A beverage center is a great addition to any kitchen or outside entertaining space. What better way to ensure family and friends can be kept suitable refreshed during the hot summer months?

However, if you have started looking into which is the best beverage fridge on the market you will already know there’s a wide range available.

Do you go free-standing or under-counter? Fully-fledged outdoor cooler or something less specific? What capacity size should you opt for? To answer those questions and a whole lot more, we have reviewed 5 of the best beverage coolers currently available.

For our findings at a glance check out the table below. For full in-depth information on each, keep on reading.

Best Beverage Center – Top 5 Picks

NAME	IMAGE	DETAILS
TOP PICK:Danby Beverage Center DBC120BLS		120 CanFree-Standing	CHECK ON AMAZON
Avallon BeverageCooler		152 CanRight Hinge24" Built-In	CHECK ON AMAZON
Haier HBCN05FVS Beverage Center		150 CanFree-Standing	CHECK ON AMAZON
EdgeStar, Built-InBeverage Cooler		80 CanBuilt-In	CHECK ON AMAZON
NewAir AB-1200Beverage Cooler		126 CanFree-Standing	CHECK ON AMAZON

Best Beverage Cooler Buyer’s Guide

What to consider when buying a beverage refrigerator

One of the first issues to consider when buying a beverage fridge is the type of installation.

The two main options here are freestanding or built into the counter unit, (more commonly known as under-counter centers).

Undercounter vs. Freestanding

The predominant benefit of the freestanding unit is that they are less expensive to buy.

However, because the compressor is housed on the back of the refrigerator it cannot be built into a cabinet, (the heat of the compressor mechanism becomes trapped and causes failure).

While freestanding beverage centers are a great option and are especially useful if you wish to set up the unit with minimum fuss, for those that need something a little more aesthetically pleasing a built-in under-counter fridge is the way to go.

Because they have the compressors built below the unit and are designed to efficiently circulate the heat, they can be placed between cabinets and beneath countertops.

Fixtures and fittings are generally better quality on the under-counter models; another reason they retail for higher prices.

Indoors or Outdoors?

For outdoor use, you can opt for beverage coolers that are built from durable stainless steel and feature triple-pane glass.

This helps ensure that the unit is able to keep your drinks cool even when in direct sunlight.

The electrics of the unit also have to completely waterproof, especially if you decide to keep the fridge in an area where exposure to rain, (or splashback from the swimming pool) is possible.

Indoor beverage fridges clearly do not require such additional design options. By deciding where you want to keep the cooler before you buy, will help direct you to the correct model for you.

Can Capacity

Another important issue to decide upon is the size and capacity of your fridge.

If you are a couple and only need to use the beverage refrigerator for 1-2 people and occasional guests you could comfortably opt for an 80 can capacity unit.

For a bustling family with thirsty children and friends, a 100 can capacity minimum is what you should consider.

If you plan on entertaining a lot and will host parties and gatherings you might want to opt for the largest capacity fridge you can buy.

There are many units available with storage capacity in the ballpark of 150 cans – an ample amount of refreshment for you and your friends.

If you want to store wine at the same time as your cans, a dual-zone unit is the one to look out for.

This design will allow you to store wine at a warmer temperature with the second compartment being cooler for the beer and soft drinks.

Budget

The final consideration is simply the budget you have to work with.

Features that drive the price up to such as large can capacity, dual zones and under-counter capability all have to be weighed up – are they deal breakers? What exactly do you need and will your budget stretch to it?

Freestanding units can be bought for as little as $200. For many people, these are perfectly suitable.

However, if you do need extras such as digital temperature control, or safety locks you should be prepared to pay a little more.

Doing your research and setting aside the right amount of money to buy the unit that fills your requirements is definitely the way to go.

• Related Content: Best Rotisserie Grill – Top 5 Picks for 2021

Best Beverage Cooler – Top 5 Reviews

There are different sizes and models of beverage coolers; and the choice is made according to needs, budget, availability of space, design preferences, and energy efficiency.

Keeping all of these things in mind, here are our top 5 beverage cooler picks.

1. TOP PICK: Danby 120-Can Beverage Center

The Danby 120-can beverage center is an American-made free-standing beverage cooler. It is made by Danby, a leading manufacturer of beverage coolers, and the model number is DBC120BLS. Its form factor is described as free-standing.

Its dimensions are as follows; it is 34 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Its depth measures 20 inches. It weighs about 70 pounds or 32 kilograms.

Its maximum loading capacity is 120 beverage cans, hence its designation as DBC-120-BLS. The maximum volume of this storage compartment is rated as 93.5 liters.

The beverage center features a sleek compact design. The storage space is compartmentalized into four separate storage units by use of 3 wire shelves.

The wire shelves are black in color. There is an additional storage compartment on the topmost space of the storage space, where small beverage cans can be stored.

This gives it a total of 5 different storage compartments, and this allows the owner to store as many beverages as possible.

The no-tip wire shelves are built using tight-nit shelf wires, and this allows beverages to stand upright, hence increasing the number of beverages that can be stored in each of the four compartments.

In the topmost compartment, beverage cans need to lie flat so that they can fit well. The exterior of the cabinet is black in color, and this gives it a black body.

The entire storage space is illuminated by energy-efficient, long-lasting blue LED lights. This interior light only illuminates when the door is opened.

This shows a remarkable level of intuitive internal circuitry that allows the light to come on only when needed, thus minimizing energy wastage.

Energy efficiency in this model is supported by the internal circuitry, design, color choice, and choice of materials.

Materials that conduct heat and electricity well are used to build the core components of the cooler. The cooler requires an input voltage of 120 volts.

Its temperature range is between 6 – 14 degrees Celsius, which is equivalent to a temperature range of 43 – 57 degrees Fahrenheit.

This temperature range is maintained by an in-built mechanical thermostat. This thermostat can be easily accessed and adjusted if necessary. A properly-programmed thermostat allows the beverage cooler to keep beverages frosty.

Its door has a smudge-resistant stainless steel frame. This allows the door frame to remain securely attached to the black cabinet.

The door frame encases tempered glass within a stainless steel trim. This glass tempered door features a recessed side mount where the side door handle is located.

The door also features an in-built integrated lock-and-key mechanism. Two keys are provided for locking, or unlocking, the door. Furthermore, the door handle has a seamless pocket, and this makes it easy for the owner to open the door.

The door also features a reversible door hinge which allows for either right-hand or left-hand opening.

The DBC120BLS benefits from a 12-month warranty offered by Danby. The warranty covers individual components, and is inclusive of labor for in-home service.

However, this warranty does not cover either installation and annual maintenance.

Bottom-line

The Danby 120-can beverage center, model DBC120BLS, is an energy-efficient free-standing beverage cooler capable of cooling down up-to 120 beverage cans.

Its expanded range of functionalities, standalone form factor, easy-to-use features, and intuitive design make it a choice beverage cooler for home-owners.

In our opinion, these qualities along with the very appealing price point, make the Danby 120-can beverage center the best beverage cooler in our top 5.

2. Avallon 152-Can Built-In Beverage-Cooler

This model is a large capacity built-in beverage cooler. It can hold up-to 152 beverage cans and is in our opinion one of the best undercounter beverage coolers currently available.

It is manufactured by Avallon, and its model number is ABR241SGRH. The RH code in the model number denotes that it has a right hinge, (a left hinge model, ABR241SGLH is also available).

This model is 34.5 inches tall, 24 inches wide, and 24 inches deep. This gives it a counter depth of 24 inches. Therefore, when compared to the dimensions of the Danby DBC120BLS model, it is evident that Avallon ABR241SGRH is larger.

This is also reflected in the volume of the storage capacity with this cooler storing up-to 152 beverage cans.

The Avallon features a compact design with modern finishing. Like the Danby DBC120BLS model, its storage space is also compartmentalized into four separate storage units.

However, here we have 3 sanded glass shelves instead of wire shelves. Beverage cans can stand upright in the top three compartments, but in the bottom-most (fourth) compartment, the cans must be placed in a flat position.

The exterior of the cabinet features an attractive stainless steel finish, and this contributes to its modern look.

The Avallon ABR241SGRH uses an efficient air cooling technology for maintaining the temperature within the set temperature range of 34 – 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

This model is considered as a single-zone unit, which means that the temperature in all the four compartments is the same.

It also features an upgraded compressor that powers the cooling process. To minimize vibrations inside the storage space when the compressor is running, an anti-vibration gasket is fitted. Also, a carbon filter is incorporated so as to keep out unwanted odors.

Moreover, it has a fan-forced front exhaust because as a built-in cooler using air-cooling technology, the unit will comfortably fit between or beneath existing cabinets.

Its entire storage space is illuminated by energy-efficient internal LED lights that can be switched alternatively from blue to white, or vise versa.

Like the Danby DBC120BLS, energy efficiency is supported by its internal circuitry, design, color choice, and choice of materials. The unit requires an input voltage of 115 volts.

Its stainless steel door frame is securely attached to the cabinet. The door frame encases a double-paned Low-E glass. The Low-E glass blocks harmful ultraviolet rays from heating the storage space.

Likewise, the space inside the double-pane glass is filled with the inert gas, Argon, and this makes the entire double-pane assembly an effective thermal barrier.

The door handle is well-positioned. The door also features an in-built integrated lock-and-key mechanism called True-key lock.

The Avallon ABR241SGRH has a touch-enabled control panel that displays the digital controls.

Bottom-line

The Avallon 152-Can, 24-inch ABR241SGRH model is a large-capacity, energy-efficient built-in beverage cooler featuring a slick modern design, and a broad range of easy-to-use functionalities that are supported by efficient air cooling technology.

All in all, one of the best under-counter beverage centers you can buy.

3. Haier 150-Can Beverage Center

The Haier 150-Can beverage center is an American-made free-standing beverage cooler. It is made by Haier America lnc. Its form factor is described as free-standing. It is made from aluminum.

This model is 31.4 inches tall and 20.5 inches wide. Its depth is 21.25 inches. It weighs about 70 pounds or 32 kilograms. Its maximum loading capacity is 150 12-ounce beverage cans.

The Haier 150-Can Beverage Center features a compact design that is complemented by a stylish finish.

Like both the Danby DBC120BLS and Avallon ABR241SGRH models, its storage space is also compartmentalized. In this case, wire shelves are used to compartmentalize the storage space into five different compartments.

However, in the Haier, four full-width vinyl-coated shelves are used, unlike the Danby DBC120BLS which uses 3 wire shelves.

These vinyl-coated shelves are adjustable, and the lowest wire rack is removable. Beverage cans can stand upright in the top three compartments, but in the bottom two-compartment, the cans need to be placed in a flat position. The exterior of its cabinet has a black finish.

This model uses compressor-powered technology for cooling the beverages. Also, like the Danby DBC120BLS, it has an adjustable thermostat, which is used to maintain the temperature within the 39 – 61 degrees Fahrenheit range.

This model also features an automatic defrost, and this makes the maintenance process quite easy and straightforward.

The storage space is illuminated by energy-efficient internal LED lights. Like both the Danby DBC120BLS and Avallon ABR241SGRH models, energy efficiency in this model is supported by its internal circuitry, design, color choice, and choice of materials.

Its metallic door frame is securely attached to the cabinet. This frame encases tempered clear glass within a metallic trim. This glass tempered door features a recessed side mount where the side door handle is located.

The door also features an in-built integrated lock-and-key mechanism. This ensures that the beverages are secured, even from children who may otherwise be tempted to open the cooler and take out alcoholic drinks.

The door also features a reversible door hinge which allows for either right-hand or left-hand opening.

Bottom-line

The Haier 150-Can Beverage Center model HBCN05FVS is a large-capacity, energy-efficient free-standing beverage cooler of free-standing orientation.

A good option beverage cooler, however, it doesn’t quite match up to the Danby for overall value for money.

4. EdgeStar 80-Can Built-In Beverage-Cooler

This model is a moderate capacity built-in beverage cooler. It can hold up-to 80 beverage cans and is manufactured by EdgeStar.

Unlike the built-in Avallon ABR241SGRH model, this EdgeStar CBR901SG has a reversible door hinge that allows for either right-hand or left-hand opening.

The unit is 32 inches tall and 15 inches wide. Its depth measures 23.75 inches and weighs about 89 pounds.

This beverage cooler has a slick compact design. The storage space is compartmentalized into four separate storage units using 3 glass shelves.

In the top three-compartment, beverage cans are cooled while they are standing upright; but in the bottom compartments, the cans need to lie flat so that they can fit well.

The exterior of the cabinet is jet black in color. This, along with the stainless steel finish gives the unit a pleasing contemporary aesthetic.

Furthermore, the entire storage space is illuminated by energy-efficient, long-lasting blue LED lights. The energy efficiency in this model, like the other models reviewed above, is given priority.

Materials that efficiently conduct heat and electricity are used to build the core components of the cooler.

Its temperature range is between 38 – 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is maintained by an adjustable electronic thermostat. This thermostat can be easily accessed.

The EdgeStar CBR901SG model uses an efficient compressor-powered air cooling technology for maintaining the temperature within the set temperature range.

Like the Avallon ABR241SGRH, this model is also a single-zone unit. It also uses an incorporated carbon filter to keep out unwanted odors.

Likewise, it has a fan-forced front exhaust because as a built-in cooler using air-cooling technology, the exhaust can only be oriented to the front-side.

Its door has a smudge-resistant stainless steel frame that secures the door to the black cabinet. The door frame encases tinted tempered glass within a stainless steel trim.

The black dots in this glass block harmful ultraviolet rays from heating the storage space. The door also features an in-built integrated lock-and-key mechanism called True-key lock.

The EdgeStar CBR901SG model has a digital control panel that displays the controls. It is also shipped alongside its user manual.

Also, like the Haier 150-Can Beverage Center, this model also features an automatic defrost which makes the maintenance process quite straightforward.

Bottom-line

The EdgeStar 80-Can ABR241SGRH is a great beverage cooler for those looking for somthing smaller than the larger units in our top 5.

The cooler is energy-efficient and has all the features you need from a built-in beverage center. Not only that, it looks good too.

5. NewAir 126-Can Beverage Cooler

This model is a large capacity free-standing beverage cooler. It can hold up-to 126 beverage cans. It is manufactured by NewAir and its model number is AB-1200. Its form factor is free-standing.

It is 33 inches tall, and 18.25 inches wide with a depth of 19 inches and a weight of 62.85 pounds. The storage capacity is rated as 3.4 cubic feet.

Like the other models reviewed above the storage space of the NewAIr AB-1200 model is compartmentalized.

It has a total of 7 compartments; 3 compartments for storing standing beverage cans, and 4 compartments for cooling beverage cans that are placed in a flat position.

It has 5 chrome racks, all of which are removable. This makes it easy to load flat-lying beverage cans into the cooler, as the home-owner only needs to remove the racks and then place the cans on them before returning the full chrome racks into the cooler.

These slide-out shelves also make it easy to clean and maintain the cooler. The exterior of the cabinet is black in color.

The entire storage space is illuminated by energy-efficient, long-lasting LED lights. Like the other models reviewed above, energy efficiency in this model is supported by the internal circuitry, design, color choice, and choice of materials.

Its temperature range is between 34 – 64 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is maintained by an adjustable thermostat which is calibrated with 7 easy-to-understand settings.

The NewAIr AB-1200 model uses an efficient compressor-powered air cooling technology for maintaining the temperature within the set temperature range.

Like the Avallon ABR241SGRH and EdgeStar CBR901SG models, this model is also a single-zone unit. The environmentally-sound R-134A refrigerant is used for cooling purposes.

Its door has a smudge-resistant stainless steel frame that secures the door to the black cabinet.

The door frame encases tinted tempered glass within a stainless steel trim. However, unlike the Danby DBC120BLS moedl, this door only has a right-hand opening door hinge. The door also features an in-built integrated lock mechanism.

Bottom-line

The NewAIr AB-1200 cooler is an energy-efficient free-standing beverage cooler capable of cooling down up-to 126 12-ounce beverage cans.

It has a slick modern design, and a broad range of easy-to-use functionalities that are supported by an efficient compressor-powered cooling technology.