No, you do not need to put ice in your mini fridge for it to get cold. Mini fridges, like regular refrigerators, are designed to cool their contents without the need for ice. They use a refrigeration system that relies on a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and refrigerant to remove heat from the interior and keep the temperature cool.
Here's how a mini fridge works:
The compressor compresses the refrigerant gas, raising its temperature and pressure.
The high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant gas flows through the condenser coils at the back or bottom of the fridge, dissipating heat and condensing into a liquid.
The liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, where it undergoes a rapid decrease in pressure, causing it to evaporate into a gas again.
The evaporating refrigerant absorbs heat from inside the fridge, cooling the air and the contents.
Putting ice in the fridge would not be an effective way to cool it and might actually hinder the refrigerator's cooling process. Instead, allow the mini fridge some time to reach its desired temperature after you plug it in. It might take a few hours for the fridge to cool down to its optimal temperature, depending on the ambient conditions and the initial temperature of the items you put inside.
If your mini fridge is not cooling properly, make sure it is plugged in and the temperature control settings are correctly adjusted. Also, ensure that the fridge is placed in a location with adequate ventilation and away from heat sources. If you encounter any issues with cooling, it's best to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or contact customer support for assistance.