At high temperatures, alcohol ages more quickly. It does not chemically do well with light, vibrations, and other conditions. One can easily see that it has been contaminated when it turns brown.
Whether you are a wine enthusiast or have a few collections, investing in a good wine cooler or fridge is important. This keeps your bottles safe to be displayed or consumed. In-store, the storage temperature needs to be consistent.
Unfortunately, rooms or areas in houses do not provide that kind of temperature. The ideal temperature for red wine is around 50° to 68° Fahrenheit. The average room temperature is too warm. For others, such as white wine or chilled wine, the ideal temperature is around 42° to 50°. Keeping it in a refrigerator is not ideal since it is warmer than a standard refrigerator’s average temperature. The ideal temperature for a cellar is around 55°. You can have this if you have a cooler or fridge that is specially made.
The problem with some of the best dual zone wine coolers & wine fridges is that they can be expensive. Choosing them can be a bit of a challenge because they all look similar. Nevertheless, if you plan to invest in one, you want to make sure it is functional. That is because you are going to likely store rare and expensive bottles.
Here in our review, you will see different units that have a dual-zone cooling feature. If you have not owned this kind, it features 2 different temperature zones. Therefore, it is perfect for your collectors who have red and white wine bottles because the temperature is both suited for these.
We consulted different winemakers, sommeliers, and restaurateurs to round up the best dual zone. You will see coolers and fridges from different brands so that you can expect different features. Some are more expensive than models with one zone, but dual-zone coolers offer more flexibility.
Whether you are a beginner or planning to add more to your collection, there is a wine cooler or fridge for you.
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Here are our top picks for a dedicated dual zone wine cooler or refrigerator. You can learn more about these and other great models here:
#1 Out Pick: 46-Bottle Dual-Zone Red and White Wine Cooler Refrigerator by Kalamera
#2 Runner Up: 32-Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Cooler by EdgeStar
#3 Best suited for Bar: 172- Bottle Wine Refrigerator by Allavino
#4 Budget pick: 18-Bottle Dual-Zone Red and White Wine Cooler and Chiller Fridge by Ivation
#5 Upgrade Pick: 157-Bottle Freestanding Wine Refrigerator by Kalamera
Dual Zone Wine Fridge Temperature and What for White vs. Red Wine
The Ideal Temperatures for Storing
Please take note that the shared information here is a general guideline to help you keep. Nevertheless, this does not apply to all kinds, so it will always be better to double-check.
There are many factors to consider for the ideal temperature. Some of these are the amount of alcohol, fruit, and tannin. In general, It can be kept at a temperature of 52° to 57° Fahrenheit. You just need to keep in mind that the storing temperature should not exceed 75° Fahrenheit. If the temperature goes beyond that, It will start to oxidize. As a result, it can alter the taste or appearance of the wine.
Moreover, the temperature of the storage should be as consistent as possible. Various temperature fluctuations can negatively affect. Therefore, for it to mature properly, it needs to have a consistent temperature throughout the year.
Storage Temperature for Red Wine
The ideal storage temperature for red wine is 55° Fahrenheit. You do not have to be very precise at this temperature. It can be 1° to 2° warmer or colder. This is still considered optimal. You just need to remember to keep the temperature consistent.
Storage Temperature for White Wine
The ideal storage temperature for white wine is 55° Fahrenheit. Similar to red wine, it does not need to be precise. A difference of several degrees is still considered optimal. Keeping it at a constant temperature is the key to maintaining it.
You might be surprised that storage is simple. Some types are best stored at 53° to 54° while some at 56° to 57°. These differences are not very significant when it comes to storage. However, to succeed in maintaining wines, you need to have durable and stable storage not to be exposed to extreme and erratic changes in temperature.
Tips on Ideally Storing
- Because it can affect the cork, bottles should not be placed with anything with a strong scent.
- Providing good ventilation for your storage is recommended so that odors will not penetrate.
- It is best to keep them in the dark and vibration-free storage. Moreover, you should avoid moving bottles too frequently and quickly. This can cause to be spoilt.
- Exposure to direct light fixtures or sunlight can damage.
- You can opt to wrap or cover your bottles with a cloth if you cannot completely keep them away from direct light. Also, you can put them in a carton box.
- One of the factors that affect is the humidity level. Having a humidity level that is too high, molds can grow, and the bottle labels become loose and damaged. The humidity level recommended is not more than 70%. Using a Thermo hygrometer, you can check the humidity level. It can help you know if you need to humidify or dehumidify. You can install a dehumidifier to control a room’s moisture.
- Storing in a horizontal position maintains the cork’s right moisture, reducing the risk of getting dry. Also, because of shrinking, air can go in your bottles.
- To protect your bottles’ labels in moist or humid storage, you can use cellar sleeves or plastic protectors.
- When you drink your wine, it is good to make temperature adjustments. Depending on the temperature, it allows adapting.
- It is not good to place a bottle in a freezer since the frigid temperature is bad. In addition, It can be damaged if it is frozen. Moreover, if the bottle expands, it can shatter bottle.
- One of the most crucial pieces of advice in storing is to purchase and keep the wines you want. With the right storage, collecting is a leisurely and relaxing activity.
Top 12 Best Dual Zone Wine Coolers & Wine Fridges
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#1 Our Pick: 46-Bottle Dual-Zone Red and White Wine Cooler Refrigerator by Kalamera
It from Kalamera is one of the most elegant wine coolers on the market. This is our top pick because of its unique and amazing features. The dual-zone temperature feature is ideal for keeping red and white wine.
If you have a large collection, this chiller has a big capacity. Wine coolers with compressors tend to be noisier, but this is generally quiet and does not produce vibrations. Therefore, it will not disturb you.
Many agree that its design is beautiful and well-thought. You can install this built-in cooler in any part of your home. For example, you can place it in your kitchen, home bar, or entertainment room. It looks elegant because of its black and gray finish and the handles and door made of stainless steel.
The glass door protects from UV rays coming from the chiller. The LED lights make it easier to see your collection. The temperature range is vast, so it is great for your red and white wines. The auto-defrost feature is beneficial since it maintains the cleanliness of the unit and keeps it dry.
Things We Liked:
- It has a large capacity
- It has a sleek finish
- The door is reversible
- It has a child safety lock feature
- Great for storing red and white wine
- It can be installed as a freestanding or built-in unit
Things We Disliked:
- Too small for 46 bottles
- Light has to be manually turned off or on
- Expensive
#2. Runner Up: 36-Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Cooler by EdgeStar
In terms of aesthetics, this wine cooler from EdgeStar might look the same as other wine coolers. Nevertheless, it has a different take on typical.
First, the double-door feature is wonderful. It makes the machine look classy. It has stainless steel French doors with double-pane glass that is tinted. Therefore, it protects your wine from direct sunlight. The left and right zones have a temperature range of 54 to 64° Fahrenheit.
Its interior has LED lights installed. The different doors for every zone are beneficial. When you get a bottle of red wine, the white wine temperature is not affected. This feature enables it to maintain the ideal temperature and humidity levels. It is freestanding, so looking for a place to install it is easy.
Things We Liked:
- It has an LED display
- Beautifully designed
- There is a security lock for every door
- Has auto-defrost feature
- Can be installed freestanding or built-in
Things We Disliked:
- Not energy-saving enough
- The warranty can be longer
#3. Best Suited for Bar: 172- Bottle Wine Refrigerator by Allavino
Allavino’s high-end wine refrigerator has caught the attention of some people. The attention it is getting is very complimentary, which is not surprising.
Its capacity of 172 bottles is great for bars. However, what makes it more enjoyable is that it can hold 172 bottles in reality. Therefore, aside from those who own a bar business, people who collect wines professionally and as a hobby will like this.
The overall design of this cooler is elegant. Although it is large, it will not be an eyesore since its design can complement virtually any interior. Not only that, but also it can complement your other home appliances. The structure is also sturdy, so you can expect to have this refrigerator for a long period.
Things We Liked:
● Sophisticated design
● Has 14 durable and well-spaced wine racks
● Huge capacity
● Easy-to-read screen display and simple controls
● It has a rack for big bottles
Things We Disliked:
● The shelves cannot be adjusted
● There are several degrees differences between the actual temperature and temperature displayed
#4. Budget Pick: 18-Bottle Dual-Zone Red and White Wine Cooler and Chiller Fridge by Ivation
If you want your wine to age steadily, this from Ivation is a good choice. Since there are fewer vibrations and noises, It can age without its environment affecting it. In addition, it protects your bottles of red and white wine because it consistently maintains temperature.
The cooler lets you set the temperature and the preservation time you prefer. This quality wine cooler is made of solid polyurethane and free of CFCs. The thermal pane doors are tempered smoked.
The humidity levels remain the same since the interior does not cause any odor. Also, this protects the cork from becoming dry. Finally, because it has a thermoelectric cooling feature, it lessens energy use compared to compressor-based models.
The LED screen looks modern and makes it easy to set the unit. The lighting in its interior is soft so that the cooler can complement any room. In case you have concerns, you can rely on their customer support.
Things We Liked:
● Has removable shelves
● Great temperature range to store
● It has good insulation and provides good UV protection
● Excellent customer service
● Easy LED controls
Things We Disliked:
● Not energy-saving
● Not ideal to placed in warm areas
● More clearance space is needed
#5. Upgrade Pick: 157-Bottle Freestanding Refrigerator by Kalamera
Do you need a wine fridge that does not take up much speed? This Kalamera freestanding is tall and can hold a lot of bottles. Nevertheless, it does not use up a lot of space. Therefore, it is ideal if you have a small or large area.
Aside from saving floor space, it has a dual-zone thermostat feature, so you have 2 different storage zones. You can accurately set the thermostat because the controls are one-touch. In addition, its state-of-the-art and quiet compressor help give consistent temperature.
Your wine is also protected from sunlight and harsh UV rays because of the 3-layered transparent glass door and soft LED light. You can install it as a built-in or freestanding cooler. You can get the dimensions you need so that you can use it as a built-in cooler.
Things We Liked:
● Great visibility because of the interior lights on every zone
● Has an effective dual cooling technology
● It has an elegant design
● Tolerable noise
● Easy installation
Things We Disliked:
● The upper zone temperature is a few degrees different from the existing temperature.
● When loaded, the shelves are difficult to move
6. #Best Seller 46-Bottle Dual-Zone Built-In or Freestanding by Kalamera
This Kalamera wine cooler has a stainless steel structure, so you can expect it to be durable. It also has a built-in design so that there is additional stability. It also operates quietly and has fewer vibrations. Therefore, the wine composition is not disturbed, giving it a fresh and rich flavor. Its design gives the unit a luxurious look. It is not only functional but also aesthetic.
Depending on your collection, you can adjust the shelves of this dual-zone cooler. Because of the LCD, you can easily regulate the temperature. The upper zone can be regulated from 40° to 50°, while the lower zone can be regulated from 50° to 66°.
Things We Liked:
● It has a large capacity
● It has a sleek design
● Has reversible doors
● Offers different temperatures zones
● It has a child safety lock feature
● Flexible installation
Things We Disliked:
● The feet could not be adjusted for leveling
● Light has to be manually turned off or on
● Expensive
7. 29-Bottle Wine Cooler by NewAir
You can put this from NewAir at almost any part of your house because of its small footprint. Giving it a classic look are its wooden shelves, black cabinet, and stainless steel borders.
Its dual-zone feature has a temperature range between 40 to 50° in the upper zone and 50 to 66° in the lower zone. In addition, it comes with a digital control panel for temperature regulation and soft blue LED lighting.
Aside from that, it also has a plastic tub and carbon filter to control humidity levels. It is also equipped with a fan that lessens erratic temperature changes.
Things We Liked:
● The shelves are deep
● Very quiet
● Holds temperature well
● Has a great size
Things We Disliked:
● The warranty could be longer
● Reports of compressor breaking down after several months
8. 18-Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Cooler by Wine Enthusiast
If you want a more affordable wine cooler option without the need for a large capacity, this 18-bottle wine cooler from Wine Enthusiast can be an option.
Wine Enthusiast is considered one of the best refrigerator manufacturers. This is great for small collections.
The racks are made of metal. The bottles are held in place, easy to access and identify since the labels can be seen easily.
It also has an advanced compressor that lasts twice longer compared to coolers with a thermoelectric feature. The compressor also functions quietly and effectively, so constant temperatures are maintained.
Things We Liked:
● A wonderful unit
● Great built and quality
● Provides convenient storage
● Has removable racks
Things We Disliked:
● Has no lock
● The lower zone does not have a light
● Larger bottles may be more difficult to fit
9. 33-Bottle Dual-Zone Freestanding Wine Cooler Refrigerator by Ivation
This freestanding wine cooler refrigerator from Ivation has thermopane glass that is double-paned and UV-resistant. Therefore, aside from maintaining the inside insulated, it also protects your collection from harmful UV rays that can damage tannins and your wine’s taste.
You can reorganize the shelves to accommodate different bottles. In addition, you can turn the light on and lock it easily through the digital display. Even when it is dark, you can see the temperature because of the bright display. Moreover, the LED light is energy-saving.
Things We Liked:
● Remains generally silent
● Gives accurate temperature
● Compact size
● It does not take too much floor space
Things We Disliked:
● Shelves made for Bordeaux style bottles
● Wines with long bottles may not fit
10. 28-Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Cooler by Aobosi
Many users love this dual-zone wine cooler from Aobosi. Aside from being a great piece in their homes, most love how dependable the cooler is. So it is safe to say that many wine enthusiasts would love it.
Its storage design is space-saving. It can hold up to 28 bottles to its 6 shelves made of stainless steel. Thus, each shelf can hold 4 standard bottles. What makes it even better is that the shelves are removable, making it easy to put bigger bottles. Moreover, the thermostat is adjustable for each zone.
Even though the design may look basic, it matches easily with your other home decors and appliances. Also, you do not have a large space for it. Another great feature is that it operates quietly. So there is no need to worry about others getting disturbed because of the noise.
Things We Liked:
● Provides good circulation because of the fan
● Quiet operation
● Gives stable temperature
● Offers storage flexibility
Things We Disliked:
● The lower zone can be a bit sensitive to external temperature
11. 56-Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Cooler by EdgeStar
The EdgeStar wine cooler has 4 different cooling zones to match the ideal temperature for each type easily. For example, the temperature can be set from 41 to 64° Fahrenheit. Each of these cooling zones has a temperature display that you can easily control.
The wine is also protected from sunlight and UV rays because of the tinted glass. Therefore, It can age properly. In addition, the doors are reversible, so you can opt to have a French door structure.
Things We Liked:
● Good for freestanding, under the counter, or flush installation
● Has carbon filter, so no dirt or odor are going in the cooler
● It has a very efficient compressor
● Provides UV protection because of the glass panels
● Has soft blue LED light
Things We Disliked:
● Some reviews say that it had a problem with the bottle capacity
12. 51-Bottle Dual-Zone Built-In or Freestanding Refrigerator by Aobosi
When you get from Aobosi, you will have convenient and efficient storage. Aside from looking beautiful because of the beech wood, the shelves are durable to keep your bottles. There are no scratches, and the bottles can be taken out easily because the track is ball-bearing.
You will not have any problems keeping your red and white wines, so this is remarkable. You can set different temperatures. Moreover, the blue LED lighting highlights your collection.
Because it has a vent, there is no need to worry about overheating when installing it under your counter. If you have stainless steel appliances, this Aobosi cooler will be perfect. The air is clean in its interior because of the carbon filter. There is also a safety lock, so kids will not open it and cause the temperature to change.
Things We Liked:
● The soft blue lights look amazing
● Compact size
● The racks give it a vintage feel
● There is a lock installed
Things We Disliked:
● A bit expensive
● I had issues with the capacity
Dual-Zone Wine Coolers Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for
Here are some of the factors that you should consider when buying a dual-zone wine cooler:
Size and Capacity of the Bottle
Before you search for the best dual zone wine coolers & wine fridges, you have to check the available space you have. It comes in various sizes, so you need to decide on a model based on the space you plan to allot and the extent of your collection.
If your space is not a lot, a great option would be to get built-in units. Small wine coolers can hold around 6 bottles at the least. Large units, on the other hand, can hold around 100 to 200 bottles.
In simpler terms, you should pick a big enough for your collection and consider more space if you add more.
Wine Cooler Type
Your choice will basically depend on your needs. In general, there are built-in, freestanding countertops or integrated. Freestanding types are more flexible and can be placed in any kind of space.
These are also more affordable and can hold up to 150 bottles. Nevertheless, they need ample ventilation so that air circulates well to prevent overheating. Built-in wine coolers have standard measurements that can be placed next to your cabinets or under your countertop.
Temperature
To have a better and improved taste, you should serve wine at the right temperature. Even though you do not need to be very accurate with the ideal temperature, you still have to regulate it properly.
You can opt to get one with a single zone and a dual-zone. Single-zone coolers are great for people who only get one bottle at a time since it only has 1 temperature zone.
Door Number and Types
You have a lot of door choices. You can choose from self-closing, ones with left or right hinges, reversible, and French doors, among many others.
Depending on the space you have, there have reversible doors. Therefore, these are more flexible in terms of installation and convenience. A self-closing door is a good option if you want to save more energy.
The number of doors for the model depends on the wine-bottle capacity and size. Some units have a single door. Others have 2 or 3 doors.
Noise
When choosing a new home appliance, noise is one of the most important considerations. For example, many wine coolers have similar technology to kitchen refrigerators. Therefore, the same level of noise is similar. Nevertheless, if you want a quiet unit, you can check out thermoelectric.
Energy-Saving
Most electric home appliances can take up a big chunk of your electric bill. That means having a wine cooler means more energy consumed. To have the right temperature, It needs to be turned on.
It is recommended to get energy-saving to save more from your electric bill. You can look for units that are certified by Energy Star.
These units use up to 20 to 30% less electricity. You can also check features that save energy, such as thermoelectric cooling, triple-pane glass, or LED lights.
Cooling Technology
Since it is a wine cooler, you can expect a cooling technology feature, right? However, this is still one of the factors you should check: thermoelectric cooling feature or a built-in compressor. The most common cooling technology used is a compressor. This is because it utilizes a refrigerant that is similar to standard refrigerators.
Aside from giving constant temperature, another advantage of using compressors is that they are powerful. However, units like this are more expensive, bulkier, and make louder noises.
Thermoelectric give the cooling of the models by utilizing the Peltier effect. Even though there could be temperature fluctuations, these are compact, affordable, quiet, energy-saving, and have lesser vibrations.
Price
Many wine coolers and fridges are offered in the market, so it will be better to compare the prices and pick the one within your budget.
Similar to other products, there are varying prices. However, it is not difficult to find one that is within the price range you want.
The prices differ depending on the number of zones and the number of bottles it can hold. Even though you have a budget to follow, it is not good to get very cheap units since they could get damaged more easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: What wine cooler should I get? A thermoelectric cooler or with a compressor?
Q: Using a cooling node with a ceramic tile allows electric current to pass through and heat the tile for thermoelectric. As a result, the opposite end will be cool.
These coolers also have fans inside so that cool air is adequately dispersed. Moreover, because there is no compressor, they are quieter.
The downside is that it can only provide a lower temperature than 20° Fahrenheit than the area where it is located. However, for the compressor, there is no temperature limitation.
Therefore, you can remember these when you purchase. In addition, freestanding coolers have thermoelectric cooling features, while built-in units have compressors with a larger capacity.
A: Which is better, a built-in wine cooler or a freestanding?
Q: This depends on your needs and preferences. If you install, you can look for built-in models.
Nevertheless, if you want your visitors to see it, you can go for freestanding types. You just need to remember that the freestanding ones are made to dissipate heat at the back. This is to make the unit long-lasting and prevent overheating.
A: What are the ways of cleaning a wine cooler?
Q: To start, you need to turn it off by unplugging it. Then, you remove the parts and bottles.
You can now start cleaning the inside using a mild soap. You can also make a solution by combining warm water and baking soda.
Lastly, you clean the outside using a mild detergent and rinse everything off by wiping the areas cleaner with a soft cloth. It is recommended to avoid using much water in cleaning since it can damage the electrical components.
A: What kind of temperature zone cooler is best for me?
Q: If you have a bottle collection, you can get dual-zone since these can hold multiple bottles. If you just drink casually and only keep a bottle often, you can opt for single-zone models.
A: I want to make my freestanding cooler a built-in one. Is this possible?
Q: Yes, if you have 2 to 3 inches extra space on every side underneath your counter. This extra space is needed so that heat can disperse and give ample ventilation to the unit.
A: What is the serving temperature for red and white wine?
Q: To get the best flavor, the temperature for sparkling, rosés and dry white wine is around 40° to 50° Fahrenheit.
For fruity reds and full-bodied and light white wines can be served at around 50° to 60°. You can store it at 55° so that the aroma is preserved. Serving 60 to 65° and a storage temperature of 55° is needed for ports and full-bodied red wines to keep their natural flavor.
Conclusion
It is without a doubt that wine is one of the most delicious and exquisite drinks. That is why it is crucial to preserve its pure and natural taste.
To do this, you need to invest in quality. As you have read, there are many features, designs, and types available. Nevertheless, all of them have one primary function. That is to keep your wines’ goodness and make them better as they age.
