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How to Budget for a Kitchen Beverage Fridge

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How to Budget for a Kitchen Beverage Fridge

Clear out your main refrigerator and upgrade your kitchen by timing your purchase and spreading out the cost.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,000 before anything else
Across the 0% window $55.56/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,000 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A beverage fridge clears out your main refrigerator and makes the kitchen feel finished. It takes about an hour to slide into a standard cabinet gap if your power is already ready. You get the best deal if you buy during Memorial Day weekend when appliance retailers drop prices to clear out old stock.

Don't just buy the first model you see at a big-box store. Get at least three quotes from different local appliance shops and online outlets. Sometimes they will price-match or throw in free delivery if you show them a better offer from a competitor.

This 0% period is a strictly timed window, not free money. If you still have a balance after those 18 months are up, the standard interest rate will apply to whatever is left, so stick to the monthly schedule.

The steps

  1. 01

    Measure your space

    Check your cabinet opening depth and width. Built-in units need front-venting so they do not overheat in a tight space. Make sure there is a dedicated outlet nearby or you will have to pay an electrician to run a new line.

  2. 02

    Wait for May

    Major appliances see the steepest discounts around Memorial Day. If you can wait until the end of May, you can usually knock a few hundred dollars off the sticker price of a high-end unit.

  3. 03

    Compare total costs

    Get quotes that include delivery and haul-away fees. Some shops hide their margins in shipping costs. Ask for a price match if you find a lower number from a reputable online seller.

  4. 04

    Use the intro period

    You can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) to cover the cost. It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If you spend $1,000 on the fridge, you can pay $55.56 per month to clear the balance before the interest kicks in.

  5. 05

    Plan the install

    If you are replacing a cabinet, you might need a carpenter. Get a few quotes for the labor before the fridge arrives so you are not stuck with a heavy box sitting in your hallway for weeks.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Can I just use a regular mini-fridge?

Most mini-fridges vent from the back. If you slide them into a cabinet, they will burn out quickly. You need a front-venting model specifically designed for built-in use.

Is professional installation worth it?

If you already have the space and the plug, it is a simple DIY job. If you need to cut cabinets or move wires, hire a pro to avoid a fire hazard or a ruined kitchen.

Do these fridges use a lot of power?

They are small but run constantly. Look for an Energy Star rating to keep your monthly electric bill from jumping more than a few dollars.

What if I miss a payment?

Check the terms carefully. While this card is known for being forgiving, missing payments can still hurt your credit score and potentially end your promotional rate early.