The Best Countertop Cooler

Buying Guide

Countertop coolers are convenient for homes and businesses.  They are great to have when you need some extra storage for entertaining, and they also come in handy at vacation homes. Companies use them to display items for sale at the register, like water, soda, sandwiches and baked goods.

Someone buying a countertop cooler for a media room will have different priorities than a business owner buying one for their sandwich shop. Some countertop coolers have glass doors, while others do not. The type of cooler you buy depends on what they will be used for. They come in different sizes, too, so buyers should also consider how much space they have on their counter.

These coolers are usually easy to care for. Their fronts can be wiped down with glass cleaner or a vinegar and water solution. You can also use soap, warm water and a cleaning rag. If the minifridge or cooler is an automatic defrost model, the condensate’s lower pan can be drained. Manual defrost coolers need to be defrosted, otherwise you may see frost or mold accumulation over time.

Features to look for include adjustable shelving, electronic or digital temperature controls, lighting, door opening options and door locking options. Different beverages and foods keep best at different temperatures, so zoned temperature controls could the right choice. For example, white wine should be stored at 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit; reds can chill at 60 to 68 degrees and beer should stay at 45 to 60 degrees.

• Shops and restaurants can place countertop coolers near their cash registers. Customers are more likely to see them and make impulse buys.
• Reaching into a countertop cooler is easier on one’s back than reaching up high or down low to grab things.
• These appliances come in different finishes and color, so buyers can find ones that best match their décor.
• Countertop coolers work well on top of wet bar countertops. When there’s a large party going on, guests can simply reach in for themselves and take their favorite drink.
• Before buying a countertop cooler, decide how much room you have and how much food and drink you need to keep inside. Try placing an empty box or another item in the space first to gauge the space.