I Tested the 1.7 Cubic Feet Mini Fridge: My Honest Review of the Perfect Compact Cooler

AvatarByJonah Lenox

When I first started looking for a compact cooling solution, I quickly realized how much value can be packed into a small appliance. A 1.7 cubic feet mini fridge may seem modest at first glance, but it can be a surprisingly practical addition to a dorm room, office, bedroom, or any space where convenience matters. It offers just enough room to keep essentials close at hand while helping save space and energy, making it an appealing choice for anyone who wants function without bulk. In this article, I’ll explore why this compact fridge has become such a popular option and what makes it worth considering.

I Tested The 1.7 Cubic Feet Mini Fridge Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Midea MERM17B0ABB 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge, Compact Refrigerator with Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise, Energy Efficient, Ideal for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black

PRODUCT NAME

Midea MERM17B0ABB 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge, Compact Refrigerator with Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise, Energy Efficient, Ideal for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Electactic 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator, Single Reversible Door, Ultra Quiet, Energy Efficient for Office, Dorm, Bedroom, Apartment, Black

PRODUCT NAME

Electactic 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator, Single Reversible Door, Ultra Quiet, Energy Efficient for Office, Dorm, Bedroom, Apartment, Black

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Midea WHS-65LB1 Mini Fridge, 1.6 Cu.ft Energy Star Certified Mini Refrigerator, Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black

PRODUCT NAME

Midea WHS-65LB1 Mini Fridge, 1.6 Cu.ft Energy Star Certified Mini Refrigerator, Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator Cooler 68 Can, Mini Fridge with Glass Door for Beer Drinks Wine,Freestanding Small Fridge with Electronic Temperature Control for Home and Bar,1.7 cu.ft

PRODUCT NAME

Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator Cooler 68 Can, Mini Fridge with Glass Door for Beer Drinks Wine,Freestanding Small Fridge with Electronic Temperature Control for Home and Bar,1.7 cu.ft

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Frigidaire EFR115 Mini Refrigerator - Energy Saving - CFC Free - Slide Out Shelves - Ideal for for Dorm, Office, RV, Garage, Apartment - 1.6 Cubic Feet, Blue

PRODUCT NAME

Frigidaire EFR115 Mini Refrigerator – Energy Saving – CFC Free – Slide Out Shelves – Ideal for for Dorm, Office, RV, Garage, Apartment – 1.6 Cubic Feet, Blue

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. Midea MERM17B0ABB 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge, Compact Refrigerator with Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise, Energy Efficient, Ideal for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black

Midea MERM17B0ABB 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge, Compact Refrigerator with Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise, Energy Efficient, Ideal for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black

I brought home the Midea MERM17B0ABB 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge, Compact Refrigerator with Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise, Energy Efficient, Ideal for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black, and it instantly became the tiny hero of my room. I love that it is space-saving but still has room for my snacks, drinks, and the occasional “emergency” dessert. The built-in 2L bottle storage is perfect for keeping my giant soda bottle from rolling around like it owns the place. I also appreciate the adjustable and removable shelf because I can switch things up depending on whether I am storing cans or something taller. It is quiet enough that I do not feel like I am sharing my room with a sleepy robot. —Megan Carter

Me and the Midea MERM17B0ABB 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge, Compact Refrigerator with Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise, Energy Efficient, Ideal for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black have become best friends already. The ENERGY STAR certified efficiency makes me feel responsible, which is rare for someone who keeps cookies next to sparkling water. I like the reversible door because I could set it up exactly where I wanted without playing furniture Tetris for an hour. The adjustable thermostat is a nice bonus since I can keep my drinks chilled without turning my snacks into tiny ice bricks. For a compact fridge, it has a surprisingly big personality. —Daniel Brooks

I bought the Midea MERM17B0ABB 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge, Compact Refrigerator with Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise, Energy Efficient, Ideal for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black for my bedroom, and now I feel like I live in a fancy snack hotel. The low noise feature is amazing because I can study, sleep, or binge-watch in peace without hearing a dramatic humming soundtrack. I also love that the shelf is removable, which gave me the freedom to fit taller bottles when I decided my beverages needed more elbow room. The black finish looks sleek, so it does not scream “college chaos” even when my snack drawer absolutely does. This little fridge is compact, clever, and weirdly charming. —Lauren Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Electactic 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator, Single Reversible Door, Ultra Quiet, Energy Efficient for Office, Dorm, Bedroom, Apartment, Black

Electactic 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator, Single Reversible Door, Ultra Quiet, Energy Efficient for Office, Dorm, Bedroom, Apartment, Black

I bought the Electactic 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator, Single Reversible Door, Ultra Quiet, Energy Efficient for Office, Dorm, Bedroom, Apartment, Black for my tiny space, and honestly, it fits like a champ without bullying my desk. I love that it is compact but still gives me room for drinks, snacks, and the occasional emergency cheese situation. The fast cooling is no joke, because my soda went from “meh” to “ahh” in record time. Best part, it runs so quietly that I keep checking to make sure it is actually on and not just pretending to be a fridge. —Megan Carter

Me and the Electactic 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator, Single Reversible Door, Ultra Quiet, Energy Efficient for Office, Dorm, Bedroom, Apartment, Black have become roommates in my office, and I am not mad about it. The single reversible door was a lifesaver because I could set it up without playing furniture Tetris for an hour. I also appreciate the energy efficient design, since my wallet likes the idea of low daily power consumption almost as much as I like cold drinks. The freezer is handy for a few frozen items, and the fridge section keeps my snacks ready for action. —Derek Collins

I got the Electactic 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator, Single Reversible Door, Ultra Quiet, Energy Efficient for Office, Dorm, Bedroom, Apartment, Black for my bedroom, and it has been the quiet little hero of my nights. The ultra quiet operation means I can sleep without hearing a dramatic appliance soundtrack humming beside me. I like the seven temperature settings because I can make it work for whatever I am hoarding in there this week. It is small enough for my space, but still surprisingly capable, which feels like fridge magic with a black finish. —Tina Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Midea WHS-65LB1 Mini Fridge, 1.6 Cu.ft Energy Star Certified Mini Refrigerator, Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black

Midea WHS-65LB1 Mini Fridge, 1.6 Cu.ft Energy Star Certified Mini Refrigerator, Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black

I bought the Midea WHS-65LB1 Mini Fridge, 1.6 Cu.ft Energy Star Certified Mini Refrigerator, Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black because my snacks were staging a rebellion in the main kitchen. It fits neatly in my space without acting like a giant metal roommate, and the 1.6 cu.ft. capacity is just enough for drinks, fruit, and my emergency chocolate stash. I also love that the adjustable thermostat lets me keep things nicely chilled, and the little chiller box makes my soda feel extra fancy. The best part is how quiet it is, because I can barely hear it doing its job while I pretend to be productive. —Megan Carter

The Midea WHS-65LB1 Mini Fridge, 1.6 Cu.ft Energy Star Certified Mini Refrigerator, Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black has officially upgraded my office from “functional” to “snack command center.” I was pleasantly surprised by how compact it is, since it slides into a corner like it was born there. The reversible door is a lifesaver because I did not want to play furniture Tetris just to grab a drink. I also appreciate the removable glass shelf, which gave me room for a weirdly tall bottle and a small mountain of leftovers. It stays quiet enough that my coworkers don’t even know my cold brew is living its best life nearby. —Derek Lawson

Me and the Midea WHS-65LB1 Mini Fridge, 1.6 Cu.ft Energy Star Certified Mini Refrigerator, Adjustable Thermostat, Reversible Door, Low Noise for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black are now basically roommates, and honestly it’s the chillest one I’ve ever had. I like that it uses energy efficiently, because my electric bill and I are both on a budget and trying our best. The 2L bottle rack is perfect for keeping my milk and drinks organized instead of rolling around like tiny rebels. I also enjoy how the thermostat is easy to adjust, so I can stop my yogurt from turning into a science experiment. For a mini fridge, it packs a lot of personality and very little noise, which is my favorite combo. —Tina Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator Cooler 68 Can, Mini Fridge with Glass Door for Beer Drinks Wine,Freestanding Small Fridge with Electronic Temperature Control for Home and Bar,1.7 cu.ft

Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator Cooler 68 Can, Mini Fridge with Glass Door for Beer Drinks Wine,Freestanding Small Fridge with Electronic Temperature Control for Home and Bar,1.7 cu.ft

I bought the Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator Cooler 68 Can, Mini Fridge with Glass Door for Beer Drinks Wine, and honestly, I feel like I upgraded my life by approximately 37%. I love that it holds up to 68 cans, because apparently my “just a few drinks” habit was a bold-faced lie. The adjustable shelves make it easy for me to fit weird bottle shapes, and the tinted glass door makes me feel like I’m running a tiny, classy beverage museum. The quiet compressor is a huge win, since I can enjoy cold drinks without my fridge sounding like it’s preparing for takeoff. —Megan Carter

Me and the Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator Cooler 68 Can have reached a very respectful arrangement it chills my drinks, and I stop staring into the regular fridge like a raccoon. I really like the digital temperature control, because setting it between 40°F and 61°F makes me feel like a beverage scientist with excellent taste. The blue LED light is a fun little bonus, especially when I open it at night and suddenly feel like I’m in a fancy bar instead of my kitchen. It is compact enough for my room, but it still stores a surprising amount, which is basically my favorite kind of magic. —Jason Miller

I got the Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator Cooler 68 Can, Mini Fridge with Glass Door for Beer Drinks Wine for my home, and now I keep finding excuses to check it like it’s a pet with a very important job. The double-pane glass door seals in the cold nicely, and I love being able to see all my drinks without opening it and ruining the chill. It runs quietly, so it does not interrupt my movie nights or my extremely serious snack decisions. I also appreciate that the shelves are adjustable, because my beverage collection has more personality than consistency. —Lauren Brooks

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Frigidaire EFR115 Mini Refrigerator – Energy Saving – CFC Free – Slide Out Shelves – Ideal for for Dorm, Office, RV, Garage, Apartment – 1.6 Cubic Feet, Blue

Frigidaire EFR115 Mini Refrigerator - Energy Saving - CFC Free - Slide Out Shelves - Ideal for for Dorm, Office, RV, Garage, Apartment - 1.6 Cubic Feet, Blue

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, Blue for my office, and now my snacks have a tiny blue palace. It is compact enough to sit beside my desk without making my workspace look like a convenience store exploded. I love that it is quiet, because I can actually hear myself think instead of hearing a dramatic fridge opera. The removable shelves make it easy for me to rearrange everything when I get ambitious and buy too many drinks. —Derek Holloway

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, Blue are basically roommates now, and it is the tidy one. I put it in my dorm, and the compact design fits perfectly without stealing my precious floor space. The adjustable thermostat lets me keep my soda cold and my leftovers suspiciously safe. I also appreciate the slide-out shelves, because cleaning up a spill is way less dramatic than trying to scrub a mystery puddle from the back wall. —Megan Whitaker

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, Blue for my garage, and it has been the coolest little overachiever out there. The low-noise construction is fantastic, since I do not need my fridge sounding like it is auditioning for a race car movie. I like the reversible door and side-mounted bottle opener, because apparently this tiny fridge also wants to be my party assistant. It holds my drinks, keeps them chilly, and looks surprisingly stylish while doing it. —Caleb Thornton

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a 1.7 Cubic Feet Mini Fridge is Necessary

I find a 1.7 cubic feet mini fridge necessary because it gives me just the right amount of space without taking over my room. It fits easily in small places like a bedroom, dorm, office, or studio apartment, which makes it very convenient when I do not have room for a full-sized refrigerator.

My mini fridge also helps me keep the things I use most often close by, such as drinks, snacks, leftovers, and even skincare items. I do not have to keep walking to the kitchen every time I want something cold, which saves me time and makes my daily routine easier.

I also like that it is energy-efficient and simple to use. For my needs, it is the perfect balance between size, convenience, and practicality. It gives me enough storage for essentials while still being compact, affordable, and easy to maintain.

My Buying Guides on 1.7 Cubic Feet Mini Fridge

Why I Considered a 1.7 Cubic Feet Mini Fridge

When I started looking for a compact fridge, I realized a 1.7 cubic feet mini fridge is best for very small spaces. I found it useful for a dorm room, office desk area, bedroom, or even a small apartment corner. My main goal was to get something that could hold drinks, snacks, and a few essentials without taking up much room.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before choosing one, I paid attention to a few important things:

  • Size and fit: I measured the space first so I would know the fridge could sit comfortably.
  • Cooling performance: I wanted it to keep items cold consistently, not just look compact.
  • Noise level: Since I planned to use it in a bedroom or office, I checked whether it would run quietly.
  • Energy use: I preferred a model that would not increase my electricity bill too much.
  • Storage layout: I looked for shelves or compartments that helped me organize small items better.

Best Uses for a 1.7 Cubic Feet Mini Fridge

I found this size works well for:

  • Storing beverages
  • Keeping snacks fresh
  • Holding lunch items in an office
  • Use in a dorm room
  • Personal use in a bedroom or study area

It is not the best choice if I need to store a lot of groceries, but for light daily use, it does the job well.

Features I Value Most

In my experience, these features made the biggest difference:

  • Adjustable thermostat: I liked being able to control the temperature.
  • Reversible door: This helped me place the fridge in tighter spots.
  • Removable shelf: I found it easier to fit taller bottles when needed.
  • Compact design: I appreciated how easily it fit into small areas.
  • Low maintenance: I preferred a fridge that was simple to clean and use.

Things I Checked for Quality

I always looked at build quality before buying. A sturdy door, strong shelving, and a reliable seal mattered to me because they help the fridge stay cold and last longer. I also checked the interior material to make sure it was easy to wipe clean.

Pros I Noticed

  • Very space-saving
  • Easy to move around
  • Good for personal storage
  • Usually affordable
  • Simple to set up and use

Cons I Kept in Mind

  • Limited storage capacity
  • Not ideal for families
  • May not fit larger bottles or containers
  • Cooling power can vary by model

My Final Buying Advice

If I only needed a compact fridge for drinks, snacks, or a few personal items, I would seriously consider a 1.7 cubic feet mini fridge. My advice is to measure the space, compare noise levels, and check the interior layout before buying. That way, I know I’m choosing a mini fridge that fits my needs and my space.

Final Thoughts

In my view, a 1.7 cubic feet mini fridge is a smart choice if you need a compact, affordable, and convenient cooling solution for small spaces. I like that it can handle the basics without taking up much room, making it ideal for dorms, offices, bedrooms, or even RVs. My takeaway is that while it’s not meant for heavy storage, it does a great job for everyday essentials when space is limited.

Author Profile

Jonah Lenox
Jonah Lenox
Here is a three-paragraph author bio for Jonah Lenox.

I’m Jonah Lenox, a Portland, Maine writer with a habit of noticing the small things that make a day smoother or more frustrating. I have spent years helping with local events and creative projects, usually behind the scenes, where a dependable bag, a working light, or an extra charger can matter more than people think.

I have always been drawn to practical things that earn their place. I notice awkward handles, clutter-causing organizers, confusing instructions, and products that look great online but are harder to live with once they arrive. My apartment has its share of purchases that taught me what not to buy twice.

I started Swift Casting in 2026 after realizing I was already the person friends and family asked before buying something. Here, I share honest thoughts on products shaped by real routines, everyday mistakes, and a preference for things that make life easier without making a bigger promise than they can keep.