A beer fridge is a must-have for you if you want your drinks to stay cold. Since there are various options available on the market, you might get confused about what to get. Before buying one, you should consider factors such as refrigerant, capacity, anti-vibration, among other features. We have compiled a guide that will help you get the best beer fridge to suit your needs. In addition, you get to learn where to use your refrigerator and the different types available.
Where Can You Use A Beer Fridge?
A beer fridge comes in handy when storing various types of drinks, including beers. You can use it for commercial or personal purposes. However, commercial refrigerators are bigger than those used at home because they have a high capacity. Personal beer fridges can be used in the office, garage, or for small parties.
What are the Factors to Consider When Shopping for the Best Beer Fridge?
Size
The size you choose can affect the number of beverages that fit inside it. If you are purchasing one for home use, ensure that it has enough space to store all types and brands of drinks in your bar or party area. The same goes for buying a refrigerator for an office. Make sure the model you choose fits the drinks you will be serving.
Additionally, you should get one that gives you the freedom to choose what beverages to put in in terms of packaging. There should be enough space for storage of all types of containers, whether they are cans or bottles.
Energy Consumption
You should buy a refrigerator with efficient energy consumption since parties and gatherings use more power than normal. The efficient fridges have a 4. 5 to 5 Energy Star Rating which ensures low power consumption. Moreover, be sure to look at the estimated monthly cost of operating this type of appliance beforehand.
Capacity
Capacity is an important factor to consider because it determines the size you will buy. If you want a medium-sized model, go for one with at least 25-50L capacity, which gives you just enough space to store your favorite beverages. If you have a bigger budget and more space, you can choose a refrigerator with higher storage capacities.
Door Lock
If you will be using the refrigerator in a bar or restaurant, it is best to choose a model that has an external door lock. This is very useful in establishments where safety and security are important. Beer fridges for home use should have a firm door lock that ensures the kids do not interfere with the drinks, especially if they contain alcohol.
Refrigerant
Different beer refrigerators come with different types of refrigerants. However, the best beer fridge uses a refrigerant that is environmentally friendly and does not affect your health. Whether you use it at home or for commercial purposes, an eco-friendly refrigerator is highly recommended.
Noise Level
Fridges come in many different noise levels depending on the models. Noise can be disturbing when all you want to do is enjoy a cold drink. To avoid unnecessary disturbance, you can choose between 36 dB and 58 dB, which are the most common sound noise levels of refrigerators today. Remember, the higher the dB level, the louder the noise it produces.
Anti-vibration
If you are looking for a beer fridge for home use, it should be one that has an anti-vibration system, especially if you will be placing it near your TV or bar area. Vibrations from the appliance get to your other devices, which decrease their performance and life. Thus, the anti-vibration system keeps these issues at bay.
Warranty Coverage & Customer Service
Make sure to buy a beer fridge with at least one-year warranty coverage and customer service ratings of at least 4/5 stars. You should also ensure the company’s service center is around to quickly get your product serviced if something goes wrong. This way, you get value for your money.
Design
It would be best if you looked for a refrigerator with adjustable shelves, giving you the freedom to arrange your drinks accordingly. The door design should also be suitable for your needs. For instance, a glass door allows you to easily see the contents in your fridge and find out when you need to restock. It also enhances the aesthetics of a fridge that has colored lights.
Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance
Ease of cleaning and maintenance should be a priority because it helps you save money in the long run. Look for a beverage refrigerator with removable parts or drawers for quick and easy cleanup after an event or party. You should also check out the manufacturer's information because some brands offer high-end features that make maintaining the product more costly.
What Should Be the Cost of The Best Beer Fridge?
The price of the best beer refrigerator is determined by different factors such as size, purpose, model, brand, among others. However, you can purchase a decent beer fridge online or in stores for $100 upwards. For the more expensive models, you usually pay around $5,000+ depending on brand and size.
Are there Different Types of Beer Fridges?
Yes, there are two main types of beer fridges: the commercial fridge and the standard bar fridge. Commercial fridges can be used for both commercial or personal use. You can find them in bars, restaurants, and your local grocery stores. On the other hand, the standard bar fridge is what you find at home. It is not as big as a commercial one but can get the job done if you want to store beer and other beverages at home.
Beer Fridge FAQ
Q: What is the best beer fridge for home use?
A: The best beer fridge for home use should be one that has a compact design and can store enough beverages but not take up too much space. The size of your fridge depends on how many bottles or cans you want to store in it and the space it takes up.
Q: Is a beer fridge better than a regular fridge?
A: A beer fridge is different from a regular fridge due to the shelving system, temperature range, insulation, and compressor type. There are no special features that would make it 'better' or more efficient than any other refrigerator for storing beverages.
Q: What temperature should you set in a bar fridge?
A: The ideal temperature for a bar fridge is at or around 38 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can vary from 35 degrees Fahrenheit to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.