A bar fridge can be a handy addition to your home, whether you want extra space for drinks, a compact fridge for entertaining or a smaller cooling option for a bedroom, office, garage or outdoor area. If your bar fridge has broken down, you might also be wondering whether to replace it with another bar fridge or choose a wine cabinet instead. The right choice depends on what you mainly want to store, where the appliance will be placed and how you plan to use it. Bar fridge or wine cabinet? When comparing a bar fridge and a wine cabinet, it helps to think about what each appliance is designed to do. A bar fridge is usually best for beer, soft drinks, mixers, bottled water and everyday drinks. The temperature in a bar fridge is generally cooler than what wine needs, making it a practical choice if you mainly want extra fridge space for entertaining or day-to-day use. Wine cabinets, as the name suggests, are made for storing wine. Red wine, white wine and champagne can benefit from more controlled storage conditions than a standard bar fridge provides. If wine is stored too cold, it may not age as intended. If it is stored too warm, it may age too quickly. So, in an ideal world, you may have both: a bar fridge for beer and soft drinks, and a wine cabinet for wine. Indoor bar fridges Indoor bar fridges are designed for spaces such as kitchens, dining rooms, offices, bedrooms, rumpus rooms and home bars. They are a great option when you want drinks or snacks close by without taking up space in your main fridge. An indoor bar fridge can also be useful for entertaining, especially if you like keeping cold drinks separate from everyday groceries. Before choosing an indoor bar fridge, think about: How much space you have available Whether it will sit under a bench or stand alone How many drinks or snacks you want to store Whether adjustable shelves would be useful How often the fridge will be opened Outdoor bar fridges Outdoor bar fridges are designed for alfresco areas, patios, outdoor kitchens and entertaining spaces. If you want a fridge outside, make sure the model is suitable for outdoor use, as not all bar fridges are designed to handle changing temperatures, humidity or exposure to the elements. An outdoor bar fridge can make entertaining easier by keeping drinks close to where guests are sitting. It can also reduce trips back inside to the kitchen during barbecues, parties or relaxed weekends outside. When choosing an outdoor bar fridge, consider where it will be installed, whether it will be sheltered, and how much ventilation space it needs around it. Glass door bar fridges Glass door bar fridges are popular for home bars, entertaining spaces and offices because they let you see what is inside without opening the door. This can be useful if you want to quickly check drink levels, display beverages or make it easy for guests to find what they need. A glass door bar fridge can also give a home bar or games room a more polished look. However, if the fridge will sit in a bright room or outdoor area, it is worth considering how much sunlight it may receive. Keeping a fridge out of direct sunlight can help it work more efficiently. What to consider before buying a bar fridge Before choosing a bar fridge, think about where it will go and what you need it to do. Consider: Whether you need an indoor or outdoor model Whether you prefer a solid door or glass door How much storage space you need Whether you mainly store drinks, snacks or both If adjustable shelves are important How much space is available around the fridge for ventilation Whether a wine cabinet would be better for wine storage The style and finish that suits your room Taking the time to compare these features can help you choose a bar fridge that suits your space and how you entertain. Bar fridge buying guide FAQs Is a bar fridge good for wine? A bar fridge can be used to chill wine for serving, but it is generally cooler than the ideal temperature for storing wine long term. If you mainly want to store wine, a wine cabinet may be a better choice. Can I use an indoor bar fridge outside? Not all bar fridges are suitable for outdoor use. If you want to place a bar fridge in an alfresco area, patio or outdoor kitchen, choose a model that is designed for outdoor use and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Is a glass door bar fridge worth it? A glass door bar fridge can be worth it if you want to see what is inside without opening the door. It can be a good option for home bars, entertaining spaces and offices, especially if you like to keep drinks on display.
