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Bar Fridge | Alfresco 2 door | Schmick SK206 front view full of cold drinks

How To Choose The Right Bar Fridge

Table of Contents

Guide to Choosing the Right Bar Fridge

Introduction

Think back to those scorching summer days, you’re relaxing in your chair watching your favourite sports team kick some you know what, then realise you need another drink. But the journey to the kitchen feels like its going to be similar to crossing a desert on foot. This is where the mighty Bar Fridge comes in to save the day! This compact titan of chill is your refreshment butler, your beacon of hope in the parched desert of your living room.

Now to get serious, we are here to help guide you to selecting the right fridge for your space. Whether you are looking for a centrepiece for your man cave, adding a sophisticated touch to your office or home area, or simply want to make your backyard barbecues something to remember. By the end of this guide hopefully I have helped steer you in the right direction to picking the perfect Bar Fridge that will make you happy for years to come!

Check out our full range of bar fridges for sale

Bar Fridge | 3 door Schmick front view with all 3 sides full of drinks

Alfresco (Outdoor Bar Fridges)

Choosing the correct alfresco bar fridge is about finding that balance between style and functionality. There are a few key factors to think about like weather resistance, durability, and energy efficiency, these are non-negotiable when looking at outdoor fridges. Without taking these into consideration you run the risk of owning a fridge that doubles as an ice maker in winter or a sauna in summer, hardly ideal for your drinks or your energy bills.

Weather Resistance

Our harsh Aussie climate is a wild party of elements, from the scorching sun, to icy winds. Alfresco bar fridges are equipped with robust insulation and specialised components to help guard against the elements and always keep your drinks icy cold.

Durability

Look for materials like stainless steel or heated glass door models that can handle outdoor environments without rusting or deteriorating. Choosing a durable fridge means reliable cooling all year round.

Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency is a no brainer when looking for an alfresco bar fridge, especially when it is going to be working overtime in our harsh environment. Outdoor bar fridges with a good energy rating not only lessen the impact on your wallet but also on the environment. They will keep your drinks cold and your heart warm knowing you’re contributing to a greener planet.

So, opting for an outdoor alfresco fridge that ticks these three boxes will ensure your gathos are remembered for the good times, not the fridge failures.

Our Top 3 Alfresco Bar Fridge Picks

  • Rhino GSP | Single Door: 304 Stainless Steel and Powered by Danish Danfoss Controller and Embraco Compressor resulting in a 25% cost reduction compared to similar units. Double Glazed LOW E Glass which significantly reduces condensation and further enhances energy efficiency, can chill to 0°C even in scorching 43-degree ambient temperatures.
  • Schmick SK116 | Single Door: Comes in a Black or Stainless Steel finish, heated glass door for no condensation, can cool to 0°C even in 38 degree ambient temperatures, 7 star energy efficiency rating.
  • Rhino Envi | 2 Door: Choose between glass or solid doors, 316 stainless steel, Used by corporate giants like Heineken and Fosters Group, 10 star energy rating

Bar Fridge | Rhino GSP single door | font view full of drinks

Indoor Bar Fridges

When looking for a bar fridge to integrate into your indoor living space the focus shifts towards blending in functionality to the aesthetics and comfort of that area. The right indoor bar fridge is all about upgrading your living space without intruding on it, you want to look for the right size, noise level that isn’t to intrusive, and aesthetic appeal.

Size

When it comes to indoor bar fridges, size does matter. It should blend into your area and offer ample storage without dominating the room. Whether it’s tucking neatly under a countertop or fitting into a corner, the goal is to complement your living area’s flow.

Noise Level

This is a major factor when searching for an indoor fridge, the last thing you want is a bar fridge that hums or buzzes louder than the game you are watching or talks over your guests in the room. Low noise levels are paramount for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. Look for the words “quiet running” during your search.

Aesthetic Appeal

An indoor bar fridge should be more than just practical, it should compliment your style perfectly.  There is a massive variety of finishes and designs on the market today, from stainless steel or black finishes to custom branded footy teams. Choose something that reflects your taste and take your time to make sure you are happy with it because chances are you are going to see it every day.

Our Top 3 Indoor Bar Fridge Picks

  • Schmick JC190 | Dual Zone Wine and Fridge: comes in a sleek 304 stainless steel finish with blue LED interior lights this thing looks the part. Gives you the ability to control both sides independently, extremely energy efficient, 44db noise level which is like a kitchen fridge.
  • Schmick SK386 | Quiet Running 3 door: Black exterior finish with white or blue interior LED lights, Triple glazed LOW E glass doors, 8 star energy rating.
  • Rhino 2 Door | LG Motor: Black finish with white interior LED lights, 9 star energy rating, LG motor and double glazed LOW E Glass doors.

Bar Fridge | 2 Door | Schmick JC90 wine and beer fridge font view full of beers on one side and wine bottles on the other

Branded Bar Fridges

Branded Bar Fridges offer a unique opportunity to show off your personality and things you are passionate about. These are statement pieces that steal the show and add flair to your man cave, home bar, entertainment area or personal retreat.

The Beauty of a branded bar fridge lies in its ability to turn a dull room into a celebration of your favourite footy team, beer brand, movie or tv show. Imagine how cool it would be reaching into a fridge with your favourite footy team on it on game day or a Netflix marathon night with a fridge that pays homage to your favourite show.

Branded Bar Fridges are not just all about the cooling function, they are collectibles and conversation starters. With such a huge range of designs available on the market today the trouble is trying to find the perfect one for your area. Again take your time, hunt around and fine the right one that suits your taste.

Our Favourite Branded Bar Fridges

Bar Fridge | 160 Litre Great Northern Branded front view with door closed

Mini Fridge and Freezers

In the world of appliances, mini fridges and freezers are the unsung heroes of convenience, portability, and affordability. They may not wear capes, but they sure do pack a punch embracing the small and mighty label.

The Convenience of Going Mini

Need a cold beverage by your bedside? Check. Craving a midnight snack but don’t want the trek all the way to the kitchen? Not a problem. Looking for a way to keep your medical supplies or food chilled on your business countertop? They have got you covered. Their compact size proves good things can certainly come in small packages.

Portability

One of the most appealing features of these mini wonders is their portability. You have the ability to take them from room to room with ease, take them on road trips or tuck them into a spot in your restaurant or café.

Our Top 3 Picks for Mini Bar Fridges and Freezers

  • SD36 Mini Freezer: Labelled Australia’s smallest freezer, comes in both glass or solid door, weighs only 19kg, energy efficient and extremely quiet.
  • Coffee Machine Mini Bar Fridge: Black and stainless steel finish it can hold 2 x 2 Litre milk containers making it perfect for being near coffee machines
  • SK55 Mini Bar Fridge: perfect for accommodation rooms and motels, comes in black, stainless steel or solid door, extremely quiet and energy efficient.

Mini Freezer | Smallest Freezer front view with door closed and full of items

Upright Wine and Bar Fridges

Tall Upright bar and wine fridges blend elegance with unmatched performance and functionality. These towering beauties are a testament to your appreciation for the finer things in life.

Larger Capacity

The upright style bar fridge has a generous capacity. With more vertical space, these fridges have plenty of room to store a huge variety of beverages and wine bottles. The larger size means you will always be prepared when hosting a dinner or party. You will no longer have the need to play Tetris with your drinks if you decide on one of these giants for your place.

Efficient Organisation

With custom shelving and compartments, upright bar fridges excel in organisation. Wineos will appreciate the specialised racks designed to hold bottles at the optimal angle which makes sure corks remain moist and airtight. The efficient use of space not only protects your collection but makes choosing a breeze.

Our top 3 picks for Upright Wine and Bar Fridges

  • 209 Litre Upright Combo: This thing is a monster! It comes in a black finish with triple cooling zones. Has the ability to hold bottles and cans on one side and wine bottles on the other.
  • 405 Litre Upright Wine Fridge: Black finish with blue LED interior lights, can hold up to 135 wine bottles, triple glazed LOW E Glass and energy efficient.
  • 405 Litre Upright Bar Fridge: comes in Black or stainless steel, blue LED interior lights, fully adjustable shelving, holds up to 258 bottles or 360 standard 375ml cans.

Bar Fridge | Upright combo beer and wine fridge full of drinks with blue LED interior lights on

Conclusion

As we wrap up this journey through the world of bar fridges, I hope you now feel more equipped with the knowledge and some insight into making the right decision. Whether you are setting up an awesome outdoor area, optimising your indoor space or making a huge statement with a branded masterpiece the perfect choice is out there waiting for you.

Remember the key to selecting the right bar fridge is understanding your specific needs, style, and space. Consider what matters most to you, is it capacity, energy efficiency, noise level or all of the above?

If you are after a complete in depth guide with everything you need to know about bar fridges click this link

Now that we have shared our guide with you to finding the right bar fridge, we would love to hear from you! Do you have any personal experiences or questions? Maybe you are looking at a particular model or brand and need some advice? Whatever it is drop us a comment below or give us a call, we are always keen to answer any questions you may have.

Author Bio Image

Allan Cooper

Allan Cooper, a licenced electrician is an avid foodie, with experience in spit roasting, smoking meats, and kegerators. He loves the outdoor living lifestyle and shares it with his young family.

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