The 8 Best Beer Fridges for Your Garage or Man Cave

The best beer fridges are a lot more than just mini fridges you store brewskis in. We found the top models for your garage, basement or man cave.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

Newair Froster Beverage Fridge Via Merchant LifestyleVIA MERCHANT

The only thing worse than a lukewarm beer is your brews competing for space inside a crowded fridge. Thankfully, there’s an appliance that can solve both issues: a beer fridge.

Beer fridges aren’t just mini fridges that you can put in your man cave or garage. The best beer fridges have a lock to keep children out, an adjustable thermostat, front-facing ventilation to prevent the refrigerator from running hot and a compressor that can work around the clock to keep everything at the optimal sipping temperature.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for a gift for a beer lover, we’ve rounded up the best beer fridges on the market, including options for party hosts, as well as campers who want to have a cold one after their next hike.

The Best Beer Fridges

1 / 8
Whynter Beverage Refrigerator Via Merchant
Via Merchant

Best Overall Beer Fridge

Whynter Beverage Refrigerator

At the top of our list for best beer fridges is the Whynter beverage refrigerator. In addition to holding up to 121 8-ounce cans of your favorite craft beers, this fridge features adjustable shelves, external temperature control and a locking mechanism that activates after five seconds of inactivity. It also has nearly 2,200 five-star Amazon ratings from people who have used it in gyms, offices and man caves.

The main highlight? The internal compressor. Although small, it’s capable of cooling drinks down to 34 degrees Fahrenheit, and won’t run hot as long as the fridge isn’t enclosed on all sides. The internal fan ensures that every can and bottle is cooled evenly while the tempered, double-pane glass door protects them from ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Pros

  • Holds 121 cans
  • Automatic locking feature
  • Powerful compressor and internal fan
  • Tempered, double-pane glass door

Cons

  • Locking mechanism doesn’t keep the door completely shut

Shop Now

2 / 8
Antartic Star Beverage Refrigerator Via Merchant
Via Merchant

Best Value Beer Fridge

Antarctic Star Beverage Refrigerator

This Antarctic fridge may not be as large as other beer fridges, but what it lacks in space it makes up for in functionality. For starters, it’s one of the quietest beer fridges on the market, and the reinforced glass door eliminates any temperature loss. Plus, the soft blue LED light is specially designed not to harm the contents of your wine bottle storage. That’s right, you can fit up to 20 standard-sized wine bottles on the adjustable shelves. The fridge is designed to be freestanding, meaning it can’t be installed under a countertop.

This best beer fridge has nearly 3,000 five-star Amazon ratings. “Many times I forget it’s even there,” shares five-star reviewer, Stephen from Ohio. “The temperature is accurate and beverages are always cold when removed.”

Pros

  • Feature-packed and affordable
  • Very quiet
  • External temperature control
  • Adjustable shelves

Cons

  • Not as much space as other models
  • Freestanding only

Shop Now

3 / 8
Homelabs Beverage Refrigerator Via Merchant
Via Merchant

Best Beer Fridge for Garages

HomeLabs Beverage Refrigerator

Garage fridges need a compressor that can withstand temperature changes and a well-sealed door to keep out any fumes. The HomeLabs beverage refrigerator has both. In fact, many of the 5,400 five-star Amazon ratings are from people who utilize this beer fridge in their garage. “Works great even being in the garage in the cold,” writes verified purchaser, Zach S.

The movable shelves can fit up to 120 cans, and the adjustable thermostat lets you control just how cold your brews are. The powerful compressor is surprisingly quiet, and a small convection fan evenly circulates air to every beverage.

Pros

  • Withstands temperature changes
  • Very quiet
  • Temperature control
  • Adjustable shelves

Cons

  • No locking mechanism

Shop Now

4 / 8
Lanbo Dual Zone Beverage Refrigerator Via Merchant
Via Merchant

Best Beer Fridge for Beer and Wine

Lanbo Dual Zone Beverage Refrigerator

You could simply stash your wine in a regular beer fridge, but any sommelier worth their bottle opener knows wine and beer do best when stored at different temperatures. Instead of getting a separate wine fridge, snag the Lanbo refrigerator. It features dual cooling zones, so you can have your brews at one temperature and your vintage vinos at another.

There’s enough space to hold 55 cans and 18 bottles, and it can be installed as a freestanding fridge or under the counter. Most importantly, there’s a sturdy lock, so only the adults can access what’s inside. Another stellar feature? The front-facing air vents blow hot air produced by the fridge compressor away from the fridge, instead of blowing it up the sides like most fridges.

Pros

  • Dual cooling zones
  • Sturdy lock
  • Front-facing ventilation
  • Can be used freestanding or under the counter

Cons

  • Pricier than other models

Shop Now

5 / 8
Edgestar Side By Side Wine And Beverage Refrigerator Via Merchant
Via Merchant

Best Large-Capacity Beer Fridge

Edgestar Side-By-Side Wine And Beverage Fridge

The Edgestar beverage fridge has enough space to hold 142 cans and up to 53 wine bottles. With eight adjustable shelves, it can be customized to your liking or current inventory. Although it’s sold as one unit, these are two separate fridges that require two different plugs, meaning you could put them in different rooms if you so desire. Either way, one of these fridges is larger than many other beer fridges on the market, so you’re still getting a ton of space.

Both fridges can be used as freestanding or under-counter units, and feature door locks and temperature control that ranges from 38 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. There’s also a carbon filtration system to protect your wines from any odors or noxious fumes.

Pros

  • Holds 143 cans and 53 wine bottles
  • Carbon filtration and temperature control
  • Door-locking mechanism
  • Dual fridges can be used together or separately

Cons

  • Pricier than other models
  • Requires two plugs

Shop Now

6 / 8
Newair Froster Beverage Fridge Via Merchant
Via Merchant

Best Beer Fridge for Parties

NewAir Froster Beverage Fridge

What makes the NewAir fridge perfect for parties? Its two modes: Turbo and Party. Turbo mode puts the fridge at ice-cold temperatures for an hour to instantly chill your brews, and Party mode keeps the compressor running for six hours, so your drinks remain cold no matter how many times the door’s opened. Plus, it can hold up to 125 cans.

Having a heated door might sound counter intuitive, but in this case, it prevents the door from frosting over, so you can see what’s inside at all times. When the party’s over, you can set the adjustable temperature control to your desired temperature for long-term storage.

Pros

  • Chills drinks in under an hour
  • Holds 125 cans
  • Heated door prevents frost
  • Adjustable thermostat

Cons

  • Freestanding only

Shop Now

7 / 8
Iceco Vl45 Portable Refrigerator Via Merchant
Via Merchant

Best Portable Beer Fridge

Iceco VL45 Portable Refrigerator

Take the party on the go or to the mountains with the Iceco VL45 portable refrigerator, which can be hooked up to your car or a portable battery. The 60-millimeter-thick wall prevents air from escaping or getting in, so your drinks remain cool even when removed from power for a little bit. The temperature control ranges from 0 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so it can be used as a fridge or freezer.

The compressor is designed to work even when the portable fridge is at a 40-degree tilt, meaning you can take it off-roading as well. The interior has enough space to fit 72 standard-sized cans, 34 water bottles or 15 wine bottles. At 49.2 pounds, it’s easy enough for two people to carry (or perhaps just that one strong person in your friend group).

Pros

  • Features stainless steel handles
  • Multiple power sources
  • Temperature ranges from 0 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Thick interior walls prevent air from escaping or getting in

Cons

  • May take a while to completely cool drinks

Shop Now

8 / 8
Edgestar Kc2000 Full Size Kegerator And Keg Beer Cooler Via Merchant
Via Merchant

Best Beer Fridge for Kegs

EdgeStar KC2000 Full Size Kegerator and Keg Beer Cooler

You don’t need to be in college to enjoy a good keg. The EdgeStar kegerator and keg beer cooler not only keeps your keg cool, but it comes with an included connection and beer tap for easy pouring. Although a CO2 canister is provided, it comes empty, so you’ll have to fill it before tapping your first keg (simply Google “co2 canister refill near me” to find a place near you).

There are over 1,000 five-star Amazon ratings, and real-life shoppers are raving about the kegerator. “This is an update, as I have now burned down a few kegs, and I will double down on my original review, it’s a class act,” writes verified buyer, John Spears. “Pours a good glass without it being all head, [and] temperature is consistent.”

Pros

  • Included keg connection and tap
  • Works in extreme heat
  • Easy assembly
  • Available in black and stainless steel

Cons

  • CO2 canister arrives empty

Shop Now

What to Look for When Buying a Beer Fridge

The most important thing to look for when buying a beer fridge is temperature control. Some people prefer their brews on the colder side while some just want a little chill. Additionally, some brews do better at a slightly warmer temperature than others.

You’ll also want a locking mechanism, since most of these will be close to the ground and easily reached by children. And don’t forget to think about whether you want a freestanding beer fridge or an under-counter beer fridge. If you choose the latter, you should look for front-facing ventilation, so the heat from the compressor doesn’t run up the side of the fridge and run hot.

Lastly, look for some sort of circulation system that evenly distributes cold air. Without this, you run the risk of some beers being colder than others.

Why You Should Trust Us

It’s my job as a shopping writer and editor to find you the best products on the market, and provide authentic, genuine advice to ensure you find the best appliance for your needs. But forget about me! The Family Handyman has been providing carefully vetted insights in the home space since 1951, so you can rest easy knowing we’re a trusted name.

How We Found the Best Beer Fridges

When it came to finding the best beer fridges, I spoke to several friends (including one that works for a beer distribution company) to find out what features are vital in such an appliance. I also researched industry standards for things like compressors, circulation and temperature control.

Keeping all of that top of mind, I looked at nearly 20 beer refrigerators and kept various types of people in mind before narrowing down my selections to the top eight.

FAQ

What makes a good beer fridge?

A good beer fridge has external temperature control, adjustable shelves, a powerful compressor and a well-sealed door with a locking mechanism to keep out any children.

Are beer fridges worth it?

If you’re someone who needs a little extra storage for your brews, then absolutely. Beer fridges clear up space in your regular fridge, have temperature control and can lock to keep out children.

Anthony O'Reilly
Anthony O'Reilly poured his first cubic yard of cement at the tender age of 12. He was a maintenance worker for suburban condos, residential and commercial high-rise buildings in New York City and his own apartments and homes before becoming an award-winning journalist and photographer. He changed career paths once again in 2019 to become an expert product tester and reviewer. He loves baking, cooking, hiking and petting dogs in his spare time.