Best mini fridge?

Discussion in 'Home Bar' started by JEdmund, Mar 16, 2012.

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  1. JEdmund

    JEdmund Initiate (0) Oct 23, 2006 Kansas

    I'm looking to buy a mini fridge for my beer and was wondering if anyone had suggestions on good models. Ideally I want something that doesn't have wasted space (condiments rack, mini freezer, etc.) since I just want to cram it full of bombers and 12 oz. bottles and cans.

    Thanks!
     
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  2. Eriktheipaman

    Eriktheipaman Initiate (0) Sep 4, 2010 California

  3. Eriktheipaman

    Eriktheipaman Initiate (0) Sep 4, 2010 California

  4. UCLABrewN84

    UCLABrewN84 Initiate (0) Mar 18, 2010 California

    I have a Sanyo from my UCLA days that still works great 9 years later. There are racks inside and whatnot but I can fit lots of cans and bottles (small and big) inside. I counted last night and I have 24 bottles and cans in there right now.
     
  5. amart79

    amart79 Initiate (0) Jan 14, 2012 California

  6. Eriktheipaman

    Eriktheipaman Initiate (0) Sep 4, 2010 California

    http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Contr...AL58/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1331929988&sr=8-3

    I'm pretty sure I bought this one that's linked above. The down side is I am not able to set the differential (I believe it's at 4* but not positive). I was more concerned about it kicking on and off too much and putting too much stress on the compressor but it ended up just working fine.

    Also the fridge I use seemed to only go from about 38* to 33* no matter what setting it was on. It was wayyy too cold and I almost ran the risk of stuff freezing. Overall I am very happy with the set up I have and the solid black looks very clean.
     
  7. amart79

    amart79 Initiate (0) Jan 14, 2012 California

    Awesome I'll have to look into this. My fridge on its lowest setting will keep it at 42 so I'd like to let it get a little warmer in there. I made the mistake of thinking "0" would be the lowest setting...it is not. It is OFF.
     
  8. Eriktheipaman

    Eriktheipaman Initiate (0) Sep 4, 2010 California

    Haha. Those things are just too hard to figure out depending on the make, oh well.
     
  9. SalukiAlum

    SalukiAlum Initiate (0) Dec 19, 2010 Colorado

    I did the same thing, it took me some time to figure out what was colder the light blue or dark blue and where exactly turning it would shut it off. Learned the hard way!
     
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  10. JEdmund

    JEdmund Initiate (0) Oct 23, 2006 Kansas

    Thanks! I like the idea of being able to control the temp better. Will have to look into that.
     
  11. WagonCircler

    WagonCircler Zealot (599) May 15, 2011 New York

    Anyone have one with a glass door? I am looking to get one but it is taking me forever to find a good one at a decent price.
     
  12. funkymonk242

    funkymonk242 Initiate (0) Apr 7, 2011 Georgia

    I saw one at Costco but I can't remember how much they were. My friend bought it and it looks pretty nice with all the beer in it. I think you can get around 22 bottles in there with some room at the bottom for a few 4-packs. Its a wine cooler so it can hold any 22oz and 750ml. Black Ops is the biggest bottle he has and it fit in there with no trouble. It even has a little blue light that shines down through the middle :stuck_out_tongue:
     
  13. dukes

    dukes Initiate (0) Apr 2, 2012 Maryland

    Man, you guys should be watching craigslist like a hawk right now considering the time of year. All those college students are finishing up their spring semester and looking to get rid of their mini-fridges like crazy! There's been 5-10 new postings every week in my area the past few weeks all in the $25-$75 range. I'm picking up one tomorrow actually. If one isn't the best rack/space configuration, at these prices you can just pick up two!
     
  14. JEdmund

    JEdmund Initiate (0) Oct 23, 2006 Kansas

    You are correct! I bought a 3.9 cubic foot one for $50 from a college student. Definitely an opportune time to find a used one.
     
  15. BrendanKiely

    BrendanKiely Initiate (0) Jun 4, 2012

  16. BStafford

    BStafford Initiate (0) Jun 27, 2012

    One thing to really look out for- the fridges with only one door that have a freezer swinging door in top compartment. Those types of fridges tend to freeze the contents of your refrigerator if you let the dial get anywhere near too cold... so be careful and monitor your settings!!
     
  17. misterno

    misterno Initiate (0) Nov 22, 2012

  18. OneBeertoRTA

    OneBeertoRTA Initiate (0) Jan 2, 2010 California

    Lowe's had these at a great price. If you live in Cali I'm getting rid of this one. I just ordered a huge upright one that I saw in another thread as my xmas present to myself.
    [​IMG]
     
  19. gdodd12

    gdodd12 Initiate (0) Oct 1, 2009 Georgia

    How did you install your temp controller? Did you drill a hole into the side and stick the thermometer part in there?
     
  20. Eriktheipaman

    Eriktheipaman Initiate (0) Sep 4, 2010 California

    Nope I just cut a slit in the rubber seal between the door and body of the fridge and closed the door around the thin copper wire.
     
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