and labor, and a five year warranty on the unit’s compressor.
PROS
- Spacious
- Attractive appearance
- Has a separate freezer area
- Features LED interior lighting
- Comes with warranties
- Has a crisper drawer
CONS
- A bit on the expensive side
- Runs noisy
VERDICT
Although small, this actually is a spacious retro fridge with great features. Covered by warranty and built to last, this model is a solid choice.
Galanz Retro Mini Fridge (Popular Model)
This Galanz retro mini fridge offers 4.4 ft3 of storage space for beverages and food. This is a quality item made from durable metal; no plastic. Its sleek red appearance and silver trim make it an attractive model as well. Its magnetic door opens to the right, and the handle is also made from sturdy metal.
This appliance has three spacious door racks, three shelves and a produce drawer. If your goal is to keep your snacks and beverages organized and handy, you will likely be quite pleased with this unique Galanz mini fridge. It also features an easy-to-operate temperature dial and four stabilizing legs.
PROS
- A sturdy and spacious model
- Design makes it easy to organize foods and beverages
- Made entirely from durable metal
- Sleek, attractive appearance
- Features stabilizing legs
CONS
- Rounded top may makes it difficult to store in certain areas
VERDICT
The sleek, bold-colored retro fridge is spacious and attractive, and features a practical, easy-to-use design. This model is a solid choice if you are looking for a durable, aesthetically appealing retro mini fridge.
Bossin Classic 2 Door Retro Mini Fridge with Freezer
The Bossin 3.2 ft3 compact mini fridge has a chiller and freezer compartment, and is perfect for a bedroom, dorm, office, garage, apartment, or anywhere a quick and convenient snack or drink is needed. Its stylish two door design and shiny red finish make it a great addition to any decor. The 3.2 ft3 capacity divides into freezer and refrigerator zones, allowing you to keep frozen or fresh foods, as well as chilled beverages.
It features adjustable temperature control, which can be set at seven different positions. This model also has a crisper drawer so that you can keep fruits and vegetables as fresh as possible. It has a bonus ice tray and shovel as well.The Bossin compact refrigerator comes with three detachable glass shelves, and you have your choice of several different heights at which they can be attached. This allows you to create your favorite combination depending on the size of the snacks and beverages you wish to store. Seller offers 12 month, worry free service so that you can contact someone with your questions or problems for up to one year after purchasing the Bossin mini fridge.
PROS
- Attractive appearance
- Removable racks
- Features a crisper drawer
- Comes with ice tray and shovel
- Plenty of room for soft drinks and snacks
- Easy-to-assemble latches
- Color very accurate when compared to picture
CONS
- If the temperature is set too high in the refrigerator section, liquids may begin to freeze. Therefore, it’s best to start out at the lowest setting and slowly increase until the ideal temperature is found.
- A bit costly
VERDICT
If you are looking for an attractive, classy mini retro fridge with lots of versatility regarding temperature and configuration, this Bossin model will get the job done.
Frigidaire Erase Board Retro Mini Fridge
This sleek, black retro mini fridge by Frigidaire offers 3.2 cubic feet of storage space and a full width freezer compartment. It has an easy to use, adjustable thermostat, as well as an ice cube tray. It also has two door shelves that can hold two tall bottles and 12 cans.
This unique mini fridge also offers an erase board on the surface of its door, and comes with four neon, erasable markers. Another interesting feature of this model is its reversible door, which accommodates right or left-handed users. It also boasts adjustable leveling legs to help keep the unit stable on uneven floors. This model is a very practical choice.
PROS
- Has built in eraser board on front exterior panel and comes with four free markers
- Features a reversible door
- Can store 12 cans and two tall bottles on inner door racks
- Has stabilizing legs
- Runs quietly
CONS
- When the inner door is fully stocked with beverages, cans and bottles may touch and dent food stored in the refrigerator compartment
VERDICT
This quiet running, eraser board vintage mini fridge is ideal if you want to store a significant number of beverages. Its sleek appearance ensures it will add a decorative touch wherever it is placed, and the reversible door makes it highly practical. Ultimately, this unique and interesting mini fridge is a solid choice with terrific extra features.
Nostalgia Coca-Cola Series Mini Fridge
The Nostalgia Coca-Cola Series is a 3.2 cubic feet, sturdy unit that boasts a surprisingly spacious interior considering its compact size. This fun, retro model has a freezer compartment and a simple dial control to keep beverages and food chilled and on hand.
This appliance also comes with two slide-out glass shelves, space on the door for a two-liter bottle, and a built-in can dispenser on the door’s interior. This mini fridge is Coca-Cola red, and is outfitted with the classic designs you know and love, such as the “Enjoy That Refreshing New Feeling” logo. It adds the perfect touch of functionality and nostalgia to your home, office, dorm, family room, or home bar. It also has two leveling legs and a unique reversible door.
PROS
- Classic old-time Coca-Cola design–Great decorative piece
- Built to last
- Has unique reversible door
- Features built in can dispenser
- Spacious
- Comes with two leveling legs
CONS
- Expensive
- Runs slightly noisy
VERDICT
If you like Coca-Cola memorabilia, this classic retro fridge is a must-have. A sturdy, decorative and spacious mini refrigerator, this model is sure to please.
Koolatron Retro Personal Cooler – 6 Cans (Smallest & Cheapest)
This tiny fridge holds up to six beverage cans and is perfect for storing drinks or sandwiches at the appropriate temperature no matter where you are. Measuring a compact 6.80 x 7.00 x 10.00 inches, this model is ideal for keeping lunch cold at work or beverages chilled in your family room or on your bedroom nightstand. It is also a great item for a home bar or recreational room, as its beautiful pink finish and silver metallic lettering give it a nostalgic, whimsical appearance. This model opens to the right and is also available in pink, blue or black.
PROS
- Very lightweight and easy to transport
- Comes in multiple colors
- Easily fits on your desktop at work
- Has an attractive appearance
- Very affordable price
CONS
- Makes a humming noise that may be annoying to certain consumers
- Frost may build up in the ice chamber
VERDICT
Easily portable and aesthetically appealing, the Koolatron Retro Personal Cooler is a terrific choice if you are looking for a very compact, well-functioning mini fridge.
Cooluli Coca-Cola Americana Retro Mini Fridge
This mini fridge is great for desktop use if you are interested in Coca-Cola memorabilia and need one for your home or office. The Cooluli Coca-Cola Retro model also doubles as a warmer to keep food hot at the office, in dorms, or on road trips.
This model features the Americana decorations created when the soft drink was originally invented, such as the red white and blue Stars & Stripes design and the classic “I Choose Coke, Delicious and Refreshing” logo, complete with the hat-wearing Coke mascot. This mini fridge is large enough for 12 cans and comes with a portable AC/DC power cord.
The unique semi-conductor operation is based on advanced technology and is ultra quiet and energy-efficient. This product is offered with exceptional customer support, as well as a one year warranty. The Cooluli weighs only 7.9 pounds and comes with a top handle for easy transportation.
PROS
- Features classic Americana Coke designs and logo
- Small enough to take essentially anywhere
- Cools and heats beverages and food
- Holds up to 12 cans
- Backed by a one-year warranty
- Runs quietly
CONS
- Very compact, so may not be large enough for some customers
- Handle may become loose over time. To prevent this, support the bottom when carrying this unit.
VERDICT
A must for any fan of vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia. This appliance is an attractive, solidly built choice and is the best option if you searching for a model that keeps beverages and food either hot or cold.
Daewoo Retro Compact Refrigerator
This freestanding 4.4 cubic foot, red (other colors available as well) retro fridge is perfect for any compact area. It has a fresh food sliding drawer, LED lighting, glass shelves and a two liter bottle rack. A frost free, certified Energy Star model, this mini fridge features retro metal decorations and is also available in white, blue, beige or red.
This Daewoo model also has an open design, and therefore you have the option of removing the bottom drawer and bottle racks or leaving them in place, depending on how you want to arrange your items. This unit freezes ice in the cooler box as well, which many customers find handy. The drawers and shelves are exceptionally sturdy, and the the color-fast outer finish appears to offer great longevity. This model opens to the right.
PROS
- Sturdy appliance built to last
- Frost free
- Freezes ice in cooler box
- Has removable racks and drawers
- Comes in multiple colors
CONS
- May make a rattling noise, but if positioned perfectly level this should go away
VERDICT
A great, sturdy appliance, the Daewoo mini fridge is a top choice if you are looking for an attractive and dependable retro style compact fridge.
FAQ
The short answer is yes, provided it stands upright for the same period of time prior to plugging it in. If it was on its side for a day or more, allow it to stand for 24 hours before connecting it to the electrical source. If it was only on its side for a few minutes, several minutes of stand time before use should be sufficient.
There’s no reason you cannot place your mini fridge on carpet. Many consumers keep theirs in a student dorm room or bedroom.
If the mini fridge is still in good working order, an easy place to drop it off is at Goodwill. You may also consider selling it if you could use some extra cash. One Easy Way to make it disappear within 24 hours is to place it at the curb with a “FREE” sign on it.
You could also call 1-800-GOTJUNK to have picked up. Additionally, sometimes utility companies and appliance stores have programs to remove and discard your old refrigerator safely. There will also take care of clearing out the refrigerant from the unit.
Buyer’s guide
You may find yourself a bit overwhelmed when reviewing the many choices you have when shopping for a retro mini fridge. Hopefully, our above list and the tips outlined below will help make the selection process a bit easier:
Choose the Appropriate Size
One of the first things you must take into consideration is the size of the unit you plan to buy. It does little or no good to find the best aesthetically appealing mini fridge, but cannot hold the amount of beverages or snacks for which it is being purchased. Therefore, give significant thought to the amount of food or drinks you want to store, and make sure the unit you select has the appropriate space for what you have in mind.
Consider all the Features
Take note of the features associated with the different mini fridges you are considering. If you plan on using bottles that require an opener, a fridge that has such a device attached to it is an excellent, convenient choice. Similarly, you may prefer a model that has a crisper drawer or one that is frost free. If making ice is important, consider only models that efficiently freeze ice cubes. If you are primarily purchasing your retro mini fridge for decorative purposes, such as to use in a home bar, consider the decor in the area where it will be placed and choose one that blends well with that type of interior design.
How the Mini Fridge Will be Used
If you are planning to take your retro mini fridge on vacations or similar trips, it is best to choose one that is known for its durability, as such items can take quite a beating when transported on a continuous basis. The same is true if you plan to take the mini fridge to and from work each day.
Cost Considerations
Naturally, you must also give thought to your budget when selecting a retro mini fridge. Models with patented trademark logos–such as those seen with the Coca-Cola mini fridges–are bound to be costlier than standard retro models. Additionally, bigger units are typically priced higher than smaller fridges. Also remember that the most expensive unit is not necessarily the best. Sometimes modestly priced models work just as well as those in the higher price range. However, it is also unwise to purchase a specific fridge simply because it is cheap, as it may not last as long as those with higher price tags. Ultimately, try to choose a retro mini fridge that has the features and the appearance you prefer for the most reasonable price and you will likely be very happy with your purchase.
Authors
This article is a joint effort of the CS team. We combine our individual experience to make sure all site visitors receive only high quality information about the items in which they are interested.
Lex P.
Jesse B.
Jacob P.
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