It can be tough finding the perfect wine cooler for you – especially as there are different designs and features to look out for. Not to mention ones with various bottle capacities to reflect your wine storage needs.
Wine coolers are appliances designed to store your wine in the best possible conditions. Despite the name ‘wine cooler’, most wine coolers consider more than just different temperature ranges when storing your wine.
The best wine coolers will maintain the right temperature (or multiple temperatures) throughout the unit and protect your wine from sunlight, regulate the humidity levels, and even minimise vibrations.
Firstly, there are three main designs of wine coolers – freestanding, built-in models, and fully integrated. Freestanding units are pretty self-explanatory – they stand freely. This means that you can place them pretty much anywhere in your home or business as long as you consider space for ventilation (see the installation section).
Built-in and fully integrated wine coolers are designed to be stored in kitchen space. Built-in wine coolers are often stored in kitchen walls or cabinets, but can also be integrated under kitchen counters. Fully integrated wine coolers are designed to be completely enclosed into your kitchen space, including the door.
We’ve handpicked some of the best wine coolers on the market that you’re sure to love – scroll down to see what we’ve selected as some of the best wine coolers!
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Common Features of The Best Wine Coolers
Some wine coolers feature single or multiple temperature zones (multi-zone). Dual-zone wine coolers are great if you have a varied collection, as you can store your reds and whites at separate temperatures. White wine is best served at a slightly lower temperature than red wine, and a dual-zone wine cooler can provide the perfect serving temperature for both red and white wines.
Opting for a dual-zone wine cooler also means that you can prepare some wine bottles for serving at one temperature while also having wine being stored in the long term at another temperature. This negates the need for purchasing more than one wine cooler, saving you energy and money.
You can also find wine coolers that feature either a solid door or a glass door. Solid doors are great at blocking out all sunlight ensuring that no UV rays affect your wine. Glass doors are great if you want to display your wine – and don’t worry about UV light as the glass doors are UV treated for ultimate protection.
Some of the best wine coolers feature anti-vibration systems. Anti-vibration systems help to protect the kinetic energy from the vibrations – as this can ruin the quality of your wine.
If you want to display your wine collection as well as wine accessories such as decanters or your favourite glasses, then you may want to choose a wine cooler that features display shelves.
Best Wine Coolers Installation
The way that wine coolers should be installed depends on the design and the manufacturer’s requirements.
Before installing a wine cooler, ensure that you have enough space for the unit as well as space around the unit for ventilation.
Be sure to check all of the instructions and ventilation requirements provided by the manufacturer – doing so will ensure that the wine cooler doesn’t overheat and that the warranty isn’t voided.
If your wine cooler overheats, then the compressor will be overworking and will use more electricity – and there’s a chance that it will break down.
When installing your wine cooler, it’s also important that you install it level. One of the best ways to ensure this is by using a spirit level. If you install your wine cooler with uneven placement then there’s a chance that the vibrations will be excessive and will produce more noise than usual.
Key Benefits of The Best Wine Coolers
Wine coolers are a great choice if you want your wine collection to be stored in the best possible way. First of all, wine coolers can protect your wine from sunlight. UV light can cause chemical reactions within the wine, causing the ageing process to speed up resulting in an unpleasant bitter taste.
Another key benefit of purchasing a wine cooler is that the humidity is regulated within the unit, which prevents the cork from drying out and slipping out of place. If the cork slips out of place, the wine becomes exposed to oxygen which is a quick ruiner of wine.
You can also use wine coolers to store more than just wine. You can store your fizzy drinks and other mixers in there, as well as some food products.
Wine coolers can provide the perfect humidity to store certain cheeses and cigars, which is sure to come in useful. After all, cheese and wine pair perfectly.
Front-Breathing Design: The Summit Appliance SWCP1988TCSS wine cellar features a front-breathing design, allowing seamless integration with minimal clearance for a flush, sophisticated look.
Versatile Upper Zone: The upper zone of this wine cellar is versatile, accommodating red, white, or sparkling wine, providing the flexibility to store various wine types at their ideal temperatures.
Dual Cooling Systems: With two separate cooling systems—one for the upper zone and one for the middle/lower zones—this wine cellar ensures precise temperature control for your wines.
Full Display: Enjoy a complete view of the interior thanks to the double-pane tempered glass door, which offers added protection to your wine collection while providing an attractive display.
Deluxe Door Trim: The single-piece door trim enhances the overall aesthetics, giving the Summit Appliance SWCP1988TCSS a deluxe and upscale look. Additionally, it comes equipped with digital thermostats, LED lighting, a factory-installed lock, and an open-door alarm for added convenience and security.
Perfectly Chilled Bottles: Impress your guests with perfectly chilled wine ready to drink anytime. Choose from a unique selection of refreshing bubbly, crisp whites, or fruity reds, showcased through a double-glazed glass door.
Versatile Installation: This wine cooler can be installed under a counter or used as a freestanding unit. Its sleek finish, adjustable feet, and reversible door make it adaptable to your kitchen, outdoor space, or bar.
Dual Zone Thermostat: Easily control the temperature of both upper and lower shelves with the LED display touchpad. Store your wine between 41 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure optimal cellaring and preservation. This cooler fits up to 46 wine bottles.
Innovative Technology: The wine cooler's compressor and thermostat work seamlessly to maintain temperature control year-round. Beech wood shelves absorb vibrations, protecting your wine's quality and accessibility.
An Ideal Wine Cabinet: Whether you're a wine connoisseur, enthusiast, or host, this wine cooler is perfect for storing your beverages and wine collection. Ensure your drinks stay fresh with this must-have chilled wine rack and beverage cooler in your home.
Ample Storage: Holds 119-215 bottles with specialty-designed shelves for secure storage. Sleek black design with a stainless steel door.
Dual Zone Control: Store various wine types with temperature settings (40°F to 56°F upper, 54°F to 65°F lower) and a centralized digital control panel.
Feature-Packed: Adjustable shelves, tinted glass door, and bulk storage for odd-shaped bottles.
Easy Installation: Front exhaust for built-in or freestanding use, compact dimensions (24"W x 27"D x 73.6"H), low vibration, energy-efficient, and quiet.
Connoisseur Series: Part of Vinotemp's Connoisseur Series, combining modern design and functionality with stainless steel wine racks and wooden racking.
Dual Zone Wine Fridge: This wine cooler offers two separate temperature zones, perfect for wine enthusiasts. The upper section ranges from 39℉ to 54℉, ideal for whites and champagnes, while the lower section spans from 54℉ to 72℉, perfect for reds.
Ample Wine Cellar Capacity: With dimensions of 23.4222.6332.28 inches, it can hold up to 46 standard Bordeaux wine bottles, making it ideal for collectors and wine enthusiasts.
Quiet Operation: Advanced cooling technology and noise reduction design ensure quiet operation at just 39 dB/A, maintaining a peaceful environment in your home or workspace.
Premium Build: The wine cooler features a stylish 3-layer, borderless glass door with Low E functionality to block UV rays and improve insulation. It prevents condensation and boasts a sleek metal cylindrical handle for a sophisticated look.
Interior LED Lighting & Five Beech Shelves: Illuminate your wine collection with built-in white LED lighting. The five beech shelves add elegance while providing sturdy support for your bottles.
Generous Capacity: With 14 beech wooden shelves, it can store up to 154 standard Bordeaux wine bottles, including larger ones. The removable shelves make bottle access easy and safe.
Dual Zone Convenience: Featuring two temperature zones (40℉ to 55℉ upper, 55℉ to 65℉ lower), it caters to both red and white wine enthusiasts.
Efficient Cooling: An advanced compressor and fan cooling system ensure uniform temperature throughout, while the Charcoal Filtration System maintains ideal conditions.
Worry-Free Warranty: Enjoy a 12-month warranty and lifelong technical support. Please allow the machine to stand for 24 hours before use upon delivery.
Best Wine Coolers FAQ
If you have any questions about wine coolers, then you might find the answer in this section!
How Many Bottles Can A Wine Cooler Store?
The amount of bottles that a wine cooler can accommodate depends on how large the wine cooler is, the type of wine cooler, and the number of shelves.
Wine coolers are designed to accommodate standard Bordeaux bottles, but some wine coolers will feature adjustable or removable shelves that allow you to store larger bottles – for example, Champagne or Prosecco bottles.
Some wine coolers will also have a section at the bottom or display shelves that can accommodate larger bottles.
You can find wine coolers that store under 10 bottles, as well as wine coolers that can store over 100 bottles.
What Temperature Should Wine Be Kept At?
Serving temperatures and long-term storage temperatures can differ. Red wine is best served at between 10 to 18 degrees Celsius, with full-bodied reds being served at warmer temperatures and lighter reds at lower.
White wine is best served at between 7 and 11 degrees Celsius. However, in the long term, you can store both at between 11 and 14 degrees Celsius.