what best small fridges to buy, that are cheap and use less electric
When shopping for a cheap, energy-efficient mini fridge, the best options balance low upfront retail costs with minimal annual power consumption (measured in kWh/annum). Modern compressor-based mini fridges typically fall into the "E" energy class under the revised efficiency scale, consuming roughly 75 to 115 kWh per year (costing very little to run annually). Ultra-small thermoelectric coolers consume even less power but are only suited for drinks and cosmetics, as they cannot safely maintain food-safe temperatures below 4°C for long periods. [1]
Bush ME41L Table Top Fridge
- Power Efficiency: Consumes just 79 kWh/annum, making it one of the absolute cheapest traditional mini fridges to run.
- Features: 41-litre capacity, 2 wire shelves, salad crisper, and an integrated freezer section.
- Best For: Flat tabletop placement or under-counter use where daily food or milk safety is required.
- Availability: Check local stock at Argos.
Subcold Eco50 Mini Fridge
- Power Efficiency: Consumes 99 kWh/annum using advanced compressor technology.
- Features: 45-litre net capacity, a small chiller box (-6°C), adjustable thermostat (0–10°C), and a built-in security lock.
- Best For: Shared spaces, student dorms, or home bars where security and quiet operation are prioritized.
- Availability: Purchase directly from Subcold.
Candy CLHS58EWK Tabletop Fridge
- Power Efficiency: Low annual consumption of 112 kWh/annum with an E energy rating.
- Features: Much larger 127-litre capacity, automatic defrosting, LED lighting, and smartphone connectivity via the hOn app.
- Best For: Someone who needs more storage space for a small apartment or studio kitchen while remaining economical.
- Availability: Check online deals at AO.com.
So Chill Mini Fridge Infinity
- Power Efficiency: Uses minimal thermoelectric cooling power via standard home mains or a car adapter.
- Features: 4-litre capacity (holds about 6 cans), removable internal grid shelf, and a color-changing infinity LED light effect.
- Best For: Ultra-cheap tabletop setup strictly for personal desk drinks, snacks, or skincare cooling.
- Availability: Available to buy in-store at platforms like Smyths Toys.
- Compressor vs. Thermoelectric: Models using traditional compressors (like Bush or Subcold) use slightly more peak wattage but run intermittently, making them more energy-efficient overall for keeping food cold. Thermoelectric chips run continuously and struggle if ambient room temperatures get too hot. [2]
- Energy Ratings: Do not get discouraged by "E" ratings on new models. Due to the strict criteria updates implemented on the UK Energy Label System, E-class now denotes what used to be highly efficient A+ or A++ machines. [1, 2, 3]
- The Freezer Penalty: Mini fridges with dedicated or larger ice boxes consume more electricity because they have to work harder to maintain sub-zero temperatures. If you only need to keep milk, fresh snacks, or cans cold, choose a "larder" style (fridge-only) model to save on bills. [2]
To narrow down the best model for you, let me know:
- What items do you plan to store inside? (Fresh meals, just beverages, or frozen items?)
- What room will this be placed in? (A quiet bedroom, kitchen counter, or home office?)
- What is your approximate budget threshold?
Mostly milk and salads, and in kitchen
Since you are storing daily essentials like milk and fresh salads in a kitchen environment, you need a compressor-based "larder" fridge (with a salad crisper and bottle racks) that operates safely at food-safe temperatures (below 4°C). Avoid small cosmetic thermoelectric desk coolers, as they cannot safely store dairy long-term. [1]
Selecting a model without an integrated freezer compartment (larder style) drops your power consumption down significantly—averaging just 79 to 90 kWh/annum—saving you the most money on electricity.
Midea MDRD146FGE01 Undercounter Larder Fridge
- Power Efficiency: Exceptionally low usage of 86 kWh/annum (Energy Class E).
- Internal Layout: A generous 93-litre capacity featuring a dedicated transparent salad crisper drawer and three deep door balconies designed specifically for large milk bottles.
- Kitchen Fit: At only 47.2cm wide with a reversible door, it slots easily into tight kitchen gaps or under standard countertops.
- Where to Buy: Available from retailers like Kitchen Economy.
LOGIK LTT68S23 Tabletop Mini Fridge
- Power Efficiency: Uses just 79 kWh/annum, running at a quiet 39 dB noise level.
- Internal Layout: 67-litre capacity with 2 height-adjustable wire shelves. While it lacks a separate bottom vegetable drawer, it gives you a much smaller tabletop footprint if you want to place it directly on top of a kitchen worktop.
- Kitchen Fit: Compact countertop build with a recessed handle and a reversible door to suit your layout.
- Where to Buy: Check stock or order directly from Currys.
Beko UL4584W Undercounter Larder Fridge
- Power Efficiency: Highly efficient 90 kWh/annum for a much larger storage capacity.
- Internal Layout: A massive 128-litre capacity. It comes with a large full-width salad crisper and three sturdy glass shelves, providing ample room if you store multiple heads of lettuce, leafy greens, or family-sized milk jugs.
- Kitchen Fit: Standard undercounter size (85cm tall, 54cm wide) featuring an automatic defrost system so you never have to manually clear ice build-up in the kitchen.
- Where to Buy: Available with free delivery options from Appliances Direct.
- Look for "Auto-Defrost": In a busy kitchen where the fridge door opens frequently, moisture builds up fast. Choosing a model with auto-defrost (like the Beko or Midea) keeps your salad leaves from getting soggy or frost-damaged against the back wall.
- Door Balcony Depth: Double-check the depth specifications if you buy 4-pint milk jugs. Tabletop models under 50 litres often require you to lay larger bottles flat, which can cause leaks. Undercounter models over 80 litres are safer for upright milk storage.
Would you prefer a tabletop style to sit right on your kitchen counter, or a full undercounter model to slide underneath your worktops?
How much is this Fridgemaster fridge
This Fridgemaster undercounter fridge is the Fridgemaster MUR4894E model, which features an upper "Freeze Box" ice compartment and a lower "Crisp Zone" drawer. [1, 2]
Brand new, this model typically costs between £129 and £139 from major retail stores. [1, 3]
Retail Price Breakdown:
- Amazon UK: ~£139.00
- Euronics: ~£139.00
- Wellingtons Electrical: ~£139.00
- Littlewoods: ~£179.99 [1, 3, 4, 5]
If you are planning to purchase or sell one, let me know:
- Are you looking for new or second-hand prices?
- Do you need assistance finding details on its dimensions or energy rating?
I can find the exact details you need.
Could I get cheaper alternative
The cheapest alternative undercounter fridges with an ice box generally range from £109 to £125.
The direct comparisons below highlight budget-friendly models available from major UK retailers:
| Brand & Model | Retail Price Range | Key Features | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logik LUL48W22 | £109 - £119 | • 48 cm width • Compact ice box compartment • Reversible door | Currys |
| Cookology UCFR83WH | £114 - £124 | • 47 cm width • 83L total capacity • Quiet 41dB operation | Amazon UK / Cookology |
| SIA UCFR48WH | £119 - £125 | • 48 cm width • 86L capacity • Adjustable thermostat | Appliances Direct / eBay |
💡 Extra Money-Saving Tips:
- Check Outlet Sections: Look at "Refurbished" or "Open Box" items on websites like Appliances Direct or eBay, where you can routinely find undercounter fridges for under £90.
- Go for a Larder Fridge: If you do not explicitly need the small ice box freezer compartment, buying a pure "larder fridge" (refrigerator only) usually drops the retail price by £10 to £15.
If you want to choose the right one, let me know:
- Do you absolutely need the ice box / freezer section?
- Is there a specific maximum width or depth restriction for your kitchen space?
I can pinpoint the absolute lowest price for your exact dimensions.
need assistance finding details on its dimensions or energy rating? on the Fridgemaster at 51 Mousehold Street, as I like it, I could get this for my new place
The Fridgemaster MUR4894E undercounter fridge features an E energy rating, which is highly standard for modern compact fridges, consuming about 125 kWh per year.
Physical Dimensions
It is designed with a slim, space-saving form factor:
- Height: 84.2 cm
- Width: 47.5 cm
- Depth: 44.8 cm [1]
(Note: The door is fully reversible, allowing you to configure it to open left or right depending on the exact layout of your kitchen.)
If you are moving this fridge or ordering it to your new place, here is the location context for 51 Mousehold Street, Norwich:
Key Storage Specifications:
- Total Capacity: 82 Litres net (consisting of a 75L fresh food compartment and a 7L 3-star ice box compartment).
- Internal Layout: 2 adjustable glass shelves and a "VIP lounge" space box drawer for fresh vegetables.
- Noise Level: An exceptionally quiet 38 dB(A), making it ideal for open-plan flats or smaller spaces where you want to avoid a loud hum. [2]
You can verify the detailed specification sheet directly on the official Fridgemaster MUR4894E Product Page or inspect the official technical dimensions via the Euronics Product Data Sheet.
If you need help measuring out the counter gap to guarantee a seamless fit, or if you need the exact unboxed weight for logistics, just let me know!
Where the best place to buy it, to get delivery in Norwich ?
The best place to buy the Fridgemaster MUR4894E for home delivery to Mousehold Street in Norwich is Amazon UK or AO.com.
Both options provide reliable large-appliance delivery service across Norfolk, but they differ slightly in delivery costs and extra service options.
| Retailer | Appliance Price | Delivery Cost | Delivery Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon UK | £139.00 | FREE | Best overall value; free threshold delivery to your front door. |
| AO.com | £139.00 | £20.00 | Delivers straight to your kitchen room of choice; offers specific day time slots. |
| Appliances Direct | £139.00 | £24.95 | Reliable alternative, though shipping is slightly more expensive. |
Since you are setting up your new place, you can add optional convenience services at checkout with major appliance delivery networks like AO.com:
- Old Appliance Recycling: For a small fee, they will take away your old fridge right from Mousehold Street when dropping off the new one.
- Unboxing & Packaging Removal: Delivery crews can unpack the fridge in your kitchen and take all the heavy cardboard and polystyrene away for you.
Are you hoping to get it delivered on a specific day of the week, or do you need a delivery service that handles old appliance disposal? Let me know so I can point you toward the right checkout options!
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