Is a Beverage Cooler the Same as a Mini Fridge?

Both appliances can be used to cool drinks and are good for small spaces. It turns out mini refrigerators and beverage coolers are very different.

Connoisseur Series 40 Single Zone Beverage Cooler

A beverage cooler or beverage refrigerator is made for the storage of drinks. The workhorse of the beverage cooler is its cooling system which on average ranges from 41 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Beverage fridges are insulated and sealed, which helps the appliance maintain its temperature. Beverage centers have flat wire racks or tempered glass shelves to store cans and bottles of various shapes and sizes. Additional features of beverage refrigerators include LED interior lighting, solid or glass doors, locks, and a digital temperature control panel. Some beverage coolers have multiple temperature zones that let you store wine and other drinks. Beverage coolers are generally compact appliances that can fit seamlessly under the counter or be installed freestanding.

Mini refrigerators or mini fridges are compact appliances designed to store food. Some mini fridges are small enough to sit on a countertop, while others can be installed under a table or cabinetry. As food can be stored inside a mini fridge, the average temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. To store drinks, fruit, yogurt, and leftovers, mini fridges have flat shelves and different compartments, including in-the-door storage. Select mini fridges may also have a top or bottom freezer where frozen dinners, ice trays, or ice cream may be stored can be stored at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

There are distinct differences between beverage coolers and mini fridges. First, since beverage coolers are designed to store drinks, their temperature range is warmer than a mini fridge. Wine may also be stored in a beverage cooler, but wine should not be stored in a mini fridge as the temperature may be too cold. Next, beverage coolers and mini fridges have different storage capacities. Beverage fridges can hold dozens of cans or water bottles, whereas mini fridges are made to hold a very limited amount of food. Lastly, mini fridges are made with solid doors, while beverage coolers usually have dual-paned glass doors that let you view the fridge's contents.

Mini fridges and beverage coolers have unique purposes, and one is not necessarily better than the other. If you are looking to store various drinks, then a beverage cooler is a good buy. For those who want to store food in addition to drinks, a mini fridge will meet your needs.

Questions about refrigerators or beverage coolers? Contact Vinotemp using our Contact Form.