How To Pick The Right Beverage Cooler
Getting the right beverage cooler might seem like a daunting task with so many options available. What features should be considered? And how do you know what’s the right appliance for your context?
If you find yourself asking these questions or you’re just looking for a blueprint so you can arrive at an informed decision, the following guide will provide you with indices to take into account.
There are 8 major aspects to address prior to obtaining your cooler:
- Determine what types of beverages will be stored
- Estimate the needed capacity
- Choose the location
- Assess the temperature you’ll need
- Pick the right shelving
- Determine the expected energy usage
- Choose your appearance preferences
- Determine your required security features
1. Types of Items for your Cooler
One of the most important aspects to consider is to know what kinds of beverages you desire to store in the cooler. Will you be storing just canned beverages or also wine products? Whatever your preference is, you will need to make sure that the appliance of your choosing has the capacity and design to hold these types of products.
Thankfully, there are coolers that are designed to satisfy even mixed product preferences. When it comes to major types of coolers out there you will be able to pick from the following:
- Mini Fridge that is designed to contain just food and drinks
- Mini Fridge that is designed to contain food, drinks, and cosmetics
- Beverage refrigerator that is designed to contain just cans
- Beverage refrigerator that is designed to contain just wine
- Beverage refrigerator that is designed to contain both cans and wine
2. Storage Capacity
Another vital aspect to consider is the storage capacity of the cooler. You can easily determine the capacity by narrowing down how many people the refrigerator is meant to serve. In general, there are three main categories when it comes to capacity:
- Small-capacity mini fridges
These types are able to hold up to 60 cans or less. This is perfect for your house or garden or college dorm.
- Medium-capacity mini fridges
These fridges are able to store up to 100 cans. If you’re looking for a smaller office appliance this kind might be your winner.
- Large-capacity mini fridges
These coolers are able to contain up to 150 cans. If you have a large office or you frequently organize social events in your community, this option will be viable for you.
3. Determine where the cooler will be located
There are three factors to consider when it comes to the location of the cooler.
Small-capacity and medium-capacity appliances will in most cases fit into your home or office. When it comes to large-capacity appliances, they should fit in most office spaces with some exceptions.
Next, will the cooler be outside or inside?
Outdoor fridges will be more likely to have their exteriors made up of steel and more durable glass. These types of fridges are designed to withstand multiple conditions including snow, rain, heat, and wind.
Indoor coolers are designed to blend more easily with interiors and function in climate-controlled spaces. In some instances, there are manufacturers that produce models with custom designs to create a relaxing environment when you host your guests.
Built-in or Freestanding?
The determining factor to consider here is what kind of flexibility are you looking for when it comes to the cooler. Do you want to have the ability to move the cooler? If that’s the case freestanding types will serve you the best as you will be able to adjust their location if needed. One detail to keep in mind is that this type will require a few inches of space behind and around the cooler for airflow.
However, if you have a very clear idea of where the cooler should be located in your house or office, the built-in models will serve you the best. If this is your choice, make sure that the model of your choosing has coils and an exhaust grate on the bottom so the air can flow out of the fridge.
4. Temperature
If you’re planning on storing multiple types of beverages in your fridge, consider the range of temperature the cooler disposes with. The higher the range, the more types of beverages you’ll be able to store.
Here’s a quick overview of the temperatures needed to keep your drinks tasty:
- Soda drinks – 40 Degrees
- Beers – 35 – 60 Degrees
- Red Wines – 60 – 65 Degrees
- White Wines – 50 – 60 Degrees
- Sparkling Wines – 40 Degrees
As you can see the temperature is one of the most significant features that should inform your choice. Thankfully, there are many models that accommodate a wide range of temperatures and you’ll be able to store multiple types of drinks.
5. Shelving
As you consider shelving, your choice will be determined by the types of beverages that will be stored. Wooden shelves will be the most fitting for wine as they are often designed to hold beverages on their side. On the other hand, adjustable racks will contain mostly cans but also can be utilized as a dual solution that will allow you to store bottles as well.
6. Energy Usage
Since energy usage will determine the ongoing costs of running the cooler, it’s a vital factor to take into account. There are two major features that will help drive the costs down:
- Compressor Systems – Compressor systems make sure that the temperature of the cooler’s interior is maintained at the required standards. Make sure that your appliance has this system available because it will not be constantly drawing power as a result of its activity.
- Insulation – Fridges with stainless steel and double or triple-pane glass will provide you with efficient insulation and thereby driving your costs down.
7. Appearance
The visuals of the cooler need to be taken into account especially when you’re planning on placing the appliance inside. Favorably, most of the coolers will come mostly with neutral colors. If you’re looking for a thematic design rather than a single-colored theme, there are several of them available with multiple suppliers as well.
8. Security
If you are in need of locking the fridge in order to prevent others from accessing it, several models have security locks on them that you’re going to be able to lock. This is especially handy when you need to keep alcoholic beverages away from your children or if your cooler will be located outside.
Finally, as you take these factors into account, remember that the most significant thing is the long-term value you’ll get from your cooler. Whether it’s your desire to be a great host to your friends, to make your employees feel cared for or to make your grandchildren happy with a fresh can of soda every time they’re over, it’s the people whose day you’ll be able to make a bit brighter that matter the most. Feel free to see my guide to fridge organization as well!