If you are looking for an appliance to cool your drinks, you are likely to be confused by the many options available in the market. You have beverage coolers, wine coolers, and of course, the classic refrigerators. In the following article, we shall dive into the various merits of opting for a beverage cooler and the factors you should consider before making the right purchase for yourself.
A beverage cooler is manufactured to act as a storage unit for various types of beverages. Beverage coolers are available in different compartment options to fit different beverages. You can opt for a freestanding beverage center, built-in beverage center, under-counter beverage cooler, or side-by-side beverage center. In addition, the temperature range in a beverage cooler is between 39 Fahrenheit and 65 Fahrenheit. You can customize the temperature setting according to your needs.
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Why Do You Need A Beverage Cooler?
A beverage cooler is necessary if you are keen on saving space and enhancing your kitchen’s overall outlook. They give an aesthetic edge to your remodeled wet bar, den, outdoor patio area, pantry, or basement.
Given below are some of the many reasons why a beverage cooler is a worthwhile investment:
With a beverage cooler, you have the leverage to enjoy your favorite drink when you’re playing basketball in your backyard or football in your basement. Usually, a beverage cooler will have a temperature as low as 32 Fahrenheit. Therefore, the internal temperature is maintained along with a cooling condenser, which assures that your drink will come out cold.
If you have a big family, there are chances your family purchases groceries in bulk. Now that would include juices and drinks for the youngsters and the elders. Given the limited space provided by refrigerators, a beverage cooler allows you to stock water bottles, juices, sports drinks, and so on in the pantry, den, kitchen, or media area. Note that a beverage cool has the potential to hold anywhere between 90 cans of 12 ounces each to 150 cans of 12 ounces each.
As some of you might already know, a man cave is a sanctuary, particularly at the start of the football season. When required, therefore, you have the option to grab your favorite drink if you own a beverage cooler. While they will perform the basic function of keeping your drinks frosty, every beverage cooler has racks that allow you to stack your drinks for an easier approach.
Almost every other beverage cooler today comes with additional safety measures such as pop-out locks, which ensures that young children don’t have access to your drinks, especially beers. This feature is appreciated by several customers primarily due to the lack of a similar option in refrigerators.
If you host parties frequently, a beverage cooler will save you the effort of running to the kitchen to grab a drink for everyone who enters the door. All you need to do is position your beverage cooler close to the entertaining area. Stock it with the required drinks and enjoy the party.
Also Find Out: Outdoor fridge isn’t cooling
Owning a beverage cooler is both a time-effective investment and an aesthetic one. If you are into enhancing the overall outlook of your house, a beverage cooler is a decorative addition to your place.
If you are residing in a college dorm or one of your friends is, a beverage cooler is perhaps the most viable purchase for you. Given its compact size, you can enjoy your favorite drinks at the convenience of your room.
You have the option to customize your beverage cooler to suit your overall aestheticism. You can customize anything and everything, including security options, temperature range, door orientation, finish, capacity, free-standing or built-in, and many more. The temperature setting will be finalized based on what you plan on storing inside.
From the list of merits above, it is evident that if you have considered purchasing a beverage cooler, you have made the right decision. All you need to do is understand your needs and make a practical purchase.
Factors To Consider Before Buying Beverage Coolers
Given below are a few factors you should think about before you opt for a beverage cooler yourself:
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Use
Start by determining what beverages you will store in your beverage cooler. This is primarily because some beverage coolers are specifically designed for storing cans. On the other hand, dual-zone coolers can be used to store both canned cold beverages and wines. Such coolers are designed to store every type of drink in a separate compartment. Therefore, depending on your choice of drink, you can choose the most viable option.
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Capacity
A beverage cooler comes in a variety of sizes. Now a beverage cooler with a large capacity is an ideal choice for you if you often host many guests. Such coolers usually tend to store as many as 150 cans. Therefore, you can keep several drinks cold and, at the same time, ensure that you don’t run out of the desired product.
If you plan on attending to a small group or a family of four, go for a mid-sized beverage cooler. This cooler will store between 80 to 100 cans. And lastly, a small beverage cooler will be suitable for a small family or an office space. Such coolers have the potential to hold up to 60 cans. These coolers are feasible if you have a compact space or wish to use beverage cooler when traveling.
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Placement
The placement of your beverage cooler will determine its size. You can opt for a large, medium-sized, or small beverage cooler where you position your beverage cooler. Now, if you need larger storage space but your placement doesn’t allow you to do so, you can opt for two coolers instead.
In addition, whether you plan to place your cooler indoors or outdoors also makes a difference. An outdoor model will be sturdier than an indoor one. In addition, they are manufactured out of stainless steel and are a great option if you usually organize outdoor parties.
You will also have to choose between a built-in beverage cooler and a freestanding beverage cooler. A built-in cooler is the best option for you if you want a compact beverage cooler. However, if you want to consider the factor of portability, a freestanding beverage cooler is a feasible option, given the place has a power outlet.
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Noise And Vibration
Noise and vibration are important factors, particularly if you place alcoholic beverages like wine in your beverage cooler. This is because any heavy vibration is likely to spoil your wine. In addition, the lesser the vibrations, the lesser the noise generated.
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Cooling System
It is important for you to evaluate how long it will take for the beverage cooler to cool your drinks. An often neglected factor, the cooling system should rapidly make your beverages cold. In the fast-paced world that we live in, it is pivotal to own a beverage cooler that does its work in the minimum possible time. It is obviously a turn-off if you have to consume a lukewarm drink or serve it to others if you are hosting a party.
Further, when the cooler has a rapid temperature, there are fewer chances of bacterial growth, particularly if you plan to store your perishables in the cooler. Therefore, opt for a beverage cooler with a rapid cold air circulation mechanism.
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Temperature
Temperature plays a vital role in preserving the taste and flavor of your drinks, especially alcoholic beverages. Thus, if your beverage cooler has a wide temperature range, it will likely accommodate a greater variety of drinks. When you purchase a cooler, consider your required temperature range.
For instance, almost every beer should be kept at a temperature range of 35 to 60 F. Red wines retain their taste if they are maintained at a temperature of approximately 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for white wine is 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Lastly, sparkling wines taste the best when they are served cold. So, a temperature of 40 F will work fine for them.
The Best Beverage Coolers In 2024
Best Overall: Kalamera 24-inch Beverage Refrigerator
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Best In Value: Ivation Compressor Wine Cooler
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Best In Budget: KUPPET 28 Bottle Wine Cooler
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Best Efficient: NewAir Beverage Refrigerator And Cooler
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Best Compact: Euhomy Beverage Refrigerator And Cooler
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Best Dual Zone: AAOBOSI Beverage and Wine Cooler
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Best Technology: hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
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Best Aesthetics: Antarctic Star Bottle Wine Cooler
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Best Internal Fan: Whynter BR-130SB Beverage Refrigerator
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Best Coldest: Danby DBC117A1BSSDB-6 Beverage Cooler
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Best Overall: Kalamera 24-inch Beverage Refrigerator
This unit has dimensions of 22.4″ D x 23.4″W x 33.9″H inches, and it weighs 104.5 pounds. Its soft blue LED lighting system also creates a sleek and modern look that will enhance any kitchen or bar area.
This appliance can hold up to 175 cans and provides 5 different racks to accommodate all sizes.
The stainless steel frame and tempered glass doors give the fridge a sleek and modern look, while the single-touch LED control display makes it easy to set the temperature from 38-50F.
The automatic defrosting function ensures you never have to worry about frost build-up again. In addition, it comes with two sides of each shelf placed with two stoppers.
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Cons
Best In Value: Ivation Compressor Wine Cooler
It has dimensions of 13.58″D x 17.72″W x 30.31″H and weighs 43 pounds. It is a compressor wine cooler that can hold up to 18 bottles.
The cooler has a temperature range of 41-64 degrees Fahrenheit. The built-in fan helps to maintain a consistent temperature.
This cooler features a UV-resistant double-paned glass door that helps to protect your wine from the harmful effects of sunlight.
In addition, the unit includes an energy-efficient soft interior LED light that helps to illuminate your wine bottles without generating too much heat.
The removable racks make it easy to customize the storage to fit your specific needs, and the bright LCD makes it easy to keep track of the temperature. The lock button on the door ensures that your wine is safe and secure.
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Cons
Best In Budget: KUPPET 28 Bottle Wine Cooler
It has 16.93 x 17.72 x 33.07 inches dimensions and 49.6lbs weight. It also can hold up to 28 bottles of wine, so you can easily store all your favorites in one place.
The temperature range on this cooler is between 41°F and 64°F so you can choose the perfect setting for your wines.
Its operating sound of less than 35 dB, so you can enjoy your wine without any unwanted noise. It also includes removable racks, so you can customize the storage to best fit your needs.
Pros
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Best Efficient: NewAir Beverage Refrigerator And Cooler
It has dimensions of 18.4″ D x 18.9″W x 33.13″H and a capacity of 3.4 Cubic Feet. It weighs 65.9 pounds. It has a manual defrost function.
The black finish is classy and elegant, the stainless steel finish is modern and sleek. This unit can hold up to 126 cans and has 7 custom temperature settings that range from 37°F-64°F.
The shelves are adjustable, so you can customize the space to fit your needs. The cooler is compressor-cooled, so it is both energy-efficient and quiet.
Pros
Cons
Best Compact: Euhomy Beverage Refrigerator And Cooler
With dimensions of 17.3″D x 18.9″W x 33.3″H inches and a weight of 72.8 pounds, it’s perfect for storing large quantities of drinks. The 3.2 cubic capacity also means you’ll have plenty of space to store everything you need.
This unit can store up to 110-130 cans of standardized drinks and has three removable shelves. The shelves are adjustable, so you can customize the arrangement to fit your needs.
It has a digital display that shows the temperature inside the fridge and also features a variable temperature selection ranging from 34°F to 50°F.
In addition, this fridge is ultra-quiet. The soft white LED interior light ensures that your drinks are always illuminated.
Pros
Cons
Best Dual Zone: AAOBOSI Beverage and Wine Cooler
The dimensions of the cooler are 22.64″D x 24.43″W x 34.25″H inches, making it one of the larger coolers. It includes 134.5 pounds of weight, meaning that it is sturdy.
It provides a dual-zone for storing wine and other beverages. The left zone offers a temperature range of 35.6℉-50℉, while the right zone offers a range of 41℉-64.4℉.
With the ability to hold up to 18 standard Bordeaux bottles, it’s perfect for storing your wine collection. But this cooler is more than just a wine cooler; it can also accommodate up to 57 pop cans.
It features removable shelves and a safety lock, making it easy to customize the space to accommodate your needs. The internal LED lighting ensures that your drinks are always well-lit.
Pros
Cons
Best Technology: hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
This fridge has dimensions of 17.32″D x 18.9″W x 33.07″H inches, with a weight of 68.3 pounds, making it large enough to accommodate your favorite drinks.
It has a capacity of 3.2 cubic feet, enough to store up to 120 cans. The elegant see-through left hinge glass front door and white LED interior light make it easy to see what is inside.
The three adjustable shelves and temperature control can cool down to 34°F. It features energy-efficient advanced technology and a whisper-quiet compressor.
The fridge includes auto defrost mode and automatically restores the preset temperature after the defrost cycle is complete.
Pros
Cons
Best Aesthetics: Antarctic Star Bottle Wine Cooler
With 17.52″D x 18.7″W x 31.5″H inches dimensions, it is perfect for both small and large spaces. It also includes a 3.2 cubic feet capacity, making it perfect for storing 26 bottles of wine.
It also features a black exterior with a stainless steel interior and a reinforced glass door that allows you to see your wine collection while protecting it from sunlight and heat.
It has an adjustable thermostat that ranges from 40°F- 61°F. The airtight seal prevents outside air from entering the cooler, and the soft blue LED light ensures that your wine is visible even in low light conditions.
It has an advanced cooling system keeps your wine at the perfect temperature.
Pros
Cons
Best Internal Fan: Whynter BR-130SB Beverage Refrigerator
With dimensions of 17″D x 18.5″W x 33″H inches and a weight of 57 pounds, it’s a compact unit that can fit in many spaces.
Despite its compact size, it has a 3.1 cubic feet capacity, making it large enough to store plenty of drinks.
It can hold up to 120 standard 12 oz. cans and includes 5 slide-out adjustable wire shelves. The shelves are easy to adjust, so you can customize the storage space to meet your needs.
The refrigerator also features an internal fan, which circulates air to ensure that all contents are kept at the perfect temperature.
The door is made of tempered glass, so you can see inside without opening the fridge and letting the cold air out.
It has a mechanical temperature control range from high 30ºf to mid 60ºf, allowing you to store both cold and warm beverages.
Pros
Cons
Best Coldest: Danby DBC117A1BSSDB-6 Beverage Cooler
It has dimensions of 17.5″D x 19.68″W x 33.18″H inches and weighs 72.7 pounds. The cooler has a sleek black and stainless steel design that will look great in any home or office.
The 3.1 cubic feet of storage space can accommodate up to 117 cans of your favorite beverage. The coolest feature of this cooler is the LED lighting that illuminates your beverages and makes them easy to find.
It includes a mechanical thermostat that allows you to program and maintain a temperature between 35.6°F and 50°F.
The fan-forced cooling system ensures that the internal temperature is maintained consistently, while the tempered glass door provides a clear view of the contents.
It also features 3 removable shelves, making it easy to adjust the space, and the door is reversible for left or right-hand opening.
Pros
Cons
FAQs
A beverage cooler is a worthwhile investment, given that you are committed to enjoying an ice-cold drink. There are various reasons to opt for a beverage cooler. For one, they operate more efficiently than a beverage cooler. Secondly, you can place your drinks conveniently. Thirdly, if you love to maintain a collection of wine, you can display your collection and enjoy drinking it simultaneously. Lastly, you save your refrigerator from congestion by storing your drinks separately.
Well, the noise generated by your beverage cooler will depend on the model you purchased. Suppose you have opted for a budget-friendly option. In that case, it is likely to generate more noise due to using cheap quality components compared to an expensive model manufactured using advanced components.
The ideal temperature is 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit for sparkling and dry white wines. A temperature of 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit is sufficient for red wines that are lightly fruited or full-bodied white wines. Port wine and red wines (full-bodied) should be stored at 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yes, you can store your canned and cellared beer in your wine cooler. Just note that different types of beer require different temperature ranges for ideal storage conditions, just like wine does.
Any good quality beverage cooler will be expensive because it is equipped with UV-blocking glass, temperature control technology that is relatively advanced, controls units specifically designed to monitor humidity, and intricately designed racks. Usually, an expensive beverage cooler has lower operating costs, saving you money in the long run.
Yes, a few beverage coolers will keep your food cold, given they are not opened frequently.
The coolest beverage cooler is Danby 117-Can Beverage Center. Almost every beverage cooler can be lowered down to 37 to 38 F. But the Danby 117-Can Beverage Center has been manufactured to provide a temperature as low as 35.6 Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
By now, you have a detailed idea of the multiple benefits a beverage cooler guarantees and the things you need to analyze before making a purchase. One factor that goes without saying is your budget. The costs not only refer to the purchasing costs but the operating costs of your appliance as well. Make sure you thoroughly analyze the operating costs before you decide on any model, especially an inexpensive one.
Luckily enough, you can even order a custom beverage cooler to fit your living space’s overall design and vibe. Note that if you have decided to opt for a beverage cooler, you will undoubtedly be overwhelmed by the kind of features, capacities, and available brands. However, there is nothing to worry about. Simply list down your requirements and your budget. This will allow you to narrow down the hundreds of options that are out there in the market.
