With the improvement of the quality of life, more and more families begin to pay attention to the practicality and aesthetics of the kitchen. Undercounter Beverage Refrigerator Cooler have become an ideal choice for many home bars and kitchens because of their space saving, convenience and stylish appearance. Whether storing beer, soft drinks or wine, a suitable beverage refrigerator can help you enjoy cool drinks at any time while keeping the kitchen tidy and organized.
1. Determine the size of the available space
Before choosing a beverage refrigerator, you first need to accurately measure the size of the location where you plan to install it. Undercounter beverage refrigerators are generally available in 15-inch, 18-inch and 24-inch widths. In addition to the width, the height and depth of the cabinet must also be measured to ensure that the refrigerator can be fully embedded under the cabinet and the door can open smoothly.
Consider the surrounding ventilation space to avoid the refrigerator's performance being affected by poor heat dissipation. It is usually recommended to reserve at least 1-2 cm of space on the left and right sides and back to ensure air circulation. If the kitchen is being renovated or plans to redesign the cabinets, you can choose a model with customized size to achieve a more seamless embedding visual effect.
2. Capacity and storage function
The capacity of the beverage refrigerator determines how many drinks you can store. Generally speaking, the capacity ranges from about 60 cans to 175 cans. You need to judge the required capacity based on your living habits. If you often host parties or family gatherings, it is recommended to choose a model with a larger capacity to prevent the refrigerator from being filled with drinks too quickly.
Many models come with adjustable shelves, so you can adjust the storage space according to the size of bottles and cans. For example, some shelves can be tilted to place bottles, making it easier to access wine or large bottles of beverages. If you like to store a variety of mixed drinks, it is recommended to choose a flexible shelf design that supports a variety of bottle and can sizes.
3. Refrigeration technology and temperature control range
The refrigeration performance of beverage refrigerators directly affects the taste and shelf life of beverages. Common refrigeration methods are compressor refrigeration and thermoelectric refrigeration:
Compressor refrigeration: Strong performance, suitable for large-capacity models, can quickly reach and maintain low temperatures. The general temperature control range is 34°F to 50°F (about 1°C to 10°C), suitable for a variety of beverages such as beer, soda, wine, etc.
Thermoelectric refrigeration: Quiet operation and low energy consumption, suitable for small refrigerators. However, in high-temperature environments, the cooling effect may be limited and is not suitable for storage needs that require extremely low temperatures.
Some high-end models support dual-zone design, which allows two independent temperature zones to be set in the same refrigerator to meet the differentiated temperature requirements of different beverages, such as storing red wine and beer at the same time.
4. Noise level
Beverage refrigerators are usually placed in the kitchen or living area, and the noise level directly affects the home experience. Generally speaking, thermoelectric refrigeration refrigerators are quieter, while compressor refrigerators may make slight operating noises.
If you are sensitive to noise, it is recommended to choose a model marked "low noise" or equipped with noise reduction technology. You can also check user reviews to understand the noise performance in actual use. The silent design not only improves the comfort of use, but is also suitable for nighttime use.
5. Energy efficiency performance
With the increase in environmental awareness and the increase in electricity costs, it is very important to choose energy-saving refrigerators. It is recommended to choose products that have passed ENERGY STAR certification or have similar energy efficiency labels. Such models can significantly reduce electricity consumption while ensuring performance.
LED lighting bulbs are not only bright and generate less heat, but also have a long service life, which can effectively reduce overall energy consumption. Built-in LED lights can also beautify the interior of the refrigerator, making it easier to find drinks at night or in low-light environments.
6. Design and appearance
Beverage refrigerators are not only storage devices, but also decorative items. Common appearances on the market include brushed stainless steel, matte black, pure white, and customizable panel styles. When choosing, you should consider the coordination with the overall style of the kitchen to create a unified aesthetic.
The material of the door is also important. Glass doors allow you to see the drinks inside without opening the refrigerator, which is convenient and quick, and also more display-like. However, glass doors generally have slightly inferior thermal insulation performance. Solid doors have better thermal insulation, a simpler appearance, and are more durable.
Some models are equipped with internal LED lighting, which adds a sense of visual hierarchy and makes it easier to find drinks.
7. Additional features
UV-resistant glass: UV rays can damage the quality of beverages, especially wine. Beverage refrigerators with UV-protective glass can effectively extend the shelf life of beverages.
Safety lock: If there are children at home or you need to prevent drinks from being taken at will, the lock design is very practical to ensure the safety of drinks.
Smart control: Some high-end models support Wi-Fi connection, and can remotely adjust the temperature and monitor the status through the mobile phone app, increasing the convenience of use and the smart experience.