Best beer fridges/coolers

Discussion in 'Home Bar' started by Lordwindowlicker, Jan 11, 2015.

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  1. Lordwindowlicker

    Lordwindowlicker Initiate (0) Jan 11, 2015 Maryland

    Hello all
    In my house I am finally getting my basement back. (it was an apartment for my brother in law since we bought our house) and I am planning on putting a beer fridge, cooler, or something like that downstairs. Are there any suggestions from aficionados with regard to a good mini fridge-esqe sort of thing, or one of those wine coolers that I keep seeing on sale? I don't mind using it for wine on occasion, but it will be primarily for regular sized bottles, bomber bottles, cans, etc. I have some growlers, but finding something that would accommodate those as well sounds like a pipe dream.

    Any suggestions would be a great help.
     
    #1 Lordwindowlicker, Jan 11, 2015
  2. billandsuz

    billandsuz Pooh-Bah (2,097) Sep 1, 2004 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    if all you are looking for is a small fridge for bottles you do not need to get too fancy. mini dorm refrigerators do just fine and are cheap. cheap enough so you don't have to worry about quality. look on craigslist or buy new at the Depot etc. if you have a college town nearby then that is where you want to look. expect to pay around $45 for a used Danby mini fridge. some spray paint and polish and you have a nice little bottle cooler. you can also look for something a bit bigger, the old fridges with the ice box inside work very well, are funky and also energy hogs. remove the door to the ice box and it is one big fridge really. getting rare these days though.

    wine fridges can work, but they usually have tiered cooling coils. one level for whites one for reds. beer drinkers typically just want the box to hold one temp, around 38. beer is usually stored upright too, though you can lie them down if you like. a wine cooler will have a fair amount more square footage of real estate than a mini fridge.

    you may consider an outboard temp controller (Ranco or Johnson Controls, and the analog dial works just fine) if you really want to have your beer at a specific temp, but it is not a requirement.

    if you buy used ask the seller to turn it on and chill a bucket of water for a while before you arrive. bring your thermometer. the unit should be able to get to 38F no problems. if it does not get cold then take a pass.
    Cheers.
     
    #2 billandsuz, Jan 11, 2015
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  3. Lordwindowlicker

    Lordwindowlicker Initiate (0) Jan 11, 2015 Maryland

    Thanks, Billandsuz. My main concern is capacity. So, I'll continue to investigate in various avenues.
     
    #3 Lordwindowlicker, Jan 11, 2015
  4. billandsuz

    billandsuz Pooh-Bah (2,097) Sep 1, 2004 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    sometimes you can find a used fridge at the local appliance specialty store. they always offer haul away service when you buy new, so there is usually a trailer full of used appliances waiting to be picked up. they have value as scrap though and i understand a vendor pays for the appliances. if you pay off the right warehouse guy on a slow tuesday afternoon maybe.

    and, of course, craigslist.
    Cheers.
     
    #4 billandsuz, Jan 11, 2015
    egoo33 likes this.
  5. blastoderm55

    blastoderm55 Pundit (879) Jun 7, 2013 Texas

    #5 blastoderm55, Jan 21, 2015
    Lordwindowlicker likes this.
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