Small Refrigerator Sizes and Dimensions

Before discussing small refrigerator sizes and uses, it’s important to know the details of standard refrigerators. Though they vary depending on the style, the standard-sized refrigerator is at least 61 ¾ inches in height, 28 ¾ inches in width and 10 to 25 cubic feet in its interior. Standard refrigerators are commonly used for kitchens in houses or large apartments. Compact refrigerators, on the other hand, can be useful additions in a wider variety of situations.

Apartment refrigerators are designed to be slightly smaller versions of the standard variety. These small refrigerator sizes take into account the desire for a reduced footprint, but they look like regular fridges and can contain enough food for small families. Apartment refrigerators are approximately 24 inches wide with about 7 to 13 cubic feet in capacity. Though narrower and smaller than many standard refrigerators, they’re about the same height. Apartment refrigerators are a great option for tiny homes, in-law suites and other small areas that still need enough capacity for normal usage.

These small units, often called dorm refrigerators or mini fridges, tend to be used for smaller spaces like dorm rooms. They’re also used for extra storage in bedrooms, kitchens, tiny homes or other small spaces. Mini fridge sizes vary, though they are smaller overall than both standard and apartment refrigerators. The interior usually has one shelf, on-the-door storage and sometimes a small freezer compartment. Some models have reversible door hinges so you can install the door on either side. Dorm refrigerator sizes generally range from 1.6 cubic feet to 3.3 cubic feet. The larger sizes are best if there are two people sharing the refrigerator.

Sometimes smaller refrigerators work best in your home when installed as undercounter fridges. This allows the unit to look cohesive and double as counter space. Similar to mini fridge sizes, these refrigeration units vary in width, usually between 20 to 24 inches wide. Fitting under a counter means that none are very tall, with most being no taller than 34 inches in height. These units generally require kitchen remodeling or a new installation since they aren’t freestanding refrigerators.

As the name suggests, wine coolers are refrigeration units specially designed for chilling bottles of wine. Wine needs to be stored at higher temperatures than food, between 45 degrees and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, wine cooler units usually don’t get below 46 degrees Fahrenheit, and they get much warmer than regular refrigerators.

Wine coolers also have shelving designed for accessing bottles, higher humidity for wines and a transparent door for displaying its selections.

Wine coolers vary greatly from tiny to extra-large sizes. They can be tiny enough to fit on countertops, mid-sized like dorm refrigerator sizes or even larger than standard refrigerators. Many styles can be built in under or next to counters. Tiny sizes hold fewer than 16 bottles, small units hold up to 40 bottles, medium or large ones hold up to 100 bottles, and extra-large wine coolers hold up to 300 bottles or more.

These tiny, countertop refrigerators are a great option for keeping makeup and skincare products cool. They only get around 16.5 inches tall and 10.5 inches wide, with a capacity of less than one cubic foot. These refrigerators don’t get as cold as larger units. This can help prolong the shelf life of products and make them more refreshing to use. Makeup refrigerators are designed to cool to only 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure it is the proper temperature for anything you choose to store inside.

Beverage refrigerators, also called bar fridges or beverage coolers, are useful for storing various types of drinks. Similar to wine coolers, their temperatures can be adjusted up to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but many brands also get as low as 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Most have an always-on LED light and a see-through door. These refrigeration units come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, including the standard mini fridge dimensions.