Bar Fridges Australia: How to Choose by Type, Size and Budget

Bar fridges in Australia range from a 23 litre mini for a desk to a 737 litre upright, and the right one depends on where it will sit, how much it needs to hold and what you want to spend. We stock about 200 models, so this guide starts with the five types, then covers size, climate, brands and budget, using the real specifications and prices of our range. Use it as a starting point for the best bar fridge for your space, then follow the links into each category.

The five types of bar fridge we sell

Every model sits in one of five categories. The ranges below come straight from our catalogue:

  • Single door bar fridges: 145 models from 23 to 737 litres, priced from $257 to $2,427. Glass door display fridges, skinny uprights, branded and retro mini bars and solid stainless steel models.
  • Double and triple door bar fridges: 29 models from 190 to 473 litres, from $1,527 to $4,847. Built for big entertaining areas and venues.
  • Alfresco and outdoor bar fridges: 11 models from 129 to 248 litres, from $2,057 to $4,997. Marine grade stainless and weatherproof models.
  • Wine and dual zone fridges: 8 models from 122 to 405 litres, from $800 to $2,177. Separate temperature zones for wine and beer.
  • Bar freezers: 7 models from 36 to 241 litres, from $427 to $1,497. Compact under bench, glass door, upright and a portable 12V freezer.

Which bar fridge suits where

Size and capacity

Measure the space first, including the ventilation gap, then pick the capacity. Our bar fridge dimensions guide lists real width, depth and height ranges by size. As a rule, 23 to 50 litre minis suit a desk or bedside, 60 to 70 litre models suit a small bar, and the 200 litre and larger double door models suit entertaining areas. Slim spaces are covered in our slimline bar fridge guide.

Climate and noise

Australian summers are hot, and a fridge in a garage, patio or sunroom works harder. Of the 200 models we sell, 143 are tropical rated. Look at the ambient rating on each product page, and read the tropical rated article before putting a fridge anywhere that is not air conditioned. If the fridge sits in a living area, check the sound rating: our quietest models are rated as low as 38 dB, and our quiet bar fridge guide lists them.

Brands we stock

Most of the range is Schmick, with 122 models, followed by Rhino with 37 and Cub with 28, plus Holden, Fuel, Dellcool, Dellware and Blastcool models. Rhino suits outdoor and commercial use, and our Rhino bar fridge guide covers it. Branded beer designs are in the branded beer fridge guide.

Bar fridge budget

  • Under $500: compact mini fridges and small freezers, from $257.
  • $500 to $1,500: many of the single door glass door and skinny upright models, plus the entry wine fridges from $800.
  • $1,500 to $3,000: double door models, larger wine fridges and the first outdoor models.
  • $3,000 and above: triple door commercial models and the top alfresco fridges, up to $4,997.

These bands are guides only. The price on each product page is the price you pay, and shipping is free across Australia.

How to choose the best bar fridge

  • Where will it sit: indoors, alfresco or in a venue?
  • How much space is there, and what is the ventilation clearance?
  • Glass door to show drinks, or solid door for a cleaner look?
  • Do you need a lock? Read the lockable bar fridge guide.
  • How quiet does it need to be, and is it tropical rated?
  • What is the warranty? Our bar fridges list a 2 years parts and labour warranty.

Bar fridge, wine fridge or bar freezer

A bar fridge keeps drinks cold at one temperature, a dual zone wine fridge splits the cabinet into two temperatures, and a bar freezer holds ice, ice cream and frozen mixers. If you drink mostly beer and soft drink, a bar fridge is enough. If you also keep wine, a dual zone model avoids chilling it too hard. Many home bars pair a bar fridge with a small bar freezer, and our bar fridge versus bar freezer comparison helps you decide which one to buy first.

More bar fridge guides

If you want to go deeper, start with the top bar fridges for sale guide, then read the guides for glass door fridges, beer fridges, stainless steel bar fridges, built in bar fridges and bar fridges versus bar freezers.

Bar fridges Australia questions

What is the best bar fridge in Australia?

The best bar fridge is the one that fits your space and use. For indoors, a glass door model with a quiet compressor suits most homes. For outdoors, choose a tropical rated alfresco model. For venues, choose a commercial rated double or triple door model.

How much does a bar fridge cost in Australia?

In our range, bar fridges run from $257 for a compact model to $4,997 for the top alfresco fridge. Most home bar fridges sit between $500 and $2,000.

Do you ship bar fridges across Australia?

Yes. Shipping on our bar fridges and freezers is free across Australia, and we have warehouses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

How do I order?

Add the fridge to your cart and complete the order form. We confirm your order by email. Paying with a cryptocurrency takes 10% off, explained in our crypto discount article. Browse the full shop or contact us if you need help choosing.

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