A home mini-bar will be a great addition to the interior, and will also allow you to keep expensive alcoholic drinks in the right conditions, which will preserve the taste of elite alcohol. Such a piece of furniture will fit into any design space. It can be safely presented as a gift to a good friend or leader. The catalog of such goods pleases with an abundance, however, such a wide assortment confuses the buyer. Our article will help readers figure out which mini-bar is better to put at home, and which one can be installed in an office or hotel.
Content
What it is
A minibar is a container that maintains a constant temperature, including a fairly low one. Often some models are equipped with an ice cube freezer. Also, such items are called a wine collection or refrigerator. In addition, the interior of the bar consists of compartments, glass shelves and small quantities of snacks (for example, beer chips).
Often, such devices are equipped with special tracking sensors that allow you to control which drink was withdrawn from the wine collection, while its cost is calculated. The presence of such models is justified only for hotels. For home use, this function is not needed.
Design
Modern devices come in a wide variety of formats. There are standard models in the form of lockers, and there are also products that can become an excellent decoration for a room, thanks to their original appearance, which can reflect the personality and character of the owner. What are the main differences in the winery?
First, the minibar can be built-in or portable. Built-in models are purchased for hotels or for offices in offices. The choice of such products is due to the unwillingness to pay attention to this accessory. Also, similar models can be used in small apartments. In this case, the wine cabinet does not have to be selected according to special requirements, it is enough that it fits in size.
As for the portable options, they are always a separate part of the interior, so such bars have an exclusive design. This feature can cause difficulties for buyers, because the wine collection should correspond to the general style of the room where it will be located.
Wine cabinet doors are completely transparent. Such options are loved by hotel owners, because the guest can explore the alcoholic assortment without opening the refrigerator. In the case of original models, the doors are designed accordingly. The number of compartments inside varies depending on the needs of the buyer.
Useful volume
For office options, 20-30 liters are enough. They do not require many shelves, and a freezer is optional.
For true connoisseurs of good alcohol and collectors of expensive drinks, you can choose a model designed for 70 liters.
If there is a need for a wine cellar with a freezer, then you should look for goods with an indicator of 90 liters. They are rare, expensive, but fully justify their cost.
Cooling system
- An absorption system is a more expensive option, but it provides a minimum noise level.
- Thermoelectric system. We recommend these models. Their cost is acceptable, and the volume is low. Moreover, they are easier to maintain, and repairs will not cost a tidy sum. Low energy consumption will also be an additional plus.
- Compressor type - the most budget minibars, but cheap does not mean bad. Modern technologies make it possible to produce wineries with excellent parameters, long service life and the ability to install a bar in any room.
Temperature support
When considering this item, one should take into account what kind of alcoholic products will be in the winery. On sale, you can find options designed for only one type of drink, but there are also universal products. However, we recommend storing only those types of alcohol in the minibar that require the same temperature maintenance.
If the user has an extensive collection of alcoholic beverages, it is best to opt for a multi-temperature cabinet. Such a device is characterized by the support of different indicators of degrees Celsius in different compartments.
Other selection features
If the buyer does not have enough money for an expensive mini-bar, then he can store wine bottles on special wooden shelves. Most often, such designs are supplemented with compartments for glasses.
Also, bars are often built into cabinets or cabinets. Alcohol is stored on a mirrored shelf and closed with small doors. Such options were in demand in the past, but they have survived to this day, albeit in a slightly modernized design.
In addition, mini-bars are popular in the following forms: souvenirs made in the form of a globe or a beer barrel, tables on wheels, wine boxes built into the sofa.
Minibars can be open. In this case, the entire collection is kept in plain sight, but this method is not entirely suitable for some drinks that cannot be exposed to direct sunlight. There are stationary models and portable portable options: you can take them with you on a long trip.
If desired, the user can add various accessories to the product, for example, lighting, decorative elements, mirrors. Also, for a fee, you can order a minibar with a unique author's design.
Storage features
Buying even the most expensive cabinet cannot guarantee excellent alcohol preservation without meeting the basic requirements. These requirements are as follows:
- Wine must be stored at a certain angle, otherwise the drink will ferment and lose its taste, as well as become dangerous to health. In addition, the wine must be hidden from bright light, so an open bar will not work.
- Sweet liqueurs prefer warmth. At low temperatures, this drink will become cloudy.
- Whiskey, vodka and cognac. In this case, the optimal storage conditions are cold, upright position and a low percentage of humidity.
Rating of the best minibars for 2020
Compressor
Tesler RC-73 Wood
A great option for those looking to purchase an inexpensive wine cabinet. The design of the product is modest, the exterior is made of wood, so the user can easily hide the presence of a mini-bar from prying eyes. An unobtrusive design will also allow the product to easily fit into any interior, becoming its full-fledged element.
The useful volume is 68 liters. This is enough to store your home collection. A freezer will be a big advantage. The interior of the bar includes several convenient shelves where you can place not only bottles, but also snacks.
The shelves are made of metal, so you can put expensive bottles on them without fear. There are also compartments for corner and horizontal drinks. Low power consumption will be a nice bonus to your purchase.
Advantages:
- the presence of a freezer compartment;
- modest and pleasant appearance;
- low volume level;
- acceptable price;
- low power.
Disadvantages:
- requires periodic defrosting.
The average cost is 9,500 Russian rubles.
Tesler RC-55
This wine collection is ideal for those users who do not have a large room for storing alcohol. The compact minibar comes in several colors to choose from. Also available with wood finish.
The usable volume is 50 liters. Despite its small size, the manufacturer has built a freezer compartment into the wine cabinet. The interior contains only one shelf made of durable metal material. Such design features will provide the ability to install bottles strictly vertically (for some drinks this is an important point), while there will be space for storing snacks. The device operates very quietly and its energy consumption level will delight budget users.
Advantages:
- low price;
- delicate noise level;
- stylish design and a choice of colors;
- can be easily installed in a small room;
- long service life.
Disadvantages:
- small displacement;
- defrost required.
The average cost is 7,000 Russian rubles.
Thermoelectric
Gastrorag BCH-40BL
A stylish device that will be a great addition to the interior both in the apartment and in the office. The minibar is equipped with an automatic ventilation system. It does not make loud noises and holds a decent amount of elite drinks.
The volume of the mini-bar is small, it is only 40 liters, there is also no freezer, so the choice of alcohol for storage in such a cabinet is somewhat limited. Internal design features allow you to store drinks in vertical and horizontal positions, there will also be room for snacks. The manufacturer has supplemented the wine collection with stands for glasses or glasses. This is a very handy addition that will save the user from broken containers.
A big plus will be the presence of the No Frost system. This means that the refrigerator does not require defrosting. The temperature inside it circulates and is distributed evenly. The body is made of steel, which gives the device a beautiful look and also guarantees a long service life.
Advantages:
- system No Frost;
- durable body;
- stylish design;
- long service life;
- the door can be replaced;
- there is a castle.
Disadvantages:
- small displacement;
- no freezer compartment.
The average cost is 11,000 Russian rubles.
Gastrorag BCWH-68
The more equipped model favorably stands out from its counterparts by the presence of two temperature regimes. The first maintains the temperature within 8-18 degrees. These are optimal conditions for storing expensive wine, and the second differs by 2-3 degrees, which allows you to store strong alcohol. These zones are separated from each other by doors, which allow the temperature to be evenly distributed inside the compartments.
For greater convenience, the product is equipped with metal shelves. Their position and height can be changed depending on the user's needs. Holders for glasses and snacks complement the pleasure of using the minibar. There is a touch panel to adjust the main parameters, and the dynamic cooling system will allow you to cool the drink in the shortest possible time.
Advantages:
- two compartments with different temperature zones;
- there is a container for wine;
- rapid cooling;
- beautiful appearance.
Disadvantages:
- no freezer.
The average cost is 15,000 Russian rubles.
Shivaki SHRF 50 RT
Quite a standard version of a quality minibar. Metal body, volume 50 liters, rack-shelf that can be moved if necessary, and there are also holders for snacks and glasses. In the event of a mismatch, the design and interior features easily adapt to each other, namely: the user can easily outweigh the door. A low noise level will allow you to install a wine collection in the bedroom.
The model defrosts on its own, if necessary, frost does not form inside. The low level of energy consumption adds advantages to this product. In addition, the internal temperature can be easily adjusted at the request of the owner.
Advantages:
- system No Frost;
- quiet work;
- compactness;
- durable materials;
- long service life.
Disadvantages:
- sold in most cases only on order;
- no freezer compartment.
The average cost is 8,000 Russian rubles.
Adsorption
Indel B Iceberg 40
Lightweight, compact and movable, the mini-bar can be harmoniously integrated into room furniture, freeing up space in tight spaces. If the user prefers to install the wine cellar separately, then he can also easily do this - it is not necessary to build in the device. I would also like to note the high-quality Italian production, which guarantees a long service life of the goods.
The wine cellar has a small capacity - 40 liters. There is a shelf that can be adjusted. The backlight inside the refrigerator will be a big plus. In addition, the mini-bar has a built-in thermostat that regulates the maintenance of a constant temperature. That is why the user does not have to worry about the safety of their drinks.
Advantages:
- the presence of a thermostat and backlight;
- installation versatility;
- quiet work;
- high quality level;
- stylish design;
- energy savings.
Disadvantages:
- relatively high price.
The average cost is 21,000 Russian rubles.
Indel B Drink 60 Plus
An excellent model for those who plan to carry the minibar with them. Such a feature is available thanks to especially durable materials of manufacture that are not afraid of falls and accidental impacts. As for the door, it is made of tempered glass, which will not crack or burst if used carelessly, but despite this, we advise you to be careful when using the product.
The thermostat is able to maintain the required temperature as correctly as possible. Automatic defrosting will save the user time and effort.
Advantages:
- high strength;
- long service life;
- does not make loud sounds;
- no need to defrost;
- stylish design.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- difficult to find on sale.
The average cost is 35,000 Russian rubles.
Dometic Classic RH 449 LDAG FS
Our rating is completed by a Swedish product that meets all European standards and requirements. The body of the model is sturdy, there is a reliable aluminum frame, in which a glass door is installed, which is distinguished by reliability.
The electronic board is designed to control the main parameters. The temperature inside the chamber is regulated by a special “smart” system, which is able not only to maintain the required number of degrees, but also to significantly reduce the level of energy consumption.
Advantages:
- ease of use;
- robust construction;
- stylish design;
- bright backlight;
- carefully thought out system.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- small volume - 40 liters.
The average cost is 50,000 Russian rubles.
Comparative table of technical characteristics:
| Name of product | Power | Weight, kg | Volume l |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesler RC-73 Wood | 0.42 kWh | 16 | 68 |
| Tesler RC-55 | 142.3 kWh | 16 | 50 |
| Gastrorag BCH-40BL | 0.7 kW | 15 | 40 |
| Gastrorag BCWH-68 | 0.083 kW | 16 | 44 |
| Shivaki SHRF 50 RT | 0.5 kWh | 12.8 | 50 |
| Indel B Iceberg 40 | 0.69 kW | 15.8 | 40 |
| Indel B Drink 60 Plus | 75 watts | 20.6 | 60 |
| Dometic Classic RH 449 LDAG FS | 75 watts | 19 | 40 |
If you had experience using the products described in the rating, write your feedback in the comments.
