What Is a Beer Fridge and Is It Worth Having One?
A beer fridge is simply a second, dedicated refrigerator used primarily for beverages. In Australian homes, they are most commonly installed in garages, outdoor entertaining areas, man caves and laundries. If you host regularly, have a large family or simply get through a lot of cold drinks, a beer fridge is a genuinely useful addition to your home.
What Makes a Good Beer Fridge?
Temperature Range
Different beers are best served at different temperatures:
- Lager and light beers: 2 to 4 degrees Celsius
- Pale ales: 6 to 8 degrees Celsius
- Craft ales and IPAs: 8 to 12 degrees Celsius
- Stouts and dark ales: 10 to 14 degrees Celsius
A good beer fridge can be set to your preferred temperature and maintains it accurately. A standard kitchen fridge set at 2 to 4 degrees will serve lager well, but many beer enthusiasts prefer slightly warmer storage for craft beers.
Capacity
Beer fridges range from small countertop units holding 20 to 30 cans, to full-size fridges holding 200 or more cans or dozens of stubbies. Consider how much you typically drink and entertain when choosing capacity.
Features to Look For
- Adjustable shelving: Allows you to store both cans and taller bottles (wine, spirits).
- Glass door: Lets you see what's available without opening the door. Keeps cold air in longer.
- Reversible door: Useful if the garage layout requires flexibility.
- Energy efficiency: A beer fridge that runs 24/7 can add $50 to $200 per year to your power bill. Choose a model with a good energy star rating.
Best Locations for a Beer Fridge
- Garage: The most common location. Protects the main kitchen fridge from extra load. Some models are built to handle temperature fluctuations in uninsulated garages.
- Outdoor entertaining area: Choose a model rated for outdoor use if it will be exposed to weather.
- Laundry: Convenient and out of the main living area.
- Rumpus room or home bar: Ideal if you have a dedicated entertaining space.
Can You Use a Regular Fridge as a Beer Fridge?
Yes — and many Oceania Appliances customers do exactly that. A graded fridge that is cosmetically imperfect but works perfectly makes an excellent garage beer fridge. You get a full-size fridge for a fraction of the price of a new unit, with plenty of room for drinks and party food.
Shop Beer Fridges and Bar Fridges at Oceania Appliances
We stock a range of compact bar fridges, full-size second fridges and graded units ideal for use as a beer fridge, with free delivery across Sydney. Visit our Wetherill Park showroom or browse online to find the right size and style for your home.