You dream of impressing guests in your stylish home bar. From the backsplash to the chairs, you’ve thought of every detail — but you still need somewhere to store your favorite drinks.
Enter the trusty bar fridge. Sometimes referred to as a compact fridge or a mini fridge, it provides between two and six cubic feet of beverage storage space. Small, yet important, this appliance can enhance the appearance of your home bar while also making it easier and more enjoyable to serve your guests.
Today’s bar fridges come in all shapes, sizes, and designs, but there’s a lot to love about models with glass doors. With the right fridge, you should never struggle to decide which beverage to enjoy — or when to hit the store for another twelve-pack.
If there’s a downside to the vast selection of bar fridges currently available, it’s that the prospect of choosing only one can feel overwhelming. We’re here to help you make the right decision.
In this detailed guide, we’ll show you what to look for in a small bar fridge — and we’ll highlight five of the best mini bar fridge with glass door options.
The Top 5 Small Bar Fridges With Glass Doors
Frigidaire Gallery FGBC5334VS
- This spacious fridge has a maximum capacity of nearly 200 twelve-ounce cans.
- The precision control system comes with an LED display.
- The sleek stainless steel door and tinted glass window give this fridge contemporary vibes
- An audible alarm alerts you when the door has accidentally been left open.
- The front venting system allows for built-in installation, which appeals to many people with upscale home bars.
- Most customers are pleased to report that this fridge is incredibly quiet.
- This fridge is not Energy Star certified and it’s not particularly efficient as compared to top competitors.
- Available temperatures between 34°F and 50°F provide less of a range than some competing fridges do.
- Some users have complained that this fridge is too tall to conveniently fit beneath counters.
- With an MSRP of nearly $800, this fridge may be prohibitively expensive.
- There is no lock included with this fridge.
NewAir AB-850B
- This customizable fridge lets you designate seven “set it and forget it” temperature options to account for every beverage storage scenario imaginable.
- A lock and key system keeps this fridge secure. This should provide peace of mind for parents with young children or intrigued teenagers.
- This fridge’s extra-small size makes it a top candidate for compact spaces, with the reversible door allowing for an even wider range of bar layouts.
- A full year of warranty coverage should inspire confidence in your purchase. The same can be said for the 30-day customer satisfaction guarantee, which promises no-hassle returns.
- The small capacity of just 2.2 cubic feet limits storage capabilities — particularly for bulkier items. As such, this fridge may be limited to beer or soda can storage.
- Uneven cross supports on the shelves make it difficult to keep beverages secure. This can cause frustration when loading the fridge.
- Reversing the door may limit the use of the fridge’s built-in lock.
Antarctic Star ASBR128SS
- The double paneled glass door makes it easy to see which beverages are available.
- The fridge cools beverages evenly, so you can feel confident no matter how many cans or bottles you store on its four shelves.
- Soft purple lighting enhances the already attractive appearance of this trendy bar fridge.
- The digital temperature control display can be accessed without needing to open the fridge’s door.
- The working temperature range is somewhat limited as compared to similarly sized bar fridges from other brands.
- Some customers complain that this fridge is too loud.
- As an exclusively freestanding fridge, this model is less versatile than the select options that provide built-in bar functionality.
- The 90-day parts and replacement guarantee pales in comparison to the one-year warranties offered by competing brands.
Whynter BR-130SB
- The reversible door enhances layout flexibility.
- Stainless steel design gives this fridge a chic appearance, as does the soft LED lighting.
- The recessed handle delivers a flush finish to make the fridge even more compact.
- An abundance of adjustable shelves makes it easy to organize beverages stored in this fridge.
- This fridge’s internal fan-forced circulation ensures even temperature control, so all beverages are kept exactly as cool as desired.
- This fridge includes a one-year limited warranty and a straightforward process for taking advantage of this coverage.
- Many customers claim this fridge is quiet, but some find its soft, water-like sound annoying.
- Accessing the temperature settings can be inconvenient at times, since there are no digital displays or exterior controls available.
- While the ability to reverse the door is appreciated, the actual process of doing so can be complicated and time-consuming.
hOmeLabs HME030065N
- If the fridge is unplugged or suffers a power outage, the memory function can ensure that it’s restored to its previous temperature.
- An auto defrosting feature detects when the fridge is about to reach freezing and can adjust its operation to prevent frozen beverages or ice buildup.
- Most users describe this fridge as being very quiet.
- Double-box packaging increases the likelihood that, when shipped, the fridge arrives in excellent quality.
- The one-year warranty is accompanied by a helpful return and exchange policy spanning 30 days.
- This fridge has fewer adjustable shelves than similarly sized models from competing brands do.
- Some customers have reported receiving the fridge with dents.
- LED lighting is pleasant but cannot be adjusted for desired brightness levels.
- While the hOmeLabs return and exchange policy is appreciated, a restocking fee applies when taking advantage of this opportunity.
Now that you know which qualities to seek in the ideal bar fridge, it’s time to take a closer look at specific models. Begin by narrowing down your search based on a particular brand or fridge size. From there, you can continue to narrow your selection according to preferred temperature settings, display options, and other cool features.
For the purpose of this guide, we’ve exclusively highlighted bar fridges that include glass doors. While there are plenty of excellent fridges available without glass, this helpful feature makes it possible to see which types of beverages are available. Glass doors also provide an immediate visual cue when it’s time to restock your fridge.
As you search for the perfect fridge to add to your home bar, take a close look at these top options:
Frigidaire Gallery FGBC5334VS 5.3 cu.ft Built In Beverage Center
Frigidaire FGBC5334VS 5.3-Cu. Ft. Built-In Beverage Center
Frigidaire has long been a trusted name in the large appliance space. The brand certainly lives up to its reputation with this spacious beverage center, which is an essential purchase if you prefer to avoid freestanding fridges. Not only does this provide a sleeker, more cohesive look, it frees up valuable space for your home bar.
If desired, you can make the most of the maximum capacity of 195 twelve-ounce cans. That being said, you’re better off sticking with 165 cans to make storing, organizing, and retrieving beverages a bit easier. Either way, this wonderful Frigidaire bar fridge will help you keep all your favorite wines cool for your next big party.
Description and Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 5.3-Cu. Ft. |
| Dimensions | 23.25″ x 23.44″ x 34.125″ |
| Weight | 110.2 lbs. |
| Annual Energy Consumption | 307 kWh |
| Shelves | 3 |
| Defrost Type | Automatic |
| Certifications | UL Listed |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Why Customers Love This Beverage Cooler
Pros
- This spacious fridge has a maximum capacity of nearly 200 twelve-ounce cans.
- The precision control system comes with an LED display.
- The sleek stainless steel door and tinted glass window give this fridge contemporary vibes
- An audible alarm alerts you when the door has accidentally been left open.
- The front venting system allows for built-in installation, which appeals to many people with upscale home bars.
- Most customers are pleased to report that this fridge is incredibly quiet.
Cons
- This fridge is not Energy Star certified and it’s not particularly efficient as compared to top competitors.
- Available temperatures between 34°F and 50°F provide less of a range than some competing fridges do.
- Some users have complained that this fridge is too tall to conveniently fit beneath counters.
- With an MSRP of nearly $800, this fridge may be prohibitively expensive.
- There is no lock included with this fridge.
NewAir AB-850B 2.2-Cu. Ft. Freestanding Beverage Fridge
If you’re not familiar with the NewAir name, you’re in for a pleasant surprise: this American brand began as a garage-based business, primarily selling evaporative coolers and portable air conditioning units. It has since grown considerably but retained the emphasis on quality that has attracted a loyal customer base from day one.
Small but effective, this mini bar fridge gets the job done when you’re short on space. This multi-purpose fridge works wonderfully in a small bar but is also at home in offices, dorm rooms, and in many other settings. Its small size makes it an ideal solution when you only need simple beer fridges in your basement.
Three removable shelves allow you to accommodate not only cans and bottles, but also a variety of larger items. Despite being considerably smaller than most of the other bar fridges in this guide, this NewAir model can still accommodate a respectable number of 90 twelve-ounce cans.
Description and Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 2.2-Cu. Ft. |
| Dimensions | 9.60″ x 18.90″ x 25.20″ |
| Weight | 49 lbs. |
| Shelves | 3 |
| Noise Level | 38 dB |
| Certifications | ETL |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Why Customers Love This Beverage Cooler
Pros
- This customizable fridge lets you designate seven “set it and forget it” temperature options to account for every beverage storage scenario imaginable.
- A lock and key system keeps this fridge secure. This should provide peace of mind for parents with young children or intrigued teenagers.
- This fridge’s extra-small size makes it a top candidate for compact spaces, with the reversible door allowing for an even wider range of bar layouts.
- A full year of warranty coverage should inspire confidence in your purchase. The same can be said for the 30-day customer satisfaction guarantee, which promises no-hassle returns.
Cons
- The small capacity of just 2.2 cubic feet limits storage capabilities — particularly for bulkier items. As such, this fridge may be limited to beer or soda can storage.
- Uneven cross supports on the shelves make it difficult to keep beverages secure. This can cause frustration when loading the fridge.
- Reversing the door may limit the use of the fridge’s built-in lock.
Antarctic Star ASBR128SS 4.4-Cu. Ft. Beverage Refrigerator
Antarctic Star specializes in compact wine and beverage fridges, as well as ice makers. While the brand may not provide the name recognition of your typical Frigidaire, it does offer the opportunity to score a stylish and functional bar fridge at a reasonable price. These fridges are easily available for purchase online, with multiple sizes and styles available.
At 4.4 cubic feet, this is among the largest bar fridges available from Antarctic Star. It’s pleasing to the eye but also styled to work well beyond the conventional home bar. While its temperature settings don’t run quite as cool as some bar fridges, it’s possible to get beverages thoroughly chilled without worrying about ice buildup.
Description and Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 4.4-Cu. Ft. |
| Dimensions | 20.5″ x 21.3″ x 31.3″ |
| Shelves | 6 |
| Defrost Type | Frost Free |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Why Customers Love This Beverage Cooler
Pros
- The double paneled glass door makes it easy to see which beverages are available.
- The fridge cools beverages evenly, so you can feel confident no matter how many cans or bottles you store on its four shelves.
- Soft purple lighting enhances the already attractive appearance of this trendy bar fridge.
- The digital temperature control display can be accessed without needing to open the fridge’s door.
Cons
- The working temperature range is somewhat limited as compared to similarly sized bar fridges from other brands.
- Some customers complain that this fridge is too loud.
- As an exclusively freestanding fridge, this model is less versatile than the select options that provide built-in bar functionality.
- The 90-day parts and replacement guarantee pales in comparison to the one-year warranties offered by competing brands.
Whynter BR-130SB 3.1-Cu. Ft. Beverage Refrigerator
Based in California, Whynter focuses on achieving a high-end feel at a reasonable price with its lineup of trendy fridges. This goal is clearly accomplished with this particular bar fridge, which provides 3.1 cubic feet of beverage storage. This freestanding fridge is meant to be a showcase piece, designed to attract attention wherever it’s displayed.
Perfect for storing cans of beer or soda, this stylish fridge should fit seamlessly into any contemporary space. Its five adjustable wire shelves easily slide out to accommodate 15 or 25 cans each. The temperature control system includes seven settings, which are accessible via a simple dial located within the fridge.
Description and Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 3.4-Cu. Ft. |
| Dimensions | 33″ x 17″ x 18.5″ |
| Weight | 59 lbs. |
| Annual Energy Consumption | 350 kWh |
| Shelves | 5 |
| Noise Level | 44 dBA |
| Certifications | ETl Listed |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Why Customers Love This Beverage Cooler
Pros
- The reversible door enhances layout flexibility.
- Stainless steel design gives this fridge a chic appearance, as does the soft LED lighting.
- The recessed handle delivers a flush finish to make the fridge even more compact.
- An abundance of adjustable shelves makes it easy to organize beverages stored in this fridge.
- This fridge’s internal fan-forced circulation ensures even temperature control, so all beverages are kept exactly as cool as desired.
- This fridge includes a one-year limited warranty and a straightforward process for taking advantage of this coverage.
Cons
- Many customers claim this fridge is quiet, but some find its soft, water-like sound annoying.
- Accessing the temperature settings can be inconvenient at times, since there are no digital displays or exterior controls available.
- While the ability to reverse the door is appreciated, the actual process of doing so can be complicated and time-consuming.
hOmeLabs HME030065N 3.2-Cu. Ft. Beverage Refrigerator
hOmeLabs largely focuses on smart devices, with the goal of making the average home as connected and easy to maintain as possible. While this simple fridge doesn’t quite live up to the brand’s smart home category of products, it has an appealingly modern appearance and a few helpful digital features that streamline everyday use.
Designed to fit 120 cans, this fridge includes a total of four shelves. Three of these are removable, so you can replace cans with wine bottles, if desired. The digital thermostat is easily accessible, as are the controls for the built-in LED lights. In general, this fridge is easy to set up and operate, making it a desirable choice for a simple and straightforward home bar.
Description and Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 3.2-Cu. Ft. |
| Dimensions | 17.30″ x 18.87″ x 33.25″ |
| Weight | 68.3 lbs. |
| Annual Energy Consumption | 288 kWh |
| Shelves | 4 |
| Certifications | UL Listed |
| Warranty | 2-years |
Why Customers Love This Beverage Cooler
Pros
- If the fridge is unplugged or suffers a power outage, the memory function can ensure that it’s restored to its previous temperature.
- An auto defrosting feature detects when the fridge is about to reach freezing and can adjust its operation to prevent frozen beverages or ice buildup.
- Most users describe this fridge as being very quiet.
- Double-box packaging increases the likelihood that, when shipped, the fridge arrives in excellent quality.
- The one-year warranty is accompanied by a helpful return and exchange policy spanning 30 days.
Cons
- This fridge has fewer adjustable shelves than similarly sized models from competing brands do.
- Some customers have reported receiving the fridge with dents.
- LED lighting is pleasant but cannot be adjusted for desired brightness levels.
- While the hOmeLabs return and exchange policy is appreciated, a restocking fee applies when taking advantage of this opportunity.
What Makes Up a Great Small Bar Fridge?
No one fridge is ideal for every bar. Often, the inherent limitations of these fridges (and the spaces in which they’re contained) will force you to make considerable tradeoffs in terms of size, capacity, or design. Despite this, a little research should reveal a decent selection of bar fridges that meet your unique needs.
Before you start looking into details, it helps to know what, exactly, you want to accomplish with your bar fridge. Will you be keeping dozens of guests refreshed during well-attended parties? Or do you simply want quick access to a soda or can of beer when you watch TV in your basement? Consider also which types of beverages you want to store and whether you will need other tools or ingredients nearby.
This seems like a lot to keep in mind, but you may quickly realize that you gravitate towards a few select bar fridge designs. Key factors to keep in mind when selecting a small fridge for your home bar include:
Energy Usage and Energy Ratings
A wasteful fridge can be shockingly expensive to run. Keep energy bills to a minimum by selecting the most efficient fridge available. This is most easily determined by checking for Energy Star certification. Look for details listed as annual energy use in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year.
Unfortunately, many of the best bar fridges are not Energy Star certified. Still, it’s possible to find a reasonably efficient fridge if you do your homework. Compare similarly sized options to determine which models are the most efficient. These should be examined alongside the U.S. federal standard for maximum energy consumption based on the size of the fridge.
In general, aim for an energy efficiency rating of under 300 kWh per year. Many excellent models provide consistent cooling for under an annual 200 kWh. Check the estimated cost of operation to determine how much you can expect to pay to keep your bar fridge running.
Design
Fridge design should be a key consideration, particularly if you want to stay faithful to a particular aesthetic. Many of today’s most attractive bar fridges have a contemporary appearance, complete with clean lines, and often, stainless steel construction. That being said, a few bolder and brighter models are also available.
Door design also matters. As we’ll discuss later, this determines how quickly guests are able to assess your beverage selection. While glass takes away from the uniform, neutral-oriented look that so many people favor these days, there’s no denying the practical appeal of this approach. Look for aesthetically pleasing frosted glass designs.
Be sure to also take the orientation of the door into account. Where are the hinges located? Is the door reversible? While this matters little for some freestanding fridges, other styles or locations may call for the door to open a certain way.
Don’t forget lighting, which plays a greater role in fridge selection for glass door models. These days, most options come with LEDs, which are more efficient and capable of providing a brighter glow. Some bar fridges allow you to adjust lighting levels so the fridge is as bright or as dim as you desire.
Removable Shelves
Removable shelves are always useful, but they’re particularly vital for the smallest bar fridge sizes. These shelves deliver much-needed versatility, so you can organize beverages and other items strategically.
If, for example, you intend to store dozens of cans of beer or soda, you can keep the original shelves in place. If however, you need extra room for wine bottles or other bulky items, bar fridge shelves can typically be adjusted to make space. In most cases, bar fridges will feature anywhere between three and six shelves total, with some or all available for adjustment.
Space
Bar fridges should be small enough to fit seamlessly within a compact space but large enough to store all your favorite beverages. The ideal size will largely depend on the bar’s layout and how you intend to use the fridge.
Most people prefer fridges spanning between three and five cubic feet. Depending on the shelving and general layout, a fridge of this size can accommodate anywhere between 100 and 165 twelve-ounce cans.
In addition to these metrics, consider the height, width, and depth. While these matter less in a freestanding fridge, they’ll play a vital role in the selection process if you intend to install your bar fridge beneath — or alongside — your counters. Some built-in systems are adjustable, so they can be designed to fit perfectly within your bar. These types of fridges actually save space as compared to their freestanding counterparts.
Temperature Controls
The ideal bar fridge should feature easy-to-navigate controls that allow you to adjust the temperature as needed. The exact temperature required will vary based on the types of beverages you expect to store in your fridge. Experts recommend 55°F for white wine and tannic ciders, for example, compared to just 35°F or 40°F for mass-market beers.
When in doubt, a model with a range between 35°F and 60°F should allow you to properly cool just about anything you want to serve. A smaller range may be acceptable if you primarily intend to store a specific type of beverage, such as beer or soda.
In addition to closely examining the range of temperatures available, consider where and how they units are displayed. Many modern bar fridges include digital displays that provide immediate indication of the fridge’s current temperature. Others provide preset solutions so you don’t have to think too hard about how cool certain types of beverages should be kept.
Find a Durable Fridge That Works for You
At this point, you may be surprised by the degree to which seemingly simple bar fridges can differ. From aesthetics to shelving space and even temperature controls, a variety of factors can influence your final decision. Once you’ve examined the full bar fridge collection and settled on the perfect compact fridge, you can expect ample space for storing and cooling a variety of beverages.
When in doubt, look for a durable and versatile solution that will store all the essentials for your dream bar. If you struggle to choose between multiple favorites, take a closer look at the energy label. A careful decision will serve you well in years to come. You’ll be excited to show off your trendy fridge as you serve your guests in style.
