Short answer: it depends on many factors such as cooling technology (thermoelectric, compressor, absorption), capacity, size, extra features and brand of the mini fridge. It can vary anywhere from 30$ to 1500$.
In order to give you an estimated price on mini fridges, it is necessary to put them into well defined categories. The term “mini fridge” means any fridge on the market that’s smaller in size from the “original” one. Even big fridges can vary in size, but you will soon find out that mini fridges have many variants and some of them differ significantly in size.
Below I divided different types of mini fridges into 4 categories. I also had to give some of them a more specific name to better compare the prices.
- Compact fridges
- Road trip and camper mini fridges
- Mini beverage centers
- Micro fridges
1. Compact Fridges
You can find compact fridges in two typical shapes: cube and rectangular and with or without a freezer or cooler area. Some have two doors and others one. These appliances are popular among students that need a small fridge to fit in their dorms. So I grouped them into the same category.
Compact Fridges (Cube) Price
Price range for this type of fridge: from 80$ to 250$ (depending on cubic feet)
Compact Fridges (Rectangular) Price
Price range for this type of fridge: from 140$ to 500$ (depending on cubic feet)
2. Road Trip And Camper Mini Fridges
The road trip and camper mini fridges were specifically made to fit nicely into your car or vehicle. In this category you can find thermoelectric car fridges and compressor car fridges. The first cooling system is cheaper because it offers lower resistance to high temperature to more than 77°F-25°C. Therefore I would only recommend them for car travels when the weather and car temperature is below the metrics mentioned. However, thermoelectric car fridges are not to be frown upon. They can keep your food cool but can also keep it warm (if the fridge has the option available).
Thermoelectric Road Trip And Camper Mini Fridges Price
Price range for this type of fridge: from 50$ to 150$ (depending on size)
Compressor Road Trip And Camper Mini Fridges Price
The compressor road trip and camper fridges are more resistant to higher temperatures and are therefore the best option for road trips. For those who have the budget for it I highly recommend them. But if you are living in an area with lower temperatures and don’t have the budget to buy one of these bad boys you can always get the thermoelectric fridges.
Price range for this type of fridge: from 200$ to 700$ (depending on size)
3. Mini Beverage Centers
If you are a beverage type of guy/gal you can get a mini beverage center for your thirst needs. Not only can they hold a lot of drink cans and wine bottles together, but they can also give your house a little bit of style with their beautiful glass doors. For those who don’t drink alcohol no problem! You can choose to get a mini beverage center for sodas only. And if you’re a wine fanatic you can get one for your wines only. The latter is also called a “wine cooler” or “wine center”.
Price range for this type of fridge: from 100$ to 1500$ (depending on size)
4. Micro Fridges
Last but not least we have the super light and portable micro fridges that weigh around 5 pounds or 2 kilos. Most of these appliances are using thermoelectric technology, which allows them to get cold and warm on demand. This awesome feature can be useful to keep breast milk or your office lunch warm for example. Other things you can store inside a micro fridge are cosmetic products, snacks and drinks.
Price range for this type of fridge: from 30$ to 100$ (depending on size)