What is a Beverage Refrigerator?
As the name implies, beverage refrigerators are used to store drinks. They make great additions to kitchens if you like to keep your favorite beverages stocked without taking up valuable space in the main refrigerator for other groceries. They’re also perfect for home bars, game rooms, butler’s pantries and even outdoor kitchens. If you’d like an outdoor beverage refrigerator, you’ll need to make sure that it’s rated for outdoor use.
Types of Beverage Refrigerators
Freestanding
Freestanding models have finished sides. Whether you want to set one up in a game room or lounge, or just at the end of your counter in the kitchen, their finished sides make them able to stand on their own and give you more flexibility to set them up where you want them. All you need is an outlet.
Make sure there’s at least 1/4-inch of space on the sides and back of the beverage refrigerator to allow for venting.
Built-In
Built-in refrigerators are installed between cabinets or under counters, since they don’t have finished sides. However, if you want your kitchen, bar or butler’s pantry to have a seamless look, a built-in, undercounter beverage fridge is the ideal choice. For the easiest installation, make sure you have access to an outlet where you plan to install the appliance. If there’s not an electric line in the area where you’d like to install, enlist the help of a professional to set that up.
Portable
Portable beverage refrigerators are perfect for travel. These mini beverage fridges are compact and easily tuck into the trunk of the car, and some can plug into both standard outlets and 12-volt vehicle outlets for convenience. Take them on a road trip, camping or even on a picnic to keep your favorite drinks chilled. They can also be helpful for entertaining, offering temporary storage for extra drinks at parties and gatherings.
Beverage Refrigerator Sizes
Storage capacity and the beverage refrigerator’s dimensions are both important factors to consider when deciding what size will work best for your needs. Storage capacity tells you how many 12-ounce cans or bottles it can accommodate. This ensures you’ll have enough space for the number of drinks you want or need to store. Storage capacities include:
- Up to 19 cans
- 20 – 29 cans
- 30 – 39 cans
- 40 – 99 cans
- 100 – 159 cans
- 150 or more cans
To ensure your beverage refrigerator will fit, carefully measure the width, height and depth of the area where you want the appliance installed. Using cabinetry for both built-in or freestanding options is a good marker for creating a streamlined look. Just measure from the edge of the cabinet back to find out what depth will work. If it’s going somewhere else in your home, like in a living room, using other furniture — like the edge of a couch or TV stand — can also help determine how deep the refrigerator can be to ensure the front doesn’t jut out too far.
Beverage Refrigerator Features
A beverage refrigerator’s features are what set it apart from regular mini refrigerators. When shopping for yours, consider the following features:
Outdoor Rated: An outdoor beverage refrigerator makes entertaining on decks and patios easier, giving your guests convenient access to drinks without constantly going in and out of your home. It can be set up as part of your outdoor kitchen, or as a stand-alone appliance near a patio dining table or seating area.
See-thru Door: A glass door drink fridge allows you to easily see what’s inside without opening the door. Some fridges are available with interior lighting, which provides enhanced visibility into the fridge.
Lockable: If you’re storing wine or other alcoholic beverages, consider a lockable beverage fridge. This type of fridge can be locked so that it’s only accessible with a key, keeping the contents securely stored and out of reach of children.
Other features you may find beneficial include reversible doors, a fingerprint resistant finish, smart compatibility and more.