RE
ran warm at default settings
Testing a Midea compact fridge, Reviewed found it ran warm at default settings and needed a dial adjustment to hold sub-40F — a setup caveat worth knowing before move-in.
The Midea MERM33S1AST 3.3 Cu. Ft. Compact Mini Fridge ($179.99) is recommended with a 8.7/10 consensus score across 3 expert reviews. Experts highlight 3.3 cu. ft. holds a week of groceries plus a small freezer shelf — the largest size most housing contracts still allow and energy star certified at roughly 260 kwh per year keeps it off the radar of dorms that meter outlets. Reviewed — Testing a Midea compact fridge, Reviewed found it ran warm at default settings a... Best for: students who skip the dining hall some nights, rooms that allow a 3.3 cu. ft. fridge, roommates splitting one appliance.
Recommended3 Expert Reviews
Price Range
Check Price on Amazon →$179.99
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Midea MERM33S1AST 3.3 Cu. Ft. Compact Mini Fridge
mini-fridges
DGH ScoreAbove Average
DormGearHQ proprietary rating
6.3/10
3 expert sources
Dorm-Policy Fit5/10
Setup Ease5.9/10
Reliability6.9/10
Value Rating8.7/10
Twin XL & Small-Space Fit5/10
The Midea MERM33S1AST 3.3 Cu. Ft. Compact Mini Fridge earns a DGH Score of 6.3/10, driven by strong value (8.7/10) with room to improve in future-proofing (5/10). Based on 3 expert sources and DormGearHQ compatibility analysis.
How we calculate the DGH Score →Expert Consensus: 8.7/10 across 3 sources
Last verified:Key Features
- ✓ 3.3 cu. ft. capacity
- ✓ ENERGY STAR certified ~260 kWh/yr
- ✓ Under 42 dB operation
- ✓ Reversible door, adjustable thermostat 33.8-50F
- ✓ R600A high-efficiency compressor
Best For
students who skip the dining hall some nightsrooms that allow a 3.3 cu. ft. fridgeroommates splitting one appliance
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ 3.3 cu. ft. holds a week of groceries plus a small freezer shelf — the largest size most housing contracts still allow
- ✓ ENERGY STAR certified at roughly 260 kWh per year keeps it off the radar of dorms that meter outlets
- ✓ Runs under 42 dB, quiet enough to share a small room without it droning through a study session
- ✓ Reversible door swings either way so it fits whichever corner the room layout leaves open
- ✓ R600A high-efficiency compressor is the modern, lower-draw refrigerant standard
Common Criticisms
- ✗ Reviewed found it ran warm at the factory thermostat setting — you have to turn the dial up to hold sub-40F
- ✗ $179.99 is the top of the mini-fridge budget for a first-week purchase
- ✗ Freezer compartment frosts over without occasional manual defrosting
What The Experts Say
SL
$179.99
Documents the street price for the 3.3 cu. ft. Midea MERM33 line, anchoring the appliance budget for the checklist.
MI
less than 42 dB
Manufacturer confirms quiet operation under 42 dB and ENERGY STAR certification — the two specs that matter most in a shared dorm room.
Ready to buy the Midea MERM33S1AST 3.3 Cu. Ft. Compact Mini Fridge?
Check Price on Amazon$179.99 · 3 expert sources · 8.7/10 consensus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Midea MERM33S1AST 3.3 Cu. Ft. Compact Mini Fridge worth it?
Midea MERM33S1AST 3.3 Cu. Ft. Compact Mini Fridge earns a 8.7/10 consensus score across our 12 expert sources. It is rated "Recommended" — students who skip the dining hall some nights. At $179.99, Testing a Midea compact fridge, Reviewed found it ran warm at default settings and needed a dial adjustment to hold sub-...
Who is the Midea MERM33S1AST 3.3 Cu. Ft. Compact Mini Fridge best for?
Midea MERM33S1AST 3.3 Cu. Ft. Compact Mini Fridge is best for: students who skip the dining hall some nights, rooms that allow a 3.3 cu. ft. fridge, roommates splitting one appliance. Experts rate it "Recommended" overall.
How does the Midea MERM33S1AST 3.3 Cu. Ft. Compact Mini Fridge compare to other Mini Kitchen options?
Among the Mini Kitchen products we have reviewed, Midea MERM33S1AST 3.3 Cu. Ft. Compact Mini Fridge ranks above average with a 8.7/10 score. Documents the street price for the 3.3 cu. ft. Midea MERM33 line, anchoring the appliance budget for the checklist.
What smart home systems does the Midea MERM33S1AST 3.3 Cu. Ft. Compact Mini Fridge work with?
Midea MERM33S1AST 3.3 Cu. Ft. Compact Mini Fridge works with major smart home platforms. Check our compatibility notes on the product page for any setup requirements or hub dependencies.
What are the pros and cons of the Midea MERM33S1AST 3.3 Cu. Ft. Compact Mini Fridge?
The main pros of the Midea MERM33S1AST 3.3 Cu. Ft. Compact Mini Fridge are 3.3 cu. ft. holds a week of groceries plus a small freezer shelf — the largest size most housing contracts still allow and energy star certified at roughly 260 kwh per year keeps it off the radar of dorms that meter outlets. The main downside is reviewed found it ran warm at the factory thermostat setting — you have to turn the dial up to hold sub-40f. Overall, experts rate it "Recommended" with a 8.7/10 consensus score.
Affiliate disclosure: DormGearHQ.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This consensus review is based on 3 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.