Looking for a stylish way to chill your beverages and display your good taste to the world? We take a look at three of the best beverage cooler options on the market today from XO and Marvel, plus a surprise contestant: Frigidaire Gallery is offering a built-in model at a crazy low price point. All of these models can be installed freestanding or as built-ins and feature windowed glass frames for a premium look and feel.
Beverage centers are a step up from mini fridges with a more professional design, built-in options, and precision temperature controls. One complaint about some beverage centers is that they don't get cold enough to actually refrigerate things besides beer, wine, or soda (like snacks or less shelf-stable beverages). These models are all exceptions that can cool down to 34 degrees!
(Serving tips: When it comes to beer, the temperature range is typically 50-55 degrees but can be as low as 40-42 degrees for some pale ales. When it comes to serving white or red wines, slightly chilled is usually best, at around 45-55 degrees depending on the wine. If you're specifically looking for wine storage, check out our wine refrigerator reviews.)
The cheapest model on our list is just under $800 MSRP, and most high-quality beverage centers are at least $1,000. Here's why we don't have any cheaper models on our list:
Sub-$500 models may not be built to the same standard of quality, so they may not last as long or do a good job at keeping your beverages cool.
Cheap beverage centers may have more limited temperature ranges, so they can't be used to refrigerate fresh foods or precisely hold your wine at the perfect temperature.
They may be noisier when the compressor is running.
They're likely to be less thermally efficient, so they have to run more often.
Without further ado, let's dig into the best beverage coolers of 2023!
NOTE: As of January 2023, our recommendations remain unchanged since the last time this post was updated in January 2022.
Table of Contents
1. The XO XOU24BCGOR - $1,399
The XO XOU24BCGOR can be installed as a fully flush built-in thanks to the zero clearance hinges and flat plug design. As of today, only one handle style is available which is righthand door swing. The clear glass shelves are fully extendable and adjustable to reveal their contents and accommodate your needs, and a removable 6-bottle wine cradle kit is included as well.
Interior LEDs can be set to theater white, midnight blue, and honey amber to best display your items while saving energy. A door lock is another great feature. Store up to 145 cans inside and set the temperature anywhere from 34 to 50 degrees via intuitive digital touch controls. Ultra-quiet 39-decibel operation is well worth the price. It uses low-E glass to keep the cold in and also to block UV light, which can degrade wines over time.
Features
39 dbA operation
Full extension adjustable glass shelves and wine cradle
3-color LED lighting
Intuitive Digital temperature controls, 34-50 degrees
Sabbath Mode
Warranty: 2 years full, 5 years compressor
2. The Marvel MLBV224SG01A - $2,319
Looking for flexibility? The Marvel MLBV224SG01A 24" beverage center includes two 3-in-1 convertible shelves that can be converted to wine racks with a Vibration Neutralization System or cantilevered glass shelving. There's an additional roller-glide four-bottle wine rack as well. The touch screen integrated controls on the top edge of the door allow you to set the temperature from 34 to 42 degrees. This model has a thermal-efficient cabinet with a dual-pane argon-filled glass door that is UV-resistant.
Marvel undercounter refrigerators are known for being quieter than the competition, and they lead the industry in temperature stability and rapid cool down. This refrigerator can hold up to 18 bottles of wine or 162 12-ounce cans! This may be the best beverage cooler for people who want versatility - if you want to store beer, wine, and other beverages together, it's easy to do so with this model.
Marvel covers this model with a warranty of 1 year parts and labor and 5 years sealed system parts. This model comes in several configurations, including panel ready solid or glass framed overlays in right or left hinge door swings.
Features
Dynamic Cooling Technology works almost 2x faster than competitors
Splitable convertible shelves - cantilevered glass, wine racks with Vibration Neutralization System, or both
Roller glide wine rack
Digital temperature controls, 34-60 degrees
White LED interior lighting
3. The Frigidaire Gallery FGBC5334VS - $799
Frigidaire is offering up a nicely styled beverage cooler at an impressively low price point of just $799. If you're looking for a built-in beverage cooler on a budget, the Frigidaire Gallery FGBC5334VS might be perfect for you! The stainless steel door has a tinted glass window, and adjustable end-to-end glass shelving with stainless steel trim keeps the interior looking as sleek as the exterior.
Use the LED display to set the temperature from 34 to 50 degrees. This model also features LED interior lighting, a reversible door, and 5.3 cubic feet of storage. No wine racks here, but you can store up to 195 12-ounce cans if you pack them in, or easily fit 165 cans. The front venting cooling system allows you to use this model in either built-in or freestanding installations. This model may be somewhat noisier than the other models we reviewed.
Frigidaire covers this model with a one year limited warranty. The shorter warranty is one of the tradeoffs for the lower price. This model is not the best choice for long-term storage of wines since UV light can accelerate the aging process, and this model does not have the same advanced glass pane design as XO and Marvel. It lacks anti-vibration systems and wine racks as well. However, it should be fine for wines that you intend to drink within a few months.
Features
LED interior lighting
Glass shelving with stainless steel trim (no wine racks)
Digital temperatures controls, 34-50 degrees
Warranty: 1 year full
Click here to read over 185 real customer reviews of this product!
Frigidaire Gallery FGBC5334VS - $799
So, which of these models is the best beverage center for your needs? Although you can also spend a lot more on a beverage center, these models in our review are some of the most popular options with our customers.
Stylish but budget-conscious: Frigidaire is a great pick here, for obvious reasons. It's on the lower end for pricing when most 24-inch beverage centers from quality brands start out at around $900 and up. If you mostly want to store soda, beer, and other beverages rather than wine, this could be a great fit.
Wine storage with LED flair: The XO model earns some style points with the three LED colors and an attractive panel-ready front. Plus, it comes with a 6-bottle wine storage rack. If you like to have a stash of wine on hand as well as your favorite beers, sodas, or other drinks, this beverage center might be a good option.
Reliability and flexibility from a top brand: Marvel has a great reputation in specialty refrigeration, and the warranty on this refrigerator is the best out of the options on our list. The integrated controls on the door are easy to access without bending over, which is a nice touch. If you want the most storage flexibility, this model might be for you.
Obviously, Frigidaire is a great pick if you want to save money but still want something that looks good. The Marvel and XO models offer storage for wine as well as cans and bottles. Marvel is a tried and true brand for specialty refrigeration, but the XO model offers similar features and great styling for a lower price. If you're looking for an energy-efficient model and want more wine storage, the Marvel model might be your favorite.
We hope this helped you decide on a new beverage center that will look great in your home! If you're specifically looking for wine storage, you may like to read our wine refrigerator reviews as well.
What are you looking for in a beverage cooler? Please leave us a comment below - We'd love to hear from you!
Editor's Note: This blog was originally written in June of 2019 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy as of the publication date noted above.