With the world going on a micro-mini trend, it’s hardly surprising to see the growing popularity of mini portable refrigerators. If you can’t figure why, here are some obvious reasons:

1. Portable is fun. Coolers have been a camping mainstay. But if you’re staying out for a day or two for some outdoors fun, you could use something compact without the added weight and bulk of blocks of ice. A Koolatron Quart 12V Portable Mini Fridge is going to be your new camping companion if it isn’t already. It provides you with plenty of storage space for a cooler. It plugs into any standard 12-volt socket for hours of cooling power minus the ice. For less than a hundred dollars, this compact and portable fridge will prove to be one of your favorite tag-along for outings.

2. Party-drinks with the ice are awesome. Whether you’re the host for this weekend’s teen party or just having a few drinks with some old friends, won’t you like not having to dig through ice for a cold beer? If you’re looking for something that can hold nearly a hundred cans but doesn’t take up a lot of space, the Georgia Bulldogs Portable Mini Fridge is your best friend. This cylinder-shaped mini portable refrigerator holds 88 12-ounce cans. The design itself is innovative and interesting. You can grab a drink with just the flip of a lid – yes, a lid. This can-shaped cooler is perfect for backyard get-togethers and is sure to be a hit. At less than $500, you’ll love this mini fridge.

3. Long drives or all-nighters are better with cold drinks and a tasty sandwich. Imagine if you had to drive five hours to get some place you have to be. That’s no fun, obviously. And if you’re not familiar with the route, you may be wary of stopping on the way for anything. Not that you’re overcautious. If you’re thinking along the same lines, you’d love the Micro Cool Mini Fridge. And not only for travel. You can even trade your brown bag for this compact mini-fridge. It can store about four cans of soda, a cold sandwich and a piece of fruit. You can easily put it under your desk or on your car seat when you’re traveling. It plugs into cars, boat lighters, RVs or to a standard AC outlet. That you can get such versatile companion for under $50 is truly amazing.

Besides the obvious, a mini portable refrigerator is a great gift idea for college kids preparing for dorm living, workaholic friends who stay late at the office or your husband or wife for keeping spare drinks in the bedroom. Its portability is also its versatility. Think about the many ways you can use a portable mini-fridge to enjoy your favorite cold drinks or a sandwich for that matter.

So browse through various home appliance websites or look through the compact refrigerators listed on Amazon and eBay. You can compare prices for the best deals. For your needs and the price range you’re comfortable with, there’s certainly one that’s just right for you.