Beer fridge for short-term storage (not cellaring)

Discussion in 'Home Bar' started by kernel610, Nov 23, 2016.

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  1. kernel610

    kernel610 Initiate (0) Jun 17, 2014

    Hi

    I'm currently looking for a beer fridge and I'm torn between a cheap dorm fridge or a wine cooler. I love trying out new craft beers and buying unique bombers when I come across them but I'm not a heavy drinker. I mainly buy up good beers when I see them so I can share with friends when I have company over. Since most of these beers tend to be higher ABV and bombers, I don't believe it's best to store them in the fridge (plus they take up a lot of room). Also, I drink a lot of stouts and darker beers which I believe are meant to be stored a little warmer.

    The beers I buy could sit in the fridge/cooler for a week or they could be stored for a few months based on when people are over and their beer preferences. I initially looked at a dual zone wine cooler hoping I could separate the zones for this but noticed that most only go down to about 45 (I found a few that went to 41). I believe this is good if I plan to cellar the beers and evolve them but that's not really what I'm looking for. I'm just looking for the best way to store these for the short term while maintaining their best quality. Any suggestions?

    I'm looking to spend up to $400 (preferably less than $300) so the fancy beverage coolers that do it all are out of the question. I've been looking at craigslist and I've found some good deals on both options but I can't make up my mind on what's best for my situation. If I got a wine cooler that goes down to 41, is that too warm for a typical craft beer that isn't intended to be cellared (ex: IPA)?
     
    #1 kernel610, Nov 23, 2016
  2. DougC123

    DougC123 Savant (1,186) Aug 21, 2012 Connecticut

    Random thoughts: Temperature is a personal choice. Drink at whatever temp you like. Many people like the aromas that come as beers warm up into the 40's. Mine almost never last that long. The cooler you store something, the more it is preserved, in a few months will you know the difference between a beer stored at 38 vs 40? No. If you put a 38 degree beer in a glass, it will be in the 40's shortly. You can always run a fridge on the warmer side, but you can never get a wine cooler into the 30's. The fridge gives you more flexibility.
     
    #2 DougC123, Nov 23, 2016
  3. PortLargo

    PortLargo Pooh-Bah (1,831) Oct 19, 2012 Florida
    Pooh-Bah

    I would ditch the idea of wine coolers, not mainstream and likely to be problematic. Go with a conventional fridge and you can easily have the exact temp you desire (within limits of the compressor). If looks aren't important it's not too difficult to get a landfill-refugee to do the job . . . investment of zero. If not that frugal check out the dent/scratch appliances at Sears. A chest freezer (with external controller, <$20) can be used in exactly the same manner, only downside is no shelving.
     
    #3 PortLargo, Nov 23, 2016
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