Mini, Chest & Undercounter

1. What is the difference between a mini fridge, an undercounter fridge, and a compact chest freezer?
This collection is designed for space-saving efficiency and secondary storage. An undercounter fridge or freezer stands at a standard height of around 85cm, designed to slide neatly beneath a kitchen worktop. A mini fridge is much smaller and highly portable, making it perfect for home offices, bedrooms, or student rooms. A compact chest freezer opens from the top rather than the front, offering deep, open storage that is perfect for bulk-buying frozen food when kitchen space is limited.

2. Can an under-counter fridge or freezer be integrated into my kitchen cabinets?
It depends on whether the fridge is freestanding or not. They are fully finished on the outside and designed to be displayed. Because they vent heat through their sides or back walls, they cannot be hidden inside a tight cabinet, although some models can be installed inside kitchen islands with enough space. If you want a hidden undercounter model, you will need to look at our dedicated integrated fridges.

3. How much ventilation space do compact refrigeration units need?
Even though these appliances are small, they still need room to breathe to run efficiently. You should leave a gap of 2cm to 5cm on the sides and back, and ensure there is a clear space of about 2cm above the top. Never block the top of an undercounter unit by cramming items flat against the underside of your worktop, as this can trap heat and shorten the appliance's lifespan.

4. Do mini fridges and small undercounter models make a lot of noise?

Modern compact fridges are designed to be incredibly quiet, typically operating between 35-40 decibels, about the same volume as a soft whisper. However, if you are planning to place a mini fridge in a bedroom, guest room, or home office, we always recommend checking the product specifications for the exact decibel (dB) rating to ensure peace and quiet.

5. Can I keep a compact chest freezer in my garage?
Yes, but you must ensure the model’s specs can handle colder temperatures – something we don’t get too much in this part of the world, but still important to know. While standard freezers will stop working if the room drops below 10°C, a model equipped with this technology will run perfectly in unheated spaces down to -15°C. Always check the product description if you plan to keep your chest freezer in an outbuilding or garage.