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undercounter fridge versus undercounter beverage fridge

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Hi everyone, I am shopping for an undercounter refrigerator and an undercounter freezer for my kitchen remodel. I am a bit confused on the offerings. Is there any difference between a undercounter beverage refrigerator and an undercounter refrigerator? What are some good reliable brands? thank you for any info!

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Comments (4)

PRO
Joe Henderson
8 years ago
Some beverage refrigerators are basically wine coolers with glass shelves. What this means to you is that they do not get down below 42-44F and are therefore no good for perishables. Plus in my experience, people prefer water, beer and soda at 34-36F.

We sell a large number of Marvel units which do pretty well on the refrigerator side of things. Perlick and True are the best of the best, but also significantly more money.

The freezer world is much more limited. Avoid summit. U-line's new 3000 series model is very nice, but very new. Perlick makes one as well. On the per lick, be aware that we do not advise wood paneling the front of it. The stainless models seem immune to it, but when putting a wood panel on, we have seen the unit sweat enough to warp the wood panel.
michoumonster thanked Joe Henderson
michoumonster
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Thanks Joe! the Summit pricing was very attractive, so I appreciate your warning!

How about Haier or Uline? There are also regular brand appliances that have undercounter frigdes and freezers, like SZ, Electrolux and Kitchenaid, Frigidaire. Are these rebranded products by one of those you mentioned above?

another question is can I buy an outdoor fridge to use indoor? there seem to be a lot of models for outdoor bbqs..
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We have an under-counter beverage refrigerator with ice maker in our dry bar. I wanted something for drinks (white wine, beer, soda, mixers, etc.) and also an ice maker. I ended up with the SubZero UC-24C(I). It has a wine rack up top, storage in the door, and shelves for drinks. I love the layout of those things. I really wanted an ice maker because we opted not to get one in our main fridge because we wanted the extra freezer space. My only complaint is that the automatic ice maker fills the bin a little too full and the cubes fall on the floor. To remedy, I usually turn off the automatic feature and just turn it on when the bin needs refilling. Once full, I toss a handful into the sink so they don't fall out every time I get ice out. As for the panel, it doesn't really look integrated at all to me. It only comes with an overlay panel. The only thing I came across that was fully-integrated for under counter was the drawers and I didn't want one whole drawer being a freezer just for the ice maker. Our choice really was the most practical for our needs, however, it kind of bugs me that it is not integrated. We have inset cabinetry and I have a fully-integrated main fridge and dishwasher and I really enjoy the looks of those much better. Here is a link that might be useful: Sub Zero UC-24CI
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PRO
U-Line
8 years ago
Hello! We can provide some clarity as to the differences between an undercounter Refrigerator vs. Beverage Center. A glass door refrigerator typically offers an interior with adjustable glass shelving, whereas a Beverage Center typically offers a mix of adjustable glass shelving + 2 rows of wine racks. See images below. U-Line specializes in undercounter refrigeration, so I encourage you to take a look at our product collection (learn more here: http://www.u-line.com/?___store=us).

As mentioned above, our Modular 3000 Series product line was launched in 2011 and is comprised of our ultra-premium product offering, designed to provide the ultimate in point-of-use flexibility. We also offer a 2000 Series and a 1000 Series which offer lower price points. Let us know if we can help answer any additional questions!
PRO
Joe Henderson
8 years ago
I never saw the response! Sorry for the delay. SZ makes their own. The others are rebadged products. They are decent products. Very few freezers though.

As for outdoor units, the only difference is that the bodies are all stainless, and their is water protection for the electronics. They will work indoors or outdoors.
michoumonster thanked Joe Henderson

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