Keeping your favourite drinks at the right temperature is all-important.
When you want to enjoy a cold beverage on a hot day, it’s great to have a can or bottle of your chosen tipple to hand.
Family fridges can quickly fill up, leaving little room for those essential extras. Some people get around this by buying a second fridge that they keep in a utility room, or a small fridge to accompany the main one in the kitchen.
Drink coolers are a great alternative. Whether used for wine, beer, soft drinks, or bottled water, they ensure your drinks are kept at the optimal temperature to enjoy.
What exactly is a drinks cooler, and what makes one an inspired choice for a growing number of people?
A drinks cooler, sometimes known as a mini fridge or a beverage cooler, is a compact refrigeration unit specifically developed to store and chill beverages. It’s an excellent choice for many purposes, be that a busy family home, home bar, or commercial setting such as a cafe or outdoor catering service. Indeed, drinks coolers come in a range of shapes and sizes to suit a variety of needs. Larger examples are ideal for cafes, restaurants, and other catering outlets, while smaller drinks coolers are perfect for homeowners. Small countertops models are a popular choice when space is limited, and larger freestanding units are suitable for commercial enterprises. Most drinks coolers feature adjustable temperature settings to customise the cooling level to personal preference and the needs of the drinks being stored.
Drinks coolers have various advantages when it comes to storing cold beverages in your home:
● Temperature control
Drinks coolers can maintain your favourite drinks at their optimal temperature. Whether you enjoy ice-cold fizzy drinks, crisp white wines, or chilled beer, drinks coolers ensure your drinks are consistently chilled to perfection.
● Convenience
Drinks coolers are convenient, removing the need to keep your drinks in your main refrigerator to keep your beverages chilled. Because they are usually compact in design, they fit seamlessly into your kitchen, or other rooms, providing easy access to your refreshments whenever you need them.
● Protection from vibrations
While many people understand the importance of protecting wine from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations, what’s less well-known is the impact that vibrations can have on wine. Household appliances, and foot traffic, can all create vibrations that disrupt the sediment in your wine. When this occurs, the taste can suffer. Wine coolers protect wine from vibrations, ensuring a consistent environment.
● Space-saving
Your regular refrigerators may be overloaded with food items and other necessities but a drinks cooler is dedicated solely to storing your drinks. This not only frees up valuable space in your main fridge, it also ensures your drinks are easily accessible; there’s no need to rummage through crowded shelves.
● Versatile
Drinks coolers are incredibly versatile appliances able to accommodate a wide range of beverages, including cans, bottles, and boxes. Some may even feature specialised compartments, like a freezer section for ice or frozen treats.
● Energy efficient
Drinks coolers are considerably more energy efficient than a standard-sized refrigerator. If you’re considering a secondary fridge for your home because you need extra space, a drinks cooler may be the best choice. It removes the need for your drinks to be stored in the main fridge, giving you more space to fill with food or other essentials.
Drinks coolers are highly versatile and available in a variety of sizes to meet different requirements. In the home, drinks coolers are often stored in the kitchen. They may have their own place within your kitchen design, or in the case of a small countertop design, are placed on a surface. Utility rooms are another popular location for storing drinks coolers, as too are home bars where you have access to a power supply. Wherever you decide to locate your drinks cooler there are a number of key considerations to bear in mind:
● Accessibility
Your drink cooler should be placed in a location that is easily accessible to you and any guests. In general family life, this will often be the kitchen. If you are hosting a party, this might be a home bar.
● Ventilation
The drinks cooler will need proper ventilation to allow for adequate airflow around the unit. The cooler should not be placed in enclosed spaces or against walls, as this can impede airflow. When that happens, the compressor will need to work harder, potentially leading to overheating.
● Temperature
Avoid placing the drink cooler in direct sunlight or near sources of heat, such as radiators or ovens, as this can have an impact on cooling efficiency. Instead, choose a location with stable ambient temperatures to help the drinks cooler maintain consistent cooling performance.
● Stability
The drinks cooler should be placed on a level surface to prevent it from tipping over or vibrating excessively during operation. A freestanding unit should be positioned on a stable base to prevent any wobbling or instability. Drinks coolers are highly versatile and only require some basic considerations when it comes to where they are kept. Also, some smaller drinks coolers are entirely portable, meaning that they can be relocated as needed.
Drinks coolers are reliable appliances that with some basic maintenance will continue performing at an optimal level for many years. Here are a few tips to keep your drinks cooler running efficiently:
● Regular cleaning
Clean the interior and exterior of the drinks cooler regularly to remove dust, dirt, and spills. Use a mild detergent or a dedicated cleaner and a soft cloth to wipe down the surfaces, taking care to avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the finish.
● Defrosting
If your drinks cooler has a manual defrost function or accumulates frost over time, be sure to defrost it periodically to prevent ice from building up. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for defrosting, and avoid using sharp objects to chip away at the ice as this can damage the interior surfaces.
● Air Circulation
The area around the drinks cooler should be kept clear of obstructions to ensure proper airflow and ventilation. Avoid blocking the vents or placing items on top of the cooler, as this can hinder the cooling performance.
● Temperature monitoring
Regularly check the temperature settings and monitor the interior temperature of the drink cooler to ensure that it is operating within the desired range. Adjust the settings as needed to maintain optimal cooling conditions for your drinks.
