What Can I Put In My Mini Fridge?

You can store anything inside a mini fridge as long as the temperature capacity is adequate. If you want to store raw meat, poultry and seafood in a mini fridge the FDA (US Food & Drug administration) recommends keeping the refrigerator’s temperature at or below 40° F (4° C).

There are many types of mini fridges you can find on the market so it is important to differentiate them. Not all of them are made for everything as you will see below. If you want to store makeup you would prefer a micro-fridge. If you need a mini fridge for your dorm, then a compact fridge is all you need.

Different Types Of Mini Fridges

In order to differentiate different mini fridges, I categorized them into 4 groups. I gave them specific names for the sake of this blog and post.

• Micro fridges
• Compact fridges
• Beverage centers
• Road trip and camper mini fridges

Below you can see each one of them and their purpose.

Micro Fridges

Their main purpose is to store drink cans and some snacks, however their usage expanded to more products like cosmetics, breast milk and more. They measure around 9.45 x 6.89 x 10 inches (24 x 17.5 x 25 cm) and are very light, just about 5 pounds (2 kilos). They are super small but can do more than just get cold. In fact, some of these mini appliances have the ability to get cold and warm with the switch of a button. While they can get as cold as 32°F (0°C), they are sensitive to high temperatures above 77°F (25°C).

Compact Fridges

Probably the most popular mini fridge on this list. Compact fridges come in many sizes and designs. Some of them have a cold area only and others have a freezer as an addition. They are safer to store sensitive items than micro fridges, because they have a more resistant cooling system (by using a compressor). Compact fridges are very popular among students and single people.

Mini Beverage Centers

Mini beverage centers are doing what their name suggests: storing your favorite beverage drinks. You can find them in multiple designs, some of them are made for beverages only, others for wine only (also called a “wine cooler” or “wine center”) and you can even get a combo. They can get cold enough to welcome your drinks and food items as well. Most of them can get as cold as 30°F or -1°C.

Road Trip And Camper Mini Fridges

Road trip and camper mini fridges were specifically made for road trips and camping. They are designed to fit different vehicles comfortably. Most of them were made to store food and drinks so they are perfect to store whatever you need. These amazing mini fridges can get as cold as -4°F (-20°C) and you can also use them as a freezer as well.

What Can You Put In A Mini Fridge?

They say “different strokes for different folks” and I say different mini fridges for different purposes. You can store everything and anything as long as you follow the most important instruction: never keep your mini fridge in a hot area. This will help make sure that the food inside stays fresh and cold for longer periods of time. In addition, you are saving money on the electricity bill because the compressor won’t have to work that hard.

1. Raw Meat, Poultry and Seafood

When it comes to raw meat, poultry and seafood you have to be very careful with how you preserve your food. As mentioned above the FDA recommends having your fridge at or above 40°F (4°C) for these sensitive foods. If not, you are running the risk of getting sick from dangerous bacteria.

2. Fruit and vegetables

As long as your fruits are ripe you can store them inside your mini fridge. That way they’ll last longer. As for veggies, they don’t have a minimum temperature requirement but some vegetables are sensitive to very cold fridges (below 4°C).

3. Chocolate

Chocolate may lose its taste when put inside a mini fridge. Luke Owen Smith, chocolate expert, says: “it should only be put in the fridge if the temperature inside the home reaches 28°C (82°F)”. I personally always store chocolate in the summertime and I don’t mind if they change texture or taste.

4. Beverages

Beverages are best consumed cold, aren’t they? Every fridge on this list is good to keep your favorite drinks unless you are storing big bottles like wine. Usually, micro fridges don’t have enough space to store big bottles but are perfect for cans.

5. Last Night’s Dinner

Cooked food should be stored 2 hours after cooking, or within 1 hour depending on the temperature of your house. Do not store warm food in your mini fridge as this will make your mini fridge warmer. You run the risk of bacteria multiplying inside your mini fridge. Bacteria thrive in warmer temperatures from 40°F – 145°F (5°C – 63°C), that’s why the FDA recommends having a fridge as cold as 40°F (4°C) and below.

6. Eggs

If you’re living in the US the FDA recommends refrigerating your eggs below 45°F (7°C) to avoid getting Salmonella or food poisoning. In most European countries this is not required. That’s because in most of the EU washing and disinfecting eggs is not allowed. That way, the egg cuticles that are working as protection are left intact, preventing any nasty infections.

7. Cosmetic Products

Some cosmetic products require you to store them inside a fridge usually between 45°F and 50°F (7°C and 10°C). But it all depends on your products so make sure to read the instructions on the package. Considering that 45°F and 50°F is no big deal, it is for you to decide which one fits your needs better.

8. Breast Milk

What about breast milk? The FDA is here again saving the day! Here is their breast milk storage guidelines.

You need 40°F (4°C) to refrigerate breast milk unless you want to freeze it. Any mini fridge would do. Milk is too important for the health of a baby to have it spoiled by a mini fridge that may not bear high temperatures. If you purchase a micro fridge keep it in a cool area.

9. Insulin

According to Medical News Today: “Insulin needs to be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature around 36–46°F (2–8°C) in order for it to be effective. If carried in a pen or vial, it must be stored around 36–86°F (2–30°C)”. Because insulin is essential to a person’s health and well-being I recommend buying the best of the best. Compact fridges may be your best option.

10. Snake food

In order to store snake food aka dead animals you need two things: a freezer and a fridge. Unfortunately for snake owners, not everyone is ok with storing snake food inside their personal fridge. This may be inconvenient for your partner or kids. As a result, many dig their hands deep into their pockets to buy both extra appliances. If you want to thaw snake food you need a mini fridge that can get cold enough to avoid getting harmful bacteria.

Any other item, product…

As you can see you can store anything inside mini fridges. Don’t forget to respect the recommendations and always keep your new mini fridge away from heat. By doing so you’re keeping a functioning micro fridge that can last for a long time. All that, by saving electricity.