Midea Mini Fridge vs Frigidaire Mini Fridge: Which Is Better? (November 2026)
Choose Midea for a reversible door, removable glass shelf and ENERGY STAR certification; choose the Frigidaire EFR176 for retro styling and a side bottle opener. The Midea holds 1.6 cu ft, while the Frigidaire retro model has a 1.55 cu ft capacity figure.
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Choose the Midea for a reversible door and removable glass shelf; choose the Frigidaire EFR176 for retro style and a built-in bottle opener. In this Midea mini fridge vs Frigidaire mini fridge comparison, the right fit depends on the room, storage layout and features you’ll use.
The Midea holds 1.6 cu ft, while the Frigidaire EFR176 has a 1.55 cu ft capacity figure. The Frigidaire 4.5 cu ft Platinum Series model offers more room and an internal freezer compartment.
We compared the models’ features and dimensions. Our score weighs specs and features against what you’re shopping for.
Best for extra room in a compact fridgeFrigidaire 4.5 Cu Ft Platinum Series Refrigerator
Midea mini fridge vs Frigidaire mini fridge: which should you choose?
Pick Midea for its removable glass shelf and reversible door; pick the Frigidaire EFR176 for retro styling and its side bottle opener. Both small models have a reversible door.
The Midea 1.6 Cu Ft Mini Fridge measures 18.6 x 17.7 x 19.4 in (W x D x H). The Frigidaire EFR176 measures 18 x 16 x 18.5 in (W x D x H).
The Frigidaire is shorter and shallower, while the Midea is wider. Measure the spot where the fridge will stand and leave room for the door to open.
The Frigidaire EFR176 has capacity figures of 1.55 cu ft and 1.6 cu ft. Use the 1.55 cu ft figure for comparison with the Midea’s 1.6 cu ft capacity.
What does the Frigidaire 4.5 cu ft model add?
The Frigidaire 4.5 Cu Ft Platinum Series Refrigerator offers more capacity and an internal freezer compartment. At 22 x 21 x 32 in (W x D x H), it needs more floor and vertical space than either compact model.
This Frigidaire has glass shelves, a 2L door basket and a built-in can dispenser. Its reversible door and leveling legs give you more placement options.
Consider it if you need a compact refrigerator for more than a few drinks and snacks. For more size options, see our guide to best small refrigerators with a freezer.
How do their shelves and compartments compare?
The Midea has a removable glass shelf and 2L bottle rack; the Frigidaire EFR176 has a wire shelf, 2L door basket and chiller compartment. Think about the items you store most often before choosing between their layouts.
The Midea’s glass shelf can be removed to make space for larger or irregular items. Its door has a rack for a 2L bottle.
The Frigidaire EFR176 has a wire shelf and 2L door basket, with a chiller compartment and ice tray. Its removable shelf slides out for cleaning and is described as spill-proof.
Both models have space for drinks and snacks, but neither has the larger internal freezer compartment found in the Frigidaire 4.5 cu ft model. If you mainly want chilled food without a freezer, compare more options in our best mini fridges with no freezer guide.
Which one suits cans and bottles?
The Frigidaire EFR176 suits entertaining if you’ll use its side bottle opener. Its door basket holds large bottles, and the interior wire shelf separates items.
The Midea has a 2L bottle rack and a separate chiller box. Choose it if bottle storage and a removable shelf matter more than a built-in opener.
The Frigidaire 4.5 cu ft model has a 2L door basket and built-in can dispenser. If you store several drinks at once, its larger capacity may be more useful than the smaller retro model.
Which model fits a bedroom, dorm or office?
The Midea and Frigidaire EFR176 are sized for smaller rooms, but their noise and style details differ. Midea states that its model has a noise level below 42 dB.
Frigidaire highlights the EFR176’s retro design for bedrooms, offices and dorm rooms. No noise figure is available for this model, so you can’t compare its sound level directly with the Midea’s stated figure.
Door swing can matter in a narrow room. Both small models have reversible doors, so you can choose the hinge direction during setup.
For bedroom placement, see our guide to quiet mini fridges for bedrooms. It focuses on stated sound information and room setup.
How do energy details compare?
The Midea is ENERGY STAR certified and uses 207 kWh per year; the Frigidaire EFR176 isn’t identified as certified. The Frigidaire 4.5 cu ft model is also ENERGY STAR certified.
These details don’t make the Midea the automatic energy choice for every home. Capacity, room conditions, door openings and use affect how a refrigerator operates.
Compare the certification and annual energy figures for the exact model you’re considering. Our ENERGY STAR mini fridge guide explains the label, and our mini fridge wattage guide covers power information.
What should you check before choosing?
Measure the available space, decide whether you need a freezer compartment, and choose the shelf layout that fits your usual food and drinks. Those checks help narrow your choice.
- Choose the Midea 1.6 Cu Ft Mini Fridge for a removable glass shelf, 2L bottle rack and ENERGY STAR certification.
- Choose the Frigidaire EFR176 for retro styling, a side bottle opener and a wire shelf.
- Choose the Frigidaire 4.5 Cu Ft Platinum Series Refrigerator for more capacity, an internal freezer compartment and a can dispenser.
Check each fridge’s dimensions against your space, then follow the manual for installation and clearance instructions. For a broader look at size, features and setup, read our mini refrigerator buying guide.
Midea mini fridge vs Frigidaire mini fridge: final choice
Choose Midea if reversible door placement, a removable glass shelf and ENERGY STAR certification fit your needs; choose the Frigidaire EFR176 if you prefer retro styling and a built-in bottle opener. If you need more storage and an internal freezer, consider the Frigidaire 4.5 cu ft model.
For a wider brand comparison, see best mini fridge brands and their top models.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Midea or Frigidaire mini fridge better?
Midea suits you if you want a reversible door, removable glass shelf and ENERGY STAR certification in a 1.6 cu ft fridge. Frigidaire suits you if retro styling and a side bottle opener matter more.
Compare the exact model, since both brands offer different sizes and layouts.
Which mini fridge is smaller, Midea or Frigidaire?
The Frigidaire EFR176 measures 16 x 18 x 18.5 inches (D x W x H), while the Midea measures 17.7 x 18.6 x 19.4 inches (D x W x H). Check width, depth and height against your space, including room for the door to open.
Does the Midea or Frigidaire mini fridge have a reversible door?
Both the Midea 1.6 cu ft mini fridge and Frigidaire EFR176 have reversible doors, so you can set the hinge direction to suit your room. Leave enough clearance for the door and handle, and confirm that nearby furniture won't block access.
Which mini fridge has a freezer compartment?
The Midea has a chiller box, and the Frigidaire EFR176 has a chiller compartment and ice tray. Those features aren't the same as the internal freezer compartment in the Frigidaire 4.5 cu ft model.
Choose based on the type of frozen storage you need.
Are Midea and Frigidaire mini fridges ENERGY STAR certified?
The Midea 1.6 cu ft model and Frigidaire 4.5 cu ft Platinum Series model are identified as ENERGY STAR certified. The Frigidaire EFR176 retro model isn't.
Certification depends on the exact model, so check the model name before you choose.
