Customer Reviews

Medi-Fridge IIx Portable Micro-Refrigator for Diabetic & Other Injectable Medicines, MF-MRIlx - 1 ea

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

I just got this fridge and plugged it in last night. I loaded it up with six vials and it's working fine. I bought it because my insulin was freezing in my fridge. I assume there's something wrong with the fridge, as it's also freezing the eggs. Not good. I've thrown away about $100 worth of insulin since then (and only about $2 worth of eggs), and my BG has been too high for a month or two, probably thanks to the slightly frozen insulin. I've checked the vials a few times to see if they're freezing in the Medi-Fridge IIx, but they're not. Thank goodness.

The bottom plate inside is painted metal, which is the part that gets cold. The black foam insulation that you see at the top of the door had already fallen free from the double-sticky tape that was in there, so I pressed it back into place. I'll probably have to get some more tape to make it stay. It's a little bigger than it looks in the advertising picture, but it fits fine on my bathroom counter.

I was not expecting the fan to run as often as it does. It seems to be on more than it's off, even with the AC running in the house and the temp at 72 degrees F. I hope it doesn't turn out to be a nuisance. It's not too loud, but I can hear it running while I'm in the shower, which also isn't too quiet. Slept through the night without noticing it, though, so time will tell.

I'll be using the Medi-Fridge IIx on a trip to Europe soon, so if it doesn't go well, I'll post again. Meanwhile, the first 24 hours have been just fine. My wife says, "It's cute," and the kids agree. I don't know about cute, but I have hope that it'll save me continued trouble with frozen, ineffective insulin.

Also, I want to find a thermometer that I can put in there to gauge the overall temperature, perhaps one I can stick to the foam on top of the unit.

I ordered this fridge in anticipation of a trip to visit family. The fridge was great in the car for the 700 mile trip and great in the hotel. At home it allows us to keep insulin in the bathroom close to all the other supplies i.e. syringes, test strips and testing meter. Saves time and steps.

I have had one unit for about six months now. For the first 3 months it ran a bit too warm (50 degrees F) and now lately it has been running too cool (40 to 30 degrees F). These temperatures measured with an IR thermometer that I have found accurate when compared to lab thermometers. It was disconcerting to see ice forming in the bottom of the cooler and the insulin was cloudy. Anyway, like the other reviewer said it is a great idea but needs work. I also agree with the other reviewer that the fan is too noisy.

I have (2) of the single Medi-Fridge units. I have had trouble with both of them.
* One "sweats" inside the insulin tray. Will get an eight inch of water in it.
* Same one will work for weeks or even month then decide to just quit. Unplugging it for a couple days has resolved it twice. Or thumping them on the desk will kick them in.
* Both have very noisy fans.
I so much want them to work correctly, they are great - when they work. I wouldn't order again.

Micro refrigerator does just what was promised. It keeps my meds at about 40 F when plugged into the wall. I havn't tried it in the car yet. It is great for my peace of mind on trips, since I have a fall back if the "promised" refrigerator in the room doesn't materialize.

I've been through 4 of these in 2 years. They're just awful, and warranty replacement is complicated. If you need something for a weekend away, it may be fine. But if you plan to use it full-time, it won't last. Oh, and it's NOISY!!

Great product! Convenient in the car with the car charger and in hotel rooms, even on a cruise ship with the 110v AC adapter. Both adapters are included.
Holds 2 pens or 1 pen and some needles. The Byetta pen fits perfectly!
You can hear the fan, but not from a few feet away.
I love this product!

I tried calling the company to get a replacement and got no response. They have a BBB rating of "F". Try Medicool's Medicooler. Avoid Medi-Fridge.

I purchased this for my husband so he could have his insulin in a in the back bedroom. The mini fridge works great and has been keeping my husbands insulin cold. The previous reviewer mentioned that the motor goes on and off which could be annoying if you put it in a room where you will always be in, but it doesn't bother us as we have this in a spare room.

The only complaint I have about this unit is one of the vents is on the bottom of the unit and can't get any ventilation. I do have to mention that there is a total of three vents. So my husband made a mini stand so ventalation could get to the bottom.

I would still recommend this unit to family and friends.