It can be a challenge to stay hydrated and satiated in the middle of an intense gaming session. But you don’t want to leave the gaming room – lest it takes you away from the immersion or foils your winning strategy. This is why it pays to have a gaming mini fridge at arm’s length so you can reach out for your favorite chilled beverages and get back to gaming – all in the span of a few seconds.
But first – is there such a thing as a gaming mini fridge? Or is it just a marketing buzzword? Not all manufacturers create mini fridges for gamers specifically, but their feature set makes the product excellent for use with gamers.
For example, gaming mini fridges can be used as a storage facility for drinks and meals, allowing gamers to meet their daily caloric intake while also staying hydrated. We’ve rounded up our list of the best mini fridges for gamers in 2022. But first, let’s take you through a quick summary.
Don’t have time to read? Here’s a quick summary of the products we recommend.
Mini Fridge Name | Why We Picked It |
hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler | At about 3.2 cubic feet, this mini fridge by hOmelabs easily fills the needs of most gamers. You can fit in about 120 cans. |
NewAir AB-1200 | This fridge offers a generous cooling capacity for gamers and uses advanced cooling technology to keep your food at the right temperature. |
Uber Appliance UB-CH1 Uber Chill Mini Fridge | This mini fridge is as small as they come with a storage capacity of only 6 cans – perfect for keeping you refueled during those grueling 6-hour gaming sessions. |
RCA 1.6 Cubic Foot Fridge | Designed for energy-conscious gamers, a feature-rich compact mini refrigerator comes with a powerful cooling compressor to keep your food and beverages child. |
Whynter Mini Fridge BR-128WS | Rated as one of the best mini refrigerators for gamers, Whynter’s BR-128WS can store 120 standard cans and does so in style while saving space and money. |
Antarctic Star Mini Fridge for Gamers | A budget-friendly option that offers high-end features such as dual-tempered glass doors and an auto-locking feature. |
The Best Mini Fridge for Gamers
Now that you know what to look for when buying a mini fridge, you may be interested in checking out our list of the best mini fridge for gamers.
hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
A minimalistic design and small form factor make this small fridge the ideal appliance for gaming rooms. Homelabs beverage refrigerator features a hinge transparent glass door to help you take stock of all your beverages. The interior led light will go along well with most gaming rooms.
There is enough room to store 120 cans of your favorite beverages and keep them at optimal temperatures. The electronic controls have touchpads to adjust the temperature all the way down to 34°F. A new and improved cooling system keeps all your beverages chilled without sacrificing energy efficiency or being too loud.
Essential Features
- Weight: 68.3 pounds
- Capacity: 3.2 Cubic Feet
- Size: 17.3 x 18.9 x 33.3 inches
The Pros
- It is aesthetically pleasing with interior LED lights that go along well with gaming rooms.
- Lots of room compared to other mini fridges.
- Can switch the door to open from left and right depending on one’s needs
- Noiseless fans
- Adjustable thermostat
The Cons
- The shelf configuration could be more spacious
- There is no auto-locking feature
NewAir AB-1200
Designed specifically for wine bottles, the NewAir AB-1200 is everything you would want in a mini fridge for gamers and more. It has a generous storing capacity for up to 126 regular-sized cans. The use of an advanced cooling system allows the mini fridge to reach temperatures of around 43°F. An adjustable thermostat can be used to control the temperature to your preferences.
The compact size of the refrigerator means that it won’t stick out like a sore thumb in your game room. More importantly, this mini fridge is designed to function in a range of climates – so you could technically use it for your garage and not worry about wear and tear.
It is worth mentioning that NewAir’s cooling system is highly energy-efficient and fairly noiseless – so it won’t make as much as a peep when you’re concentrating on your gaming sessions. It’s the perfect refrigerator for gaming streamers who are trying to make a living.
Essential Features
· Weight: 63 pounds
· Capacity: 3.4 Cubic Feet
· Size: 18.6 x 18.5 x 33.3 inches
The Pros
- Adjustable shelves
- Nice storage capacity
- Custom temperature settings ranging from 37°F-64°F
- Stainless steel body makes it durable
- Perfect aesthetics for a gaming mini fridge
The Cons
- Lack of a digital display
Uber Appliance UB-CH1 Uber Chill Mini Fridge
If you’re serious about buying a mini fridge that fits in a small game room where real estate is at a premium, then consider Uber’s UB-CH1. It weighs just under 5 pounds and measures with the tiniest dimensions we’ve ever seen on a fridge at 11 x 7 x 10 inches. This means you could carry it with you in a backpack and not feel overburdened!
You won’t find much storage capacity, though – and that is to be expected in such a small fridge. There is barely enough room for 2 or 3 cans with just as many snacks. You could technically fit 6 regular-sized cans inside, but this could be too taxing for the lightweight cooling system.
Speaking of the cooling system, Uber’s mini fridge does not come with the usual compressor or convective heat transfer. Instead, it comes with a small fan that keeps your already chilled drinks at the desired temperature for a long period of time. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – but it does require you to plan your meal plan ahead of any gaming sessions. Besides, it may well be the only fridge that actually plugs into your car’s 12v cigarette lighter!
Besides the small form factor, the mini fridge features vintage aesthetics and looks like it was filled straight out of the 60s.
Essential Features
· Weight: 4 pounds
· Capacity: 12oz
· Size: 11 x 7 x 10 inches
The Pros
- As small as it gets
- A proprietary thermoelectric cooling system that keeps foods and drinks at the desired temperature
- Retro design that fits just about anywhere
The Cons
- No compressor
- Extremely small
RCA 1.6 Cubic Foot Fridge
At a storage capacity of just 1.6 cubic feet, this mini fridge by RCA is a serious contender for the top spot on this list. Its miniature size allows the gaming mini fridge to be placed just about anywhere in your gaming room. RCA spared no effort in packing it with space-saving features, including a reversible door design (that allows for right and left opening). There’s even a separate ice cube chamber with a tray.
An adjustable thermostat lets you control the temperature to your preferences. All this on an energy-efficient compressor that gets the job done. RCA decided to go with neoprene material for achieving near-perfect isolation mechanics. The high-end insulation system allows the compressor to deliver impressive cooling results under normal operational conditions.
But all these features do come at a price – this mini fridge can get noisy at times. The noise can be a problem for some users, especially if they plan to pull an all-nighter in their gaming room. Other than the noise problem, we could not find any other disadvantages of buying this mini fridge.
Essential Features
- Weight: 29.1 pounds
- Capacity: 1.6 Cubic Feet
- Size: 20 x 18 x 20 inches
The Pros
- Adjustable thermostat
- Separate freezer compartment with tray
- Neoprene material for perfect isolation
- Easy to transport
The Cons
- No glass door makes it difficult to check out the stock
- It can make quite a lot of noise
Whynter BR-128WS
Whynter isn’t new to the consumer appliance market and is known for powerful units such as FM-45G and BWR18SD, but it is their BR-128WS that sets the manufacturer apart from the rest. Featuring innovative technology, portable design, and space-saving features, this mini fridge may be the best appliance for gamers.
At its core, the BR-128WS uses an air-cooled compressor beverage cooler that can cool up to 120 standard-sized cans of beer, soda, or your favorite beverage of choice. You could also use the mini fridge to age your wine, thanks to its internal temperature consistency. The fridge features a cooling fan that circulates chilled air throughout the unit for uniformity.
In terms of noise level, this fridge is practically quiet. It will periodically make the characteristic ‘humming’ noise that we are all familiar with. But this only occurs when the compressor cycles – and even then, the unit stays very quiet. So you can rest assured that the mini fridge won’t distract you from your gaming sessions.
Antarctic Star Mini Fridge for Gamers
Last but definitely not the least is Antarctic’s Star Mini Fridge, with a storage capacity of about 36 regular-sized bottles. While this mini fridge is designed specifically for wine bottles, you can also store other beverages and even snacks. An interior led light makes it easy to see in the dark.
A 3-grade control knob makes it easy to adjust the temperature from 40°F to 61°F – ensuring that your beverages are chilled round the lock. Removable shelves make it easy to customize the space according to your needs and store larger bottles.
The dark color of this mini fridge allows it to blend in with the interior decor without causing a distraction. The transparent glass door will be useful when you reach in for your favorite beverages when it’s dark.
The Antarctic deployed a powerful compressor cooling system to keep your beverages chilled while staying surprisingly quiet. Another cherry on top is the reversible door that allows you to open the mini fridge with a right or left swing.
Essential Features
- Weight: 35.8 pounds
- Capacity: 2.9 Cubic Feet
- Size: 17.52 x 18.31 x 19.61 inches
The Pros
- 3-grade thermostat for adjusting the temperature
- Removable shelves
- Reversible door
- Interior led light
- Glassdoor
- Low noise operation
The Cons
- Nothing we could find
Mini Fridge for Gamers – Why You Might Need One
An ideal mini fridge for gamers is a must-have in any home, particularly when it comes to staying hydrated and satiated during those late-night gaming sessions. Do look at the temperature range of the compact fridge to see if it can store perishable food items such as meats, vegetables, cakes, and desserts.
For the most part, a mini fridge is best suited to storing beverages such as wine because they don’t get spoiled easily. You should place regular foodstuffs in conventional refrigerators. But if you must store perishable food items in a mini fridge, look for one with a freezer compartment with a temperature range under 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
For smaller budgets, it makes sense to look for a mini-refrigerator that doesn’t come with a freezer. These types of compact refrigerators are ideal for use.
Things You Should Consider While Buying the Best Mini Fridge for Gamers
The market is flooded with mini fridges designed for gamers, with an endless combination of features and designs. A good rule of thumb is to spend a few minutes comparing the features with your requirements. Let’s discuss noteworthy features before buying a new gaming mini fridge so that you make a sound decision.
Dimensions
Before buying a gaming mini fridge, checking the height, width, and depth is very important unless you find out the hard way that the appliance doesn’t fit into your room. Visualize how the door will swing open and if it will restrict your movement around the gaming room. Gamers need their space around their PC or console!
It shouldn’t be difficult to open the fridge and walk past it with ease.
Noise
You don’t want your mini fridge screaming for attention – not when you’re planning your next strategic move or trying to get some shuteye. Some fridges can be extremely loud and disrupt your gameplay sessions. The last thing you want is the fridge buzzing while you’re trying to hear the enemy’s footsteps.
Look for a mini fridge with a normal operational noise level under 50 decibels. 60-decibels is satisfactory but is not completely silent., so you will hear some noise. With that said, most mini fridges don’t list their decibel rating – so you’ll have to go by online reviews to see what other buyers have to say.
Storage Capacity
Mini fridges should be optimized to store bottles and foodstuffs without sacrificing cooling capacity. The beverage capacity of a mini-refrigerator can be further optimized with the use of adjustable shelves dedicated to storing wines and bottles of a certain shape.
Design and Finish
The look of the mini refrigerator is also important, or it could break the aesthetics of your gaming room. The color of the mini refrigerator should ideally complement the interior decor. You can choose from a variety of designs and finishes, ranging from neutral palettes with a stainless steel body to outlandish designs featuring all kinds of artwork.
And if you have a higher budget, consider opting for a mini refrigerator with a matte finish to avoid fingerprints.
Energy Efficiency
Try to look for the Energy Star label on the mini refrigerator before you decide to buy it. This label indicates that the mini-refrigerator for gamers is energy efficient and won’t cost you in the long run. It also means that the mini-refrigerator has a lower overall carbon footprint.
Reversible Door Hinges
If you’re struggling to find room to store your new mini-refrigerator, you may want to opt for a model with reversible doors. This feature allows you to reverse the direction your refrigerator door opens. Bonus points if the door comes with a cylinder lock to help you secure the fridge and prevent small children or even pets from breaking in.
Glass Door
A glass door makes it easy to view the contents inside the mini-refrigerator. For example, the Whynter Mini Fridge comes with a durable transparent glass door. Not only do glass doors look great aesthetically, but they also make the refrigerator more functional. You should be able to clean the glass door with a soft towel or glass cleaner so they can look brand new for years to come.
Look for Unique Features
Most mini-refrigerators come with a combination of unique features – some are useful, while others are gimmicks. It is up to you to decide which of these are must-haves and which are of little to no use to you.
Most people prefer hi-tech models with adjustable shelves, a digital thermostat, a removable shelf, a large digital display, cooling zones, ice makers, water dispensers, etc. Expect to pay a premium for every new feature you get.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Mini Fridge Should I Get for a Gaming Room?
This depends on the size of your gaming room and how much space you have available. Most gaming rooms are small and share the same space with a bed. This leaves relatively less space for a full-sized refrigerator. A good rule of thumb is to buy mini fridges in size from 5 cubic feet to 1.3 cubic feet. The smallest fridge on this list measures only 11 x 7 x 10 inches – so you could literally carry it on the palm of your hands and not feel a thing.
How Much Power Does a Mini Fridge Use?
A gaming mini fridge uses only a fraction of the power that full-sized refrigerators draw. For example, NewAir’s mini-refrigerator will consume up to 260 kWh compared to 1575 kWh for a full-sized refrigerator. This will reflect on your energy bills.
How Long Will a Mini Fridge Last?
Mini fridges are designed to be extra durable and will last anywhere from 6 to 14 years – provide you take good care of them. This number is just an average, and it could be possible that your mini-refrigerator lasts for much longer. Again, this depends on how regular you are with upkeep.
How Often Should I Clean my Mini Fridge?
You should clean your mini-refrigerator once every week. Always clear out any perishable items from the mini-refrigerator (especially if they don’t have a separate freezer compartment). All the dirt and dust buildup can prevent your fridge from closing properly and put more stress on the compressor.
Make sure to check that the seal isn’t loose; otherwise, your mini-refrigerator will lose its cooling capacity.
Can I Store Regular Food in my Mini Fridge?
It is not recommended to store regular foods that are perishable in a mini-refrigerator. This is because, unlike a standard fridge, they usually don’t come with a top-mount freezer. But if you must store your perishable foods in the mini fridge, do so for a few hours at most. Anything more than 24 hours could result in rot.
If you are serious about storing perishable frozen food in your mini fridge, opt for a model with a separate freezer compartment. For the most part, you should only fill the compact refrigerator with energy drinks, wines, and snacks.
How Often Should I Schedule Preventive Maintenance Services?
It is recommended to get your compact refrigerator checked by a professional once every three months. This is the ideal amount of time for dust and dirt buildup to start affecting the operational status of the appliance.
Is a Gaming Refrigerator Good Value for Money?
Most mini fridges are designed to be extremely durable, whether the climate is hot or cold. So this investment is definitely going to pay for itself. Unlike other fridges that are more susceptible to temperature changes, mini fridges are a bit more durable. Moreover, they tend to be affordable because of their lower capacity and small form factor. Manufacturers
Conclusion
We did the research on the best mini fridge for gamers, so you don’t have to. This meant spending several hours scouring through online forums and checking out reviews before deciding on the 5 best options.
All the mini fridges on this list are designed to consume less energy, occupy less space, and keep your beverages chilled – all without breaking the bank.
Here is a quick recap:
- If you want maximum storage capacity, thence choose hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
- If you want an energy compliant mini refrigerator to save the energy bill, choose RCA 1.6 Cubic Foot Fridge
- And if you are struggling for space in your gaming room, then you may want to choose Uber Appliance UB-CH1 Uber Chill Mini Refrigerator.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!