15 Best Beverage Coolers (Review) In 2021
- 1. hOmeLabs Beverage Cooler
- 2. Vremi Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
- 3. NewAir 126 Can Freestanding Beverage Cooler
- 4. NewAir Stainless Steel Beverage Cooler
- 5. Antarctic Star 26 Bottle Beverage Cooler
- 6. Whynter BR-130SB Beverage Refrigerator
- 7. Antarctic Star Mini Fridge Cooler
- 8. Kalamera Stainless Steel Beverage Cooler
- 9. Aobosi Beverage and Wine Cooler
- 10. Antarctic Star Beverage Mini-Refrigerator
- 11. Aobosi 164 Cans Beverage Cooler
- 12. Phiestina 100 Can Compressor Beverage Cooler
- 13. Tavata Beverage Refrigerator
- 14. EdgeStar Extreme Cool Beverage Cooler
- 15. KUPPET Beverage Cooler
The Best Beverage Cooler
In the summer months, not much can beat a refreshing drink, chilled to perfection, consumed in the comfort of your own home or garden. There is also nothing quite as satisfying as coming home after a long day at work, putting your feet up on the sofa, and cracking open your favorite chilled beverage.
If either of these ideas appeals to you, then you might consider investing in a beverage cooler. A beverage cooler or chiller is a mini-fridge specifically designed for chilling drinks. They differ from the design of a fridge, for example with their glass doors, a stainless steel build, and more powerful refrigeration capability thanks to a compression system. A beverage cooler will also have more precise temperature settings and an adjustable thermostat.
If you are considering buying a chiller, whether to keep your family refreshed daily or to have an ample supply of chilled drinks on hand when you next host a party, our guide will help you. We consider the best beverage coolers available on the market and highlight the key features you should look for before you make a purchase.
1. hOmeLabs Beverage Cooler



Key Features
3.2 cubic feet
Free-standing beverage refrigerator
LED interior light
120 can capacity
3 adjustable chrome shelves
Single zone
Large digital display
Whisper quiet compressor
18.9inch(w) x 33.3inch (h) x 17.30inch (d)
Our best choice for a beverage cooler is from hOmeLabs and can keep up to 120 cans cold. This is free-standing, ideal for use under the counter, and comes with a transparent glass door and stainless steel frame. The white LED interior light will allow you to see the drinks display at all times.
The hOmelabs Beverage Cooler also has three removable shelves and is powered by a quiet compressor and noiseless fan. The adjustable thermostat situated inside the door allows you to set the temperature as low as 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Overall this is good quality, nice-looking, spacious beverage center.
Pros
Spacious
Reversible door hinges
Good aesthetic design
Quiet operation
Cons
If used under-counter you will need several inches all around it for adequate ventilation
2. Vremi Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler



Key Features
3.2 cubic feet
Free-standing design
White backlit LED lighting
Holds 100-120 cans (depending on the size)
3 adjustable chrome shelves
Adjustable temperature from 34 to 50 degrees F
115v, 75w chiller with whisper-quiet compressor
Auto-defrosting
The Vremi Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler is constructed with high-quality steel and glass, making it a durable option for your kitchen. The durability is matched with an elegant black and stainless steel design and soft lighting, so it doesn’t look out of place as an under-counter appliance in your kitchen.
There is a whisper-quiet compressor and a convection fan that works to keep a constant temperature throughout the interior of this single zone mini-fridge. The digital thermostat gives you the flexibility to set a temperature between 34 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and, if there is any kind of power cut, this machine will restore the cooling system to its previous setting. If you are planning to fill this beverage cooler with cans of drink, then you may find that it only really holds 90-100 at any one time unless you are using miniature cans. If the top shelf is full, you will also block the interior light. The reversible door feature and auto-defrosting function make this a very user-friendly fridge.
Pros
Spacious
Adjustable feet for uneven floor
Large temperature range
Auto-defrosting
Quiet operation
Cons
Can capacity is more likely to be 90-100
Lighting is obscured if you put cans on the top shelf
3. NewAir 126 Can Freestanding Beverage Cooler





Key Features
126 can capacity
Free-standing beverage fridge
Temperatures: 37 – 64 degrees F
7 custom thermostat settings
5 removable chrome racks
Reversible stainless-steel door
The NewAir 126 Can Freestanding Beverage Cooler has a greater depth than the Vremi and hOmelabs products, although the designs look similar. This product has a capacity of 3.4 cubic feet and comes with five removable, adjustable chrome shelves. The extra shelves and space mean you can use this to store bottles or cans. You can fit up to 126 cans in this cooler if arranged correctly.
The compressor system is relatively quiet and operates as low as 37 degrees F, and you can custom set the thermostat according to your preferred temperature. With its large capacity, this is a great addition to any office or home bar space. It may not work so well as an under-counter option due to the dimensions. Some customer reviews have highlighted that there are some reliability issues with this product.
Pros
Large capacity
Custom thermostat settings
Durable design
Cons
No auto defrost function
Reliability issues
4. NewAir Stainless Steel Beverage Cooler




Key Features
1.6 cubic feet
Temperatures: 37 – 64 degrees
Compact design
5 custom thermostat settings
Quiet operation (39dB)
18.9inch (d) x 16.75inches (w) x 19.75inches ()
Another model from NewAir, this product is a miniature beverage cooler, holding only up to 60 cans with some creative stacking. The NewAir Stainless Steel Beverage Cooler is a compact fridge that would work well in a private office or as a drinks store next to your sofa for convenience. The cooling system can be programmed between 37 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit, and you get to choose from five custom thermostat settings. It is one of the quietest models available, but then you would expect this from such a small design.
The removable shelves make it a versatile chiller, within the confines of its dimensions. However, unlike some of the larger versions, the door only opens on the right side which does reduce its versatility slightly. There is also no auto-defrost function so you will have to do this throughout the year manually.
Pros
Compact design – ideal for under desks or tight spaces
Removable shelf
Quiet operation
Relatively lightweight so can be moved around
Cons
Non-reversible door
No auto-defrost
Small capacity
5. Antarctic Star 26 Bottle Beverage Cooler




Key Features
Air-cooled frost free system
No vibration
Hold 26 standard wine bottles
Quiet compression operation
Temperature range: 40 – 61 degrees F
Soft LED lights
Free-standing fridge
The Antarctic Star 26 Bottle Beverage Cooler can comfortably hold wine bottles or a variety of canned drinks depending on how you arrange the shelves. The wine fridge has slightly different features than the standard beverage coolers to help it to protect your wine. These features include a non-vibrating cooling system that doesn’t disturb the sediment in your wine and a tempered glass door that protects your wine from UV light. The temperature control for this chiller is positioned on the exterior and has a range of 40 – 61degrees Fahrenheit. This means you don’t have to disrupt the sealed environment whenever you want to change the thermostat.
As this is promoted as a wine cooler with your best wine preserver, it would be better if there was a dual temperature zone, so you could set the ideal temperature for different types of wine. The Antarctic Star works well as a beverage or wine cooler, but don’t expect to be able to fit 26 bottles inside comfortably; it will be incredibly cramped.
Pros
Reversible door
Blocks UV light
Vibration-free
Frost-free system
Temperature control on exterior of the fridge
Cons
Single zone system
26 bottle capacity is overly optimistic
6. Whynter BR-130SB Beverage Refrigerator






Key Features
Holds 120 standard 12oz cans
Black with stainless steel frame
Temperatures: 30 – 60 degrees F
Free-standing beverage center
Soft LED lighting
Internal air-cooled system
The Whynter BR-130SB Beverage Refrigerator allows you to chill 120 cans, and space can be customized with five removable wire shelves. The soft interior blue LED lighting can also be turned off when not in use, which is a relatively rare feature with these appliances. The internal air-cooled system of the Whynter beverage refrigerators ensures that there are an evenly cooled space and a constant temperature throughout the interior.
The exceptionally powerful, albeit slightly noisy compressor in this model allows you to set temperatures as low as 30degrees Fahrenheit, so it is perfect if you want extra cold drinks. They have also constructed this cooler with a fan that fits flush in the casing, so it is a space-saving design. However, the product information states that you can put it cleanly against a back wall, without the need to leave extra space for ventilation. This seems not to be the case as it shuts down from overheating if there isn’t at least a few inches of space all around the unit. The Whynter beverage center comes with a cylinder lock, so it is a great for child safety or for keeping unwanted hands away from your drinks supply!
Pros
Low-temperature setting
Reversible door
Powerful cooling
Large capacity
Cylinder lock
Cons
Loud
Misleading ventilation guidelines
7. Antarctic Star Mini Fridge Cooler



Key Features
1.6 cubic feet
Mini-sized fridge
Temperatures: 40 – 61degree F
Clear double-paned door
Removable shelf
Purple LED lighting
Frost-free system
38dB
Our best value choice for a beverage cooler comes from Antarctic Star. This is a compact unit, with a 1.6 cubic feet capacity, equivalent to 60 cans. The Antarctic Star Mini Fridge Cooler comes with adjustable feet so can be used on uneven floors, has a temperature control dial, and an air-tight seal to keep moisture and warm air outside. The frost-free system also means you are unlikely to have to manually defrost the unit at any point.
The double-pane tempered glass door without any protruding handle gives this cooler a very smooth look, and it operates very quietly so is unlikely to disturb you if you put this under a desk or in your living room. There is also a reversible door, making this even easier to fit into tight spaces. The thermostat on this Antarctic Star model is adjustable, but it will only go as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This is perfectly adequate to chill drinks but not ideal if you like them super cold.
Pros
Quiet operation
Reversible door
Appealing design
Adjustable feet
Cons
Shelf is not very sturdy
Small temperature range
8. Kalamera Stainless Steel Beverage Cooler





Key Features
104 can capacity
Four removable wire shelves
Temperatures: 32 – 41 degrees F
Solid stainless-steel door
Low noise output
Free-standing or built-in option
Blue LED light
Security lock
The Kalamera Stainless-Steel Beverage Cooler has a capacity of 104cans. Its size is somewhere between the mini coolers (60 cans) and regular drinks chillers (120cans). This model differs from many other chillers in that it has a stainless steel door, with no glass panels, so you can’t see any of the drinks on display, but there is still a blue LED light when you open the door.
Features of the Kalamera beverage cooler include a security lock on the base of the door, protecting little fingers from accidentally opening and closing it, removable shelves for versatile storage, and digital temperature control which is easy to operate. This fridge also comes with a front-facing fan, meaning that it can sit flush against a wall or be built-in to your kitchen without worrying about overheating. You will notice that the temperature range on this machine is pretty narrow. Great if you want extra cold drinks (32degrees F) but not great if you want to store wine or other drinks that are best at over 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
Built-in option due to front fan
Security/child lock
Digital temperature control
Adjustable shelves
Cons
Cannot see the drinks display
Small temperature range
Not suitable for wine cooling
9. Aobosi Beverage and Wine Cooler



Key Features
Dual-zone cooling
2-in-1 beverage and wine cooler
Holds 18 wine bottles
Safety lock
42dB
Built-in or free-standing option
Adjustable feet
Advanced cooling system
Non-fall shelves
Frost-free model
The Aobosi Beverage and Wine Cooler come with a high price, but when you look at the features of this model, you can see why. Firstly, it has an advanced temperature system that works on a dual-zone basis. This means you can put beer or soft drinks on one side, and set the temperature between 35.6 – 50 degrees F for this zone. On the other side of the cooler, you can store wine bottles and get a temperature of 41-64.4 degrees. The result? Perfectly chilled wine and sodas.
Next, the shelves for this cooler have been thoughtfully designed so that they don’t slide all the way out when you pull them forwards, so there is no danger of your cans dropping on the floor. Of course, if you want to adjust the set-up, you can fully remove the shelves. The Aobosi has a front-facing fan, so you can use it either as a free-standing unit or built-in fridge and it comes with a lock and key meaning you get to control who has access to your drinks! The only real downside of this unit, apart from the price, is the position of the thermostat. To make any changes, you need to open the doors, thus disturbing the internal environment. This is fine for the sodas, but not ideal for wine storage.
Pros
Independent temperature zones
Stainless glass door
Free-standing or built-in versatility
Sliding, removable shelves that don’t slip
Cons
Thermostat on exterior
Expensive model
10. Antarctic Star Beverage Mini-Refrigerator



Key Features
4.5 cubic feet capacity (120cans)
Digital touch control panel
Automatic lock function
Temperatures: 40 – 61 degrees F
Removable steel shelf
UV resistant double glass door
Another option Antarctic Star is their 4.5cubit feet beverage cooler. Don’t be misled but the title in the product information which advertises this as a mini-fridge. The Antarctic Star Beverage Mini-Refrigerator holds 120 12oz cans, whereas most mini models will hold only 60. Customer reviews of this cooler are consistently positive, and it seems to do everything that you would expect from a well-built beverage cooler. It has a sleek design with a double-paned glass door, a powerful but relatively quiet compressor, and removable shelves for versatile storage.
This is one of the few models that has the digital control panel on the outside, meaning you don’t have to prop the door open to make any changes. This control panel also auto-locks to avoid accidental changes. As with the mini Antarctic Star refrigerator, the thermostat on this model will only go as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This is perfectly adequate to chill drinks but not ideal if you like them super cold.
Pros
Adjustable shelves
Auto-lock temperature control
External control panel
Cons
The lowest temperature is not very low
11. Aobosi 164 Cans Beverage Cooler



Key Features
Advanced compressor
Consistent air circulation
The light turns on and off with door operation
Holds 94 standards sized cans
15 inch wide
Free-standing or built-in option
Four removable, adjustable metal shelves
Temperatures: 36-50 degree F
Switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit
Security lock
Our premium pick for the best beverage cooler is another Aobosi model, although this one is not designed for wine storage. The Aobosi 164 Cans Beverage Cooler has a very slim design of only 15inches wide, yet still holds up to 94 cans. You can remove the shelves and use it for bottles, but we wouldn’t recommend it for wine bottles due to the cold settings and limited ability to store the bottles horizontally.
The digital control panel is straightforward to operate and can be locked (or will auto-lock after 3 minutes) to protect the thermostat from any accidental operation. There is also a safety lock at the base of the chiller and an open door alarm. This Aobosi cooler can be used as a built-in kitchen appliance or free-standing fridge thanks to the front-facing fan, and the adjustable feet will help you ensure it stays perfectly positioned despite any uneven flooring. It is worth noting that this cooler does not have a reversible door, the handle can only be on the left, so you should consider this before you rush to get one.
Pros
Screen lock protection
Child safety lock
Built-in option
Door open alarm
Slim design
Cons
Cost
Non-reversible door
12. Phiestina 100 Can Compressor Beverage Cooler





Key Features
Advanced compressor cooling – energy efficient
100 can capacity
Chills to 38degrees F
Slim design (15inch width)
Adjustable wire shelves
Right or left door opening
The Phiestina 100 Can Compressor Beverage Cooler allows you to chill 100 standard cans to a temperature of your choice, between 38 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a slim design, so great if you are short on under-counter space. The advanced compressor cooling in this unit is quieter than several other refrigeration systems as it doesn’t need to run continuously to maintain the appropriate chiller level. You still get cold drinks, but with less energy consumption and less noise.
As with all similar beverages coolers, you will need to ensure there is space around the unit to avoid overheating, especially as the exterior of this machine gets very hot. There have been some customer reviews that highlight durability concerns for the Phiestina, mostly around condensation on the glass.
Pros
Slim design
Reversible door
Sturdy adjustable shelves
Cons
Reports of durability concerns
Must have inches of space all around the unit to avoid overheating
13. Tavata Beverage Refrigerator

Key Features
3.2 cubic feet capacity
Three removable shelves
Left hinge door
Cools to 40degrees Fahrenheit
Whisper-quiet compressor
Easy touch controls
Memory function to restore to previous cool settings
No vibration
Blocks out UV light
The Tavata Beverage Refrigerator works adequately with a 3.2 cubic feet capacity, but it is not the best beverage cooler on the market. The product information for this is quite misleading, so it is worth fully researching before making a decision to purchase.
This unit is very appealing from an aesthetic perspective, with a UV resistant glass door and steel frame with no protruding handle. Plus you have the option to turn the lights on or off according to your preferences. Unfortunately, the temperature settings for this unit are not as advanced as the competitors. You control the thermostat with a dial, but this only shows the minimum, medium, or maximum settings. There is no guidance as to how chilled the interior will be at each of these levels. Even on the minimum setting, this doesn’t seem to go lower than 43 degrees, and there is no digital display to monitor the internal environment.
Pros
Super-sleek design – no protruding handle
On/off option for lighting
Cons
Cooling dial only has minimum, medium and maximum labels
No temperature display
The lowest setting is not very cold
14. EdgeStar Extreme Cool Beverage Cooler





Key Features
Holds 52 cans
Cools to 38 degrees F
Reversible door
Manually controlled interior lighting
Compact design
Free-standing unit
The EdgeStar Extreme Cool Beverage Cooler is worth considering if you are looking for a small size fridge, ideal for an office or dorm room. It holds only 52 cans if organized correctly but chills them quickly. At only 38lbs it is quite feasible to move this cooler around the house if necessary.
The reversible door also makes it easy to reposition whenever needed. There is a straightforward digital control panel to see and set the temperature, and the handle-free stainless-steel door means it will fit in with any interior décor. The EdgeStar is designed to be free-standing and portable, so you cannot put this under the counter. You should also be aware that it does make more noise than many other beverage refrigerators.
Pros
Easy to move (lightweight)
Reversible door
Compact
Easy control panel
Cons
A little noisy
No adjustable feet
Free-standing only
15. KUPPET Beverage Cooler




Key Features
1.3 cubic feet capacity
Holds 80 cans
Precise electronic, lockable controls
Cools to 37.4 degrees F
LED interior lights
Five removable chrome shelves
If you are looking for a chiller with a sleek, black design, then the KUPPET Beverage Cooler is one of the best beverage coolers for you. It is aesthetically very appealing and has a good selection of features to complement this. There are removable shelves in case you want to change some of the 80 cans into bottles, and you can customize the precise temperature between 37,4 and 50 degrees F.
The control panel is very user-friendly and auto-locks to avoid any accidental changes. The can capacity is reasonable, and although there are many larger versions available, this does make the Kuppet a relatively compact option at only 16.9inches wide. It is also not too heavy if you decide to relocate it from time to time. The main drawback of this cooler seems to be the noise. While it promises that you will get a quiet environment, it is fairly loud when turned on.
Pros
External controls
Aesthetically pleasing
Precise settings
Auto-locking control
Cons
Loud
Low can capacity
Features To Consider With Beverage Coolers
Temperature Control
The best beverage cooler will have an easy to operate, wide-ranging temperature control. Depending on how cool you want your drinks to be you can choose options that go as low as 30 degrees or others that can be set at up to 60 degrees. The important thing is to select a model that is easy to control and preserves your chosen temperature constantly.
Light Control
Most beverage centers have LED lights on the interior. If you don't want to have the continuous glare from this light as a distraction then you can find models that either only light-up when you open the door or come with a switch to have the light permanently on or off.
Auto Defrost Function
If you don't like the idea of manually defrosting a fridge on occasion then it is best to select a cooler with an auto-defrost or anti-frost function. This will do the hard work for you.
Energy Efficiancy
Sadly, beverage chillers are not great when it comes to energy saving; they consume a relatively high amount considering their size. You can judge the energy efficiency of a cooler by looking at the kilowatt-hours per year in the product information but a quicker solution is to look for an appliance that has an EnergyStar certificate. These will be, on average, 20-30% more efficient.
Size
The average height of an under-counter cooler will be 31inches but the width and depth will vary so make sure you take accurate measurements. The larger the dimensions, the greater capacity you get and this capacity typically ranges from 1.4 to 4.6 cubic feet. The quality of the fridge is not relative to the size, so it is best to opt for one that meets your needs. If it is an office unit or one that you plan to stock for parties then a large capacity is often needed. But if you just want a few chilled cans for a small household then a capacity of less than 2 cubic feet will be adequate.
Aesthetics
Most people will have their drinks cooler on display so it is best to pick an option that fits with your decor. A beverage cooler is generally a nice looking appliance that is quite unintrusive, and you can select a black, steel, or glass finish to best suit your taste. You may also like our selection of the best kegerators.
Placement
Placement of your cooler is extremely important to ensure it does not overheat. Front-facing fans don't require any additional space around the unit and can be built-in to a kitchen. Free-standing models will need to be a place that allows around 6inches of space at the back, and either side, for the right ventilation.
When deciding where to put your beverage chiller, also look at whether or not you need a reversible door.
Beverage Cooler FAQ
Q: What is a beverage cooler?
A beverage cooler or chiller is a mini-fridge that is specifically designed for chilling drinks.
Q: How cold should a beverage cooler be?
How cold you would like your beverage refrigerator to be is a personal preference but usual ranges are between 35 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: Can you use a beverage cooler as a refrigerator?
Even the best beverages cooler does not get cold enough to act as a refrigerator to safely store food. It also does not have the drawers or glass shelves that you would normally need in a fridge.
Q: What is the difference between a beverage cooler and a wine cooler?
A wine cooler will not be as cold as a beverage cooler, and this is deliberate to create the optimal temperature for wine preservation. Wine coolers will also have specially designed shelves to hold bottles securely in a horizontal position to avoid the sediment being disturbed. A beverage cooler will only have racks suitable for cans or small drinks bottles. If you plan to store a lot of wine then check out our review on the best wine coolers.
You May Also Like: Wine Racks
Q: Can I use a beverage cooler for food?
It may be fine to use for a very short period of time to keep your food chilled but a beverage cooler does not have the right settings to preserve food in the way a fridge would.
Q: Why are beverage coolers so expensive?
Beverage coolers vary considerably in price, largely due to the functions and cooling systems. Those with advanced energy-efficient, whisper-quiet compressors will be expensive due to the technology they are constructed with. If you choose a large capacity, multi-functional cooler this will also be more expensive.