Bar Fridge Sizing Guide

Choosing the right size bar fridge is one of the most important decisions in the buying process. Too small and you'll constantly run out of space; too large and you've wasted money on capacity you don't use while paying higher energy bills. This guide helps you understand bar fridge sizing, translate litre ratings into real-world storage capacity, and select the perfect size for your needs.

Understanding Capacity Ratings

Bar fridge capacity is measured in litres (L), referring to the total internal volume. In Australia, you'll find bar fridges ranging from around 40 litres to 150 litres, with most popular models falling between 70 and 120 litres.

Litres vs Usable Space

Here's an important distinction many buyers miss: the litre rating is the total internal volume, not the usable storage space. Shelves, door compartments, internal walls, and the cooling system all reduce actual storage capacity. A 100-litre bar fridge might have only 80-85 litres of genuinely usable space.

When comparing models, look at the internal layout and shelf configuration, not just the headline litre number. A well-designed 90-litre fridge might fit more items than a poorly designed 100-litre model.

Translating Litres to Real Storage

To help visualise what different capacities actually hold, here's a practical breakdown based on standard Australian drink sizes:

Small Bar Fridges (40-60 Litres)

Compact models ideal for personal use:

• Approximately 30-50 standard 375ml cans
• Or 12-20 standard wine bottles (standing upright)
• Or a mix: 20 cans + 8 bottles + water bottles

Best for: Bedrooms, home offices, student accommodation, or as a secondary personal fridge. Suits individuals or couples with modest beverage consumption.

Medium Bar Fridges (60-90 Litres)

The most popular size range for home use:

• Approximately 50-70 standard 375ml cans
• Or 20-30 wine bottles
• Or a varied mix for casual entertaining

Best for: Home bars, living rooms, small families, or couples who entertain occasionally. Provides good capacity without taking up too much space.

Large Bar Fridges (90-120 Litres)

Suitable for regular entertaining:

• Approximately 70-100 standard 375ml cans
• Or 30-40 wine bottles
• Or extensive variety for hosting gatherings

Best for: Dedicated home bars, outdoor entertaining areas, garages, or households that frequently host guests. Provides ample capacity for parties.

Extra Large Bar Fridges (120-150 Litres)

Maximum capacity for serious entertainers:

• Approximately 100-130+ standard 375ml cans
• Or 40-50 wine bottles
• Or substantial variety for large gatherings

Best for: Frequent hosts, large families, man caves, or situations where you need significant beverage storage. Approaches the capacity of a small standard refrigerator.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Size

Beyond raw capacity, several factors should influence your size decision:

How Will You Use It?

Your primary use case matters enormously:

• Personal daily use: A 40-60L fridge keeps your favourite drinks chilled without excess space
• Couple's home bar: 70-90L provides variety without being overwhelming
• Regular entertaining: 90-120L ensures you never run short during gatherings
• Overflow storage: Match capacity to your typical grocery overflow needs

Available Space

Measure your intended location carefully:

• Width and depth: The fridge must fit the space, obviously
• Height: Consider any overhead cabinets or shelves
• Ventilation clearance: Add 5-10cm to each dimension for airflow
• Door swing: Account for the door opening fully—measure this clearance too

Future Needs

Consider not just your current needs but how they might change:

• Planning to entertain more often?
• Family size changes expected?
• Moving to a larger home where more guests might visit?

It's generally better to size up slightly than to find yourself wishing you'd bought a larger model. The price difference between sizes is often small, but replacing an undersized fridge is expensive.

Energy Consumption

Larger fridges use more energy. If you're buying more capacity than you need, you're paying to cool empty space. A 120L fridge running half-empty is less efficient than a properly sized 80L fridge running at optimal capacity (around 70-80% full).

Size by Location: Recommendations

Different locations have different ideal sizes:

Bedroom or Home Office

Recommended: 40-60 litres

In personal spaces, compact is usually better. A small bar fridge takes up minimal floor space, runs quietly (important for bedrooms), and provides enough capacity for personal daily use. There's rarely need for larger capacity in these locations.

Living Room or Media Room

Recommended: 60-90 litres

Living spaces benefit from moderate capacity that can handle impromptu guests while not dominating the room. Glass door models work well here for their aesthetic appeal.

Home Bar or Entertainment Area

Recommended: 90-120 litres

Dedicated entertaining spaces warrant larger fridges. You want ample capacity for variety and hosting without running out during gatherings. This is where display-oriented glass door models really shine.

Garage or Workshop

Recommended: 90-150 litres

Garages often serve as overflow storage and workshop refreshment stations. Larger capacity is practical here, and the fridge is typically out of sight so aesthetics matter less. Ensure you choose an outdoor-rated model if your garage experiences temperature extremes.

Outdoor Alfresco Area

Recommended: 90-130 litres

Outdoor entertaining calls for good capacity since refrigeration may not be nearby to restock. Choose an outdoor-rated model with sufficient capacity for your typical gatherings.

Physical Dimensions to Check

Beyond capacity, pay attention to the physical size of the unit:

Standard Size Ranges

• Compact (40-60L): Approximately 45-55cm height, 40-45cm width
• Medium (60-90L): Approximately 55-75cm height, 45-50cm width
• Large (90-120L): Approximately 75-90cm height, 50-55cm width
• Extra Large (120-150L): Approximately 85-100cm height, 55-60cm width

These are approximate ranges—actual dimensions vary by brand and model. Always check the specific dimensions of any model you're considering.

Depth Considerations

Bar fridges are typically 45-60cm deep. Depth matters for:

• Fitting into cabinetry or under benches
• Not protruding too far into walkways
• Allowing space for the door to open fully

Under-Bench Installation

If installing under a bench or counter, verify:

• The height fits with clearance for ventilation
• Adequate depth allowance (the fridge shouldn't protrude beyond the bench)
• The model is suitable for built-in installation (proper ventilation design)

Common Sizing Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors when choosing size:

Buying Too Small

The most common regret. Buyers often underestimate how much they'll use the fridge once it's in place. It becomes convenient for more than the originally intended purpose, and suddenly feels cramped.

Ignoring Ventilation Requirements

A fridge that fits perfectly in a space with no clearance will overheat. Always factor in the required 5-10cm clearance on sides, back, and top. The fridge that "fits perfectly" may actually be too large for your space once ventilation is considered.

Forgetting About Delivery

Your new bar fridge needs to get to its destination. Measure doorways, corridors, and stairways it must pass through. A fridge that fits in its final location but won't fit through your front door is a problem.

Comparing Litre Ratings Only

Two fridges with the same litre rating may have very different usable space depending on internal layout. Look at shelf configuration and interior photos, not just the capacity number.

Making Your Decision

To choose the right size bar fridge:

1. Determine your use case: Personal, entertaining, or overflow storage
2. Measure your space: Include ventilation clearance and door swing
3. Estimate your needs: How many drinks do you want to store at once?
4. Add a buffer: Lean toward larger if uncertain—better too big than too small
5. Check physical dimensions: Ensure the specific model fits your measured space
6. Verify delivery path: The fridge must fit through all doorways and corridors

Taking time to properly size your bar fridge ensures years of satisfaction. Whether you need a compact personal cooler or a generous entertaining station, the right size makes all the difference. Explore our recommended bar fridges to find models in your ideal capacity range.