These tiny refrigerators pack a big punch without the energy waste.
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Whether it’s for your RV, garage, dorm room, or home office, a mini fridge is a great way to keep perishables (and beverages!) cool without the expense and energy consumption of a regular-sized refrigerator.
Mini fridges are highly variable, however, in terms of energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. Most companies still aren’t up front about the type of coolant they use, for instance.
In the US, many still use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), meaning that even some of the better looking Energy Star certified mini fridges are bad for the environment.
Our top pick for an eco-friendly mini-fridge
Runner up
Third pick
Environmental considerations for mini-fridges
As conscious consumers, it’s best to look at the following factors before buying a mini fridge:
- Energy efficiency
- Materials used for construction (recycled and/or recyclable)
- A company’s track record on environmental and social issue
- The type of coolant used in a fridge (preferably R600a, not HFCs or HCFCs)
That’s a lot of work! Don’t worry, though. I’ve done the digging, so you don’t have to.
The following recommendations are for mini fridges that don’t rely on chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), or HFCs, which damage the environment (namely, the ozone layer). Liebherr, GE, Black + Decker, and a few other companies make mini fridges using R600a coolant. Indeed, GE were the first company to apply to the EPA for approval to use isobutane as a coolant instead of HCFCs or HFCs back in 2011.
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The first HFC-free refrigerator
Did you know? After approval, GE launched the first HFC-free refrigerator in the US, the built-in Monogram 30-inch ZIK30GNHII Refrigerator (View Price on Home Depot) with an optional glass door, with cyclopentane as the insulating foam.
Isobutane and cyclopentane are easily processed when the time comes to recycle your appliance and are far more environmentally friendly than CFCs and HFCs. Also, all of GE’s appliances and components are labelled for recycling and Liebherr design their refrigerators to better enable recycling.
Despite GE’s achievement in getting EPA approval for isobutane, other manufacturers have mostly failed to follow suit. Isobutane has been widely used in household refrigerators in Europe and parts of Asia for several years, but HFCs and HCFCs remain redolent in US refrigerators. Fortunately, this is changing as HCFCs and HFCs began to be phased out in 2019. California has now banned HFCs entirely, meaning that many companies who want to sell products across the US have switched their coolants already.
In case you’re curious as to why none of the mini fridges gets the full 5 leaves, this is because they’re still not as energy efficient as I’d like them to be, compared to a regular sized refrigerator. I think there’s still room for improvement in this category, so am reserving that 5th leaf for whichever company really knocks it out of the park in terms of energy efficiency and eco credentials.
Best Eco-Friendly Refrigerator Brands
While I cannot currently recommend most household names in large appliances, this will likely change in the next couple of years as companies make the switch to planet-friendly coolants.
For now, the companies I recommend most highly for eco-friendly mini refrigerators include:
- GE
- Liebherr
- Furrion
Avanti also make a lot of Energy Star mini fridges, but the reviews of these tend to skew heavily towards poor construction and operation and poor customer service. If you end up having to replace a faulty refrigerator after just a few weeks or months, that’s not very sustainable, so I’d suggest giving Avanti a miss until they up their game (which they might do as they’ve just been acquired by a bigger company).
Sadly, many of the best brands making standard sized refrigerators don’t make mini fridges. If you do happen to spot a Bosch or Smeg mini fridge sometime in the future, though, chances are it’s energy efficient, eco-friendly and a great choice. (Also, let me know, so I can check it out!)
The best energy-efficient mini-fridges: our top picks
Curious about how we rate products? Click here to view our methodology, which at its core, is about voting with our dollars to fight climate change.
Liebherr UR 500
Highlights: Offers several safety features and can be fully integrated behind a cabinet door for a seamless aesthetic.
| Power and Interior Capacity | Width: 23 ⅝ inch Height: 32 5/16 – 34 11/16 inch Depth: 21 11/16 inch Capacity: 4.8 cu. ft. (136l) Weight: 84.2 lbs. Annual energy usage: 208 kWh/yr Energy consumption in 24h: 0.569 kWh / 24h Energy Supply: 115V / 60Hz / 2.3A Climate class: SN-T Noise level: 37 dB |
| Certifications | Energy Star® Sabbath mode |
The Liebherr UR 500 is a mini fridge that can be fully integrated behind a cabinet door for a seamless aesthetic. It has three safety glass storage shelves which are all adjustable, so you can refrigerate tall bottles, and one bottle rack and can rack as well as egg trays and one vegetable bin.
The UR 500 also has adjustable height feet, LED-lights, a touch electronic control system, and soft-stop mechanisms. There’s also a door open warning signal (visual and audible), SuperCool technology to quickly chill items and maintain temperatures, and automatic defrosting.
This model has right-side interchangeable hinges and a door opening angle of 115 degrees with Vario ventilation plinth and four adjustable height feet.
Liebherr UB 501
Highlights: This under-worktop refrigerator can be fully integrated behind a cabinet door and has plinth ventilation.
| Power and Interior Capacity | Width: 23 ⅝ inch Height: 32 5/16 – 34 11/16 inch Depth: 21 11/16 inch Capacity: 2.8 cu. ft. (95 l) Weight: 83.6 lbs. Annual energy usage: 214 kWh/yr Energy consumption in 24h: 0.586 kWh / 24h Energy Supply: 115V / 60Hz / 2.3A Climate class: SN-T Noise level: 38 dB |
| Certifications | Energy Star® Sabbath mode |
The Liebherr UR 501 is a little smaller than the UR 500 but boasts many of the same features. These include adjustable height feet, LED-lights, a touch electronic control system, and soft-stop mechanisms, so the door closes gently even when fully loaded. This under-worktop refrigerator can be fully integrated behind a cabinet door, has plinth ventilation, and a left interchangeable door with an opening angle of 115 degrees (but changeable to 90 degrees).
The UR 501 has two safety glass storage shelves which are both adjustable, so you can refrigerate tall bottles. This model also has automatic defrosting and a door open warning signal (visual and audible).
Liebherr UPR 513
Highlights: Pull-out model rather than a hinged door fridge, making it a great fit for many modern kitchens with built-in cabinetry.
| Power and Interior Capacity | Height: 32 5/16 – 34 11/16 inch Width: 23 ⅝ inch Depth: 21 11/16 inch Capacity: 4.4 cu. ft. (124 l) Weight: 96.3 lbs. Annual energy usage: 205 kWh/yr Energy consumption in 24h: 0.561 kWh / 24h Energy Supply: 115V / 60Hz / 2.3A Climate class: SN-T Noise level: 37 dB |
| Certifications | Energy Star® Sabbath mode |
Liebherr’s UPR 513 mini refrigerator is a pull-out model rather than a hinged door fridge, making it a great fit for many modern kitchens with built-in cabinetry. There’s extra storage space under the bottom drawer, four adjustable height feet, plinth ventilation, and the door is ready for affixing to a stainless steel panel, should that fit with your aesthetic.
The UPR 513 has one vegetable bin, egg trays, and two safety glass shelves (though these aren’t adjustable). There’s also the standard Liebherr energy efficient LED lighting, touch controls, SuperCool technology, and automatic defrosting, as well as a door open warning signal (visual and audible).
GE GME04GGKBB Compact Refrigerator
Highlights: An extra energy-efficient model that offers a variety of features including a mini ice tray, a two-thirds width chiller, and defrost tray.
| Power and Interior Capacity | Width: 19.8 inches Height: 33.9 inches Depth: 21.25 inches Capacity: 4.4 cu. ft. (3.93 fridge, 0.47 freezer) Weight: 60 lbs. Annual energy usage: 227 kWh/yr Energy consumption in 24h: 0.622 kWh / 24h Energy Supply: 115V / 60Hz / 2.3A Noise level: not available |
| Certifications | Energy Star® |
Available in white, black, and clean steel, the GME04GGKBB compact refrigerator is Energy Star rated, uses R600a coolant, offers 3.93 cu. ft. of usable space and boasts 0.47 cu. ft. of freezer space too! This model has three glass shelves, a can rack in the door, two wire door shelves, and tall bottle door storage. There’s also a mini ice tray, a two-thirds width chiller, and defrost tray.
Recessed handles make it easy to open and close the door (which is reversible). With manual defrost, this GE is extra energy efficient, assuming you actually defrost it occasionally. This model has two front levelling legs and comes with a 1-year limited parts and labor warranty. It’s also a heck of a lot lighter than the Liebherr models at just 60 lbs., making it a good choice if you might need to move it by yourself.
About GE Mini Fridges
If you’re looking for a freestanding energy efficient, eco-friendly mini fridge, GE are a good bet. Most of their models use R600a coolant, and they have a range of different sizes, including those around 3, 4, and just under 6 cubic feet. Top tip: look at the codes to see 03, 04, or 06 to quickly tell the capacity of the model. Some models, such as the GCE06GGH still use HFCs, however, so be sure to check specifications before buying.
BLACK+DECKER BCRK43V Compact Refrigerator
Highlights: Has a space-saving flat back design with adjustable levelling legs, making this model perfect for your RV, boat, garage, home office, or bedroom.
| Power and Interior Capacity | Width: 20.4 inches Height: 32.7 inches Depth: 20.9 inches Capacity: 4.3 cu. ft. Weight: 63.9 lbs. Annual energy usage: 226 kWh/yr Energy consumption in 24h: 0.619 kWh / 24h Energy Supply: 115V / 60Hz / 2.3A Noise level: 45 dB |
| Certifications | Energy Star® |
This Energy Star rated single door mini fridge with freezer offers 4.3 cubic feet of space in a very small footprint. It has reversible door hinges and a space-saving flat back design, with adjustable levelling legs, and is perfect for your RV, boat, garage, home office, or bedroom. It is relatively quiet at 45 dB, though the Liebherr models are quieter still, as is the Furrion.
This model has one vegetable drawer with a glass cover, two full-width slide-out glass shelves, a full-width freezer compartment with ice cube tray, two liter door storage and one full and two half width door shelves. The door dispenser storage can accommodate six 12 ounce cans. There’s an adjustable thermostat control, manual defrost, and recessed door handles, and this model uses R600a coolant and is available in black, stainless steel, and white.
The BCRK43 fridge comes with a 1 year warranty for parts and labor, and a 2-year warranty for the compressor.
About BLACK+DECKER
BLACK+DECKER are one of my favorite companies thanks to their excellent track record for Corporate Social Responsibility and their general excellence across a range of categories, including lawnmowers, chainsaws, and, as it turns out, mini fridges. The company offers mini fridges in several sizes, including 1.7, 2.5, 3.2, and 4.3 cubic feet, with the codes nice and easy to understand: BCRK17, BCRK25, BCRK32, and BCRK43. These all use R600a coolant and are well designed, with excellent warranties.
Danby Designer Mini Refrigerator
Highlights: Includes a full-width independent freezer section, making this an excellent bar fridge as you can make your own ice.
| Power and Capacity | Width: 20.688″ Height: 34.625″ Depth: 22.63″ Refrigerator Size: 4.4 (cu. ft.) Annual energy usage: 226 kWh/yr |
| Certifications | Energy Star® |
The Danby Designer DCR044A2BDD 4.4 cu. ft. Compact Refrigerator is an inexpensive, energy-efficient, Energy Star® certified model with semi-automatic defrost that uses the environmentally friendly R600a refrigerant and uses just 226 kWh/yr. Ideal for a dorm room, office, workshop, or guesthouse, this fridge includes a full-width independent freezer section, making this an excellent bar fridge as you can make your own ice. It also features 2 full and 1 half shelf, offering excellent storage flexibility.
See the full review of the Danby Designer DCR044A2BDD 4.4 cu. ft. Compact Refrigerator here.
Furrion 3.3 cu. ft. Mini Fridge
Highlights: Elegant and quiet with a low energy cooling system designed for off-grid living.
| Power and Interior Capacity | Width: 19 ⅛ inch Height: 33 inch Depth: 17 13/16 inch Capacity: 3.3 cu. ft. Weight: 83.6 lbs. Annual energy usage: 214 kWh/yr Energy consumption in 24h: 0.586 kWh / 24h Energy Supply: 115V / 60Hz / 2.3A Climate class: SN-T Noise level: 43 dB |
| Certifications | Energy Star® |
Furrion might not be a familiar name if you don’t have a luxury yacht, RV, or other outdoor adventure-type vehicle or vessel. Don’t let that stop you checking out this innovative company making energy efficient and mostly eco-friendly products such as the Furrion FCR43ACA-BL. Snappy name? No. A great choice for a mini fridge? Yes!
With annual energy usage of just 151 kWh, and a usable capacity of 3.3 cu. ft., the Furrion rivals Liebherr for performance (and price). It is also elegant and quiet, with a black matte finish and low energy cooling system designed for off-grid living especially in cramped quarters where you’re practically sleeping beside your refrigerator. That said, the Liebherrs are all quieter than the Furrion’s 43 dB.
Energy Star® rated, the Furrion uses R600a coolant, but seems to still use HCFC 141b blowing agent, which depletes the ozone layer. Given Furrion’s other eco-credentials, I hope to see this change in the near future.
The Furrion mini fridge has soft interior LED lighting. It also has an adjustable thermostat, reversible door hinge, crisper, and adjustable legs, as well as energy-saving manual defrost. Furrion offer a 12 month warranty on their mini-fridge, which you might want to extend for peace of mind.
This mini fridge is engineered for vibration resistance, making it ideal for on-the-road adventures such as in the RV. That said, the Furrion lacks a door lock, so if you’re planning to use this in transit, you’ll want to install a lock yourself to prevent the door swinging open.
The main potential downside to the Furrion is that it runs on AC 115 V, not DC, though you could get it to work with 12V DC with a sine wave inverter. Overall, this is definitely more suited to use as a marine or RV mini fridge, or in a garden shed or off-grid office, rather than at home in the kitchen.
Furrion engages in carbon offsetting and other environmental initiatives to minimize their impact, in addition to making renewable energy products such as solar panels designed to support off-grid living. They have publicly stated an intention to achieve net positive carbon emissions across manufacturing and product lines, and zero waste across operations worldwide by 2022/23. To achieve this goal, the company built a solar array in 2016 to fully power its US headquarters. They plan to expand their infrastructure to solar farms, off-grid housing and smart city ecosystems.
Since 2013, Furrion has partnered with Trees for the Future® to enable 100,000 trees to be planted. They also pledged support to non-profit The Ocean Cleanup® in 2017 to support efforts to get rid of plastic waste in the ocean.
Other Options for Energy Efficient Mini Refrigerators
Other good options include the Midea WHS-160RB1 Compact Single Reversible Door Refrigerator and Freezer and the EdgeStar CRF321SS 3.1 Cu. Ft. Dorm Sized Energy Star Compact Fridge/Freezer.
Thank you for doing to digging!
very helpful