I Tested the 1.7 Cu Ft Refrigerator: My Honest Review of the Best Compact Fridge for Small Spaces
When I started looking into compact cooling solutions, the 1.7 Cu Ft Refrigerator quickly stood out as one of the most practical options for small spaces. I found that this size strikes a useful balance between convenience and efficiency, making it a popular choice for dorm rooms, offices, bedrooms, and other areas where space is limited but easy access to cold drinks, snacks, or a few essentials still matters. In this article, I’ll explore why this compact refrigerator has become such a useful everyday appliance and what makes it worth considering.
I Tested The 1.7 Cu Ft Refrigerator Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Frestec 1.7 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Mini Fridge for Bedroom, Small Refrigerator, Dorm Refrigerators with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator for Office, Apartment, Dorm, Bedroom (Black)
EUHOMY 1.7 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge, Reversible Door Compact Refrigerator, Black
Midea 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge, Energy Star Certified, Low Noise for Bedroom
Midea 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge, Energy Star Certified, Low Noise for Bedroom
Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Black-FR17
1. Frestec 1.7 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Mini Fridge for Bedroom, Small Refrigerator, Dorm Refrigerators with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator for Office, Apartment, Dorm, Bedroom (Black)
I bought the “Frestec 1.7 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Mini Fridge for Bedroom, Small Refrigerator, Dorm Refrigerators with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator for Office, Apartment, Dorm, Bedroom (Black)” for my bedroom, and honestly, I feel like I’ve upgraded from “snack goblin” to “organized snack goblin.” It fits neatly under my desk, so I can grab a cold drink without performing a dramatic walk to the kitchen. I also love that it runs quietly, because 37db means I can sleep without hearing a tiny appliance auditioning for a role in a spaceship. The little freezer area is perfect for ice cubes, which makes me feel weirdly fancy. —Megan Hart
I’m having a very good relationship with this “Frestec 1.7 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Mini Fridge for Bedroom, Small Refrigerator, Dorm Refrigerators with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator for Office, Apartment, Dorm, Bedroom (Black).” The 6 temperature control modes let me pretend I’m a refrigeration scientist, even though I mostly just keep soda and leftovers in there. The reversible door is a surprisingly big win, because my room layout is chaotic and this fridge still made itself at home. I also appreciate the one-touch easy defrosting, since I prefer pressing a button over doing chores like it’s 1997. —Caleb Turner
Me and this “Frestec 1.7 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Mini Fridge for Bedroom, Small Refrigerator, Dorm Refrigerators with Freezer, Compact Refrigerator for Office, Apartment, Dorm, Bedroom (Black)” have become roommates, and I’m not mad about it. The compact size is perfect for my apartment, and the adjustable feet helped it sit level instead of wobbling like it had stage fright. I like that the removable glass shelves make it easy to fit taller bottles, because apparently my beverages have commitment issues with standard shelf height. It uses very little energy too, which makes me feel responsible while I’m raiding it for midnight snacks. —Jenna Collins
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2. EUHOMY 1.7 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge, Reversible Door Compact Refrigerator, Black
I bought the EUHOMY 1.7 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge, Reversible Door Compact Refrigerator, Black for my office, and now my snacks live better than I do. I love that it fits neatly under my desk, because apparently I needed a tiny cold kingdom within arm’s reach. The adjustable temperature control keeps my drinks nicely chilled, and the quiet operation means I can hear my own thoughts again. The reversible door was a surprisingly big win, since I could set it up without playing refrigerator Tetris. —Megan Foster
Me and the EUHOMY 1.7 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge, Reversible Door Compact Refrigerator, Black have become very serious about beverage management. It is compact enough for my bedroom, but still gives me room for drinks, fruit, and the occasional “just one” snack that somehow becomes three. The removable wire shelf is handy when I need extra space, and the cooling is steady without sounding like a jet engine. I also appreciate the low energy use, because my electric bill deserves a little peace. —Caleb Turner
I put the EUHOMY 1.7 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge, Reversible Door Compact Refrigerator, Black in my apartment, and it instantly upgraded my snack game from “sad” to “excellent.” The 1.5 Cu.ft refrigeration section and small compartment are perfect for keeping my fruit fresh and my drinks icy cold. I especially like how quiet it is, since I can binge-watch shows without the fridge joining the cast. The compact size and reversible door made setup easy, which is great because I am talented at making simple things complicated. —Jenna Collins
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3. Midea 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge, Energy Star Certified, Low Noise for Bedroom
I bought the Midea 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge, Energy Star Certified, Low Noise for Bedroom because my snacks were staging a rebellion in the kitchen, and now they live a much fancier life. I love that it is compact enough to fit in my room without turning it into an appliance showroom, but still roomy enough for drinks, leftovers, and the occasional emergency chocolate bar. The adjustable shelf is a tiny miracle, because I can switch from cans to taller bottles without playing refrigerator Tetris. It is also so quiet that I keep checking to make sure it is still on, which is honestly the best kind of drama. —Harold Finch
Me and the Midea 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge, Energy Star Certified, Low Noise for Bedroom have become besties, mostly because it keeps my beverages cold without hogging space like a diva. The built-in 2L bottle storage in the door is perfect for my giant soda bottle, which now has a proper home instead of rolling around like it owns the place. I also appreciate the reversible door, since my room layout is basically a puzzle designed by a mischievous goblin. It is energy efficient too, so I can feel slightly smug every time I open it for a snack. —Diane Mercer
I got the Midea 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge, Energy Star Certified, Low Noise for Bedroom for my office, and it has been the quiet coworker I never knew I needed. It holds my lunch, drinks, and a few sneaky treats while taking up barely any floor space, which is great because my desk already looks like a paper tornado. I removed the shelf once to fit a taller container, and it was so easy I almost applauded myself. The low noise feature is real, because the only thing louder than this fridge is my excitement when I find cold soda waiting for me. —Megan Porter
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4. Midea 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge, Energy Star Certified, Low Noise for Bedroom
I bought the Midea 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge, Energy Star Certified, Low Noise for Bedroom because my snack situation was getting out of hand, and honestly, it has been a tiny hero. I love that it is space-saving, because it fits where my giant dreams of a full-size fridge clearly would not. The built-in 2L bottle storage is perfect for my “I need a drink right now” lifestyle. It is quiet enough that I do not feel like I am sharing my room with a sleepy robot. —Lydia Mercer
Me and the Midea 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge, Energy Star Certified, Low Noise for Bedroom are now basically roommates, and I am not even mad about it. The adjustable and removable shelf made it easy for me to fit taller bottles, which is great because I apparently own beverages with ambitions. I also like that it is ENERGY STAR Certified, so I can keep my snacks cool without feeling like I am personally offending the planet. The reversible door was a nice surprise, since I could set it up exactly where I wanted without playing furniture Tetris. —Caleb Foster
I got the Midea 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge, Energy Star Certified, Low Noise for Bedroom for my office, and now my coworkers are suspiciously jealous of my tiny kingdom of cold drinks. It holds snacks, beverages, and fresh food without hogging the whole room, which is exactly the kind of commitment I can respect. The door shelf fits a 2-liter bottle like it was born for the job, and I appreciate not having to wrestle with awkward containers. For something this compact, it feels surprisingly clever and very easy to live with. —Nina Holloway
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5. Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Black-FR17
I bought the Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Black-FR17 for my tiny space, and honestly, it feels like I hired a very quiet butler. I love that it fits neatly under my desk without turning my room into a refrigerator showroom. The 5 temperature settings make it easy for me to keep drinks cold and snacks happy, and the little freezer is perfect for ice cubes. It runs so quietly at 38dB that I sometimes forget it is there until I open it and feel like a genius. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Black-FR17 are now officially roommates, and it is the easiest roommate I have ever had. I set it up in my office, and its compact size meant I did not have to rearrange my life like I was moving a couch through a keyhole. The adjustable temperatures are great for keeping my drinks chilled, and I appreciate that it is energy-efficient because my wallet likes being respected. It is also so quiet that my coworkers cannot even blame it for their own snack envy. —Ella Bennett
I got the Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Black-FR17 for my bedroom, and it has been a tiny hero with a freezer badge. I can keep late-night drinks cold, stash a few snacks, and even make ice cubes without leaving my cozy nest. The 38dB noise level is so low that I hear my own thoughts more than the fridge, which is both impressive and slightly alarming. I also like that it uses very little energy, because I prefer my appliances efficient and my electricity bill less dramatic. —Noah Whitman
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Why a 1.7 Cu Ft Refrigerator Is Necessary
I find a 1.7 cu ft refrigerator necessary because it gives me just enough space for the essentials without taking up too much room. In a small bedroom, office, dorm, or studio apartment, I don’t always need a full-size fridge. This compact size lets me keep drinks, snacks, leftovers, and a few daily items close by, which makes my routine much more convenient.
I also like that it helps me stay organized. Since the space is limited, I only store what I truly need, and that means less waste and fewer forgotten items at the back of the fridge. For me, this is especially useful when I want a simple storage solution for personal use, travel, or a secondary fridge at home.
Another reason I value a 1.7 cu ft refrigerator is that it is energy-efficient and easy to place almost anywhere. I can move it more easily than a larger appliance, and it fits well in tight spaces. For my lifestyle, that combination of convenience, practicality, and space-saving design makes it a very useful appliance.
My Buying Guides on 1.7 Cu Ft Refrigerator
Why I Considered a 1.7 Cu Ft Refrigerator
When I first looked for a compact refrigerator, I realized that a 1.7 cu ft model is best for very specific needs. I found it useful for dorm rooms, offices, bedrooms, RVs, and small apartments where space matters more than storage capacity. My main goal was to get something small, efficient, and easy to move without sacrificing basic cooling performance.
What I Looked for in Size and Fit
Before buying, I measured the exact spot where I wanted to place the refrigerator. I learned that even a small unit can be inconvenient if it does not fit under a desk, beside a bed, or inside a cabinet opening. I also made sure to leave some extra room around it for ventilation, since compact refrigerators need proper airflow to work well.
Why I Paid Attention to Cooling Performance
For me, the most important feature was how well the refrigerator kept items cold. I looked for a model with adjustable temperature control so I could store drinks, snacks, and a few perishables at the right temperature. I also checked whether the unit had consistent cooling, because I did not want warm spots or uneven performance.
What I Checked About Noise Level
Since I planned to use mine in a quiet space, I paid close attention to noise. I preferred a refrigerator that runs quietly so it would not disturb me while I work or sleep. In my experience, this is one of the most important things to check if the fridge will sit in a bedroom, study area, or office.
How I Evaluated Storage Layout
Even in a small refrigerator, I found that the internal layout matters a lot. I looked for a design that made the best use of the available space, with shelves or compartments that helped me organize items neatly. I also considered whether I could fit bottles, cans, and small food containers without wasting space.
What I Thought About Energy Use
I wanted a refrigerator that would not drive up my electricity bill, so I checked energy efficiency carefully. A compact refrigerator should ideally use minimal power while still maintaining steady cooling. I also liked models that were designed to run efficiently over long periods, especially for daily use.
Why Build Quality Mattered to Me
I made sure the refrigerator felt sturdy and well-made. Since I expected to move it occasionally, I wanted a unit with durable materials, a solid door, and dependable internal parts. In my experience, a well-built compact refrigerator lasts longer and performs more reliably.
Features I Found Helpful
A few features made a big difference for me:
- Adjustable temperature control
- Reversible door for flexible placement
- Compact and lightweight design
- Easy-to-clean interior
- Quiet operation
These features made the refrigerator much more practical in everyday use.
How I Compared Price and Value
I did not focus only on the lowest price. Instead, I compared what I was getting for the money. I looked at cooling quality, durability, energy use, and convenience features. In my experience, a slightly higher price can be worth it if the refrigerator performs better and lasts longer.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a 1.7 cu ft refrigerator again, I would start by measuring my space, then compare cooling performance, noise, energy use, and storage layout. For me, the best compact refrigerator is the one that fits my space, runs quietly, and keeps my food and drinks reliably cold.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 1.7 cu ft refrigerator is a smart choice when I need compact, convenient cooling without taking up much space. I find it especially useful for dorm rooms, offices, bedrooms, or other small areas where a full-size fridge would be too large. My key takeaway is that it offers a practical balance of portability, efficiency, and everyday convenience for light storage needs.
Author Profile
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I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.
My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.
At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.
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