Whether you're hosting your mates to watch the footy, having a barbeque with family, or throwing a cocktail party, a bar fridge can be an invaluable addition to any form of home entertainment. Compact and inexpensive, there are many different types of bar fridges to choose from. Bar fridges are ideal for outdoor kitchens, studio apartments, holiday homes, small offices and even mobile homes. Most people are surprised by how much these compact devices can store, and how many different features they can come with nowadays, such as having an icebox section ideal for storing ice cubes, frozen veggies, ice-creams and more. That being said, there are many different things you have to consider when selecting a bar fridge, in order to make sure you get the best suitable model for the money you spend.
Placement
Where do you plan on placing the bar fridge? As briefly aforementioned, not all bar fridges are made the same. For instance, outdoor bar fridges are made with more durable materials and feature better insulation so that the outdoor temperatures don't affect its cooling power. Some questions to ask yourself is whether you're going to install the fridge indoors or outdoors, whether you want to place it under a kitchen island or workspace, so that you can consider how the fridge should vent, and what its cutout dimensions should be.
Ventilation
All types of fridges and freezers produce a fair amount of heat, so if you place them in a space that's too tight, the heat will have nowhere to go, and you risk overheating and thus damaging the appliance. The amount of ventilation space required will vary depending on the model of the fridge and the manufacturer. As a rule of thumb, you want 2-3cm of extra space on all sides and at the top and back for ideal ventilation.
Durability
As aforementioned, if you're looking for outdoor bar fridges, you'll need to make sure the models you're considering are capable of withstanding the changing outdoor environment. This can mean the difference between having a fridge last for a few years or a fridge that will go the distance. Luckily, outdoor fridges are usually rated for outdoor use and are classified as such online, so you'll have a good idea of what you can pick from. Generally, outdoor fridges are made of high-grade, quality stainless steel which is rust- and corrosion-resistant.
Capacity
Knowing what you'll be storing in the bar fridge before buying one can help you decide on the capacity you'll need. Consider the layout and dimensions of the fridge inside to see if it will have adequate storage for your needs. If you're planning on storing food, then you'll need a model that's food safety certified. These fridges are evaluated, tested and certified to keep temperatures as low as 40°C and are built using food-safe materials.
Design
When it comes to bar fridge designs, you'll find fridges with both glass and metal shelving. Whether you go for metal or glass is up to personal preference, but both types have their own advantages. Metal shelving, for instance, is great for improving the energy-efficiency and increasing airflow due to the air flowing between the grates. Glass shelving, on the other hand, is ideal for storing smaller items, especially perishable items. That being said, consider how you want to use the fridge before you buy it. Sliding shelves and shelves made for wine or beer specifically, are also available.
Energy Efficiency
All bar fridges come with an energy star rating. The more starts a fridge is rated, the more energy-efficient it is. Generally, a 3 start fridge is super energy-efficient, but of course, that will come at an added cost. If you're too concerned about energy consumption, you can turn the fridge off when you aren't using it for extended periods, such as when going on holiday.
Lighting
A well-lit glass refrigerator will be easy to use and access drinks and foods from, even if it's pitch dark. Look for fridges that feature LED, as LEDs don't produce heat, unlike other types of lighting. Further, LEDs are long-lasting, high-performance and are the best option for energy efficiency and longevity.
Installation and Maintenance
After you buy your new bar fridge, make sure it works optimally by keeping it fully stocked. This ensures the fridge doesn't have to cool extra space, which translates to saving energy costs. Further, make sure you leave 2-3cm around the fridge when installing it to improve airflow. As far as maintenance goes, clean the compressor fan and coils regularly to maintain the fridge's sleek look and optimum efficiency. If your fridge has clean coils, it won't have to work as hard to maintain the same level of performance. And if you know you won't be using the fridge for a while, just turn it off. However, make sure it's completely dried out, and you can leave a package of baking soda inside the fridge so it absorbs odours.
