Beverage centers are the most popular under-counter refrigerators because they can hold wine bottles, cans, and sports drinks.
They have more flexibility to hold wine bottles and at least 80 cans of beer. The beverage center can do both in a 24-inch size.
There are tons of brands to consider. Many are decent, like Perlick, U-Line, Marvel, Sub-Zero, Monogram, and Electrolux, to name a few.
This post will teach you about the best beverage centers from True and Sub-Zero.
There are vast differences between the models. For that reason, your decision depends on the features and price.
Let's get started.
[inlineCTA]
Dimensions: 23.88" W, 34.25" H, 23.88" D | Max Capacity: 13 Bottles | Stainless Steel Interior: Yes | Dual Temperature Zones: No | Panel Ready: Yes & Custom Finishes| Warranty: 3 Year
True is a commercial refrigeration company based out of St Louis. They started manufacturing residential products in the last five years.
This beverage center is an impressive, well-built unit. True is all stainless on the inside with a convection fan on the back to maintain a consistently cool temperature.
Stainless steel is the best material for the inside of your refrigerator. It absorbs and maintains cold air better than any other surface.
True is so well-built that it's rated for outside kitchens and bars. The shelves glide out as well.
You can even accent the outside with 11 high-fashion colors and six hinge accents. You can also panel in an overlay with glass or fully panelize as well.
The inside lighting has your choice of 14 different colors (it's like a limo on prom night). True is the most expensive, but it's the only refrigerator built to this standard.
Features:
Dimensions: 24" W, 34.5" H, 23.13" D | Max Capacity: 8 Bottles | Stainless Steel Interior: No | Dual Temperature Zones: Yes | Panel Ready: Yes | Warranty: 2 Year
Sub-Zero is based out of Madison, Wisconsin, and has pioneered built-in refrigeration for the home since 1945.
This may be the only time Sub-Zero is less expensive than any other brand. It is significantly less than True but lacks the stainless-steel interior and color customization.
However, Sub-Zero has a better magnetic seal to keep food fresh longer.
Additionally, the temperature management system is precise, only deviating one degree from the selected temperature.
The shelving is coated with nanotechnology, congealing spills rather than spreading them. You won't keep finding grape juice residue for months after a spill.
All Sub-Zero refrigerators are Wi-Fi enabled with temperature and diagnostics available on your phone.
Lastly, you can now buy a Sub-Zero beverage center for an outdoor kitchen for $500 more.
Features:
You walk through the aisles of a home center or online retailer and see beverage centers for $500. Yet many blogs recommend an under-counter beverage center for between $1,500 and $5,000.
What's the difference?
A freestanding beverage center has a compressor in the back and is not designed to be placed under your cabinet.
With the compressor on the back, the unit does not have enough airflow and will seize over time.
It's like putting your hand over a hair dryer. The elements overheat and stop working.
Typically, the refrigerator is made of plastic with less expensive shelving. The temperature is one zone and is not as accurate as the under-counter types.
An under-counter beverage center has a compressor on the bottom and is designed to be placed between your cabinets.
You have better temperature controls and shelving, and the units are built to a better standard with metal and not plastic.
If you are a bit over budget and are not placing the unit between cabinets, then the freestanding may be a decent option.
However, under-counter beverage centers are a better-made product and the only option between cabinets.
Wine is designed specifically for wine bottles only.
The best wine units like Sub-Zero are designed to keep the wine at a certain temperature and humidity level while keeping vibration and light at a minimum to preserve the tannins and taste of the wine.
Beverage centers are designed to hold beer, soda, and wine, so the shelving is different.
Although many beverage centers now have UV-resistant Low E glass, many are not designed to store wine long term.
Which is better depends on what you tend to store and for how long.
You have four very different products. Each has its specific advantages:
It depends heavily on your budget, where you're installing it, and what you're storing.
Additional Resources
Get the Yale under-counter Refrigerator Guide with features, specs and inside tips to all the beverage centers, refrigerators, freezers and ice makers. Over 1 million people have read a Yale Guide.
Related Articles: