Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This miniature refrigerator for diabetic supplies does not use a compressor but relies on an air-cooled solid state device that keeps the small chamber cool. The unit works very well keeping insulin at temperatures between 3 degrees and 12 degrees (celcius) depending on the number of vials in it and the ambient temperature in the room. My previous micro-refrigerator lasted roughly five years under constant use which I feel is exceptional for the price. There is a fan in the base of the unit that vents warm air and, over time, the fan can get quite noisy and there is no easy way to clean the fan. In order to cool properly, the unit must be placed in a location where air can move freely around it - for example, on top of a counter in the bathroom. Putting the unit in a bathroom or kitchen cabinet will raise the temperature in both the unit and the cabinet significantly.
This model does not seem to be as well constructed as the earlier model by this manufacturer. There is a foam strip on the top of the unit that is held on by a cheap piece of two-sided tape. In the two units I've received, the foam had already fallen out of the units before I unpacked them. I don't know if the foam is terribly functional but when it's in the unit, the temperature in the cooling chamber is slightly lower. On the other hand, condensation forms in the cooling chamber and needs to be wiped out exery few days (this will depend on humidity wherever you live). I've discared the foam from my units as I'm concerned about mold if the foam isn't removed and cleaned regularly.
The first unit of this model I received was slightly damaged and dented and the power supply was unusable. The damage appeared to happen at the factory as packaging was not marred in any way. The seller was absolutely wonderful and immediately sent me a new unit and a pre-paid return label for the faulty unit. I would highly recommend the seller. As for the unit, aside from the increase in noise over time, I have been very pleased with it. We'll see if the new model is as durable.
One caution - when this unit fails, it gets quite hot (hot enough to melt plastic) so it will destroy any insulin you have in it when it fails. Although the micro-fridge will hold two pens or six vials of insulin, I would suggest that you only keep your current pen or vial in the micro-fridge at one time. Keeping the rest of your supplies in a larger refrigerator means you always have a reserve if the power goes out (larger refrigerators stay cooler longer with no power) or the unit fails.
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Medi-Fridge Portable Diabetic Supply Micro-Refrigator, MF-MRIlx - 1 ea
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