Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing a Magic Chef Beverage Cooler
You’ve been thinking about getting a beverage cooler for your home or office and the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler has caught your eye. With so many options, features and factors to consider when buying a beverage cooler, it can be tricky knowing which one is right for you. This comprehensive buying guide covers everything you need to know before purchasing a Magic Chef Beverage Cooler so you can make the most informed decision.
Overview of the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler
Magic Chef is a popular appliance brand known for making reliable, affordable products. The Magic Chef beverage cooler is designed for versatility with features that allow you to customize it to suit your needs. Available in a range of sizes from compact 2.5 cubic feet up to spacious 7.3 cubic feet, the Magic Chef beverage cooler offers ample storage for cans, bottles, juice boxes, and more.
Key features of the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler include:
- Adjustable thermostat – Lets you control the internal temperature from the low 30°Fs up to the mid 40°Fs.
- Interior light – Automatically illuminates when you open the door to help you see inside.
- Can dispenser – Built-in can dispenser in the door neatly stores and dispenses cans.
- Shelves – Removable, adjustable chrome shelves allow you to configure the interior storage to fit larger or oddly-shaped items.
- Reversible door – Door is reversible so you can open from the left or right side to fit your space.
- Lock – Optional lock for securing the contents.
- Compressor cooling – Uses a compressor like a refrigerator for consistent temperatures.
Magic Chef Beverage Cooler vs. Other Brands
How does the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler compare against some other popular brands on the market? Here’s a quick overview:
- Magic Chef – Affordably priced, good for basic cooling needs, less insulation than more expensive brands, 1-year warranty.
- GE – Known reliable brand, more premium features, better insulation, 2-5 year warranty, pricier.
- Igloo – Specializes in coolers, large range of sizes and styles, budget to premium options available, good insulation, 3-5 year warranty.
- Danby – Very affordable prices, basic no-frills models, less insulation than pricier brands, 18 month warranty.
- NewAir – Focus on specialty beverage coolers like wine chillers, higher-end options available, good insulation, 1-2 year warranty.
While it doesn’t have the same name recognition as GE or Igloo, the Magic Chef holds its own as a decent mid-range option offering convenient features at an affordable price point. The range of sizes makes it easy to find one to suit your needs.
Where to Buy a Magic Chef Beverage Cooler
Magic Chef Beverage Coolers are sold through various appliance retailers:
- Home Depot – Frequently stocks the full range of Magic Chef beverage cooler sizes both in-store and online. Often has discounted prices or promotions available.
- Lowes – Carries select sizes of Magic Chef beverage coolers in-store and the full range online. Also frequently offers sales prices or coupons.
- Walmart – Stocks the most popular Magic Chef beverage cooler models in-store and online. Every-day low prices along with Rollbacks make this retailer worth checking for deals.
- Wayfair – Large selection of Magic Chef beverage coolers available online with free shipping. Frequent sales can help you save.
- AJ Madison – Online retailer specializing in appliances has an extensive range of Magic Chef beverage coolers available to ship to your home.
- Best Buy – Limited in-store selection but full Magic Chef line available online to purchase or ship to store. Look for occasional sale prices.
Magic Chef Beverage Cooler Pricing
Magic Chef Beverage Coolers range in price from $150 up to $650 depending on the size:
- 2.5 cubic feet models start around $150-$250. Well-suited for offices, dorms, wet bars.
- 4.4 cubic feet models run $200-$350. A popular mid-size choice for many homes.
- 6.0 – 7.3 cubic feet models are $300-$650. The largest sizes work great in basements, game rooms, garages.
Pricing can vary between retailers and you’ll often see the best prices during seasonal sales events. Sign up for retailer newsletters for updates on promotions and coupons to help you save.
Reviews of the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler
The Magic Chef Beverage Cooler earns above average reviews for its convenient features and performance relative to the affordable pricing. On sites like Home Depot and Lowes, most models have 3.5-4 out of 5 star ratings from hundreds of buyers. Here are some common feedback themes:
- Simple to install and operate. Directions are straightforward.
- Temperatures stay consistent thanks to the compressor cooling.
- Handy can dispenser and interior lighting are nice extra features.
- Shelves are easy to adjust to organize the interior.
- Models with glass doors instead of solid ones reduce energy efficiency.
- Larger units may have trouble getting down to very cold temps on the hottest days.
- The lock is a bit flimsy but serves its purpose.
Overall, buyers say the Magic Chef Beverage Coolers offer an excellent value if you want attractive, functional cooling at an affordable cost. The brand is known to make units that last for years with proper care and maintenance.
How to Install a Magic Chef Beverage Cooler
Installation of a Magic Chef Beverage Cooler is a straightforward process you can tackle yourself in just a few steps:
- Unpack the unit and remove any interior and exterior packaging or tape. Inspect for any damage or missing parts.
- Ensure the beverage cooler is placed on a level, hard surface away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Allow 24 hours for the cooling system to settle before plugging it in and loading with drinks.
- Clean the interior with a mild detergent and warm water before first use.
- To level the unit, adjust the leveling legs under the front corners until even.
- Make sure there is adequate ventilation clearance around the sides, top and back per the manufacturer guidelines.
- For built-in installations, allow proper cutout dimensions and front ventilation requirements.
- Reverse the door swing if desired for left or right opening. Just follow the instructions.
- Plug into a grounded 110V outlet. Avoid using extension cords or overloading circuits.
- Allow the cooler to reach desired temperature before loading cans, bottles or beverages.
Magic Chef Beverage Cooler Dimensions
With a range of sizes from 2.5 cubic feet up to 7.3 cubic feet, the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler dimensions vary by model. Here are some key specs:
- 2.5 cu ft – 23.6″ H x 17.7″ W x 18.5″ D
- 4.4 cu ft – 33.9” H x 23.7” W x 23.3” D
- 5.7 cu ft – 33.5” H x 28.8” W x 24.1” D
- 6.0 cu ft – 33.5” H x 23.7” W x 23.3” D
- 7.3 cu ft – 35.8” H x 23.6” W x 29.1” D
The door is typically reversible so you can set it to open left or right based on your space. Measure the cutout if installing your beverage cooler under a counter or in a built-in niche. Always allow proper ventilation clearance around the unit.
Magic Chef Beverage Cooler Energy Efficiency
The Magic Chef Beverage Cooler offers decent energy efficiency that is sufficient for residential use, though not as high as some pricier brands. Key factors:
- Compressor cooling like a refrigerator uses less electricity than earlier cooling designs. Models with glass doors tend to be less efficient.
- Look for the Energy Star® logo indicating it meets EPA standards for efficiency. Some but not all Magic Chef models qualify as Energy Star® certified.
- Larger units with more insulation and tighter door seals generally provide better efficiency than smaller models.
- Place the cooler out of direct sun and away from heat sources to improve performance.
- Limit open door time and don’t overcrowd drinks to retain cool air.
- Clean the condenser coils every 3-6 months for maximum efficiency.
While not the highest efficiency units available, Magic Chef models offer a good balance of reasonable energy use for the convenience they provide. Choosing the right size for your needs and proper care also helps.
Magic Chef Beverage Cooler Warranty
Magic Chef provides the following limited warranty periods on beverage coolers:
- 1 year parts & labor – Covers repair or replacement of defective parts and labor.
- 5 years parts only on sealed system – Applies to the compressor, condenser, evaporator and tubing.
- 90 days replacement warranty – Option for free product replacement within the first 90 days.
As with any warranty, be sure to read the full terms and keep your receipt. Contact Magic Chef or the retailer for service requests. Extending the 1 year warranty with an additional protection plan from the retailer is recommended. Overall, the coverage is quite standard for this category of appliance.
Maintaining the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler
With proper care and maintenance, a Magic Chef Beverage Cooler can give you many years of reliable service. Here are some tips:
- Vacuum dust from the condenser coils underneath every 3-6 months for maximum efficiency.
- Use a mild detergent and warm water to clean the interior every few months, especially if spills occur.
- Check and replace the water filter, if equipped, every 6 months.
- Defrost manual defrost models as needed when frost builds up on the walls over 1/4 inch.
- Ensure door seals are clean and pliable to prevent cool air leaks.
- Keep the cooler away from direct sun exposure or heating vents that could tax the system.
- Don’t overstuff the unit which reduces airflow. Leave some space between drinks.
- If storing for long periods, unplug, clean thoroughly and keep the door propped open.
Following the manufacturer care tips will help keep your Magic Chef running smoothly. Call for service if you notice any loud or unusual noises.
Magic Chef Beverage Cooler Discounts
Here are some tips for finding savings opportunities when buying your Magic Chef Beverage Cooler:
- Watch for sales around major holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day when appliance sales are popular.
- Check retailer sites for any coupons, promo codes or price-matching offers to reduce the price.
- Sign up for email alerts from Magic Chef and retailers to receive notifications about upcoming promotions.
- Look for open-box or scratched and dent discounted units that have minor cosmetic issues. Functionally they are just like new.
- Ask about price-matching guarantees at stores like Home Depot, Lowes, Best Buy so you can take advantage of competitor deals.
- Consider buying a floor model or display unit which can save up to 25% over a brand new in-box model.
- Plan your purchase during the late fall through winter months when beverage coolers tend to go on sale more frequently.
Magic Chef Beverage Cooler Storage Capacity
A major consideration when selecting your Magic Chef Beverage Cooler is the storage capacity. This determines how many cans, bottles or beverages you can fit. The range of sizes available makes it easy to find the right fit:
- 2.5 cu ft stores 90 to 126 12oz cans
- 4.4 cu ft stores 160 to 224 12oz cans
- 5.7 cu ft stores 205 to 285 12oz cans
- 6.0 cu ft stores 210 to 294 12oz cans
- 7.3 cu ft stores 245 to 357 12oz cans
The variable capacity estimates account for differences with cans vs. bottles, sizes of packages, and amount of interior space occupied by shelves and other fixtures. Consider how you will use your beverage cooler when choosing size. Allow some open space for air flow.
Adjusting the Temperature on the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler
One benefit of the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler is the adjustable thermostat that lets you customize the internal temperature as desired:
- Temperature range is from the low 30°Fs up to the mid 40°Fs.
- The thermostat and temperature display are located inside on the wall.
- Use the up and down buttons to set your desired temp. It may take 24 hours to stabilize.
- Start around 38°F if storing a variety of drinks. Lower to 34-35°F for maximum coldness.
- Don’t set too cold as freezing could cause cans or bottles to explode.
- Open the door as little as possible for the system to work best.
- Always allow time for temperature to recover if adding a large amount of room-temperature cans or beverages.
Monitor the digital display and adjust as needed depending on your specific cooling needs. The flexible range makes it easy to customize.
Storing Cans and Bottles in the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler
The adjustable shelves and door storage in the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler are designed for maximum flexibility when arranging cans, bottles, cartons and other beverages:
- Chrome wire shelves slide out and can be repositioned to accommodate different item sizes.
- Small shelves and door bins are great for 4-packs, juice pouches, small bottles, yogurt drinks, etc.
- Standard 12oz cans will fit neatly stacked on the larger shelves. Leave some space in between for airflow.
- Tall bottle shelves and door racks fit milk jugs, 2-liter bottles, wine bottles lying down.
- Arrange cans and bottles so you can see the labels facing outward.
- Avoid packing shelves too tightly or blocking vents along the back wall.
- Keep heavier items like gallons of tea on lower shelves.
Take time to organize with frequently grabbed items near eye level and bulkier packages below. The adjustable design makes it easy to optimize the storage.
Noise Level of the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler
The Magic Chef Beverage Cooler operates quietly enough for any room of the house. Noise levels will vary slightly by model based on size and cooling system:
- Compressor cycles on and off like a refrigerator so you will hear that running on occasion.
- Fan motors and airflow may produce light hums or whirs as cool air circulates.
- Larger units with bigger compressors tend to be slightly louder than more compact models.
- Beverage coolers are not soundproof so some operating noise is to be expected.
- Proper leveling and location away from vibrating walls reduces noise.
- Normal sounds will be less noticeable once you have drinks and bottles stocked inside.
For most homes, the Magic Chef operates quietly similar to a mid-size refrigerator. Placing it in a basement, garage or utility room can further isolate any sounds if wanted.
Adjustable Shelves in the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler
The adjustable chrome wire shelves in Magic Chef Beverage Coolers add great flexibility for organizing different shaped items:
- Shelves slide out for easy access and adjust by lifting up and re-inserting into slots along the interior walls.
- Spacing between slots is about 2 inches allowing ample adjustments.
- Most models include 2-4 slide-out shelves depending on capacity. Door racks provide additional storage.
- Mix and match beverage and snack sizes by aligning shelves at different heights as needed.
- Keep frequently accessed items at eye level. Lower shelves can hold bulkier jugs or packages.
- Leave some vertical space between shelves for taller items to fit.
The adjustable chrome shelves allow you to really customize the interior storage space. Take full advantage of this useful feature when loading up your beverage cooler.
Available Color Options for the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler
While color choices are limited, you can find the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler in these standard hues:
- Black – The most commonly available color option. Provides a neutral, discreet look.
- Stainless Steel – More premium stainless steel finish looks modern and matches other appliances.
- White – Occasionally available on select models. Offers a crisp, clean look.
- Gray – A few sizes come in a dark gray tone. More subtle than stainless or black.
- Silver – Basic silver finish may be offered on cheaper units. Shows scratches more easily.
- Black or Stainless combo – Some models feature black cabinet with stainless steel door.
Color is typically a secondary factor behind size, features and price. But a stainless, black or white Magic Chef Beverage Cooler should coordinate fine with most decors.
Durability of the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler
While not professional-grade, Magic Chef appliances like the beverage cooler are made to be durable for residential use:
- Outer shells are metal for increased longevity and ability to withstand dents or bumps.
- Interior floors, walls and doors are crafted from tough plastic that won’t easily crack, split or warp.
- Chrome shelves resist corrosion and are built to handle heavy loads of cans and bottles.
- Hinges and doors stay aligned over years of regular opening and closing.
- Compressors and sealed cooling systems are time-tested and run reliably.
- Insulation foam between walls inhibits moisture damage and helps the unit retain cold air.
With proper care and maintenance, most consumers can expect their Magic Chef to provide lasting performance for 5-10 years, sometimes longer. The warranty also covers defects.
Using the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler in a Garage
The Magic Chef Beverage Cooler can be a convenient addition to a garage or basement providing chilled drinks while you work. There are just a few precautions to take:
- Ensure the floor is even and smooth. Place a mat underneath to prevent moisture damage if the floor is concrete.
- Avoid direct sunlight which could overtax the cooling system.
- Keep area around the unit clean and free of dust, wood shavings etc. that could be pulled into the condenser.
- Do not operate in extreme temperatures below 55°F or above 90°F.
- Allow for proper ventilation clearance so the heat can dissipate.
- Keep the door closed as much as possible to maintain the desired interior temperature.
- Plug into a GFCI circuit for protection against electrical faults.
With the proper placement and care, a garage or basement is a suitable spot for a Magic Chef Beverage Cooler. Just account for the environmental factors in these spaces during installation.
Availability of Magic Chef Beverage Cooler Manuals
To access the full instructions and operating guidelines for your Magic Chef Beverage Cooler, user manuals are available both online and printed:
- Download the manual as a PDF file from the Magic Chef website under the Support tab for your specific model.
- Check the packaging box for a printed quick start guide with basic instructions to get started.
- Full printed manuals may be available to order from Magic Chef online or by contacting customer service.
- Reach out to the retailer where you purchased to see if they have copies of the manuals available.
- Manuals contain full installation steps, temperature controls info, cleaning guidelines, troubleshooting tips, warranty details and more.
Be sure to consult the manual to ensure best usage and care for your Magic Chef beverage cooler. Keep the manual accessible for reference.
Conclusion
With its convenient features, quality construction and budget-friendly prices, the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler makes an attractive option for chilling beer, soda, juice and more in your home. This comprehensive buying guide outlines everything you need – from pricing and sizing options to real owner reviews. Now that you’re armed with the must-know details about the Magic Chef Beverage Cooler, you can determine if it’s the right choice to suit your needs and space.
