How to Keep Food Cold During A Power Outage With A Mini Fridge?

19 minutes read

During a power outage, it is important to keep your food cold in a mini fridge to prevent it from spoiling. One way to do this is by filling plastic bottles with water and freezing them ahead of time. Place these frozen bottles in the fridge to help keep the temperature low. You can also minimize the number of times you open the fridge door to retain the cold air inside. Additionally, you can insulate the fridge by wrapping it in blankets or towels to help maintain the cold temperature. If the power outage lasts for an extended period, consider transferring perishable items to a cooler with ice packs to keep them cold.

Best Mini Fridges of 2024

1
Honeywell Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler, 115 Can Mini Fridge with Glass Door for Soda Beer or Wine for Office or Bar with Adjustable Removable Shelving

Rating is 5 out of 5

Honeywell Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler, 115 Can Mini Fridge with Glass Door for Soda Beer or Wine for Office or Bar with Adjustable Removable Shelving

  • Three pane glass door for ultimate temperature control
  • Electronic digital thermostat control panel
  • Slide out plastic coated shelving
  • Adjustable legs
  • Interior LED light
2
Upstreman 3.2 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Single Door, Adjustable Thermostat, Refrigerator for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black-BR321

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Upstreman 3.2 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Single Door, Adjustable Thermostat, Refrigerator for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black-BR321

  • Compact Single-Door: This mini fridge measures 18.7’’*17.4’’*33.1’’(W*D*H) and has 3.2 Cu.ft(90.6 L) capacity including freezer. The single door design is convenient and space efficient. While being able to grab ice cubes and drinks at one step, this single-door mini fridge has more capacity compares to those double-door small refrigerator with the same size. The storage is greatly utilized, occupies a little space, making it perfect for dorms, offices, bedrooms, RV cars and garages.
  • Adjustable Thermostat: From 33.8° F to 46.4° F (1° C to 8°C NOT suitable for storing ice cream) , there are 5 variable temperature settings can be manually switched between as per your needs. (Optimum temperature range for perishable food storage is 37 to 41 °F (3 to 5 °C)). The temperature of freezer is affected by the cooler’s temperature settings. Choosing the most favourable temperature setting to keep the food fresh while save on electricity bills.
  • Energy-efficient & Quiet: The mini fridge energy cost is estimated to be as low as 0.5 kWh per day. The small refrigerator working noise is 38 dB, roughly at the level of quiet rural area. Economic and quiet, you will hardly notice its existence when it’s cooling all your food & drinks, ideal appliance for bedroom, study and quiet space.
3
RCA RFR322 Mini Refrigerator, Compact Freezer Compartment, Adjustable Thermostat Control, Reversible Door, Ideal Fridge for Dorm, Office, Apartment, Platinum Stainless, 3.2 Cubic Feet

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

RCA RFR322 Mini Refrigerator, Compact Freezer Compartment, Adjustable Thermostat Control, Reversible Door, Ideal Fridge for Dorm, Office, Apartment, Platinum Stainless, 3.2 Cubic Feet

  • STYLISH: Our RCA Compact Refrigerator comes in a variety of colorful, bold, and glossy colors. That compliments your design and improves the appearance of your kitchen, dorm, room, or workplace, wherever you choose to put it.Cooling method:Compressor
  • REVERSIBLE DOORS: It is small enough to fit in any dorm, kitchen, room, or workplace. Using the reversible door, you can easily set the little fridge door to open to the left or right, depending on your needs and room layout.
  • ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT CONTROL: The thermostat may be easily controlled with the control dial. From mild to cold to coldest. Even in hot weather, simply turn the knob to the temperature you choose.
  • ENERGY SAVING: Our mini-fridge not only keeps your beverages and food cool and fresh, but it's also really friendly to your wallet. Its highly Energy efficient compressor cooling has an annual power consumption of just 5 kilowatt per hour.
  • ICE CUBE CHAMBER: 0.3 cu ft compartment that can reach 32 degrees F .
4
FRIGIDAIRE EFR376-BLACK 3.2 Cu Ft Black Retro Bar Fridge with Side Bottle Opener

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

FRIGIDAIRE EFR376-BLACK 3.2 Cu Ft Black Retro Bar Fridge with Side Bottle Opener

  • 3.2 Cubic Foot Retro Fridge with Can Opener.Lock Type:Electronic
  • Compact size allows for placement of this refrigerator virtually anywhere there is an electrical outlet
  • Opening bottles is a breeze with a built-in side bottle opener.
  • 2 Slide out adjustable spill proof glass shelves allows you to personalize your food storage to meet your unique needs
  • Ice cube tray is included to allow you to make ice any time
5
Frigidaire EFR840-BLACK-COM Compact Refrigerator, 3.1, Black

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

Frigidaire EFR840-BLACK-COM Compact Refrigerator, 3.1, Black

  • RETRO DESIGN: Compact in size and attractive retro design with decorative door embellishments that give this retro refrigerator a sleek contemporary look.Lock Type:Electronic.Installation type: Freestanding
  • EASY TO CLEAN: Has 2 spill-proof and removable glass shelves that slide out to simplify cleanup, preventing liquids from leaking onto items below.
  • PLENTY OF STORAGE: This 3.2 Cu Ft mini fridge has a lot of storage with a .25 Cu Ft freezer with ice cube tray. Refrigerator compartment has a crisper drawer and 2 shelves.
  • EASY TEMPERATURE CONTROL: This chic unit features easily accessible temperature controls make temperature management easy.
  • GREAT FOR SMALL SPACES: Compact size allows for placement of this refrigerator virtually anywhere there is an electrical outlet. Flush back design makes this the perfect choice for a college dorm room or office
6
Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Adjustable Thermostat, Energy Saving, Low Noise, Single Door Compact Refrigerator for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black-FR17

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Upstreman 1.7 Cu.ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Adjustable Thermostat, Energy Saving, Low Noise, Single Door Compact Refrigerator for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black-FR17

  • Compact & Convenient: Given a dimension of 18.9” *17.7” *19.3” (W*D*H), this mini fridge can fit it anywhere you need. Whether it’s on the counter or under the desk, it requires little space yet offers plenty of storage room, perfect for apartment, dorm, office, bedroom and RV. The reversible door provides great flexibility when used in a limited space.
  • Adjustable Temperatures & Freezer: Ranges from 33.8° F to 46.4° F (1° C to 8°C NOT suitable for storing ice cream), the fridge offers 5 variable temperature settings per your need. Includes a compact freezer that allow you to make ice cubes, keep your food fresh and drinks chilled.
  • 38dB Quiet: Operates at a low noise of 38 dB, this fridge brings the peace and refreshing cold at the same time. It’s so quiet that you can hear the ice cubes melting in the glass! Free of any disturbance while it’s keeping all your food nice and fresh, ideal for environment like bedroom, office, kitchen and study.
7
Manastin 3.2 Cu. Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer for Bedroom, Dorm, Office, Compact Refrigerator with Adjustable Thermostat, Removable Glass Shelves and Reversible Door (Black)

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Manastin 3.2 Cu. Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer for Bedroom, Dorm, Office, Compact Refrigerator with Adjustable Thermostat, Removable Glass Shelves and Reversible Door (Black)

  • 【Efficient Use of Space】The size of this mini refrigerator is 17.52" x 19.3" x 32.7", with an area of only 7.7ft³, allowing more possibilities for space. With a huge storage space of 3.2 Cu. Ft. and fine partitioning, the upper layer of quick-freezing and efficient refrigeration ensures the freshness of ingredients, while the lower layer of high moisture retention locks in the moisture and nutrition of food. Additional door storage shelves can accommodate a variety of beer drinks and sauces.
  • 【Energy Saving & Low Noise】 This mini fridge is Energy Star certified and consumes only 220kWh of electricity a year, which costs only 0.07 per day, making it environmentally friendly and economical. The compressor works with very low noise, even if placed next to the bed, it will not affect you and your family's sleep, making it a very ideal household appliance.
  • 【Suitable for Various Use Needs】 The humanized reversible single door design can be set to open the door to the left or right according to different space needs and hand habits, making it very convenient to access food. Adjustable feet easily adapt to a variety of uneven ground. Fashionable and simple appearance can be matched with a variety of styles, ideal for use in the bedroom, apartment, dormitory, office
  • 【Adjustable temperature & Defrost】 There are 7 levels available for adjustment, the temperature range from 23℉ to 50℉(-5-10C), you can easily and quickly adjust the temperature to the desired level. Generally speaking, 4 is suitable for home or office use. Even in the hot summer, you can always enjoy a cold drink. If you have a need for defrosting, you can easily do it by simply pressing the switch in the center of the knob.
8
EUHOMY 3.2 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Single Door Compact Refrigerator, LED light, Adjustable Thermostat, Mini Refrigerator Energy Saving, Mini fridge for Bedroom, Dorm, Office, Black.

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

EUHOMY 3.2 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Single Door Compact Refrigerator, LED light, Adjustable Thermostat, Mini Refrigerator Energy Saving, Mini fridge for Bedroom, Dorm, Office, Black.

  • 🧊Energy Saving & LED Light - Our mini fridge consumes as low as 0.5 kWh per day (about 0.47 dollar/day), it is energy saving and environmental friendly. In addition, mini refrigerator design is more humane, unlike other similar products, it also comes with an LED light, you can take the storage at night with impunity.
  • 🧊Refrigerator & Micro Freezer - 3.2 Cu.ft large capacity mini fridge with freezer contains 2.9 Cu.ft Refrigeration section (21℉~42℉) and 0.3 Cu.ft micro-freezer section (15℉~28℉). The micro-freezing section of the small refrigerator allows for short-term storage of a variety of meat products and is equipped with a water catch pan underneath for easy defrosting or cleaning when the power is off.
  • 🧊Compact Design - Compact Refrigerator size: 17.3 "D x 18.5 "W x 32.4 "H. Top of the dorm fridge has reversible hinges, so you can change the opening direction at will according to the placement. This is a mini fridge for bedroom, kitchens, dormitories, and offices with a compact form factor that takes up only 2.2ft².
9
Upstreman 3.1 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Double Door Mini Fridge, Adjustable Thermostat, Mini Refrigerator for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black

Rating is 4.2 out of 5

Upstreman 3.1 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer, Double Door Mini Fridge, Adjustable Thermostat, Mini Refrigerator for Dorm, Office, Bedroom, Black

  • Compact and Capacious: This mini fridge with freezer has a dimension of 18.31'*19.49'*33.46(W*D*H) and offers 2.22 Cu.Ft cooler and 0.8 Cu.Ft freezer in separate compartments. Ideal for personal use at dorm, office and bedroom.
  • 7 Adjustable Temperatures & LED Light: 7 variable temperature settings provide you the desired storage condition for food and drinks. The fridge temperature ranges from 33.8 F to 46.4 F while the freezer temperature maintains constantly at -0.4 F. The LED light in the small fridge ensures you find supplies with ease even in the dark.
  • Removable Shelves & Crisper Drawer: Equipped with removable shelves, adjustable to fit your practical storage needs. The crisper drawer helps preserve the humidity for vegetables and fruits, keeps them juicy and fresh.
  • Energy-efficient & Quiet: The estimated cost goes as low as $0.1 per day. A low working noise of 38 dB makes this mini fridge suitable for dorms, offices and bedrooms. Compact and quiet, it's there only when you need it.


What is the best insulation material for keeping food cold during a power outage?

One of the best insulation materials for keeping food cold during a power outage is polystyrene foam, also known as Styrofoam. This material is lightweight, affordable, and has excellent insulation properties that can help maintain the temperature of your food for a longer period of time. Additionally, thermal blankets or ice packs can be used in conjunction with polystyrene foam to further enhance the insulation.


What is the most important factor in keeping food cold during a power outage?

The most important factor in keeping food cold during a power outage is maintaining the temperature inside the refrigerator or freezer. This can be achieved by keeping the doors closed as much as possible to prevent warm air from entering, using insulated blankets or bags to cover the appliance, and placing ice packs or dry ice inside to help keep the temperature low. It is also important to monitor the temperature regularly and discard any perishable items that have reached unsafe temperatures.


What is the safest way to store food during a prolonged power outage?

The safest way to store food during a prolonged power outage is to keep it refrigerated or frozen for as long as possible and then transfer it to a cooler packed with ice or frozen gel packs. It is important to keep the temperature of perishable foods below 40°F to prevent bacteria growth. Additionally, consume perishable foods first and prioritize foods that spoil quickly, such as meat, dairy, and eggs. Avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer unnecessarily to help maintain a colder temperature. Finally, if in doubt, throw out any food that may have spoiled or been exposed to unsafe temperatures.


How to keep perishable food fresh during a power outage with limited resources?

  1. Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to conserve cold air. This will help to maintain the temperature inside for as long as possible.
  2. If the power outage is expected to last for an extended period of time, consider transferring perishable items from the refrigerator to a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs.
  3. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer. Perishable foods should be kept at 40°F or below to prevent bacteria growth.
  4. Consume perishable items first, starting with those that are most at risk of spoiling quickly such as dairy products, meat, and seafood.
  5. Avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer unnecessarily to help maintain the temperature inside. Consider using a towel or blanket to cover the appliances to insulate them further.
  6. If the power outage is expected to last for an extended period of time, consider cooking perishable items on a grill or camp stove to prevent them from spoiling. Cooked foods can be stored safely for a short period of time at room temperature.
  7. When in doubt, throw it out. If you are unsure if a perishable item is still safe to eat, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard it to prevent foodborne illness.


What is the proper procedure for defrosting a mini fridge during a power outage?

  1. Remove all items from the mini fridge and place them in a cooler with ice packs to keep them cold during the defrosting process.
  2. Unplug the mini fridge from the power source to prevent any potential damage to the appliance when the power is restored.
  3. Keep the mini fridge door open to allow the ice to melt more quickly. Place towels or a shallow pan under the fridge to catch any water that may drip out during the defrosting process.
  4. If possible, place a fan near the mini fridge to help speed up the melting process.
  5. Once all the ice has melted, use a towel to clean up any remaining water inside the fridge.
  6. Plug the mini fridge back in and allow it to cool down before placing the food back inside.
  7. Check the temperature of the mini fridge regularly to ensure it is cooling properly after the power outage.


It is important to note that defrosting a mini fridge during a power outage should be done as quickly as possible to prevent food spoilage and potential foodborne illness.


What is the best way to keep food cold in a car during a power outage?

One of the best ways to keep food cold in a car during a power outage is to use a portable cooler or cooler bag with ice packs or bags of ice. Place the food items inside the cooler, along with the ice packs or bags of ice, to help maintain a cold temperature. You can also insulate the cooler with blankets or towels to further help keep the cold air inside. Additionally, try to park the car in a shaded area to prevent the interior from heating up too much. Avoid opening the cooler frequently to help maintain the cold temperature for as long as possible.

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