Mini fridges are ideal for use in small rooms where real estate space is hard to get – especially when areas where a regular-sized refrigerator will stick out like a sore thumb, like your garage, office space, or even bedroom. The only problem you have to contend with is waking up to find your favorite foodstuffs mysteriously disappearing. It could be children or even coworkers. You can’t stand guard near your fridge all day.
There’s also the occasional problem of animals breaking in or a curious pet accidentally opening the fridge and helping themselves to what’s inside. This is where a locking system comes in – it can keep your food or beverages right where they should be. Just don’t lose the keys, and you should be good to go.
The lock also ensures that the door isn’t left open because you or someone else forgot to close it on their way out.
It also helps that mini-fridges with locks look great in just about any setting because of their small size. Their sleek contemporary design with neutral colors like white, black, and grey are well suited to the rugged landscape. Let’s give a detailed rundown of the best mini fridges you can buy in 2022.
Don’t have time to read? Here’s a quick summary of the products we recommend.
| Mini Fridge Name | Why We Picked It |
| Danby 120 Can Beverage Center | This novelty mini-fridge by Danby is a rare combination of technical ingenuity and aesthetics with the ability to store a wide range of foodstuffs. |
| Ivation 12 Bottle Compressor | A very small fridge that can store about 12 bottles of your favorite champagne: but don’t let the size fool you; its full feature set will shock you. |
| hOmelabs Upright Freezer | A tiny, unassuming fridge that gets the job done – but its minimal design may or may not be to your liking depending on your preferences. |
| Whynter CUF-210SS | A highly popular mini fridge that also happens to be one of the best-selling items on this list. It gives you complete freedom to protect your foodstuffs. |
| Schmecke 12 Bottle Compressor | This mini fridge offers many advantages as full-sized fridges but for a much more affordable price and features that make it well suited to any space. |
Mini Fridge with Locks – Is it Just a Gimmick, or Do You Need One?
As the old saying goes – one man’s gimmick is another man’s feature, but at what point should we ‘features’ as little more than gimmicks to help manufacturers rack up their sales numbers?
The simple answer is to analyze if you need the feature – or in this case, the lock system. If you don’t want your kids, pets, coworkers who don’t respect your space, or anyone else poking around in your mini-fridge, a lock is exactly what the doctor ordered.
We know of far too many parents who are at their wit’s end with having to constantly guard wines and champagnes against their kids and wonder if they could put a lock on their fridges. So, of course, manufacturers spurred into action and made mini-fridges with locks.
Keep in mind that you should have reasonable expectations for what you can or can’t store in compact refrigerators – only prioritize beverages and food faves that you want close at hand. Anything else for long-term storage, such as raw meat – is overkill.
Things You Should Consider While Buying the Best Mini Fridge with Locks.
A portable mini fridge with locks can be a practical solution to all of your food and beverage problems – if you pick the right appliance for your requirements and room, that is.
If not, the lockable mini fridge could just make things more complicated. No one wants a noisy lockable mini fridge in a room that requires almost complete silence or one with a vintage design in a modern setting.
In this section, we’ve rounded up the most important things to consider when buying a mini-fridge with a lock so that you buy a model that fits your needs and space – both figuratively and literally.
Once you know what to look for, you can find an incredible range on Amazon and other big-box retailers or look at the models we’ve handpicked for you below. But first, let’s give you a quick lowdown on the best features to consider when buying a mini-fridge.
Temperature Range
Mini fridges should have a temperature range between 32°F and 40°F. This is the ideal zone for food refrigeration – not too cold that it freezes your foodstuffs and not too warm that it affects safety unless you prefer your foodstuffs to be kept at freezing temperatures.
Noise
The noise level is one of the main factors when buying a lockable mini-fridge. This is particularly important if the fridge is to be kept near your workstation or bedroom. If you have a baby or child nearby, you’ll probably want a quiet mini-fridge that won’t wake up any sleeping children or guests in the middle of the night.
Finish
Mini fridges are available in a number of styles and finishes. You name it: red, blue, black white, modern, vintage. Do you want a lockable mini-fridge that will spruce up the interior of your room? Or do you want something that will stand out and catch the eye? Or are you interested in a mini-fridge that suits your current interior decor? These are all important questions to answer.
Room Compatibility
Sure, mini-refrigerators are small, but that doesn’t mean you should pick a random model and try squeezing it into a room that isn’t well suited to it. First of all, decide what room you’re going to place your lockable mini fridge in, and keeping power outlets in mind, what area.
This could be an office space, garage, bedroom, or even your kitchen right next to a full-sized refrigerator. Make sure to measure the area to avoid any unpleasant surprises. We’ve mentioned the dimensions of each model below so you can avoid unpleasant surprises.
Energy Efficiency
Just because they’re small doesn’t mean they will work for free. These little appliances take a ton of energy – about half as much as their full-sized counterparts. The only difference is that manufacturers can use less capable (but not inefficient) compressors to power the refrigeration cycle.
The Best Mini Fridge with Locks
Now that you’re aware of the main features to look for in lockable mini-refrigerators, you’re ready to check out our list of the best mini fridge out there.
Danby 120 Can Beverage Center
The Danby 120 is a great choice for anyone looking for compact and durable mini-refrigerators with a lock. The door is made with tempered glass and a stainless steel trim, which adds an extra layer of security to the model. The high-tech thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature from 43°F to 57°F, making it perfect for storing both drinks and your food faves.
The left and right sides of the doors are reversible, which is super useful when you need to fit the appliance into a very small space without disrupting how you open and close the door. This compact fridge is ideal for office workers, students, or anyone looking to maximize the space in the rooms since it can be placed at corners and under desks.
Essential Features
- Weight: 68.6 pounds
- Capacity: 3.3 cubic feet
- Size: 19.75 x 17.87 x 33.69 inches
The Pros
- Wire shelves
- Stainless steel trim with tempered glass
- Integrated lock with keys
The Cons
- Limited space for storage leaves a lot to be desired
- It does not have a freezer compartment
Ivation 12 Wine Cooler Refrigerator
The Ivation 12 Bottle Compressor has more than enough storage capacity for all your favorite liquids and foods. More importantly, foodstuffs will be kept from intruders with a reliable lock feature that works. It’s equipped with removable shelves and a digital display to make life more convenient and help you find what you’re looking for effortlessly, especially at night.
The dark color of the mini-fridge makes it look aesthetically pleasing. Lastly, the temperature range ensures that the foodstuffs stay fresh for a more extended period, while the lock provides reliable security. This mini-fridge is best suited for a smaller room with limited space.
Essential Features
- Weight: 39.7 pounds
- Capacity: 2.4 cubic feet
- Size: 17.32 x 18.5 x 20.87 inches
The Pros
- Virtually silent
- UV resistant thermopane glass
- Interior lighting to help you see in the dark
- Removable racks
The Cons
- Smaller storage capacity
hOmelabs Upright Freezer
If you prefer to keep your foods and drinks close by, this upright freezer makes a perfect addition to your bedroom. The lock feature makes it a good option when traveling in a groom. The mini-fridge is sturdy, easy to carry, and secure. A mechanical thermostat can be adjusted to seven different temperature settings, from -4°F to 6.8°F.
Its reversible stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern in any interior setting. The cylindrical lock comes with two keys – just if you lose the first one. Don’t worry if your floor has an uneven surface; this mini fridge comes with adjustable legs to support placement. Low noise technology ensures that you can place the mini-fridge in your place of work or bedroom without getting distracted by the compressor’s haunting noise.
Given all these features, this must be one of the best mini fridges on the market right now.
Essential Features
- Weight: 31.3 pounds
- Capacity: 1.1 Cubic Feet
- Size: 17.5 x 18.3 x 19.8 inches
The Pros
- Sleek and modern design
- Adjustable legs for even placement
- Mechanical thermostat
- Removable wire shelves
- Two keys
The Cons
- None we could find
Whynter CUF-210SS
If you are looking for a mini-fridge that will fit in the limited room in office spaces and dorm rooms to preserve frozen food, then the Whynter CUF-210SS is right up your alley. It is the best mini fridge for college students or anyone on a limited budget because of the reasonable price, lock and key system, and compact size.
You can buy this fridge in three variants: 1.1 cubic feet, 2.1 cubic feet, and 3-cubic feet. All three variants are extremely energy efficient and – according to the manufacturer – use less energy than a bulb while keeping your food clean (thanks to the powerful R600a compressor). The Whynter CUF-210SS definitely won’t hog up your energy resources, even if this statement is an exaggeration.
It also comes with a reversible door to make storage even easier. The compact refrigerator has mechanical temperature control features ranging from -10° – 2°F. Use it wisely, depending on your beverage center.
Essential Features
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Capacity: 2.1 Cubic Feet
- Size: 20 x 17.5 x 27.5 inches
The Pros
- Very energy efficient
- Reversible door hinges with adjustable shelves
- Powerful compressor
The Cons
- Noise level could be better
- Could use more storage capacity
Schmecke 12 Bottle Compressor
Schmecke is a newcomer to the business, but they have already integrated super-fast cooling technology and energy efficiency with their appliances. The manufacturer specializes in mini-fridges, and a quick look at their store will reveal a large selection of similar products. It is mostly a wine cooler but doubles as a mini-fridge with a lock.
The mini-fridge keeps your beverages at the optimum temperature to preserve their flavor and fragrance for a long time. With a temperature range of 41°F-64°F, it can handle all beverages, including sparkling white wine and champagne.
It features a UV-resistant double-paned glass door with interior lighting to help you find your beverages in the nick of time and protect them from theft. The rich dark exterior with a deep polished finish makes this mini fridge a stylish addition to any room.
Essential Features
- Weight: 37.5 pounds
- Capacity: 1.2 Cubic Feet
- Size: 9.92 x 17.72 x 31.18 inches
The Pros
- Low noise levels
- Stylish design
- Double-paned glass door with UV protection
- Removable racks
The Cons
- Not reversible
Conclusion
We understand there is a dizzying variety of models to choose from. But our list of the best mini fridges with locking systems can help you narrow down your decision. The comprehensive guide will also provide you with the necessary know-how to buy other mini-fridges. This information will come in handy if you live in an area where the fridges on this list are not in stock or available to buy.
And always remember, these ultra-portable and convenient mini-fridges will take care of you if you take care of them. Schedule regular maintenance to keep your mini-fridges in peak-performing condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mini Fridges Less Noisy?
Mini fridges are less noisy because the compressor has to cool a lower overall volume than full-sized refrigerators. You can still hear regular operational noises depending on the service phase of the fridge. Pro tip: Have a professional clean the evaporator fan motor now and then because it can make noise after particulate matter buildup.
Can You Put a Lock on a Mini Fridge?
You could always apply an aftermarket lock to secure your mini-fridge. The exact installation method depends on the type of lock used and the dimensions of the mini-fridge. Check with your local hardware store to buy some refrigerator locks, or check out our pick here. There are many DIY guides to help you install the lock yourself.
Does the Lock Guarantee Protection of Food Items?
The security systems used on most mini-fridges are like any other lock and key mechanism. This means they are vulnerable to brute force attempts, and a skillful lock picking enthusiast can effortlessly break into them. But then again, most people don’t have the skillset needed to break into locks, not without waking up or alerting the owner.
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!
