Top 10 Best 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridges

The best 1.7 cu ft mini fridge delivers efficient, compact cooling ideal for dorm rooms, offices, or cozy living spaces, ensuring your beverages and snacks stay perfectly chilled. With a wide array of models available, selecting the right one involves considering factors like energy efficiency, noise levels, and storage configuration, as a mismatch can lead to wasted energy or insufficient space. Choosing poorly means ending up with a unit that doesn’t meet your specific needs, potentially leading to frustration and a suboptimal user experience.

This guide will help you navigate the options to find the perfect compact cooling solution. Here are our top 10 picks for the best 1.7 cu ft mini fridge available in 2026.

For a best 1.7 cu ft mini fridge, consider models like the Midea MERM17B0ABB or Magic Chef 1.7-cu. ft., offering compact, efficient storage for snacks and beverages ideal for dorms or offices. The key feature to look for is an ENERGY STAR certification for energy efficiency.

The Best 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridges, Compared

Image	Product	Buy
Best Pick 1	Midea WHS-65LB1 Mini Fridge, 1.6 Cu.ft Energy Star Certified Mini Best for: Energy conscious use	Check Price
Best Pick 2	Midea MERM17B0ABB 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge, Compact Refrigerator with Best for: Standard compact fridge	Check Price
Best Pick 3	Frigidaire 1.6 cu ft Compact Mini Fridge, Perfect for Home Best for: Versatile small space	Check Price
Best Pick 4	Frigidaire EFR176 1.6 cu. ft. Retro Bar Fridge with Side Best for: Retro kitchen vibe	Check Price
Best Pick 5	Magic Chef 1.7-cu. ft. Mini Fridge in Black, Small Compact Best for: Bedroom dorm essential	Check Price

How We Picked

We evaluated numerous models to identify the best 1.7 cu ft mini fridge, focusing on criteria crucial for real-world value. Build quality and durability were paramount; we favored robust construction evident in units like those from Midea and Magic Chef. Performance, including consistent cooling and energy efficiency (Energy Star certification was a strong plus), steered our selections.

Safety features and practical standout elements, such as reversible doors and adjustable temperature controls found in EUHOMY and Antarctic Star models, were also considered. We ruled out units that appeared less substantial or lacked clear indications of longevity.

What Most Buyers Get Wrong

All Freezer or All Fridge? Know Your Needs

For a 1.7 cu. ft. unit, the distinction between an all refrigerator and one with a small freezer compartment is crucial.

If your primary goal is chilling beverages and storing snacks, an all-refrigerator model like the Magic Chef 1.7-cu. ft.

is ideal, maximizing cold storage. However, if you want the convenience of a few ice cubes or frozen treats, a unit with a micro-freezer, such as some Frigidaire or Antarctic Star models, offers that flexibility, though it reduces overall refrigerator space.

Compact Footprint, Big Placement Choices

When aiming for a 1.7 cu. ft. capacity, the physical dimensions are as critical as the volume.

These mini-fridges are designed for tight spaces. Consider where it will live: a dorm room desk, an office cubicle, or a home bar.

The Midea MERM17B0ABB and EUHOMY 1.7 Cu.Ft are noted for their space-saving designs, measuring around 17x17x19 inches. Always double-check the exact WDH against your intended spot to avoid a costly mistake.

1. Midea WHS-65LB1 Mini Fridge, 1.6 Cu.ft Energy Star Certified Mini

Best for: Ideal for garage drink chilling.

With its 1.6 cu.ft capacity and dimensions of 18.617.719.4 inches, the Midea WHS-65LB1 mini fridge offers ample space for beverages and food with a footprint that minimizes room occupation, making it suitable for garages, apartments, dorms, or kitchens.

This unit features a chiller box for further cooling and mechanical adjustable thermostats allowing temperature settings from 28.4℉ to 35.6℉. It includes one wire shelf for organizing contents and a reversible door for flexible placement.

Pros

• 1.6 cu.ft capacity for drinks and food
• Automatic defrost system
• Adjustable mechanical thermostat
• Reversible door orientation

Cons

• Internal freezer compartment may limit refrigerator space.

This Midea mini fridge is a practical choice for those needing dedicated beverage chilling in spaces like a garage or dorm room. Its efficient design ensures freshness without significant space commitment.

2. Midea MERM17B0ABB 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge, Compact Refrigerator with

Best for: Best for offices and dorm rooms needing bottle space.

The Midea MERM17B0ABB mini fridge provides 1.7 cu.ft of storage, specifically designed to accommodate a 2-liter bottle upright on its door shelf, ensuring your large beverage containers are organized and readily accessible.

This compact, freezer-less model measures 17.7″W x 17.5″D x 19.7″H and is ENERGY STAR Certified for energy efficiency. It features one adjustable shelf for customizable organization of snacks and drinks.

Pros

• Dedicated 2L bottle storage on door
• ENERGY STAR Certified for efficiency
• Compact, freezer-less design
• Reversible door for flexible placement

Cons

• Manual defrost system requires periodic user intervention.

This Midea 1.7 cu.ft refrigerator is perfect for offices or dorm rooms where keeping large drink bottles organized is a priority. Its energy-efficient operation adds to its appeal for frequent users.

3. Frigidaire 1.6 cu ft Compact Mini Fridge, Perfect for Home

Best for: Stylish dorm or office accessory.

Available in a variety of bold, glossy colors, the Frigidaire 1.6 cu ft Compact Refrigerator allows you to match your decor, enhancing the look of your dorm, kitchen, room, or workplace while providing essential chilling.

This compact, freezer-less model features manual defrost and wire shelves for organizing contents. Its reversible door can be set to open left or right, adapting to your specific room layout and needs.

Pros

• Variety of bold color options
• Reversible door for adaptable placement
• Compact design fits various spaces
• Adjustable temperature control

Cons

• Manual defrost system requires user maintenance.

For students or professionals looking to add a pop of color and function, this stylish Frigidaire compact refrigerator is an excellent choice. Its customizable door orientation ensures it fits seamlessly into any environment.

4. Frigidaire EFR176 1.6 cu. ft. Retro Bar Fridge with Side

Best for: Retro aesthetic for bedrooms and offices.

With its 1.6 cu.ft capacity and eye-catching retro design, the Frigidaire EFR176 Bar Fridge injects vintage charm into bedrooms, offices, or dorm rooms while offering ample storage for bottles, cans, and snacks.

This compact unit features three wire shelves, a separate freezer compartment, and a flush-back design for easy placement against walls. The reversible door offers flexible access depending on your room’s configuration.

Pros

• Distinctive retro design
• 1.6 cu.ft spacious storage
• Flush-back for space-saving placement
• Includes a freezer compartment

Cons

• Manual defrost system requires user attention.

This Frigidaire retro bar fridge is ideal for adding a touch of nostalgic style to a personal space like a bedroom or office. Its capacity and compact footprint make it a functional yet decorative appliance.

5. Magic Chef 1.7-cu. ft. Mini Fridge in Black, Small Compact

Best for: Energy-efficient all-refrigerator for snacks.

The Magic Chef 1.7 cu.ft Mini Fridge operates as an all-refrigerator, meaning its entire 1.7 cu.ft capacity is dedicated to keeping beverages and fresh food items perfectly chilled without occupying space with a freezer.

This compact, freezer-less model is Energy Star Qualified, ensuring efficient energy use and year-round savings. It offers adjustable temperature settings for customized cooling, and its reversible door provides flexible placement options.

Pros

• Entire capacity dedicated to refrigeration
• Energy Star Qualified for efficiency
• Adjustable temperature settings
• Reversible door design

Cons

• No freezer compartment available.

This Magic Chef all-refrigerator is perfect for individuals who prioritize maximum refrigerator space for drinks and snacks over a freezer function. Its energy efficiency makes it a cost-effective choice for apartments or dorms.

6. Midea WHD-113FSS1 Double Door Mini Fridge with Freezer for Bedroom

Best for: Double-door convenience for larger dorms.

The Midea WHD-113FSS1 Double Door Mini Fridge offers a combined 3.1 cu.ft capacity, with a dedicated 0.92 cu.ft freezer and 2.16 cu.ft refrigerator, providing ample storage for both frozen goods and fresh items in a compact footprint.

Measuring 18.5″W x 19.37″D x 32.95″H, this standalone unit features manual defrost and two wire shelves for organization in the fridge section. Mechanical adjustable thermostats control both compartments.

Pros

• Separate freezer and refrigerator compartments
• Generous 3.1 cu.ft total capacity
• Adjustable shelves for organization
• Mechanical adjustable thermostats

Cons

• Manual defrost is required for both compartments.

This Midea double-door mini fridge is an excellent option for those needing separate freezer and refrigerator space without a large appliance. It’s well-suited for larger dorm rooms or studio apartments.

7. BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator, ENERGY STAR Certified, Single

Best for: Sleek design with low energy consumption.

Operating at just 70 watts, the BLACK+DECKER 1.7 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator offers minimal energy consumption while its sleek, modern design fits seamlessly into college dorm rooms, offices, garages, or home bars.

This compact refrigerator includes a removable glass shelf to maximize storage flexibility and a full-width door bin for beverages. Its internal freezer compartment handles small frozen items, and it features manual defrost.

Pros

• Low 70-watt energy consumption
• Removable glass shelf for flexibility
• Includes internal freezer compartment
• Available in multiple finishes

Cons

• Manual defrost system requires user intervention.

The BLACK+DECKER 1.7 cu. ft. compact refrigerator is ideal for anyone seeking a stylish, low-energy appliance for personal spaces like dorms or RVs. Its efficient design provides essential cooling and a small freezer space.

8. Antarctic Star Mini Fridge with Freezer, Rated 1.6 cu.ft, Small

Best for: Variable temperature freezer and fridge.

The Antarctic Star Mini Fridge offers 7 temperature adjustment settings for the refrigerator between 32℉ and 50℉, and a dedicated mini freezer set at 19.4℉-28.4℉, ensuring optimal conditions for diverse food and beverage storage.

This compact unit measures 17.52″L x 17.13″W x 19.09″H and provides 1.6 cu.ft of cooling capacity. It features three shelves for organizing items and has a door that opens upwards for easy access.

Pros

• 7 distinct temperature settings
• Separate mini freezer function
• Compact dimensions for small spaces
• Offers storage for fruits and eggs

Cons

• Manual defrost is required for the freezer compartment.

This Antarctic Star mini fridge is perfect for individuals who require precise temperature control for both fresh and frozen items in a compact form. It’s an excellent solution for small apartments or offices.

9. Frigidaire EFR840-Cream EFR840 Retro Mini Fridge with Freezer & Side

Best for: Ample 3.2 cu.ft for drinks and snacks.

The Frigidaire EFR840 Retro Mini Fridge boasts a spacious 3.2 cu. ft. capacity, providing ample storage for all your drinks and snacks while its retro design adds character to bedrooms, offices, or dorm rooms.

This double-door unit includes a freezer-on-top configuration with two glass shelves for organized storage in the main refrigerator section. The reversible door allows for adaptable placement based on your room’s layout.

Pros

• Generous 3.2 cu.ft storage capacity
• Retro aesthetic design
• Glass shelves for easy cleaning
• Includes a freezer-on-top compartment

Cons

• Manual defrost required for both sections.

This Frigidaire retro mini fridge is ideal for those who need significant storage space for beverages and snacks combined with a stylish, vintage look. It’s a great fit for a home bar or a student’s room needing extra capacity.

10. EUHOMY 1.7 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge, Reversible Single Door Compact Refrigerator,

Best for: Ideal for apartments and dorms.

Sized at 16.9″D x 17.5″W x 19.1″H, the EUHOMY 1.7 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge is compact enough to sit on countertops or under desks, featuring a reversible door for flexible setup in apartments, dorms, and offices.

This model includes a 1.5 Cu.ft refrigeration section and a 0.2 Cu.ft compartment for vegetables and fruits, totaling 1.7 cu.ft of versatile storage. It utilizes a mechanical adjustable thermostat for temperature control.

Pros

• Compact and portable dimensions
• Reversible door for flexible installation
• Separate refrigeration and compartment sections
• Adjustable thermostat for cooling control

Cons

• Manual defrost system requires user intervention.

The EUHOMY 1.7 cu.ft mini fridge is a practical and versatile choice for smaller living spaces like apartments and dorm rooms. Its compact size and reversible door make it easy to integrate into any setup.

Capacity vs. Footprint in Mini Fridges

When selecting a best 1 7 cu ft mini fridge, the dominant factor is not aesthetic flair or even the supposed “retro charm” of models like the Frigidaire EFR176 or Frigidaire EFR840-Cream. Instead, buyers uniformly overlook the critical trade-off between utilizable internal volume and external dimensions – a difference that dictates whether the unit will truly meet your needs or merely occupy valuable floor or counter space.

The core issue lies in how manufacturers frame capacity. While many units nominally hover around 1.6 or 1.7 cubic feet, the usable storage can vary significantly. The Magic Chef 1.7-cu.

ft. Mini Fridge, for instance, is an all-refrigerator design, meaning its entire 1.7 cubic feet are dedicated to cooling perishables.

This contrasts with models that might include a nominal freezer compartment, as seen in the Midea WHD-113FSS1 (though this is a significantly larger 3.1 cu.ft. unit, it illustrates the point), where a portion of the advertised volume is consumed by the ice-making element, effectively reducing the fresh food storage. For those prioritizing chilling beverages or keeping snacks cool, a true all-refrigerator design maximizes utility within a compact frame.

Consider the external dimensions closely. The Midea WHS-65LB1 measures 18.617.719.4 inches with a 1.6 cu.ft. capacity, offering a fairly standard footprint.

However, compare this to the EUHOMY 1.7 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge, which boasts dimensions of 16.9D x 17.5W x 19.1H. While both specify capacities close to 1.7 cu.

ft., slight variations in internal component placement and insulation thickness mean the EUHOMY unit, despite a minuscule difference in advertised capacity, is notably more compact externally. This is crucial for tight spaces, where an extra inch in width or depth can be the difference between a perfect fit and an unusable appliance.

Furthermore, internal configuration, though not always explicitly detailed, plays a role. Features like crisper drawers or adjustable shelving, while desirable, can impact overall efficiency and cooling performance. The Antarctic Star Mini Fridge with Freezer, offering 7 temperature adjustments, hints at a more sophisticated internal cooling system, but its actual usable space and the proportion dedicated to its freezer component remain key.

Buyers focusing solely on a number like 1.7 cu. ft.

miss the crucial practicalities of shelf arrangement and the actual space available for items beyond a few cans.

Ultimately, the Midea MERM17B0ABB 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge, with its focus on efficient storage within its stated capacity and compact form factor, represents a strong choice for anyone prioritizing usable space over stylistic embellishments, provided they understand that its entire volume is dedicated to refrigeration.

How to Choose the Best 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge

Cooling performance and temperature control

For optimal cooling, prioritize compressor-based mini fridges over thermoelectric models; compressor systems provide superior temperature consistency, crucial for keeping perishables safe and drinks perfectly chilled. Look for models with manual adjustable thermostats offering at least three distinct settings – low, medium, and high. Frost-free operation is a non-negotiable feature for convenience, eliminating manual defrosting.

A clear indicator of quality is a consistent temperature range between 35-40°F in the main compartment. Choose a compressor model with a straightforward adjustable dial for reliable performance.

Interior layout and features

Maximize your 1.7 cu ft space with smart interior design. Opt for adjustable, spill-proof glass shelves that let you customize storage for taller items like bottles or larger containers. Door bins should be deep enough to securely hold at least gallon jugs if that’s a priority, with clear labeling or separation for smaller items.

Skip models without crisper drawers; even a small one significantly extends the life of produce. A bright, energy-efficient LED interior light is essential for easy visibility.

Select a fridge with at least two adjustable shelves and a dedicated door bin for bottles.

Energy efficiency and noise levels

When selecting a 1.7 cu ft mini fridge, prioritize energy efficiency and quiet operation. Look for an ENERGY STAR certified model; these units consume significantly less electricity, saving you money on your utility bills. A low estimated annual energy consumption, typically under 150 kWh, signals responsible power usage.

For noise-sensitive environments like bedrooms or offices, a decibel (dB) rating below 40 dB is ideal, approaching the sound of a quiet library. Compressor sound is unavoidable, but models designed for low vibration and quiet operation are best.

Choose an ENERGY STAR unit with a stated dB rating below 40.

Design and aesthetics

Your mini fridge’s appearance and placement are key. Select a finish that complements your existing decor – stainless steel offers a modern look, while classic black or white provides versatility. A reversible door hinge is a practical feature, allowing you to tailor the door swing to your room’s layout for seamless access.

Ensure the compact dimensions fit your intended space precisely, measuring the exact height, width, and depth needed. For a clean aesthetic, opt for a unit with an integrated or recessed handle rather than a protruding one.

Choose a model offering your preferred finish and a reversible door.

Which Should You Choose?

• If you need a fridge with a dedicated freezer compartment, look for a double-door model.
• If style is your top priority, consider a fridge with a retro design or a variety of color options.
• If you’re tight on space and want maximum cooling for food and drinks, opt for an all-refrigerator design with a reversible door.
• If energy efficiency is important and you need a basic, compact cooler, choose an Energy Star certified model.

Quick Best 1 7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge Buying Checklist

• Capacity Check Ensure the 1.7 cu ft size meets your storage needs for drinks, snacks, or medications.
• Energy Star Rating Look for models with an ENERGY STAR certification to save on electricity costs.
• Adjustable Shelving Verify that shelves can be reconfigured to accommodate various container sizes.
• Reversible Door Confirm the door can be reversed to suit your kitchen layout and accessibility.
• Noise Level Check the decibel rating if placement is in a living area or bedroom.
• Defrost Type Opt for frost-free models to avoid manual defrosting and maintain consistent cooling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Typical Interior Dimensions For A 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge?

The interior dimensions vary, but a 1.7 cu ft mini fridge generally offers around 1.5 to 1.7 cubic feet of usable space. This is typically sufficient for holding a dozen 12-ounce cans or a few taller bottles along with smaller items.

How Much Energy Does A 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge Typically Consume?

Energy consumption varies by model and efficiency rating. ENERGY STAR certified units are more efficient, often consuming between 0.4 to 0.7 kWh per day. Look for the specific kWh/year rating on the appliance label for precise figures.

Are 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridges Generally Noisy?

Noise levels in 1.7 cu ft mini fridges range from around 35 to 45 decibels, comparable to a quiet library. Newer compressor models are often designed for quieter operation, making them suitable for bedrooms or offices.

Can A 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge Store Frozen Items?

Most standard 1.7 cu ft mini fridges feature a small, internal freezer compartment designed for chilling items or short-term freezing. However, these are not typically powerful enough for long-term storage of frozen foods like a dedicated freezer.

What Is The Average External Size Of A 1.7 Cu Ft Mini Fridge?

External dimensions for a 1.7 cu ft mini fridge usually fall around 17-20 inches in width, 19-22 inches in depth, and 20-24 inches in height. Always check the specific product dimensions to ensure it fits your intended space.

Final Words

Investing in the best 1.7 cu ft mini fridge offers a convenient and space-saving solution for keeping beverages and snacks cool. Its compact design and efficient cooling make it ideal for dorm rooms, offices, or as extra kitchen storage. Upgrade your space with a reliable mini fridge today and enjoy instant access to refreshments.