Summer is around the corner, and the temperatures are almost perfect for opening the garage door and kicking back with some beer. The only problem is that you need to buy the best beer fridge for garage use first.
You check some reviews and see people complaining about lighting, touchscreens, and all sorts of things. The only thought running through your mind is, “will my beer be cold, and can I afford the fridge?”
If the answer is yes, then a look at aesthetics, lights, and controls makes sense to round out the design choice later. While online reviews might help, you feel a bit ill-informed and stuck between company selling points and too many personal tastes from previous buyers.
If you are nodding your head while reading about this scenario, then you have landed in the right place. We have done the work and compared form and function to bring the 7 best beer fridges to you, and all you have to do is keep reading.
The Best Garage Beer Fridges of 2023
Despite the subjective nature of choosing a fridge unit, here are the objectively best models for you. A couple of well-known brands like Wayfair did not make the list because of poor customer reviews. Keep reading to find the best garage fridges for 2023.
1. hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler – 120 Can Mini Fridge
The hOmeLabs beverage fridge is such a nice combination of affordability, convenience, and quality refrigerator design that putting this refrigerator in the top slot felt like the right thing to do.
It is the best garage beer fridge hands down.
The 120-can storage capacity also helps make this refrigerator a favorite.
The three adjustable beverage storage shelves allow for a flexible configuration inside to accommodate larger cans, bottles, or even Bordeaux wine bottles.
The minimum temperature is 34°F (1°C) on the hOmeLabs beverage refrigerator, and the automatic thermostat control uses a defrost feature to keep the beverage zone from getting frosty.
The interior has LED lighting, and you can even change the hinge setting for left and right-handed fridge door openings. The features are in line with high-end models but in an affordable package.
The door has a pleasant see-through appearance with a sturdy stainless steel frame that looks nice while improving its strength.
Pros
- Defrost feature
- 120-can capacity
Cons
- Temperature display may not match thermometer reading
2. ICECO VL45 Portable Refrigerator – 45 Liters
While most of the other large-size fridge options on this list work best as standalone appliances near the wall because of their weight, ICECO’s portable unit works great for camping or at home.
This portable beverage cooler is the best wine and beer fridge for drinkers who like to sit in lawn chairs near their grill and grab more cold brew without having to get up.
The SECOP compressor cooling system can cool your brewski from 0°F – 50°F (-18°C – 10°C). You can also change modes between Min and Max for regular or fast cooling. Fast cooling helps because the 45-liter capacity means that you should be able to get at least 45 cans into the beverage cooler.
The design allows you to use a 12V/24V DC cord or a 110-240V AC cable from two ports to make this small-size fridge even more convenient. Being able to switch power sources so easily avoids wasting time on chaotic wiring.
Convenient small-capacity beverage coolers are always the better option for versatility.
Pros
- 5-year compressor warranty
- Rainproof
- Damage resistant
Cons
- Only a 1-year warranty for all other parts
3. EdgeStar KC2000 Full Size Kegerator and Keg Beer Cooler
EdgeStar makes several kegerator models, but the KC2000 fits most budgets and accommodates quarter and half-size kegs. It is the best beer fridge for man caves.
If your seller uses rubberized kegs, the fridge is still large enough to hold everything.
The nice thing about using a kegerator is that you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. If you trust yourself and your guests enough, you can even use glasses and eliminate almost all waste.
Another option is to convert a compatible fridge into a kegerator with a kit. These kits can save a lot of money and come with everything you need to finish the job, including a CO2 tank.
For people who like everything about this beer fridge except the flat-black color, you can pay a bit more for a stainless steel version known as the KC2000SSA.
Pros
- Casters allow easy movement
- 1-year parts warranty
Cons
- Use indoors to counter heat buildup
- Only a 90-day labor warranty
4. RCA RFR320 Single Door Mini Fridge with Freezer
This RCA beer fridge ticks all the boxes some people need from a garage refrigerator. The freezer will be a favorite for people in dorms with kitchen fridges or kitchen refrigerators for small apartments, patios, and other similar living situations.
You can even get a stainless steel finish, black, or white exterior to match almost any decor style, even common office designs.
The reversible door allows for left or right-side opening, a feature which aids left and right-handed people but also helps if a cabinet or furniture blocks one side.
Open-air garages at the mercy of the elements will not slow the best beer refrigerator down, especially on hot days. You should open the door and find nice cool soda bottles every time.
The freezer is useful for fast chilling, ice, or any other frozen items that can fit into the 0.2 ft3 area that you can seal behind an interior door.
Pros
- Quiet
- Durable
Cons
- Single fridge and freezer control knob
5. Antarctic Star 24 Bottle Wine Cooler/Cabinet Beverage Refrigerator
The Antarctic Star is maybe the best beer and wine fridge. It is a great choice for people who want to save space and still be able to chill around 100 canned beverages.
Many of you probably have packed garages with just enough space to fit a car and walk around, so this beverage refrigerator should fit.
This appliance does not qualify as an Antarctic Star mini fridge, but you do save space.
The working temperature range is between 40°F- 61°F (4°C – 16°C). The temperature gets so high and avoids coming close to freezing because wine fridges can hold wine bottles, bottles, or beverage cans. The ideal wine cellar temperature is 55°F to 57°F (12°C to 14°C).
This beer fridge runs quietly, and the door seals well. The sealed door prevents humidity from getting inside so that everything stays cold and dry.
The adjustable legs are a favorite for people who have slightly uneven floors. The unit is freestanding, so you should use an open space on the floor and avoid a case or cabinet installation type.
Pros
- Compact with 100-can capacity
- Quiet-working compressor
Cons
- 40°F is too high for some people
6. Whynter BR-1211DS Freestanding 121 Can Stainless Steel Beverage Refrigerator
The Whynter BR-1211DS is the best beer fridge for bottles and people who need something as large as a 121-can beer fridge option. The combination of storage space and shelves makes six levels of beverage storage possible.
The amount of room means that you can easily fit larger cans and bottles and have plenty of room for other beverages.
Even cooling is a big deal in the beverage cooling world. People are sure to complain when the cans closest to the fan develop frost while the top and bottom shelves get just cool enough.
The even cooling fan works well with the powerful compressor on the Whynter to make every drink the same temperature.
Owners also appreciate the touchscreen control that lets you easily adjust the temperature between 34°F-43°F (1°C – 6°C). The special construction of the unit allows you to reliably chill your beverages just above freezing with uniform coolness.
The tempered pane glass offers UV protection and helps maintain a constant internal temperature. People who purchased this fridge also appreciate the drawer bin at the bottom.
Bins are great when you want to throw something extra inside, or you have some odd-shaped beverages to store.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Uniform temperature control
Cons
- Occasionally noisy
7. Cooluli 15L Mini Fridge for Bedroom/Garage 12V Portable Cooler & Warmer
The Cooluli Classic Mini Fridge is the ultimate choice for portability. The 15L capacity will not supply all the lagers needed for a party, but you can hardly do better considering such a small-size fridge is comparable to a suitcase made for a weekend getaway.
Since the Cooluli classic mini is so small, you would not expect to have room for shelf adjustment, but you can remove shelves to make more room. The unit is so small that being able to remove one or both shelves is the same as shelf adjustment.
The capacity holds up to 18 standard cans and chills them to 40°F (4°C). You can use either a standard AC power outlet or a DC source such as an automobile outlet. Enjoy nature without the unit making much noise due to the thermoelectric cooling system.
The fridge has room for at least one door beverage and some snacks. You also get a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Highly compact and portable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Small capacity
- Only cools to a 40°F minimum
What To Consider When Buying a Beer Fridge for Your Garage
Consider many factors before buying a fridge for pilsners and beverages for your garage.
Your considerations will vary based on your needs and garage space. Similar refrigerators will have various options that will influence your buying choice. Choose reliability over eye-catching features.
1. Beer Fridge: Price and Budget
Price and budget might be the most subjective category on the list of things to consider when shopping for a new fridge. Many people will have budgets that are within $20-$50 of each other.
The refrigerators we included range between about $100 and $650. People who need decent storage capacity should do fine with a budget as low as $250 and even a bit lower.
The number one pick from hOmeLabs costs $269, for example.
2. Beer Fridge: Size and Capacity
Among the first decisions you need to make are how many beverages your fridge should hold and whether you will set the beverage refrigerator on the floor or raised surface, like a table.
Beer fridges come in many shapes and sizes and many are heavy. You should make sure you have clear floor space in your garage if you want a fridge with a larger capacity.
3. Beer Fridge: Features and Functions
Features and functions are important areas of concern for the best bar fridges. For starters, some people want a fridge that goes nearly down to freezing without creating icy beverages. Other people are fine if the fridge runs warmer.
Appearance and lighting are also important to people. Some garages will double as social rooms with decor, so the appearance and lighting on the fridge should enhance the look.
Nowadays, knobs are mostly a thing of the past, and touchscreen controls or pads have taken over, although some fridges still have knobs.
4. Beer Fridge: Shelves and Storage
Shelves and storage are two more areas that are critically important for people who want to fit 100+ cans into their fridge and possibly some other items. Cans and bottles vary in size across the soda, juice, and beer drinking markets.
Wine enthusiasts might require the ability to pull out a shelf to create more space. The space needed may be the length of a wine bottle, so the refrigerator interior must be completely customizable.
5. Beer Fridge: Ventilation and Air Flow
Ventilation and airflow are two areas most people forget about or never think about in the first place until a quarter of their beverages freeze and explode while the others are still cooling.
An improperly designed beverage fridge will blast frigid air on the closest drinks and will freeze them given enough time.
Any drink that explodes can make a huge mess and take a long time to clean up, so you need the best mini fridge for beer you can get.
Airflow problems are also notoriously challenging to research in advance. Your best bet is to read reviews and watch every video you can find to see if anybody complains about poor ventilation systems.
6. Beer Fridge: Compressor and Cooling System
When you get down to the heart of the matter, the compressor and cooling system are the guts of any refrigerator, and everything else is nothing more than a marketing option. The other key to a good fridge arsenal is the size and storage capacity.
Lighting, external materials, opposable door hinges, touch controls, and knobs are all bonus features that do not matter when compared to the refrigerator cooling system.
You will want to know if the compressor can handle the 120+ can capacity some units promise, cool everything down to the lowest temperature and maintain that setting without warming or allowing any beverages to freeze.
The compressor is often the invisible part of the fridge that nobody thinks about, but nothing works without this part of the machine. Compressors benefit and suffer from build quality just like any other product.
You can research consumer reviews on dedicated review sites or places like Amazon and find out if your beverage fridge has a compressor system you can rely on.
7. Beer Fridge: Power Requirements
If power requirements are a concern because you live in an area with high utility bills, factor power consumption into your refrigerator capacity choice. Naturally, a larger fridge consumes more power than the best mini beer fridge.
You may find that a smaller unit that you refill more often works better for your electricity bills. Remember that some units also run on DC power. Sometimes gasoline is cheap compared to AC power consumption.
Using your car outlet with a DC plug might make more sense than using a home outlet. The same may go for running a gas-powered generator and using AC power that way.
Remember that most fridges open sideways and lose much of the cool air they worked so hard to create. You can help conserve energy by not leaving your fridge door open if you are multitasking and tend to forget such details.
8. Beer Fridge: Beer and Wine Storage
Many fridges do just as well with cans, wine coolers, bottles of wine, and everything in between. If you want the ability to switch between storage types, find a fridge that is the right size for your needs.
Once you have the size problem sorted out, look at the shelving. You must be able to remove and add shelves at the very least. If you can change racks while not reducing the number of shelves, you will enjoy the best possible outcome.
Using all the shelves and changing racks allows you to lay bigger wine bottles on their sides on shelves with more clearance. You can then lay beer or soda-size cans on their sides on more narrow shelves.
If the fridge you want only allows you to remove or add shelves—no problem. You can add wine bottles and either stack cans or store them standing up instead of on their sides.
Make sure that your choice of the best beer mini fridge does not have a poorly designed fan that is capable of freezing cans. Only full-strength liquor can withstand temperatures around freezing vents without a potential disaster.
Conclusion
Most of the choices for buying the best beer fridge for garage settings are simple. You look at your space and estimate what size refrigerator will fit. Only you know if your fridge needs to supply drinks for large parties or smaller weekend gatherings.
Everyone has different tastes, so choosing colors or retro designs are subjective choices. The research that everyone should do centers around cooling, controls, build quality, compressor quality, or alternate cooling technology.
Brew Publik is the perfect resource for anyone looking to buy a beer fridge. On our website, you’ll find detailed reviews of the top brands and models of beer fridges, along with tips for choosing the right one for your needs.
We also provide information about other beer equipment and accessories, such as tap systems, kegerators, and more. By reading more on Brew Publik, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about the best beer fridge for your home.
FAQs
Since there are so many beer fridges on the market, you can find answers to many more questions online if you want. These are a few of the most common questions.
What is a beer fridge?
A beer fridge can be anything from a small food fridge you commonly see in dorm rooms to a dedicated beverage fridge meant for cans, bottles, and more.
Most drinks do not do well in freezing temperatures, so beer fridges should chill but should not let frost develop on the bottles and cans.
What are the different types of beer fridges?
Most people have standalone fridges or portable fridges. However, different size standalone units mean that some designs can go into cabinets, on top of tables, or on countertops. Other standalone fridges are too big and should only stand on dedicated floor space.
Some portable units look like a cooler, while others resemble a suitcase. The inclusion of many options such as stainless steel models, glass doors with insulation, cozy lighting, UV rays, bottle openers, and opaque models similar to a Frigidaire is important.
What are the pros and cons of different beer fridges?
One style is not better than another, except where price and build quality create large gaps. The main pros and cons center around the customer getting the type of fridge that satisfies their needs.
Somebody who needs a small-capacity portable unit can buy the best standalone model on the market and then regret it.
How can I keep my beer cold in my garage fridge?
The main challenge is that you want a cold brew that does not freeze. Set your serving temperature between 32°F and 50°F. The specific temperature depends on your taste.
What is the best way to store beer in a beer fridge?
The best way to store beer is to maximize how many beers your fridge can hold without having a tipping disaster that could result in bottles breaking or cans rupturing.
Using as many glass shelves as possible allows you to slide bottles and cans on their sides. Standing bottles are easy to tip over, so storing them on their sides limits accidents. Avoid wire shelves if possible.
