There’s nothing better for a baby than the mother’s natural milk. But when you’re a busy working mom, it can be difficult to find a breast milk storage solution that will allow you to express and transport breast milk while keeping it fresh between work and home.
The best mini fridge for storing breast milk must have enough storage space for breast milk baby bottles, be able to be relied on to keep breast milk stored fresh and it must also be easy to clean and have a generous warranty. Click here to see the best milk mini fridge of 2021.
Breast milk cooler bags are great, but they won’t be able to reduce the temperature of the milk enough to preserve its lifespan, and putting breast milk bottles in the shared fridge at work could lead to your milk becoming contaminated or upsetting your coworkers.
This is where a mini milk fridge can come in handy; they are small, portable, and efficient. A breast milk mini fridge will allow you to cool, refrigerate and store breast milk in your office, car or while traveling, so it’s always fresh and available for your baby whenever hunger strikes.
Mini fridges sometimes get a bad rap for storing breast milk, but there is no reason why you can’t use a portable mini fridge to store and transport breast milk from one place (like where you work) to your home and into more permanent, long term storage.
Not to mention, if you often find yourself pumping more breast milk than your baby needs, a mini breast milk fridge will keep the milk fresh for later use or freezing. If you are looking to freeze your breast milk for later use, check out our ultimate guide to the best freezers for breast milk. Otherwise, read on for everything you need to know about mini milk fridges!
Table of Contents
The Best Mini Fridges for Breast Milk 2021
This article will help you find the best mini fridge for breast milk, with reviews of the 5 top options on the market and a detailed buying guide. The detailed buying guide down below that will help you choose which is the best breast milk mini fridge for you, as well as a comparison and detailed review of the best breast milk fridges on the market in 2021.
There are essentially two types of mini fridges that are suitable for human milk. These are the portable thermoelectric fridges and the non-portable compressor mini fridges, which are like a bar fridge. Both are great for storing milk short term, but the portable fridges should only be used for short term storage, while the non-portable mini fridges can be used in the same way as a full sized fridge.
After all my research I found what I consider to be the 5 best mini fridges for breastmilk. If you keep scrolling you’ll find a comparison table of all the top breast milk mini fridges with links to detailed reviews. But if you don’t want to scroll anymore, the best portable mini fridge for breast milk is the Cooluli Mini Fridge and the best mini fridge for long term storage is the Danby Designer Compact Fridge
We’ve rated and reviewed the top mini fridges to store breast milk 2021 based on 4 factors: size, convenience, reliability, and consumer satisfaction. So whether you are looking for the best breast milk fridge, the best mini milk fridge, or the best mini fridge for storing breast milk, you are sure to find what you are looking for in our guide to the best mini fridge for breast milk!
Here are the 5 best mini fridges for breast milk, based on their features and reviews:
- Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer: Best for pumping at work
- AstroAI Mini Fridge 4 Liter/6 Can AC/DC Portable Thermoelectric Cooler: Most affordable breast milk mini fridge
- Gourmia GMF600 Thermoelectric Mini Fridge Cooler and Warmer: Best minifridge for transporting breast milk
- Midea WHS-65LB1 Compact Single Reversible Door Refrigerator: Best compact mini fridge for breast milk
- Danby Designer 1.7 cubic feet Compact Refrigerator: Best compressor mini fridge for long term breast milk storage
Best Mini Fridges to Store Breast Milk Comparison Chart
| Name | Image | Type | Capacity | Power options | Warranty | Our Rating | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TopCooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer |   | Thermoelectric portable | 4 Liter | Car charger, wall charger and USB | 12 months | 9/10 | Click Here |
| AstroAI Mini Fridge 4 Liter/6 Can AC/DC Portable Thermoelectric Cooler |   | Thermoelectric portable | 4 Liter | Car charger and wall charger | 36 months | 8.5/10 | Click Here |
| Gourmia GMF600 Thermoelectric Mini Fridge Cooler and Warmer |   | Thermoelectric portable | 2L | Car charger and wall charger | 12 months | 8/10 | Click Here |
| Midea WHS-65LB1 Compact Single Reversible Door Refrigerator |   | Compressor Compact | 45L | Wall charger only | 12 months | 9.5/10 | Click Here |
| Danby Designer 1.7 cu. ft. Compact Refrigerator |   | Compressor Compact | 49L | Wall charger only | 18 months | 8.8/10 | Click Here |
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Mini Fridge for Breast Milk Storage
When shopping for the best mini fridge to store your breast milk and baby bottles, there are some key features that you need to consider before making a purchase to ensure you end up with the right product. Here are the most important ones to keep in mind:
Temperature Control
The ability to adjust the temperature of your breast milk mini fridge is a helpful feature that will allow you to choose how cold your milk gets. For safely storing breast milk, you need the fridge to maintain the temperature of around 39°F (4°C). So it’s important to make sure that the fridge you buy can maintain this as an average temperature in all its compartments.
Likewise, the ability to store frozen breast milk may be handy if you are planning on storing your milk for later use or donating milk to another family. So having that adjustable temperature control feature may be helpful for you. Either way, it’s a good idea to always warm expressed breast milk before giving it to your baby.
Size and Capacity
For breast milk storage, you would want the capacity should be at least 4 liters; which is enough to fit about 3 or 4 17-ounce baby bottles.
Another factor to consider is if you want to store your pump parts in the mini fridge alongside your expressed breast milk. Keeping your breast pump parts in the fridge means you won’t have to sterilize them with each use. But of course, you will need to factor that extra size into your choice.
Generally speaking, the best mini fridges for storing breast milk are either cube-shaped or tall. Cube-shaped models offer more compactness so the chances of fitting them under a desk or on top of a counter are significantly higher.
Cube-shaped models are also more portable, which makes it easy for transporting breast milk from one place to another. They do offer fewer racks and less space, but they can be more than enough if you’re just looking for short-term breast milk storage.
On the other side, tall mini-fridges have more breast milk storage room but they take up much more space. If you plan to express breast milk at work and have your own office space, it might be a good idea to buy one of the larger models, such as the Danby or the Midea. But if you are traveling, or otherwise moving around a lot and don’t have your own storage space, a more compact model like the Cooluli will be a better option, because it takes up a lot less space and can be powered with your car’s cigarette lighter.
Remember that you can match these mini milk fridges with a good quality cooler bag to transport your cooled expressed breast milk from work to home, or while you are out and about. I’ve got a great article on cooler bags for breast milk here.
Portability
Good portability means that you’re able to easily carry and move your breast milk fridge from one place to another while still getting the best possible cooling capacity whether indoors or outdoors.
Portability makes life so much simpler for working breastfeeding moms. A small portable mini fridge is a great option for storing and transporting breast milk between work and home.
This is why you should take the size of the mini-fridge into account, as well as look for models with lightweight construction and convenient carrying handles if you will be moving the fridge regularly.
Additionally, some mini fridges have the ability to run on your car’s cigarette lighter, which will mean that if you are moving around in a vehicle often you will be able to keep your expressed breast milk stored at the perfect temperature. This is a super handy feature to have if you need that extra convenience.
Storage Time
The duration of the storage period can be short or long depending on the capability of the breast milk fridge, the frequency of use, and how long it takes the mom to restore the fresh breast milk.
If you are busy or planning for longer trips, you may prefer a more long-term milk storage options. For longer term milk storage, opt for a mini fridge with a compressor.
On the other hand, moms who prefer giving their babies breast milk as fresh as possible can be better off with short-term storage options. These are equipped with thermoelectric semiconductors.
Energy Consumption
If you’re in the market for an efficient portable mini fridge to keep stored breast milk cold while you are on the go, then you will need to be aware of the energy consumption levels of your target product.
For travel or in-car storage of breast milk, you will likely need a mini fridge with lower energy consumption and various power support options such as USB ports and cigarette lighters in vehicles.
Best Milk Mini Fridges Reviews
Cooluli Classic Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer
We rated the Cooluli Classic Mini as the Best Mini Fridge For Pumping at Work because it is convenient, lightweight, portable and available in a range of colors.
- Very lightweight
- Cooling and heating modes
- USB power option
- Fun colors
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Cooluli Classic Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer Review
Kicking off our list with a widely popular option, the Cooluli Classic Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer tops the charts when it comes to convenience, portability, and efficiency.
This unit is also quite versatile; not only can you use it in the nursery, at the office, or on trips, but you can also use it for other items besides stored breast milk including medicine (for example, insulin) and beverages.
This mini fridge provides a safe temperature for keeping breast milk stored with a cooling capability of 40ºF to 45ºF below room temperature. It has a capacity of 4 liters, and if you take out the top rack, you can easily fit a 4-ounce baby bottle inside with the nipple and cap on.
In addition to saving you the trip downstairs in the middle of the night as a bedside cooler, the Cooluli is also the best mini fridge for pumping at work. It’s super quiet, 100% environmentally friendly, and very energy efficient thanks to the semi-conductor operation.
You can simply switch this unit from cooling to heating (122ºF-144ºF), which lets you use it as a food warmer if needed. The featured AC and DC power cords allow for indoor and outdoor use, while the USB port offers extra flexibility.
The Cooluli Classic Mini Fridge is available in blue, black, pink, red, fuchsia, and white colors. They all come with a carrying handle for easier transportation.
>> Click here to read more reviews and check the best price on Amazon
AstroAI Mini Fridge Portable Thermoelectric Cooler and Warmer
Another excellent mini-fridge to store breast milk is the AstroAI Mini Fridge Portable Thermoelectric Cooler and Warmer. We’ve rated it as the best affordable mini fridge for breast milk.
- 4 LITER CAPACITY: Stores 6x12oz cans.
- REMOVABLE SHELF: makes small items easier to store
- AC/DC ADAPTERS: two plugs are included for wall outlet and vehicle cigarette lighters.
- ECO FRIENDLY ENGINEERING: Freon-free and environmentally friendly
- COOL & WARM: Cool to 32F or warm up to 150F
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
AstroAI Mini Fridge Portable Thermoelectric Cooler and Warmer Review
This is a great option if you need to store breast milk refrigerated for a short time (under 24 hours) without having to put a dent in your wallet.
The AstroAI works pretty fast, cooling down its content down to 32°F (0°C) below ambient temperature within one hour. The heating function goes up to 150°F (66°C).
The AstroAI portable mini fridge sports a compact design that boosts its portability. The built-in carrying handle makes it even easier to move around. The small size doesn’t skimp on capacity as this unit can fit six 12-ounce baby bottles, with a total capacity of 4 liters, making this a great mini fridge for baby bottles!
The featured semi-conductor refrigeration chip is free of freon, making it an eco-friendly option. It also adopts Quiet technology that delivers a virtually silent operation as it keeps noise as low as 25 dB when you activate sleep mode.
The AstroAI Mini Fridge also includes an AC/DC adapter so you get to use it indoors or away from home. In addition to a regular outlet, you can plug this unit into the 12V cigarette lighter power source of your vehicle. Remember to have the engine running while the mini-fridge is connected to avoid draining your car’s battery.
Available in white, black, blue, teal, and pink, the AstroAI Mini Fridge is ETL, RoHS, CE, FCC certified and comes with a 3-year warranty to give you peace of mind when trying it out.
>> Click here to read more reviews and check the best price on Amazon
Midea WHS 65L Compact Refrigerator
If you’re in the market for a mini breast milk fridge that offers more room, then you should seriously consider purchasing the Midea WHS 65Lb1 Compact Refrigerator. We rate it as the best compact mini fridge for breast milk.
- TEMPERATURE ADJUSTABLE: Range from 32F to 35.6F
- LARGE STORAGE AREA: Excellent for chilling breast milk.
- REVERSIBLE DOOR: Open from left or right.
- WARRANTY: 1 year warranty
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Midea WHS-65L Compact Refrigerator Review
This unit is one of the best compact, free-standing minifridges that’s ideal for use in any space including nurseries, offices, and bedrooms.
A terrific option for breastfeeding moms, this mini fridge comes in a range of capacities with the smallest being 1.4 cubic feet ( approximately 40 liters) and the biggest 3.1 cubic feet (almost 88 liters). The model we’re reviewing today has a 1.6-cubic feet (45 liters) capacity and it’s equipped with a compressor to deliver a reliable cooling performance.
The Midea WHS-65L operates quietly and features an adjustable temperature control ranging from 28.4°F (-2°C) to 35.6°F (2°C). It also has a freezer compartment so you can freeze your milk immediately. This helps store, freeze and keep milk fresh for a longer time compared to average mini-fridges out there.
Moreover, this unit sits on adjustable legs so you can set it up at a comfortable height. The door is also reversible so you can open it from either side.
The Midea WHS-65L is energy-efficient thanks to the quick cooling action. It’s backed up by a full 1-year warranty to protect your investment.
>> Click here to read more reviews and check the best price on Amazon
Danby Designer Compact Refrigerator
If you’re looking for a compact countertop mini-fridge to store milk, then your search may be over here with the Danby Designer Compact Refrigerator. We rate the Danby compact as the best compressor mini fridge for long term breast milk storage
- PERFECT SIZE: To fit neatly on a counter top
- REMOVABLE SHELVES: 1 full and 1 half width removable shelves for extra storage. Great for large bottles
- INTEGRATED HANDLE: Reversible door hinge
- AUTOMATIC DEFROST: For easier cleaning and energy efficiency
- 3 COLORS: Black, white and stainless steel
- ENERGY EFFICIENT: Energy-Star compliant
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Danby Designer Compact Refrigerator Review
The Danby compact refrigerator is a great breast milk storage unit to sit on top of your counter or desk at home or the office.
As a compressor mini-fridge, this unit can easily store breast milk cold for longer than a full day. The cooling range starts from 0°F up to 40°F, and you can simply adjust the thermostat to 39°F; the ideal temperature for keeping breast milk for up to 7 days.
One thing we like about this mini-fridge is the sleek and convenient design. For example, we noticed how the back is smooth with no bulky components bulging out, which allows you to fit this unit just about anywhere.
Additionally, the door features shelving structures to let you store larger bottles hassle-free. The hinges are also reversible so you can open the door from either side, and the handle is integrated to give a seamless, modern look.
Moreover, the Danby Compact Refrigerator is equipped with mechanical controls, an automatic defrost function, and a 5-foot power cord to boost flexibility.
The major drawback of this model is that it doesn’t have a freezer compartment.
>> Click here to read more reviews and check the best price on Amazon
Gourmia GMF600 Thermoelectric Mini Fridge Cooler and Warmer
Last but not least, we recommend the Gourmia GMF600 for any breastfeeding mom who often needs to pump at work. We’ve rated it as the best minifridge for transporting breast milk
- COMPACT: Lightweight 6 can mini cooler and warmer
- HANDY FEATURES: Removable shelving, self locking latch, carry handle
- COOL OR WARM: Chill to 32F below room temperature, or up to 150F above
- ECO FRIENDLY: Designed with thermoelectric technology, free of CFCs
- AC & DC INCLUDED: Detachable power cord for wall outlets and car cigarette lighters
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Gourmia GMF600 Thermoelectric Mini Fridge Cooler and Warmer Review
This mini-fridge features cooling and heating functions, so you get to choose whether you want to chill the contents down to 32°F (0°C) below ambient temperature or warm them up to 150°F (66°C) at an ambient temperature of 75°F. Meaning it’ll safely refrigerate breast milk and prevent it from going to waste while you are traveling.
The Gourmia GMF600 mini-fridge also has a compact and portable design. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, which makes it suitable for traveling and transporting breast milk.
Moreover, this unit is equipped with a thermoelectric Peltier element that uses advanced CFC-free semi-conductors to be more eco-friendly. It includes both an AC cord and a DC cord so you can plug into wall outlets as well as cigarette lighters in vehicles.
The Gourmia GMF600 is ETL certified to guarantee maximum reliability and efficiency. It holds up to six 12-ounce breast milk bottles and includes a built-in fan for heat dissipation.
>> Click here to read more reviews and check the best price on Amazon
Tips for Storing Breast Milk in a Mini Fridge
- Avoid using glass bottles to store breast milk in a mini-fridge since there’s a risk of breakage. Instead, use sterilized containers, plastic breast milk bags, or hard BPA-free plastic bottles.
- Make sure everything is clean when handling and storing breast milk to prevent bacterial growth.
- Always label the breast milk bags or bottles and clearly state the date. Use the older ones first.
- Heat breast milk by using a bottle warmer, or by placing the bottle in a bowl of lukewarm water to bring it up to body temperature. Do not use a microwave to warm chilled or frozen breast milk.
Best Mini Fridge for Breast Milk – FAQs
Can you store breast milk in a mini-fridge?
Yes, you certainly can. While breast milk can last for about 3 to 6 hours at room temperature, a reliable mini-fridge will boost that time up to 6 or 7 days. You just need to make sure the milk isn’t contaminated and the temperature stays at 39°F or below.
How long does breast milk last in mini fridge?
The answer depends on the temperature inside the mini-fridge. Breast milk can last up to 24 hours at 59°F (15°C). If you keep it between 32°F (0°C) and 39°F (4°C), breast milk can last for up to one week.
Can you store breast milk in the freezer?
In the freezer, fresh breast milk can last up to one year, so yes you can definitely store breast milk in the freezer. It’s recommended, however, that you use the milk within 6 months as it loses some of its essential nutrients over time.
In this case, try to stay away from disposable plastic bottles and opt for glass bottles.
Do mini-fridges consume a lot of electricity?
No, most newer models are energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
Wrap Up
Choosing the best mini-fridge for breast milk can be a confusing task, this is why we made sure to include only the top-performing products so you end up with a great deal no matter what.
That being said, we recommend the Cooluli Classic Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer as today’s winner thanks to its impressive cooling capability, compact size, and convenient power option.
>> Click here to check the price on Amazon and to read more reviews.
But if you’re looking for a mini-fridge that’s more suitable for long-term storage of breast milk, then the Midea WHS-65L Compact Refrigerator should be right up your alley!
>> Click here to check the price on Amazon and to read more reviews.
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