Rating of the best mini-bars for home for 2020

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 the comfort.

What is a mini-bar?

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

So, a mini-bar is a small refrigerator that can be built into furniture. It first appeared in the early 60s of the last century. Initially, such devices were used only in hotels. The lodger could find several types of spirits, wine, beer, glasses and small snacks there. Also, expensive hotels for regular customers filled the bar at their request. The cost of food and drinks in the minibar is significantly higher than 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 records of what was 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 minibars

Such beverage storage devices differ in their design type and cooling system. By their design, minibars 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 him invisible to others. But such models are just as popular at home. In this case, the mini-bar is not only hidden from prying eyes, but also does not require the search for free space. Such a mini-bar can be installed both on the wall and in a piece of furniture. For example, in a sofa, chair or table. As for free-standing 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, the most common option is up to 70 liters. Cabinets with a capacity of 20-30 liters are commonly used in offices. Several types of alcohol can be placed here.If you want a richer arsenal, then more volume will be required. Less common are models with a volume of more than 70 liters. These 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, minibars 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, there is a rapid cooling of the internal space, and the device does not consume a large amount of electricity. Compression models can be installed in low cost hotels, offices or apartments. Thermoelectric devices practically do not emit noise during their operation. This allows them to be installed even in the bedroom, moreover, 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 mini-bar

If buying a mini-bar 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 make a product for storing alcohol from wood or metal on your own. The first option will be simpler, it will 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 you will need a certain skill and additional tools that may not be found in every home.

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

If you are the owner of a violent imagination, then it will not be difficult for you to remake one of the unnecessary things in the house for a mini-bar. And it's not just about old furniture. For example, you can use an old suitcase for this case. Inside, you can supplement 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, do not forget that such a mini-bar must be well secured so as not to render its contents unusable.

Also, if you want to make a bar yourself, do not forget about the correct 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, whiskey cognac should be stored vertically and wine horizontally. This moment will also be important in order to preserve all the taste of the drink.

Minibar selection criteria

Before buying a mini-bar, 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. At the same time, you must not overload the device, the shelves can break from heavy loads.

Also, the design should fit well into the interior of a room or office space. Built-in 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 that is resistant to physical impact.

When choosing a cooling system, see which room your minibar will be installed in. But if you decide to install it in the bedroom, even the quietest device will emit a small one that can interfere with restful sleep. In this case, it is best to install it 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 space, 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 models can 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 alcohol preference.

It will also not be superfluous to inquire about the amount of energy consumed. Many modern models operate in an energy-saving mode, which will reduce energy bills. The function of auto defrosting and backlighting will be very useful.

Best compressor minibars

Tesler RC-73 Wood

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

The interior volume of the Tesler RC-73 Wood is 68 liters. At the same time, 62 liters are allocated 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 a snack or bottles in an upright position.

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

The average cost is 9500 rubles.

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

• There is no way to outweigh the door;
• There is no automatic defrosting.

Tesler RC-55

This mini-bar model is available in a white, silver color version, and there is also a version with 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 is allocated to the freezer compartment. Inside there is one shelf made of metal. This ensures durability and increases the service life of the product. The shelf is positioned in such a way that on the lower part of the "Tesler RC-55" you can easily place alcoholic drinks in a vertical position, and the upper part can be adjusted for snacks. There are two holders on the door with which you can hold drinks or snacks.

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

The average cost is 7,000 rubles.

• Suitable for a small room;
• Several color options;
• Metal shelf;
• Quiet work;
• Affordable cost.

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

Best thermoelectric minibars

Gastrorag BCH-40BL

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

The refrigerator compartment volume 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. Holders are also provided on the door, where glasses or bottles can be placed. The temperature regime can be adjusted here from 0 to +8 degrees. Gastrorag BCH-40BL has a No Frost system. Thanks to this, the temperature inside the chamber is evenly distributed, frost does not form and the device does not need to be defrosted later.

Dimensions of "Gastrorag BCH-40BL" are 40 * 44.5 * 54.6 cm. Power is 0.07 kW.

The average cost is 11,000 rubles.

• Small size;
• Does not require defrosting;
• Possibility to outweigh the door;
• Steel body;
• Lock.

• There is no freezer.

Gastrorag BCWH-68

A distinctive feature of this model from the "Gastrorag" company is the presence of two temperature zones. "Gastrorag BCWH-68" has two sections, one of which is designed specifically for storing wine bottles. In this department, the temperature is maintained from 8 to 18 degrees. In an ordinary compartment, the temperature is regulated within 3-4 degrees. Also, each department has its own door. Inside the main chamber there are two strips in the form of a metal mesh. The position of the shelves can be adjusted according to the size of the stored food. The main chamber door has holders 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 the 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 cameras;
• There is a section for wine;
• Touch control;
• Fast cooling;
• Stylish design.

• Not found.

Shivaki SHRF 50 RT

The volume of this model is 50 liters. Inside there is a shelf made in the form of a lattice 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 lower holder allows you to place drinks, while the upper one is suitable for snacks or fruits.

Caring for Shivaki SHRF 50 RT does 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 re-hang the door, which allows you to install the mini-bar anywhere. The temperature inside the chamber can be adjusted from 4 to 12 degrees. It is also worth noting that 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 8,000 rubles.

• Quiet work;
• No defrosting required;
• Reversible door;
• The ability to rearrange the shelf;
• Small size;
• Affordable price.

• No freezer compartment;
• Hard to find on sale.

Best absorption minibars

Indel B Iceberg 40

This model from the Italian manufacturer "Indel" can be built into furniture or a wall, as well as have a separate installation. The volume of the Indel B Iceberg 40 chamber is 40 liters. There is one plasticized metal shelf that can be adjusted in height. There are two sections on the door where drinks or snacks can be stored.

For convenient operation, the manufacturer has provided a bright backlight. A mechanical thermostat is provided for temperature control. 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 power consumption;
• European manufacturer.

• Not found.

Indel B Drink 60 Plus

This model from the "Indel" company has a volume of 60 liters. Inside you will find two aluminum shelves that can be adjusted to your liking. The door has two compartments for storing drinks or snacks. It should be noted that the “Indel B Drink 60 Plus” door is made of durable glass, and the body is made of material resistant to physical impact. This gives you not only a stylish but also durable design.

This minibar is equipped with a mechanical thermostat. It can be used to adjust the temperature from 2 to 9 degrees. There is a function of automatic defrosting of the chamber, which greatly facilitates the maintenance of the equipment. Low power consumption should not be ignored. Indel B Drink 60 Plus consumes only 0.95 kW per day with a power of 75 W.

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

The average cost is 34,500 rubles.

• Stylish design;
• Reliable construction;
• Doesn't make noise;
• There is an automatic defrosting 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 free-standing model and is electronically controlled.

The volume of the Dometic Classic RH 449 LDAG FS chamber is 40 liters. There are two shelves made of metal that can be adjusted to your liking. The door is made of glass and housed in a sturdy 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 temperature control system. Thanks to this feature, energy consumption is reduced.

The Dometic Classic RH 449 LDAG FS measures 55.2 * 42.2 * 44 cm and weighs 19 kg. The power of the device is 75 W.

The average cost is 50,000 rubles.

• European manufacturer;
• Unusual design;
• Possibility to outweigh the door;
• Bright lighting inside the chamber;
• Quiet work.

• Small temperature range;
• High price.

Conclusion

The minibar is not an essential commodity. Therefore, there is no need to rush to buy it. 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 an optimal ratio of price and quality, as well as manufacturers provide a one-year warranty for each of the presented models. Thanks to this, there is no need to doubt the reliability of such a technique.