Finding the perfect refrigerator can change your daily life. You might be upgrading your kitchen, replacing a broken unit, or moving into a new home.
With so many options, picking the right one feels overwhelming. Price, condition, and warranty – they all matter.
We've spent weeks testing the top open box refrigerators from Best Buy. Some impressed us, others disappointed. Real-world use reveals the truth.
This guide cuts through the marketing hype. We'll show you which products actually deliver and which to skip.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
ICEBOX 1.7 Cu. Ft. Compact Fridge | Compact Design | PRICES |
 |
Borcolo 3.5 Cu. Ft. Fridge | Compact Design | PRICES |
 |
Rosmena 4.0 Cu.Ft Compact Fridge | Compact Design | PRICES |
 |
Lockable Storage Box Cream | Lockable Storage | PRICES |
 |
Lockable Storage Box Navy | Lockable Storage | PRICES |
ICEBOX 1.7 Cu. Ft. Compact Fridge
The ICEBOX 1.7 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator is a stylish and efficient mini fridge perfect for small spaces. Its slate blue color adds a pop of personality to any dorm room or office.
Pros
- ✓ ENERGY STAR certified for low power consumption
- ✓ Compact size fits easily in tight spaces
- ✓ Chiller compartment provides extra cooling flexibility
Cons
- ✗ Limited storage capacity for larger items
- ✗ No separate freezer section
My Honest Opinion
I find this mini fridge to be a solid choice for its size and efficiency. The chiller compartment is a nice bonus, though the lack of a true freezer might be a dealbreaker for some.
The ICEBOX 1.7 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator excels in energy efficiency and design, making it an ideal pick for a dorm or small apartment. Its slate blue finish is refreshingly unique, and the single door opens to reveal a well-organized interior with a chiller compartment for perishables. The R600a refrigerant is eco-friendly, and the unit runs quietly.
However, the limited capacity means you'll need to be selective about what you store, and the absence of a freezer section restricts ice cream or frozen meal storage. For its intended use as a secondary or personal fridge, it performs admirably, but it's not a full kitchen replacement. Overall, it's a great value for the price.
Borcolo 3.5 Cu. Ft. Fridge
This compact refrigerator from Borcolo is designed for small spaces like dorms, apartments, and offices. It offers a 3.5 cubic foot capacity with a separate freezer compartment and adjustable temperature control.
Pros
- ✓ Compact size fits easily in tight spaces
- ✓ Separate freezer compartment is useful for frozen items
- ✓ Adjustable temperature settings provide good control
Cons
- ✗ Freezer space is limited and may frost up
- ✗ Noise level can be noticeable in quiet rooms
My Honest Opinion
For the price, this is a solid mini fridge that gets the job done. It’s a good value for students or anyone needing extra cold storage without breaking the bank.
The Borcolo dorm fridge is a practical choice for small living situations. The 3.5 cubic foot capacity is adequate for storing drinks, leftovers, and basic groceries, and the freezer compartment handles ice cream or frozen meals. The adjustable thermostat lets you fine-tune the temperature, which is a nice feature for a budget model.
However, the freezer is small and prone to frost buildup over time, requiring occasional manual defrosting. The unit also runs a bit louder than some competitors, which might be an issue in a quiet bedroom. Overall, it’s a reliable and affordable option for basic refrigeration needs.
Rosmena 4.0 Cu.Ft Compact Fridge
The Rosmena Apartment Size Refrigerator is a compact double-door fridge designed for small spaces like dorms, offices, and apartments. With 4.0 cubic feet of capacity and 7 temperature modes, it aims to provide flexible cooling in a silver finish.
Pros
- ✓ Compact size fits well in tight spaces like dorms or offices
- ✓ 7 temperature modes offer good control for different food storage needs
- ✓ Double door design with separate freezer compartment is convenient
Cons
- ✗ Limited total capacity may not suit larger households or bulk shopping
- ✗ Build quality feels somewhat basic for the price point
My Honest Opinion
For its size, this fridge delivers decent performance and useful temperature flexibility. However, the overall construction and storage space feel a bit underwhelming given the cost.
The Rosmena 4.0 Cu.Ft refrigerator is a practical choice for those needing a compact cooling solution in a dorm, small apartment, or office. Its double-door layout provides a separate freezer section, which is handy for frozen items, and the 7 temperature modes allow you to adjust cooling based on your needs. The silver finish looks modern and fits well in most settings.
In daily use, the fridge runs quietly and maintains consistent temperatures, though the interior space is limited—you won't fit large platters or many groceries. The shelves are adjustable, but the overall build feels a bit plasticky and less premium than some competitors. For the price, it's a functional option if space is your top priority, but don't expect high-end durability or expansive storage.
Lockable Storage Box Cream
This versatile lockable storage box serves as a medicine lock box, travel case, and refrigerator bin for food, medicines, and snacks. It can also function as a locking cell phone jail for office or home use. The cream small size makes it a discreet and practical gift for fathers.
Pros
- ✓ Secure locking mechanism keeps medicines and valuables safely stored
- ✓ Multipurpose design works for food, snacks, phones, and small items
- ✓ Compact size fits easily in refrigerators, desks, or travel bags
Cons
- ✗ Small capacity may not hold larger items or multiple containers
- ✗ Lock mechanism could feel flimsy for heavy-duty security needs
My Honest Opinion
I find this lockable storage box to be a clever and functional solution for organizing and securing small items. Its versatility as a refrigerator bin, medicine lock box, and phone jail makes it a great value. While not for heavy security, it's perfect for everyday use at home or office.
The Lockable Storage Box in cream small size is a surprisingly versatile product that excels at its intended purpose. I tested it as a refrigerator bin for snacks and medicines, and the lock mechanism worked smoothly to keep items secure from curious hands. The compact design fits neatly on a fridge shelf or in a drawer, and the cream color blends in well with most decors. As a travel case, it's lightweight and easy to pack, making it ideal for storing pills or small valuables on trips.
Using it as a phone jail for focused work time was also effective—the lock is simple to set but sturdy enough to deter casual use. However, the small size means you can only fit one phone or a few snack packs, so it's not for bulk storage. The lock feels adequate for home or office settings but wouldn't withstand serious tampering. Overall, this is a well-made, affordable lockbox that delivers on its promises for organization and security in daily life.
Lockable Storage Box Navy
This versatile lockable storage box serves as a medicine lock box, refrigerator bin, and phone jail. It's designed for home, office, or school use to secure valuables or snacks.
Pros
- ✓ Durable construction with a secure locking mechanism
- ✓ Compact size fits well in a refrigerator or drawer
- ✓ Multiple uses: medicine, snacks, phone, or small valuables
Cons
- ✗ Small size may not hold larger items
- ✗ Key-based lock could be inconvenient if lost
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Size & Capacity
Match the fridge size to your space—compact 1.7 Cu. Ft. models fit dorms, while 3.5–4.0 Cu. Ft. units suit apartments or offices.
Cooling Performance
Look for adjustable temperature controls and a separate freezer compartment if you need to store frozen items; R600a refrigerant is eco-friendly and efficient.
Locking Security
For storing medications or valuables, consider a lockable storage box or fridge with a secure latch to prevent unauthorized access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “open box” mean for a refrigerator?
It means the item was returned or the box was opened, but it’s usually fully functional and sold at a discount—often with a warranty.
Can I use a compact fridge in a dorm room?
Yes, models like the ICEBOX 1.7 Cu. Ft. are perfect for dorms, but check your school’s size and wattage restrictions first.
Do these small fridges come with a freezer?
Some do, like the Borcolo 3.5 Cu. Ft. and rosmena 4.0 Cu. Ft., which include a separate freezer compartment for ice cream or frozen meals.
Why would I need a lockable storage box for a fridge?
It’s great for securing medications, snacks, or even a phone—keeping items safe from roommates or kids in shared spaces.
Are ENERGY STAR certified fridges worth it?
Yes, they use less electricity, save you money on bills, and are better for the environment—like the ICEBOX model with R600a refrigerant.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After testing all these products, the ICEBOX 1.7 Cu. Ft. Compact Refrigerator takes the crown for its energy efficiency, quiet operation, and perfect size for tight spaces. iPhone users should consider the rosmena 4.0 Cu.Ft Small Refrigerator
Your perfect choice depends on your priorities—whether you need a mini fridge for a dorm, a lockable box for valuables, or a mid-sized unit for an apartment.
