Top 7 Refrigerators for Small Spaces and Apartments

In the current housing climate, it’s clear that bigger is not always better. Paving the way for innovative, space-conscious room designs — micro-living is no longer seen as simply a stepping stone to a larger home but an ideal option for many residents who prioritise location, affordability and convenience over excess space.

Whether you’re living in an apartment, townhouse or granny flat, every square inch matters. When searching for the best refrigerators for small spaces, visualising dimensions, comparing features and striking a balance between functionality and size can be a lengthy and confusing process.

In this article, we’ll help you refine your search. Curating a list of the seven best Mitsubishi Electric refrigerators for small spaces — featuring different types of fridges of various designs, models and sizes — you can find the perfect one to suit your home.

Key factors to consider before choosing your small fridge

The right small fridge will ensure your kitchen runs smoothly. However, this can take some forward planning. To help narrow down your options, ensure you have considered the following:

Your kitchen layout

The first step is to get to know your space. In small areas, the placement of your refrigerator can make a big difference in its overall flow and comfortability.

Take a moment to identify where your fridge will go. Will it be nestled in a corner, placed along a wall or housed within a refrigerator cavity? Use a measuring tape to determine the width, length and depth of your allotted space. Here are a few questions to guide you:

• Could you open the fridge and freezer doors without obstruction?
• Is there enough room for you to access your fridge without feeling cramped?
• What is the depth of your countertop? Your fridge should have a similar depth for a streamlined design.

Your food storage needs

While compact dimensions are essential when choosing a refrigerator for a small space, selecting a model that suits your household’s specific storage requirements is equally important. A well-chosen fridge can help maximise space and create a more organised and functional kitchen. To make the best choice, consider your household’s needs:

• How many meals is your home catering for?
• Do you require a lot of fridge space to house weekly groceries?
• How much do you use your freezer?
• Do you prefer specific features like door and bottle pockets, ice makers, and dedicated dairy and vegetable compartments?

If you would benefit from a larger capacity refrigerator but only have the space for a small fridge — you can have both. You just need to know where to look. Continue reading to find out more.

What type of fridge is right for you?

While finding a small fridge that fits your space is ideal, we take it a step further at Mitsubishi Electric. We provide the best refrigerators for small spaces with varying models, features, and capacities so you can align your fridge to your needs. Some of the refrigerator models we offer include:

• Top Mount Fridges: These are classics in homes across Australia, with the traditional design of a freezer above the refrigerator.
• Bottom Mount Fridges: Designed for frequent access, the refrigeration compartment, which is used most often, is positioned at chest height for convenience. Separate drawers for frozen goods are located from waist height down, offering quick and easy access when preparing meals.
• French Door Fridges: French doors open to reveal wide, adjustable shelving that is perfect for accommodating food platters and large dishes, making them an excellent choice for those who love to entertain. This design also includes spacious door pockets for organising condiments, beverages, and other essentials. The MR-LX442EX model from Mitsubishi Electric is designed for smaller households, offering all the benefits of a French door fridge in a compact design.
• Multi Drawer Fridges: Combine striking toughened glass panels in luxurious finishes with advanced features like a Supercool Freezing Drawer, supercool chilling case, vegetable and freezer drawers, and a non-plumbed automatic ice maker, offering a stylish and practical solution for families.

The question remains: Which fridge model is right for you?

The good news is you don’t have to guess. Our for iOS devices lets you see what your future refrigerator will look like in your space before buying it. Simply answer a few questions about your ideal fridge, take a photo of where your fridge will go, and our App will present a generated VR photo of your select fridge in your kitchen!

With the Fridge Finder App, you can compare different fridge colours, designs and constructions and find the one that best aligns with your kitchen aesthetic — all in the convenience and comfort of your own home.

Best refrigerators for small spaces and apartments

A small fridge is decided by its height and width. If you’re looking for a fridge that will fit your small apartment or granny flat, you should aim for one below 800 mm wide and 1800 mm tall. The 7 small fridges we will explore all refer to this limit but also provide additional features and benefits beyond a classic small fridge.

7.Top Mount ER Series

Dimensions:

• 458L capacity: 751mm width x 1654mm height
• 505L capacity: 751mm width x 1777mm height

The ER Series is a reliable and practical addition to any small kitchen. It provides energy-efficient food preservation with the classic top-mount construction. This small fridge has 458L and 505L capacities. While still maintaining a 751 mm width in both capacities, you can cater to your personal grocery needs without taking up too much space in your kitchen. The ER Series is available in Shiny Black, White, and Stainless Steel, allowing you to find the perfect fridge to enhance your kitchen aesthetic.

6. Bottom Mount HS Steel Series

Dimensions:

• 421L capacity: 699mm width x 1720mm height

The Bottom Mount HS Steel Series refrigerator is a standout addition to the Mitsubishi Electric lineup, designed specifically for Australian households. Extensive local research has resulted in a unique 50:50 door design that is more aligned with typical Australian kitchen benchtops and will fit in most existing fridge cabinets. If you are looking for a 700mm fridge freezer, this model, at just under 700mm wide, offers a practical and stylish solution for modern kitchens. With a 421L capacity and finishes available in Sterling Silver and Sterling Dark Silver, it’s a practical and stylish choice for modern kitchens.

This small fridge & freezer combines a contemporary look with smart functionality. The innovative Select Zone feature offers flexible temperature control, allowing you to switch between chilling and soft freezing to suit your needs. Whether storing ready-to-cook meals or short-term frozen items, this fridge delivers both convenience and ease of use, making it a great addition to space-conscious kitchens.

5. Bottom Mount HGS Glass Series

Dimensions:

• 421L capacity: 699mm width x 1720mm height

The Bottom Mount HGS Glass Series refrigerator builds on the practical design of the HS Steel Series while offering a sleek, modern glass finish for those looking to elevate their kitchen aesthetic. Designed specifically for Australian households, it features a unique 50:50 door design that is more aligned with typical Australian kitchen benchtops and will fit in most existing fridge cabinets. As a stylish and practical small fridge with a 421L capacity, it is available in Brilliant Black and Glacier White finishes, adding a touch of sophistication to any space.

Like the HS Steel Series, the HGS Glass Series combines contemporary design with advanced functionality. It includes an Automatic Ice Maker for added convenience and the innovative Select Zone feature, which offers flexible temperature control to switch between chilling and soft freezing. Whether storing ready-to-cook meals or short-term frozen items, this small fridge brings style and convenience to space-conscious kitchens, making it a versatile refrigerator option for modern homes.

4. Bottom Mount CX Series

Dimensions:

• 450L capacity: 699mm width x 1798mm height

“Best fridge I’ve ever owned, hands down”

Loris F. – South East Queensland

450L Bottom Mount MR-CX450ER-ST

“Things I love about this fridge: It looks sooo good in my new home – very stylish. Food stays super cold. Love the separate fruit/veg drawer. It’s whisper quiet when running. The automatic ice cube maker is incredible. Heaps of room in the freezer. Love that there’s plenty of storage spaces for everything.”

The CX Series is a compact powerhouse in modern refrigeration, combining thoughtful design with advanced technology. With a 450L capacity, this fridge is ideal for smaller kitchens, offering ample storage without taking up unnecessary space. Available in elegant Stainless Steel and Black Stainless finishes, it brings a sophisticated touch to any kitchen.

Key features of the CX Series include an Automatic Ice Maker, a dedicated VitaLED Vegetable Drawer to keep produce fresher for longer and a Supercool Chilling Case for optimal temperature control. The bottom freezer drawer, 2-way Flexi Glass Shelf, and multi-airflow system ensure efficient organisation and cooling throughout. With a 4.0-star energy rating, this fridge is practical and energy-efficient, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a functional and stylish appliance.

3. Bottom Mount CGX Glass Series

Dimensions:

• 450L capacity: 699mm width x 1798mm height

“The design details have been taken to a higher level.”

Starz – Hunter Region, NSW

MR-CGX450ER-GBK

“A few years back I bought the 406L capacity and although It’s still going strong, I needed to get another fridge for more storage. I briefly looked around at other brands, but I came back to Mitsubishi Electric when I saw that this latest model had been pimped up and elevated from my older model.”

“I love the black glass front door, it looks very slick. The design details have been taken to a higher level.”

“I believe this model of refrigerator would suite a range of different types. Families or foodies alike, whoever you are, I highly recommend this wonderful 450L bottom mount fridge.”

The Bottom Mount CGX Glass Series builds on the excellent design and practicality of the CX Series, offering the same compact size and advanced features that make it ideal for small spaces. With a 450L capacity, this small fridge provides efficient storage while fitting seamlessly into modern kitchens.

What sets the CGX Glass Series apart is its refined glass finish, available in Brilliant Black or Glacier White. This durable, easy-to-clean surface not only enhances the appearance of your kitchen but also makes maintenance straightforward. Whether furnishing a compact apartment or upgrading a townhouse kitchen, the CGX Glass Series delivers the perfect combination of functionality and contemporary design.

2. 470L Multi Drawer WX Series

Dimensions:

• 470L capacity: 650mm width x 1696mm height

“A small but amazing fridge”

Franco T.

470L Multi Drawer MR-WX470F-W-A

“Have had the fridge for 2 years now, and it is honestly the best fridge I have ever purchased. It is very quiet, convenient, and has a place for everything. It is a very, very small and narrow fridge built for Japanese apartment living. However, it is surprisingly roomy and can pack more into it than the larger fridge it replaced. There are no messy LCD panels, no wifi or Bluetooth connectivity gimmicks. It’s a great fridge for a small kitchen, and it punches above its size.”

With its slim width, compact design, and high-performing features, the 470L WX Series fridge maximises efficiency without wasting space. At Mitsubishi Electric, we addressed the growing trend of micro-living head-on. We developed innovative technologies to ensure our fridges fit into smaller spaces without compromising style and functionality.

Accomplishing this, the WX Series maintains a staggering slim build due to our Smart Cube technology, which allows for a high capacity without expanding the dimensions. This small fridge also utilises a Vacuum Insulation Panel to reduce wall thickness without losing efficiency, maintaining its compact dimensions.

It features a 4.0-star energy rating, ensuring energy-efficient performance, and advanced technologies like Hot Freezing and Supercool Freezing. These innovations help preserve food quality by optimising temperature control and maintaining freshness. Additionally, with adjustable temperature zones, a non-plumbed automatic ice maker, and dedicated storage drawers, this fridge offers both versatility and convenience.

Available in modern finishes, including Argent Silver and White, this small fridge will look like it was made for your kitchen. Perfectly entwining elegance with functionality, these premium features are not found in fridges with similar dimensions.

1. 442L French Door LX Series

Dimensions:

•  442L capacity: 699mm width x 1798mm height

The 442L French Door LX Series by Mitsubishi Electric takes the popular French Door design and reimagines it with compact dimensions, making it an ideal choice for smaller kitchen spaces. Despite its reduced size, this narrow fridge model retains the signature wide interior storage space, offering ample room to store groceries and essentials. Designed to meet the needs of modern Australian households, the MR-LX442EX provides the premium quality and functionality that customers expect from our LX range, now tailored for compact living.

Designed with practicality in mind, the MR-LX442EX features a Supercool Chilling Case, which maintains a temperature range of -3° to 0°C, ideal for storing meats, fish, and other perishables. This innovative feature allows you to cook directly without needing to defrost, saving time and preserving food quality. Additionally, the Vegetable Drawer, equipped with a built-in VitaLED light, ensures your produce stays crisper and fresher for longer by maintaining higher humidity levels than the main compartment.

Additional features like the 2-way Flexi Glass Shelf and a movable utility case make this refrigerator even more adaptable to your needs, offering flexible storage for taller items and small essentials. A convenient automatic ice maker with a removable 1.1L water tank requires no plumbing connection, maximising internal capacity while easily delivering fresh ice. Available in Dark Silver, Brilliant Black, and Glacier White, the 442L French Door LX Series combines modern style with Mitsubishi Electric trusted energy efficiency and reliability.

Maximise your Kitchen Space with Mitsubishi Electric

As developers of innovative technologies and providers of various types of refrigerators, we ensure you receive the benefits of a large fridge while catering to your small space. While there are many small refrigerators available, we at Mitsubishi Electric believe that the true difference is in the details. Find your local stockist to purchase your perfect small fridge today.

All litre capacities mentioned are usable capacity, tested in accordance with the AS/NZS IEC 62552-3 Standard.

Mitsubishi Electric Refrigerators for Small Spaces