Lanbo 30 inch undercounter beaverage cooler

Beverage Cooler: Reviewing 10 Appliances That Are Worth Your Money

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How do you like your favorite drink- chilled, warm, or in-between? While you might not have had control over the temperature of the drink you wanted to partake in before, acquiring a beverage cooler is sure to change all that. With this appliance, you can store, and most importantly, cool your drink to the temperature that is ideal for you.

That said, today, the market is filled with an array of coolers that you can easily fit into your kitchen, office, or any other appropriate premise. And while this means a broader pool of coolers to choose from, it also signifies a challenge when it comes to identifying the right beverage refrigerator.

But do not worry. With this guide, you access all the information on these items, more specifically, the different types of coolers, tips for using these appliances, and in-depth reviews of the top rated beverage coolers you can find today. Best of all, after combing the market for the most reliable and effective beverage coolers, we have recommended a product for you.

The Number One Recommended Product

BEST OVERALL
Avallon ABR241SGLH 140 Can Built-in Beverage Cooler - Left Hinge

As part of this endeavor, we assessed the different models of coolers available based on useful aspects such as features, adaptability, capacity, and performance. After cumulating all of our findings, we found the Avallon ABR241SGLH 140 to be the best beverage cooler, and thus, we recommend it.

Comparison Table

Avallon ABR241SGLH

Best Overall
Avallon ABR241SGLH 140 Can Built-in Beverage Cooler - Left Hinge
Technical Details

Brand Name 

Avallon

Item Weight

114 pounds

Product Dimensions

 23.8 x 23.8 x 34.1 inches

Capacity(cans)

140

Installation Type 

built-in/freestanding

Special Features

carbon filter installed

Color

black/silver

My Rating:
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EdgeStar CBR1501SLD

Best For Beer Bottles
EdgeStar CBR1501SLD
Technical Details

Brand Name 

EdgeStar

Item Weight

94 pounds

Product Dimensions

22.9 x 23.4 x 33.8 inches

Capacity(cans) 

142

Installation Type

built-in/freestanding

Special Features 

reversible door hinges

Color 

silver

My Rating:
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Lanbo Built-in Dual Zone

Best Dual Zone Cooler
Lanbo 30 Inch Built-in Dual Zone Wine and Beverage Cooler
Technical Details

Brand Name 

Lanbo

Item Weight

136.7 pounds

Product Dimensions 

29.5 x 23.6 x 34.5 inches

Capacity(cans)

33 bottles, 70 cans

Installation Type 

built-in/freestanding

Special Features 

safety lock, smart digital touch control panel with memory function

Color

silver

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Whynter BR-128WS

Best Cooler with Lock
Whynter BR-128WS Lock, 120 Can Capacity, Stainless Steel Beverage Refrigerator
Technical Details

Brand Name

Whynter

Item Weight 

57.5 pounds

Product Dimensions

18.5 x 17 x 33 inches

Capacity(cans) 

120

Installation Type

freestanding

Special Features

stainless steel trimmed glass door

Color

silver

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Giantex 80-Quart Cooler

Best Outdoor Cooler

 Giantex 80-Quart Cooler Beer Cart Outdoor Entertaining Rolling Party Steel Bar Bistro Beverage Cooler Cart
Technical Details

Brand Name

Giantex

Product Dimensions

33.5”x30.7”x15.2”

Capacity(cans)

70

Installation Type

freestanding

Special Features

hardened powder coat finish

Color

red

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Technical Details

Brand Name 

AAOBOSI

Item Weight 

113.5 pounds

Product Dimensions

23.4 x 22.9 x 34.1 inches

Capacity(cans)

164

Installation Type

built-in/freestanding

Special Features

store beverages and wines

Color

black/silver

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Cooluli Mini Fridge

Best Mini Cooler
Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer 4 Liter  6 Can ACDC Portable Thermoelectric System
Technical Details

Brand Name 

Cooluli

Item Weight

4.85 pounds

Product Dimensions

10.2 x 7.7 x 10.5 inches

Capacity(cans) 

6

Installation Type

freestanding

Special Features 

AC/DC and USB adapters included

Color

white

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Technical Details

Brand Name 

Kalamera

Item Weight 

104.5 pounds

Product Dimensions

22.4 x 23.4 x 33 inches

Capacity(cans)

175

Installation Type

built-in/freestanding

Special Features

advanced compressor

Color 

black/silver

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Technical Details

Brand Name 

hOmeLabs

Item Weight

68.3 pounds

Product Dimensions

17.3 x 18.9 x 33.3 inches

Capacity(cans) 

120

Installation Type 

freestanding

Special Features

advanced temperature control

Color 

black/silver

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Antarctic Star

Budget Buy
Antarctic Star 18 Bottle Wine Cooler Cabinet Beverage Refrigerator
Technical Details

Brand Name 

Antarctic Star

Item Weight 

35.8 pounds

Product Dimensions

17.4 x 17.7 x 19 inches

Capacity(cans) 

60

Installation Type 

freestanding

Special Features 

no vibration

Color 

black

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The 3 Different Categories of Beverage Coolers Reviewed Here

Before we get on with the rest of the beverage refrigerator reviews, it is essential to understand the different kinds of coolers available. And note, these appliances are classified based on where they should be located.

Freestanding

Whynter BR-128WS Lock, 120 Can Capacity, Stainless Steel Beverage Refrigerator, White

These are coolers that can be placed anywhere in the kitchen, home, office, etc. If it is significantly bigger, it can be put on the floor, but if it is somewhat smaller, it can be safely put on a counter.

Freestanding refrigerators should never be put between cabinets. The reason for this is that these appliances require adequate ventilation, hence the need for space around them to allow free flow of air. When placed in the wrong location, these coolers overheat, and thus, can misfunction.

Undercounter

 Kalamera Beverage Cooler and Fridge - Fit Perfectly into 24 inch Space Under Counter or Freestanding

If you have a beverage refrigerator cabinet in your house or commercial premise or would like to have a built-in appliance, the undercounter cooler is what you need. They have a totally distinct ventilation mechanism from freestanding refrigerators that makes them okay to locate in between counters and other confined spaces.

However, if preferred, these appliances can be placed in the open, given their fantastic exterior designs.

Portable

These are very compact refrigerators that enable you to pack-and-carry wherever you go. They can be placed anywhere, including your vehicle or countertop.

Outdoor

This type of beaverage coolers have no need in electricity. You need only a big amount of ice, which you must put in an cooler. Often it has wheels and bottle opener.

7 Useful Tips for Choosing the Right Kind of Cooler

Without information on the essential things to look out for, choosing a can or bottle beverage refrigerator can be quite challenging. Luckily, we have highlighted the important things to consider when shopping for a refrigerator below.

Shelving


Shelve from the wire

One of the things to look at when it comes to the shelves is the material used. Many appliances in the market have shelves made out of glass, wire, or metal. So, it is up to you to select a cooler with shelving material that you prefer.

You also want to go with a refrigerator with shelves that have a raised edge at the door-facing end. It is to ensure that your beverages do not topple forward and then down onto the ground.

Most buyers also examine these appliances to see whether the shelves can be removed and arranged differently. After all, you might want to know if you can fit a large number of cans or rearrange the shelves to make space for bottled beverages.

Lastly, you have to consider if the shelves can be pulled out. It is especially the case if you will want to see the different beverages in your fridge from time to time.

Cooling Mechanism


Cooling system

Most coolers come with a compressor cooling mechanism. Nonetheless, there are those with a newer tech- thermodynamic cooling that leverages ceramic materials. Many consider it a worthwhile tech since it utilizes less energy, is safer, can boost the cooler’s lifespan, and refrigerators with this mechanism do not need much space for the circulation of air.

Temperature Settings


Digital LED thermostat

You do not want to freeze your drink solid, but want it cool. So, it is best to go with an appliance that can manage temperatures anywhere between thirty-two- and fifty-degrees Fahrenheit. For adjusting the temperature, many gadgets have digital displays for indicating the temperature and buttons for setting the same. Moreover, some have dial-control mechanisms.

Door Designs


Door of a beaverage cooler

If you always want to see what is in your fridge, you need to get one with a glass door. Be sure that the glass is tempered too and capable of blocking ultraviolet radiation that can undermine the quality of your beverages. And if nothing else, appliances with glass doors are quite aesthetic also.

You can also choose your fridge depending on the way you wish your door to open (left or right.) But better yet, there are those with reversible doors, meaning you can set them to open and close however you like.

Power Options


If you plan to use your fridge indoors, get one that can be plugged to a wall outlet. If you want one you can carry around in your vehicle, go for an appliance that can be connected to the cigarette lighter and also function with 12-volt power.

Defrost Settings


If you do not want to be unplugging your appliance whenever frost builds up, it is best to go for one that can automatically defrost.

Lighting


Lights help you find beverages without much hassle, especially when it is dark. You can go a step further by getting a fridge with blue light to avoid hurting your eyes.

Lock Capability


To keep kids from reaching your drinks, you should get a fridge with lock capability. This feature is also essential if you have to showcase your beverages publicly.

Individual Reviews of the Top Rated Beverage Refrigerators Available

You deserve the best beverage center. Below are comprehensive reviews of coolers with all the essential features.

Best Under Counter Beverage Refrigerator Overall: Ava​​llon ABR241SGLH 140

Technical Details

Brand Name 

Avallon

Item Weight

114 pounds

Product Dimensions

 23.8 x 23.8 x 34.1 inches

Capacity(cans)

140

Installation Type 

built-in/freestanding

Special Features

carbon filter installed

Color 

black/silver

Pros

  • Low-temperature setting;
  • Blue and white lighting;
  • True-key lock;
  • Glass-sanded shelves;
  • Touch control panel.

Cons

  • Expensive

From our research, we realized that the Avallon had quite a ton of positive beverage cooler reviews. And if you’re looking for the best beverage refrigerator, it’s a great choice for You.  It is understandable since this fridge is quite spacious and has perfect lighting on the inside. If you have about one hundred and forty cans of drink, then you can comfortably fit every last one of them into this fridge. Operating this appliance is easy, given the presence of the touch control panel and clear LED interface. And if you want to achieve lower temperatures for your beverages, then with this appliance, you can go as low as thirty-four degrees Fahrenheit. Lastly, regarding the door, it is hinged to the left.

Best Beverage Cooler for Beer Bottles: EdgeStar CBR1501SLD

Technical Details

Brand Name 

EdgeStar

Item Weight

94 pounds

Product Dimensions

22.9 x 23.4 x 33.8 inches

Capacity(cans)

142

Installation Type 

built-in/freestanding

Special Features

reversible door hinges

Color 

silver

Pros

  • Digital temperature controls;
  • Reversible door hinges with lock;
  • Stainless steel appearance;
  • 142 bottle-count;
  • LED lights.

Cons

  • Affordable only for big kitchens

If you are in the market for a stainless-steel fridge of about five cubic feet capacity, the EdgeStar is the best beverage refrigerator for beer bottles and it’s your choice. It comes with a compressor cooling mechanism that allows for temperatures of between thirty-eight- and fifty-degrees Fahrenheit, thus meaning that your beverages will always be to your liking temperature-wise. When it comes to placing your drinks, you can easily arrange your cans or bottles across the multiple glass shelves within the appliance.

If you think ahead and worry about defrosting, the good news is that this product comes with an automatic defrost capability.

Best Dual Zone Beverage Cooler: Lanbo Built-in Dual Zone

Technical Details

Brand Name 

Lanbo

Item Weight

136.7 pounds

Product Dimensions

29.5 x 23.6 x 34.5 inches

Capacity(cans)

33 bottles, 70 cans

Installation Type 

built-in/freestanding

Special Features

safety lock, smart digital touch control panel with memory function

Color 

silver

Pros

  • Dual-zone design;
  • Adjustable feet;
  • Easy-to-remove shelves;
  • 5.93 cubic feet capacity;
  • Double-layered glass door.

Cons

  • Bit loud

The Lanbo is a dual zone beverage cooler that allows you to set a different temperature for wines and other beverages. To make this possible, it comes with two digital control panels for adjusting the temperatures for the wine and other drinks zones. The temperature on the left side falls between forty-one- and sixty-four-degrees Fahrenheit while that on the right-side ranges between thirty-nine- and fifty-degrees Fahrenheit.

This fridge boasts of a considerable capacity in that it can store thirty-three seven hundred- and fifty-millimeter bottles. When it comes to cans, you can easily place seventy of them inside of this cooler. Given its design, it can either be installed as a freestanding or undercounter beverage center.

Best Beverage Cooler with Lock: Whynter BR-128WS

Technical Details

Brand Name 

Whynter

Item Weight

57.5 pounds

Product Dimensions

18.5 x 17 x 33 inches

Capacity(cans)

120

Installation Type 

freestanding

Special Features

stainless steel trimmed glass door

Color 

silver

Pros

  • Mechanically-adjustable temperature- high 30- mid 60 degrees Fahrenheit;
  • 5 easy slide-out wire shelves;
  • On and off internal light;
  • Lockable cylinder with two keys;
  • Reversible front door.

Cons

  • No specoal shelves for wine

This stainless-steel 18 inch compact beverage cooler with glass door is a great choice for almost any setting- entertainment, retail, etc. It can hold up to 120 average cans and maintains consistent temperatures throughout. Its robust compressor, coupled with an internal air circulation fan, ensures even cooling in every part of the refrigerator.

The glass door helps you to view the contents in your fridge easily and with no need to open. There is also an LED light, with a switch, for added visibility at night. The edges of the front door are made of steel, and at the bottom, there is a lock. You can, therefore, lock away your beverages, keeping them safe from kids and any person you don’t want accessing them. You’ll get two keys in the packaging for the lock. You can customize the door to open from either left-right or right-left as you wish.

A nice recessed handle on the door and white cabinet completes the outside look of this cooler. There are five removable shelves on this beverage cooler with lock. The first three shelves can fit around 15 cans each while the last two shelves hold around to 25 cans each.

Best Outdoor Beverage Cooler: Giantex 80-Quart Cooler

Technical Details

Brand Name 

Giantex

Product Dimensions

33.5”x30.7”x15.2”

Capacity(cans)

70

Installation Type 

freestanding

Special Features

hardened powder coat finish

Color 

red

Pros

  • 80-quart capacity;
  • Spacious cooling space;
  • 360 degrees rolling wheels;
  • Bottle opener and cap catcher included.

Cons

  • Large

Looking for a convenient and long-lasting outdoor beverage cooler? The Giantex 80-Quart Cooler is great for gatherings, parties, and other outdoor activities. Its steel body makes it robust enough to withstand any environment. Plus, it has a powder coat exterior, which not only makes elegant but also keeps it looking new even after multiple uses outside. The wheels at the bottom of this patio beverage center make it easy to roll it from place to place.

After use, you can clean it just as easily by draining the condensed water from the rear end and wipe the exterior with a cloth. This cooler’s super-effective insulation systems will help keep drinks at optimal temperatures for hours. Since that’s it’s easy to use, durable, movable, and efficient at maintaining consistent temperatures, this cooler is wonderful for frequent usage. And you can store additional things on the bottom shelf of this cooler.

Technical Details

Brand Name 

AAOBOSI

Item Weight

113.5 pounds

Product Dimensions

23.4 x 22.9 x 34.1 inches

Capacity(cans)

164

Installation Type 

built-in/freestanding

Special Features

store beverages and wines

Color 

black/silver

Pros

  • Door alarm to signal when the fridge is left open;
  • Quick and quiet cooling system;
  • Fits 164 cans;
  • Ventilation vents at the bottom;
  • Digital control.

Cons

  • Bit expensive

For a cooler that’s large but still compact, the Aobosi beverage cooler stands out. This 24 inch beverage refrigerator with front venting holds a whopping 164 cans (standard) of soda or beer. It comes with a double-layered see-thorough door that seals the interior and keeps temperatures consistent.

It has vents at the bottom for air circulation and, therefore, doesn’t require additional inches at the back or sides for this ventilation. The handles, as well as shelves, are sturdy and durable. The shelves come in different heights to accommodate varying bottle sizes. On the top part of the door, there’s a smart digital control system that helps you set the temperature you want. This cooler is very stylish, has a huge capacity, and looks wonderful at any location you decide to place it.

Best Mini Beverage Cooler: Co​​oluli Mini Fridge

Technical Details

Brand Name 

Cooluli

Item Weight

4.85 pounds

Product Dimensions

10.2 x 7.7 x 10.5 inches

Capacity(cans)

6

Installation Type 

freestanding

Special Features

AC/DC and USB adapters included

Color 

white

Pros

  • 2 in 1 cooler and warmer;
  • Lightweight and portable;
  • Magnetic self-locking mechanism;
  • Fits 6 cans or 4 liters;
  • Can be connected to a power bank.

Cons

  • Too small for a big company

This small yet elegant thermoelectric cooler is a terrific buy if you are looking for something you can carry to the office or road trip. It works both as a cooler and well as a food warmer and fits perfectly on your desk, car, or at home kitchen counter. It also comes in a selection of colors you can pick from- blue, white, fuchsia, pink, red, black, and cow.

The small fridge includes a magnetic self-locking door, a handle at the top, and a matte finish. And, the inside and outside surfaces are easy to clean. It’s built out of plastic, making it light enough to carry from one point to another. It also comes with a DC adapter so that you can connect it power wherever you are. You can also connect it to a 2A power bank through a USB cable if you need to go somewhere remote.

You can switch it from warm to cold and vice versa in a matter of minutes. Like other refrigerators, it also features a fan to even circulation of warm or cool air depending on the mode you’ve set it at. The size, beautiful design, and two working modes make this appliance one of the best mini coolers you’ll find on the market.

Technical Details

Brand Name 

Kalamera

Item Weight

104.5 pounds

Product Dimensions

22.4 x 23.4 x 33 inches

Capacity(cans)

175

Installation Type 

built-in/freestanding

Special Features

advanced compressor

Color 

black/silver

Pros

  • Temperature memory function;
  • Built-in or freestanding placement;
  • Six sliding metal shelves;
  • Digital LED temperature adjustment;
  • Blue lighting.

Cons

  • Shelves may be more thick

It is one of the undercounter beverage coolers refrigerators that can fit into a 24-inch area. If you require a small appliance that can still offer you a large room, then you’ll appreciate this fridge’s one hundred and seventy-five can capacity. It is ideal for use in kitchens and bars and also for night time operation since it has LED lights to illuminate the contents of your appliance. Better yet, the lights are blue, meaning that they will not hurt your eyes.

As shelves, this fridge has five wire racks that can be removed and also rearranged in seconds. Regarding the chilling system, this unit boasts of an advanced compressor cooling mechanism that enables it to sustain cooler temperatures over lengthier durations and with minimized stopping and starting.

Technical Details

Brand Name 

hOmeLabs

Item Weight

68.3 pounds

Product Dimensions

17.3 x 18.9 x 33.3 inches

Capacity(cans)

120

Installation Type 

freestanding

Special Features

advanced temperature control

Color 

black/silver

Pros

  • 120V 240W vertical cooling system;
  • Fits 120 standard cans or 60 wine bottles;
  • Automatic defrosting functionality;
  • Steady and free-standing with see-through glass door;
  • 3 adjustable & removable shelves.

Cons

  • Drinks may be colder

This compact beverage refrigerator with glass door is one of the best rated in the market and offers excellent value for your money. It features ample capacity so that you can store both your wine, water, sodas, and even beer. Inside, you will find three shelves that you can remove or adjust to liking. This cooler can store 120 sodas, beer, or water cans or 60 wine bottles comfortable and the right conditions.

The good thing with this mini beverage home cooler is that even though it can hold lots of drinks, it is still compact enough to fit under your kitchen counter. It has an LED light installed on the inside that you can switch on or off. It has a glass for easy visibility even when it’s dark. While the interior is cold, the sides of this refrigerator remain warm to the touch. hOmeLabs under counter beverage refrigerator also has a powerful, quiet, and super-fast cooling system. These features, in addition to the fan, will help chill your drinks really quick and stay at a consistent temperature.

This cooler also has sensors that enable automatic defrosting. Its modern design, quick cooling, energy efficiency, and small size make this fridge a great addition to your home, office, dormitory, cottage, or rental van. It’s overall, a solid fridge that comes at a great price.

Budget Buy: Antarctic Star

Technical Details

Brand Name 

Antarctic Star

Item Weight

35.8 pounds

Product Dimensions

17.4 x 17.7 x 19 inches

Capacity(cans)

60

Installation Type 

freestanding

Special Features

no vibration

Color 

black

Pros

  • Adjustable front legs;
  • Cooling temperature of 45-60 degrees Fahrenheit;
  • Low vibration and noise;
  • Dual-pane sealing door.

Cons

  • Small top shelve

For an appliance that can keep your bottles of wine cool for longer, this budget-friendly cooler is a wonderful buy. It holds 18 standard-sized wine bottles (red or white) in horizontal and vertical racking. However, if you like, you can use it as a countertop bottle beverage cooler. It’s free-standing, which means you can place it in the kitchen or living room. Since it’s quite small and doesn’t take a lot of space, you can squeeze it in relatively small areas in your house. It’s sleek, classy design and blue lighting inside makes this mini fridge aesthetically pleasing too. And it barely makes any noise.

The two racks that are fitted inside can be removed if you want to make room for larger-sized beverages. The glass door makes it easy to view what’s inside the fridge without opening. It has two front legs that you can adjust for better leveling. If you want an appliance that looks cool and does the job at a budget, this cooler is for you.

How Can You Use Your Beverage Refrigerator Effectively

While most coolers and refrigerators are easy to use and down need much setting up, there are a couple of things you can do to ensure maximum efficiency and durability. Here are some useful tips:

  • Chill your drinks before placing them in the cooler

If you buy your beverages warm, toss them in your refrigerator first before putting them in the cooler. That way, your cooler will have an easier time keeping the temperature consistent.

  • Pre-chill your cooler before putting in your drinks

Switch on the refrigerator and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes before putting in your drinks. Pre-chilling will help it perform its job better.

  • Keep the door or lid closed as much as possible

Your mini fridge or cooler will maintain temperatures better if sealed. Therefore, down leave the door open for too long.

  • Leave some room for ventilation

Unless the ventilation is at the front, it’s always good to leave a few inches at the back for air circulation. This way, your fridge will function optimally.

Additional Information on Beverage Refrigerators

Kalamera 24 Beverage and Wine Cooler Dual Zone Built-in and Freestanding with Stainless Steel Door

So, where can you use your beverage mini-fridge? Since you want it to be within reach, find a spot in either your kitchen or living room where you spend most of your time. If you are a gamer, you can place it in your game room too. You can also install it in your office or even in your store to display the drinks you are selling. Also remember, the drinks you enjoy most of the time can dictate the type of cooler you should buy. Wine is best stored in horizontal curved shelves and cooler temperatures than beer. Some brands also sell beverage refrigerator with ice maker if you need both appliances.

Verdict and Recommendations

What’s your pick of the best beverage cooler for beer bottles, wine, or sodas? Depending on the features you are looking for, any one of these ten coolers and refrigerators will do a great job. Our top recommendation, Avallon stainless steel cooler, has a great design and can be built-in or left to stand on its own. It also has digital temp controls and front vents. Make your pick and start enjoying refreshing drinks at home or work conveniently!

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About the Author Yvonne Ferguson

Yvonne Ferguson is a culinary enthusiast and dedicated cooking tech reviewer. She’s constantly looking for the most up-to-date products and information to share with IceMakersHub readers. Yvonne enjoys making family-friendly recipes while sharing tips on choosing handy appliances for a healthy life.

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