Refrigerators have always been a pivotal appliance in every household since times unknown. However, it is only recently that the applicability of mini-fridges is gaining popularity in modern homes and houses. When we talk about their function, both refrigerators and mini-fridges cool and preserve items.
A refrigerator is a kitchen appliance that performs the dual functions of freezing and cooling items. Refrigerators usually get cold very fast. A standard refrigerator, for instance, will take approximately 2 hours to cool once it is plugged in.
A mini-fridge is a compact kitchen appliance that primarily serves the function of cooling beverages, canned drinks, fruits, etc. Although mini-fridges can cool perishable items, it can not do so for a longer period of time. It is suggested that such items should be stored in a mini-fridge for a maximum of 2-3 days.
With the varying features offered by a refrigerator and a mini-fridge, the choice between the two often comes down to the space available to you for setting up one of them.
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What Are the Main Differences Between A Refrigerator And A Mini fridge?
The primary difference between a refrigerator and a mini fridge is their size. A refrigerator comes in as a spacious and comparatively larger appliance found in residential kitchens and commercial centers, such as hotels. A mini-fridge, on the other hand, is a compact fridge that is designed to fit in small spaces, such as dorms, hotel rooms, etc.
Another point of difference between the two is that refrigerators are more powerful devices given their ability to store both frozen items (in the freezer) and cool items (in the fridge compartment). In contrast, a mini-fridge lacks the capability to keep icy food iced just the way refrigerators do.
What are the advantages of a refrigerator over a mini fridge?
Refrigerators have an edge over mini-fridges given their versatility and relatively spacious storage space.
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Versatile appliance
A refrigerator is a versatile appliance given its compatibility to store a myriad of items that require preservation through refrigeration. A refrigerator is divided into two compartments: the freezer and the fridge compartment. While the freezer compartment keeps the frozen items frozen, such as frozen meat and ice cream, the fridge compartment cools the perishable food items, such as fruits, vegetables, etc.
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Large storage space
Given the large size of refrigerators, they offer a large storage capacity as compared to mini-fridges. A refrigerator of 20-inches, for instance, can suffice the requirements of a family of four. It allows you to freeze and cool fruits, soups, vegetables, beef, and the like. Additionally, refrigerators are spacious enough to fit in containers, which is not possible in a mini-fridge.
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Powerful appliance
A refrigerator is undoubtedly a powerful appliance. It has the potential to store frozen items, such as frozen meat, vegetables, etc for up to 3 months. Therefore, standard refrigerators possess the characteristic of preserving items for a longer duration of time. One reason behind this trait is that these appliances consume as much as 300 to 800 watts of energy. This in turn allows them to store and preserve food items despite temperature fluctuations.
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More consistent temperatures
A conventional refrigerator possesses a well-laid circuit as compared to a mini-fridge. Consequently, they offer a uniform temperature and at the same time, tolerate fluctuations in temperature. Mini-fridges, on the other hand, are not compatible to tolerate fluctuations in temperature.
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Longer lasting
The useful life of a standard refrigerator is way lengthy in comparison to mini-fridges and other appliances found in the kitchen. A refrigerator is expected to last for a minimum of 13 years. A mini-fridge, however, lasts for a maximum of 5 years. The primary reason behind the shorter lifespan of a mini-fridge is the use of cheaper components in its manufacturing.
What are the advantages of a mini fridge over a refrigerator?
A mini-fridge is a more budget-friendly and space-efficient option than a refrigerator.
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Saves space
Mini-fridges came into existence to be space-efficient. Also known as compact fridges, mini-fridges need not require spacious areas for their set-up. They can easily be placed under the counter in residential houses that have tiny kitchen spaces and limited space.
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Affordable cost
Given their size and composition, mini-fridges are a cost-effective alternative to conventional refrigerators. The price of a standard mini-fridge varies between $40 to $800. Users can also choose from portable mini-fridge options available in the market for costs as high as $1200. However, they still don’t cater to as many functions as a standard refrigerator does.
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Portability
A mini-fridge is undoubtedly an appropriate purchase to serve your friends or family in the garden or any outdoor space for that matter. Mini-fridges offer phenomenal flexibility and portability. Firstly, they don’t require large space for set-up. Secondly, you can conveniently carry them with you when going camping or for a small picnic.
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Saves energy
Mini-fridges are appliances that consume less energy in comparison to refrigerators. They have fewer energy needs to operate because of their compact sizes and capability to retain cold air when their door is opened. However, mini-fridges are not energy efficient given the fact that they consume more energy than full-sized refrigerators do.
Which One is More Usable in the Kitchen between A Refrigerator and A Mini Fridge?
A refrigerator accommodates a diversity of food items. It performs the dual function of freezing food items, such as ice creams and cooling food items, such as raw fruits and vegetables.
The large storage space in a standard refrigerator when compared to a mini-fridge means they have the potential to store and preserve far more items than the latter. Therefore, while a mini-fridge performs the function of storing cold drinks, refrigerators offer both cooling and freezing compartments.
What foods can you store in a refrigerator?
The following food items can be stored in the refrigerator to ensure their longer lifespan:
- Mushrooms
- Sliced Tomatoes
- Poultry
- Meat
- Maple and Chocolate Syrup
- Beans
- Cakes
- Soy Sauce
- Zucchini and Summer Squash
- Fresh Corn
- Homemade Jam or Jelly
- Ripe fruits: mangoes, papayas, plums, apricots
- Citrus fruits: limes, oranges, and lemons
- Vegetables: cucumber, spinach, greens, peppers, cabbage, carrots, broccoli, Bok Choy, and asparagus
- Frozen Meat
- Dairy Products
Also, you should avoid storing the following food items in your refrigerator:
- Onions
- Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
- Winter Squash
- Bananas
- Persimmons
What foods can you store in a mini fridge?
Although mini-fridges aren’t as versatile as refrigerators, they allow you to store the following items:
- Beers
- Bread
- Yogurt
- Pasta
- Red and White Wines
- Nuts: Almonds and Cashews
- Beverages: Juice and Milk
- Humus
- Salads
- Cheese
- Noodles
- Butter
- Chocolate
- Packaged Goods
- Fruits
- Desserts
- Pizza Leftovers
- Eggs
FAQs
Yes, pairing your refrigerator and mini fridge in your kitchen is a viable option. You can store perishable produce and produced foods in your refrigerator. At the same time, you can use your mini-fridge to store red and white wines, canned drinks, and other beverages.
A refrigerator and a mini-fridge can be used together in several instances. The primary purpose of a refrigerator is to freeze and cool prepared foods and fruits. Accordingly, a standard refrigerator can be installed in your kitchen to facilitate easy access to kitchen supplies.
Mini-fridges are cooling devices that can be easily moved from one place to another. Therefore, you can place them anywhere from your patio to living room to bedroom and even in your home office. This in turn will provide you with an easier accessibility to your beverages, such as beers and sodas.
You won’t require a mini-fridge if you don’t drink cold beverages or wines that often. In this case, a standard refrigerator will suffice your needs as it’ll perform the function of storing your perishables conveniently.
Conclusion
It is evident, therefore, that both refrigerators and mini-fridges have their respective merits and demerits to offer. Refrigerators save steps, energy, and time because you no longer require to run to the grocery market every time you have to cook. Instead, you can simply store the food items in your refrigerator. Additionally, the preservation of food by refrigeration retains their natural, physical appearance, and nutritive value.
When it comes to mini-fridges, on the other hand, their most immediate merit is that they’re space efficient. They come in a wide variety of styles and designs and therefore, add to the aesthetics of your home office, kitchen, patio or wherever you wish to place the appliance. Moreover, mini-fridges are a budget friendly option for many.
Nonetheless, several factors need to be taken into consideration before choosing between a refrigerator and a mini-fridge. A standard refrigerator can be an infeasible option for some due to its costs or space requirements. At the same time, for people who don’t consume canned drinks frequently, a mini-fridge can be an unnecessary expense. At last, it all comes down to the needs of the respective consumer.
