Last updated: November 20, 2022 at 13:35 pm
Normal mini fridges are made of thin metals and can be very cheap, which means they have to use loud compressors. That’s where silent mini fridges come in as the solution. Silent mini fridges are quiet and energy-efficient – ideal for offices, small flats, and bedroom use.
With so many different models, brands, and sizes available in stores and online, finding the right one can be confusing.
In this article:
We’re going to learn about silent mini fridges, what they are, what features should you look for, and how much less noise you can expect compared to normal mini fridges.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Quietest Mini Fridges – Summary
Click on each fridge to jump to the full review. Our choices range between £50 – £150, so make sure you’ve decided what features you’re looking for, so so you’re not overpaying.
These are also ordered purely on dB level. However, pay close attention to capacity, size and energy efficiency to pick the perfect model for you.
| Rank | Brand & Model | dB | Quiet Score |
| 1 | AstroAI – 4 Litre 25 dB Mini Fridge | 25 | 5/5 |
| 2 | Subcold – Ultra 6 Mini Fridge | 28 | 5/5 |
| 3 | Drinkstuff – 17 Litre Black Mini Fridge | 38 | 4/5 |
| 4 | Sensio – 10 Litre Bedroom Mini Fridge | 38 | 4/5 |
| 5 | Subcold – Super50 50 Litre Mini Fridge | 42 | 3/5 |
What to Look For
Noise Level
The first thing that you should pay attention to is the noise level because the quiet operation is one of the main reasons why people choose this kind of appliance. The sound emitted by mini fridges depends on the type of compressor they use – some of them are much quieter than others.
Evaporator Fan Design
The fan that cools down the interior of your fridge also makes noise. If it’s mounted outside the cabinet, it might be quieter than if it’s in the same compartment with the compressor. Most units allow you to choose whether your fan is mounted outside or inside.
Tubular Motors
Many mini refrigerators use tubular motors to power their compressors. These have the benefit of being very inexpensive and producing very little heat, but they also vibrate and make noise. Some manufacturers are even going so far as to encase tubular motors in rubber mounts to cut down on noise.
Size
How much space does the mini fridge need to fit into? A size limit is often set by the amount of floor space available for its location. A smaller unit can be placed on top of an existing refrigerator or under a countertop while larger models may have to sit on the floor or be built into cabinetry.
Capacity
Most mini fridges are designed to hold 12 cans of soda and some can also hold bottled water. If you plan on storing more than that, look for one that is wider rather than taller so you can stack items vertically.
Cooling System
This is an important feature that separates older models from newer ones. While older models use a compressor cooling system, newer ones use evaporative cooling which uses less energy and is quieter.
Energy Efficiency
Mini quiet fridges use less energy than standard-sized refrigerators, but that doesn’t mean they don’t use any at all. Look for units that have earned Energy Star certification as these models have been proven to be more efficient than other models.
Automatic Defrost
Once every couple of weeks, all refrigerators need to have their frost melted so it doesn’t build up and affect the ability of the refrigerator to keep food cold. Some models have automatic defrosting while others require you to manually defrost. If you’re looking for a silent refrigerator, you’ll want one that automatically defrosts because it will cause less noise than if you had to manually do it.
Top 5 Silent Mini Fridges for Bedroom Use
Our list is ranked on dB level, or just overall quietness. This means, however, the quieter options usually have a smaller capacity – so make sure it’s big enough for your needs.
1. AstroAI Bedroom Mini Fridge – Our #1 Pick
Best Quiet Option
- Compact and Portable: This mini fridge’s compact footprint allows...
- Your Personal Mini Fridge: The 4L small fridge achieves separate...
Last update on 2023-11-20 at 13:17 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- How quiet: 5/5
- Capacity: 4 litre
- dB level: 25
- Size: 20.5 x 14 x 13.5 cm (H,W,D)
First up we have the AstroAI mini fridge. This model comes in 5 different colours, so can be adapted to fit the look of your bedroom. This model is relatively small, but by being small, offers an incredibly low dB level of 25. Being 4 litres, it’s big enough to fit around 6 cans, so depending on your needs it might be too small.
Obviously this model comes with a UK plug, but also a handy AC/DC outlet to use for a car, if that’s a requirement for you. We didn’t have any need for the AC/DC unit so this wasn’t really tested. As well as a standard fridge, the AstroAI has a warm function if that’s something you might use. Again, we didn’t have any need for this.
Due to it’s size, it’s fits easily on a desk or sideboard so having enough room shouldn’t be a problem. Also, by being 25 dB it won’t disturb sleep depending how light a sleeper you are.
Overall, the AstroAI is a great little piece of equipment with a dB level to easily use in a bedroom. The major downside is it’s size, so if you’re looking for something bigger, another options below might be a better choice. Another slight downside for us is that it doesn’t offer USB compatibility.
We wouldn’t use this model for warming, and certainly not for holding any sort of medicine.
2. Subcold Ultra 6 Litre Mini Fridge – Our #2 Pick
Best Travel Option
- COMPACT & PORTABLE: 6L capacity that can hold up to 8 x 330ml cans –...
- MULTIPLE POWER OPTIONS: Includes an AC 230V mains power plug for the...
Last update on 2023-11-20 at 13:17 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- How quiet: 5/5
- Capacity: 6 litre
- dB level: 28
- Size: 27 x 21 x 31 cm (H,W,D)
The Subcold Ultra is a very tidy looking model, with a shiny front and white body. The door is available in three colours: black, white and pink. At 6 litres, it offers a little more capacity than the AstroAI, but not too much where it might take up too much room. Two extra litres will fit around two extra cans.
At 28 dB it’s a great quiet option and only 3 dB more than the AstroAI, which is 2 litres smaller. The brush-less fan helps keep noise level to a minimum, and at 28 dB you’ll only hear it if you’re trying to.
Coming equipped with a UK plug, AC/DC socket and USB, it offers great connectivity. Alongside being compact, this is a great model to use just about anywhere, not just a bedroom.
We feel due to it’s great connectivity, it’s best use is for travel. However, it certainly wouldn’t be out of place on a bedside table. Even though it’s slightly louder than the AstroAI, we overall like this model better due to it’s slightly larger capacity.
3. Drinkstuff 17 Litre Silent Mini Fridge in Black
Best Large Option
- Compact countertop mini fridge with lockable door
- Uses thermoelectric cooling technology with a whisper-quiet cooling...
Last update on 2023-11-20 at 13:17 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- How quiet: 4/5
- Capacity: 17 litre
- dB level: 38
- Size: 46 x 42 x 39 cm (H,W,D)
Next up we have the Drinkstuff, which offers a different option than number #1 and #2. Coming in at 17 litres it’s larger, but still offers great noise level of just 38 dB. Only offering two colour options of white and black, depending on your decor, might not be a good fit.
For it’s size, this model is very energy efficient 0.39 KWh per hour, so keeping it on throughout the day shouldn’t cause much of a problem. We found it a little too big for a bedside table or desk, instead found it better on the floor. Depending how much bedroom floors space you have, this might be too big.
A thermostat is in the back which gives you full control of the temperature, and the internal shelf can be removed to free up room. We feel it’s better with it in, as it’s easier to store cans and bottles etc.
Overall, we really like this. A little bigger than most people would need, but great if you have the room on the floor or under a desk. Fir it’s size and features available (internal light, thermostat, removable shelf) 38 dB is a great result.
4. Sensio 10 Litre Mini Fridge
Best Camping Option
- VARIABLE POWER OPTIONS: UK AC mains power lead and European power lead...
- MOVABLE AND LIGHT: Light and easily movable with convenient carry...
Last update on 2023-11-20 at 13:17 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- How quiet: 4/5
- Capacity: 10 litre
- dB level: 38
- Size: 39 x 35 x 29 cm (H,W,D)
If Sensio sounds familiar, you may have saw them on our quiet kettle article. After testing several mini fridge, we feel this 10 litre is the “sweet spot” in terms of size. Not too small to only fit a few cans, nut not too large where it might take up too much room is a normal sized bedroom.
Available in 5 different styles, there should be one to fit the look of your bedroom. Even a flashy Union Jack style if that floats your boat. Recording the same dB of the Drinkstuff but at a smaller capacity, we were a little disappointed at the noise level.
However, 38 dB is still very quiet and you still have to focus to hear anything.
As well as a UK plug, an EU adapter and AC/DC socket are included. Unfortunately it doesn’t offer USB, which we would be expecting at a minimum.
As 10 litres isn’t too big or too small (is that you Goldilocks?) this is the perfect model for camping, especially with the AC/DC adapter. Alternatively it gives you some more capacity than the AstroAI or Subcold if you’d like it in your bedroom, but will be 10 or so dB louder.
5. Subcold 42 dB 50 Litre Mini Fridge
Best Extra Large Option
- SUBCOLD TEMPERATURE PERFORMANCE - Premium Mini Fridge with Advanced...
- QUALITY BUILD CONSTRUCTION - High Density Foam Injection Cabinet Mould...
Last update on 2023-11-20 at 13:18 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- How quiet: 3/5
- Capacity: 42 litre
- dB level: 42
- Size: 44 x 50 x 42.5 cm (H,W,D)
Even though this is massive at 50 litres, and no one really needs that in their bedroom, we thought we’d review it pure to offer a huge capacity mini fridge at a good noise level. Incredibly, recording at just 42 dB!
Definitely a step up from the other options, this more more of an “high-end” mini fridge ideal for bars or man caves etc. This is ever present in the wire racks instead of standard plastic.
However, being 42 dB, if you have the need and room for it, there’s nothing stopping you using it in a bedroom. It comes in three colours of black, silver and steel for the door. Each variation will always have a black body. Not so much colours as just slightly different shades.
A big plus from us is that fitting wine bottles (or anything larger than cans) is really easy. However, the size couldn’t obviously be a downside depending how much room you have to play with.
Advantages of Quiet vs Normal
When you are shopping for a mini fridge, you may wonder about the differences between quiet and normal mini fridges.
Several things make a quiet mini fridge different from a normal one. The most noticeable is the noise. If you are looking to have a mini fridge in your bedroom, office, or other places where there is not much background noise, then the quieter the better.
Silent mini fridges are significantly quieter than their Normal counterparts. They are made of special sound insulation material to minimize any noise that may come from the cooling fans and compressors. The net result is that you can hear a pin drop when standing right next to it. You can also use it in your bedroom if you have a roommate or spouse who is a light sleeper. While not completely silent, it is close enough to call them silent.
Also read: 7 Reasons Your Fridge Is Making a Buzzing Noise
Normal mini fridges are not designed to be absolutely silent, but they do produce quite a bit less noise than the silent ones. They have rattling sounds from time to time as the cooling fans spin faster and slower in different loading conditions. If you live within a household or have roommates, these fridges might not be suitable for your needs if you care about silence at all.
In addition, a quiet mini fridge is not just a mini fridge that runs quietly. It is more like a mini fridge which is built to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Quiet mini fridges are better alternatives to the normal mini fridges because they:
- use less electricity
- are compact and they use less space
- are cheaper with a lower initial price and lower energy cost
How Much Noise (And Type) Can I Expect?
The “noise” rating is usually measured in decibels (dB) and ranges from as low as 25 dB.
The noise level of mini fridges varies significantly by brand and model, but generally, those with compressors are louder than thermoelectric models. The compact design also contributes. When there isn’t room for large fans, manufacturers have to make do with smaller ones that make more frequent stops, resulting in more noticeable noise.
- Conventional (also referred to as “cubed” or mechanical cooling). This type of fridge makes the most noise, because a compressor runs constantly, even when nothing inside is getting cold.
- Dual-mode (also known as hybrid or thermoelectric/compressor). These are more efficient than conventional fridges, but not quite as efficient as absorption models. They use a small motor to circulate air rather than a compressor, but still, need a compressor to cool down when necessary.
- Dual-mode fridges can make almost no noise when they’re just circulating air, but when the compressor kicks in, the decibel level can be high.
- Absorption (also known as thermoelectric). These are very quiet because they don’t use any moving parts at all. The main drawback is that they’re relatively expensive and less space-efficient than conventional fridges.
Are They Safe to Keep In Bedrooms?
Silent mini fridges are safe to keep in bedrooms. The high-quality insulation of the silent mini fridges prevents noise from traveling between the inside and outside.
Therefore, you can sleep well without the rattling sound that sometimes disturbed your sleep like the normal mini fridges.
While it’s true that silent mini fridges shouldn’t be placed directly on top of beds, you can place them on side tables instead and still have them work effectively without disturbing you and your sleep.
Conclusion: Which Silent Mini Fridge Is Best?
Whether you’re looking at a mini fridge for drinks, makeup or food… any of the above options offer good cooling with incredibly quiet noise level. Coming in at #1 we have the AstroAI at just 25 dB, closely followed by the Subcold at 28 dB.
Keep in mind, however, that part of the reason these models are so quiet is their capacity is smaller. If you’re looking for something bigger, around 38 dB is the next step up.
