Refrigerators are by far the most important home appliances one needs.
A ‘mini fridge’ comes in handy when you need it to fit anywhere say under your work desk or even under your bed, after all you wouldn’t want to get out from your bed just to get your drink right?
Comparison of the Best Mini Fridges with Lock
A mini fridge can efficiently replace large-sized refrigerators. They are in popular at places where you can’t take or keep a conventional refrigerator. At places with limited space, a lot of people prefer small refrigerators over large ones. Few of the places include dorm rooms, office spaces, bedrooms, or in auto motives like trucks and cars.
According to Consumer Reports testing, annual operating costs for the most efficient 4.4-cubic-foot mini fridge can be as low as $27, while a much larger 20.6-cubic-foot refrigerator costs just $47 per year.
Compact refrigerators, typically ranging from 1.7 to 4.4 cubic feet, receive an Energy Star rating when they consume no more than 239.42 kilowatt-hours per year for manual defrost versions, or up to 318.4 kWH/year for units with partial automatic defrost. Therefore, it will save you some bucks there too.
Mini fridges are great ‘travel- companions’ thanks to their compact and portable sizes, you can store your food, drinks and even some medicines that require refrigeration. This will save you some bucks as well, as you won’t have to worry about your stuff spoiling due to the temperature variations.
Here you’ll find the list of best mini fridges with lock, after all I know, you don’t like sharing your food (like Joey) that’s why a lock is a necessary filter applied to this list of products.
The pros and cons of the product are based on the product reviews on various leading websites.
So let’s just jump into the list which will give you a brief description on the product’s features, advantages & disadvantages and the reason to buy it.
Top Picks for 2023
1. WHYNTER CUF 110B Energy star
Ideal for any small space where cold storage is needed, the Whynter 1.1 cu. ft. upright freezer can also be used in the kitchen, offices, garages or basements.
The Whynter 1.1 cu. ft. upright freezer features a black reversible-swing door, adjustable temperature control, and a lock for securing the contents.
This model is the best mini fridge for dorms and college students as it is placed at a reasonable price, has a lock and key, and also very compact.
Dimensions: 17.7 x 18.5 x 19.5 inches Weight: 36 pounds
Features:
- Reversible door
- Cylinder door lock
- Compact design
- Energy star rated
- Uses lesser energy than a bulb!
- Low noise level, won’t be disturbing your sleep.
- Reversible swing door
- Mechanical temperature control (-10◦ to 2◦ F).
- Heavy
- Needs constant running
Why would I go for this?
Whynter CUF 110 is one of the selling mini-fridges by Whynter.
It is one of the most compact and portable mini-fridges and better yet it is highly energy efficient meaning it takes care of your pocket as well. Additionally, there’s a recessed handle and detachable wire shelf that enhances convenience. The door action is very well made and stays secure when closed.
This freezer includes a mechanical thermal control and manual defrost. It is able to maintain steady temperatures so let go of your fears of getting your perishable products spoiled.
If you are a college student like me, I would go for this one as it is pocket friendly along with a lock and key.
What makes me not go for it?
Nothing really, it actually is a great deal as it has efficient cooling and its pocket-friendly as well. But because of its weight it might fall back in the rankings if a similar product shows up.
Storage capacity is a little lesser than expected.
2. Whynter CUF-210SS Energy Star Upright Freezer with Lock
Following the Whynter 110 B is the CUF 210SS, which is quite similar to the earlier mentioned. The Whynter CUF-210SS comes in a 2.1 cubic feet model, colored in elegant silver. As an Energy Star-rated appliance, this upright freezer will help you keep your energy costs down while providing efficient freezing solutions.
There is the flush back feature. I could place my Whynter anywhere I wanted without worrying about space. Unlike normal refrigerators, you can keep it anywhere without any clearance from the back wall. It will fit cleanly against your walls and corners.
Whether for the office, the yacht or the home, Whynter 2.1 cu. ft. upright freezer is a centerpiece of any space.
Dimensions: 27.5 x 17.5 x 20 inches Weight: 46 pounds
Features:
- Reversible door
- Cylinder door lock
- Energy star rated
- Adjustable thermostat
- Removable shelves
- Flush back
- Customer service unreliable
- Faulty freezer
Why would I go for this?
The most likeable feature of this fridge is the adjustable thermostat that allows you to turn the fridge into a freezer anytime you want. I like that it opens in the front so you don’t have to dig through stuff that’s at the bottom.
It is also very quiet. The removable shelves can be adjusted in many ways so as to accommodate your stuff without squashing any of the things inside.
The temperature range is -2 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can just adjust the temperature and your fridge is now perfectly capable of storing frozen items and now you are perfectly ready to host a party be it in your hostel or your house.
What makes me not go for it?
Don’t count on it to go on more than its warranty period as there are reports of the product not working after a few years and there have been issues in return policy as well.
Read Also: Should I Buy Used Mini Fridge?
3. Danby 120 Can Beverage Center Stainless Steel
The Danby DBC120BLS 3.3 cubic feet beverage Center is the perfect teammate for those big sporting events.
When friends and family stop by it’s always good to be prepared to serve up some cold beverages while watching a game or just enjoying the company.
No matter what event keeps those guests ever-present, this beverage center will be a great asset. With a 120-can storage capacity, you will be sure to never be short on ice-cold beverages.
Dimensions: 33.7 x 17.87 x 19.75 inches Weight: 68.9 pounds
Features:
- Tempered glass door with stainless steel trim
- Mechanical thermostat
- Interior light
- 120 cans storage!
- Sleek design
- Energy efficient
- Too noisy
- Poor temperature control
Why would I go for this?
Available in black classy and refined finish this product is near perfect to the ideal mini fridge. With a 120 can capacity be sure to never out of cold beverages when the games are on.
It has an adjustable door meaning you can switch it to the right or left-hand side according to your wish. And what adds more to its beauty is the pretty blue LED lights.
The lock fitted into the door makes the mini-fridge secure, so won’t have to worry about someone their hands on your stuff.
The tempered glass door and stainless steel trim add an elegant touch to any decor.
What makes me not go for it?
Has problems in achieving temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the customer service is not up to the mark. Also can cause problems of overheating of the exterior body panels which might be dangerous.
And of course it is too noisy, so I wouldn’t recommend it for places where absolute silence is required like hospitals, bedrooms etc. minor modifications required for better working, hence increasing cost and unwanted delay of time.
Light is controlled with switch inside unit (not designed to come on and off while opening fridge)
4. EdgeStar Fridge Freezer with Lock
The EdgeStar Compact Fridge / Freezer is Perfect for the Home or Office Keep your food preserved and frozen with the EdgeStar 1.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Freezer w/ Lock.
This stainless steel convertible freezer is one of the smallest zero-degree freezers available, which is great for storing and placing the freezer in small areas in the kitchen, game room, and even offices or dorm rooms.
What truly sets it apart is its full-range thermostat giving you the freedom to use it as a refrigerator or a freezer.
Dimensions: 17.8 x 18.5 x 19.2 inches Weight: 42 pounds
Features:
- Reversible swing doors
- Refined look
- Low energy consuming
- Full range thermostat
- Compact
- Low noise levels
- Poor temperature control
- Instruction manual not precise
- Condensates constantly
Why would I go for this?
It might be small in size as compared to the other products on the list but it is no less than its competitors in terms of cooling. This unit freezes quickly, doesn’t seem to take much power, is very well insulated and quiet
Full range thermostat allows to cool your drinks or turn them into ice by adjusting the dial. From zero to 40 degrees is the range of adjustment.
Being energy efficient and at the same time doesn’t lack in cooling capacity it is a deal to be considered. It can be easily loaded and unloaded when moving the camper.
What makes me not go for it?
Not suitable to store perishable foods like milk, meat, eggs and so on, because of the vast temperature swings.
It constantly drips condensation. It doesn’t matter if it is opened frequently or not. It just continues to drip off the top. This might make everything inside soaking wet.
5. Haier 150-Can Beverage Cooler with Lock
Store up to 150-cans in this attractive beverage center. With glass door and movable shelves, you can see what’s available and organize however you’d like.
It has an attractive design with a reversible door consisting of glass material with a recessed handle. Also, the adjustable thermostat ensures optimum cooling of the content while the lock/key helps to keep the same safe.
Dimensions: 21.2 x 20.5 x 31.4 inches weight: 72.5 pounds
Features:
- Removable lower rack
- Adjustable thermostat
- Reversible glass door
- Capacity -150 can of 12 ounces
- Removable lower rack
- Insufficient cooling
- Prone to leakage
Why would I go for this?
If you are looking for a unit to blend into your office, a sleek glass door finish would sit well. You can place it in the corner of your garage or even in your game room, so when the mates are parched quench their thirst with some chilled beers or juices.
It has a great-looking blue LED light inside. The light on the inside of the unit can be turned on or off very easily.
What makes me not go for it?
I found out that this refrigerator doesn’t cool below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is a disappointment because the sole reason for buying it was to cool your drinks. The customer service is not that good enough as well.
Leakage can be one problem to in some cases.
6. Danby DAR044A6DDB Contemporary Classic Compact Refrigerator with Lock
Drawing inspiration from mid-century styling and simplicity, Danby’s patented Contemporary Classic collection of compact refrigerators re-imagine retro for the modern consumer.
Featuring Danby’s exclusive retro-inspired curved door design, variety of metallic door finishes, rubber-grip ergonomic handle and stylized worktop, its exterior features are only outmatched by its signature interior. I personally feel this one is for those who are for the looks more than anything.
Dimensions: 21.3 x 20.75 x 33.07 inches Weight: 65 pounds
Features:
- Automatic defrost
- Energy star rated
- Glass shelves
- Retro design
- Noisy
- Unable to maintain steady temperature
Why would I go for this?
Nothing but its design has a very appealing look, especially for those who love those retro.
Bright light interior with this awesome and super convenient soda can/bottle holder on the door.
Clear trays so nothing gets lost or forgotten about, and the bottom tray can be moved to the top of the refrigerator to fit a bigger item!
All the shelves are adjustable to allow you to get the maximum out of your fridge.
There are two full-width glass shelves and one half-width glass shelf to keep your items.
If you are an environment-friendly person, like me, you would love this fridge because it uses a new environment-friendly refrigerant, so it is the perfect mini fridge for those of us who are concerned about the planet.
What makes me not go for it?
It fluctuates too much on the temperature and is therefore not useful for storing meat products. I do not recommend this product if you need to store anything that’s sensitive to freezing or can spoil easily.
Not cold enough and can be noisy.
7. Sunpentown UF-150W Freezer
Sunpentown UF-150SS, 1.1 cu.ft. Upright Freezer in Stainless. Compact, flush back design offers 1.1 cu.ft. of storage, perfect for counter-top placement. Adjustable thermostat ranges from true 0°F to 32°F. Features reversible door, lock and key and 1 removable wire shelf.
The manual defrost system is again an advantageous one when it comes to saving energy. Now you can easily get rid of that pesky ice that occupies unnecessary space without too much hassle.
Dimensions: 18.5 x 17.8 x 19.5 inches Weight: 41.4 pounds
Features:
- Flush back design for space saving
- Stainless steel door with black cabinet
- manual defrost
- Front leveling legs
- Auto shut off
- Noisy
- The recessed handle makes it difficult to open
Why would I go for this?
Sunpentown UF -150 is a great deal especially for storing foods at zero degrees. The surface finish is truly an art that makes me go wow, with a stainless steel body it also has sturdiness.
It is an under-counter mini-fridge, that is it can fit snugly under a standard kitchen countertop, saving even more space than other mini fridges in this list.
The freezer cum fridge has another special feature that I love. The machine has an auto shut-off system. Basically, when you are using it as an ice-making machine, you do not have to babysit the fridge and switch it off.
What makes me not go for it?
The appliance is not a quiet working one, sounds like a woodpecker lives inside. Keep it on the steady ground otherwise, it will make a noise that makes it sound like the freezer will explode!
8. Ivation 18 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler/Chiller
The Ivation Wine Cooler keeps your wine at the correct & consistent temperature and stable environment, protecting the wine from exterior lights and elements, and is specially built to have zero vibration, so the wine could be aged and stored properly.
Enabling it to preserve and develop its delicious flavor, Color and Aroma, with the best possible mouthfeel, body, palette and finish, serving you the best and tastiest wine that is Full, Rich, Supple, Smooth, Round, and Balanced.
Dimensions: 26.4 x 22.4 x 15.3 inches Weight: 39.2 pounds
Features:
- Efficient thermoelectric cooling
- Tempered smoked glass door
- Touch controls and LCD display
- Humidity control
- low noise levels
- External display
- product life reduces if kept in places with extreme conditions, ex: garage
- Improper temperature control
Why would I go for this?
If you are looking for a fridge that stores wine and is a great place for it to age without losing its flavour and aroma, then look no more because the Ivation Wine Cooler is the one.
Another thing that caught my eye is the quiet working of the fridge, it’s like it’s not even there!
I loved that it is internally insulated with polyurethane and the door is made of Thermopane glass. It keeps the cork in your wine bottles from spoiling and the door keeps the harmful ultraviolet rays away from your expensive drinks.
What makes me not go for it?
The cooler does not maintain a consistent temperature inside the unit. Not appropriate for white wine. White wine should be 45, whereas the lowest temperature in Ivation wine cooler is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
It may not be able to fit too many bottles inside as it says of ‘18’, I might rather go with a lesser number. This wine cooling unit is too small for your 18 Bordeaux-style wine bottles. If you have the Burgundy style bottles, it won’t fit.
9. hOmelabs Upright Freezer – 1.1 Cubic Feet Compact
This freestanding small freezer with 1.1 cubic feet capacity is perfectly sized to keep your favorite food in a deep freeze while taking up less space in your college dorm, apartment, garage or office. Perfect for when you want a ‘ready to eat’ meal on hand or to satisfy a craving
This electric freezer comes with sturdy, removable slide-out wire shelf with a refined white painted finish for clutter-free storage and gives easy access while holding your food.
Dimensions: 17.5 x 18.3 x 19.8inches Weight: 31.3 pounds
Features:
- 7 temperature settings
- Quiet compressor
- Energy efficient
- Low noise levels
- Manual defrost needed
Why would I go for this?
It only uses 240 kWh per year or equivalent to $29 energy cost and is made with less than 42 decibels of operating sound suitable for nurseries, hospitals, and other quiet places.
Seven temperature settings from -20℃ to -14℃ (-4°F to 6.8°F): “1” is the warmest and “7” is the coldest. Ideal for keeping snacks, ice cream, drinks or ice cubes.
What makes me not go for it?
This product might not have many negative reviews but because it is a newcomer in the market I wouldn’t go for it. The older companies are famous and reliable for a reason.
10. SMAD Mini Refrigerator
This model is an absorption refrigerator, which is different from thermometric or compressive-evaporative in that it uses a heat source (electric or propane) to drive a clever process of expansion and cooling within its pipes. Absorption cooling is more efficient than thermoelectric but less efficient than a compressor. Suitable for use in places where the ambient temperature is less than 90℉.
This mini-fridge is small enough to fit the least amount of space available. At the same time, it is quieter than your standard freezing facility. Thus, it is a good one to choose and make use of for those areas that are cramped up yet require zero noise on your part.
Dimensions: 15.8 x 17.3 x 22.1 inches Weight: 34.2 pounds
Features:
- Reversible door hinge
- 2 power cords
- Adjustable door rack
- AC / DC power options
- Low noise levels
- Insufficient cooling
- Improper delivery of the product, many reports of dents
Why would I go for this?
SMAD Mini fridge is a quietly-operating machine as it operates on an Absorption cooling system. You can comfortably place it in your bedroom or office to cool down your favorite drinks. It comes with a reversible door with a lock and key.
I really liked that it features a DC and AC power cord making it suitable for both inside and outdoor use. This refrigerator can get 21-50F under 65-90F ambient air temperature.
What makes me not go for it?
As it is an absorption type of cooling system it may be not very suitable in 100F summers. But according to many reviews, it doesn’t cool very well mainly due to the ambient conditions. I wouldn’t recommend this product if you really want ice-cold drinks.
Why lockable fridges?
Consider a situation in which you own a fridge in your hostel room or maybe at your house. It’s a really hot day and you decide that when I reach home the first thing I’m going to do is have chilled iced tea. But to your surprise, you find that the fridge is completely empty! It turns out that your roomie had the last can of ice tea, sad isn’t it?
Most of us who have lived in a dorm or traveled with friends who own this tiny machine that makes our lives easier. In recent years, a newer feature has been added to the already practical machines, the ability to lock them
But you can always lock your fridge if you have a lockable one, it’s not that you don’t like sharing but we do like being asked before someone takes our stuff right?
So having a lock on the fridge only means that you have the rights to the content inside but of course, this doesn’t mean the end of sharing.
Another important use of lockable fridges is its portability, that is it is an ideal companion while traveling with your buddies or even solo travel. It’s not always possible to find something to drink in the middle of nowhere but you can always rely on your mini fridge that is in the back of the truck.
The lock ensures that the door doesn’t open up unnecessarily.
Things to Consider Before Buying
When looking for a mini fridge with lock, it is important to consider the features that are important to you. Below are some key factors to consider when purchasing a mini fridge with a lock:
Lock Security
Some mini fridges come with simple locks that can be easily opened with a key, while others come with more complicated locks that require a code or fingerprint scan to open.
The Mini Fridge lock is a biometric security device that uses your fingerprint to unlock the fridge. The Mini Fridge lock is very secure and difficult to break into. It is one of the most secure biometric security devices on the market.
Space
Make sure the mini fridge has enough space inside to store your food. Some models have small capacities that won’t hold much food, and others have larger capacities that will allow you to store more food.
Online Reviews
Check the reviews online to see if anyone has had trouble unlocking the fridge by using the provided code or password. If there have been any complaints about this, be sure to research how to change the code or password before buying the fridge.
Other Features
The mini fridge with a lock comes with an electronic keypad that makes it easy to access your food. The door also has a magnetic closure, so you can be sure that it is secure when closed. Additionally, the mini fridge with lock has a temperature control feature, so you can ensure that your food stays at the desired temperature.
FAQs
1. How does your child lock a fridge?
There are a few different ways to do this. One way is to use the built-in security features on some fridges, which will require your child to enter a code before they are able to open the fridge.
Secondly, many fridges now come with a key lock, so you can simply lock the fridge using the key. Thirdly, you can use a household motion detector to automatically lock the fridge when it senses movement in the vicinity.
2. Where should you not put a mini fridge?
It is not advisable to place a mini fridge near a heat source or in direct sunlight. Additionally, make sure that the mini-fridge is placed in an area where there is plenty of ventilation.
3. Can a refrigerator be hacked?
A refrigerator is not connected to the internet and does not have any personal data stored on it. As long as you take the necessary precautions and use a strong password, you should be safe from most hacks.
4. What happens if you can’t unlock a fridge?
If you have tried all the usual methods to unlock a fridge – including entering the correct password – but still can’t get it open, there might be a problem with the lock. Not all fridges have the same security measures and so some might require greater effort to unlock than others. To find out more, call customer service and they will be able to help you out.
5. What shortens the life of a refrigerator?
Overusing it, not cleaning it often enough, or leaving food inside. Make sure to keep your refrigerator clean by wiping the shelves and door with a cloth dampened with warm water and dish soap. Also, clean the interior if necessary with a soft cloth and warm water.
Conclusion
There are a lot of many good-quality mini-refrigerators out there but I have made the list of ones that have been trusted for years.
Depending on your budget, I would advise you to stick with the tried and tested. Whytner or Edgestar mini fridge may cost you more but if you are looking for a long-term solution, it’s best not to go cheap.
Is it better not to regret right?
Of course, there are some additions like the hOmelabs 1.1 which is a newcomer to the market, but I would always go with the established brands such Whynter and Danby, unless you have money to spare.
For hostels and dorms, Edgestar is a good fit, as it has very low noise levels and is energy efficient.
But for your homes or garages go for the Whynter products, depending on the size needed you can select the appropriate model.
Danby products are trustworthy too, and the Danby 120-can beverage cooler can fit into a small store or maybe in your house.
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