Beerfridges New Air AB-1200B 126-Can Beverage Cooler

$290, newair.com

Pros » A fridge is a fridge is a fridge, right? We look for a few things when testing cooling apparatus, and the first is durability. We began testing this unit ten months ago and it’s been running constantly ever since, providing consistent cooling within a reasonably tight temperature range and keeping beer at the perfect cellar temperature (for us, 45°F, 7°C). Another factor in that durability equation is shelf strength, and this is where the AB-1200B separates itself from other budget offerings—it has some of the strongest shelves we’ve found, and while we’ve removed a number of them to allow us to stand heavyweight 750ml champagne-style bottles, the shelves have been able to withstand the load without bowing or breaking. The lock is a nice touch, too, at this price point. Cons » Operationally speaking, we’ve found none. The Verdict » In what can seem like a generic category, the New Air AB-1200B offers welcome features and respectable durability at an accessible price point.