When evaluating the top picks on the market, we judged them on capacity, temperature settings, and extras, like lighting and security features. We found the Lanbo LB80BC to be an excellent choice because it works under counters or freestanding in a home bar, and it features digital controls, automatic defrosting, and a safety lock. If you want to learn more about these small appliances, these are the best beer fridges you can buy. The Lanbo LB80BC stands out among other beer fridges because it comes equipped with all kinds of convenience features. These details include digital controls that let you set the internal temperature anywhere between 37 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit, a safety lock, a double-pane tempered glass door, and automatic defrosting. The fridge also has an impressive capacity—it’s large enough to keep several dozen beverages cold. The four wire racks can hold up to seventy 12-ounce cans. And though the shelves aren’t adjustable, the design is flexible enough to accommodate all of your needs. Two racks are spacious enough for taller cans, one is suitable for bottles lying down, and one acts as a basket. Installation is just as flexible. You can install this beer fridge under the counter for a custom look or in a freestanding spot for easy access. Just keep in mind that it isn’t garage friendly, so you’ll have to choose another model if you need something built to withstand extreme garage temperatures. That said, this particular beer fridge is actually relatively energy-efficient. According to its energy guide, the Lanbo fridge only uses approximately 176 kWh of electricity per year. It does have one potential downside, which is that it can be a bit noisy at times. Price at time of publish: $499 The fridge has other nice conveniences, despite its price. The digital temperature control is easy to adjust within a range of 40 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has a reinforced glass door with an airtight seal to help maintain the temperature and keep the unit running more efficiently. It runs quietly, and it emits an attractive soft blue LED light, too.  Now, this beer fridge is for freestanding installation only. So if you’re looking for something more custom, you’ll need to consider other options. Price at time of publish: $200
The unit has built-in Wi-Fi that gives you the ability to change the internal temperature and dim the LED light from afar. It’ll also let you know if the door is accidentally left open. Plus, the built-in controls are hidden for maximum aesthetic. The Cafe fridge is also available in many stylish finishes complete with customized hardware options, so you can match it to your space. Price at time of publish: $2,518
It’s both reliable and energy-efficient, plus comes with a surprisingly large amount of conveniences like digital controls and adjustable shelving. The 0.7-cubic-foot interior will fit a six-pack of drinks, so the capacity isn’t great—but you wouldn’t expect it to be. That said, it does have an impressive temperature range that stretches from 15 to 149 degrees. But take note: The manual does recommend pre-chilling drinks before they get stashed or giving the unit two to three hours to bring them to a ready-to-sip temperature. The fridge also manually defrosts and can be leaky. To help prevent a mess, you can put a paper towel on the interior floor and change it out as needed. Price at time of publish: $150 You can set the internal temperature anywhere between 34 and 50 degrees—perfect for beer and other beverages. The tinted, insulated door helps cool evenly and efficiently, too. Plus, the LED lighting helps you see your favorite sips, while grooves keep bottles securely in place. What’s more, the ridge automatically defrosts.  Now, some users do say the door on this model tends to bounce back open at times. To mitigate this problem, shut the door gently and double check that it’s sealed before walking away. Also, the fridge is a bit tall for some countertops, so verify measurements before making your purchase. Price at time of publish: $799 The model is freestanding and compact, which makes it ideal for installing near your pantry, in the basement, or in a tiny corner of your living room. However, it’s not garage friendly, and its door isn’t reversible. Price at time of publish: $782 The freestanding unit doesn’t come with a tap, but it’s an easy accessory to buy. And you’ll love the fact that the door is reversible, so you can make it function as seamlessly as possible in your space. It’s also UL rated for safety. Price at time of publish: $429 Installation is flexible, too. The stylish glass door, which features a recessed handle, is reversible to meet your space constraints. It has a freestanding design that you can install just about anywhere, too—a basement bar, living room, or kitchen are all good options. Other helpful features include a wide temperature range between 30 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has a safety lock to eliminate unwanted entry during holidays or dinner parties and an interior light to help you see all of the contents. On the downside, this beer fridge manually defrosts, so you’ll occasionally have to unplug the machine and chip away at the frost build-up. Plus, the internal temperature controls are mechanical. Price at time of publish: $320
You can fit plenty in the sleek glass-doored fridge, too. At full capacity, the fridge holds up to 57 cans of beer and 18 bottles of wine. There’s hardly any maintenance required, either, since the fridge automatically defrosts itself every six hours. It’s also exceptionally quiet and has a double-layered door that keeps the machine running as efficiently as possible. It’s not garage friendly, but you have plenty of other options. The unit can be installed built-in or freestanding. Price at time of publish: $960 The design is freestanding, so you can’t easily install it in a basement bar, but it’s not much of a sacrifice since the aesthetic of the unit closely resembles that of higher-end built-in models. It has a reversible glass door to suit different room layouts. On the inside, the wire shelves are trimmed with sophisticated wood and illuminated with soft LED lighting. Touch controls and a digital LED display make it easy to adjust the temperature anywhere between 34 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Price at time of publish: $310
Now, the door is fully stainless steel, so you can’t see inside—and once you open the door, you’ll notice that the shelves are all wire, which means they’re not ideal for bottles that may tip more easily. But on the plus side, the shelves are also removable so you can chill larger items, such as a small keg. Not to mention, one of the most important features for a beer fridge: It effectively maintains temperatures ranging from 32 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Price at time of publish: $1,170 What’s more, not all beer fridges are meant to withstand fluctuating temperatures, so if you intend to keep yours in an outdoor location like an al fresco kitchen or even an uninsulated, or not temperature-controlled, garage, you’ll need to select a beer fridge that’s specifically designed for this type of usage — something that will be indicated in the manual.

Can Capacity

The capacity of a beer fridge determines how many sips you can store at once. It’s typically measured in cubic feet or the number of 12-ounce cans that can fit inside the interior. On average, a beer fridge can hold 80 cans at one time. There are models with a 70-can or 90-can capacity that slightly stretch this average in either direction. If you need more storage, some models can hold up to 165, 200, and 300 cans. You can also find mini models with just enough space for a 12-pack or two that measure around 1.5 cubic feet large.

Defrost type

How your beer and beverage fridge defrosts will ultimately determine how much work you need to put in to maintain it. A model that automatically defrosts, or is frost-free, maintains itself. To prevent frost from building up along the interior walls, it occasionally heats up coils within the fridge that melt away the ice. This warming cycle doesn’t typically have a negative impact on your beer or the stability of its environment. On the contrary, a model that manually defrosts must be unplugged and unloaded when the build-up becomes a 1/4-inch thick. From there, you must chip away at the ice, let the whole model drain, and then plug it back in. For more, check out our guide on self-defrosting vs. manual defrosting.

Energy Efficiency

Though usually much smaller than your average refrigerator, it may surprise you to learn that beverage coolers, like beer fridges, may use just as much energy—sometimes more—than their full-size counterparts. This is because these types of refrigerators haven’t been held to the same energy standards. If you’re concerned about your energy use, make sure to seek out Energy Star-certified appliances.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience writing about consumer products like home appliances. To curate this list, Brigitt scoured all of the most popular retailers to find the best, most highly rated beer fridges. Then, she vetted each, evaluating all of the specs and hundreds of reviews to ensure the final list contained only the most reliable, quality options on the market today.

Also, the door on a beverage fridge doesn’t typically include any storage options, which sets this appliance apart from the typical mini or full-sized refrigerator. Lastly, the shelves inside may feature grooves to help bottles stay in place, or they may pull out for easy access to drinks. Additional reporting was conducted by Marisa Casciano, the large appliance expert for The Spruce.