Buying a Beverage Center
Beverage centers are appliances intended to keep your drinks well organized. As we always seek for more convenience, it’s not that practical to keep all your drinks in the fridge only. That way they won’t be as accessible, but with a beverage center, you can have your beverages in the shortest possible distance, cool and ready to be consumed.
There is an endless variety of sizes and options when choosing a beverage center, either commercial or residential. Consider where yours will be placed since it has everything to do with an installation option/type. There are 3 types of beverage centers: freestanding, built-in, and outdoor.
Types
Freestanding beverage centers can be placed anywhere where there's a plug-in outlet nearby, so they will be near at your convenience. Also, besides placing them on the floor, they can be seated on your counters due to their compact outlook and size.
Built-in beverage centers are planned to be built into your cabinetry and come as their extension. Another difference from freestanding models is that built-in ones vent hot air through the front of the appliance which helps the cooler perform well.
Outdoor beverage centers are produced to be placed anywhere, and be able to withstand extreme weather conditions. They are ideal for keeping drinks chilled, but they can also be used for other refrigerated goods if you're using your outdoor grill.
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Size
These appliances are designed to be compact, therefore small enough to fit any planned space you have for them. Beverage centers come in a variety of sizes, so it's important to choose one that fits your needs. If you're planning on using it for parties or events, you may need a larger capacity. On the other hand, if you just want to keep a few drinks chilled for personal use, a smaller capacity may be sufficient. These are some of the most common measurements for beverage centers:
Width 20-24"
Height 30-35"
Budget
As for the price, with beverage centers it may vary, depending on their features and types. Their cost goes from around $500 and up to $6000 for the most high-end models.
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The cooling system is another important factor to consider. Most beverage coolers use either a compressor or thermoelectric cooling system. Compressor systems are more powerful and can cool the drinks faster, but they also tend to be noisier and use more energy. Thermoelectric coolers, on the other hand, are quieter and more energy-efficient, but they may take longer to cool the drinks.
The temperature range is another important factor to consider when choosing a beverage cooler. Some coolers only offer one temperature setting, while others have a wider range of options. If you plan on storing different types of drinks, such as wine, beer, and soda, you'll want a cooler with a wider temperature range.
The design and style of the beverage cooler is also important. Consider the aesthetics of your home or office and choose a cooler that matches your decor. You'll also want to consider the placement of the beverage center and choose a design that fits the space.
Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you. Here are some features you may consider when purchasing a new beverage center:
Automatic defrost
Door lock
Door open alarm
Frost free
Glassdoor
Glass shelves
Reversible door
Outdoor use
Energy Star rating
ADA compliant
Additionally, there are some smart models including Google Home, Amazon Alexa, WiFi, and more. And all of these can be controlled from your smartphone or other smart devices.
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