Wine coolers and refrigerators to invest in this year
Fluctuations in temperature, humidity and lighting can damage the flavors and aromas of treasured bottles. A good wine cooler is an appliance made to control these factors, ensuring that your prized collection is well preserved. Join us as we unveil some of the top choices available on the US market today, along with expert tips and the best online stores where to purchase them.
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Best wine coolers and wine refrigerators
KoolMore KM-PRC-W18 Reserve 68 Bottle Panel Ready Premium Column Refrigerator
Marvel Northland Collection 24” Single Zone Undercounter Wine Refrigerator
Wide Built-in Wine Cellar with Seamless Stainless Steel
Ca’Lefort 24 Inch Wine Fridge, 54 Bottle Wine Cooler Refrigerator
EUHOMY 24 Inch Wine Cooler Refrigerator Under Counter
The above selection of the best wine coolers is perfect if you’re searching for top performance and tastefully designed options with the advantage of record time delivery. They were selected based on expert rating, real time user reviews and extensive testing. We refresh this page periodically, so be sure to come back often for an updated list of the top rated wine refrigerators worth investing in.
When do you need a wine cooler?
The decision to invest in a wine cooler is primarily determined by your storage needs and wine consumption habits. If you are a beginner a wine cooler might not be a necessity but for collectors is an essential tool for preserving the quality of collection or high prestige bottles. Some other reasons that may contribute to your buying a wine cooler include:
- Protecting wine from temperature fluctuations and extremes to preserve its quality and taste.
- Controlling temperature to keep the moisture levels consistent, thus keeping the wine from oxidising or the corks from drying out.
- Protecting the wine from UV light that may damage the aromas.
- Minimizing vibrations to keep movements as low as possible to not disturb the sediment.
10 of the top wine cooler brands from specialized online stores
If you’re looking for specialized options, we’ve gathered some of the best wine cooler brands available from dedicated online stores. Each of these models stands out for quality, design and reliability, making them great choices if you seriously wish to store your bottles the right way.
Zephyr Dual Zone Wine Cooler
Temperature: 38°F – 65°F (Each zone)
Summit 15” Wine Cellar, 18 Bottle Capacity
Temperature: 41°F – 68°F
GarveeLife in Built Wine Cooler Fridge, holds 30 Bottles
Temperature: 40°F – 65°F
Phiestina Small Wine Cooler with Dual Zones
Temperature: 50°F – 66°F
Wine Enthusiast 32 Bottle Dual Zone MAX Compressor Wine Cooler
Temperature: 41°F – 64°F (Both zones)
KingChii 45 Bottle Wine Cooler Refrigerator Dual Zone Wine Fridge
Temperature: 41°F – 64°F
Wine Enthusiast 18 Bottle Dual Zone MAX Compressor Wine Cooler
Temperature: 41°F – 64°F (Both zones)
Koolatron 18 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler, Black Wine Fridge
Temperature: 54°F – 66°F
Cuisinart CWC-800CEN 8-Bottle Private Reserve Wine Cellar
Temperature: 39°F – 68°F
ORYMUSE 12-Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler
Temperature: 41°F-64°F
Some wine coolers focus more on temperature control (perfect for long term storage) while others focus more on design allowing you to show off a prized collection. Whatever choice you make there are options that conveniently adapt to your individual taste. Let’s see more in detail the sub categories of wine coolers and what they work best for.
Large capacity wine coolers for wine collectors
When your wine collection no longer fits into your existing coolers, you know you’re a serious collector and that it’s time for a large capacity wine cooler. High quality models are designed to hold between 50 to 200+ bottles with dual and multi zone cooling options, advanced humidity control and vibration reduction. They come in various styles and finishes and shopping for one can be a way to enhance your home’s aesthetic. Find below 3 elite options from solid brands to extend your cellar or serve as alternative wine coolers.
1. Large Capacity wine cooler with LED lights control display and premium wooden shelves
2. Smart WI-FI wine cellar with LED lights.
3. Wine cellar with UV-protected double layer glass doors.
Other types of wine coolers
Wine coolers are not only for professionals or serious collectors: there are great options also for a small home cellar if you simply love consuming wine at the right temperature. More affordable and home friendly alternatives include built in wine coolers, under the counter wine coolers, free standing wine coolers and small wine coolers.
Under counter wine coolers
Under the counter wine coolers are perfect for people who are working with limited floor area or live in compact apartments. They come in various sizes, with some having dual zone cooling that allows you to store red and white wines at their optimal temperatures. Undercounter wine coolers and refrigerators are a practical and stylish way to keep your kitchen sleek and tidy while sacrificing minimal floor space. Below are three of the best under cabinet wine refrigerators we recommend:
Danby 24″ Under Counter Wine Cooler in Stainless Steel
Temperature: 41°F – 64°F
Antartic Star Under Counter 15 inch Wine Cooler
Temperature: 41°F – 54°F (Upper Zone) 54°F – 68°F (Lower Zone)
Built in wine coolers
Built in wine coolers are a tasteful method for storing your wine collection as they integrate seamlessly into existing furniture or kitchen cabinetry. They are created with front facing ventilation to allow proper airflow and avoid over heating. Some high tech designer wine cooler models may come with touchscreen controls and vibration reduction systems to perfectly control the storage conditions of expensive bottles. Find below our selection of top tier built in refrigerators for your kitchen or home bar.
EUHOMY 24 Inch Wine Cooler Refrigerator 54 Bottle-Dual Zone
Temperature: 40°F - 55°F (Upper Zone) 55°F - 65°F (Lower Zone)
EdgeStar BWR301BL 15 Inch Wide 30 Bottle Built-In Wine Cooler with Slim Design
Temperature: 40°F – 65°F (Both zones)
Whynter BWR-33SD 15” 33 Bottle Compressor Built-In Wine Refrigerator
Temperature: 40°F – 72°F
Dual zone wine coolers for perfect storage
A dual zone wine cooler is like two fridges in one with two independently controlled temperature zones that allow you to chill different wine types, each at their recommended temperatures.. See below our selection of top dual zone wine coolers:
Wine and Beverage Refrigerator Under Counter, 24 Inch Beverage Fridge Dual Zone with Glass Door
Temperature: 41°F – 64°F (Right zone) 35°F – 50°F (Left zone)
Tylza 24 Inch Dual Zone Wine Cooler Refrigerator, 46 Bottle Built-in or Freestanding
Temperature: 40°F – 55°F (UpperBoth zones) 55°F – 65°F (Lower zone)
Wine Enthusiast 32 Bottle Dual Zone MAX Compressor Wine Cooler
Temperature: 41°F – 64°F (Both zones)
If you’re a collector of both red and white wines, you can age your bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon in the same unit while simultaneously chilling a crisp Riesling or a prized Champagne! Dual zone wine & beverage refrigerators are versatile, highly efficient and help you set optimal temperatures for expensive bottles
Freestanding wine cooler
Freestanding wine coolers are the exact opposite of built in ones: they can be moved across various locations and larger options have a capacity of up to 200 bottles. Most modern models come with luxurious and fabulous designs that add preciousness to the home environment where they’re placed. The perfect choice if you’re looking to expand your wine collection without fully renovating your home, freestanding wine coolers have no specific cabinetry requirements. Just plug it in, set the temperature and start chilling! Here are our favorite freestanding wine coolers from top brands:
Ivation 10-in W 12 Bottles Black Freestanding Indoor Wine Cooler
Temperature: 41°F – 64°F
BLACK+DECKER Wine Fridge 12 Bottles, Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
Temperature: 46°F – 65°F
Small wine coolers
If you are a casual collector or a wine enthusiast with limited space, small wine coolers are an ideal option. They are mostly portable, packed with features for storing wines at ideal temperatures and mini wine coolers can slide easily under furniture or be fitted into boat spaces.
A small wine refrigerator can hold about 4 to 20 bottles, with single zone cooling being the prevalent cooling type. Check out the best rated small wine coolers available on the market this year.
1. Wine Enthusiast 24 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler with Upright Bottle Storage
2. Wine Enthusiast 18 Bottle Slimline Dual Zone Wine Cooler with Upright Bottle Storage Freestanding and Narrow Width.
3. 18 Bottle compressor wine cooler with adjustable temperature, single zone
4. Koolatron 6 Bottle Wine Cooler perfect for small spaces and can fit on countertops.
How to choose the right wine cooler for your space
The right wine cooler for you depends on how much you love wine, as well as other factors like available storage space and aesthetics. What are some things to look out for while shopping for a wine cooler?
- Consider the capacity of the wine cooler and make your decision based on the present number of bottles in your collection or a future estimated value. Generally, wine cooler sizes range from mini units that can fit about 20 bottles to 300+ capacity professional models.
- Think about the type of wines you’d be storing, as red and white wines have different storage temperatures. A single zone cooler is good enough if you intend to only keep one wine type, while a dual zone wine cooler allows you to set different temperatures for reds and whites.
- Select a wine cooler that will fit seamlessly into your available space. Built in units need to be installed in locations with proper ventilation, but a freestanding wine cooler offers you more flexibility.
- Look for tech forward features such as vibration reduction systems, consistent temperature control and UV protected glass that safeguards wine quality.
What temperature should a wine cooler be set at?
The ideal temperature setting for a wine cooler is a stable temperature between 54 and 57°F (12-14°C) for long term storage. However, white, red and sparkling wines come with their own recommended temperature ranges, although some bottles might require specific conditions on their own. Below there is a generic guide for the ideal temperature settings based on wine type:
| Type of Wine | Ideal Temperature Range |
|---|---|
| Red Wine | 12–19°C (54–66°F) |
| White Wine | 8–12°C (46–54°F) |
| Sparkling Wine | 5–8°C (41–46°F) |
While the above table sets a generic rule, we advise that you adjust the temperature settings of your wine cooler to suit the specific wine being stored. Here are some best practices to get outstanding wine storage results:
- Set the wine cooler at a stable temperature of 55°F or 13°C for long term aging of red and white wines.
- Note that the temperature at the lower portion of the wine cooler may be a few degrees lower than it is in the upper sections. You can take advantage of this by storing bottles you will soon open in the lower sections.
FAQs on Wine coolers
What are wine coolers?
A wine cooler is a specialized piece of equipment created to store or preserve wine at an ideal temperature for optimal taste and aging. It protects wine from its natural enemies, including humidity and fluctuating light enhancing the flavors and aromas of wine.
Can I place wine coolers under the counter?
Yes, some coolers can be placed under the counter, provided that they’re marked as under counter wine coolers and that proper ventilation space is ensured. These specially designed wine coolers are perfect for apartment dwellers and people aiming for a sleek home design. They can be dual zone or single zone with the Danby 24″ Under Counter Wine Cooler in Stainless Steel being one of our favorite models.
Where to find the best wine storage refrigerator with a wine chiller?
A refrigerator with a chiller has compartments for preserving food and storing wine at the optimal temperature for aging and preserving its taste. In our top 10 wine coolers section above, we’ve highlighted some of the best wine storage refrigerators with integrated chillers based on expert reviews and independent testing. These units typically feature dedicated compartments that keep wine at an ideal temperature for proper storage, aging and flavor preservation.
Which are the best rated small wine coolers?
The best rated small wine coolers include the Wine Enthusiast 18 Bottle Slimline Dual Zone Wine Cooler with Upright Bottle Storage and the Winado Digital Temperature 18 Bottle Wine Cooler Fridge Refrigerator. A small wine cooler can fit under furniture, on countertops and can be transported comfortably.
Can wine coolers store up to 12 bottles?
Yes, wine coolers can store up to 12 bottles and they come in various sizes, from mini wine refrigerators for tiny collectors to large capacity coolers for connoisseurs. With a large capacity refrigerator such as the Empava 24 Inch Fridge 160 Bottle Large Capacity Cooler with Luxury Spacing and Steady Temp Cooling Stainless Steel Door, you can keep as many as 160 wine bottles in different styles and variations!
Are wine coolers under counter the same as wine refrigerator cabinets?
Yes, a wine cooler under the counter is essentially the same as a wine refrigerator cabinet. Designed to fit into small spaces under kitchen counters and between cabinets they offer you the option of maximising available room while keeping your bottles chilled and ready to drink!
What wine coolers can fit in a small space?
A good example of a mini wine cooler for small spaces is the Wine Enthusiast 24 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler with Upright Bottle Storage. These models can fit between 6 to 24 bottles and are portable options for limited spaces such as boat cabins or city lofts.
Are wine cellar unit coolers the same as wine fridges?
A wine cellar unit cooler is designed to monitor and regulate the temperature and humidity levels in a cellar, and it is not the same as a wine fridge. While they perform the same function of protecting wine from fluctuating factors and enhancing its taste, a wine cellar cooling unit is attached to a cellar.
What do the best wine coolers consumer reports say?
The best wine coolers consumer reports indicate that the most popular brands to buy from are Wine Enthusiast, Whynter and Bodega Cooler. Known for their high quality and technologically forward products, these brands regularly feature wine coolers with constant temperature control functions, UV protected doors and high energy efficiency.
Is an under counter wine refrigerator small?
Yes, an under the counter wine refrigerator may be small or medium sized allowing for great adaptability to fit the space available. They come in various sizes and capacities, typically between 4 and 40 bottles. Our favorite under the counter wine coolers are Danby 24″ Under Counter Wine Cooler in Stainless Steel and the Antartic Star Under Counter 15 inch Wine Cooler.
What is the best price for wine coolers from good wine cooler brands?
The best price for wine coolers from good wine cooler brands is subjective and depends on the type of wines you are storing, their number, their pricing and ultimately your taste. A luxury refrigerator with a built in wine cooler may cost as high as $5000 but there are also other mid priced versions for smaller collections. Check out our top 10 selection for an insight into current wine cooler prices.