A friend of mine always use the expression “Cold as a beer’s heart”, and I love it!
But how cold is that? :-)
What is the optimal temperature for refrigerating beer? How do you ensure that sweet spot that maximizes the shelf life and freshness of the beverage? Is it the same for all types of beer?
It’s time to take a closer look at what the temperature of your beer fridge should be.
Consider this article an exhaustive guide to everything you need to know about the temperature of your beer refrigerator: beyond what temperature it should be set at, I also tell you why there is no single ideal temperature, tips for maintaining the optimal range and much more.
I am going to be very schematic and practical, so that by the time you finish reading, you will know exactly what temperature to select and how to maintain it.
Let’s start.
Why The Beer Fridge Temperature Is Important?
The temperature at which the beer has been kept during its life is crucial in determining the quality and flavor when you drink it, and how long it will last before it goes bad.
Effects Of Incorrect Beer Fridge Temperature
As you can see in the graph, the higher the temperature, the faster the beer deteriorates.
This is a graph for an average beer. A little later, we will see that each style of beer has a slightly different ideal temperature.
But it is very important that you know that beer must be kept or stored at low temperature, either in a refrigerator or in a place at “cellar temperature”. It can be in a cellar or a space in your garage.
Of course, it must not freeze, or you will have to use it for cooking or slushy cocktails.
Cold temperatures for beer are not freezing temperatures, ok.
This article explains you in detail how long does beer last in the fridge before it goes bad.
How Temperature Affects Beer Flavor
If the beer temperature is too high, the beverage will oxidize faster, resulting in a stale and unpleasant taste. Like many beer lovers, I hate warm beer.
On the other hand, if the temperature is too low, the beer aromas can become muted, causing a flavor loss.
Both situations favor the loss of carbonation, resulting in the absence of the fantastic sound that beer lovers desire: ptssss. In addition to the lack of foam and the golden bubbles.
In short, if the temperature is not right, the beer taste can be ruined quickly. Keep your beers refrigerated.
Because of this, the best option to store your beers is to use a mini beer fridge, also named beverage fridge, drink cooler, beer refrigerator, etc. In other words, your standard home fridge is not adequate to store your beers.
If you need to chill some beers in your home fridge, and want to do it fast, you can read this article on how long to chill beer in the fridge.
Ideal Beer Fridge Temperature (Ranges in Fahrenheit and Celsius)
Different beer styles have different flavor profiles and textures. Each one will be enhanced or diminished depending on the temperature.
There is a long list of styles of beer. In order for you to know what is the proper drinking temperature for each type of beer, I have summarized the following rules recommended by the Home Brewer Association:
1. The recommended temperature range for serving beer is between 38° – 55° F or 3° – 12° C. Except for cheap beers, which can be served at 34° F or 1° C.
2. Low alcohol, weaker beers should be served colder than high alcohol, stronger beers.
3. Lighter beers should be served colder than darker beers.
IMPORTANT TIP
4. Whatever type of beer will start to warm up once it is at room temperature and in your hands. It is recommended that you keep it refrigerated at a few degrees below the optimal temperature at which you want to drink it.
For your reference, here you have the table proposed by the Home Brewers Associations:
| Beer Style | Drinking Temperature °F | Drinking Temperature °C |
| Mainstream Light Lagers | 33° – 40° F | 0.5° – 4° F |
| Pale Lagers, Pilsners | 38° – 45° F | 3° – 7° F |
| Cream & Blonde Ales, Nitro Stouts, Belgian Pale Ales, Abbey Tripels | 40° – 45° F | 4° – 7° F |
| Wheat Beers, Lambics | 40° – 50° F | 4° – 10° F |
| Dark Lagers, American Pale Ales & IPAs | 45° – 50° F | 7° – 10° F |
| Stouts, Porters | 45° – 55° F | 7° – 12° F |
| Strong Lagers, Real & Cask Ales, Belgian Dubbels | 50° – 55° F | 10° – 12° F |
To help you maintain the coldness of your opened beer bottle, use the beer chiller stick. Your beer will be chilled to the last drop.
What Temperature Should A Beer Cooler Be Set At
Now that you know how much your favorite beer should be served at, and that the fridge should be a few degrees below that temperature. You can now know at what temperature you should set your refrigerator.
In addition, of course, you should take into account your personal preferences. At the end of the day, there is no such a thing as “the correct” temperature, if it’s too high or too low for your taste.
Finally, it will also depend on the room temperature, it’s not the same, a super hot day as a winter night.
Here it is what I do: I set the temperature of my beer fridge at about 38° F, so I’m extending the shelf life of any beer inside. Depending on whether it’s a pilsner or a dark beer, I leave it more or less time out of the fridge before drinking it.
If you’re in a hurry for a cold beer, choose a light beer. If you have a long afternoon in front of you, pick a dark brew.
Tips For Maintaining The Temperature Of Your Fridge
The temperature of the fridge may fluctuate. You want to make sure it happens as little as possible, or better yet, not at all.
You want it to be as stable as possible, like a good wine cellar.
Here are my tips for avoiding the most common problems that can cause your beer fridge to be at a higher or lower temperature than you think.
Monitoring Temperature: Use A Beer Fridge Temperature Controller
You want to know what temperature the refrigerator is at. To do this, you need a thermometer or probe inside it and a display system.
There is a wide range of systems that give you this information, from simple thermometers to Wi-Fi monitors that tell you the temperature, humidity and even send you alerts when the temperature goes outside the optimal range.
Here you have two good examples of this type of products, both have very high rating on Amazon:
Cleaning The Fridge
Over time, dirt, bacteria, fungi, and spills can build up inside your refrigerator. This can change the climate inside the refrigerator: temperature and humidity.
Regular cleaning of the refrigerator ensures that it works properly and for longer.
This is another important reason why is better to use a dedicated fridge for your beers.
Overcrowding The Fridge
The air inside the refrigerator must circulate in order to regulate the temperature throughout the space.
If the refrigerator is too full, it can restrict air circulation. This can result in the temperature not being at the preset level and not being constant across the space.
Respect the capacity of your refrigerator :-)
Placing The Beer In The Wrong Part Of The Fridge
This issue occurs especially if you use the standard home refrigerator, where you also refrigerate your food and other drinks.
The back side may be much colder than the “average” temperature you have selected.
At the same time, the door shelves are usually warmer.
You eliminate this issue by using a dedicated fridge for your beers.
Location Of The Beer Fridge
To help the refrigerator maintain a stable temperature without fluctuations, keep the refrigerator in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat sources.
Frequency Of Use: Opening & Closing The Doors
Well, this is obvious. The more you open the doors, the more the interior will become warmer, and the more the temperature will fluctuate.
Try to find the best compromise. Obviously, you want to open the doors and get your cool beer from time to time :-)
Conclusion: The Ideal Beer Fridge Temperature
As we have seen, keeping beer at an optimum temperature maximizes the quality and shelf life of the beverage, as well as ensuring its freshness when served.
Although each type of beer has different qualities, the refrigerator can be set at an ideal temperature for all of them.
If you also follow the tips I have listed in the article, you can avoid temperature fluctuations that can damage the beverage and extend the life of your refrigerator.
It’s been a pleasure!
FAQ
