Think about it: Has anyone ever really said, “I need a salad” after having a long day? In contrast, everybody can agree, there’s nothing quite like a nice, ice-cold beverage to hit the spot, whether it’s treating yourself to some much-needed self-care or a toast to celebration. In order to provide you with that satisfaction, our experts have compared a select list of beverage centers, narrowing down our top choices for best overall, greatest value, ultimate in luxury, best for small spaces, and best dual-zone beverage cooler.
The following are our suggested beverage centers in each category. Regardless of which drink fridge you end up choosing, make sure to keep these factors in mind to ensure your investment is worth it.
Any good beverage center should have:
- Ample shelving
- Reversible doors
- Capacity
- Interior lighting
- Temperature control zones
Still unsure what a beverage center is? Enjoy a refresher with our guide on the different types of compact refrigerators and all their benefits!
Best Overall Beverage Center
U-Line® 5.1 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Frame Dual Zone Beverage Center
When it comes to refrigeration, it’s hard to outdo the U-Line® brand, with over 50 years of designing quality refrigerator appliances to its name. This particular beverage fridge is a prime example of how careful attention to user experience can make something as simple as a beverage center the spotlight of your kitchen.
On top of boasting an impressive 5.1 cubic feet of storage space and independent, dual-temperature controls, we were sold by the following features that are virtually everything you can ask for in a beverage cooler.
- Flexible installation; use as a freestanding unit or as a built-in
- 19 bin and rack slots allow adaptable configuration
- Bottom Slide & Secure™ bin keeps items in place and contains spills
- Articulated hinges open flush with nearby cabinetry
- Soft-closing door
Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Beverage Center
Frigidaire® 4.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Beverage Center
Pictured: Frigidaire® 4.6 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Beverage Center (FFBC4622QS)
Versatility goes a long way when you’re a beverage enthusiast. You’ll definitely want space for cans and bottles, but dedicated compartments can sometimes be more of a commitment than you’d like. By keeping things simple, this Frigidaire beverage center lets you switch up what to store in a temperature range between 33 to 50 degrees. Take a look at these other outstanding features:
- Adjustable shelves
- Reversible door
- Universal handle; no matter if you’re a lefty or a righty, the handle is easy to use.
- Celsius or Fahrenheit digital temperature display
- Large capacity: store up to 138 12 oz. cans, plus room for bottles
Best Premium Beverage Center
JennAir® RISE™ 24" Stainless Steel Built-In Undercounter Beverage Center
Pictured: JennAir® RISE™ 24" Stainless Steel Built-In Undercounter Beverage Center (JUBFR242HL; see: JUBFR242HM for black)
JennAir has taken its signature, obsidian-black interior from its refrigerators and placed in its NOIR™ and RISE™ line of under-the-counter beverage centers. The effect? A sleek, professional look that says, “Let the party begin!”
When we say premium, we mean it:
- Independent temperature zones with six expertly crafted presets
- Smooth-closing racks keep your wines from shaking and flavors from separating
- Motion-responsive LED lights work for you
- Soft-closing door for quiet operation
- Articulating door hinges open flush with your cabinetry, not against it
Side note: This wine and liquor refrigerator is available in a left-handed configuration and right-handed configuration; make sure to order the correct handle type you need.
Best Dual-Zone Beverage Center
KitchenAid® 4.8 Cu. Ft. Beverage Center
Pictured: KitchenAid® 4.8 Cu. Ft. Beverage Center (KUBL304ESS)
Let’s recap the importance of temperature zones. Dual-temperature zones let you customize individual climate settings in two separate compartments; whereas, a single-temperature control can only chill between a set range of temperatures—typically between the low-to-mid 30s and up to 50 degrees.
Not a deal-breaker if you’re only enjoying brews, soda pop, and water. But storing wine—which experts recommend not to chill below 40 degrees —together at the same temperature as truly frosty beer can potentially ruin a wine’s flavor profile.
That’s why we chose this KitchenAid® dual-zone beverage center as our top pick. There’s plenty of room to store wines below (up to 14 bottles) and ample shelving above, so you can double-stack 12 oz. cans and easily fit longneck bottles. Another selling feature is the unique black cabinet interior. Just like a traditional wine cellar, this finish keeps the beverage cooler’s internal space cool, dark, and absorbs heat from light before your beverage containers do.
Other reasons we love this dual-zone beverage center include:
- Easy-to-read LED lights visible through the door
- UV-protected thermal glass door filters out harmful light rays
- Dual temperature controls (top: 33-40 degrees; bottom: 42-62 degrees)
- Flexible installation; use as a freestanding unit or as a built-in
Best Compact Beverage Center
Perlick® Signature 2.8 Cu. Ft. Frame Beverage Center
By definition, a beverage center is compact, but sometimes having something a little smaller to finish off an awkward corner of your kitchen is just the thing you need. Using a 15-inch footprint, this beverage center is sleek yet functional, and with 100 years of award-winning history to its name, the Perlick brand proves big things do come in small packages.
Why we loved this beverage center:
- Slide-out shelves open out for easier stocking and emptying
- Wide temperature range; chill between 33 and 48 degrees
- Store up to eight wine bottles
Cheers to Reliable Beverage Centers
With the right beverage center in your home, you’ll be ready for any occasion! Whether you’re looking for a place to store your favorite wine selections from the Napa vineyards or a hub for brews, soft drinks, and refreshments, you can count on Friedmans Appliance in Pleasant Hill for dependable refrigerators that give any kitchen a luxury look. Browse, compare, and shop our brands today to see why we’ve been a Trusted Name in the Bay Area since 1922™!