When the mercury rises, having a mini fridge close to hand is the ultimate small luxury - whether it's in your home office so you can grab a refreshing cold drink or snack between calls, or as an accessory in your conservatory or garden bar to enjoy a chilled beer while you soak up the sun.
Mini fridges are also a great addition to kid's or teenager's bedrooms - particularly if your domestic peace is often shattered by rows over the last can of cola or mysteriously 'missing' chocolate.
Plus, if you're passionate about skincare, you'll know that a so-called 'beauty fridge' has become the latest must-have for your daily routine. Many skin serums, eye creams, toners and sheet masks perform better when stored in chilled temperatures, and it can prolong the life of products, too. A mini fridge is the perfect solution for keeping skincare products and cosmetics cool without taking up too much space on your dressing table.
Interested? We've rounded up a few of the best value for money mini fridges currently on the market in the UK, in a range of sizes and offering different functions to suit your needs, from hi-tech temperature controls to a built-in mirror.
Ready for budget-friendly beauties to brighten up your space and provide you with cool drinks and snacks at your convenience? Look no further!
Best cheap mini fridges to buy in the UK
Best temperature-controlled mini fridge
AstroAI Mini Fridge
Capacity: 6l
This modern, stylish take on the mini fridge can hold the equivalent of eight 330ml cans, making it a convenient size for a bedside or desk. It's also optimised for use on the go, with a carry handle and a charging cable compatible with a 12V car cigarette lighter port.
What sets it apart from many others on the budget-friendly end of the market, though, is the digital temperature control, which can be set anywhere between 2C and 60C - great for items that need to be stored at a specific temperature.
We love the mint green door colour, too - it's also available in pink or white finish.
Best large mini fridge
ESSENTIALS CTT50W20 Mini Fridge
Capacity: 40l
It might sound like a contradiction in terms, but a large mini fridge is just the job if you enjoy entertaining. This 40l fridge is big enough to fill with dozens of cans for your next party or to keep you fed and hydrated while working, exercising or gaming, but still small enough to sit neatly in a corner or on a table top in a kitchen or utility room.
It's definitely cheap and cheerful, with a plain white appearance, but the positive reviews speak for themselves - if it's a spacious, reliable mini fridge you're after, this could be the one for you.
Best versatile mini fridge
Subcold Ultra 15 Mini Fridge Cooler & Warmer
Capacity: 15l
If you're looking for a mini fridge that can fulfils a range of needs, the Subcold Ultra is an ideal choice. The two removable shelves allow you to make the most of its generous 15 litre capacity, while the included power cables are compatible with a regular power socket or a 12V car lighter socket.
The Subcold Ultra comes with both cooling and warming modes, with the adjustable temperature control ranging from 12C below ambient temperature to a toasty 65C - perfect for keeping hot drinks or snacks warm.
Shown above in a sleek black finish, it's also available in white or grey.
Best mini fridge for students
Ambiano Mini Fridge
Capacity: 16l
Aldi's Ambiano mini fridge is far more stylish than its low price tag would suggest, with its rounded lines and easy-to-use LED digital control panel for adjusting the temperature.
Inside, you'll find two removable shelves and a removable door shelf, to really help you make the most of the space.
We think this would make an excellent addition to student room. The 16l capacity can easily accommodate upwards of a dozen cans or a range of snacks to get you through those essay crisis all-nighters.
Best mini fridge for kids
Coca-Cola KWC4C Portable 6 Can Thermoelectric Mini Fridge
Capacity: 4l
Looking for a cheap and fun mini fridge for a kid's bedroom? Look no further than a design inspired by their favourite soft drink, like this Coca Cola fridge shown above (you can also buy similar versions with Fanta or Sprite branding).
This lightweight portable cooler can fit six standard soft drinks cans, and is also handy for stashing fruit, yoghurt, chocolate and other yummy snacks that are too good to let out of your sight! Plus, it has a handy warming function that lets you heat items up to 57C.
Best beauty fridge
electriQ 6L Portable Mini Skincare Fridge with Mirror and LED Light
Perfect for stashing all your favourite serums, lotions, sheet masks and cosmetics at optimum temperature to enhance performance, prevent bacterial spread and prolong shelf life, this 6l mini fridge is the skincare solution you won't be able to do without!
Specially designed for use as a beauty fridge, the door doubles as a mirror with LED lighting, making this an all-in-one make-up storage and application station.
