Picking a beverage refrigerator for your home can sometimes be a difficult task. There are a lot of different brands to choose from, in varying sizes, and all of them have different features that you may or may not need.

Luckily, that’s where we come in! We’ve narrowed down the most important features to consider in your search for a new beverage center. While browsing these features, keep in mind that these are what set beverage centers apart from the typical mini fridge, and what make them such a great investment for your home.

Storage Capacity

When it comes to storage capacity, the old saying “the bigger the better”, is often true. A beverage centers capacity is typically measured based on the number of 12-ounce (355mL) cans they can hold. So, if you want a large variety of products to fit in your fridge, consider buying the largest option available, likely at a capacity of 150 cans.

Also, it’s important to consider if your favourite drinks all come in the same size or type of packaging. If you want to mix bottles or cartons into the fridge, once again, “the bigger the better”.

Adjustable Racks

Similar to the comments above, it’s important to consider what you plan to hold in your new fridge. If all you want it for is the typical 355mL can, there’s no need to worry about adjusting the racks.

But, if you need to add bottles or sports drinks, adjustable racks that move up or down are the best option. This is opposed to racks that only slide in and out of the fridge. Adjustable racks allow you to customize your beverage center and make it your own. They also make it easier to vary and change what you hold in the fridge. This can come in handy when hosting guests who have different beverage preferences than you do.

Thermostat Type

There are two types of thermostats available in beverage centers;

• A manual knob similar to one you would use for the volume in your car, that sets the temperature as low or high
• An electronic control panel that allows you to set the exact temperature of the fridge

The control panels are often equipped on the more expensive models, so if you don’t need to set the exact temperature of the fridge, you will find the extra cost unnecessary. An electronic control might help adjust to the perfect temperature with more ease. Ideal when looking for the perfect temperature to store pricey wines.

Reversible Door

Although a reversible door may seem like a big deal in making your decision, it can actually make your life a lot easier.

The first obvious advantage is that you can position the door based on whether you are left or right handed. The second advantage, that most people might forget to consider, is where you plan to place the fridge. If placing the fridge against a wall or under a cabinet, the way the door swings will become very important.

Overall, a reversible door allows you to place the beverage center anywhere in your home, without the headache.

Ventilation

Ventilation is a very important factor to consider before you buy a beverage center.

• If you want to enclose the fridge on all sides, you will need ventilation on the front
• If the fridge will be out in the open, without enclosures on the side, back ventilation is the better choice

Front ventilation is the more expensive option, but necessary if the fridge is going to be enclosed.

Security Door Lock

Last, but not least, is the option to lock your fridge door when you’re not using it. This is often a concern of parents with young children, if they plan to store alcoholic beverages in the fridge. Having the option to lock your fridge door will give you some peace of mind if you’re not home to monitor it.

Takeaway

There are a lot of things to consider when buying a beverage center for your home. Where am I placing it? Do I care about the exact temperature? Can I adjust the racks in case I want to add wine bottles?

Hopefully this post has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision. To check out how our beverage center ranked on TrustyJoe.com, click here.

If you want to check out Danby’s full line of affordable Beverage Centers, click here. For some higher-end options, check out the Silhouette by Danby line of products here.