Your Guide to Finding the Best Beverage Refrigerator
Beverage fridge-hunting made quick and easy.
Running out of room in your fridge but still want to stay stocked-up on your go-to drinks? It's time to look for a beverage refrigerator. From installation types to storage capacities, keep reading for everything you need to know about choosing the best beverage refrigerator for your home
Beverage Fridge Types
The best beverage refrigerators fit into two categories: freestanding and built-in (or undercounter) models.
Freestanding Beverage Refrigerators
Best for: Dorm common areas, lounge spaces, flexible room layouts.
As implied by their name, freestanding beverage refrigerators stand alone. These models vent heat from the back, making them ideal for lounge spaces, bedside placement, or anywhere without cabinetry.
- Ease of Installation: Simply plug your freestanding beverage refrigerator into a 110v outlet and you’re good to go.
- Critical Clearance: Leave 2”–3” space next to each side and the back of your beverage refrigerator and 1” above it to provide proper ventilation and avoid overheating. Consult the product manual that comes with your specific cooler for specific recommendations.
Tip!
Avoid placing freestanding units in tight or cluttered spaces to avoid overheating. Providing proper space for ventilation will prevent your cooler from having to work harder, which can increase electricity usage. Check out our Guide to Beverage Fridge Sizes for more advice on measuring and finding the perfect size for your home.
Top Freestanding Beverage Coolers
Built-In or Undercounter Beverage Refrigerators
Best for: Integrated kitchenettes, wet bars, permanent dorm suite updates.
Undercounter beverage refrigerators have front-venting systems which allow them to fit between cabinets and beneath countertops for a seamless addition to kitchen spaces.
- Seamless Integration: With a kickplate for front ventilation, there’s no need to leave excess space behind these beverage coolers. When installed between and beneath cabinetry they have a sleek appearance and save floor space, making them a popular pick.
- Concealed Installation: To install a built-in beverage refrigerator, plug it into the designated outlet, then slide the unit backwards into place – be sure there is ½” of space on all sides to ensure an easy installation. You may need to enlist the help of a professional to run an electrical line to your desired location.
- Premium Temperature Control: Built-in models are typically higher-end and many have more precise temperature control than their freestanding counterparts, making them better for storing temperature sensitive beverages.
Top Built-In Beverage Coolers
Beverage refrigerator capacity is determined by how many 12 oz. cans or bottles it can hold. Check out these capacity sizes to determine which refrigerator works best for your beverage storage needs:
Fewer Than 50 Cans
Small beverage refrigerators hold fewer than 50 beverage cans, providing ample room to chill beverages for one or two people. Smaller countertop varieties hold anywhere from six to twelve 12 oz. cans at a time, while freestanding or built-in/undercounter units store drinks with space to spare.
50–100 Cans
Beverage refrigerators with space for 50–100 12 oz. amp up your drink storage without taking up too much space. This is a common capacity size for freestanding or built-in/undercounter units. This size allows you to stock up on your favorite brand of sparkling water, soft drinks, and cocktail mixes for your next dinner party or celebration.
101–150 Cans
This capacity size is best for large families and those who entertain often. Available in freestanding and built-in/undercounter varieties, this capacity size usually comes with more shelving and a wider frame to accommodate the increase in storage space.
151–200 Cans
Beverage refrigerators with a storage capacity of 151–200 cans provide ample space for your entire household’s favorite drinks. Fill your fridge with guests’ go-to beverages to make them feel at home, or use the extra space for wine bottles and drink garnishes, like sliced lemons and limes.
More Than 200 Cans
Beverage fridges that store more than 200 cans are perfect for large kitchens or at-home bars where entertaining happens frequently. Because of their storage capacity, these units resemble full-size refrigerators.
When looking for the best beverage refrigerator, consider their available features to enhance your kitchen aesthetic and enjoyment:
Safety Lock
Some beverage refrigerators come with a strategically-placed safety lock to keep children from accessing alcoholic beverages or just having too many cans of soda. So for households with small children, a safety lock feature is a must.
Reversible Door
The ability to reverse your fridge’s door solves situations where your beverage refrigerator opens into an adjacent corner or another appliance. These selections also make it easy to move your beverage fridge into a room with a different layout. They come with hinges on both of the door’s sides and detachable handles, perfect for changing the direction in which your beverage fridge opens.
Adjustable Racks & Shelves
Beverage refrigerators with adjustable racks or shelves provide maximum flexibility when it comes to storage space for drinks of all sizes. Remove or lower your shelves to accommodate large soda cans, beer bottles, and wine bottles. The possibilities are endless when you choose a beverage fridge with adjustable shelves.
Outdoor Use/Garage-Ready
Want to incorporate a beverage fridge into your outdoor kitchen or the spare corner of your garage? An outdoor use beverage refrigerator is the perfect pick for you. These units have tight seals and heavy-duty compressor cooling systems that guarantee chilled beverages even in the hottest of weather.
Interior LED Light
Some beverage refrigerators have interior light options that illuminate and showcase your drink selection. From cool blue to red LEDs, these fridge lights help you find your go-to drink while adding an aesthetic touch to your kitchen.
Glass Door
Glass door beverage refrigerators allow you to showcase all of your fridge’s contents. Plus, they help you decide on your next drink while keeping the door closed and cold air inside.
Door Alarm
Most beverage refrigerators have a door alarm feature, alerting you when the door has been left ajar for too long. Door alarms ensure that your drinks always remain at a cool temperature.
Retro/Novelty Theme
Add a fun design element to your space with a retro-/novelty-themed beverage fridge. These selections usually come in countertop varieties, featuring soft drink brand logos, fun colors, and unique shapes.
Tip!
Check out our compact refrigerator buying guide for even more options suitable for at-home bars, dorm rooms, or lounge space refrigerator options.
