When you are looking for a refrigerator or drink cooler, deciding between a mini-fridge and a beverage cooler can be tough. Mini fridges are smaller, but they still provide a great deal of storage space. Beverage coolers, on the other hand, are designed to house a variety of different beverages and bottles. In opposite side we also have Commercial refrigerators and freezers are the lifeblood of any restaurant or foodservice operation.
Although they may look very similar at first, both a refrigerator and a beverage cooler are actually made for different purposes.
In this post, FintechZoom will help you answer the question Beverage cooler vs mini fridge, which is better?
Table of contents
Beverage cooler vs mini fridge – General
Beverage cooler
A beverage cooler is a device that can be used to store all types of beverages. You can adjust the temperature from 39 to 65 degrees F. You can also find different compartments for different kinds of beverages.
The LED lights in the fridge are not like regular refrigerators. They illuminate the beverages and have a transparent door that allows for easy visibility from the outside.
There are two options for installing a beverage cooler: You can either leave it a freestanding beverage fridge in your kitchen or have it installed in cabinets or under countertops – this option is best for those who have a man cave or home bar. A side-by-side beverage refrigerator is the best choice if you want to maximize beverage storage.
Mini Fridge
A refrigerator, also known as a standard fridge, is used to store food and beverages at a temperature of 40 degrees F. There are various compartments, glass shelves, and bulky trays that can be used to store various perishables like meat, fruit, and milk. Refrigerators can also have a top freezer and a bottom freezer.
Refrigerators come in many styles. There are many options available: top and bottom mounted refrigerators, French door refrigerators, and side-by-side fridges. These refrigerators have interior lights that work in the same way as a beverage cooler but they turn off when the door is closed.
Beverage cooler vs mini fridge
Design
Professional design is the first thing that stands out. Mini-fridges are usually equipped with opaque doors and different storage areas. Beverage centers, however, have more sophisticated storage designs. Most models come with UV-resistant glass panels that can be used to create transparent doors. Mini-fridges require open space on both sides to allow for proper ventilation space. However, beverage centers have a variety of installation options.
Temperature
The temperature controls and features are considerably different as well. Mini-fridges are intended to maintain cool temperatures for a variety of foods and beverages. Temperatures are typically kept below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
While mini-fridges maintain that one temperature throughout, beverage coolers have different temperature-controlled zones. Beverage centers are designed to maintain the perfect temperature for all beverages, even wine, which can sometimes be difficult to maintain in other appliances.
Sizes
Refrigerators and beverage coolers can be similar in that they come in a variety of sizes. Both can be found in many sizes and with different storage capacities.
It is important to remember that a refrigerator or beverage cooler of the same size may not have the exact same weight. This is because of the differences in their materials.
Beverage coolers are also usually taller and larger than mini-refrigerators.
Lighting
Interior lighting is also available in beverage coolers. Touchpad controls can be programmed with temperature settings for different wines. These smart controls include Sabbath mode, which alarms in the event of overheating, or if the door is left open for too long, as well as a lock mode, which prevents others from changing your temperature settings.
Storage capacity
Beverage centers boast additional features such as being quieter and more energy-efficient. The clever design of the hinges makes it easy to close the doors. This eliminates the possibility of drinks slamming into the cabinets. The storage capacity is the last difference. The storage capacity of mini-fridges is different from those used for beverage centers. However, their sizes are similar to that of larger beverage centers. Beverage centers can hold large quantities of wine bottles, six-packs, or even liter bottles.
Can a regular refrigerator or beverage cooler be used to store wine?
Although a beverage cooler and a refrigerator look similar, they don’t often offer adjustable shelves or door storage like a refrigerator. They also often have glass doors that can display the contents.
You can adjust the temperature of a wine and beverage cooler to suit your needs. However, you may end up with too-cold or too-warm wine depending on the way you set the internal thermostat.
Regular fridges are designed to quickly raise optimal temperatures and dry out humidity. Although it may seem obvious to store beverages in a refrigerator, the short answer is “No”.
There are many hazards in your traditional fridge that could adversely impact the quality of your wine. You can get a hint of red meat taste in your Pinot Noir if it is left unattended for too long. This happens for a reason.
The wine can be contaminated if the cork inside a wine bottle becomes too porous or shrinks due to low humidity levels. Regular refrigerators are designed to reduce humidity and not maintain it.
Wine coolers are designed to keep wine cool and dry. This ensures that the wine cork does not get ruined by the outside elements. Your wine cooler will also make it less tempting to keep your leftovers, so there is less chance that they will ever meet outside of a meal.
It is important to remember that wines should not be stored in standard fridges or beverage coolers.
If you are drinking white wine, when should you use a wine cooler instead of a regular refrigerator?
Wine lovers may want to make a collection that represents their passion and tastes. Even the first bottle of wine in your collection, it is important to store your wine correctly.
If you don’t have a wine cellar where your collection can be stored (at the right humidity level and temperature), then a high-grade wine cooler is the best way to preserve your wine at the ideal temperature of 55degF.
Although many people may be attracted to the large size and storage space of a standard fridge, it won’t work.
You don’t all have the luxury of a wine cellar. However, you can recreate the experience of wine being always on hand by using a beverage cooler in your kitchen as wine storage. The clear glass door can be used to display your wine selections without having to open the door. This will save you energy and allow the air in your kitchen to escape. UV protection is available on some models. This protects the labels from being faded by the sun while they are displayed.
Verdict
There is no clear answer as to which one is better: a mini-fridge, or a beverage center. A compact fridge or a beverage center may not work for everyone.
Consider the following when you are considering buying a new appliance to cool food or drinks. This will allow you to choose the best appliance for your needs.
These are both small and affordable, so a great home bar setup could include one of them – a beverage center for cold drinks and one that keeps perishables fresher for longer periods.