Can You Transport a Mini Fridge in a Car?

It is common for people to change their location. It happens from time to time. You may have a pressing need to change your location due to work or other personal reasons. 

However, most car owners prefer using their cars to transport their household items. Even though there’s only so much that they can move at once, the fact that they’re not paying a dime makes it more interesting. 

But let’s face it. You can’t transport certain items in a car because of their sizes, including how fragile they are.

Now, can you move a mini-fridge in a car? Is it safe? Will the fridge fit into your car? We’ll answer these questions to enable you to make an informed decision. Read on!

Is It Safe To Put a Mini Fridge in a Car?

Let’s get something clear; a mini-fridge is not a mini explosive. A fridge is an appliance that helps keep foods or liquids cold. 

So, you can transport your mini-fridge in a car. There’s nothing wrong with that. The fridge is safe, likewise your car. 

The only thing you need to be concerned about is how well-positioned the mini-fridge is in your car. Did it fit into the available space in your car? If yes, then you can transport it wherever you want. 

However, understanding how to position your fridge when you’re transporting it is crucial. Should the mini-fridge stay upright? Or can you lie it down on its side? We’ll answer this question and provide a detailed explanation subsequently. 

Will a Mini-Fridge Fit in a Car?

As the name implies, mini-fridges are compact and portable. Thus, you should be able to put a mini-fridge in your car comfortably. 

However, car differs in size and design. While your mini-fridge might fit into your car conveniently, it might not fit into some cars. 

The best way to know if your mini-fridge can fit into your car is to measure both. Measure the car’s space, including the height and weight of the mini-fridge. 

Since the fridge would be standing up front, use the height to check whether it would fit into your car’s back seat. If it does, you’re good to go. If it doesn’t, seek other ways to transport your mini-fridge safely. 

Can You Lie a Mini Fridge Down To Transport It?

While many people may want to lie their fridge down for easy transportation in their cars, doing so can land you in trouble. 

It is not like the fridge will explode. None of such may happen. But remember, your mini-fridge has got some weight. 

So, when you lie it down, expect the weight to press hard on some of the vital internal components responsible for the smooth operation of the mini-fridge.

Now, here’s the thing. There’s a chance your mini-fridge could pick up a fault when you lie it down. The worst part is you may never know unless you plug the fridge into the power supply and turn it on. 

So, please, don’t ever lie your fridge down, especially on its back. Whether it’s a mini-fridge or not, desist from doing such. 

A Handy Tip: Fridge motors boast certain fluids that may escape from their original position and enter unwanted places, causing damage to the components vital to the smooth operation of the fridge. The fridge may even refuse to power on or function normally when such happens. So, keep your fridge upright when transporting it.

How To Fit a Mini-Fridge in a Car?

It will be better if you know your mini-fridge and car’s sizes. That way, you can decide on the best way to transport the fridge. 

When transporting a fridge, the first thing to do is to prepare the appliance. Have the fridge defrosted and ensure there’s no object left inside the appliance. 

In other words, your mini-fridge should be empty before you even consider moving it to your car for transportation. 

Now, try to place the fridge upright, as it’s the best way to transport it. If you can’t, you may have to place the fridge sideways. 

This is what you need to do when placing a fridge sideways. Ensure the side of the fridge on the ground is where the compressor is. Then use a blanket and have it strapped in properly. 

This way, you’ll prevent any potential internal damage to the fridge and transport it successfully to your destination. 

When moving a fridge, the most vital thing you should consider is the appliance’s safety. It won’t make sense to transport a fridge to a distant place, only to discover it has been damaged or no longer works properly. 

A Handy Tip: Don’t plug your fridge into the power supply and turn it on when you arrive at your destination. Let the appliance rest for a day or 24 hours before powering it. 

Allowing the fridge to rest for some hours before powering it will give the oils a chance to move back to their original position for the smooth operation of the fridge

Can a Mini-Fridge Be Transported On Its Side?

Yes, you can. But keep in mind that you cannot transport all mini-fridges on their sides. Some will develop a fault when moved on their sides. The best way to transport a mini-fridge is to make it sit upright. That’s what most of the manufacturers recommend.

Your best bet is to check the manufacturer’s manual for instructions on how to move the said mini-fridge. Is the manufacturer against transporting the fridge on its side? If yes, then desist from doing such

You can transport some brands of fridges on their sides without causing any internal damage to the appliance. An example is the Whirlpool mini-fridge. 

You can transport the Whirlpool mini-fridge on its side, but you can’t do the same to the Frigidaire, a built-in fridge. 

So, it’s all about the brand. You can transport most brands of the fridge on their sides. But you have to check the manufacturers’ instructions to ensure you have their backing to transport their fridge on its side. 

When you transport a fridge on its side, remember to place it upright for 24 hours before you start using it. Otherwise, you may damage the fridge severely. 

Do Mini-Fridges Need To Be Transported Upright?

The best way to transport a fridge is for it to stay upright. But that doesn’t mean you can turn it on and start using the fridge immediately after you offload it from the car. You still have to give the fridge some to rest. 

So, transport your mini-fridge upright if you can. If you can’t do so because of the available space in your car, you can tilt the fridge sideways. 

Let the side of the compressor stays on the ground. You should also dismantle the shelves and remove food items kept in the fridge during transportation. Finally, ensure the fridge remains in one position throughout the journey. 

When you transport a mini-fridge sideways, remember to allow the appliance to rest for a day before you switch it on. The fridge contains diverse chemicals such as refrigerants, oils, and lubricants. 

A Handy Tip: Avoid the temptation to transport a mini-fridge on its back. The chances of internal damage are high when transported that way. 

It would make sense to also check the manufacturer’s instructions on ways you shouldn’t transport the specific fridge brand. If the manufacturer is against transporting the fridge sideways, avoid doing so. 

How To Safely Transport a Mini-fridge?

The first tip is to read the instruction manual. Then consider the little extra tips below to move your fridge safely.

1. Defrost and clean properly

Ensure your fridge is clean and dry before transporting it. Use water and baking soda to clean the fridge. If there are ice bits left in the fridge, you can use a hairdryer to melt them. 

2. Disconnect the fridge

Get the fridge disconnected according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

3. Protect the interior and exterior

Ensure that there are no loose items like shelves, canned foods, or bottled water in the fridge when transporting it, as these could damage the fridge. 

You need to also protect the fridge’s exterior by wrapping it with a blanket. Doing so will prevent it from any possible impact. 

4. Secure the fridge

Once you load the fridge into the car, get it strapped tightly to prevent it from moving. This way, you’ll prevent any possible internal and external damage to the fridge. 

Conclusion: Can you transport a mini-fridge in a car?

Yes, you can, but it all depends on the size of your car and the fridge in question. 

Measure the fridge (length and breadth) to know if it would fit into your car. You can also measure your car to know if the fridge would fit into it. 

Remember that allowing your mini-fridge to lie on its back is not a proper way to transport it. You can decide to rest it on its side, but the best way to transport a fridge is for it to remain upright. Additionally, keep in mind that you can’t place most fridge brands sideways. 

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