Content Summary
In this article, we will discuss an overview of what you need to know about the best beer fridges so can choose your favorite "beer cooler".
From understanding what temperature is best suited for specific beers, to what you should look for in a beer fridge, we have you covered.
So let’s dive into it and get started on finding that great beer fridge!
7 PICKS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Antarctic Star Beer Mini Fridge
In The Spotlight
The Antarctic Star mini fridge is an excellent choice for those who want to keep their wines and beers chilled as they should be. With its adjustable shelves, dual-pane tempered glass door, efficient cooling system, and freestanding installation, it's the perfect solution for enjoying a cold beer or fine wine at any time.
Pros:
- The Antarctic Star fridge is a compact and stylish option for storing and cooling your beers, wines, and other beverages.
- The adjustable shelves allow for customization and easy organization.
- The dual-pane tempered glass door with a tight seal helps maintain a steady temperature and protects your beer from harmful UV rays.
- The efficient cooling system ensures that your beers and wines stay at the right temperature range (35°F- 55°F) without making excessive noise.
- The freestanding installation type provides flexibility in placement.
Cons:
- This fridge is only capable of holding up to 3.2 cubic feet of beverages, which may not be sufficient for larger households or events.
- The fridge is freezerless, so it cannot be used for storing frozen foods or ice.
- The black color may not fit in with all room décor styles.
- The soft LED lights may be too bright for some people.
- The fan can be a bit noisy when running.
Product Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 19.29"D x 17.52"W x 31.18"H
- Capacity: 3.2 Cubic Feet
- Configuration: Freezerless
- Installation Type: Freestanding
COSTWAY Beverage Refrigerator
In The Spotlight
The COSTWAY refrigerator is a great choice for those in need of a compact and efficient beverage refrigerator and cooler for storing your favorite bottles and brews, cooling beers, and other beverages.
Its spacious interior, adjustable thermostat, and durable design make it a perfect addition to any small space or commercial setting.
Pros:
- This freestanding fridge with adjustable and removable shelves has a compact design that is perfect for small spaces in homes, offices, or commercial settings.
- It offers a large storage capacity of 3.35 cubic feet and can store up to 120 standard soda or beer cans, or several bottles of wine, thanks to its adjustable steel shelves.
- The adjustable thermostat allows you to adjust temperature and ranges between 39℉-61℉ to accommodate various beverage types.
- It boasts a quiet and efficient cooling system that quickly and quietly cools down drinks and keeps them fresh.
- The steel shell cabinet with a clear reversible double-paned glass stainless steel fridge door provides a durable and attractive design that allows you to easily see the contents of the fridge.
Cons:
- This compact fridge is freezerless and cannot be used for storing frozen foods or ice.
- The shelving design may not accommodate larger or irregularly shaped items.
- This refrigerator is more expensive than the Antarctic Star Beer Fridge and may not fit within certain budgets.
Product Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 21"D x 17.5"W x 33.5"H
- Capacity: 3.35 Cubic Feet
- Configuration: Freezerless
- Installation Type: Freestanding
STAIGIS Mini Beverage Refrigerator
In The Spotlight
This small beverage cooler features a quiet cooling system and smart digital control to maintain an optimal environment, while still offering plenty of storage capacity. Whether you’re a craft beer lover or just someone who likes to keep their favorite drinks cool and accessible, this is the beer fridge for you.
Pros:
- You can easily control the temperature you want with the digital touch temperature controls. The temperature range is from 38℉ to 66℉.
- The fridge has enough storage space to hold up to 101 standard cans, so it's efficient for those who need to store beverages for a household or small gatherings.
- Its quiet cooling system ensures that your beers and other drinks remain chilled without making excessive noise.
- Adjustable shelves make it easy to customize and organize beverage storage.
- A powerful and eco-friendly thermoelectric cooling system ensures consistent and efficient performance.
- A sleek and modern design with a see-through glass door and soft LED light add an elegant touch to any space.
Cons:
- It's quite small, and not suitable for storing larger cans and bottles. However, its compact size allows for easy placement in small kitchens, offices, studios, or bars.
- Only available in 1 color option.
- Has an irreversible door, limiting accessibility for some users.
Product Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 17.5"D x 17.3"W x 29.4"H
- Capacity: 2.5 Cubic Feet
- Configuration: Freezerless
- Installation Type: Freestanding
- Defrost System: Automatic
Miller Lite Refrigerator
In The Spotlight
The Miller Lite refrigerator is a great addition to any home for craft beer lovers and avid entertainers. This fridge has a built-in bottle opener and plenty of space for all your favorite drinks.
Plus, it looks great with its official Miller Lite graphics. Whether you have a man cave, entertaining room, or games room, this beer fridge is sure to make the perfect centerpiece.
Pros:
- The fridge has a catchy and distinctive design featuring officially licensed Miller Lite graphics.
- It has a spacious 3.2 cubic foot interior with three adjustable tempered glass shelves and a dispense-a-can section.
- The (front) exterior features a sturdy steel bottle opener.
- The fridge utilizes dependable compressor technology to deliver an adjustable temperature range from 32°F (0°C) to 50°F (10°C), which accommodates most beer types, including your favorite brews.
- Its flat-back design, recessed door handle, and enclosed evaporator coils allow for space-saving functionality.
Cons:
- The lack of color options may restrict decorative styles for some.
- It's accessibility may be an issue for some users due to having just one door.
- Compared to some other mini fridges age refrigerators listed, it may be pricier.
- Additionally, manual defrosting is required even it's labeled as frost free.
Product Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 17.5"D x 18.75"W x 33"H
- Capacity: 3.3 Cubic Feet
- Configuration: Compact Internal Freezer
- Special Feature: Compact
- Installation Type: Freestanding
- Defrost System: Frost Free
Coors Light Rocky Mountain
In The Spotlight
For the ultimate beer lover, the Coors Light Rocky Mountain refrigerator is a great choice for keeping your favorite drinks cold.
With its convenient dispense-a-can compartment, built-in bottle opener, and reliable compressor cooling system, this unique mini fridge is sure to be the showpiece of your home bar, den or games room.
Pros:
- Eye-catching licensed artwork featuring the Coors Light Rocky Mountain logo.
- Convenient 5-can dispense-a-can compartment for easy access to your favorite drinks.
- Removable glass shelves provide ample space for your snacks, soda, and beer.
- Built-in bottle opener makes enjoying a cold drink quick and easy.
- Reliable compressor technology with adjustable temperature and magnetic door seal ensures your contents remain at your desired cooling level between 28°F (-2°C) - 50°F (10°C).
- The reversible door and space-saving flat-back design make it easy to fit in any room.
Cons:
- Only available in white, limiting color options for some decorative styles.
- Only has one door, limiting accessibility for some users.
- May be more expensive than some other compact refrigerators on the market.
- This fridge may be too cold for storing wines.
- Requires manual defrosting.
- May be difficult to find replacement parts.
Product Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 17.5"D x 18.75"W x 33"H
- Capacity: 3.2 Cubic Feet
- Configuration: Compact Internal Freezer
- Installation Type: Freestanding
- Defrost System: Frost Free
EdgeStar Keg Beer Cooler
In The Spotlight
The EdgeStar kegerator is an excellent choice for those looking to have a cold draft beer in their home. It is capable of reaching temperatures in the mid-40s and in the low 30s, making it one of the coldest kegerators on the market. It also has casters included for easy mobility for gathering events, and backyard parties.
Pros:
- Ultra low-temperature thermostat capable of reaching the low 30s, making it the coldest kegerator on the market, so you van serve (ice) cold draft beers to your guests.
- Ample capacity for a full-size keg, yet 4 inches less in width than a standard full size kegerator.
- Rolling casters are included for easy mobility.
- External CO2 tank mount provides more interior space.
- Comes with all the necessary hardware and components for beverages on tap.
Cons:
- Does not support the use of Coors or Miller rubberized kegs or other oversized kegs.
- Some users may find it difficult to assemble.
- Large and heavy, may not be suitable for small spaces.
- Relatively expensive compared to other regular beverage fridges.
Product Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 25.69 x 20.19 x 35.06 inches
- Installation Type: Free Standing
Ivation Tap Draft Beer Cooler
In The Spotlight
The Ivation beer fridge is the perfect appliance for beer enthusiasts who want to serve their favorite draft beers in style.
With its powerful 34° refrigeration and adjustable temperature control, you can store a variety of beer types and keep them cold for hours. Its versatility and quality make it an ideal choice for any beer connoisseur.
Pros:
- Can fit up to 2 sixth barrel kegs or 2 Cornelius homebrew kegs, making it versatile for different types of beers.
- Can convert to a beverage cooler with height-adjustable wire shelves and built-in shelf slots for versatile cooling and storage.
- Stylish dual-tap chrome tower with 15" clearance for tall glasses and goblets.
- Has powerful 34° refrigeration with a 7-level temperature control knob for optimal beer taste and head.
- Comes with a complete CO2 assembly kit for easy set-up.
Cons:
- May not fit larger kegs like full-size or pony kegs, limiting choices for beer types.
- The CO2 cylinder only comes empty, requiring an additional trip to the store for refill.
- It's the most expensive compared to other beer fridges in our selection.
Product Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 27.56 x 22.32 x 37.8 inches
- Capacity: 4.9 Cubic Feet
- Efficiency: High Efficiency
- Installation Type: Freestanding
- Defrost: Automatic
Beer Fridges FAQs
Why have a beer fridge?
Remember the days when we cooled our beers in baskets or bath tubs filled with ice cubes?
A beer fridge is the ultimate appliance for any party or gathering. With its adjustable temperature controls and generous capacity, you can store a wide variety of beer types and keep them cold for hours.
Plus, storing your beer in a separate beverage fridge makes it easier to organize and access your selection. You can also adjust the right temperature for each type of beer for the ideal taste.
What temperature should I keep beer?
An important question to any beer connoisseur! There are many types of beers and their temperature. It's important to know what type(s) of beers you prefer to answer this question. We recommend checking out these two articles:
- The Oxford Companion to Beer - by Garrett Oliver, and
- Tasting Beer: An Insider’s Guide to the World’s Greatest Drink - by Randy Mosher.
Both are available through The American Homebrewers Association: https://vinepair.com/articles/best-temperature-beer/
What is the difference between a beer fridge and a regular fridge?
The main difference between a beer fridge and a regular refrigerator is the temperature range. Beer fridges are designed to store beverages at an optimal temperature, typically between 7˚C-10˚C (44.6˚F-50˚F).
This allows the beer to retain its flavor and carbonation while preventing it from spoiling. Regular fridges, however, are designed to keep food at a lower temperature of 40°F (4°C) to 45°F (7°C).
The shelves and racks in beer fridges are also designed to accommodate the shape of bottles and cans for easy retrieval, whereas regular refrigerators often have shelves that are too wide to fit beer bottles and cans.
What should I look for in a beer fridge?
When shopping for a beer fridge, look for features like ample capacity, adjustable temperature control, and a complete CO2 assembly kit (for a tap beer cooler).
A good beer fridge should also have sturdy and durable shelves that can hold up to the weight of kegs or tall glasses. Finally, look for energy-efficient options if you want to save on electricity costs.
Why are beer fridges so expensive?
Beer fridges tend to be more expensive than regular beverage coolers, but they are well worth the investment. This is due to their powerful cooling capabilities, ample capacity, and energy efficiency.
In addition, the special keg beer coolers often come with a complete CO2 assembly kit which is essential for tap beer coolers.
What is the perfect temperature for a beer fridge?
The perfect temperature for a beer fridge is dependent on the type of beer being stored. However, generally speaking, a temperature range of 7˚C-10˚C (44.6˚F-50˚F) is appropriate for storing most beers. This temperature range ensures that the beer is chilled sufficiently, without freezing it.
Storing beer at a temperature that is too warm can cause it to spoil quickly, resulting in an unpleasant taste and odor. On the other hand, storing beer at a temperature that is too cold can cause it to lose its flavor and aroma.
Therefore, it is important to maintain the optimal temperature range for your beer fridge. It's worth noting that some beer enthusiasts prefer to store their beer at slightly lower temperatures, around 38°F (3°C).
Ultimately, the temperature you choose for your beer fridge will depend on your personal preferences and the type of beer you are storing.
Regardless of your choice, it is recommended to invest in a fridge that allows for precise temperature control to ensure your beers stay fresh and enjoyable for longer periods.
Are beer fridges colder?
Yes, beer fridges are designed to keep your beverages colder than regular refrigerators. This is usually achieved through powerful compressors and high-efficiency insulation.
Beer fridges also come with adjustable temperature settings which allow you to control the exact temperature of your beer, ensuring that it doesn’t get too cold or too warm.
What is the lowest temperature you can keep beer at?
The lowest temperature you can keep beer at depends on the type of beer. Generally speaking, dark beers can be stored as low as 40°F (4,4°C), while light beers should be kept at a higher temperature of around 50°F (10°C).
However, most beer enthusiasts agree that the ideal temperature range for storing beer is around 7˚C-10˚C (44.6˚F-50˚F), as this allows for the best flavor and foam. Just don't freeze beer.
What temperature will spoil beer?
Beer can spoil if stored at temperatures above 65°F (18°C). This temperature is too warm and will cause the beer to go flat, have a strange odor, and taste sour.
Therefore, it is important to ensure the temperature of your beer fridge does not exceed 65°F (18°C) to avoid spoiling the beer. As an aside, this temperature is fine for keeping red wine.
Can you put food in a beer fridge?
Yes, you can put food in a beer fridge. However, it is important to note that the optimal temperature range for food storage is 40°F (4°C) to 45°F (7°C), which is slightly lower than the ideal temperature range for beer.
Therefore, it is best to keep food and beer in separate parts of the fridge (or better, a different fridge) to ensure optimal storage conditions for both.
Can you turn a beer fridge on and off?
It's not recommended to turn off a beer fridge as this will cause it to lose its temperature settings and could potentially spoil your beer. Therefore, it is best to keep your beer fridge on at all times and adjust the temperature as needed.
The Best Beer Fridge For You
We hope this article has helped to answer some of your questions about beer fridges and has helped you to make an informed decision about which one is the best for you.
With the variety of models suggested, which one is your pick?
Happy sipping!
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