hOmeLabs 120 Can Beverage Refrigerator Review

The hOmeLabs 120 Can Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler (Model HME030065N) is a budget to mid-range drinks fridge designed to keep your drinks cold, organized, and within easy reach. It was launched in 2017 and still remains a much sought after model to this day. But what did hOmeLabs get right to make this the drinks chiller of choice for many?

In this review, you’ll find a clear breakdown of what this mini fridge does well, where it could improve, and how it compares to similar models.

Key Features

• 3.2 cu. ft. capacity
• Holds up to 120 cans
• Reversible glass door
• Interior white LED lighting
• Three removable wire shelves
• Digital temperature control panel
• Adjustable from 34°F–50°F

Design and Build Quality

The hOmeLabs HME030065N has a mid-size form factor for its modest capacity. It measures 18.9 inches wide, 33.3 inches high, and 17.3 inches deep. This size is well-suited for placing it in kitchens, home bars or games rooms.

Style-wise, its on point with an elegantly modern design that blends easily into most environments. It has a black cabinet body with a double-glazed glass door framed in stainless steel, providing both visibility and insulation. The glass panel allows you to check your stock without opening the door, helping to maintain a steady internal temperature.

The door’s frame feels sturdy and well-sealed. It includes a plastic recessed handle for a flush profile, which keeps the design sleek and minimal. The reversible door adds placement flexibility for different room layouts, should you need it.

Installation and Setup

The fridge arrives well-packed in two boxes, with protective materials in place to prevent shipping damage. Once unboxed, a 24-hour resting period is required before plugging it in. This waiting time allows internal fluids to settle after transport and helps ensure proper operation from the start.

Although this is a freestanding unit, it can be placed under a counter as long as at least 1.5 inches of clearance is maintained on all sides for air circulation. It’s not designed for built-in use but can visually blend into a kitchen or home bar when installed with sufficient clearance around it.

Setting it up is otherwise simple. Place the appliance on a level surface, plug it in after the 24-hour wait, and it’s ready for use.

Interior Layout and Lighting

Inside, the hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator has a 3.2 cu ft capacity and a good, flexible layout.

It comes with three removable chrome wire shelves. There are six shelf slots, allowing you to reposition the shelves to accommodate taller bottles or mixed can sizes.

The 120-can capacity stated by the manufacturer is based on slim 12oz cans, such as those used for energy drinks or hard seltzers (e.g., Red Bull or White Claw). These cans are taller and narrower than typical 12oz soda cans. Most standard 12oz cans (like Coca-Cola or Pepsi) are wider, which means fewer of them will fit inside the cooler.

In real-world use, the fridge typically holds around 70 to 80 standard 12oz cans, depending on how they’re arranged. If you mix in bottles or store larger cans, usable capacity will be even lower. Also, to prevent drinks freezing, you need to allow for at least 1.5 inches of clearance between beverages and the interior walls.

Lighting is provided by a single white LED mounted at the top of the interior, rather than a strip or array. It provides enough illumination to check inventory, but sadly doesn’t fully light every shelf when fully loaded.

Cooling Performance

This beverage cooler maintains a temperature range between 34°F and 50°F, which is more than adequate for keeping drinks refreshingly cold. The lowest setting 34°F gets close to freezing. This is colder than most beverage fridges that typically only cool down to 37°F. However, the actual internal temperature can vary slightly depending on various factors.

The digital thermostat controls the set temperature, but the displayed reading reflects the area near the internal sensor (usually close to the cooling fan). In practice, the bottom shelves often run a few degrees colder than the upper area, especially if the fridge is lightly stocked or the door is frequently opened.

If you want very cold drinks, we advise to place cans near the bottom as this is where it’s typically colder due to how cold air tends to settle. Those who need precise cooling may also benefit from using a digital fridge thermometer, as single-zone coolers like this typically allow for a temperature fluctuation of around 3–8°F during regular use.

Noise Level

The compressor in this cooler is designed for whisper-quiet operation, so the noise output is minimal. During normal operation, the fridge emits a low hum that’s comparable to a standard household fan. It’s noticeable in a completely silent room but tends to blend into the background in areas with ambient noise.

Energy Efficiency

The hOmeLabs 120 can mini fridge has an energy consumption of 288 kWh per year. This translates to an estimated yearly operating cost of around $35, based on average electricity rates. For a beverage cooler with a 3.2 cu ft capacity, these figures are within the expected range.

For those concerned about electricity costs, keeping the fridge in a cool, well-ventilated space and avoiding frequent door openings can help maintain energy efficiency over time.

Controls and Usability

The digital controls on the unit are accessible upon opening the door. The panel is designed for simple, one-touch operation.

It includes four buttons:

Pressing the up or down arrows lets you adjust the internal temperature in 1-degree increments.

The display is clear and easy to read, and visible even when the door is closed. It shows the current temperature in Fahrenheit by default, but you can switch to Celsius by holding both temperature buttons simultaneously for five seconds.

Each button press triggers a soft chime, confirming the input. This is a helpful feature when adjusting settings, especially in low-light areas.

Pros & Cons

Final Thoughts

The hOmeLabs 120 Can Beverage Refrigerator is a good step-up from most entry-level coolers. It carries several features typically reserved for mid-range models such as a stainless steel trim and digital controls, while still being within reach for those on a budget. Because it has a lower-than-average minimum temperature of 34°F, it’s suitable for chilling drinks to near-ice levels.

If you’re looking for a single-zone, mid-sized beverage fridge with excellent cooling performance and quiet operation, this one gets an easy recommendation. Just keep your expectations realistic around interior space and installation flexibility.

Compare to Similar Beverages Fridges

Still deciding if the hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator is right for you? Here’s how it stacks up against two other freestanding beverage coolers with a similar capacity.

Who It’s Best For

hOmeLabs 120 Can Beverage Refrigerator

A great pick for simplicity and temperature precision. This model works well for those who want reliable cooling in a sleek, modern design without needing advanced customization.

NewAir AB-1200 126-Can Beverage Refrigerator

Suited for those who want layout flexibility. It includes five adjustable shelves and holds up to 126 cans, making it a good fit for people who regularly switch between can sizes or want tighter packing efficiency.

Antarctic Star 120 Can Beverage Refrigerator

A practical option on a budget. It’s best suited for light chilling of bottled water, soda, or wine due to its 40°F minimum temperature. Not ideal for anyone who wants their drinks served ice-cold.

FAQ: hOmeLabs 120 Can Beverage Refrigerator