Which Mini Fridge You Should Include In Your Short Term Rental

Amenities often elevate the value proposition of an Airbnb. You can create a good impression by providing the guest’s inexpensive appliances that don’t take a lot to maintain but prove a lifesaver to them. One such amenity is the mini-fridge. We are all susceptible to come back home from a long day of sightseeing and relaxing with a cold one in front of the TV. If you make that available to the guests, they will have good memories of your place.

Why include a mini-fridge?

Many times guests may have their own food that they may want to store. You may not want them cluttering up your personal fridge with their food. It would be wise to give them their own space to keep food. 

Guests may feel shy about interacting with the owners or using their kitchen. Some guests might like to store alcohol in their mini-fridge. If they start using your fridge for storing their alcohol, there can be conflicts if there

Where to keep the mini-fridge?

Location. Location. Location. 

Guests would often prefer to not interact with the house owner if they are sharing their house. It makes the most sense to have a mini-fridge in their room. This also depends on whether the rental is detached or connected to the main property. If detached, place it in a room so that it doesn’t clutter up their bedroom. If connected to the main property, there is no option but to place it in their room where they have easy and exclusive access to it. 

You may be right to be wary that putting a mini-fridge in their room can lead to guests eating in their bedrooms. From my experience guests are going to do that anyway. So it is best to give them privacy and to ask them to be careful while eating.

What to look for?

1. First of all, know what you are buying. The mini-fridge is a loose term used for a wide variety of appliances. There are Compact refrigerators, under-counter fridges, mini-refrigerators, and even wine coolers, wine chillers, and beverage centers. All of these are bunched under the same umbrella. When you are buying a mini-fridge know what service you are providing and the purpose of the appliance.
2. A lot of mini-fridges often have complaints that they are too noisy. They are known to make gurgling or whining sounds when they get older. You have to make sure that the fridge is not a nuisance for the guests, especially if it is kept in the bedroom.
3. Depending on the size of the rooms and the guests you will have you will need to provide a fridge with enough size. If you are catering towards family, get a bigger one. Make sure it has space and holders for both regular food and drinks.
4. Make sure that the fridges are ADA compliant and ENERGY STAR certified. That way you can save money on your electric bills.
5. It is recommended to not spend extra on getting a fridge with a freezer because it may not be used often.

Some recommended units at different price points so that you can find something in your budget:

1. Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer: The thermoelectric system in this unit allows for easy switching from cooler to warmer. It is the most versatile in its price range. It comes with a power adapter. It uses very low power. It is perfect for rooms where you are on a tight budget but needs to provide some sort of storage for cooling. It takes a while to switch between cooling and warming but that is expected. The cooler and warmer is 100% freon free. The biggest advantage is the size. It can fit into the tightest spaces. So if space is an issue, this is a great budget pick.
2. BLACK+DECKER BCRK17W Compact Refrigerator: This one is perfect for around a 100$. It does not have a warmer functionality but that makes it a focussed machine for cooling. It has slots for both small and large drinks. It even comes with a freezer with thermostat control which is a huge plus for this price range. The racks are adjustable so your guest can arrange it according to their preference. The door is reversible so that you can open it from the right hand or left hand so that it can fit in spaces where the door is blocked from either side by other furniture.
3. BLACK+DECKER BCRK25B Compact Refrigerator: For a little more money you can get this unit from the same company. It has mostly the same features but with a higher capacity. It will take up a little more space but your guests will appreciate the extra wiggle room. 
4. Danby DAR026A1BDD-3 Compact Refrigerator: The first thing you notice about this one is the very clean and classy design. This is perfect for the discerning host who wants to provide the guest with the best possible combination of form and function. Though it is missing a freezer, that shouldn’t stop you from considering this unit. It is energy star compliant. It has an 8 can storage space in the door. This unit is eco-friendly because it uses a natural R600a refrigerant.
5. Costway Compact Refrigerator: Going all out in a space which will be used for longer stays and large families, this unit is perfect. It is very highly reviewed on Amazon. It has almost all the benefits of a traditional refrigerator in a smaller size. Just make sure to check that you have space to fit this one in the room.

Precautions to take:

You have to make sure that the rooms are cleaned thoroughly because easy access to the fridge would mean a possibility of tiny food particles in the carpets of the guest room.

Some fridges can easily become electrical hazards if not taken care of properly. Regular checkup and maintenance are required for appliances like that.

Finally, it is always good to have clear instructions about the use of electronics and appliances in your apartment. So, communicate that with your guests ahead of time.