Beer and Wine Refrigerators

A wine cooler or mini fridge is the best friend of beverage connoisseurs worldwide. Chances are your drink of choice is best served chilled, so you’ll want to invest in a wine fridge or beer fridge. Since beer and wine are best kept at different temperatures and sodas are a whole different story, keep in mind what kinds of beverages you’ll be storing while you shop. Here’s a quick guide complete with chilling tips for every cold beverage lover out there:

What should I look for in a wine cooler?

You’ll want to consider what types of wine you prefer — are you more of a chardonnay drinker, or do you prefer a cab? Different varieties like to be kept at different temperatures, so make sure your new wine fridge can beat the heat.
• White wine: Best served between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the variety.
• Red wine: Best served between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the variety.
• The best of both worlds: If you can’t decide on dedicated white or red wine refrigerators, consider purchasing a dual zone wine cooler. This style has two separate temperature zones that allow you to keep both your red and white wines chilled to their maximum potential.

What range of temperatures should my beer fridge have?

Just like wine coolers, a beer cooler’s temperature range depends on the variety of beer you prefer.
• Warm temperatures: Beers like strong ales, bocks, Scotch ales, imperial stouts and barley wines prefer temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cool temperatures: Your American pale ales, porters, medium-bodied lagers and Irish stouts like it to be 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cold temperatures: Treat those pilsners, light-bodied lagers, and Hefeweizen beers to a chilly 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Very cold temperatures: Your macro lagers, light beers and malt liquors should be kept at 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

What’s the difference between a beer fridge and a kegerator?

If you enjoy a fresh draft beer from the comfort of your own home, a kegerator is a great choice. Along with your new dispenser, you’ll need a carbon dioxide (CO2) tank, a tap and a faucet. The best part is your beer will keep for up to a few months without diminishing in quality. If you’d rather hear that satisfying sound of cracking open a cold can or bottle of lager, a bar refrigerator is your best bet. Don’t forget to restock when you take out a cold one!

Can I keep my beverages in a mini fridge?

Beer, soda and other brews can be kept in a mini refrigerator along with some snacks for those movie marathon cravings. Wine lovers beware, however! A regular mini fridge’s temperature is much too cold for your vino and could damage the taste; look for a small wine cooler instead.