While not everyone’s home is equipped to handle a large wine cellar, a wine fridge can fit anywhere. A wine refrigerator is not designed to only store wine but also to preserve and to age it properly by creating a stable temperature zone.
This helps bring out the flavor in wine which is something you can appreciate both as a casual wine enthusiast and an expert.
Our Top 3 Best Wine Fridges
NewAir AWB-360DB Wine and Beverage Refrigerator – ideal to keep your wine and beverages chilled
Lanbo Freestanding Refrigeration – sleek design and economical energy efficiency
Black + Decker Freestanding Wine Refrigerator – practical and beautiful look
Different Types of Wine Fridges
There are different types of wine fridges available on the market, and they are usually divided into categories based on the technology they use or the structure and design of the fridge. The most common types you’re bound to encounter are listed below.
Compression Wine Coolers
A compression wine cooler functions using a technology similar to that which you can find in a common refrigerator. It works by compressing and releasing air to reduce the temperature inside the cooler, a process which is known as the “vapor compression cycle”. With this type of technology, there is a significant decrease in temperature. In some chambers, the compressor uses electronics to compress refrigerant molecules.
Naturally, there are advantages to choosing this type of technology. A constant cold temperature is maintained and, when the desired temperature is reached, it will automatically stop the compressor to maintain that temperature. It basically works around the clock to keep a steady cool temperature inside the cooler.
However, there are a few drawbacks worth mentioning, such as the fact that the technology used makes the cooler noisier compared to other solutions. Also, the fact that the compressor works around the clock to maintain an ideal temperature leads to an increase in the electricity bill.
Thermoelectric Wine Coolers
Compared to compression coolers, these models use completely different technology. Rather than relying upon an engine to cool the inside, it employs an electrical current. The plan includes a metal pole that is electrolyzed to make a temperature differential.
The heated part faces the outside to be able to eliminate this energy out of the system. The cooler finish faces the inside. Much like the compression wine cooler, this model requires back ventilation for the cooling technique to actually be efficient but requires ventilation on either side as well.
Since it doesn’t have a compressor, it can’t be utilized in regions that will become extremely hot. Mild conditions are best in such a scenario. Since it mainly utilizes its outside surroundings to cool its inside, keeping it stored in a suitable environment is essential. This will result in optimum cooling efficiency.
The advantages of opting for a thermoelectric wine cooler include its versatility, the fact that it can’t over-freeze, it’s silent compared to a compressor cooler, and it doesn’t consume a lot of energy.
There are also a few drawbacks worth mentioning, like the fact that you can’t use this in a hot environment and it’s going to take a little bit of time to chill the wine bottles placed inside.
Single-Zone Wine Coolers
This cooler is, like the title suggests, a unit that provides a single storage space with only one temperature setting for the entire zone. That means that you can only set one temperature which is preserved throughout the whole cooler and will cool all bottles of wine to the exact same level. This cooler has racks inside that are intended to hold each bottle individually, allowing for optimal cooling requirements. The cooling mechanism which runs this sort of cooler can be compressor or thermoelectric-based since it only cools to a single temperature.
The single-zone cooler’s efficiency relies on whatever cooling system has been implemented. The compressor cooler is much more efficient than the thermoelectric cooler since it cools faster and at a steadier pace.
Exactly like every other variable of this wine cooler, it all comes down to personal taste. Steadiness lies at the center for this particular cooler category. A consequence worth mentioning for people that are enthusiasts of a particular sort of wine is that they can keep the whole cooler at the same temperature constantly without having to worry about changing it constantly.
There are some pros to choosing this particular model, such as the fact that it’s suitable for beginners that don’t have a large wine collection or the fact that it costs less to the products that pertain to the category which we’re about to discuss next.
However, you also need to understand the drawbacks, and probably the biggest concern is that the single-zone temperature setting will pose problems when waiting for wine maturation. That means it’s a bad idea to use a single-zone cooler for different types of wine.
Dual-Zone Wine Coolers
The name of this category is pretty self-explanatory as well and you get a pretty good idea at what makes this type of cooler different compared to a single-zone one. These units have two storage compartments that allow you to store wine at two different temperature settings. The wines are put on display thanks to the integrated racks which are, oftentimes, adjustable.
This option is way better for people who have a larger collection of different kinds of wine and most models have temperature presets, meaning you don’t have to fiddle around with the temperature settings.
If you like to store and consume one type of one, the dual-zone cooler might be useless to you. Also, they are more expensive compared to single-zone models, so they are only recommended for those who serve multiple wine varieties.
How to Choose a Wine Fridge
When choosing a wine fridge, you want to consider what type of fridge is best suited according to your wine-preserving needs. As we’ve established, you will have to choose between two cooling technologies (compression and thermoelectric-based), as well as one of two options with a different structure and design (single and dual-zone models). The information above is pretty comprehensive and paints a clear picture of the differences between these cooler types, so let’s move on to some additional tips that will put you on the right path towards choosing the best wine cooler for you:
- You want a fridge that can keep temperatures cool, but not too cool. The rules are as follows: wine stored at temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and above will age rapidly, while temperatures that are too cool will cause the wine to freeze, lose flavor and aroma, and even push out the cork. The ideal wine-serving temperature is considered to be 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep that in mind as you’re looking at the temperature settings of your future wine cooler.
- Light will interfere with a wine’s aging process, so you want to look for fridges that have UV-protective doors. Colored bottles are already designed to protect the grape-based contents. Also, when picking a wine cooler, don’t opt for models that have anything except incandescent or LED lights.
- Humidity is believed to play an important role in wine preservation, but don’t make a priority of it. The idea is that dry air causes the cork to dry out and crack, but also always air to infiltrate the cork and ruin the wine. For those of you looking to store wine bottles over the entire course of a decade, humidity levels of 70 percent are optimal, and between 50 and 80 percent is also a safe area.
- When preserving wine, a steady temperature is crucial. You don’t want to move wines between hot and cold locations because it may end up pushing out the cork. So make sure that your future wine cooler can maintain a steady temperature.
- You also want a cooler that keeps bottles on the side. This way, the wine inside the bottle will keep the cork moist. Plus, it’s really efficient in terms of storage. Only opened wine bottles should be stored upright.
The Best Wine Fridges
But enough chit-chat for now. Assuming you’re serious about purchasing a wine refrigerator, you’ll probably want to check out some actual products and find out more about what they actually do and how they do it. We’re hoping our selection can answer your questions and help you make an informed decision so check out below our top ten wine fridge choices.
NewAir AWB-360DB Wine and Beverage Refrigerator
If you’re the type of person that always enjoys a good drink and makes it a mission to consume wine at the indicated temperature, the AWB-360DB is one of the best products to buy. This freestanding unit offers dual-zone temperature control, with the possibility to adjust the temperature between 36 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The digital controls make this unit elegant and equipped with the latest technology, which is always something to admire if you’re tech-savvy. It doesn’t have an energy-saving option but you can remove the shelves and customize the space inside, which is always a plus. It functions based on a compressor system and it can fit around 18 wine bottles.
Pros:
- Dual-zone temperature.
- LED temperature display.
- Adjustable shelving.
Cons:
- Lacks an energy-saving mode.
Lanbo Freestanding Refrigeration
Measuring 71.3” H x 23.4” W x 28.5” D, we present yet another cooler for your wines, one that promises to hold about 160 bottles, which is nothing short of impressive. It comes with a carbon filter that maintains fresh air inside the unit, making sure that humidity is kept at a good level. It uses two LED lights to showcase the bottles but also to make it easier to find what you’re looking for. It has dual cooling zones with temperatures that can be customized between 41 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a touchscreen display and uses a compressor-based system to function.
Pros:
- Fresh air through carbon filtering.
- Integrated white LED lights.
- Smart temperature management.
Cons:
- Has a weird odor at first.
Black + Decker Freestanding Wine Refrigerator
Another adorable mini cooler that you’re bound to love as much as we did comes from Black + Decker, a brand that needs no introduction. Due to its compact size (measuring 23.1” H x 21.1” W x 19.7” D) that makes it a suitable freestanding but also a good countertop unit. It can reach temperatures between 40 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit, which should be enough to cover your wine-cooling needs. This is a single-zone cooling fridge, which is to be expected considering its relatively small size. It features two chrome shelves and a door with an adjustable position.
Pros:
- Great for compact spaces.
- Bottom rolling prevention system.
- Reversible door.
Cons:
- Can only fit around 14 bottles.
Schmécké Freestanding Wine Refrigerator
If you love electronic appliances that look good, you’re bound to appreciate the sexy design of the Schmécké wine refrigerator. Made with UV-resistant thermoglass, the door on this unit offers a gorgeous view provided by neatly stacked bottles and enhanced sleek lines, and a beautiful finish. The racks are removable and can be rearranged to fit bottles of multiple sizes if needed. There are integrated LED lights that are energy-efficient and showcase the wine bottles placed inside. The touch controls are easy to use and allow you to adjust the temperature or fiddle with the lights. The cooled can reach temperatures between 41 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros:
- Integrated LED lights.
- UV-resistant thermopane glass.
- Adjustable racks.
Cons:
- Single-zone temperature control.
Whynter Freestanding/Built-In Wine Cellar
If you are a true wine connoisseur and this is, by far, your most favorite drink, then you probably have a lot of bottles just waiting to age well, to be stored, showcased, just waiting to be served, and enjoying a nice cheese platter. That’s where products like the Whynter come in.
This is a wine cooler that measures 69” H x 23.5” W x 28.5” D and can store up to 160 wine bottles. It can be used both as a freestanding and a built-in unit, offering a lot of versatility in terms of placement. This display shelf features a built-in incline that will allow you to store up to six bottles of wine at an easy-to-see level. It’s also ideal for storing opened bottles of wine. It also protects your wines from sun-inflicted damage thanks to the tempered double pane glass door.
Pros:
- Door with UV protection.
- Stores 160 bottles of wine.
- Serves as a freestanding and built-in unit.
Cons:
- Single-zone temperature control.
NewAir Built-in Wine Refrigerator
Coming in strong with a slim design and measurements of 34.20” H x 5.90” W x 20.08” D, we have another NewAir wine cooler to fall in love with. It was constructed with a built-in fan that maintains wine at a steady temperature, using a compressor-based system to get the job done. It can preserve wine at temperatures between 41 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit and offers single-zone cooling (which shouldn’t be a problem considering the fact that it’s a low-capacity cooler anyway and can only store up to seven bottles). It has a beautiful stainless steel finish, wooden shelves that are adjustable, and a UV-protective double-pane glass door.
Pros:
- UV-protective glass door.
- Carbon filter to keep odors out.
- Strong insulation and stainless steel finish.
Cons:
- Low-capacity (7 bottles).
Kalamera 12” Wine Cooler 18 Bottle Built-in or Freestanding
The Kalamera wine cooler fridge can hold up to 30 bottles and is surprisingly compact. It can be installed under the kitchen counter as a built-in appliance but it can also be used as a freestanding unit. It offers flexibility and it can hold a variety of different types of bottles, being perfect for wine lovers with assorted collections. The double-layered tempered glass door and stainless steel frame maintain a stable temperature inside and prevent fogging.
The temperature memory function is very convenient in case of power outages and the LED display is very user-friendly.
View DealPros:
- Temperature memory function.
- Tempered glass door.
- Display in Celcius and Fahrenheit.
Cons:
- Lower zone is not cool enough.
Wine Enthusiast Silent 18 Bottle Wine Refrigerator
This slender wine fridge is designed to be used as a freestanding unit only. It can hold up to 18 bottles and allows two temperature levels inside for wines that require different conditions. The digital touch screen allows you to easily adjust the temperature, with rages between 54 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit for the top zone (perfect for reds) and 46 to 66 degrees for the bottom zone (perfect for whites).
Furthermore, this fridge is energy-efficient and very silent.
View DealPros:
- Holds up to 24 bottles.
- 2 color options.
- Works as a countertop and wall-mounted unit.
Cons:
- Is not a cooler per se.
Koldfront 24 Bottle Free Standing Dual Zone Wine Cooler
The Koldfront wine cooler also offers two different temperature zones adjustable via an LCD display. It also has a safety lock in case you need it, a great little feature if you have kids. You can only use this as a freestanding unit so you won’t be able to have it built into the furniture. The tempered glass door can swing 180 degrees for easy removal of the shelves if needed.
The temperature can be set between 54 and 66 degrees F for the top zone and between 46 and 66 degrees F for the lower zone.
View DealPros:
- Dual-zone temperature.
- Precise temperature setup.
- LCD digital thermostat.
Cons:
- Complaints about inconsistent temperature.
NutriChef PKTEWCDS1802 18 Bottle Dual Zone Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
Many wine cooler refrigerator are as stylish as they are practical and this is a good example. The same as some of the previously mentioned models, this one allows you to set two different temperature zones to ensure that all your previous bottles are stored in perfect conditions. Set the temperature between 46-64°F for the upper zone and between 54-64°F for the lower zone.
Also vertical shelves allow you to also store open bottles so nothing is wasted. This stylish wine fridge can hole up to 18 bottles.
View DealPros:
- Customizable temperature setting.
- Blue LED lighting interior.
- Double-pane glass door.
Cons:
- Loud compressor.
EdgeStar CWF380DZ 19 Inch Wide 38 Bottle Wine Cooler
The EdgeStar wine cooler can hold up to 38 bottles as long as they’re all standard-sized. Larger bottles can also be stored but in that case a shelf would need to be removed thus reducing the overall storage capacity. The fridge offers dual temperature zones which rage between 40 to 54 degrees F at the top and 54 to 64 degrees F at the bottom.
The door is reversible, the shelves have an elegant wood trim and there's also a built-in security lock.
View DealAntarctic Star Wine Cooler Refrigerator
The Antarctic Star wine cooler allows you to set the temperature inside anywhere between 40 to 61 degrees F to ensure perfect storage conditions. It has a double pane glass door which blocks the UV rays and blue LED interior lighting which doesn’t damage the wine but let’s you showcase the bottles in a beautiful way.
The fridge is also very quiet and doesn't vibrate, ensuring optimal conditions for the contents and the space around the fridge. This is meant to only be used as a freestanding unit.
View DealhOmelabs 18 Bottle Wine Cooler – Free Standing Single Zone Fridge and Chiller
The hOmelabs cooler can hold up to 18 bottles and the temperature inside can be adjusted between 54°F – 64°F to ensure perfect conditions to store and age your favorite wine. The interior shelves are made of polished chrome and the door is made of glass, allowing you to see the contents while maintaining a stable temperature and humidity inside. You can use this as a freestanding unit only.
Built with a classy glass door to display the contents and a magnetic door seal to maintain the ideal climate and humidity inside the chiller
View DealPros:
- Suitable for more than just wine storage.
- 3 temperature modes.
- Fits well in small spaces.
Cons:
- Compressor is loud when it stops.
Aobosi 24 Inch Dual Zone Wine Cooler 46 Bottle Freestanding and Built-in Wine Refrigerator
The Aobosi wine fridge is perfect for diverse collections as it features two temperature zones and it also has an area which can accommodate large bottles without the need to remove any shelves. The upper zone temperature can range from 41°F to 54°F while the lower zone is between 54°F to 68°F. It has a stainless steel body and a glass door and there’s blue LED light inside so you can showcase your collection in style.
This fridge also has a temperature memory function and a lock screen function. There's also a security lock.
View DealPros:
- Dual-zone temperature control.
- Low vibration and noise.
- Double tempered glass door.
Cons:
- Swings in set temperature.
Antarctic Star 36 Bottle Wine Cooler
This model is very similar to the other Antarctic Star wine fridge we mentioned above. It can hold up to 36 bottles of wine but it can also hold beer and other beverages. You can easily adjust the temperature inside to ensure perfect storage conditions. There’s blue LED light inside which lets you see the contents through the glass door without opening it and two front leveling legs so you can make sure everything is perfectly level. Use this as a freestanding unit only.
36 standard red or white wine bottles capacity, also perfect for canned beer and beverage storage.
View DealPros:
- Customizable temperature level.
- Blue LED interior lighting.
- Minimal vibration.
Cons:
- Compressor is loud.
NewAir Beverage Refrigerator Cooler with 126 Can Capacity
Beer lovers can also hold their beverage collection in perfect conditions thanks to the NewAir cooler. It can hold up to 126 cans and it has modular shelves which allow you to adjust the configuration as needed in case you also want to store bottles. It’s made of durable stainless steel and it has a glass door and LED lighting inside.
This is designed to be used as a freestanding unit only. In addition to being space-efficient this beer cooler also looks amazing.
View DealPros:
- Compact design, fit in small spaces.
- 5 custom thermostat settings.
- Can reach 37 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cons:
- Pretty small for a wine cooler.
Wine fridges and interior design
Wine cooler refrigerators are very versatile and they protect and store wines efficiently and affordably.{found on milancabinetmakers}.
You can find wine refrigerators in a variety of different sizes and styles and there are a lot of elegant ways to integrate them into your home decor.
In modern and contemporary residences the wine fridge is often incorporated into the kitchen and dining area, usually as a built-in appliance.
It’s also quite common to have the wine fridge integrated into the kitchen island. It’s convenient and space-efficient.
Wine refrigerators and wine racks are not mutually exclusive and you can easily have both. In this scenario they’re placed side by side.
Wine fridges of course come in a variety of models and sizes and can include a variety of extra features. It’s up to you to set your own priorities and to find the one that best suits your needs.
As mentioned before, integrating the wine cooler refrigerator into the kitchen island is very practical and convenient. Most often it’s installed to face away from the kitchen.
Taller wine fridges can be incorporated into the kitchen cabinetry. They’re similar to regular fridges and they look stylish and refined.
Even if most wine fridges look modern, you can still incorporate them into traditional or rustic settings. It’s all in the details.
FAQ
How long does wine last in the fridge?
If you’re thinking about buying a white or rosé wine, it should last for at least three to four days in the fridge. Some wines, such as Champagne, can stay fresh for up to five days.
Does wine go bad in the fridge?
Yes, it does, but when dealing with unopened wine bottles, know that you don’t have to store them in the fridge for a long time. After you’ve opened that bottle, the oxygen in the wine begins to interact with the molecules in the wine, changing its composition and its aroma. All wine goes bad at some point.
How cold does a wine fridge get?
Wine refrigerators will usually reach temperatures as low as 46 degrees Fahrenheit but experts say that you don’t have to always keep it at that temperature if you want to store it in the long run. For long-term aging, wine should be kept at around 55 degrees (with the exception of sparkling wines).
Can I store red wine in the fridge?
You should avoid storing red wine in the fridge unless it has been opened. The cold can slow down the oxidation process.
Where to put wine fridge
There are plenty of nice spots that you could place your wine fridge in. Some of the most common choices include kitchens, cellars, dry or wet bars, dining rooms, and entertainment areas.
White wine storage temperature
55 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for storing white wine.
Red wine serving temperature
Red wine is best served at a temperature between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
White wine serving temperature
The serving temperature of white wine depends on the variety of white wine in question. For example, 44 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal serving temperature for lighter white wines, while those with more body are best served at 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
A wine refrigerator is a that cools down wines at the proper temperature. Wine coolers are typically used to store Champagne, red wines, and other sparkling wines. Wine storage is important because it ends up influencing the taste of the wine. A wine cooler can keep your wines at a steady temperature and ready to serve when needed. It can be used to store different types of wines, but it’s not uncommon to see people using them to cool down other beverages, from soda to whisky bottles.
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