Bar Fridges VS Drawer Fridges in Australia: The Ultimate 2025 Buying Guide
Looking for a bar fridge for your home bar, office, or caravan? Or considering a sleek drawer fridge for your modern kitchen or 4WD? Whether you need something compact, stylish, or off-grid ready, this guide explores the best bar fridges and drawer fridges in Australia — including popular 12V options, black and glass styles, and integrated drawer refrigerators.
Why Bar Fridges Are a Must-Have in 2025
Bar fridges, also known as mini bar fridges, are the go-to solution for compact cooling. Perfect for entertainment areas, rentals, offices, and small kitchens, they combine form and function in one smart package.
Benefits of a Bar Fridge
- Saves space without compromising on cooling
- Ideal for drinks, snacks, or beer storage
- Easy to fit under benches or in tight corners
- Available in styles like black bar fridge, glass bar fridge, and stainless steel bar fridge
- Many include locks, ideal for shared office spaces
Mini Fridge & Bar Fridge Sizes + Prices
Whether you need a bar fridge with freezer, a mini refrigerator and freezer combo, or a 2 door bar fridge, here’s what you can expect:
| Type | Capacity | Average Price in AU$ |
| Small bar fridge (45–100L) | 45–100L | $200 – $400 |
| Glass front bar fridge | 120–150L | $450 – $800 |
| Bar fridge with freezer | 110–160L | $500 – $900 |
| Can fridge (drink-specific) | 46–120L | $250 – $500 |
Best Value Picks
- Hisense 125L Black Bar Fridge
- Westinghouse 100L with Lock
- CHiQ Retro Mini Bar Fridge
Drawer Fridges: Compact Cool with Pull-Out Convenience
Drawer fridges are the future of compact and concealed cooling. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or fitting out a caravan or camper, a pull-out fridge drawer or drawer freezer adds both functionality and flair.
Top Drawer Fridge Types
- 12 volt drawer fridge – perfect for off-grid, 4WD, or RV use
- Integrated fridge drawers – blends with kitchen cabinetry
- Large fridge drawers – ideal for growing families
- Refrigerator and freezer drawers – dual-temp flexibility
- Drawer refrigerator 12v – great for camping setups
Leading Brands
- Dometic (12V drawer fridges)
- Fisher & Paykel (CoolDrawer™)
- Engel & Evakool (for caravans and 4WD)
12V Drawer Fridge Options for Camping & 4WD
12V drawer fridges are a favorite among campers and travellers. Designed for car fridge drawer installations, they’re rugged, efficient, and easy to access.
Popular Use Cases:
- 4WD drawer fridge setups
- Camper drawer fridge installs
- Car fridge draw solutions
- Camping drawer fridge for off-grid trips
Look for dual-zone drawer fridge freezers for the best flexibility on the road.
Bar Fridge vs Drawer Fridge: Which One is Right for You?
| Feature | Bar Fridge | Drawer Fridge |
| Best for | Drinks, snacks, small kitchens | Integrated kitchens, campers |
| Installation | Freestanding or under-bench | Built-in, slide-out drawers |
| Capacity Range | 45L – 150L | 30L – 140L |
| Available in 12V? | Limited | Yes (ideal for RVs and 4WDs) |
| Styles | Glass door, black, stainless | Integrated, outdoor, 12V-ready |
FAQs
What bar fridge fits under a 600mm benchtop?
Most bar fridges under 850mm in height fit easily under a 600mm bench. Be sure to allow ventilation clearance on all sides.
Can I install a drawer fridge in a caravan or RV?
Yes! Brands like Dometic and Bushman offer 12V drawer fridges designed for RV use, with vibration resistance and low power consumption.
Are there bar fridges with locks for office use?
Absolutely — look for bar refrigerators with lockable doors, especially in glass door models from Husky, Rhino, or Westinghouse.
Which drawer fridge works best with smart kitchen setups?
For modern kitchens, consider integrated refrigerator drawers by Fisher & Paykel — they support precise temperature control and seamless design.
How much power does a 12V drawer fridge use?
A 12V drawer fridge typically consumes 0.5–1.5 Ah (amp-hours) per hour, depending on insulation, ambient temperature, and cooling capacity. That’s roughly 12–36Ah per 24 hours.
Can I install a mini fridge in a cabinet?
Yes, but only if it is designed for built-in or under-bench use. Ensure the fridge has proper ventilation clearance on all sides to prevent overheating.
Are there bar fridges with both glass doors and freezers?
Yes! Some glass bar fridges also include a small freezer compartment, offering flexible storage in a visually stylish format.
Final Thoughts: The Right Fridge for Every Use
From cooling your beers to upgrading your smart kitchen, there’s a bar fridges or drawer fridge designed just for your needs. Whether it’s a glass front bar fridge for your Sydney apartment, a pull-out fridge drawers for your camper, or a stylish black bar refrigerator for your man cave — the options are endless.
