Which Wine Fridge is The Best?

It could seem a little like a modern-day “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” story when choosing wine refrigerators. Does this one fit? Too large? Too costly? Does it have too few huge bottle spaces? Which wine fridge is the best?

Excellent wine refrigerators can cost anywhere between $400 to $12,000 or more. The finest ones will maintain your wine at a temperature of about 55 degrees Fahrenheit, plus or minus five degrees in either direction. The number of bottles they can carry and whether or whether white and sparkling wine has distinct colder zones are other crucial factors. Upgraded models could also come with LED illumination, UV-protective glass, and other amenities, albeit at a higher cost.

Table of Contents

1. Best overall: NewAir 24” Wine and Beverage Refrigerator Cooler

Because of its size and functionality, this freestanding wine freezer is our top pick for the best wine fridge overall. It’s perfect for wine aficionados who like to keep more than a few bottles on hand at once without taking up too much space in the house.

Up to 46 wine bottles can fit within, and there are shelves inside that are both movable and adjustable, making it simple to arrange your wine collection. White wine should be kept between 40 and 55°F in the upper zone, and reds should be kept between 50 and 65°F in the lower zone.

A built-in fan is also included with this wine refrigerator to assist in maintaining a constant temperature. While other refrigerator fans can be fairly loud, we appreciate that the compressor on this wine fridge is incredibly quiet, giving you the freedom to place it anywhere you want in your home without worrying that it will annoy your neighbors.

The insulated glass door of this wine refrigerator, which also has a protective coating to deflect UV rays that might ruin your wine’s flavor profile, is another feature to adore. It not only prevents outside moisture from getting inside the appliance. Your collection is wonderfully illuminated by a gentle LED light inside the appliance, which doesn’t produce heat that would damage the wine’s flavor character.

Features:

Its product dimensions are respective: 22.5″D x 23.5″W x 33″H.
The capacity has 2 cubic feet.
It has a freezerless configuration.
It is made of black stainless steel.
The defrost system is automatic.
The product has a rating of 12 volts.
The finished type of product is black stainless steel.

Specs:

This cutting-edge beverage refrigerator can fit neatly beneath most kitchen worktops thanks to its silent, front-venting compressor design.
Dual-zone cooling for up to 46 conventional wine bottles gives you two wine coolers in one.
Triple-tempered glass doors that are fashionable offer excellent insulation to keep the cold air inside. To prevent wine from oxidizing from exposure to sunshine, the glass has been coated with an anti-UV layer.
The compressor-based, quiet fan cooling system that also includes a carbon filter uniformly distributes the air around your wine.

Pros:

The dual-zone technology maintains the appropriate temperature.
The compressor is incredibly quiet.
Has a protective coating to deflect UV rays that might ruin your wine’s flavor profile
Up to 28 wine bottles

Cons

Depending on the precise sizes, it might not hold all 28 bottles.

2. Best quality: Ivation 28 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler Refrigerator

Which Wine Fridge is The Best? — Ivation 28 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler Refrigerator

This Ivation model would be ideal because of its lower cost. Its modern design features a small footprint, a black finish, and a door with tinted UV-resistant glass. It also has a relatively small footprint.

Wine bottles up to 13 inches long and 3 inches in diameter can be stored on the wine cooler’s detachable wire racks. This wine freezer has a temperature range of 41 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just cold enough for sparkling white wines and just a little warm enough for red wines that are ready to be served.

While less costly wine refrigerators frequently have noise difficulties, this one has a relatively quiet motor, with a rating of 36 decibels (dBA).

Features:

Its product dimensions are respective: 17.7″D x 16.9″W x 33.1″H.
The capacity has 2 cubic feet.
It has a freezerless configuration.
It has black color.
The defrost system is automatic.
The product has a rating of 120 volts.
The finished type of product is Mattel.

Specs:

Ivation wine coolers’ compressor technology lowers the temperature to a level suitable for sparkling white wines.
Set the wine cooler’s temperature, then let it take care of the rest. Thanks to an incorporated fan that maintains a steady temperature throughout, this cooler provides the best conditions for long-term wine preservation.
In addition to keeping the interior warm, a double-paned glass door shields your collection from UV light, which can deteriorate the tannins and general flavor of your wine.
The energy-saving LED light should be turned on to softly illuminate your collection. Bid adieu to harsh fluorescent lighting that ruins flavors and fades labels.
The lock button makes it simple to lock settings, and pushing the digital display swiftly changes the lighting and temperature. The temperature is visible on the bright LCD even in complete darkness.

Pros:

It boasts a modern design, a detachable shelf, and a large capacity.
It has Energy Star certification.
Lower cost
Can hold wine bottles up to 13 inches in length and 3 inches

Cons:

Some people may find the compressor on and off cycles to be noisy.

3. Best dual-zone: Smith & Hanks 32 Bottle Wine Refrigerator

For those who prefer to always have wines that are ready to drink, dual-zone wine coolers are fantastic. The metal racks with wood embellishments on this Smith & Hanks model can accommodate 32 standard Bordeaux bottles.

You can control the temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit by pressing several buttons on the control panel. The refrigerator door can be opened and closed repeatedly while the thermostat keeps the internal temperature constant.

Basically out of the box, this device is ready to use. If you want a built-in refrigerator for your kitchen, you can utilize it as an under-counter type in addition to its freestanding capabilities.

Features:

Its product dimensions are respective: 23″D x 15″W x 34″H.
The capacity has 2 cubic feet.
It has a freezerless configuration.
The door material type is stainless steel.
The shelf type of the product is wood-accented metal.

Specs:

Our wine cabinets’ versatile design enables them to be set up as a free-standing or built-in wine cooler.
Maintain 32 bottles maximum.
Your favorite red and white wines can be stored in separate temperature zones and kept at a serving temperature.
A 15-inch wine cooler may be placed practically anywhere.
We are confident in the dependability of our wine coolers, which are backed by a 1-year comprehensive guarantee and a 3-year warranty on the compressor and sealed system. The goods we produce are backed by us.

Pros:

It can be used as a built-in or freestanding cooler.
The door hinges are reversible.
The metal racks with wood embellishments on this Smith & Hanks model can accommodate 32 standard Bordeaux bottles.
The temperature display can be switched from Celsius to Fahrenheit

Cons:

It could look small to some people, and keeping larger bottles would reduce the number of bottles it can accommodate by almost half.

4. Best purchased product: Kalamera 46-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler Refrigerator

The Kalamera 46-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler is a well-liked built-in wine cooler with two temperature zones and a holding capacity of 46 regular Bordeaux bottles. With a few touchpad clicks, you may adjust the red zone’s bottom zone to be between 50 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit and the upper zone for whites and rosés to be between 40 and 50 degrees.

Features:

Its product dimensions are respective: 22.4″D x 23.5″W x 33.9″H.
It has a compact freezer-less configuration.
It is made of stainless steel.
It has a frost-free system.
The shelf type of the product is wood.
The defrost system is automatic.

Specs:

For the wine cooler, the bottom zone is 50–66°F and the upper zone is between 40–50°F. The temperature may be easily set using the LED control display, which always maintains the ideal chilling temperature! This tiny wine cooler’s distinctive design by Kalamera allows it to be installed as a built-in wine cooler or a freestanding wine fridge.
By returning the cooler to its pre-set temperature when the power is restored, these little wine and beverage coolers protect your wine collection from rotting due to rising temperatures. We selected 5 premium wooden shelves for the cooler to hold your wine and beverages better. The wooden shelf has a stopper and is detachable. Each shelf had two stoppers fitted on it to keep the bottles from falling when the shelf was hauled out.
Thanks to a unique stainless steel frame with two layers of tempered glass, internal temperature levels are controlled and kept from rising too high.
This tiny wine refrigerator can hold various sizes. It is the best choice for the wine aficionado with a wide-ranging wine collection. The ongoing selection of your chosen wine and beverage is made easier by brilliant LED lighting. This tiny wine beverage cooler may also fit the beverage you prefer. In addition to the wine, you may also have your beverage.
It may be positioned under a counter in a kitchen or bar area, etc.

Pros:

This sturdy refrigerator runs quietly and has a modern appearance that complements almost any kitchen design.

Cons:

The hardwood shelves are heavy, which may limit the number of bottles you can store.

5. Best convenient: Cuisinart CWC-800CEN 8-Bottle Private Reserve Wine Cellar

This Cuisinart tiny wine cooler is the only thermoelectric choice on the list and it is more energy-efficient and quieter than compressor-based coolers of a similar size. Thermoelectric cooling is the greatest option for any refrigerator that will be put in full view, such as on top of a kitchen counter, because it generates less heat and vibration than other cooling techniques.

It’s a great option for a casual wine drinker who wants to keep a few bottles on hand but has limited space because it only holds eight bottles. It has three metal racks and a bottom shelf that can each hold two conventional Bordeaux-style bottles, but thicker or taller bottles could not fit comfortably. Your refrigerator will remain level thanks to adjustable feet.

Triple-glazed doors assist in maintaining a constant temperature. However, thermoelectric coolers can only cool roughly 25 to 30 degrees below ambient temperature, so if your home frequently exceeds 70 degrees, consider this.

Features:

Wine cellar with 8 bottles
Energy-saving thermoelectric cooling technology reduces noise and usage.
Touchscreen controls make adjusting the interior light and temperature simple.
Display of LED temperature
Gentle interior illumination

Pros:

The tiny wine chiller is inexpensive and quiet.
It is more energy-efficient.
The triple-pane glass door aids in maintaining a constant temperature.

Cons:

It may not fit larger bottles.

6. Best value: NutriChef PKCWC150 15-Bottle Wine Chilling Refrigerator

Wine may easily turn into an expensive habit between the bottles themselves, wine glasses, and other accessories. This selection from NutriChef won’t let you down if you’re searching for a high-quality wine refrigerator that won’t break the bank.

It can be placed on a countertop or the floor. Four wine racks made of polished chrome and one bottom-standing rack, which can hold a total of 15 bottles, are included inside. You can chill your wines to any temperature between 41 and 64°F with the changeable temperature option.

Customers have noted that it can take bottles some time to get down to their perfect temperature, so be sure to give your bottles plenty of time to cool inside your wine fridge before you pour yourself a drink.

One of our favorite aspects of this wine refrigerator is the child safety auto-lock. This gives you a lot of peace of mind, especially if you have young children in the house. You may change the unit’s temperature and inside LED brightness via the digital soft-touch control panel.

Features:

Its product dimensions are respective: 13.6″D x 17.7″W x 27.2″H.
The capacity is 44.3 Liters.
It has a freezerless configuration.
The defrost system is automatic.
The product has a rating of 120 volts.

Specs:

The wine cooler’s freestanding countertop wine freezer comes with four curved, polished chrome wine racks and one bottom-standing rack to securely chill and store 15 bottles of wine.
With an adjustable temperature range of 41-64 degrees Fahrenheit (5-18 degrees Celsius), the Nutrichef wine cooler compact wine refrigerator allows you to exactly tune the temperature level to your preference.
The refrigerator is at the door, saving electricity because you don’t have to open it.
The counter wine refrigerator countertop tabletop wine cooler contains an innovative cooling mechanism that will maintain your beverages at the proper temperature without creating a sound, as well as a reinforced glass door with an air-tight seal.

Pros:

It has a beautiful design and an automatic kid lock feature.
Four wine racks made of polished chrome and one bottom-standing rack, which can hold a total of 15 bottles.
This provides tremendous peace of mind

Cons:

It will take some time for the warm bottles you put in this fridge to reach the temperature you want.

7. Best small: Black + Decker BD60026 8-Bottle Black Freestanding Wine Chiller

If you consider yourself more of a hostess than a wine collector, this Black+Decker might be the best approach to always having a few chilled bottles of wine on hand. Up to eight bottles can be stored on three full-length shelves in this small freestanding wine refrigerator, which operates between 46 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. By doing this, you may make room in your regular fridge for additional party necessities like sodas and hors d’oeuvres.

The compact design, which has contemporary black trim and chrome racks, blends perfectly with any kitchen or dining room aesthetic. The interior temperature and humidity are maintained at ideal levels by the clear triple-pane glass door, and a digital control panel on the outside of the appliance allows you to change the thermostat without opening your wine refrigerator.

Despite the wine refrigerator’s compact size, the compressor is a touch noisy. You should consider where to put it in your house.

Features:

Its product dimensions are respective: 20.1″D x 10.24″W x 18.5″H.
The capacity has 0.88 Cubic Feet.
It has a compact freezer-less configuration.
The defrost system is automatic.

Specs:

Three full-length chrome racks are also included with our BLACK+DECKER small wine fridge (10.24″ x 20.1″ x 18.5″), along with a handy internal light.
Wine must be kept in a temperature-controlled environment to preserve its flavor, quality, and even color. Taste wine that has been stored in an optimum environment.
These three adjectives best describe this potent thermoelectric cooling wine fridge: energy-efficient, silent, and effective. The temperature of a small wine cooler is between 46° and 65°F. Perfect for your preferred bottles!
This digital wine cooler maintains a constant temperature for the best wine storage thanks to its triple-pane glass lid. For a sleek and contemporary look, black trim is featured.
You may feel secure in your tiny wine cooler purchase because BLACK+DECKER products come with a one-year warranty for parts and labor.

Pros:

This wine refrigerator may be positioned anywhere in the house and has a large capacity.
The compact design, which has contemporary black trim and chrome racks, blends perfectly with any kitchen or dining room aesthetic.
Allows you to change the thermostat without opening your wine refrigerator.

Cons:

It has a bit of a raucous quality.

You might be interested in these articles:

What to Know About Wine Fridges Before Shopping

1. Dimension & Capacity

Wine refrigerators come in a wide range of sizes. But, you can purchase them in whatever size fits your desired location. Some are big enough to fit on your tabletop, while others may carry up to 1,000 bottles.

Your own wine collection’s size and the amount of accessible space in your home will determine the appropriate size for you. Do you have a collection of bottles or just a few? Most refrigerators list the number of bottles they can hold, but Sanfilippo points out that for practical use, the figure is probably just half that.

2. Temperature

You should keep the wine in a temperature range between 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are storing a mixture of reds and whites, get a wine refrigerator with dual zones, which offers two independently controlled temperature compartments for different types of wine.

According to Bohlman, a wine refrigerator also maintains humidity, which helps prevent cork deterioration. “The wine is destroyed if the cork becomes too dry because it swells and allows oxygen to enter the bottle.”

3. The Energy Star Label

Wine refrigerators can take up a lot of electricity, just as regular refrigerators and other significant household appliances. To have the same performance as other conventional products but use less energy, look for Energy Star products. For a product to be eligible for the Energy Star certification, it must meet strict rules set by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy.

4. Purpose

One of the most important factors to take into account when purchasing a wine refrigerator is whether or not the wine will be kept for regular consumption or as an investment. If you plan to purchase wines that will mature, Smith advises investing in a decent wine refrigerator that can hold all bottle sizes.

5. Installation

Whether the cooler is intended to be utilized as a freestanding or built-in device is indicated by this. Certain models can accommodate you, but you should always make sure the wine fridge you choose is appropriate for the installation style you desire. This is because certain models need more space around the unit to ensure optimum circulation and ventilation.

6. Dual-zone versus single-zone

Usually, wine refrigerators come with a single or dual-zone temperature control. Single-zone refrigerators, as the name implies, have a single temperature setting for the entire appliance, but dual-zone refrigerators have separate controls for the top and bottom or side-by-side areas of the refrigerator.

Single-zone choices are acceptable for individuals who want to maintain the same temperature for all of their wines, which is a common preference for collectors who are aging their wines. With dual-zone refrigeration, you can keep reds and whites at their ideal serving temperatures—just below room temperature for reds and very cold for whites—so you always have bottles on hand.

7. Noise

Refrigerators produce vibrations that, if they are loud enough, may annoy some individuals. Typical “silent” freezers often have noise levels of around 39 dBA, while quiet rooms typically have a noise level of around 40 dBA.

The Smith & Hanks 32 Bottle Wine Refrigerator is the only refrigerator in this list that exceeds 40 dBA, whereas all other refrigerators, except one, fall below 39 dBA. Choosing a refrigerator with a lower decibel rating is only one way to reduce noise; wooden shelves will also do the same by absorbing vibrations.

8. Shelving

Because wood is typically kinder to labels than most metal shelving, wooden shelves are preferable to most metal shelving. Whichever material the shelves are made of, make sure they are robust and movable so you can access your bottles more easily.

9. Doors

Glass is more prone to break and increases susceptibility to temperature changes, so you should go with a solid, insulated door for the best level of security. If you must choose a glass door, choose tempered glass that has multiple layers and a UV coating to protect your wines from ambient light, which can deteriorate your wine.

The Benefits of Owning a Wine Fridge

For anyone interested in drinking finer wines, matured wines, or expensive bottles, wine cabinets are undoubtedly a wise investment. Your wines are always kept in the ideal conditions for maturity in climate-controlled wine cellars, preventing loss of value or sensory appeal due to incorrect cellaring.

If you don’t have a wine cabinet or a decent subterranean cellar and keep your wine in a space that is warmer than 20°C (68°F), it will start to suffer after a few months. Temperature changes in particular are detrimental to wine. They will have a greater impact the faster they are.

Ten degrees Celsius every day will damage even the most stable wines, whereas two to three degrees over a few months is less hazardous. When summer approaches, the heat and these extreme tidal changes in temperature might cause your wine to spoil within a few weeks.

The following are some ways that environmental stress can be seen in wine:

Your wine physically “cooks” in the heat, producing flavorful, flabby “spoiled fruit” aromas.
Wine that has been exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light loses its natural fruit flavors and becomes flat, lifeless, and boring.
Inaudible vibrations cause your wines’ bodies to age more quickly and eventually become less stable.
Mold can develop on the corks and labels as a result of inadequate ventilation.

Have you only recently started drinking wine and aren’t quite ready for your first wine cabinet? The bottles shouldn’t be kept in the food refrigerator because they could absorb scents there. Keeping them above the refrigerator is even worse because the vibration and heat it generates would create unfavorable conditions.

Although the wines will age considerably more quickly, they have a better chance of surviving, and they make a wonderful backup while you prepare to buy your first wine cabinet.

What are the ways to clean the wine fridge?

Use bleach to clean your wine cooler

Remove all wine bottles from your wine cooler before cleaning them, and if you can, store them in a cool, dark place. Moreover, you must turn off the cooler before cleaning to prevent any mishaps or injuries. The easiest approach to using bleach to get rid of mold in your wine cooler is to either spray it directly on the mold with a spray bottle or apply it using a soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth. Mold becomes saturated with bleach, making removal simple. Don’t just wipe the mold away; sanitize every surface inside the wine cooler to keep the bothersome mold from growing back.

Use some clean, warm water and wash the sides down once more to remove any bleach that may still be present after wiping down all surfaces with bleach and making sure that all mold sources have been eliminated. A helpful piece of advice is to wash the cooler down once again if you can still smell the bleach inside.

Use vinegar to clean your wine cooler

Make sure to remove all wine bottles and switch off the cooler before cleaning, just as you would when using bleach. The sort of vinegar that kills mold the fastest is white distilled vinegar. You can either apply some to a spray bottle or directly wipe the mold using a non-abrasive cloth or rag after applying it to a non-abrasive surface.

Like with bleach, don’t just wipe over the mold; make careful to clean all surfaces to stop it from coming back. To give the vinegar enough time to kill all the bacteria present, let it sit for about one hour.

After that, use some warm, clean water to wipe away any remaining product from all surfaces.

Use baking soda to clean your wine cooler

Cleaning with baking soda demands a little more consideration and care than cleaning with vinegar or bleach.

The first step is to make a paste by combining baking soda and water in a ratio of 50/50. This paste can then be applied to the interior of your cabinet. Let it dry and then let it do its job to rid your wine cooler of that awful bacteria. Use a thin, stiff brush to clean it away once it has dried. After it has all been taken out and cleaned up, use a solution of 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda and a cup of water to thoroughly clean all the diseased areas. Once more, give it some time to dry before wiping it clean.

You won’t damage your cooler by leaving a little layer of baking soda inside, but doing so will stop unpleasant odors from permeating it and affecting the flavor of your wine. Baking soda is useful for absorbing scents.

Ammonia, borax, and vinegar mixed with borax are further cleaning options for your wine cooler.

FAQs

1. Do wine refrigerators work well?

Wine bottles will be kept in ideal conditions for long-term aging with the help of a wine cooler. Wines stored in cabinets or standard refrigerators may be exposed to a range of environmental changes, which over time will negatively affect the wines’ flavor.

2. How much does a good wine fridge cost?

With good reviews and a price of only a little over $200, this Koolatron basic 20-bottle wine fridge is one of the most cost-effective options we’ve seen.

3. How long does a wine refrigerator last?

Wine coolers typically last 9 to 13 years and can be replaced for $150 to $2,000 on average.

4. Should I buy a wine refrigerator?

5. Do wine refrigerators have leaks?

If the humid warm air allowed inside the cabinet contains water molecules, condensation will result from it. At this point, your wine cooler may start to leak water.

6. What size wine fridge is ideal?

Medium to large-capacity wine coolers, the most common type, are around 24 inches wide and hold 40 to 100 or more bottles of wine. It is simple to install 24-inch wide under-counter wine units in a dishwasher’s former location.

7. Are all wine refrigerators loud?

Typical wine cooler cabinets produce noise at a volume of 35 to 45 decibels (dB). A regular modern fridge is roughly 35 dB louder than a dishwasher that is in use, which is around 45–50 dB. In general, wine coolers make a little bit more noise than standard refrigerators.

8. How can a wine cooler be cleaned of mold?

Mold needs water, food, darkness, and a constant temperature to thrive. You can locate the majority of them inside your wine cooler cabinet. The act of taking out and storing wine bottles is how mold gets into your wine cooler in the first place. If the humidity is just ideal for the mold, it will cling to the wooden shelves and side panels and carry on spreading, growing, and multiplying.

Unfortunately, wine coolers need a certain amount of humidity to make sure the corks stay tightly closed and keep odors from escaping. It is most likely because of the high humidity levels if you notice that mold is continually growing in your cooler. To remove extra moisture and humidity, we advise utilizing moisture absorbers. You can remove extra moisture by absorbing it with materials like baking soda or chalk, which will help prevent the growth of mold. You might need to alter your cleaning procedures if the mold spreads further.

9. How long does wine remain fresh in a refrigerator?

Depending on the wine, unopened bottles of wine can last anywhere from weeks to decades. An uncorked bottle of wine can normally be kept open for around 24 hours, but after that time, the taste and fragrances will frequently start to deteriorate noticeably.

10. How long should wine be chilled in a wine refrigerator?

For red wines, it usually takes two and a half hours, while for white wines, it takes three hours to reach serving temperature.

11. How cold should a wine refrigerator be?

Keeping your wines in single-zone refrigerators at about 56 degrees Fahrenheit is also ideal for long-term storage. Whites and sparkling wine should be kept at 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit in a dual zone refrigerator, while red wines should be kept closer to cellar temperature. The maturing process will be slowed down if the wines are kept colder, but if that is your intention, you can choose the lower temperature.

Conclusion

So, which wine fridge is the best? Depending on my experience, The NewAir 24” Wine and Beverage Refrigerator Cooler is the greatest wine refrigerator overall. The wide 28-bottle capacity is complemented with dual temperature zones that will help maintain the ideal serving temperature for both red and white wines.

5/5 - (2 votes)

Leo Colon

In 2014, Leo Colon began working with Big Cottonwood Winery. Over the years he has remained part of this prestigious winery’s team and is also a contributor to other notable wine publications. As an ardent advocate for knowledge, Leo continues his vinous education to this day.