Cheap small refrigerators come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. While there is no official description of a small refrigerator, it is generally accepted that anything below 18 cubic feet is considered a small or mini refrigerator. The widely accepted notion is that a small refrigerator is the general term for anything smaller than a standard full-sized refrigerator; a mini refrigerator is smaller than 18 cubic feet but larger than roughly 8 cubic feet. And a compact refrigerator is anything from 2.8 to 8 cubic feet.

Compact Cube Refrigerators

The smallest of typical small refrigerators, around 2.8 to 4 cubic feet can also be called a compact cube refrigerator for its cube-like shape. These usually have freezer compartments that are half width and being so small it isn’t good for much more than a tray of ice. These are commonly used as small beverage refrigerators since they cannot hold more than a few snacks. There are even smaller refrigerators but we won’t consider those because they become novelty items. Some are just large enough to hold a single 16 ounce can.

Small Refrigerators

Moderately sized small refrigerators are larger than the compact cubes and offer a full width freezer compartment which makes it useful for keeping a couple frozen dinners or left over pizza. These are useful for someone who doesn’t need too much in terms of grocery storing but like the option of keeping enough food for a couple meals.

Apartment Refrigerators

Then there are apartment refrigerators which come close to resembling full sized refrigerators especially the larger ones that have a separate freezer compartment. These are perfect for someone who could use a full-sized refrigerator but does not have the space for it such as those residing in tiny studio apartments.

Specialty Refrigerators

On the larger end of the scale, there are small refrigerators that offer specialty functions such as the ability to make and store ice. Their larger size allows more flexibility to offer these functions but begin to border on losing the convenience of a small refrigerator.

Most small refrigerators when properly maintained will last many years and, in the case of small dorm refrigerators or small compact refrigerators for small apartment kitchens, it is not uncommon for the refrigerator to outlive its purpose. This is what makes the refrigerator such a good investment at a couple hundred dollars brand new it can be passed along through many hands before retiring to the junk yard. For that reason there will be many instances of trying to transport a small refrigerator by our handy selves.

The reason that we even have this problem at all is because the refrigerator is usually small enough to move without any specialized transporting mechanics or professional help, but the insides of the unit is delicate enough for some considerate people wonder if there are any precautions to take to ensure a safe move. The truth is that there are some parts of the refrigerator that may need particular attention but for the most part transporting a refrigerator runs little risks of damage so long as it is void of harsh bumps and violent sudden movements.

The best way is to always keep the refrigerator upright. This is usually more important with full sized refrigerators and we have a little bit of leeway with small refrigerators. Since it is usually transported from one apartment to another in a private vehicle, it usually makes sense to lay the unit on its side since that is the only option for many people who don’t have pick-up trucks or other vehicles that could fit a refrigerator standing up.

In such a case just remember to lay the unit on its side and not the back. Be very gentle when laying down and picking up the unit back to an upright position. Don’t not immediately plug the refrigerator in after standing it back up. Let it stand upright for at least a couple hours. This allows any internal fluids to settle and avoid damaging the mechanics inside.

The reason we lay the unit on its side and not the back is because the motor is suspended by four springs that are designed to keep that part upright. Any violent movements especially with the unit on the side of on its back could force one or more of the springs to snap. If this happens you will notice a knocking noise whenever the motor comes on and could even stop the small compact refrigerator from working at all.

Take care with the refrigerator and move it carefully. For the most part that is enough to transport the unit without damaging it. Remember to use common sense and be gentle. This website is not responsible for any damages that occur from the use of the information here. If it is a daunting task, it might be best to seek help or hire a professional mover.

More people would benefit from a small wine refrigerator than most of them would realize. It is one of those things that many people would find useful but would never buy for themselves. That is why the small wine refrigerator is perfect for most people who do not have large collections of wines and only need something to keep their private small collections for a short to moderate period of time between acquisition and consumption.

A small wine refrigerator offers all the basic conditions necessary to store most varieties of wines. The small collections of a common household usually are stored in suboptimal ways anyways and a small refrigerator brings them that much closer to their perfect wine storage needs.

Ideally wines are kept in the dark, most importantly away from sunlight and fluorescent fixtures. Ultraviolet rays cause the wines to have an unpleasant smell. Small wine refrigerators are lit with incandescent or sodium vapor lamps which are safer for the wines.

Small Wine Refrigerator

A small wine refrigerator also forces the wines to be stored on its side as it should be. This keeps the cork from drying out and allowing air to get into the bottle which will spoil the wine.

Vibration is another factor that could affect the aging of a good wine. It is very possible to convert a typical small refrigerator into a wine refrigerator; however, for long storing periods a real wine refrigerator is necessary because the compressor causes vibrations in a typical refrigerator which wine refrigerators are designed to suppress.

Any wine kept over a year should be refrigerated. The temperature should never be over 75 degrees Fahrenheit or the wine will begin to oxidize. For a mixed variety of wines the ideal temperature is 54 degree Fahrenheit. Also, the temperature should be kept as constant as possible and the change should be gradual. A rise in temperature causes the wine to escape through the cork while a drop in temperature will cause air to be sucked back into the bottle. This could cause premature aging of the wine. A small wine refrigerator will go a long way in maintaining the consistency of the temperature.

Wines should be stored at around 70% humidity. Too low humidity will cause the cork to dry and causes evaporation of the wine. But too much humidity over 70% can encourage the growth of mold and ruin labels. A good small wine refrigerator will also keep the humidity level optimal for wine storage as well.

A wine “breathes” so if improper storage can ruin the wine through the cork. Keep the win refrigerator clean and check the temperature and humidity levels often if the unit is new. Once you are confident that it is working properly and consistently you can rest assured your wines are stored in good conditions.

A small wine refrigerator is perfect for most households. Most people aren’t the enthusiast that would spend thousands on a large wine cabinet. A small wine refrigerator is perfect for keeping the small selection that most people have in their homes in tip top shape so that it can be enjoyed on those special occasions.

There are a few basic guides to follow if you want to optimize the energy expended for your small refrigerating needs beyond just buying an energy star refrigerator. It is always important to be eco-friendly whenever possible especially when it comes to an appliance that will be running throughout the day and new standards make it very easy to be at least a little green.

Of course the first thing is to request or seek out an energy star qualified model. This is the official way of ensuring that you take home an energy efficient refrigerator that will continue to save you money throughout the life of the unit. All energy star qualified refrigerators will have a yellow label that explains the models’ energy consumption and has a chart comparison to the energy requirements of similar models. The yellow label will also show estimate annual operating cost. There is much more information available at the energy star website on how to effectively use the information provided by the yellow label.

The most common sense thing you could do to cut energy consumption is by buying the right appliance for your needs. In this case a small refrigerator that is sufficiently large but not excessive will definitely help save energy, which is one of the best advantages with small refrigerators.

Most small refrigerators come with freezer compartments that are mounted to the top of the interior. This is a very effective way of using the cold from the freezer compartment to keep the rest of the refrigerator cool and minimizes the need for additional cooling which costs a lot in terms of energy consumption.