Rating of the best minibars for the home for 2022

Connoisseurs of elite alcohol will appreciate the opportunity to install a mini-bar in their home. Previously, such devices were considered available only in luxury hotels or hotels, now, if desired, they can appear in an ordinary apartment. By installing such a thing, you will not only pleasantly surprise your guests, but also enjoy comfort.

What is a mini bar?

Many probably first learned about this device thanks to foreign films, where the hero consumes elite drinks stored in a small refrigerator. Now let's take a closer look at the features of the product.

So, the mini-bar is a small refrigerator that can be built into the furniture. It first appeared in the early 60s of the last century. Initially, such devices were used only in hotels. The guest could find there several varieties of strong alcohol, wine, beer, glasses and small snacks. Also, expensive hotels for regular customers filled the bar at their request. The cost of food and drinks in the mini-bar significantly exceeds the cost of similar goods that can be purchased in the bar of the same hotel. Later, special automated systems were developed that began to keep a record of what is in the refrigerator. The guest is given a certain time to examine the product, and in case of no need to return it to its place. Usually this time does not exceed a minute. Also, for greater convenience of guests, these products in most cases have a transparent door. The volume of minibars is usually around 20-90 liters. Some models may have a small freezer.

Types of mini-bars

Such beverage storage devices differ in the type of their design and cooling system. By design, mini-bars can be built-in or be a separate piece of furniture. The first option is very popular, both in hotels and in offices. Since such an installation makes it invisible to others. But such models are also popular at home.In this case, the minibar is not only hidden from prying eyes, but also does not require finding free space. Such a mini-bar can be installed both in the wall and in a piece of furniture. For example, in a sofa, chair or table. As for stand-alone products, here too the design can be made in such a way that no one will guess that there is a small refrigerator in front of him. The doors of such products can be both glass and completely hidden, as well as combined.

If we talk about the volume of the bar, then the most common option is up to 70 liters. Cabinets with a capacity of 20-30 liters are commonly used in offices. Here you can place several varieties of alcohol. If you want to have a richer arsenal, then a larger volume will be required. Less common are models with a volume above 70 liters. Such options usually include a freezer. But since such mini-bars are not in great demand, it is much more difficult to find them on sale.

According to their cooling system, mini-bars are divided into three types: compression, adsorption and thermoelectric. Compression models are considered a budget option. Such products make noise during their work, although not strong. Also here there is a rapid cooling of the internal space, and at the same time the device does not consume a large amount of electricity. Compression models can be installed in inexpensive hotels, offices or apartments. Thermoelectric devices practically do not emit noise during their operation. This allows their installation even in the bedroom, in addition, it is worth noting that such models are not very expensive to maintain.Adsorption models also do not make excessive noise, but they have a high cost and rather expensive maintenance.

DIY minibar

If buying a minibar seems like a costly affair to you, then you can try to make it yourself. This design can be both mobile and stationary. Everything will depend on your needs and capabilities.

You can independently make a product for storing alcohol from wood or metal. The first option will be simpler, require less effort and certain skills. In addition, wood is not only easier to work with, but it can also be easily decorated. Everything will depend on your imagination. In addition to wood, you can also use plywood or MDF panels. If you decide to work with metal, then it will require a certain skill and additional tools that may not be found in every home.

As for the design of the mini-bar, the simplest option would be a small cabinet with shelves and a place to store glasses. Such products can be either installed on the floor or hung on the wall.

If you are the owner of a wild imagination, then it will not be difficult for you to convert one of the unnecessary things in the house into a mini-bar. And it's not just old furniture. For example, for this case, you can use an old suitcase. Inside, you can add it with pockets and shelves, and decorate the outer surface so that the product is successfully combined with interior items. But at the same time, one should not forget that such a mini-bar must be well fixed so as not to render its contents unusable.

Also, if you want to make a bar with your own hands, do not forget about the proper storage of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol does not like direct sunlight.Also, certain types of drinks lose their taste if the temperature regime is not observed. For example, cognac whiskey should be stored vertically, and wine horizontally. This moment will also be important in order to preserve all the taste of the drink.

Criteria for choosing a minibar

Before buying a minibar, you should decide on its internal volume. To do this, you need to know how much free space you have and how much alcohol you plan to store. In this case, you can not overload the device, the shelves can break from heavy loads.

Also, the design should fit well into the interior of the room or office space. Embedded models can save usable floor space. Also, if your choice fell on the option with a glass door, then do not worry about its quality. Such models are made of durable glass, resistant to physical impact.

When choosing a cooling system, look in which room your minibar will be installed. But if you decide to install it in the bedroom, even the quietest device will emit a small amount that can interfere with restful sleep. In this case, it is better to install away from the bed.

Since a certain type of alcohol requires its own temperature regime, you should inquire about this parameter before buying. There are models that maintain the same temperature throughout the interior, and there are options with multi-temperature. In the second case, one part of the product will have a lower temperature (about 5-6 degrees), and the other part will be warmer (about 15 degrees). As mentioned above, large-volume models may have a freezer. For some, this will be a significant plus when choosing a device, while for others it will not be a necessary element.Everything will depend on your preferences in alcohol.

Also, it will not be superfluous to ask about the amount of energy consumed. Many modern models operate in an energy-saving mode, which will reduce electricity bills. The auto-defrost function and the presence of a backlight will be very useful.

The best compressor minibars

Tesler RC-73 Wood

"Tesler RC-73 Wood" is an inexpensive option for a home minibar. The front panel of this model has a wood finish, thanks to which no one will think that your supply of alcohol can be hidden behind the door.

The volume of internal space in "Tesler RC-73 Wood" is 68 liters. At the same time, 62 liters are reserved for the refrigeration space, and 6 liters are given to a small freezer. Inside there are 2 small shelves where you can place a snack or bottles in a horizontal position. The shelves are made of metal, so they can withstand heavy loads. The lower part of the "Tesler RC-73 Wood" is reserved for storing bottles in an upright position. There are 3 holders on the inside of the door where you can place snacks or bottles in an upright position.

"Tesler RC-73 Wood" has an A class of electricity consumption. Its power is 67 watts, which will consume 0.42 kWh per day. Product size is 62*44.5*46.5 cm.

The average cost is 9500 rubles.

• There is a small freezer;
• Two metal shelves;
• Stylish design;
• Small power consumption;
• The noise level does not exceed 39 dB.

• There is no possibility to outweigh the door;
• There is no automatic defrost.

Tesler RC-55

This minibar model is available in white, silver color options, and there is also an option with a wood finish.Due to its small dimensions, "Tesler RC-55" can be easily placed even in a small room.

The total volume of the refrigerator compartment is 50 liters, where 5 liters are reserved for the freezer. Inside there is one shelf made of metal. That provides wear resistance and increases the service life of the product. The shelf is positioned in such a way that on the bottom of the Tesler RC-55 you can easily place alcohol in a vertical position, and the upper part can be adapted for snacks. There are two holders on the door with which you can hold drinks or snacks.

"Tesler RC-55" has an A class of energy consumption. Therefore, the device consumes only 142.3 kWh per year. During operation, the mini-bar will not disturb you with excessive noise. The dimensions of this model are 44.5 * 46.5 * 49 cm, and its weight is 16 kg.

The average cost is 7000 rubles.

• Suitable for small space
• Several color options;
• Metal shelf;
• Quiet operation;
• Affordable cost.

• You cannot change the side of the door opening;
• There is no automatic defrost.

The best thermoelectric minibars

Gastrorag BCH-40BL

"Gastrorag BCH-40BL" is a small ventilated mini-bar with a thermoelectric cooling system. This model can be used both at home and in the office.

The volume of the refrigerating chamber is 40 liters. Inside there are 2 shelves made in the form of lattices. The distance between the shelves can be adjusted, which allows you to store both small products and bottles in a vertical and horizontal position. There are also holders on the door where glasses or bottles can be placed.The temperature here can be adjusted from 0 to +8 degrees. "Gastrorag BCH-40BL" has a No Frost system. Thanks to this, the temperature inside the chamber is distributed evenly, frost is not formed and the device does not need to be defrosted in the future.

The dimensions of the Gastrorag BCH-40BL are 40 * 44.5 * 54.6 cm. The power is 0.07 kW.

The average cost is 11,000 rubles.

• Small size;
• Does not require defrosting;
• Possibility to hang the door;
• Steel case;
• Lock.

• There is no freezer.

Gastrorag BCWH-68

A distinctive feature of this model from the company "Gastrorag" is the presence of two temperature zones. "Gastrorag BCWH-68" has two compartments, one of which is designed specifically for storing bottles of wine. In this department, the temperature is maintained from 8 to 18 degrees. In a conventional compartment, the temperature is regulated within 3-4 degrees. Each section also has its own door. Inside the main chamber there are two strips made in the form of a metal mesh. The position of the shelves can be adjusted depending on the size of the stored products. On the door of the main chamber there are holders that are designed for drinks and snacks.

The volume of "Gastrorag BCWH-68" is 44 liters. The size of the product is 74 * 43 * 52 cm, and its weight is 16 kg. The model has dynamic cooling, thanks to which drinks will be cooled in a short time. And for convenient temperature control inside the device, a touch control panel is provided.

The average cost is 15,000 rubles.

• Has two chambers;
• There is a department for wine;
• Touch control;
• Fast cooling;
• Stylish design.

• Not detected.

Shivaki SHRF50RT

The volume of this model is 50 liters.Inside there is a shelf made in the form of a grid, and 3 positions for its installation. This makes it easy to store both drinks and snacks. There are two holders on the Shivaki SHRF 50 RT door. The bottom holder allows you to place drinks, while the top one is suitable for snacks or fruit.

Care of "Shivaki SHRF 50 RT" will not require much effort, because this system does not require defrosting. The noise level during operation does not exceed 35 dB. It is possible to outweigh the door, which allows you to install a mini-bar anywhere. The temperature inside the chamber can be adjusted from 4 to 12 degrees. It is also worth noting that the Shivaki SHRF 50 RT consumes 0.5 kWh of electricity per day.

The size of Shivaki SHRF 50 RT is 51.5*45*48.5 cm and its weight is 12.8 kg.

The average cost is 8000 rubles.

• Quiet operation;
• Does not require defrosting;
• Reversible door;
• The ability to rearrange the shelf;
• Small size;
• Affordable price.

• No freezer compartment
• Hard to find for sale.

The best absorption minibars

Indel B Iceberg 40

This model from the Italian manufacturer "Indel" can, according to your desire, be built into furniture or a wall, or have a separate installation. The volume of the chamber "Indel B Iceberg 40" is 40 liters. There is one shelf made of plasticized metal, which can be adjusted in height. On the door there are two compartments where drinks or snacks can be stored.

For convenient operation, the manufacturer has provided a bright backlight. A mechanical thermostat is provided to control the temperature. The temperature inside the chamber varies from 2 to 13 degrees.

The size of the "Indel B Iceberg 40" is 55.7 * 40 * 44 cm, and the weight is 15.8 kg.The power of the device is 71 W, and the power consumption per day is 0.96 kW.

The average cost is 21,000 rubles.

• Any installation option is suitable;
• Automatic defrosting;
• Does not create noise during operation;
• Economical electricity consumption;
• European manufacturer.

• Not detected.

Indel B Drink 60 Plus

This model from the company "Indel" has a volume of 60 liters. Inside you will find two aluminum shelves, the position of which can be adjusted as you wish. The door has two compartments for storing drinks or snacks. It is worth noting that the door of «Indel B Drink 60 Plus» is made of durable glass, and the body is made of material that is resistant to physical impact. Thanks to this, you get not only a stylish, but also durable design.

This minibar has a mechanical thermostat. With it, you can adjust the temperature from 2 to 9 degrees. There is a function of automatic defrosting of the chamber, which greatly facilitates the maintenance of equipment. Do not ignore the low power consumption. Per day, "Indel B Drink 60 Plus" consumes only 0.95 kW at a power of 75 watts.

The size of "Indel B Drink 60 Plus" is 57 * 48.5 * 49 cm, and the weight is 20.6 kg.

The average cost is 34,500 rubles.

• Stylish design;
• Reliable construction;
• Does not create noise;
• There is an automatic defrost function.

• High price.

Dometic Classic RH 449 LDAG FS

This version of the cooling device from the Swedish company Dometic is manufactured in Germany. The Dometic Classic RH 449 LDAG FS is a freestanding model and is electronically controlled.

The chamber volume of the Dometic Classic RH 449 LDAG FS is 40 liters.There are two shelves made of metal that can be adjusted to your liking. The door is made of glass and is inserted into a solid aluminum frame. LED lamps are installed inside the chamber, thanks to which the contents of the bar will always be brightly lit. The temperature inside the chamber is adjustable from 3 to 6 degrees. The manufacturer also installed a special system that controls the temperature. This feature reduces energy consumption.

The size of the Dometic Classic RH 449 LDAG FS is 55.2*42.2*44 cm and the weight is 19 kg. The power of the device is 75 watts.

The average cost is 50,000 rubles.

• European manufacturer;
• Unusual design;
• Possibility to hang the door;
• Bright lighting inside the chamber;
• Silent operation.

• Small temperature range;
• High price.

Conclusion

The mini-bar is not an essential item. Therefore, the rush to buy it is useless. Carefully study the market for this product, carefully read all the characteristics. Particular attention should be paid to the level of noise and volume. If you are not going to store a large amount of elite alcohol, then take a more compact model. The products presented in the rating have the best value for money, as well as manufacturers provide a one-year warranty for each of the presented models. Thanks to this, there is no doubt about the reliability of such technology.