A beverage fridge is a compact appliance designed to store drinks like beer, wine, soda, and water. They can be a game changer for entertaining, but with so many models and features to choose from, how do you decide which one is right for you?

 

In this comprehensive buying guide, we explore:

• Why beverage fridges are so popular today
• Key considerations when choosing between freestanding and built-in models
• Top features to look for when selecting a beverage fridge for your home

Before making the investment, use this guide as a checklist to make the best purchasing decision for you and your space.

 

Why a Beverage Fridge Is Perfect for Entertaining

If you’ve ever hosted a party, you know how quickly the fridge can fill up. Bottles and cans of soda, beer, and wine take up valuable shelf space—space you need for both food and your everyday essentials. A beverage fridge can hold your party drinks, freeing up your main refrigerator for its usual duties.

 

Beverage fridges also offer the advantage of adjustable temperatures, allowing you to chill drinks to the perfect serving temperature. For example, a beer froster can cool your brew to a much lower temperature than a standard refrigerator. There are also dual-zone beverage fridges that let you store wine on one side and beer and soda on the other, each at its ideal temperature.

 

Next, we’ll get into the pros and cons of freestanding versus built-in beverage fridges, helping you choose the best option for your home and lifestyle.

 

Freestanding vs. Built-In Beverage Fridges

The first decision you’ll need to make when purchasing a beverage fridge is whether you want a freestanding or built-in model. Freestanding fridges are portable, meaning you can move them around and plug them in wherever there’s access to AC power. Built-in fridges, on the other hand, stay permanently in place, similar to a dishwasher. Which one is right for you? It depends on your home’s layout and how you like to entertain.

 

A freestanding beverage fridge offers flexibility. For example, you could keep it in your office most of the time, then easily move it to your basement for events or parties. These fridges are also perfect for renters and students who can’t make permanent changes to their living space.

 

Built-in beverage fridges are a better fit if you entertain in the same spot. Many homeowners choose to install them during a kitchen or basement remodel, particularly in areas where they often gather with friends and family. These fridges blend seamlessly into the design of your space, offering a sleek, integrated look while keeping drinks within easy reach. Since they stay in one place, they’re perfect for creating a dedicated entertaining area that doesn’t require extra setup or movement. Plus, built-in models can offer more storage space and are often designed to complement high-end appliances, adding a touch of luxury to your home that could increase its resale value.

 

There are also outdoor models that can be installed in outdoor kitchens or barbecue areas. These fridges are built to withstand harsh weather, rust, and corrosion, making them perfect for poolside or patio lounging. They come in various sizes and configurations, including dual-drawer models for easy access to beverages and snacks outdoors.

 

Key Features to Look for in a Beverage Fridge

Let’s take a look at some features that might be important to you when shopping for a beverage fridge. Many of these can be found in the same model.

Capacity and Dimensions

Once you’ve decided on a built-in or freestanding model, the next step is to think about the size and shape of the fridge. Beverage fridges come in a wide range of capacities, from compact countertop models perfect for apartments or dorm rooms, to larger commercial-style versions designed for frequent entertainers or even small businesses.

 

You’ll also find beverage fridges designed to fit in various spaces. Some are box-shaped, while others are tall and slim, perfect for sliding into a nook in your bar or kitchen.

Single or Dual Zone

As mentioned earlier, some beverage fridges offer dual-zone capability, allowing you to set different temperatures within the same unit. In contrast, a single-zone fridge maintains the same temperature for everything inside.

 

Dual-zone models (like this one) are great for:

• Separating beverages that are best served at different temperatures, like beer and wine
• Storing beverages, such as beer and soda, along with snacks that need refrigeration
• Keeping beverages at one temperature for long-term storage, and another for serving

Interior Shelving

How the interior is laid out will determine what size and shape of beverages the fridge can hold. Fortunately, most beverage fridges have adjustable shelving to accommodate bottles and cans of varying sizes. This fridge, for example, offers features like the SplitShelf™ to maximize storage. Some even feature rolling racks, so you can pull them out to access your drinks with ease.

Exterior Finish

Most beverage fridges are available in stainless steel or black finishes, so you can match them to your other appliances and home decor. Some models also come with tinted windows to protect your beverages from UV rays, which can reduce the longevity and quality of drinks like beer and wine.

 

Additionally, fingerprint-resistant finishes are available, which is a great option for busy households or homes with kids—especially for hosts who find themselves frequently accessing the fridge while entertaining.

Controls, Display, and Lighting

Finally, think about the features that improve the functionality of your fridge. Interior LED lighting helps you see what’s inside and easily find what you need. Simple controls are essential for adjusting the temperature with the touch of a button, and many models feature display panels that show the internal temperature, letting you know at a glance that your beverages are perfectly chilled.

 

Shop the Sale!

If you’ve made it this far, you’re serious about adding a beverage fridge to your home. Starting March 1, Newair will be raising prices sitewide by 10%. To lock in the current pricing, now is the perfect time to shop and save before the price increase takes effect.