Choosing the right bar fridge is one of the most important decisions when building a home bar.
Get it right, and your bar feels practical, comfortable, and easy to use.
Get it wrong, and you can end up with:
- poor cooling
- blocked ventilation
- wasted space
- an expensive replacement later
This guide explains which bar fridges actually work in UK home bars, based on:
- size and fit under standard bar counters
- cooling performance
- noise levels
- real-world usability
If you’re still planning your layout, start here first:
➡ The Ultimate Guide to Home Bar Dimensions (UK)
Correct measurements make fridge choice much easier.
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Best Bar Fridges at a Glance
| Fridge | Best For | Capacity | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russell Hobbs | Most home bars | Mid-size | View |
| Husky 48L | Small bars | Compact | View |
| Klarstein Beersafe | Display style | Medium | View |
| Hisense | Best budget full size | Large | View |
| Cookology 115L | High capacity | Extra large | View |
Quick Picks: Best Bar Fridges in the UK
Here are reliable, widely available options that suit most home bars.
Russell Hobbs Undercounter Fridge RH85UCLF552E1W
Approx £169.00
•
Husky 48L Mini Drinks Fridge
Approx £199.00
•
Klarstein Beersafe Crystal Drinks Fridge
Approx £194.99
•
Hisense RL170D4BCE Undercounter Fridge
Approx £179.00
•
Cookology 115L Undercounter Drinks Fridge
Approx £329.99
•
Best overall: Russell Hobbs under-counter fridge
Best compact option: Husky 48L drinks fridge
Best glass-door display: Klarstein Beersafe
Best value full-size fridge: Hisense under-counter
Best large capacity drinks fridge: Cookology 115L
Below, we’ll explain which one suits your specific home bar setup.
How to Choose the Right Bar Fridge
Before looking at individual models, focus on four things that matter most.
1. Size & Fit Under the Bar
Most home bars are designed around:
- 850 mm fridge height
- standard under-counter width
- front ventilation clearance
If you haven’t checked this yet:
This prevents the most common buying mistake.
2. Drinks Fridge vs Standard Fridge
Drinks fridge
- Glass door display
- Optimised shelf spacing for cans/bottles
- Great for visual home bars
Standard under-counter fridge
- Better overall cooling
- More versatile storage
- Usually quieter and cheaper
For most beginners, a standard under-counter fridge is the safest choice.
3. Noise Levels Indoors
If your bar is in:
- a lounge
- dining room
- spare room
…choose a quiet compressor fridge rather than a thermoelectric cooler.
Noise matters more than most people expect.
4. Ventilation Space
Always allow:
- rear airflow
- side clearance if required
- no sealed cabinets unless fridge is rated integrated
Ignoring ventilation is a very common and costly mistake.
Best Bar Fridges by Category (UK)
Best Overall for Most Home Bars
The Russell Hobbs Undercounter Fridge RH85UCLF552E1W is a strong all-round choice because it:
- fits standard bar heights
- offers reliable cooling
- runs quietly enough for indoor use
- sits at a sensible price point
Best for:
Indoor home bars, beginners, general use.
Best Compact Fridge for Small Bars
If space is limited, the Husky 48L Mini Drinks Fridge works well because it:
- fits tight corners
- holds essential drinks
- adds visual “home bar” style
Best for:
Small rooms, starter builds, corner bars.
Best Glass-Door Drinks Display
For a more authentic bar feel, the Klarstein Beersafe Crystal Drinks Fridge offers:
- glass-door visibility
- adjustable shelving
- dedicated drinks cooling
Best for:
Showpiece indoor bars and entertaining spaces.
Best Budget Full-Size Option
The Hisense RL170D4BCE Undercounter Fridge is ideal if you want:
- full fridge capacity
- dependable cooling
- strong value for money
Best for:
Practical home bars where storage matters more than display.
Best Large-Capacity Drinks Fridge
If you regularly host or store many drinks, the
Cookology 115L Undercounter Drinks Fridge provides:
- significantly more capacity
- drinks-focused shelving
- strong cooling performance
Best for:
Busy home bars, garages, or pub sheds.
Common Bar Fridge Mistakes to Avoid
Buying Before Measuring
Always confirm bar height and clearance first.
Blocking Ventilation
Shortens fridge life and reduces cooling.
Choosing Style Over Function
Glass doors look great — but cooling performance matters more.
What You Need Alongside Your Fridge
A good bar fridge works best with:
- Correct bar unit size
➡ Home Bar Essentials Guide - Comfortable working space behind the bar
➡ Space Behind a Home Bar - Realistic build expectations
➡ Is It Hard to Build a Home Bar?
These three guides complete your planning foundation.
Free Planning Checklist
Before buying anything, download the:
➡ Home Pub Build Checklist (UK)
It covers:
- layout measurements
- equipment priorities
- common mistakes to avoid
This prevents the most expensive beginner errors.
Final Thoughts
The right bar fridge makes your home bar:
- easier to use
- more comfortable
- better organised
- more enjoyable long-term
For most UK home bars, the safest starting choice is:
→ a quiet, standard under-counter fridge that fits correct dimensions.
Start simple, get the basics right, and upgrade later if needed.
That approach nearly always leads to the best final result.
Rob is a passionate home bar and pub shed enthusiast with a passion for craft beer. With hands-on experience in designing and building his own home bar, Rob shares his knowledge, tips, and inspiration to help fellow enthusiasts create their own perfect space. Alongside the world of home bars and pub sheds, Rob also explores the diverse and exciting realm of craft beer, providing honest reviews to help you discover your next favorite brew. Join Rob on a journey of flavor, design, and craftsmanship right here on Home Bar Kit.