When you hear about beverage centers, wine refrigerators, and undercounter fridges, you probably get the impression that these are all nicknames for the same compact refrigerator. Well, not exactly. Each of these appliances are similar in the way they keep stored items cool, but how they do it as well as their purposes are all very different.
If you happen to be in the market for a more specialized refrigerator but don’t know which one to choose, we’re here to help enlighten you! Whether you are a wine connoisseur who prefers your vino at temperatures that closely mimic a wine cellar or just want a cold and refreshing bottle of water, the right fridge can make all the difference to your drink and experience.
So, between a beverage center, a wine cooler, and an undercounter refrigerator, what makes each one stand out from the others? From size, price, features, and more, we’re pointing out what makes these refrigerators unique and practical in any household.
What is a Beverage Center?
Let’s get one thing straight: a beverage center is not at all the same thing as a mini fridge. A miniature fridge is just that: a smaller version of a refrigerator. A beverage center has several features that that set it apart from the simplicity of a mini fridge such as better organization, a more sophisticated appearance, and features to boot
Made for both wine and regular drinks that need to be chilled, a beverage center is a convenient appliance to place in any area of your home—especially the play room, a sports den, kitchen, or space where parties tend to take place.
This KitchenAid black stainless steel beverage center (KUBL304EBS) is a great option for any home with a sleek and professionally-inspired design. The PrintShield Finish feature ensures a fingerprint-resistant fridge so you don’t have to stress about wiping it down after every hand touches it. And even though this beverage center is on the small size, it is still able to fit and display numerous wine or champagne bottles as well as other drinks.
While the outside is stunning, it’s really all about the inside when it comes to refrigerators. The Two Temperature-Controlled Zones feature allows for two independent temperature zones to keep your beverages, appetizers, and wine bottles all at the right temperatures. You’ll be able to adjust the upper zone from 33 degrees to 40 degrees and the lower zone from 42 degrees to 64 degrees.
So, if you enjoy hosting and want an easily accessible fridge for guests or for yourself, having a beverage center is the ideal choice.
Key Features of a Beverage Center
- Transparent doors
- Sleek and professionally designed
- Unique shelving for various sized cans and bottles
- LED interior lighting
- Capacity Range: 2.7 Cu. Ft. - 6 Cu. Ft.
- Cost Range: $288 - $5,200
What is a Wine Cooler?
Wine cooler, wine chiller, and wine refrigerator are all a few names that these handy appliances go by. No matter what you call them, they all aim to keep your wine stored perfectly so it tastes superb and doesn’t age prematurely. From controlling the humidity and temperature levels to preventing the sunlight to harm the wine with UV protected glass, wine coolers use innovative tech to ensure a delicious glass of wine, every time you pop open a bottle.
This Zephyr wine cooler (PRW15C01BG) comes with all the bells and whistles to make sure your wine tastes exactly the way the Vintner planned. From the PreciseTemp feature to ensure even cooling, the Vibration Dampening System which eliminates disruption to the bottles inside, to even the extra protection of the Door Open Alarm, the taste of your wine will stay as close as possible to the way your favorite winery stores it’s bottles.
So, if you’re a lover of all things wine, owning a wine fridge is the next step to achieving the perfect glass for all your home tastings.
Key Features of a Wine Cooler
- Designed with UV protected glass
- Multiple temperature zones
- Humidity control
- Temperature Control
- Capacity Range: 1.4 Cu. Ft. - 12.6 Cu. Ft.
- Cost Range: $269 - $12,300
What is an Undercounter Fridge?
Yes, there are numerous other uses for compact fridges outside of the college student’s dorm room. In fact, undercounter refrigerators are commonly used in office break rooms and residential outdoor cooking setups as well as entertainment rooms for easily accessible snacks and drinks for the whole family. The undercounter refrigerator is in many ways just like a regular freezerless refrigerator but in a much more compact form.
This Perlick outdoor refrigerator (HP24RO-3-3RL)—although it can definitely be used indoors—is very durable and is equipped with a RAPIDcool forced-air refrigeration system. This feature is all about making sure that everything stays at a temperature that is consistently cold and doesn’t allow climate fluctuations for complete food safety.
So, if you’re looking for a little extra fridge space to put groceries, snacks, beverages, and more, the undercounter fridge is ideal for handling the overflow coming from your main refrigerator.
Key Features of an Undercounter Fridge
- Usually under 34-inches in height
- Designed like a full-size fridge for compact spaces
- Less costly than refrigerators
- More energy-efficient than larger refrigeration appliances
- Capacity Range: 3 Cu. Ft. - 6 Cu. Ft.
- Cost Range: $1,079 - $7,500
Having a specialized fridge that keeps your drinks and snacks at the optimal temperature is a basic yet extremely satisfying setup. And now that you know the differences between a beverage center, a wine cooler, and an undercounter refrigerator, you can get the right one for your needs. Whether you’re looking for that bold display with the help of a wine fridge or simply a conventional beverage center to place in your sports den, Friedman’s has it all.
If you have questions or are interested in learning more about each appliance, our experts are always available to help you. Give us a call or visit today to get started on finding the right special fridge for your lifestyle.