A bar fridge keeps drinks cold and within easy reach, whether it's in the alfresco area, games room, home office or man cave. This bar fridge buying guide helps you choose the right size and door style, decide between indoor and outdoor models, and understand ventilation and noise so your fridge works well where you put it.
Bar fridge, mini fridge or wine fridge?
| Type | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bar fridge | Drinks for entertaining areas | Often glass doors, single or double door |
| Mini fridge | Bedrooms, offices, dorms | Compact, sometimes with a small freezer box |
| Wine fridge | Storing and serving wine | Set to wine temperatures, often dual zone |
| Portable cooler | Picnics, camping | Ice-based, no power needed |
If you mainly drink wine, a dedicated wine fridge is a better match than a bar fridge, as it holds wine at more suitable temperatures and often keeps bottles still and away from light. Browse our wine fridges, including LeCavist and Grand Cru models.
Choosing the right size
| Capacity | Good for |
|---|---|
| Under 50L | Desk or bedside, a few drinks and snacks |
| 50 to 100L | Home office, small entertaining area |
| 100 to 150L | Regular entertaining, games rooms |
| Over 150L or double door | Large alfresco areas, frequent parties |
Check the stated can capacity on the listing if you mostly store cans, and the shelf layout if you store bottles. Measure your space carefully, including height under benches if you plan to build it in.
Glass door vs solid door
- Glass doors let you see what's inside without opening the door, and look great in entertaining areas. Double or triple-glazed glass helps with insulation, and some models have LED interior lights.
- Solid doors generally insulate better and suit bedrooms and offices where a glowing display isn't wanted.
Indoor vs outdoor bar fridges
This is one of the most important decisions. A standard indoor bar fridge is designed for indoor conditions, and may struggle in hot, humid outdoor areas. Outdoor-rated fridges are built to handle warmer conditions and often have stainless steel finishes and better sealing.
If your fridge will live on a covered patio or in an outdoor kitchen, check that the product is rated for outdoor use and for the ambient temperatures in your area. Check the manufacturer's installation guidelines either way.
Built-in or freestanding?
- Freestanding fridges need clearance around the back and sides for ventilation.
- Built-in (front-venting) fridges vent through the front so they can sit flush under a bench.
Installing a freestanding fridge under a bench without enough airflow can make it work harder and may affect performance. Always follow the clearance recommendations in the manual.
Noise and running costs
Bar fridges in bedrooms, offices and living areas should be quiet. Compressor fridges generally cool more strongly, while thermoelectric models are often quieter but suit milder conditions and smaller capacities. Check the listing for the noise level in decibels where available.
For running costs, check the Energy Rating label, which shows the star rating and estimated yearly energy use. Placing the fridge away from direct sun and heat sources, and keeping seals clean, helps it run efficiently.
Where to put your bar fridge
Placement affects both convenience and performance:
- Alfresco and patio areas: choose an outdoor-rated model, keep it under cover and out of direct afternoon sun.
- Games rooms and home bars: a glass door model with interior lighting adds to the look of the space.
- Home offices and bedrooms: look for a quiet model with a solid door, and keep it away from your bed or desk if noise bothers you.
- Garages and sheds: these can get very hot in summer and cold in winter, so check the fridge's climate class and ambient temperature range on the listing.
Wherever it goes, make sure there's a nearby power point so you don't need to run an extension lead. Our extension lead safety guide explains why that matters.
Features worth having
- Lockable door for homes with kids or shared spaces
- Reversible door hinge to suit your layout
- Adjustable shelves for tall bottles
- Digital temperature control for precise settings
- Interior LED lighting to show off drinks
- Auto defrost to reduce maintenance
Setting up your bar fridge
After moving a fridge, leave it standing upright for a few hours before switching it on, or as long as the manual recommends. Let it reach temperature before loading it up, and avoid overfilling so cold air can circulate. Wipe the seals regularly and check them for damage.
Our range
Shop our bar fridges from brands including Husky, Mykin, Rhino, Eurotech, Kogan and Schmick, or go compact with mini fridges. Heading out for the day? Pick up a portable cooler from our coolers range. See every brand on our brands page.
Related guides: Fridge Buying Guide, Esky and Cooler Buying Guide, BBQ Buying Guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put an indoor bar fridge outside?
It's not recommended. Indoor fridges are designed for indoor conditions and may struggle in heat and humidity. For patios and outdoor kitchens, choose a fridge rated for outdoor use.
What size bar fridge do I need?
For a home office or bedroom, a compact fridge of up to around 100 litres is usually enough. For entertaining areas, 100 litres or more, or a double-door model, gives room for plenty of drinks.
Can I build a bar fridge into a cabinet?
Only if it's designed for it. Built-in, front-venting fridges can sit flush under benches. Freestanding fridges need clearance around them for ventilation.
Are glass door bar fridges less efficient?
Glass doors can let more heat in than solid doors, but multi-glazed glass helps. Check the Energy Rating label to compare models.
