The Best Wine Cooler
1. Aaobosi 24 Inch Dual Zone Wine Cooler
Key Features
Dual Cooling Zones
Advanced Cooling System – energy saving
42 dB
Low vibration that doesn’t disturb wine sediments
Seamless Frame – stainless steel glass door
Interior blue LED light
Front venting
Temperature memory function
46 Bottle Capacity
23.5 x 22.7 x 34.2 inches
This Aaobosi 24 Inch Dual Zone Wine Cooler is designed to preserve bottles at two different temperatures. The top section is set between 41°F to 54°F, ideal for white wines and Champagnes. The bottom section is set between 54°F to 68°F, making it the perfect environment for sweet wine, red wine, or even brandy. The shelves in this wine cooler are removable, allowing you to store larger bottles if necessary, or, with standard size wine bottles, it will accommodate 46 bottles.
This cooler is a versatile model as it has a simple, classy design that would go with any interior decor scheme and front vents, meaning it can be placed under a counter or built-in to cabinetry.
It comes with a security lock function that doubles up as a screen lock to prevent accidental altering of temperatures. The memory function also means that if the power supply is disrupted, the settings are still stored and don’t need to be reprogrammed.
Pros
Fits large bottles
Front ventilation
Security lock
Dual cooling zones
Cons
Control panel only accessible when doors are open
2. Kalamera 24 Inch Dual Zone Beverage and Wine Cooler
Key Features
Dual-zone storage with independent temperature controls
Store up to 20 bottles and 60 cans
W23.4 x H33.1 x D22.4 inch
Front-venting design
Energy-saving compressors for quiet performance
Temperature memory
Our Premium pick is the Kalamera 24 Inch Dual Zone Beverage and Wine Cooler, which scores highly for its versatility. Split into two sides, the left zone enables you to set warmer temperatures of 40-66 degrees Fahrenheit, while the right can be maintained between 38-50 degrees Fahrenheit.
This particular model can hold up to 20 bottles of wine plus 60 beverage cans that sit on the wire shelves. So you can use it for storing beer or soft drinks at their optimal temperature. All Kalamera wine coolers have a temperature memory function to maintain the settings even after a power outage and have an advanced compressor cooling system to ensure the coolers operate with minimal noise and vibrations.
This is a freestanding unit with a sleek, stainless steel design and front vents. Thanks to these vents, it can also be used as an under-counter option. It is difficult to find fault with this wine refrigerator, other than the fact that, like the Aobosi model, the temperature settings are inside the fridge, so it must always be open when you adjust the settings.
Pros
Compressor cooling for quietness
Beech wooden shelves – with stopper to hold them securely in place
Versatile temperature ranges
Security lock
Cons
Large investment required
3. Kalamera 24 Inch Dual Zone Freestanding Wine Cooler
Key Features
Seamless stainless steel & black design
Energy-Efficient Compressor
46 Bottle Capacity
Beechwood shelves
Safety lock
Low Vibration
Dual Zone Thermostat
23.4 x 33 x 22.4 inch
This is another 24 Inch Dual Zone Freestanding Wine Cooler from Kalamera. It comes with the standard features of the brand, including sliding beech wooden shelves with stoppers to keep wine bottles secure. It also has a safety lock and anti-UV filter on the glass doors.
Based on standard 750ml bottle sizes, this product claims to store 46 bottles comfortably, and you can remove shelves to fit larger bottle sizes. However, based on standard wine bottle sizes, you can only fit around 36 bottles. Any more and you won’t be able to see the labels, plus the bottles will be crammed together. But either way, this cooler does still holds a reasonable amount of wine without taking up too much space.
The dual-zone gives you the ability to set two different temperatures – for the upper part of the cooler, which can hold 12 bottles, the temperature can be set between 40°F and 50°F. In the lower zone, which accommodates 24 bottles, you can store wines that favor a warmer climate of between 50°F-66°.
Pros
Large bottle capacity
Two temperature zones
Light control
Switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius easily
Safety lock
Cons
Capacity is misleading
4. Aaobosi 24 Inch Wine Cooler
Key Features
Quick cooling
Front ventilation
Smart touchscreen controls
Dual-zone design
Holds up to 51 standard Bordeaux bottles
Safety lock
Double layered tempered glass
Removable beech wood shelves
Temperature memory
Another model from Aaobosi, you will see many similar features between this cooler and our best wine refrigerator choice model. The Aaobosi 24 inch Wine Cooler comes with two different temperature zones, with the upper zone ranging from 41 – 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit, and the lower zone ranging from 55.4 to 64.4 degree Fahrenheit. The temperatures are set easily using the LED touchscreen control inside the fridge.
As it has a front vent, this Aobosi can be kept under a counter or free standing. This well-designed cooler has stainless steel and double-layer tempered glass doors that not only look smart but protects your wine from the outside elements. The safety lock, with key, ensures that your bottles are safe from unwanted visitors!
This particular Aobosi 51 bottle dual zone cooler states a generous bottle capacity. You can store eight bottles on each shelf, except for the bottom shelf which holds eleven bottles. As with the previous Kalamera model, this capacity may be overstated.
Pros
Design
Quiet
Easy to use
Double tempered glass door
Quite compact
Cons
Capacity may not be fully accurate
5. Antarctic Star Wine Cooler/Cabinet Beverage Refrigerator
Key Features
Choose a temperature between 40°F – 61°F
Reinforced glass door with an airtight seal
Compact and modern design
18 bottle wine cooler
Alternative beverage can storage
Adjustable leveling legs
No vibration cooling system
Moveable shelves
Freestanding only
1-year warranty
17.4 x 17.7 x19 inches
Our budget pick is an 18 bottle compact Antarctic Star Wine Cooler/Cabinet Beverage Refrigerator that can be used for standard white or red wine bottles, or canned soft drinks and beer. It has a low price point but still comes with an adjustable temperature dial with settings between 40°F- 61°F, and its airtight seal blocks out UV light and moisture. This maintains ideal storage conditions for wine.
Despite it being our budget choice, the Antarctic star has an advanced cooling system, which as well as maintaining the ideal temperature, also prevents any frost build-up and keeps the interior deodorized. Plus this system doesn’t create any vibrations so it will not disturb any sediments in your wine and creates minimal noise.
This is a freestanding only model, so you can’t have it built-in to a cabinet due to the position of the vents. However, because of its compact size, it is ideal for fitting in corners or displaying on a kitchen counter. Its reversible door also gives you flexibility in terms of location. Be aware that it doesn’t come with any safety lock so you might want to keep it out of reach of children.
Pros
Compact
Quiet
Affordable
Adjustable temperature
Cons
Only one temperature zone
No safety lock
6. Colzer Upgrade 15 Inch Wine Cooler and Refrigerator
Key Features
Original Underground wine cellar environment
Wide temperature range (41-72°F)
Precise humidity auto control
32 Bottle wine cooler
3.5inch between removable shelves – can store larger bottles easily
Compressor with advanced vibration absorption
Adjustable cabinet feet
Freestanding or built-in option
One-touch digital control
Temperature memory
15 x 22 x 32 inch
The Colzer Upgrade 15 Inch Wine Cooler and Refrigerator is a popular choice thanks to its size. It can store 32 bottles of wine, and this is with appropriate spacing between the shelves and the bottles themselves. This is unlike other brands that cram bottles together to reach their stated capacity. The shelves are also fully adjustable if you want to store large bottles.
It has a front vent and is nice looking so can be easily used as a freestanding option or as an under the counter model. The Colzer replicates the conditions of a wine cellar, so has a wide temperature range for you to select the best setting for your particular wine. The humidity is also precisely set, and the spacing of the bottles allows for adequate air circulation to maintain the wine cellar environment.
The drawback of this machine is that it is a single zone wine fridge and this may affect which bottles you choose to keep in it. It also has quite a wide opening, non-reversible door, so you will need to bear this in mind when choosing its location.
Pros
Front vent
Great aesthetic design
Wide temperature range
Adjustable shelves
Very quiet
Cons
One temperature zone
Wide-angle opening door
7. Ivation Compressor Wine Cooler and Refrigerator
Key Features
Ivation compressor technology to ensure the temperature is not affected by outside heat sources
41°F to 64°F range
Built-in fan for consistent temperature
Optimal environment for long-term wine storage
UV- resistant thermopane glass
Soft interior lighting
Removable shelves
Easy to use controls
The 28 bottle Ivation Compressor Wine Cooler and Refrigerator is a single zone, freestanding cooler. This model wins points for its design thanks to its modern, black glass door, soft lighting, and LED control panel. It is one of the few models that has the control panel on the exterior, meaning you can view and set the temperature without having to open the door. You can also lock the control panel settings with the touch of a button ensuring that temperatures are not changed if you accidentally lean on the cooler.
The Ivation freestanding fridge does take up quite a bit of space and needs several inches on the side of the unit to allow the door to open fully and for the wine shelves to be pulled out. Having said that, the door has an effective seal to maintain the optimal environment, protects wine from UV light damage which can cause it to age prematurely and has a built-in lock to keep your collection safe.
The Ivation is one of the best wine coolers that is virtually silent and is easy to operate. You just need to find the space to keep it!
Pros
Black glass for sleek design
Control panel accessible without opening the cooler
UV resistant
Lockable controls
Wide temperature range
1-year warranty
Cons
Large unit (width and depth)
Single zone model
Require 10 inches space on the side of the fridge to allow the door to open
8. NutriChef PKCWC150 Wine Cooler and Refrigerator
Key Features
15 bottle capacity
Polished chrome wine racks
Adjustable temperature
Built-in compressor cooling technology
Temperature range of 41-64° degrees Fahrenheit (5 – 18°C)
Auto-locking, soft-touch controls located on the door
Reinforced glass door
Airtight seal
13.6 x 17.7 x 27.2 inches
The NutriChef PKCWC150 Wine Cooler and Refrigerator is an excellent choice for a compact, freestanding wine cooler to fit on your kitchen counter. Despite its size, it comes with a heap of features, such as a soft-touch control panel that auto-locks after 20 seconds to protect it from little fingers. It also has a wide temperature range from 41 – 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Constructed with thermoelectric cooling technology, this wine refrigerator keeps your wine chilled for long periods with no audible noise.
While it only has a capacity of 15 bottles, the angle of the bottom wine rack means that you can store open bottle semi-upright without spilling, which is a lovely added touch. A good value countertop product, although it is only a single zone wine chiller, it is reliable and well built.
Pros
Compact
Wide temperature range
Auto-lock
External controls
The bottom shelf allows standing for open bottles
Cons
Small capacity
Single zone chiller
9. NutriChef PKCWC120 Wine Cooler
Key Features
12 bottle storage capacity
Equipped with compressor cooling technology
Adjustable temperature control
Built-in circulation fan
Reinforced glass door with an airtight seal
41 – 64° Fahrenheit range
Ultra-quiet operation
1-year guarantee
9.9 x 17.7 x 31.2 inches
Our best value pick is also a NutriChef branded wine refrigerator. The main difference between NutriChef PKCWC120 Wine Cooler and the previous Nutrichef model is its dimensions. This version is slimmer and slighter taller, so while it still only holds 12 bottles, it is a great choice if you have narrow spaces to fill.
This model also comes with compressor cooling technology, instead of the thermoelectric technology, but still operates with virtually no noise and looks great.
There are a few reviews that state it is hard to maintain temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but this may be due to the amount of space provided around the cooler. This cannot be used as a built-in wine cooler as you need to ensure there is at least 6 inches of space at the back and sides so that the air flows freely around the vents. For a space-saving, money-saving option to chill a few bottles at a time, this our best wine cooler.
Pros
External digital touch controls
Large temperature range
Auto-lock display
Slim design
Affordable
Cons
Several reviews claim to have challenges trying to achieve the coolest temperatures
Cannot be built-in
10. Whynter Thermoelectric Wine Cooler and Refrigerator
Key Features
20 bottle capacity
Black tinted mirror glass door
Black cabinet
Removable stainless steel trimmed shelves
Adjustable temperature 46°F – 65°F
Soft-touch digital control panel
Soft interior LED lighting
20.5 x 15.8 x 22 inches
This Whynter Thermoelectric Wine Cooler and Refrigerator might look more like a mini-fridge than a wine cooler when its lights are turned off, but if you are searching for a model that can double up as a mirror, then this could work for you! This cooler is equipped with vibration-free, thermoelectric technology meaning there is no noise, and it is designed for durability with stainless steel plating inside the cooler and minimal moving parts.
The Whynter model has a large temperature range; however, it is only a single zone chiller so best suited for one type of wine. The design of this wine cooler is interesting, but we appreciate design is highly subjective. When it is not lit up, it has an unexciting mini fridge look. You cannot tell it is a wine chiller and may mistake it for a mirror finish on a compact fridge, freezer or dishwasher. However, if you turn the light on, the black glass does allow you to see inside and highlights the chrome/stainless steel shelves, making it look much more exciting and futuristic.
How could it be improved? By featuring a lock for the external touchpad, and a child safety lock for the cabinet door.
Pros
Affordable
Wide temperature range
Relatively compact
External controls
UV protection
Cons
Not the most aesthetically pleasing design
No lock for either the control or the cabinet
Features To Consider With Wine Coolers
Bottle Capacity
Bottle capacity is probably one of the first things you will consider when selecting a wine fridge. Some of the more compact options will hold a maximum of 10 bottles, whereas larger models can accommodate up to 50, so it depends on how much wine you are planning to keep!
One important aspect to look at when considering capacity is the size of the bottles this measure is based on. Often if the model states a maximum number capacity, this will be based on standard, slim bottles (around 2.5 inches in diameter), stored quite close together. If you tend to favor wines with a more bulbous bottle design, the number of bottles you can keep will decline significantly.
Noise Level
The cooling mechanism will determine the noise level of a wine cooler. In many machines, there is a low level of vibration from the compressor that occurs during the refrigeration process. More advanced machines will have thermoelectric systems which are designed to cut out the vibrations, so it doesn't affect the sediment in your wine. This also makes it much quieter.
Reversible Door
A reversible door is one that can be opened from hinges on the right or left. Some wine coolers have this feature, and it gives you more versatility in choosing the appropriate location for the fridge.
Security Lock
If you have children at home, you may be comforted by the safety lock fitted on many coolers. This is usually a simple lock and key device which means that the doors cannot be opened without supervision. It ensures no one can help themselves to your wine without your knowledge!
Temperature Range
The temperature ranges on wine coolers can span just a few degrees or as many as 30 degrees. You will tend to see a larger range for dual-zone wine coolers. A greater range will give you the ability to set the temperatures exactly to your personal preferences. It will also allow you to alter the conditions if you decide to store more red wine than white wine on occasion.
Unit Size
The dimensions of a wine cooler are essential to consider so you don't end up with an appliance that doesn't fit. Countertop models will tend to be smaller, and most under-counter coolers will be around 33 inches tall. They will, however, differ in terms of width and depth. Freestanding coolers may have more varying measures, so if you are looking for a large cooler, this will be your best option.
Voltage
Voltage standards will differ from country to country, so if you plan on buying a wine cooler from overseas, or relocating with your wine cooler, you will need to check that it is compatible. If you use the wrong voltage, the motor will burn out quickly and damage the cooler. You can, however, buy voltage transformers to prevent this from occurring.
Types Of Wine Coolers
Wine coolers are designed to ensure that exact humidity and temperature can be maintained and are best for preserving wine.
Single Zone
A single zone wine cooler allows you to maintain one temperature throughout the interior of the cooler. Single-zone coolers are cheaper than dual-zone coolers and perfect if you are building a collection of similar wines. However, they are not suitable for storing both red and white wines together.
Dual Zone
A dual-zone wine cooler is the best option if you plan to store both red and white wine in the same fridge. Red and white wines need to be kept at different temperatures (red should be approximately 10 degrees Fahrenheit higher than white), and a dual-zone cooler allows you to set these temperatures. The wine fridge is segregated into two separate sections and you set the temperature for the sections, independently from each other.
Dual zones are more expensive and consume more energy than single-zone models but are the best wine coolers for storing multiple types of wine.
Built-In
A built-in wine cooler is also known as an under-counter wine fridge. A built-in wine cooler has the option of enhancing the look of your kitchen while saving space. With the options of wooden edged, stainless steel and tinted glass designs, you can easily find something that will fit your kitchen look.
Counter-top
Countertop wine refrigerators sit on top of a surface, usually in your kitchen. The advantage of this is that it is highly visible, easily accessible (you don't have to bend over) and you don't have to worry about getting it plugged in behind cabinets like you would with a built-in fridge.
Countertop coolers tend to be more compact, so they have a lower bottle capacity, but if you don't have an appropriate space under your cabinets, this is a great option.
Wine Cooler FAQ
Q: What temperature do you store red and white wine in a wine fridge?
Red wine is best stored between 58 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
White wine is best stored between 46 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: How long will wine last in a wine fridge?
Wine fridges, unlike regular refrigerators, will maintain a level of humidity, which stops the cork from drying out. This means you can keep your unopened wine collection in a cooler for much longer than in a usual refrigerator.
If you ensure your bottles are horizontal, you can store white wine for up to two years, and red wine for around five years in a wine fridge. Of course, this varies greatly according to the type of wine.