For frequent travelers who desire to keep their food hot or cold on the go, a compact refrigerator is just the thing. These miniature refrigeration units function both as a cooler and a food heater. They are usually plugged into a car's 12-volt cigarette lighter socket for the cooling power of a 10-pound block of ice. The foam insulation can keep food both cool and warm, depending on its needs. Compact refrigerators can also be used at home, in the office or in any other location where there is a power supply.

A compact refrigerator functions differently as compared to a domestic refrigerator. It incorporates the mechanics that are seldom found in home refrigerators. The cooling system is compact and needs to fit into a small space. The DC current is run through a heat sink to dissipate or contain heat within the container. A powered fan moves air through the space to prevent dissipation. In a domestic refrigerator the use of gas is involved which circulates through the interior absorbing heat and radiating it from the back.

Compact refrigerators are considered as space savers and are perfect when you need a refrigerator, but don't have the room for a full-size model. They are ideal for an office, car or a small apartment. They are a good solution if you need counter-height refrigerator and freezer accessibility.

Today's compact refrigerators are much more sophisticated than they once were. Many brands offer stylish exteriors and interior storage options such as adjustable door storage, full-width freezer compartments, and large crisper drawers with see-through covers for better visibility. Compact refrigerators are easy to transport and inexpensive to buy and maintain.

Fortunately, today's refrigerators are better energy performers than older models. Superior design, more efficient compressors and better insulation and door seals all help improve energy efficiency. It is one key feature to look for while purchasing a compact refrigerator.