For any wine lover, a wine cooler will be a reward for making passion full of emotions, no matter how big or small. It is like a safe that protects your rare bottles, keeping the taste against harmful agents: light, temperature, humidity, vibration. Or even if you want others to think they’re more valuable than they really are. There’s nothing as stylish and sophisticated as a classy wine fridge.
If you have a fancy restaurant, you may need a lot of space to hold hundreds of bottles. But sometimes, you just need a small wine cooler, narrow wine cooler, or a neat built-in cabinet under your kitchen table. Also, sometimes you just need to leave a chilled bottle on the table for the duration of the party.
To help you find the perfect wine cooler for you. We spoke with wine masters, sommeliers, winemakers, restaurateurs, and refrigeration specialists who distribute wine coolers to get a product with the right selection criteria—top ideas about wine refrigerators such as reputable brands and the latest technology, warranty service, shipping. You want to make sure it works and avoid problems like noisy compressors, sticky shelves, excessive temperature fluctuations.
Now, we recommend buying a refrigerator with at least twice the capacity of what you already own for growth, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Then consider temperatures and spatial regions: singer-zone, Dual-zone, or multi-zones.
Wine needs to be stored in a constant temperature, humidity, and light environment with vibration suppression throughout the storage period. While room temperature is too warm for red wine (50-56 degrees Fahrenheit), the temperature inside your refrigerator is too low for white wine (45-55 degrees Fahrenheit) or Champagne (41-46). degrees F). and humidity is often not maintained at 70%.
We’ll get right down to business now with our bumper collection up for grabs.
- Best Dual-Zone wine coolers
- Built-in and Under Counter Wine Coolers
- Best Small Wine Cooler and Wine Fridges
- Wines and Beverages Coolers
- Best Wine Glasses of 2021
I. The 18 Best Wine Coolers and Wine Fridges
#1. Our Pick: The Best Wine Cooler Overall Dual Zone : Kalamera 46-Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Fridge
Do you plan to store both red and white in your cooler? If so, you’ll want a dual-zone unit like this hard-hitter from Kalamera.
5 beech shelves accommodate up to 46 standard-sized bottles. You’ll need to think twice if you frequently store larger bottles of champagne or Pinot.
With 2 zones, you can cool the upper zone between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit while the lower zone sits between 50 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit, giving you complete control over both red and white wines.
As with all Kalamera coolers, not only is the lack of noise in operation welcome, the low levels of vibration protect your bottle from having the sediment rattled around.
Whether you choose to integrate this cooler into your existing units or you want to leave it freestanding, this 24-inch Kalamera will set off any kitchen wonderfully.
Things We Like
- Dual-zones allow you to keep all your favorite bottles at their very best
- Safety lock to keep anyone from tampering with your collection
- Advanced cooling technology keeps both noise and vibration to an absolute minimum
Things We Dislike
- A few complaints about quality control
2. Runner up: Kalamera 30-Bottle Wine Cooler
Our overall winner is this mighty 30-bottle cooler from the highly reputable Kalamera. What makes it so good, though?
While you’ll be able to store 30 bottles of your favorite red or white, this cooler measures up at just 14.9 x 33.9 x 22.4 inches. You can opt to have the unit built-in or leave it freestanding.
The single zone is a cinch to control, and you can adjust the temperature from 40 through 66 degrees Fahrenheit using an intuitive LED display.
Build quality is robust, and the highly insulated and double-layered doors are made from tempered glass. They look great and won’t fog up while they’ll also help you keep the temperature inside just right.
The compressor is designed to run quietly, and without any vibration, so you won’t end up agitating the sediment.
This flexible unit is a must for a sleek and versatile wine cooler capable of housing a pretty robust collection.
Things We Like
- Accommodates 30 regular bottles with ease despite occupying a pretty small footprint
- Easy operation with single-zone functionality
- Double-layered doors made from tempered glass to optimize temperature regulation while minimizing fogging
Things We Dislike
- Larger diameter bottles don’t fit on the shelves too well
3. Also Great: EdgeStar 38-Bottle Wine Cooler
EdgeStar produces a range of cost-effective wine coolers that still deliver firmly on the quality front.
This oversized 38-bottle unit that’s sized as just 19 inches, so you’ll get a Tardis-like set-up with an amazing amount of room inside, considering the small form factor.
The upper zone can be cooled between 40 and 54 degrees Fahrenheit, while the lower area ranges from 54 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Potent fans mean you’ll get consistent circulation throughout.
This cooler is only designed for freestanding use, so you should look elsewhere if you want an integrated setup. The door hinge is reversible to maximize your placement options.
Wooden edges to the shelves break up the metal finish and impart a sleek and understated aesthetic.
If you’ve got kids in the house, the security lock is a welcome touch, so you won’t come home to find your precious collection damaged or the temperature tampered with.
The EdgeStar deserves a place on any shortlist for a pocket-friendly approach to keeping your bottle at its best.
Things We Like
- Shelving has attractive wood facing
- Dual-zones for both red and white wine
- Reversible door so this cooler will fit just about anywhere, even in tight spaces.
Things We Dislike
- You’ll notice a fair bit of noise in operation.
4. Budget Pick: Ivation 18 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler Refrigerator
Ivation proves you don’t need to take out a bank loan to find an effective wine fridge. This slick and imposing 18-bottle unit is ample for a small collection.
This unit comes with or without a lock, depending on whether you actually need this security feature.
Only a single-zone unit, you’ll have space for 18 standard bottles and the ability to ensure they age correctly.
Coolers stand or fall on the strength of the doors. With this fridge, you’ll get foam-insulated polyurethane doors that are also tempered and smoked. This combines to give you an odor-free environment while also maintaining humidity at the appropriate levels.
The thermoelectric cooling system does without a compressor. This means you’ll get less noise and less damaging vibrations that can disturb the sediment and spoil your bottle.
You can illuminate the inside of this cooler to grab your bottle, then hit the touch controls and ditch the light when you’re done.
For a compact and stylish wine cooler from a brand you can trust, this Ivation unit is a solid performer at a price you’ll love.
Things We Like
- Commanding design without compromising function
- Unbeatable price/performance ratio
- Doors tempered and smoke to regulate humidity levels
Things We Dislike
- A few gripes about the consistency of temperature
5. The Best Large Capacity Wine Cooler: Edgestar 332 Bottle Built-In Side-by-Side Wine Cellar Stainless Steel
What do you do if your collection is starting to outgrow a smaller cooler? The obvious answer is this nifty side-by-side arrangement comprised of a pair of EdgeStar 166-bottle units.
Each unit arrives with the doors right-hinged. Since you’re getting a pair of the same coolers, each one functions as a single zone. So if you want to segregate your bottle, you’ll need to do it by unit rather than within each one.
The stainless steel housing offset with wooden trim makes for a strikingly contemporary aesthetic. However, the look will work just as well in a traditional kitchen as a modernist condo, so it’s highly versatile.
With enough space to house 332 bottles and keep them at the optimum temperature and humidity level for as long as you like, the EdgeStar is tailor-made if you’ve got a collection in progress.
While it’s certainly not cheap, the EdgeStar is hands-down the best large-capacity wine fridges on the market.
Things We Like
- Exceptional capacity ideal for a growing collection
- The broadband of temperatures from 40 through 65 degrees Fahrenheit so perfectly for all types of wine
- Slide-out shelving trimmed with wood for a subtle finish
Things We Dislike
- Eye-wateringly expensive
6. Best Single-Zone: Magic Chef MCWC12B Black 12-Bottle
If you live in an apartment or you’ve got a cramped kitchen, this countertop cooler from Magic Chef allows you to store a dozen bottles of your favorite without dominating the entire space.
A single-zone fridge, the chrome shelving gives you 4 rows of 3 bottles all stored, so they remain at their best for longer.
Like all wine fridges, the Magic Chef is marketed as running quietly. While not strictly untrue, you should know that the cooler you run the fridge, the more aggressively the fan will run. Also, if the ambient room temperature is over 77 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll get more noise from the fan. While not a deal-breaker, you shouldn’t fall for the hype, and you should buy with your eyes wide open.
This cooler is not especially cheap considering its diminutive stature, but you’re investing in a fridge that’s built to last from a brand you can rely on, so why not treat yourself?
Things We Like
- A minimalist design ideal for a modernist kitchen
- 12-bottle capacity means this cooler makes a neat fit in smaller kitchens
- Chrome shelving complements the matte black housing wonderfully
Things We Dislike
- Generates more noise at cooler temperatures
7. Best Built-in: Antarctic Star 15″ Wine Cooler Beverage Refrigerator Beer Mini Fridge 28 Bottles Dual Zone Built-in Freestanding Stainless Steel
If you have a small collection and you’re looking to store up to 28 regular Bordeaux bottles, this dual-zone cooler allows you to keep both red and white at their optimum temperature fuss-free.
The control panel sits front and center, and you can manipulate it using the responsive touchscreen.
The temperature range in the top zone is 54 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit while down below, and you can keep bottles between 46 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit.
Antarctic Star is only designed as a freestanding cooler. So if you’re looking for something to build into existing units, this is not the model for you. Also, if you’re looking for a smaller or larger cooler, Antarctic Star offers both.
Alongside robust performance and a rugged build, Antarctic Star looks great, too. The mish-mash of wood and stainless steel makes for a nice juxtaposition, and you’ll get unbeatable value for money. What’s not to love?
Things We Like
- Dual-zone unit with tempered glass door to keep humidity levels in check
- The touchscreen is easily accessible and straightforward to navigate
- Classic understated design with wood shelving making a nice contrast to stainless steel
Things We Dislike
- Not suitable for built-in use
8. Best Compact: Schmecke 12 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler Refrigerator, For Red, White, Champagne, or Sparkling Wine
Not everyone wants a huge wine fridge, so Schmecke fills this gap with a slimline 12-bottle countertop model. 8 bottles lie down, and you can fit another 4 upright in this small single-zone unit.
Like all the best modern wine coolers, you’ll benefit from a thermoelectric cooling system in place of the traditional compressor. Not only does this reduce noise levels considerably, but you’ll also notice almost no vibration, so you won’t end up agitating the sediment in your bottle.
The compact form and curved glass mean this cooler will act as an asset on your countertop rather than being something you want to hide out of sight.
For a nice method of keeping a modest gathering of bottles in fine fettle for as long as you want to store them, this little Schmecke is ideal.
Things We Like
- Perfect for small kitchens and apartments
- No vibration to disturb the sediment in your bottles
- The thermoelectric cooling system so you won’t get too much racket from this unit
Things We Dislike
- A few complaints about build problems developing over time
9. Best Small Wine Cooler: Magic Chef 6-Bottle Single-Zone
If even the Magic Chef is too large for your needs, this Magic Chef model stores just 6 bottles.
Perhaps you live alone and only hold back a few bottles at a time. Maybe you live in a small apartment, or your kitchen is so overrun with appliances, you just don’t have room for a larger cooler. On the other hand, it might be that you want a secondary cooler for your den or basement. Whatever the reason, small wine fridges are remarkably versatile, and this single-zoner packs a real punch.
With light inside, you can see your capsule collection at a glance with no need to keep opening the door and compromising the cooling environment.
With a thermoelectric cooling system, noise and vibration are kept to a complete minimum.
In addition to performing strongly for a mini-model, this cooler looks great, too. So why not treat yourself today?
Things We Like
- Commanding design finished in matte black
- It measures up at just 20 x 10 ¾ x 15 inches, so it fits almost anywhere
- Interior lighting so monitor your bottles without needing to open the door
Things We Dislike
- Obviously not robust enough for a larger collection of wine
10. Best Slim: NutriChef White & Red Chiller Countertop Cooler Freestanding Compact Mini Wine Fridge
Another NutriChef cooler is up next in the form of this 12-bottle beauty.
Freestanding, you’ll be able to slip this cooler is relatively limited spaces. It measures up at just 9.9 x 17.7 x 31.2 inches so that it won’t eat up too much real estate in the kitchen.
This is a dual-zone unit with the upper zone cooling between 41 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit, while the lower zone has a range of 41 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit.
With vertical shelving incorporated, you’ll even be able to store your opened bottles, so you’ll keep wastage to an absolute minimum.
The lighting inside allows you to preserve the integrity of the storage environment while still keeping an eye on your collection. The reinforced glass door further enhances this with completely airtight seals.
Thermoelectric cooling slashes both noise and vibration levels substantially.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective storage solution from a brand you can rely on, NutriChef’s 12-bottle cooler is well worth a place on your shortlist.
Things We Like
- Super-quiet cooling system
- Keep all the cool air inside with interior lighting and an airtight environment.
- The freestanding design gives you flexibility over the placement
Things We Dislike
- Reasonably pricey, although the still solid value
11. Schmecke 18 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler Refrigerator
Schmecke serves up a very affordable wine cooler capable of accommodating a full 18 standard bottles.
The polished chrome shelving slips neatly out, allowing you simplified access at all times.
The design is sleek yet understated, and the cooler is meant to stand either on the counter if you’ve got plenty of space or, more likely, down on the floor.
Although capacity is impressive, this is only a single-zone cooler so think twice if you want to store both red and white in the same fridge. You’ll enjoy a temperature band of 41 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit to keep your bottle at its very best.
A few users have reported the unit not measuring up as disclosed in the listing. So we’d recommend giving this cooler a swerve if you’ve got a particularly tight space lined up.
For an inexpensive and attractive cooler that’s got ample room for a reasonable wine collection, this Schmecke is a solid choice.
Things We Like
- Shelves slide out to streamline access.
- Store 18 regular bottles, so ideal for a modest collection
- Freestanding unit with wheels for improved mobility
Things We Dislike
- A couple of users complained that measurements were inaccurate.
12. Wine Enthusiast 18-Bottle Dual Zone MAX Compressor Wine Cooler
One of the nicest looking coolers on the market, kitchenware legend Wine Enthusiast brings their expertise to bear on wine storage.
We’ll lead off by drawing attention to the noise factor. While you won’t disturb the neighbors, the thrum is nevertheless noticeable, so buyer, beware.
If that doesn’t phase you, you’ll appreciate this design-driven cooler that won’t stiff you on the performance front and doesn’t cost the earth either.
The inclusion of vertical shelving is a neat touch. This allows you to store opened bottles upright rather than wasting the contents.
If the 18-bottle unit doesn’t offer you quite enough capacity, there’s a 24-bottle model available. You can also find this 18-bottle version in an all-stainless variant at a slight premium.
The dual-zone temperature can be easily controlled through the intuitive interface, and you can view the reading in Fahrenheit or Celsius, so no more mental calculations.
If you can tolerate a little bit of noise and you’re looking for a rugged, reliable cooler at a reasonable price point, Wine Enthusiast is a complete winner.
Things We Like
- Vertical shelving incorporated allows you to store open bottles, too
- A reinforced glass door to maintain the optimum storage environment
- Dual-zone functionality is ideal if you drink a wide variety of wine
Things We Dislike
- Reasonably noisy
13. Best Splurge: EdgeStar 36-Bottle Built-In Wine Cooler with Dual Cooling Zones
Sticking with EdgeStar but scaling things right down in terms of capacity, this 36-bottle cooler is not cheap but packs a remarkable punch.
The manufacturer points out front and center that you’ll only achieve the claimed capacity with regular bottles. Throw in some champagne bottles, and you’ll find you don’t have quite the room.
In terms of placement, you can leave this cooler freestanding or build it in as you prefer. It’s nice to have this flexibility.
10 full-depth and 2 partial-depth shelves slide out so you won’t be contorting yourself to drag out a nice bottle for dinner.
The only meaningful downside of this fridge is the compressor-based system that generates a reasonable amount of hum. You should factor this into the equation before committing to purchase.
In all other respects, though, the EdgeStar delivers in fine style and is built to stay the distance.
Things We Like
- Eye-catching design but not a case of form over function
- Dual-zone cooler giving you increased versatility with storage
- Carbon filter included
Things We Dislike
- Compressor-based cooling kicks out a fair amount of noise.
14. Best Features: Kalamera 66-Bottle Dual-Zone Built-In Wine Cooler
Back to Kalamera again with this 66-bottle cooler coming with dual temperature zones.
Measuring up at 30 ½ x 34 x 22 inches, you won’t need too much kitchen real estate to accommodate this generous cooler. Despite the slimline dimensions, you’ll get space to store 66 of your favorite bottles across the 14 wooden shelves. Stored on their sides with ample room to circulate, you’ll keep all that precious wine at its very best.
A nice touch on this cooler is the audible and visible alarm if you leave the door opened and the cooling environment compromised.
Compressor cooling is less than ideal, and you’ll need to prepare yourself for a little noise. However, this is one area where thermoelectric cooling systems win hands-down.
Glass French doors open in the middle to reveal each side of this dual-zone unit. Contrasting with the expanse of glass is rugged stainless steel. This wine cooler looks fantastic and delivers fully without costing the earth.
Things We Like
- Enough space for a mid-sized collection of regular bottles
- The door alarm and LED light combine to ensure you never leave the fridge door open by mistake again
- Compact footprint despite substantial capacity
Things We Dislike
- Customer service gets a bad rep
15. Allavino Wine Refrigerator, BUILT-IN VERSATILITY Black
This Allavino wine fridge has enough capacity to house a growing home collection. This cooler also works well in commercial setting and you can expect a price tag to match.
What do you get for your money, then?
The dimensions of this cooler are 71 ½ x 23 ½ x 7 inches, so you’ll get the room for 172 bottles without taking up too much space in the kitchen.
Choose from the door, either right or left-hinged to suit. You can also opt for a straight or curved handle so you can tweak this cooler to suit the surroundings. You can also decide to leave this fridge freestanding or to build it in.
Dual-zone cooling allows you to keep all your bottle at their best, from Chardonnay to Bordeaux.
Fan-forced cooling and technology baked in means you’ll get a wine cooler that kicks out very little by way of noise or vibration.
While you’ll need to dig a little deeper for this cooler, you’ll be rewarded with a rock-solid cooler made to stay the distance.
Things We Like
- Enough room for 172 standard-sized wine bottles
- The slim and tall design saves space
- Slatted wooden shelving built to maximize space without sacrificing rigidity
Things We Dislike
- Extremely pricey, so not for bargain hunters
16. Kalamera Mini Fridge 18 Bottle – 12 inch Wine Cooler Refrigerator, Built-in or Freestanding
If you’re looking for a small freestanding wine cooler that still gives you dual-zone functionality, Kalamera comes up trumps with this eye-catching little unit. For larger coolers, check out the remainder of the Kalamera range.
Despite the size, you can store your red and white wines at the precise temperatures they need to stay at their best for longer. In addition, the shelving is removable, giving you great versatility.
Thermoelectric cooling gives you a quiet and almost vibration-free storage experience.
If you’ve got inquisitive kids in the house, you’ll appreciate the safety lock giving you all the security you need.
Inside, you’ll get muted LED lights that are bright enough to illuminate your collection without intruding on the atmosphere in your room.
As an added kicker, this cooler comes in at a remarkably keen price point, so what are you waiting for?
Things We Like
- A sleek and stripped-down design ideal for minimalist homes
- Dual-zone unit catering for both red and white wine
- The safety lock is a nice touch from Kalamera
Things We Dislike
- Some gripes from customers about shelving
17. Phiestina Dual Zone Best Wine Cooler Refrigerator
We use the compressor cooling method, so it’s much quieter. It won’t disrupt the atmosphere of the kitchen or bar area
Thermostats on this wine fridge are Zone 40-50° F, Zone 50-66°F to bring out your bottle’s light or deep flavors. Works perfectly in any situation
Six removable oak stands. Equipped with energy-saving blue LED lights to help you find your drink at night
Things We Like
- 7 pull-out shelves giving you more versatility with larger bottles
- Dual-zone cooler for white and red
- Tall, perfect design saving you space in the kitchen
Things We Dislike
- Some reports of problems developing within the first year
18. Wine Enthusiast 32-Bottle Dual Zone MAX Compressor
Last but certainly not least, this lean but high-capacity cooler gives you space for a 32-bottle collection.
With a pair of zones, you’ll be able to keep your white wine, champagne, and red all at the temperature required for maximum lifespan and optimum quality.
You can tweak the temperature using the sleek touchscreen, and you’ll see the precise temperature of each zone subtly but clearly displayed in blue.
7 shelves all slide out when you fancy grabbing a bottle. Of course, you won’t need to keep opening the door to check your bottles either since the interior is illuminated.
The thermoelectric system reduces noise and vibration.
For a no-nonsense storage unit perfect for mid-sized collections, give this Wine Enthusiast beauty a road test.
Things We Like
- The digital touchscreen is a cinch to navigate
- Dual-zone storage for your complete flexibility
- The freestanding model with wheels for ease of movement
Things We Dislike
- You can’t build this unit in
OK…
With our huge guide to the best wine coolers put to bed, there’s no excuse at all not to have a shortlist of suitable models.
We’ll round out today by highlighting what you should keep your eye out for on the buying trail.
II. Wine Cooler Buyer’s Guide
You might imagine that buying a best wine cooler is a straightforward purchasing decision.
In some ways, that’s right. But, on the other hand, there isn’t all that much to buying the right model for you. Just factor the above elements into your research, and you should get the best fit fuss-free…
- Placement
- Capacity
- Single-Zone or Dual-Zone?
- Noise
- Shelf Configuration
- Energy Costs
- Finish and Detailing
Placement
Location counts when you’re thinking about buying a wine cooler.
While a compressor wine cooler is highly efficient, you’ll need to ensure there’s adequate ventilation so hot air can escape from the coils.
A freestanding wine cooler can be placed on the floor or the countertop. The coils are housed at the back of the unit for a cleaner look. You’ll need to make sure there are several inches of clearance all around your cooler, so make sure you’ve got the set-up to accommodate if you’re considering a freestanding model.
A built-in wine cooler gives you more flexibility. You’ll be able to slot it in between cabinets and also use it in a freestanding capacity if that suits you.
Make sure of placement and dimensions before you go further to avoid any unpleasant surprises later down the track.
Next, you should ask yourself how many bottles you want to store…
Capacity
We’ve clearly listed out the capacity for bottles stored for each of the coolers we reviewed today. That way, you can flick through and see the key information you need at a glance.
If you’re looking to build a collection, we’d suggest erring on the side of caution and inflating your estimated need by 50%. You’ll likely be buying more wine than you consume, so it’s amazing how quickly you run out of space.
By future-proofing your storage, you’ll effectively save yourself money. After all, if you rush out without proper due diligence and buy yourself a 6-bottle unit only to find out it’s far too small, you’ll only end up spending more money on another unit. So get capacity right the first time around.
Note: Many manufacturers are somewhat creative when it comes to describing capacity. Since this is a key selling point with coolers, capacity is often under conditions where all shelves have been removed. Don’t be surprised if you fail to hit the intended capacity. Again, we’d urge you to buy a larger cooler than you first think you might need.
So far, so good. How about the type of wine you’ll be storing? This has an impact on what kind of wine cooler makes the best fit.
Single-Zone or Dual-Zone?
Different drinks call for storage at different temperatures:
- Red wine: 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit
- White wine: 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit
- Champagne: 41 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit
If you only intend to store one type of wine and you’re absolutely confident those needs will not change, a single-zone wine cooler might suffice. We stress here, and you should be certain you’re not likely to branch out into storing different wines, or you might regret this decision.
For collectors of mixed drinks, a dual-zone wine cooler is your best bet. With independent climates, you’ll be able to keep everything you own at exactly the right temperature, whether you’re interested in long-term or short-term storage.
If you’re looking for economy and the most compact form factor, you can get away with a single-zone unit. For long-term storage, both red and white wines can be kept at a standard 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is the element of your buying decision to get right, and you shouldn’t automatically buy a dual-zone unit if it’s not the right solution for you.
Noise
Some wine coolers create a fair amount of noise so what counts here is where you plan to position your wine fridge.
If the cooler is set down in the basement, maybe you’re not at all concerned about the noise factor.
For anyone with a wine cooler in the kitchen or close to the home theater, tolerance to noise is likely to be much lower.
The amount of sound a wine cooler kicks out is due to the type of cooling system.
A standard compressor system used in most refrigerators gives off a degree of hum and noise. As a result, large compressors can be particularly loud.
Thermoelectric systems – most of the coolers above are of this type – run completely silent. They don’t produce any chemicals, and they give off no vibration either. This is great for the environment and also for the quality of the wine you’re storing.
Shelf Configuration
Not all coolers are designed with shelves optimized for wine, so buying a dedicated wine fridge is important.
The object is for wine to be stored on its side, so the cork remains in contact with the wine and stays moist. In addition, the cork will maintain the plumpness required to keep bacteria out for years, perfect for longer-term storage.
Look, too, for shelving, and you can remove it. This makes accessing your wine easier and also allows you to benefit from multiple storage configurations.
Energy Costs
A wine cooler using a thermoelectric system will use less electricity than one with a compressor.
Finish and Detailing
A design might not be your primary reason for buying a wine cooler, but there’s no doubt it plays some part in your decision.
If you’re putting the cooler down in the basement or hidden away somewhere else, you probably don’t care much what it looks like. But, on the other hand, if it’s built into the kitchen, you’ll likely place more priority on the design.
OK…
We’ll tail off for today with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about wine coolers…
III. Wine Cooler FAQs
1) Why can’t I store my wine in the fridge?
You can, and it’s just not advisable. Firstly, the wine will be too cold. The normal temperature for food storage is 38 degrees Fahrenheit, while wine coolers are set at 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity levels are dry enough that the cork will shrink, so breaking the seal. The oversized compressor in most fridges will also create vibration. This agitates the sediment in the wine and disturbs the flavor. Beyond all this, the constantly opening and closing fridge door will expose your wine to fluctuations in temperature and light, leading to a wine that will rapidly degrade.
2) Do I need a single-zone cooler or a dual-zone cooler?
For short-term storage of both red and white wine, a dual-zone cooler makes sense. However, if you have your eye on longer-term storage, you should use a single-zone unit so that all wine can be kept at 55 degrees Fahrenheit to reach full maturity.
3) What’s the point of the interior LED lights?
With wine, you want to avoid exposing it to changes in temperature. Unfortunately, the more you open and close the door, the more this happens. With LED lighting, you’ll use very little energy in exchange for being able to look through your collection without needing to open the door.
4) How long can I store wines?
As a rule, white wines are drinking wines, while red wines are aging wines. How long it takes for red wine to mature depends on various factors, including the type of wine, its vintage, its quality, and its complexity. During the aging process, tannins come out, allowing the other characteristics of the wine to develop. Red wines can be stored for decades or even centuries due to the elevated tannin content. So, for all intents and purposes, you should be able to store red wine for just about as long as you fancy.
5) Why do I need to keep bottles laid on their side?
This placement ensures that the cork remains in contact with the liquid. When stored upright, the cork can easily dry out. A moist cork will stay swollen and stop any air from reaching and contaminating the wine. Since this placement is not practical in most regular fridges, a wine cooler steps in to fill the gap.
6) How about screw-top bottles? Do I still need to store these on their side?
No. Since there’s no cork, you won’t benefit from storing screw-top bottles horizontally. Store these bottles vertically instead. This will free up precious space for those bottles that genuinely need horizontal storage. Also, if you want your wine ready-to-drink, there’s no waiting time involved with screw-top bottles. A corked bottle stored horizontally needs inverting for at least 8 hours and ideally 24 hours before cooking. Then, a screw-top bottle will be ready to drink.
7) How do I know if my wine has been poorly stored?
Look at it and see where the wine sits in the bottle. A properly stored wine, when standing, will fill halfway between the shoulder and the top of the bottle. If the wine is “low in the shoulder,” it means it’s suffered from oxidation and evaporation through the cork. A bulging cork is a sign of premature aging. If you notice an excess of sediment, that also indicates a probability your wine has been improperly stored.
8) Do I need to turn my wine occasionally when it’s being stored in the long term?
You don’t, no. If the environment you’re storing your wine in is regulated like a wine cooler and the shelving is designed specifically for wine, you’ll gain nothing by turning your wine. Indeed, you’ll lose out since you’ll be needlessly exposing the wine to a change in temperature for no end gain. So leave it alone and be patient!
9) Which is best, a freestanding wine cooler or a built-in unit?
This one comes down entirely to personal preference. This will be dictated by the layout of your kitchen and where you plan to place your cooler. If you opt for a freestanding model, ensure you’ve got enough space around it for proper airflow. On the other hand, if you decide on a built-in cooler, you need to be certain before committing to purchase that you’ve got the space to accommodate it.
10) Can I get a cheap wine cooler?
Absolutely. Many of the coolers we review today come at a very reasonable price point. Of course, as you step things up incapacity, you’ll need to dig a little deeper, but you’d expect that. There’s certainly no need to pay a fortune for a wine fridge, though.
IV. Conclusion
Well, you should have a solid idea by now of the best wine fridges wine coolers on the market.
We chose to serve you up with as many as 20 coolers since there’s quite a variety in terms of pricing and capacity, so we wanted to make sure there was something for everyone.
Pay attention to our wine cooler buying guide, and you should have no trouble at all finding a suitable cooler at the right price.
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