Armelle Habib/aremediasyndication.com.au.
Adding that extra bit more fridge space to your home or finishing off your home bar, the bar fridge is a small but mighty appliance to invest in.
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Considerably smaller than standard-sizes refrigerators, the mini fridge usually boasts similar makings to that of its bigger sister but on a smaller scale.
So, whether you live alone and don’t have much to refrigerate, you’re a regular dinner party host and love a bit of extra space or you just like to think of yourself as something of a mixologist, read on for all you need to know about the humble bar fridge.
How do I choose a bar fridge?
When choosing a bar fridge for your home, there are some important factors to consider in your decision-making:
Size
If you only need to store a few drinks, a small bar fridge will suffice; if you need to store many drinks (or a combination of drinks and snacks), you’ll need a larger model.
Features
Some bar fridges come with additional features such as adjustable shelves, a freezer compartment or a glass door. Consider which ones are important to you. If you plan to use the fridge to store wine, you could even look for a wine fridge with wine racks.
Brand
Do your research to see which brands offering bar fridges have good reputations for quality and reliability.
Placement
Consider where you will be placing the fridge. If you are placing it in a small space, choose a compact model. If you are placing the fridge in an alfresco area, make sure it is weatherproof.
The best bar fridges to shop in 2023
With design, function and affordability in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best bar fridges, mini fridges and beverage centres currently on the market. Read on for our top picks.
The best energy-efficient bar fridges
Westinghouse 93L bar fridge, $349, Betta Home Living
With a reversible door for versatile placement within your home, this Westinghouse bar fridge is an easy add to your entertaining space and has a 3.5-star energy rating.
Key features:
- Two door racks
- LED lighting
- Full width icebox with front cover
- Big bottle rack
- Food storage drawer
Kogan 93L bar fridge, $179, Kogan
In a sleek black design, this Kogan bar fridge is affordable, has a 3.5-star energy rating and would complement any office space.
Key features:
- Reversible door
- Three shelves and three door racks
- Convenient chiller compartment
- Compact and sophisticated design
“Best bar fridge ever not too small certainly not big. It doesn’t take much space being in the studio apartment. Power consumption is really low,” wrote a five-star reviewer.
The best glass door bar fridge
Devanti 98L bar fridge with glass door, $548.95 (usually $685.95), Myer
Boasting a double-glazed door that aims to conserve energy, this Devanti bar fridge is as robust as it is stylish.
Key features:
- Seven temperature settings
- Adjustable shelves
- Double-glazed door
- Height-adjustable feet
- Reversible door
- Built-in lock
“Love our new bar fridge, lots of room and keeps everything really cold,” wrote a five-star reviewer, “love that you can see through the door and lockable also – we just love it”.
The best top mount bar fridge
Esatto 84L mini top mount fridge, $399, Kogan
With a top mount design, this bar fridge is a perfect in-between of the standard model and the mini model of refrigerators. Ideal for the person living solo.
Key features:
- Separate freezer compartment
- Reversible doors
- Crisper drawer
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
Hisense 179L bar fridge, $398, The Good Guys
Featuring a generous 179L litre capacity, this striking red Hisense bar fridge is also great for storing all your perishable snacks as well as drinks.
Key features:
- Chiller Zone to keep food items stored a few degrees above freezing
- Semi-automatic frost system
- LED lighting
- Large door balcony for bulkier items
- Three-year warranty
“Nice neat functional fridge, fantastic colour, great price, good for 2 people, excellent customer service,” wrote a five-star reviewer.
The best beverage centres
Solt 190L outdoor beverage centre, $1445, The Good Guys
This Solt outdoor beverage centre is a must-have for alfresco entertaining – and is particularly handy for springtime barbecues.
Key features:
- Double-glazed door
- Internal LED strip lighting
- Two-year warranty
- Dual door hinge
“Excellent fridge keeps drink nice and cold,” wrote a five-star reviewer.
Heller 98L beverage centre, $479, Temple & Webster
Marrying functionality with design, this beverage centre is a thoughtful touch in any kitchen, outdoor entertaining area or home theatre.
Key features:
- Tempered glass door
- Temperature control between 0°C to 10°C
- Four wire racks
- Lock and key
- LED lighting
“Perfect addition to our office,” wrote a five-star reviewer, “keeps beverages chilled and easily accessible for guests and lunch meetings”.
Can you use a bar fridge as a normal fridge?
You can use a bar fridge as a normal fridge, however it is important to keep a few things in mind. These being: bar fridges are typically smaller than regular fridges, so they may not have enough space for all of your food; they may not have the same features as regular fridges, such as an icemaker or crisper; and they may not be as energy-efficient as regular fridges. At the end of the day, if you keep just the basics on hand at home, a bar fridge might just do the trick!
You might also like:
The top 8 French door fridges for every home and budget
7 best bottom mount fridges for maximum freezer storage
How to stack your fridge correctly
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