Mini fridges are small, compact freestanding refrigerators that can fit in a tight space. Mini fridges provide the cooling power you need in a much smaller package making them the perfect choice for student dorms, compact flats, offices, motels, hotels, cars, and more.
They are mostly used as storage units for daily consumables or quick bites.Moreover, some of the editions of mini-refrigerators have a pre-installed mini freezer which is great for beverages, ice creams, or various deserts.
Here are brief answers to the general questions regarding the mini-fridges;
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Can you store meat in a mini fridge?
Yes, you can store raw or cooked meat in a mini-fridge, although for a short time.
The ability to store meat and other perishables in a mini-fridge depends on the quality of your refrigerator. In some cases, a high-quality mini fridge can most certainly out-perform even the standard version of a home refrigerator.
The performance of the mini-fridge freezer compartment extends below the freezing point of water, which means it can freeze your edibles. Normally, this information is given to you by the seller but if you are given the basic information in any circumstance, you can check it yourself.
If you want to store meat in the mini-fridge, the FDA (US Food & Drug Administration) recommends keeping the refrigerator’s temperature at or below 40° F (4° C). You can use a thermometer to run an experiment to check if your mini-fridge can reach these temperatures.
Take a thermometer and place it in a cup of water, then place that water cup inside the mini refrigerator cabinet for 24 hours and measure the temperature. This can be done with both the freezer and the refrigeration compartments. Check the resulting temperature and set the temperature accordingly.
What can I store in my mini-fridge?
We are already aware that the space of a mini-fridge is limited, so the same goes for the products that we can store inside.
Depending on the temperature retaining capabilities of your mini-fridge you can store almost everything and anything for your daily needs.
The quality and type of your mini fridge is also an important factor in what you can store in it. For example, the more expensive compact room mini-refrigerators can support your raw foods and other cooked edibles at 40F, but it is to be remembered that they can only do so temporarily.
So, if you are going on a road trip and want to bring some raw meat with you, sausages and other barbeque stuff, the mini-refrigerators can hold them for that short period.
But if you are looking towards long-term storage of these raw sensitive food items, then it is not recommended to store them in mini-refrigerators because you run the risk of getting sick from dangerous bacteria.
Furthermore, other items like vegetables, fruits etcetera do not require 40F for storage; you can most certainly store them in mini-refrigerators.
Other items to store in your mini-fridge include;
- Chocolate
- Fast food snacks
- Leftover dinners
- Eggs
- Beverages like soda, juice
- Breast milk
- Milk, and milkshakes.
Moreover, you can store beauty care products and cosmetics like nail polish, facial toner, night creams etc inside your mini-refrigerator. It is to be noted that instructions regarding storage temperatures on these products should be read beforehand.
Do mini-fridges get cold enough?
Yes, depending on the brand (quality), a mini-fridge can easily rival the minimum cabinet temperature of any standard refrigerator.
The compact version of the mini refrigerator can hold the temperature from 35F to 45F without difficulties. Although, it is to be remembered that mini-fridges do not instantly achieve their full working potential until after some time.
Most mini-fridges will start their cooling process less than 3 hours after purchase and plugin and about one whole day or close to 24 hours to reach their full cooling potential.
Can you use a mini-fridge as a freezer?
Yes, some mini fridges have a pre-installed mini freezer inside them. In most compact mini-fridges, commonly, a freezer is already present.
But in those mini-fridges where such a compartment is absent, namely the mini freezer, one can mechanically alter the unit and turn it into a freezing device.
To turn a refrigerator into a freezer, you’ll need to change out the existing thermostat with one that allows the temperature to drop below freezing. Refrigerators operate above those temperatures, so you’ll need to know how to remove the existing thermostat and replace it with a new one. This process is best done by a professional.
What can I only eat with a mini-fridge?
This is the question most wondered about by students who are living in college hostels or a shared dorm room.
The most common items include;
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Snacks
- Food leftovers
- Liquids like water, juices, milk, and several beverages
All these can be easily accommodated and stored in a small mini-fridge unit for extended periods. Furthermore one can store dietary foods and dairy products too, like hazelnuts and yogurt.
Conclusion
Whether you’re living in a dorm room, have a tiny kitchen, going on a road trip or camping, have limited space in your home or office, mini-fridges are a great asset because they are compact, don’t consume much electricity, and will keep your drinks and food cool.
While you can store meat in a mini-fridge, it’s always a good idea to make sure it doesn’t take too long in the fridge else it’ll go bad. You also have to make sure your mini-fridge is capable of maintaining the required temperatures as discussed above.
