Making a small, confined space suitable for comfortable living can involve a couple of problems. One of the things you’ll definitely struggle with is how to fit in all those bulky appliances that take up a lot of space. Whether we’re talking about a small dorm room, a studio apartment, a cabin, or even an office – a mini bar fridge is a smart way to keep your food and drinks cool at all times without consuming your precious space. If you’re living on your own, this might be just the perfect solution.

Although it’s a lot more compact and has less features than a regular-sized refrigerator, buying a bar fridge is not a simple task. There are a lot of factors you should consider in order to find a unit that will best answer your lifestyle needs and seamlessly fit into the space. Like with every other purchase, performing a good research is an important step in the quest of finding the best bar fridge your budget allows. Here are some tips to help you with your decision.

Pick a Size According to Your Needs

What are your storage needs? Do you plan to store food for a couple of days or for the whole week? Smaller 50 litre units are usually designed to store drinks and snacks. On the other hand, average-sized models are around 100 litres and provide twice the space. However, if you need something larger, consider models with a capacity of over 150 litres that not only provide plenty of storage space but also have better interior insulation which allows them to keep more consistent temperatures and spend less electricity.

Consider the Noise Level

Depending on where you’re planning to place the fridge, noise can be a great issue. If it’s a space where you intend to sleep, like for instance an open plan apartment or a dorm room, the fridge shouldn’t produce any noise that could disturb your sleep. A nice silent model, like for instance a Dellware bar fridge, won’t cause you any disturbance. Avoid compressor fridges that use a motor which pumps vaporised liquid because they tend to emit an irritating humming sound.

Materials Also Matter

Lately, stainless steel and glass door models have become very popular. Many renowned brands are refreshing their classic designs by introducing some sleek glass doors, like for instance the Dellware bar fridge. Glass door fridges are know for their clean, professional look that can complement any home design. However, if you’re not comfortable with your guests having a clear view of the insides of your fridge, there are many aluminium door models that also give out a charming retro vibe to the space.

Take Into Account Ventilation and Defrosting

Sure, a bar fridge is not as powerful as a regular refrigerator, however, it can still produce a lot of heat which presents a problem in a small, confined area because the heat won’t have much room to escape. This way, you risk overheating the fridge. As a rule, you should make sure that the ventilation is located in the front or a side of the fridge which won’t be facing any surface. And remember, you will have to defrost your fridge once in a while to ensure it works properly. However, today there are some state-of-the-art models which feature electronic temperature control and frost-free technology.