What temperature should a beer fridge be?

Common temperatures by drink

The table gives commonly quoted ranges. Colder is not always better: very cold temperatures dull aroma and flavour, which is why ales are often served warmer than lager.

Setting a drinks fridge for a mixed load

Most drinks fridges have one zone, so you pick a single setting. If the fridge is mainly for lager, cans and mixers, around 4 to 5 °C is a sensible choice. If it is mainly for ales, 10 to 12 °C suits them better, and lager can go in the kitchen fridge for a while before serving.

Inside any fridge, the temperature varies by shelf. In many models the lowest shelf and the back wall are coldest, and the door area is warmest. Put the drinks you want coldest at the back and bottom, and ales nearer the front or top. A thermometer in a glass of water left overnight on each shelf shows the real spread.

Compare glass-door drinks fridges →

Why most wine coolers cannot chill lager

Wine fridges are designed around storage at about 12 °C and serving whites at 7 to 10 °C. Many have a lowest setting of 5 °C, and some thermoelectric models only go down to 11 or 12 °C. That is fine for wine but too warm for lager, which most people expect at 3 to 7 °C.

Thermoelectric coolers have a second limit. They can only cool a set amount below room temperature, so in a warm room or garden building in summer they may not even reach their lowest setting. Compressor drinks fridges reach lower and hold it in warmer rooms. Our wine fridge vs drinks fridge comparison covers the other differences, such as shelf design and humidity.

Garages, garden rooms and outbuildings

Many beer fridges end up in a garage or garden room, where temperatures swing much more than indoors. A fridge only works properly within the room temperatures given by its climate class on the rating plate. In a cold garage in winter, some fridges stop cycling properly and contents can get too warm or, in some cases, freeze. In summer a hot outbuilding can push a fridge beyond what it can cope with.

Check the climate class before buying for these spaces, and read our guide on putting a wine fridge in a garage, which explains the SN, N, ST and T classes.

Note:Use a socket suitable for the location. Outbuildings and garages may need RCD protection and a properly installed supply; if you are unsure, ask a qualified electrician rather than running extension leads.

Getting the best from the setting

If the fridge never reaches its setting, see our guide to a wine fridge not cooling, as most of the causes apply to drinks fridges too.

• Let a new fridge stand upright for the time in its manual before switching on, often several hours after delivery.
• Leave the gaps around the fridge that the manual asks for, so it can shed heat.
• Load warm cans and bottles gradually rather than filling it all at once.
• Keep the door closed as much as possible; glass doors let you see inside without opening.
• Wipe the door seal now and then so it closes fully.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best temperature for a beer fridge? For a mostly lager and soft drinks load, around 4 to 5 °C is a common choice. For ales, 10 to 12 °C.

Can a beer fridge be used for wine? Yes for whites and sparkling you plan to serve soon, but the air is drier and colder than wine storage guidance. See our drinks fridge guide for options.

Why are my cans freezing? The setting may be too low or the cans are touching the back wall. Raise the setting a little and leave a gap at the back.

Can a wine fridge be set low enough for beer? Some compressor wine fridges reach 4 or 5 °C, which is fine for many beers. Check the range in the listing first.