How To Make A Mini Fridge Colder? 12 Tips For Your Fridges

Content Summary

Have an experience where your mini fridge just doesn't seem to be cool enough? You probably had it for a while and it just doesn’t perform as it used to. Or, maybe you’re just looking for ways to optimize your fridge’s cooling system.

Here are 12 tips to make your small refrigerator colder and keep your drinks and food fresher for longer! So, let's dive right in.

1. Check The Thermostat

Make sure to set the temperature of your compact fridge correctly.

The thermostat dial could be near the back or front panel of your fridge. If you can't locate it, check the user manual.
A thermostat setting of 2-4 on a scale of 1-7 is ideal for a mini fridge.
Set to the optimal temperature. Typically a mini fridge’s thermostat should be set to a temperature between 33°-40°F.
If the temperature is set too high, it won’t be able to keep the interior cool enough.

2. Add A Thermoelectric Cooler

Most mini fridges use a compressor cooling system and a thermostat. A thermoelectric cooling system is used in small and portable mini-fridges.

They are capable of lower temperatures than a compressor fridge: appr. 40°-50°F lower than the temperature from outside. So if your current mini fridge isn't cold enough, you can add a thermoelectric cooler.
It is an effective way to keep your drinks and food cold, especially if you live in a hot climate, or if you go on a road trip in hot weather.
If you buy a quality thermoelectric cooler, you will be able to control the exact temperature inside. Keep opening and closing it to a minimum.
Portable thermoelectric coolers need a battery for power supply.
They have a limited cooling capacity.
It's important to note that adding a thermoelectric cooler does consume more electricity, so always adjust the temperature and keep the cooler at optimal energy levels.

3. Do Not Overload

A good rule of thumb is to keep the fridge about 2/3 full for optimal cooling efficiency.

Overloading the fridge with items can lead to restricted airflow, which can cause the fridge to run warmer.
Overstuffing your fridge can lead to poor performance, making it harder for it to cool your drinks and food items.
This makes it harder to maintain a cold temperature, and your food and drinks may spoil faster.
Try to avoid blocking the vent, allowing proper circulation of the cold air.

4. Make Use Of The Freezer Compartment

Use the small freezer compartment if your mini refrigerator comes with it.

It helps regulate the fridge’s overall temperature, as the freezer requires more cooling.
Adding some extra ice or freezer packs to the freezer in your mini-fridge to ensure that your drinks and food remain cold for a longer period.

5. Arrange Items Correctly

Keep your items organized and spaced out, so the air can circulate properly.

Start by placing larger items at the back, with medium-sized items in the middle, and small items at the front.
This way, the cold air flows quickly and reaches all corners of the fridge.
Make sure to leave some space between items for better circulation.

6. Allow Food To Cool Before Adding

Don’t place uncooled items and put warm or hot food or drinks in your mini refrigerator.

Adding hot or warm food to the fridge increases the internal temperature, meaning that the fridge has to work harder and for longer to cool down again.
So, always allow your food or drink to cool, and reach room temperature before putting it into the fridge, especially if you want to optimize your fridge’s cooling system continuously.

Keep Your Mini Fridges At Optimal Temperatures

7. Clean The Condenser Coils

Clean the coils at the back of the refrigerator twice a year.

The condenser coils tend to gather dust and dirt over time, which restricts the airflow.
This keeps your fridge in good shape and affects its cooling efficiency.
Cleaning the coils gently is easy. It can be done using a vacuum cleaner and/or a soft brush.
Keeping coils clean will allow for optimal airflow and in turn, a cooler inside temperature.

8. Keep The Fridge Door Closed

Do not open the mini fridge door open frequently, and try to close it quickly.

The more often you open the fridge door, the more you let the cold air escape, making the fridge work harder to maintain a cool interior temperature.
A mini fridge’s door insulation is not as thick as a regular fridge’s door, so leaving it open for too long can cause the internal temperature to rise quickly.
Ensure you are replenishing food or drinks in one go rather than bunches.
Instruct your kids to apply this.

9. Keep The Fridge In A Cool Place

Make sure it's kept in a cool place, away from direct sunlight, and other heat sources.

The fridge's position can directly impact its cooling effectiveness.
Avoid keeping it near windows that get direct sunlight or near heat-producing appliances such as ovens and microwaves.
This will increase the temperature around your mini refrigerator and ultimately affect its performance.

10. Use A Special Fan

A well-placed fan inside the fridge ensures that cold air circulation happens evenly.

This helps to keep the fridge colder and ensures the contents of the fridge fresher for longer.
It speeds up the cooling process, and the cool air reaches every corner of the fridge.
The fan will also help reduce frost build-up, which can be a common issue in mini-fridges.

11. Check The Seals

Inspect the seals regularly and gently clean them with a damp cloth.

Door gaskets - the sealing around the door of the fridge - often wears out over time, allowing warm air to seep in and cold air to escape.
Check the gasket to ensure it fits securely around the door. If it's broken or worn, replace it immediately.
Worn or broken seals make your fridge work harder, leading to poor performance, and waste of energy.

12. Unplug The Fridge

Unplug your fridge, especially when you are not using it for extended periods.

When not in use, keeping it on for too long can affect its performance, leading to poor cooling effectiveness.
This can cause the compressor to overheat and eventually break down.
It will save you money as unplugging a mini fridge will reduce your electricity bill.

👉

Tips & Tricks

Place a bowl of ice in the fridge.
Invest in an energy-efficient mini fridge.
Place frozen bottles or ice packs in the fridge to keep it cooler for longer.
Open the door less frequently by keeping a shopping list of items to replenish.
Cover any exposed food or drinks in your fridge to retain the cold air.

Refrigerator not Cooling? Check these things first! | Boulevard Home

With these tips, you can make your mini-fridge colder and keep your contents fresher for longer while ensuring that your mini-fridge works at peak efficiency.

In need of an energy-efficient mini fridge? Check out our picks of glass door mini fridges with energy-saving features and modern designs in the below blog post.