Upstreman 3.2 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge (BR321) Review

Finding a reliable mini fridge for a small space can be a challenge. Many compact refrigerators fall short in cooling performance or lack the right balance of storage and energy efficiency. The Upstreman BR321 3.2 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge is designed for people who need basic cold storage with a small freezer in areas where space and noise level matter.

Customer service from Upstreman is described as “worry-free” and most customer feedback seems to back that up. But does the Upstreman BR321 deliver on all fronts or should you look further afield in search of your ideal mini fridge. We will answer that question in this review.

Key Features

• 3.2 cu. ft. small footprint
• Separate freezer compartment
• Crisper drawer storage
• Reversible door hinge
• Energy-efficient operation
• Quiet 38 dB performance

Design and Build Quality

Compact yet sturdy, the Upstreman 3.2 cu.ft mini fridge is built with functionality in mind. Its design focuses on everyday practicality, making it suited for dorm rooms, bedrooms, and offices that have limited space. The fridge measures 17.4 inches deep, 18.7 inches wide, and 33.07 inches high, which allows it to fit comfortably under most counters or beside desks.

Its textured matte finish has a distinctly bumpy appearance that looks less sleek than smooth matte or glossy finishes. However, it does provide an understated aesthetic that isn’t prone to showing fingerprints or smudges.

In terms of build quality, the appliance feels solid. It’s supported by a single adjustable leveling leg that help keep it steady on uneven floors. A reversible door adds flexibility for left or right-handed placement, while the removable door seal makes it easier to clean and maintain over time.

The manufacturer advises keeping the unit upright for at least two hours before switching it on, which helps ensure proper compressor function and long-term reliability.

Color Options

This model comes in a wide variety of finishes to match different spaces: Glossy Black, Baby Blue, Cameo Pink, Mint Green, Passion Red, Snow White, and Stainless Steel.

These choices allow people to pick a look that complements their décor and expresses their style.

Storage and Organization Inside the Mini Fridge

Inside the Upstreman Mini Fridge, the layout is simple and functional. The main refrigerator section has 2.9 cubic feet of storage space, while the 0.3-cubic-foot freezer is compact and designed for short-term use. Two tempered glass shelves, one large and one smaller, can be removed or rearranged to make space for different types of food or drink containers.

A small crisper drawer at the bottom provides a space for storing fruits and vegetables, which helps separate fresh produce from drinks and other foods.

Door storage adds extra practicality, featuring space for eight cans, two side racks, and a small upper shelf for items like condiments or small bottles. Due to the shelf dimensions and limited height clearance, standard 2-liter bottles are unlikely to fit upright in the door.

The freezer includes an ice tray and scraper, making it suitable for producing ice cubes or holding small frozen packs. However, it is not intended for long term frozen storage. Ice cream and similar items do not stay solid for long. This is a common limitation of single door mini fridges with built-in freezers rather than a specific flaw of this model.

From a usability standpoint, the interior of the BR321 balances compact form with practical space management. The smooth glass shelves, removable door seal, and clear compartment layout make it easy to clean and organize. Storage is best suited for beverages, snacks, and leftovers that need quick access in small living areas. While the freezer’s limited power and lack of large bottle space reduce overall flexibility, the interior is decent for a basic small fridge.

Cooling Performance and Temperature Control

The Upstreman BR321 uses a compressor cooling system, which is the standard for providing reliable and consistent temperature regulation. After plugging it in, the fridge needs about two to three hours to reach full cooling before food should be placed inside. For the initial setup, the manufacturer recommends setting the control dial to its highest level, “5,” to help the compartments reach their optimal temperatures faster.

Once cooled, the fridge maintains stable temperatures throughout the interior, with minimal variation between the main shelves and the door. The manual temperature dial is located in the upper-right corner of the interior. It has five settings ranging from 33.8°F to 46.4°F (1°C to 8°C).

For most environments, the mid-level setting “3” provides balanced performance and helps reduce excessive frost buildup in the small freezer compartment. Minor temperature fluctuations typically occur only when the door is left open too long or the seal isn’t fully closed, allowing warm air to enter.

Noise Level and Energy Efficiency

Quiet operation is a welcome feature of the Upstreman BR321, making it suitable for bedrooms, dorm rooms, and small offices. With a noise level of 38 decibels, it produces a soft hum that blends into background noise and rarely disrupts study or sleep. The compressor cycles more frequently in warm rooms or when heavily loaded with food, but under normal conditions it runs smoothly with minimal vibration.

This model also performs efficiently in terms of energy use. It carries an Energy Star certification, with an estimated annual energy consumption of 206 kWh. For a compact fridge/freezer, this makes it one of the more cost-effective options for small spaces.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

This mini fridge is built with simple operation and low upkeep in mind. Its door opens smoothly, and the reversible hinge feels solid once switched. At 43.2 pounds, the fridge is light enough to move for one person. Although having an extra hand helps during setup or cleaning.

Inside, both tempered glass shelves rest securely on rails and slide out easily for cleaning or reorganization. The surfaces wipe clean without difficulty, and the removable door seal can be detached for a deeper clean if needed.

Regular upkeep is easy enough. Manual defrosting is required only when frost reaches roughly five millimeters thick. The included plastic scraper and drip tray make this process simple, and the fridge’s compact size means defrosting rarely takes long.

To maintain proper airflow, the manufacturer advises leaving at least five inches of space around the back and sides of the unit. So factor this in when deciding on room placement.

Pros and Cons

Final Thoughts

The Upstreman BR321 provides steady cooling performance in a compact form that suits small spaces such as dorms, bedrooms or offices. Its interior layout is practical for light daily use, offering a modest amount of storage space for drinks, snacks, and fresh food items.

However, its single-door design prioritizes fridge space, so the 0.3 cu. ft. freezer is more a light-storage feature rather than a deep-freeze compartment. Those needing a mini fridge capable of deeper freezing or with extra convenience features may find other Upstreman models more suitable. For a detailed comparison of available options and their key differences, refer to the table below.

Compare to Similar Upstreman Mini Fridge’s

While the Upstreman BR321 is a popular choice for smaller spaces, Upstreman offers several other mini fridge models in their line-up that meet slightly different needs.

The comparison below helps you see how features such as freezer performance, interior lighting, and door layout vary across similar sized models, so you can find the most suitable fit for your space and storage preferences.

Who It’s Best For

Upstreman BR321

Compact living spaces such as dorms, bedrooms, and offices benefit most from the BR321’s small footprint and quiet operation. It’s ideal for drinks, snacks, and light frozen items but unsuitable for storing ice cream or long-term freezer use.

Upstreman Silver-CR32

People looking for a sleek all-refrigerator with LED lighting and flexible temperature controls will find the Silver-CR32 a good fit. This newly released 2025 model is well-suited for food and beverages when freezer space isn’t needed.

Upstreman BD311

Those who want a mini fridge that performs more like a full-size refrigerator should consider the BD311. Its two-door design and dedicated freezer compartment allow reliable frozen food storage in a compact form factor.

FAQ: Upstreman BR321 Mini Fridge