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
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Locking mechanism doesn’t keep the door completely shut
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
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
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No locking mechanism
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
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
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
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
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
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.