Best Portable Mini Fridges with AC/DC Power

TL;DR: The Dometic CFX2 packs a 28 L capacity, 36‑can hold and a -7 °F to +68 °F temperature range into a 29.33 lb unit that you can control from a phone, but it's a premium $660.00 price.

The standout spec is its 28 L single‑zone capacity, which lets you store up to 36 cans while still fitting into a compact 13.58 in depth, 16.81 in height and 23.62 in width footprint. A variable‑speed compressor and Bluetooth‑enabled Mobile Cooling app give you precise control, and the unit can run on 12/24 V DC or 100‑240 V AC. Noise sits at 44 dB(A), and the refrigerant is the low‑impact R1234yf (27 g).

Compared with the nine other fridges in this roundup, the CFX2 is heavier than the 22‑lb Koolatron Mini Fridge and the 8.38‑lb Antarctic Star Compact Mini Fridge, but lighter than the 34‑lb Smad RV Refrigerator. Its depth of 13.58 in is shallower than Koolatron’s 15 in yet matches the Cooluli 20 L’s 13.75 in depth, while its height of 16.81 in is shorter than Koolatron’s 21.25 in but taller than Antarctic Star’s 13.9 in. Width‑wise, at 23.62 in it exceeds every peer, giving it the largest interior volume – more than double the 10 L capacity of the Antarctic Star and well above the 20 L of the Cooluli model.

Reviewers consistently praise the CFX2’s lightweight feel for a compressor‑type cooler and its broad temperature swing that handles both freezing and chilling. Users also like the convenience of app‑based control. Critics point to the single‑zone design, which prevents separate freezing and refrigeration zones, and the lack of an internal battery, so you must rely on external power. Most campers find the 44 dB(A) noise level acceptable, though it’s not the quietest on the market.

Additional technical notes include a 3‑stage battery protection system that monitors vehicle battery draw, ensuring you don’t drain your power source unintentionally. The unit’s climate class is N/T, and its insulation uses polyurethane (PU), contributing to efficient temperature retention.

Best for: Campers, overlanders, RV owners, and day‑trip travelers who need a portable, lightweight cooler/freezer with robust temperature control.

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $660.00.

TL;DR: The Cooluli 20 L Mini Fridge White offers a spacious 20‑liter interior, dual AC/DC power and a sleek tempered‑glass front, but its thermoelectric cooling tops out at about 35–40 °F below ambient.

This model’s standout spec is its 20 liter (0.7 cu ft.) capacity, which the manufacturer says holds up to 24 standard 12‑oz cans. The digital thermostat lets you switch between cooling and warming, with a max warming temperature of 149 °F. Its thermoelectric EcoMax™ dual‑core system runs on either 100–120 V AC or 12 V DC (5–7 A), drawing 50–80 W.

Compared with the other nine mini fridges in the roundup, the Cooluli is larger than the Antarctic Star Compact Mini Fridge’s 10 L capacity and heavier than that unit’s 8.38 lb weight. It also out‑sizes the AstroAI Mini Fridge 2.0 Gen (6 L) and the Cooluli Mini Fridge White (4 L). While its 13.67 lb weight makes it less portable than the sub‑4 lb Frigidaire models, it still fits on a desk or dorm room shelf thanks to its compact 13.75 in depth, 11.25 in width and 16.25 in height.

Professional reviewers praise the unit’s quiet operation and the retro‑style tempered‑glass front, noting it looks more like a mini‑bar than a utility fridge. Users appreciate the roomy interior for snacks and drinks, but many flag the cooling limit of 35–40 °F below ambient as a drawback in warm rooms, and they miss a dedicated freezer compartment.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The Cooluli Mini Fridge White cools 35°–40°F below ambient, holds 4 L of items, weighs just 5.1 lbs, and runs on AC, 12 V car power or USB for $54.99.

This compact unit’s standout spec is its 4 liter (0.14 cu. ft.) capacity combined with a thermoelectric EcoMax™ system that can drop the interior temperature 35°–40°F below the surrounding air. Weighing only 5.1 lbs, it’s light enough to slip into a backpack or dorm desk, and the single‑shelf door includes a molded inset handle for easy transport.

Compared with the nine other fridges in our roundup, the Cooluli weighs less than the Antarctic Star Compact Mini Fridge (8.38 lbs) and the Koolatron Mini Fridge (22 lbs), but weighs more than the Frigidaire EFMIS151 (3.0 lbs). Its 4 L interior holds less volume than the Cooluli 20 L Mini Fridge and the Antarctic Star’s 10 L compartment, yet it matches the Frigidaire EFMIS151’s 4 L size while offering a cleaner white finish. Unlike models that include LED lighting, this unit foregoes interior illumination, keeping the design simple and energy‑efficient.

Reviewers consistently praise the fridge’s portability and its ability to plug into a wall outlet, a 12 V car adapter, or even a USB charger—making it a favorite for travelers, students, and office workers. Users also note the quiet, frost‑free operation, which is ideal for shared spaces. Critics point to the modest cooling range; a 35°–40°F drop isn’t enough for freezing drinks or storing perishable foods for long periods. The limited 4 L space also means you’ll need to prioritize what you store, which some users find restrictive.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option.

Avoid if: You need deep freezing, large storage capacity, or advanced features such as interior lighting.

TL;DR: The Nostalgia Retro Mini Fridge costs $39.99, weighs 4.41 lbs, and fits six 12‑oz cans while offering both cooling down to 45 °F and warming up to 130 °F, making it a budget‑friendly personal cooler.

At just 9.84 in deep, 10.43 in tall and 7.09 in wide, this fridge packs a surprisingly roomy interior for a unit that only weighs 4.41 lbs. A button‑type temperature control lets you toggle between a cooling mode that reaches 45 °F and a warming mode up to 130 °F, and LED lighting illuminates the contents.

Compared with the other nine models, the Nostalgia sits in the middle of the weight range—lighter than the Antarctic Star Compact (8.38 lbs) and the Koolatron Mini (22 lbs) but a bit heavier than the Frigidaire Retro Mini (3.0 lbs). Its depth of 9.84 in is deeper than the Frigidaire Retro (7.0 in) yet shallower than the AstroAI (12.60 in) and Cooluli 20 L (13.75 in). It holds six 12‑oz cans, matching the Frigidaire EFMIS151 but falling short of the AstroAI’s eight‑can capacity and the Cooluli 20 L’s 24‑can claim.

Reviewers appreciate the built‑in plastic carry handle and the retro chrome latch, noting that the unit slides out a shelf for flexible storage. However, many point out that the six‑can limit feels cramped for anything beyond a single person’s snacks, and the 45 °F minimum temperature isn’t cold enough for hot summer days. The thermoelectric system provides both cooling and heating without a compressor, and ETL certifies the unit for safety.

Best for: Individuals who need a portable, personal‑size cooler/heater for a desk, dorm room, or bedside table.

Avoid if: You require a larger storage capacity, freezer‑level temperatures, or a unit for family‑size use.

TL;DR: The Antarctic Star Compact Mini Fridge offers a 10‑liter, low‑noise cooler that runs on AC or 12 V DC, weighs 8.38 lbs, and is ideal for desks, dorms, or car trips.

At 12.8 in deep, 9.8 in wide and 13.9 in tall, this fridge packs a 10 L capacity into a footprint that still fits under a typical desk. It cools to a minimum 40°F (4°C) in about 3 hours, runs quietly at 38 dB, and draws 100 kWh per year. The included AC cord and 12 V DC car cord let you power it from a wall outlet or a vehicle, while the removable shelf and top handle add flexibility and easy transport.

Compared with the nine other mini fridges in the roundup, the Antarctic Star sits in the middle of the size and weight spectrum. It’s heavier than the Cooluli Mini Fridge White (5.1 lbs) but lighter than the Cooluli 20 Liter model (13.67 lbs) and far lighter than the Koolatron Mini Fridge (22 lbs). Its depth of 12.8 in is just a touch deeper than the AstroAI Mini Fridge 2.0 Gen (12.60 in) and shallower than the Cooluli 20 Liter unit (13.75 in). Height‑wise, it’s taller than the AstroAI (7.56 in) and the Frigidaire Retro Mini (10.5 in) yet shorter than the Koolatron’s 21.25 in. Capacity-wise, 10 L slots between the AstroAI’s 6 L and the Cooluli 20 Liter’s 20 L, giving you more room than the smallest 4‑L options without the bulk of the larger models.

User reviews consistently praise the fridge’s portability – the 8.38‑lb weight combined with the top handle makes moving it between a dorm room and a car effortless. Reviewers also like the quiet operation, noting that 38 dB is low enough for study sessions or office use. Reviewers highlight the dual‑power design as a major convenience for road trips. On the flip side, several users point out the manual defrost requirement and wish the 10 L interior could hold more cans or snacks for group outings.

Technical details round out the picture: the unit runs on standard 110‑120 V AC or 12 V DC, consumes 100 kWh annually, and reaches 40°F in roughly 3 hours, 50°F in 2 hours, and 64°F in 1 hour. The manual defrost system means you’ll need to clear ice occasionally, but it also keeps the design simple and energy‑efficient.

Best for: Most users seeking a balanced, mainstream option

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The AstroAI Mini Fridge 2.0 Gen offers a 6‑liter, LED‑lit interior, dual AC/DC power and a ultra‑low 7.56‑inch height for $59.99, making it a compact, versatile cooler for desks or travel.

At just 6 L, the fridge holds up to eight 355 ml cans or four 20‑oz bottles, and a thermostat knob lets you toggle between a 32‑40 °F cooling band and a warming mode up to 150 °F. LED lighting brightens the interior, and the 110 V AC / 12 V DC input means you can plug it into a wall outlet or a car charger without extra adapters.

When you line it up with the nine other mini fridges in this roundup, AstroAI’s 12.60‑inch depth sits just shy of Antarctic Star’s 12.8 in but deeper than Frigidaire Retro’s 7.0 in. Its 7.56‑inch height makes it the lowest of the group, far shorter than Antarctic Star’s 13.9 in, Cooluli 20 L’s 16.25 in, and even the compact Koolatron’s 21.25 in. Width‑wise, the 10.16‑inch chassis is wider than Antarctic Star’s 9.8 in yet narrower than the 12.0‑inch width of Frigidaire Retro and the 11.25‑inch span of the Cooluli 20 L model. Capacity-wise, AstroAI’s 6 L sits between the 4 L offerings of Cooluli Mini Fridge White and Frigidaire EFMIS151 and the larger 10 L of Antarctic Star.

Professional reviewers note the lightweight build and the 2022 International Design Excellence Award; the ETL certification reassures you about safety. Users love the portability, quiet operation, and the ability to keep cosmetics or snacks cool on a dorm desk or in a car. The most common gripe is that the fridge can’t reach true freezer temperatures and must stay plugged in, so it’s best for items that stay above ambient temperature.

Best for: Value‑conscious buyers seeking quality at $59.99

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance, such as true freezer temperatures or battery‑backed operation

TL;DR: The Koolatron KCR45 packs a 1.76 cu ft (50 L) stainless‑steel fridge with 60‑can capacity, dual 110 V AC/12 V DC power and a 45 °F cooling delta, but its $310.18 price and 3.0‑star rating make it a premium‑cost choice.

The standout spec is its thermoelectric heat‑pipe system that can pull the interior up to 45 °F (25 °C) below ambient, while holding up to 60 standard 12‑oz cans in a 1.76 cu ft (50 L) compartment. It runs on both 110 V AC and 12 V DC, drawing 6 A at 12 V, which lets you plug it into a truck’s power outlet or a home wall socket. The unit measures 15 in deep, 21.25 in high and 21.25 in wide, and weighs 22.0 pounds, giving it a solid, stainless‑steel feel.

Compared with the other nine mini fridges in this roundup, the Koolatron is heavier than the Smad RV Refrigerator (34 lb vs 22 lb) and far heavier than the Cooluli Mini Fridge White (5.1 lb) or the Frigidaire Retro Mini (3.0 lb). Its 1.76 cu ft capacity dwarfs the 20‑liter Cooluli 20 L model and the 10‑liter Antarctic Star Compact, and its 60‑can capacity far exceeds the 8‑can capacity of the AstroAI Mini Fridge 2.0 Gen. However, the Koolatron also commands a premium price point that sits above the $75.99‑priced Cooluli 20 L and the sub‑$63 options from Antarctic Star and Nostalgia.

Truck‑driver feedback notes that the size fits standard 15‑inch semi‑truck cabinet openings and the dual‑voltage capability is a real convenience on the road. Reviewers also point out that the thermoelectric system, while quiet, is less efficient than compressor units, limiting how low the temperature can drop and eliminating any freezer compartment. Reviewers cite the 30‑lb box weight and 22‑lb unit weight as a downside for users who need true portability.

The fridge features an automatic defrost cycle, magnetic door seal, recessed handle and right‑side hinge for easy cabinet integration. Interior adjustability comes from removable wire shelves and door storage compartments, and the stainless‑steel exterior adds durability. A one‑year limited warranty rounds out the offering.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns

TL;DR: The Frigidaire Retro Mini Personal Fridge in White Gold costs $41.93, weighs just 3.0 lbs, holds up to nine cans in a 5 L thermoelectric cooler, and runs on both AC and 12 V DC.

This fridge’s standout spec is its 5 L internal volume that fits nine standard cans while staying ultra‑light at 3.0 lbs. The thermoelectric system pulls the interior 26‑28 °F below ambient, and the built‑in carrying handle makes it easy to tote to a dorm, office, or road trip. It also includes a heavy‑duty locking latch and both a 12 V car adapter and a 110 V AC cord for flexible power options.

Compared with the nine other mini fridges in the roundup, the Frigidaire is the lightest model that shares the same 3.0‑lb weight as the Frigidaire EFMIS151, while the Nostalgia and AstroAI units tip the scales at 4.41 lbs and an undisclosed weight respectively. Its 7.0‑in depth is shallower than the Nostalgia’s 9.84 in and the Cooluli 20‑liter’s 13.75 in, making it easier to slip into tight spaces. At 12.0 in wide, it out‑sizes the Nostalgia (7.09 in) and the Antarctic Star (9.8 in) but sits just behind the larger Cooluli 20‑liter (11.25 in) in width. Capacity‑wise, the 5 L volume sits between the 4 L of the Frigidaire EFMIS151 and Cooluli Mini Fridge and the 6 L of the AstroAI, while offering a higher can count (nine) than the Nostalgia’s six‑can limit.

Reviewers repeatedly praise the fridge’s portability – “ultra‑lightweight” and “handy handle” appear in many comments – and appreciate the dual‑power flexibility for travel or office use. Reviewers describe the thermoelectric cooling as modest, which aligns with the 26‑28 °F delta; users note it’s fine for drinks but not a substitute for a freezer or heavy‑duty cooling in hot climates. The 93‑review count indicates a decent user base for a budget‑priced unit.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget who need a portable, dual‑power mini fridge for travel, dorm rooms, or office use.

Avoid if: You need large storage capacity, freezer functionality, or high‑performance cooling in extreme heat.

TL;DR: The Frigidaire EFMIS151 is a 4 L, 3‑lb retro mini fridge with a built‑in Bluetooth speaker, LED lighting and button controls, ideal for single‑person beverage cooling on a budget.

This model’s standout feature is the integrated Bluetooth speaker, a rarity in the mini‑fridge segment, paired with interior LED lighting for easy visibility. It holds up to six cans (4 L) and uses a simple button for temperature adjustment, all packaged in a compact 9.0 in × 11.0 in × 10.0 in footprint.

At 3.0 lb it matches the weight of the Frigidaire Retro Mini Personal Fridge but is noticeably lighter than the Cooluli 20 L Mini Fridge (13.67 lb) and the Antarctic Star Compact (8.38 lb). Its depth of 9.0 in is deeper than the Retro Mini’s 7.0 in yet shallower than the AstroAI Mini Fridge’s 12.60 in, placing it in the middle of the size range for this lineup.

Professional reviewers applaud the retro aesthetic and the novelty of the Bluetooth speaker, while everyday users love the ultra‑portable size for desks, dorm rooms or car trunks. The most common complaints revolve around the modest six‑can (4 L) capacity and occasional cooling inconsistency in warm environments, as well as the lack of a freezer compartment.

In practice, the fridge runs on standard 115 V household power and includes a 12 V car adapter, so it's usable in vehicles. A keyed lock adds a small security touch, and the one‑year warranty rounds out the basic support package.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The Smad RV Refrigerator offers a 40° anti‑shake design, digital temperature display and three battery‑protection levels for $299.99, but its 34.0‑pound weight makes it a heavy, premium‑priced option.

The standout feature is the 40° anti‑shake architecture, which aims to keep contents stable while the vehicle is moving. It also includes three battery‑protection levels, a digital temperature display for precise set‑points, and built‑in car power ports, and includes a 1‑year warranty. At $299.99 and weighing 34.0 pounds, it sits at the high end of the price and weight spectrum in this mini‑fridge roundup.

Compared with the other nine models, the Smad unit is pricier than most and noticeably heavier than the Antarctic Star Compact Mini Fridge (8.38 pounds) and the Cooluli 20 Liter Mini Fridge (13.67 pounds). It also carries more listed features than the simpler units that only note basic dimensions or a single power option.

Users appreciate how quickly it cools—reaching target temperatures within about an hour—while drawing only 0.146 kWh over a 24‑hour period, making it energy‑efficient for long trips. Reviewers also highlight the removable wheels and telescopic handle, which help maneuver the 34.0‑pound box despite its bulk.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $299.99