How often do you go out to eat at bars or restaurants? If you don’t have a good quality refrigerator at home, then you should consider buying a bar fridge. This type of fridge is designed specifically for storing beverages.
A bar fridge is a great way to store drinks at home. They come in various sizes and styles, depending on your preferences. The best part is they are very affordable compared to other refrigerators.
But where can you find the best bar fridge? What features does a bar fridge need to have to give you the best results? What materials should a bar fridge be made out of? How much should you be paying for a bar fridge? Have these questions answered and more below!
OUR TOP PICK
This fridge is great for outdoor use. So if you want your fridge in your outdoor patio or backyard, saving you the journey back and forth to the kitchen, then this is the one for you.
It has an automatic defrost system, keeping it working efficiently. It also comes with a removable ice maker tray so that you can easily take out the ice cubes when needed.
The Danby DAR044A6BLSLDBO is a 4.4 cu ft mini outdoor refrigerator that has a capacity of up to 6 bottles of beer. It measures 33 inches wide by 22 inches deep by 44 inches high.
This comes with a stainless steel door, which is perfect for keeping your fridge clean. It also comes UV protection and waterproof housing that will not damage the internal electronics.
This comes with interior lighting that you can be sure will give you everything that you need to see the food and drink on the inside of your fridge. This is a great unit for using in the dark too.
Pros
- Stainless Steel Door - this will help you keep your unit clean. It will also give you the ability to be able to withstand even the hardest of knocks and scratches.
- Removable Ice Maker Tray - you can remove ice cubes from this one, which is perfect if you want a cold glass of beer during the summer.
- Capacity Of Up To 6 Bottles Of Beer - you can store a small case of beer in this one, which makes it one of the best units for storage.
- Space - this is one of the best refrigerator units that you can use to store both food and drink. If you are thinking of having a party on the decking, this is the perfect unit for you.
Cons
- Limited Space For A Larger Party - if you are looking for a larger amount of space, then this might not be the fridge for you.
EDITORS CHOICE
If you like to entertain guests but don't have enough room in your kitchen, then this is a great option. You can set this up anywhere in your house, as long as there's a power outlet nearby.
You can put drinks in here and chill them down quickly, without needing to go into the kitchen. All you need to do is plug this in and wait for it to start cooling.
You can choose between two different models, depending on how many people you're planning on entertaining. The Kalamera Mini Fridge 24" Beverage and Wine Coolers come in either 3.5 cubic feet or 5 cubic feet.
The smaller model is ideal for storing just 2 bottles of wine or 1 bottle of champagne. The larger model is better suited to storing more than that.
The Kalamera Mini Fridge is made from stainless steel, making it easy to clean. It also features a double insulated design, which means that it keeps things cool for longer.
Pros
- Quickly Chills Your Drinks - this is a great way to get chilled beverages ready quickly. Simply plug it in and let it work its magic.
- Easy To Use - this is a simple appliance that anyone can use. There are no complicated controls or buttons to press, so you won't need any training before you can start using it.
- Easy To Store - this is an excellent choice when you want to store drinks somewhere other than your kitchen. You can simply place it anywhere in your home and leave it to do its job.
Cons
- Noisy - some users have complained about this being noisy, especially when they've left the doors open. However, we found that it wasn't very loud at all, so it shouldn't bother you much.
BEST VALUE
This is another compact single-door refrigerator with a capacity of 65L. This one comes with a reversible door, meaning that you can easily change the side of the door that faces outwards.
It has a stainless steel interior that helps to ensure that the inside stays nice and cold.
It comes with a removable drip tray, allowing you to keep spills off of the floor.
There's a water dispenser built into the front panel, which allows you to fill up your glass.
Pros
- Stainless Steel Interior - this is a good quality fridge that will last for years. It's made from high-grade materials, so you know that it'll stand the test of time.
- Reversible Door - this is a really useful feature because it makes it easier to access items on both sides of the fridge.
- Water Dispenser - This is a really handy feature because it means that you can fill up your glass without having to open the door.
- Drip Tray - this is a useful feature because it prevents spills from getting onto the floor.
Cons
- Not Very Quiet - some users have complained that this isn't very quiet. We didn't find this too annoying though, so if you prefer a quieter fridge then this may not be suitable for you.
RUNNER UP
You can buy a NewAir AB-1200-126 Can Beverage and Wine Cooler for $99.95. That's only $21.97 per unit, making them cheaper than most other refrigerators on our list.
They include a 12-year warranty, automatic defrost system, and free shipping as well.
They're able to hold up to 126 cans, which is perfect for people who enjoy drinking beer.
Here Are Some Of The Key Features
- 12-Year Warranty
- Automatic Defrost System
- Free Shipping
- Holds Up to 126 Cans
- Stainless Steel Finish
- Dimensions: 18"H x 20"W x 22"D
- Capacity: 11 Liters
- Weight: 120 lbs
Pros
- Affordable Price - these coolers are priced affordably, making them accessible to more people.
- Large Capacity - this cooler holds up to 126 cans, so it should be plenty big enough for even the biggest drinker.
- Defrosting System - this is a great feature because it ensures that your beverages stay fresh for longer.
Cons
- Small Display - there isn't a lot of space above the display, so finding the right temperature might be difficult.
RUNNER UP
The Ivation Refrigerator is a freestanding ultra-cool mini drink fridge.
Its capacity is 6 liters, which is larger than many of the other fridges in this review.
It also includes an adjustable shelf, which lets you move it around to suit your needs. This model comes with a stainless steel exterior, so it looks like a professional appliance.
It also comes with a reversible door that lets you choose whether or not you want the door to face forwards or backward.
There's also a drip tray, so you don't need to worry about any spillages. If you do get a spillage, just wipe it up with a cloth and let it dry before washing.
The Ivation has a 5-year warranty, so you can rest assured knowing that it's built to last.
Pros
- Large Capacity - this fridge has a large capacity, which will make sure that you always have room for all of your drinks.
- Adjustable Shelf - this is a really handy feature because it allows you to position the fridge where you want it.
- Reversible Door - this means that you can decide whether you want the door to open towards you or away from you.
- Stainless Steel Exterior - this makes the fridge look clean and tidy. It also helps to prevent food smells from permeating into the house.
Cons
- Noisy - this doesn't sound like a huge problem, but we found that when we opened the fridge, it made quite a bit of noise.
RUNNER UP
The Danby 120 Can Beverage Center is a stylish refrigerator that includes a freezer compartment. This particular model has a capacity of 60 liters, which is slightly smaller than the average fridge.
However, it still provides plenty of storage space for storing both snacks and drinks.
It also comes equipped with a removable ice dispenser, so you won't have to worry about running out of ice.
You'll find that the shelves are easy to access, so you shouldn't have any trouble reaching what you're looking for.
You can adjust the height of the shelves, so they're perfect for different types of items.
The Danby also features a water filter system, so you don't have to worry about getting dirty glasses.
This model also comes with a 3-year warranty, so you know that if anything does go wrong, then you can simply return it.
Pros
- Stylish Design - this is one of the best refrigerators on the market today, thanks to its sleek design.
- Removable Ice Dispenser - this is a very useful feature, as it means that you won't have to run out of ice every time you need some.
- Easy Access Shelves - these shelves are incredibly easy to use, so there should be no problems accessing them.
- Water Filter System - this is great news for people who hate having dirty cups.
- 3 Year Warranty - this gives you peace of mind, as you know that if something goes wrong, then you can easily contact the manufacturer.
Cons
- Small Capacity - although this isn't a major issue, we did feel that the capacity was a little small.
RUNNER UP
If you're looking for a wine and beverage refrigerator, then this might be the one for you.
The Lanbo is an extremely versatile unit, as it can store everything from bottles of milk to cans of beer.
It also features a temperature control system, so you can set the fridge to whatever temperature you prefer.
It's also got a removable shelf, so you can remove the top shelf and place it in another part of the kitchen.
There's also a built-in water filtration system, so you won't get any nasty surprises when you take your beverages outside.
The Lanbo also has a stainless steel exterior, which will help keep your fridge looking fresh and new.
Pros
- Versatile - this is a fantastic refrigerator, as it can store all sorts of things.
- Temperature Control System - this allows you to set the fridge to whatever temperatures you want.
- Removable Shelf - this is a really handy feature, as you can remove the top shelves and move them elsewhere.
- Built-In Water Filtration System - This is a brilliant addition, as you won't have to buy bottled water anymore.
- Stainless Steel Exterior - this helps to ensure that your fridge stays looking good for longer.
Cons
- Size - this is quite a large fridge, which may not suit everyone.
- Noisy Fan - this fan is fairly noisy, so you may wish to consider purchasing a quieter version.
Best Bar Fridge Buying Guide
What Size Is It?
When buying a refrigerator, you'll often hear people say that size matters. While this is true, it doesn't always apply. In fact, sometimes smaller models are better than larger ones.
This is because smaller fridges tend to be more energy-efficient. They also tend to be cheaper, too.
However, what you do need to look at is how much space you actually need. If you're going to be storing lots of food or drinks in the fridge, then you'll probably need a bigger model.
On the other hand, if you only plan on keeping a few items inside, then you don't necessarily need a big fridge.
If you're unsure about whether you need a particular size, then you could always go with a mid-sized model. These are usually the most popular, as they offer both style and functionality.
How Energy Efficient Is It?
One of the best ways to save money is by making sure that you choose a fridge with low power consumption.
Energy efficiency refers to the amount of electricity used by a fridge. A higher number means that the fridge uses less energy.
While there are many different factors that contribute to the overall energy efficiency of a fridge, such as its insulation levels, the type of compressor used and even the brand name, there are some basic guidelines that you should follow.
For example, if you're planning on using the fridge regularly, then you should opt for a model with a lower wattage rating.
This will mean that the fridge will use less energy, but it will also cost you more. However, if you're only going to use the fridge occasionally, then you might find that a higher wattage rating isn't necessary.
Does It Have Water Filtering?
Another great way to cut down on your energy bills is by using a fridge with an integrated water filter.
The benefits of having one include saving money, reducing the risk of getting sick from drinking contaminated water and helping to protect the environment.
As well as being environmentally friendly, these filters are also very easy to maintain. Simply run through a cycle once every week or two, and you'll get years of trouble-free service.
What Features Does It Have?
There are a lot of features that come standard with modern refrigerators. Some of them include adjustable shelves, ice makers, wine racks and even built-in lighting. You can easily add extra features yourself, too.
Best Bar Fridge - FAQ's
What Size Is My Fridge?
Your fridge needs to have a minimum capacity of 1 cubic foot (0.28 m3) per person.
How Much Does A Fridge Cost?
Prices vary depending on the manufacturer, but generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $350 and $1,000.
Can I Buy A Cheap Fridge?
Yes, but not all cheap fridges are created equal. Make sure that you check out reviews before you make any purchases.
What Size Should I Get?
There's no right answer here. It depends entirely on what you plan to store in the fridge. If you're looking for a small fridge, then you'll want something around 0.5 cubic feet (0.14 m3). This will give you enough room for a couple of bottles of beer and a loaf of bread.
However, if you're after a larger fridge, then you may be better off opting for a model that has a bigger capacity.
Do I Also Need A Dedicated Beer Fridge?
Depending on the size of the bar, you may or may not need a great beer fridge to keep the beer cold at a different temperature than the rest of your bar supplies. It's a personal preference, in the end.
Should I Buy A Freezer Or A Refrigerator?
Both options work just fine, so it really comes down to personal preference. As long as you don't mind keeping food outside of the fridge, then you won't need to worry about this decision.
Our Final Say
We hope that our guide to some of the best fridges on the market has helped you to decide which is the best one for your needs. We would definitely recommend thinking about how much beer you'll want to store and where you'll want to store it.
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