Having a tiny house doesn’t mean you have to give up on the idea of having a functional refrigerator. Fortunately, there are a variety of small refrigerators that meet the spatial requisites of tiny houses.
The best tiny house refrigerators will be small since kitchen space is frequently limited. Depending on your energy source, you might want to consider getting a fridge that operates on propane and electricity. You will also need to consider your desired features and budget.
In this article, we will discuss the best picks for tiny house refrigerators for 2021. We will also talk about their specifications, tips for buying a small refrigerator, and how we came up with the list. If you are interested to know more about this, continue reading.
SMETA 3-Way Compact Mini-Fridge
The SMETA 3-Way Compact Mini-Fridge is an ideal option if you live off the grid or plan to take your tiny house on the road to locations that may not have accessible electrical supplies. Likewise, this refrigerator is a good option if your tiny house is solar-powered and only runs on direct current (DC).
Its 1.4 cubic feet capacity is perfectly sized to fit under your counters on countertops. However, you will probably need to shop frequently for refrigerated items due to its limited space. Additionally, this fridge does not have a freezer.
The refrigerator compartment features two removable shelves that you can place at several heights to suit the products you need refrigerated. Its door has two storage compartments for storing eggs, butter, condiments, and beverages.
On the plus side, this refrigerator uses an advanced absorption cooling system that is super-quiet, and it has a broad temperature range of 32°F to 50°F (0°C to 10°C).
Warranty
None.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 15.8 inches (40 cm) width, 17.7 inches (45 cm) depth, 24.8 inches (63 cm) height |
| Capacity | 1.4 cubic feet |
| Rated AC voltage | AC 115V/60Hz |
| Rated DC voltage | DC 12V |
| Liquid propane (LP) | Approximate gas consumption per day: 0.4 lb |
| Pros | This mini-fridge is ideal for tiny houses that aren’t on the grid. |
| Cons | The purchase of this unit does not include the required regulator and hose to use its propane system. Additionally, the cost of this fridge is high in relation to its capacity due to its 3-way design. |
Costway Compact Refrigerator
The Costway Compact Refrigerator is a compact mini refrigerator that is ideal for corner use and under the counter placement in tiny houses.
Its 3.3 cubic feet capacity is sized to keep all your food items fresh while taking up minimal space. Additionally, it features a reversible two-door design and separate refrigeration and freezer compartments to keep your food and drinks fresh and cold. Its refrigerator compartment has 2.2 cubic feet of space, and its freezer has 1 cubic feet.
The refrigerator door includes a dedicated space to store your favorite canned beverages. It also has a compartment that can hold three liters of soda or three bottles of wine. It also has a section to keep your butter, eggs, and favorite condiments. Likewise, the freezer door has storage space to complement its roomy freezer box.
The Costway Compact Refrigerator has an adjustable thermostat and a temperate range of 32°F to 50°F (0°C to 10°C). It also has a built-in lamp, two removable glass shelves, and a crisper drawer to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh.
Warranty
All Costway products include a 90-day return guarantee. If you are not satisfied with your purchase or it doesn’t work, Costway will exchange the product or refund your money. Additionally, they pledge to answer all inquiries within two working days.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 20 inches (50.8 cm) width, 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) depth, 34 inches (86.0 cm) height |
| Capacity | 3.2 cubic feet |
| Rated voltage | AC 115V/60Hz |
| Rated power | 65 watts |
| Pros | Customers praised its durability and value for the money. Several customers also wrote that it was a great gift. |
| Cons | A few customers complained that although the freezer was good at freezing ice, food items failed to get completely hard when frozen. |
HomeLabs Mini Fridge
| Dimensions | 18.5 inches (47 cm) width, 17.7 inches (45 cm) depth, 33.9 inches (86 cm) height |
| Capacity | 3.3 cubic feet |
| Rated voltage | AC 115V/60Hz |
| Rated power | 85 watts |
| Pros | This refrigerator’s reversible door and one-year warranty make this fridge a good choice. Customers praised its energy efficiency and value for the money. |
| Cons | A few customers complained that they had to keep the fridge at 33 to 35°F (0.56 to 1.67°C ) to make ice, and they thought it made refrigerated products too cold to drink comfortably. |
AMANA AMAR46TS1E Compact Refrigerator
This AMANA compact fridge is a space-saving refrigerator that is ideal for under the counter use in tiny houses with small kitchens. It’s exterior features a stainless steel look, and the fridge has an interior light.
Its 4.6 cubic feet capacity is perfectly sized to keep your food items fresh while taking up minimal space. Additionally, it features a reversible two-door design and separate refrigeration and freezer compartments to keep your food and drinks fresh and cold. Its refrigerator compartment has 3.25 cubic feet of space, and its freezer has 1.31 cubic feet.
The AMANA compact fridge features a crisper drawer to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh. Additionally, it includes one removable glass shelve for the freezer compartment and three for the refrigeration space.
The refrigerator door includes a dedicated space to store your favorite canned beverages. It also has a compartment that can hold two-liter bottles of soda or wine bottles. It also has two sections to keep your butter, eggs, and favorite condiments. Likewise, the freezer door has storage space to complement its freezer box.
This compact fridge conforms to Energy Star certification standards and features an adjustable thermostat. The refrigerator compartment temperatures range from 32°F to 47°F (0°C to 8.3°C).
Designed with an R600a high-efficiency and low-energy consumption compressor, it cools quickly.
Warranty
The purchase of this fridge includes a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 19.1 inches (48.6 cm) width, 21.6 inches (54.9 cm) depth, 48.1 inches (122.2 cm) height |
| Capacity | 4.6 cubic feet |
| Rated voltage | AC 115V/60Hz |
| Annual energy consumption | 325-kilowatt hours (according to its Energy Star rating label) |
| Pros | Unlike many other compact refrigerators, this unit is Energy Star certified. |
| Cons | This refrigerator is a bit bulky on the outside, considering its internal capacity. |
RCA RFR786 2-Door Apartment Refrigerator
The RCA apartment fridge is a space-saving refrigerator that is ideal for tiny houses with small kitchens. Its exterior features a stainless steel finish, recessed door handles, and hinge covers.
Its 7.5 cubic feet capacity is perfectly sized for tiny houses with one or two full-time residents. Additionally, it features a reversible two-door design and separate refrigeration and freezer compartments to keep your food and drinks fresh and cold. The inside of the refrigerator is lit using bright incandescent lighting.
The RCA RFR786 fridge features a crisper drawer to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh. The refrigerator compartment has three adjustable glass, spill-proof shelves that help prevent liquid spills from leaking onto the shelves below.
Similarly, it includes a full-width, fixed wire shelf in the freezer and a door bin to help you organize your ices trays and frozen foods. The freezer also contains an internal top-mount freezer door for additional cooling.
The refrigerator door includes three full-width storage compartments and two half-width ones to store wine bottles, 2-liter bottles of soda, canned beverages, butter, eggs, and favorite condiments.
This apartment fridge conforms to Energy Star certification standards and features an adjustable thermostat.
Warranty
The purchase of this refrigerator includes a one-year manufacturer’s limited warranty covering defects in material and workmanship.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 23 inches (58.4 cm) width, 23 inches (58.4 cm) depth, 55 inches (139.7 cm) height |
| Capacity | 7.2 cubic feet |
| Rated voltage | AC 115V/60Hz |
| Annual energy consumption | 378-kilowatt hours (according to its Energy Star rating label) |
| Pros | The Energy Star rating that certifies this fridge’s high-energy efficiency is particularly nice for tiny houses. |
| Cons | This fridge doesn’t include frost-free operation. |
Danby Designer Apartment Refrigerator
The Danby Designer fridge is a space-saving refrigerator that is great for tiny houses, particularly those with smaller kitchens. Its exterior features a stainless steel finish, recessed door handles, and hinge covers. It also features two front-mount adjustable leveling legs and two rear casters for smooth movement.
Its 7.3 cubic feet capacity is perfectly sized for tiny houses with a couple of full-time residents. Additionally, it features a reversible two-door design and separate refrigerator and freezer compartments. The inside of the refrigerator is lit using bright incandescent lighting.
This apartment fridge features four clear full-width door compartments to store wine bottles, 2-liter bottles of soda, gallons of milk, canned beverages, butter, eggs, and favorite condiments.
The refrigerator compartment has three-adjustable, slide-out glass shelves and a transparent vegetable crisper drawer with a glass top to keep all your produce fresh. Likewise, the freezer includes a full-width, fixed wire shelf and a door bin to help you organize your ice trays and frozen foods.
This compact fridge conforms to Energy Star certification standards and features an adjustable thermostat. The refrigerator compartment temperatures range from 32°F to 42°F (0°C to 5.6°C), and the freezer ranges from 0°F to -18°F (0°C to -27.8°C).
The Danby Designer fridge is low-maintenance with automatic defrosting in the refrigerator compartment. However, the freezer requires manual defrosting.
Warranty
All Danby refrigerators carry an 18-month manufacturer’s limited warranty for parts, labor, and in-home service. However, installation and yearly maintenance or cleaning are not covered.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 21.5 inches (54.6 cm) width, 21.4 inches (54.4 cm) depth, 56.3 inches (143 cm) height |
| Capacity | 7.3 cubic feet |
| Rated voltage | AC 115V/60Hz |
| Annual energy consumption | 343-kilowatt hours (according to its Energy Star rating label) |
| Pros | Customers praised this refrigerator’s energy efficiency, and value for the money. |
| Cons | A couple of customers complained that they could not adjust the temperature for the freezer independent of the fridge. |
Galanz Retro Look Refrigerator
The Galanz Retro Look fridge is a space-saving refrigerator that is great for tiny houses with smaller kitchens. This fridge has the look of an old-time diner combined with the features and appeal of modern appliances. It’s exterior features a high-gloss red finish and chrome handles and is a welcome addition to tiny custom houses.
Its 7.6 cubic feet capacity is perfectly sized for tiny houses with one or two full-time residents. Additionally, it features a separate refrigerator and freezer compartment, and the inside of the refrigerator is lit using bright incandescent lighting. Its refrigerator compartment has 6 cubic feet, and the freezer has 1.6 cubic feet of space.
This apartment fridge features three clear full-width door compartments to store wine bottles, 2-liter bottles of soda, canned beverages, butter, eggs, and your favorite condiments.
The refrigerator compartment has three-adjustable, slide-out glass shelves and a transparent vegetable crisper drawer to keep all your produce fresh. Likewise, the freezer includes a full-width, fixed wire shelf, and a door bin to help you organize ice trays and frozen foods.
This compact fridge conforms to Energy Star certification standards and includes an adjustable thermostat.
The Galanz Retro Look fridge is low-maintenance with automatic defrosting in the refrigerator compartment. However, the freezer requires manual defrosting.
Warranty
The purchase of this refrigerator includes a one-year manufacturer’s limited warranty covering defects in material and workmanship.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 21.7 inches (55.1 cm) width, 24.5 inches (62.2 cm) depth, 58 inches (147.3 cm) height |
| Capacity | 7.6 cubic feet |
| Rated voltage | AC 115V/60Hz |
| Annual energy consumption | 386-kilowatt hours (according to its Energy Star rating label) |
| Pros | This refrigerator’s unique retro styling is one of its most excellent perks. |
| Cons | The doors are not reversible. |
Danby Bottom Freezer Apartment Refrigerator
The Danby Bottom Freezer fridge is a space-saving refrigerator that is great for use in tiny houses. Its exterior features a stainless steel finish, recessed door handles, and hinge covers. It also features two front-mount adjustable leveling legs and two rear casters for smooth movement.
Additionally, it is designed to sit flush with most standard kitchen counters for a clean and cohesive look. It also has reversible doors and a smooth-back design that helps save space.
Its 9.2 cubic feet capacity is perfectly sized for tiny houses with a couple of full-time residents. Additionally, it features a reversible two-door design and separate refrigerator and freezer compartments. The inside of the refrigerator is lit using built-in LED lighting.
This fridge is Energy Star-certified and has an adjustable electronic thermostat that allows you to program your preferred coldness level. The refrigerator compartment temperatures range from 32°F to 42°F (0°C to 5.6°C), and the freezer ranges from 0°F to -18°F (0°C to -27.8°C).
The refrigerator compartment has abundant storage space, two full-width adjustable glass storage shelves, and two side-by-side vegetable crispers to keep your produce fresh. Likewise, it has three built-in door compartments and a can dispenser to keep your eggs, butter, 2-liter soda, wine, and condiments chilled.
The freezer has a removable wire shelf and a tall wire basket for your frozen items’ convenient storage. However, there is no storage in the door.
The Danby Designer fridge is low-maintenance, featuring frost-free operation and uses environmentally friendly R600a refrigerant.
Warranty
All Danby refrigerators carry an 18-month manufacturer’s limited warranty for parts, labor, and in-home service. However, installation and yearly maintenance or cleaning are not covered.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 24 inches (61 cm) width, 26.5 inches (67.3 cm) depth, 60 inches (152.4 cm) height |
| Capacity | 9.2 cubic feet |
| Rated voltage | AC 115V/60Hz |
| Annual energy consumption | 374-kilowatt hours (according to its Energy Star rating label) |
| Pros | This refrigerator’s frost-free operation is a huge perk. Customers praised this refrigerator’s energy efficiency, frost-free operation, and value for the money. |
| Cons | A couple of customers complained about the built-in door compartments, writing that they would have preferred full-width shelves instead. A few customers complained that the side-by-side vegetable crispers were a bit flimsy. |
SMETA 110V/Gas Propane Refrigerator
The SMETA 110V/Gas Propane Refrigerator is a good refrigerator to consider if you live off the electrical grid. Additionally, it is ideal if you plan on taking your tiny home on the road. Likewise, if your tiny home runs on direct current or is solar-powered, this is perhaps the fridge for you.
Its 9.4 cubic feet capacity is ideal for tiny homes with one or two full-time occupants. It features dual reversible doors with 2.1 cubic feet of freezer space and 7.3 cubic feet in the refrigerator cabinet.
The freezer temperature is a constant -3.2°F (-19.5°C), and the refrigerator has a range of 32°F to 50°F (0°C to 10°C). The refrigerator compartment includes adjustable thermostats for both electric and gas functions. However, its defrost function is manual.
This fridge is designed without a compressor or fans and extremely quiet compared to conventional refrigerators. It uses a Piezo ignition system and includes a flame indicator along with an easy-access control panel at the bottom of the unit to switch it between electric and gas.
The refrigerator door includes three compartments for storing butter, eggs, and condiments. It also has a fourth storage compartment for taller items like large containers of soda pop and wine. Likewise, the freezer door has storage space to complement its roomy freezer box.
The refrigerator compartment features three powder-coated adjustable shelves and a crisper drawer to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh.
The Costway Compact Refrigerator has an adjustable thermostat and a temperate range of 32°F to 50°F (0°C to 10°C). It also has a built-in lamp, two removable glass shelves, and a crisper drawer to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh.
Warranty
The SMETA 110V/Propane Refrigerator includes a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, and the company has an after-service department if you experience any problems.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 23.6 inches (60 cm) width, 29.1 inches (74 cm) depth, 64.2 inches (163 cm) height |
| Capacity | 9.4 cubic feet |
| Rated AC voltage | AC 115V/60Hz |
| Liquid propane (LP) | Approximate gas consumption per day: 1.6 lb |
| Pros | This fridge is ideal for tiny houses that aren’t on the grid. |
| Cons | The purchase of this unit does not include the required regulator and hose to use its propane system. Additionally, due to its 2-way design, the cost of this fridge is high in relation to its capacity. |
Daewoo RTE18GSBCD Refrigerator
The Daewoo RTE18GSBCD fridge is great for tiny houses with large kitchens and with two or more people. With its 18 cubic feet capacity, it is also great for people who love to cook a lot. The refrigerator compartment has 13 cubic feet, and the freezer has 5 cubic feet of space.
Available with black, stainless steel, or white exterior, this refrigerator has abundant storage space featuring a variety of storage compartments. For example, it includes two side-by-side humidity-controlled crisper bins to help you save money on your grocery bills.
Vegetables typically stay fresh longer in high-humidity compartments. On the other hand, fruits last longer in low humidity. For that reason, each bin has a humidity control setting so you can separate your produce to ensure it stays fresh longer.
Additionally, this fridge has an upper utility drawer in the refrigerator compartment along with one full-width and two half-width glass anti-spill shelves.
The refrigerator door has a full-width transparent storage compartment for large containers and bottles, four half-width compartments for your favorite condiments, and a flip-up dairy pocket ideal for butter and eggs. Its bottom compartment is designed to hold one-gallon containers.
Likewise, the freezer compartment has a removable glass shelf and two full-width door compartments to organize all your frozen items. The freezer is already set up for an icemaker but requires a separate purchase.
The refrigerator and freezer compartments have separate adjustable thermostats, and the fridge has bright LED lighting.
The entire fridge uses a patented Multi Airflow Cooling system that maintains consistent temperatures throughout the unit. To accomplish this, small air vents on each shelf provide a steady stream of cold air.
This fridge is Energy Star-certified, includes auto-defrost, and uses environmentally friendly R600a refrigerant.
This fridge’s purchase price includes room-of-choice delivery, hook-up, and free haul-away of your old refrigerator if requested.
Warranty
The purchase of this refrigerator includes a one-year manufacturer’s limited warranty covering defects in material and workmanship.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 30 inches (76.2 cm) width, 33 inches (83.8 cm) depth, 67 inches (170.2 cm) height |
| Capacity | 18 cubic feet |
| Rated voltage | AC 115V/60Hz |
| Annual energy consumption | 399-kilowatt hours (according to its Energy Star rating label) |
| Pros | There is little not to like about this fridge with its ample storage space, abundant features, and auto-defrost. Customers loved this fridge praising its energy efficiency, temperature controls, and value for the money. |
| Cons | Customer complaints were nominal, with most of them having to do with damages caused during delivery. However, overall, customers were satisfied with this fridge and with customer service. |
Tips for Buying a Refrigerator in a Tiny House
When looking for a refrigerator for a tiny house, you should consider the following factors:
- Available space
- Number of people in the house
- Power options (AC, DC, or liquid propane)
- Consumer reviews
- Price
- Inclusion of a Warranty
Choosing a refrigerator for a tiny house can present a host of challenges. For example, you may have some size limitations due to the layout of tiny house kitchens. For that reason, you want to make sure you always measure your available space before selecting a new fridge.
Depending on whether you are on the electrical grid makes a difference when selecting the right refrigerator for your tiny house. For that reason, we included a couple of fridges that use liquid propane as well as electricity.
Additionally, the number of people living in your tiny home determines the recommended capacity of your fridge.
- Mini fridges: If you live alone, you can probably get by with a refrigerator with about 3.2 to 5 cubic feet (91 to 142 liters) of space.
- Small fridges: If two or three total people live in your tiny house, you will need between 7 to 9 cubic feet (198 to 255 liters).
- Small standard fridge: If two to three people live in your tiny house and you cook a lot, you will need between 15 to 18 cubic feet (425 to 510 liters).
How We Selected This Year’s Best Tiny House Refrigerators
We selected this year’s list of the best refrigerators for tiny houses by researching the best-selling models. Additionally, we considered the reputation of each brand, its features, price, and consumer reviews.
We also chose refrigerators representing all three recommended capacity ratings and included a range of prices to accommodate various budgets.
Conclusion
Buying a refrigerator for any home is an important decision, possibly more so with tiny houses. It all comes down to your size limitations, desired features, and budget. Fortunately, a variety of models are available on the market these days. No doubt, you will find one that suits your wants and needs.
You might consider sharing this article with friends of yours with tiny houses. Happy shopping and we wish you the best with your tiny house adventure.