10 Best Wine Refrigerators Reviews and Buying Guide
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How to Choose a Wine Refrigerator?
When it comes to buying a new wine refrigerator, the reality lies with the owner to try and find one that meets all their satisfaction. Whether you decide to go for a bottom counter or top freezer refrigerator, there are factors to put in mind if you want to get cool wine off your refrigerator at all times. While it’s possible to store your wine in any refrigerator, the features of the kitchen refrigerator might not be suitable for your drink. This makes it important to get a good wine refrigerator for your home.
But with thousands of products in the market, how do you choose the best ones? There are a lot of factors to consider, which is why we’ve compiled this guide to help you in making the right choice. Breaking down the essential features, you will be able to get one that meets your taste, and style without breaking the bank.
And if this is your first time getting a wine refrigerator, don’t worry. You will learn the basics of wine storage, so you know exactly how to keep your drinks enjoyable at all times. With the right choice of the refrigerator, it’s possible to keep your drinks fresh all year round.
Quick Summary
These are top pick wine refrigerators that you can buy with no worries:
- Our Favorite Wine Fridge – Nutrichef PKCWC18 wine refrigerator
- Best Compact Wine Fridge – Schmeke 12-bottle Wine Fridge
- Best Dual Zone Refrigerator – Ivation 24 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Refrigerator
- Best high-end wine refrigerator – Kalamera C246T wine refrigerator
- Budget Pick – Frigidaire FRW1225
- Best Single Zone Refrigerator – Koolatron KWT10B 10 Bottle Single Zone Wine Cooler
- Best Thermoelectric Cooling Technology – Koolatron WC12DZ Dual Zone Thermoelectric Cooler
- Best Freestanding Fridge – Danby DWC93BLSDB
- Best for Red and White Wine – AAOBOSI 30 Bottle Wine Refrigerator
- Best Quiet Wine Fridge – Kuppet 18 Bottle Freestanding Refrigerator
Best Wine Fridges Reviews
1. Our Favorite Wine Fridge – Nutrichef PKCWC18 wine refrigerator
A wine refrigerator like the Nutrichef PKCWC18 allows its users to keep their precious wine in the best conditions. It is a wine refrigerator with a total capacity of 18 bottles.
Available in black, this device stands out for its elegance and simple, yet modern design. It is suitable for both red and white wines. Its cooling device is composed of a compression fan. A compartment is also provided for the upright storage of bottles. The interior is equipped with an LED lighting system to bring light to the fridge.
The machine has a control unit made up of touch controls. Settings can be made there, especially for the temperature. The temperature range can be varied from 41 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Best Compact Wine Fridge – Schmeke 12-bottle Wine Fridge
The Schmeke SHMFWCC121LB wine fridge model is a small, compact, and modern device with a capacity of 12 bottles. Made of stainless steel, this product is moisture-proof.
The door is made of resistant glass, preventing ultraviolet light from passing through. This Schmecke wine refrigerator works using compression cooling technology. This allows it to offer optimal conditions for the storage of red, white, rosé wine, etc. The temperature range is 5 degrees Celsius and 17.8 degrees Celsius. An LCD touch screen makes adjustments very easy, even in the dark.
In addition, the device also has a built-in fan to even out the level of cold inside the refrigerator. Enough to preserve your collection in good conditions over the long term. Interior LED lighting is supplied with the set. Best of all, the device has 5 removable shelves and a special compartment for two standing bottles.
3. Best Dual Zone Refrigerator – Ivation 24 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Refrigerator
Champagne, red wine, white wine, or sparkling wine are very popular drinks. It is possible to have them at home, at any time, and in the best conditions. For optimal conservation, Ivation offers a refrigerator designed to accommodate 28 bottles.
The wine cellar in question has a rather simple, but very classy design, finished with a solid black color that goes everywhere. The glass door is completely waterproof and has UV protection. Thanks to soft energy-efficient interior LED lighting, it is possible to glance through.
The shelves allow the bottles to be stored in a lying position. The wine refrigerator is divided into two main temperature zones.
4. Best High-end Wine Refrigerator – Kalamera C246T wine refrigerator
Kalamera’s C246T has a few cool features to check out. In terms of capacity, this refrigerator is capable of accommodating 46 bottles when lying down.
The wine cellar is rectangular with a metallic gray color. Its design is rather simplistic, but modern at the same time. The device has a temperature memory feature that restores optimal conditions after a power failure or complete shutdown of the refrigerator.
It consists of 5 wooden shelves, divided into two very distinct areas, each with its own thermostat. Thus, it is possible to have two different temperature levels in each compartment (from 4.4 to 10 ° C for one and from 10 to 18.9 ° C for the other). A non-aggressive LED light illuminates the interior and the control buttons are ergonomic.
5. Budget Pick – Frigidaire FRW1225
The Frigidaire FRW1225 is an entry-level model sold at a very low price. This is mainly due to its compact and lightweight design. You can easily place bottles of wine or, if you wish, several cans of soft drinks.
Its innovative design allows you to position four bottles vertically and eight horizontally, for a total of twelve. This design is ideal, especially when you want to keep an already opened bottle cool.
Its control panel offers you the possibility to choose the temperature of your choice, between 46 0 F and 64 0 F inclusive. Since this is a single zone model, all bottles are kept at the same temperature. You can slightly modify the internal configuration of your cellar since its shelves are removable. This is useful when you have larger bottles than the typical size.
6. Best Single Zone Refrigerator – Koolatron KWT10B 10 Bottle Single Zone Wine Cooler
Far from being the most efficient wine cellar on the market, the Koolatron KTW10B was thought of as a compromise allowing people lacking space to still store a few bottles in good conditions. Its price is also quite accessible since it is generally sold for a starting price of less than $150.
Be aware that this device is not the best for conservation per se. It meets a specific need: that of people living, for example, in a studio or a modest apartment and lacking space.
It is a 1 zone wine cooler measuring 51.1 x 24.9 x 54.6cm and weighing 13.3kg. Its vertical design makes it very easy to put on a counter or a piece of furniture even in a small space. In addition, the device is small and therefore obviously rather compact. But that’s logical since its capacity is limited to 10 bottles. It’s probably not the best in its class, but for an apartment with limited space, it’s great.
7. Best Thermoelectric Cooling Technology – Koolatron WC12DZ Dual Zone Thermoelectric Cooler
Are you interested in the Koolatron KWT10B but are being constrained by its low bottle capacity of 10? Then the Koolatron WC12DZ is most suitable for you. It’s a small and compact wine refrigerator that can take up to 12 bottles. In addition, it’s a dual-zone cooler.
Note all the same that it offers all the essential settings, that is to say, the control of the temperature and the lighting. It can be used to store both whites and reds with a temperature range of 46-66° F, which is quite satisfactory for a model in this range.
The cellar is made of steel. It is solid, without being of the same quality finish as the high-end models. On the other hand, in terms of design, it is rectangular, black, and quite bland. In addition, if it has a light to highlight the bottles, it tends not to be able to be extinguished, which is very unpleasant.
Another flaw to highlight: it is a product that can be particularly noisy. If you’re the type who is easily disturbed by background noise, you’ll have a hard time.
8. Best Freestanding Fridge – Danby DWC93BLSDB
The Danby DWC93BLSDB is a 3.3 cubic foot wine cooler, accommodating up to 36 bottles at a time. Since this is a single zone model, you can place wines all from red or white grape varieties.
Its shelves are made of black metal with a stainless steel front. Six of them allow you to place your bottles traditionally, that is, perpendicular to the door.
However, in the lower part, there are shelves positioned parallel to the door. This different design allows you to keep several bottles of wine you love cool and display the label of the wine.
Unfortunately, this cellar does not give any indication as to the internal temperature. You can still program it between 6 and 14 degrees Celsius, or between 43 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Best for Red and White Wine – AAOBOSI 30 Bottle Wine Refrigerator
This Aobosi double zone can contain around 30 bottles, and thanks to its flexible feet and great looks, it can also be placed anywhere as a freestanding wine cellar.
Larger wine refrigerators come at a premium, so you need to make sure you get what you pay for. Besides great reviews on the performance and robustness of its design, you will find other great points about this wine cooler.
Among the biggest things is that the top cooler is almost as wide as the reduced unit meaning you get more storage for blacks as well as sweeter wines, unlike most other coolers. If you need space for larger bottles in the top unit, you have to take them out from these shelves.
10. Best Quiet Wine Fridge – Kuppet 18 Bottle Freestanding Refrigerator
Most mid-size freestanding wine refrigerators tend to be thermoelectric versions, but sometimes these aren’t the best option when it comes to reliability and flexibility. This Kuppet is not a thermoelectric refrigerator but it has sufficient capacity, few frills, and exceptional value for a single-zone wine refrigerator. It’s super quiet and emits only 35 decibels of noise.
The temperature range is quite different from the majority of other wine refrigerators. The settings are in the low of 41 degrees to a high of 64 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it a fantastic full beverage cooler in addition to a wine fridge, although it might not be the best fridge for aging more expensive wines.
Why You Should Use a Wine Refrigerator?
Wine is a natural product made from fruits making it susceptible to getting spoilt if not properly preserved. When wine isn’t at its best, the flavor that makes up the aroma and exotic taste gets spoilt, making it unsuitable for drinking. To keep the flavor intact, it’s vital to get rid of these three enemies, namely: Temperature, ultraviolet light, and noise.
#1 UV Ray
Just as UV rays can damage the skin, exposing your drinks to excessive sunlight can cause the compounds to break down. As you might have already known, most compounds present in wine are organic and leaving such products under harsh weather conditions can alter its taste.
#2 Temperature
Almost every wine lover likes to enjoy their drink cold either out of the bottle or with an ice cube. This is because cold wines are more enjoyable and have this exotic flavor that lives you asking for more. No matter how cold you want your drink to become, there is a temperature level to be maintained if you want one that tastes good.
According to the experts, every wine should be kept at 55 degrees if you want to slow down its aging process. Keeping it at that temperature range, you will be able to preserve its color, flavor, and aroma.
#3 Vibration
To a non-wine enthusiast, vibration doesn’t matter much as long as the quality of the wine isn’t altered. However, one thing you should know is that wine sediments in each bottle can spread all over the bottle if they’re moved too often. The sediments are meant to stay at the bottom but letting it spread to the top makes the taste unpleasant when you sip. Hence wines should be kept in a position where movement is minimized.
Considering the factors mentioned above, a refrigerator seems like the only option if you want to keep your wine protected from all three enemies. Using a refrigerator protects your drink from sunlight, harsh weather as well as excessive vibration.
10 Factors to Consider When Buying a Wine Refrigerator
1. Noise
A good wine refrigerator should have minimal noise. What this means is that the sound coming from the compressor should be a whisper or a maximum of 30 decibels. You should know that the noise coming out of your refrigerator depends on the type of compressor it’s using.
If your wine refrigerator comes with a compressor, then your refrigerator cools the air by pumping chemical refrigerants via a coil. Refrigerators with large compressors can be very loud if the decibel level is high. If you must use a compressor system for your fridge, ensure you go for one whose sound is a maximum of 30 decibels.
Thermometric systems force heat through a metal plate with the help of electricity. Wine refrigerator with this type of heating system does not make any noise and have zero-tolerance for vibrations as well.
2. Shelves
The shelves of wine refrigerators come in different styles. It’s possible to find one with wooden, metal, or smooth shelves all designed to keep the bottles intact. Refrigerators designed with wine racks hold the bottles on both sides, thereby keeping the wine in contact with the cork. With rack shelves, the wine is left lying flat, thereby slowing down the aging process as contact with the cork will allow the cork to drain out bacteria.
3. Cooling Zone
Different from normal fridges, such as side by side refrigerator or beverage fridge, what makes a wine refrigerator great is the presence of different temperature zones, thereby making it suitable for different kinds of drinks. If you love both red and white wine, dual temperatures zones allow you to adjust the temperature of your refrigerator to be cooler in one zone than the other, making it fit to store several drinks.
However, if you’re looking at a low-budget option, single-zone refrigerators will be the best for you, but this comes with some limitations. The only difference is that the temperature of the interior will be the same, so every shelf keeps drinks cold equally. The Problem with this is that you won’t be able to store drinks which require varying temperatures.
However, if you will be storing just red and white wine, a single zone refrigerator should do the job perfectly.
4. Appearance
A refrigerator with a cool finish improves the aesthetic of your home. Choosing the right one shows you take the outlook of your interior seriously and concerned about making choices that will improve the appearance of your home. Wine refrigerators are much smaller than french door fridges, most of them are like small fridges or portable fridges.
Before going for any refrigerator, consider the style of your home. There’s no better choice for your interior than refrigerators made with stainless steel but if you must settle for less ensure the finish aligns with the color of other appliances.
5. Energy Efficiency
To ensure your wine retains its taste for long, you will have to maintain a certain temperature which is only possible when your refrigerator is turned on. To ensure your refrigerator doesn’t consume excess energy, you will want to go for models that consume less electricity.
Generally, wine refrigerators with thermoelectric cooling consume less energy. In terms of lightening, refrigerators with LED lightings are energy efficient in contrast to those that use hot bulbs, making it impossible for a refrigerator to stay cold for long.
If you prefer glass shelves over wooden ones, be sure to choose tempered glass with triple pane windows for added security. All three factors mentioned above determines the amount of energy wine refrigerators will consume.
6. Style
The best refrigerator style for a wine refrigerator is either a Free-standing or built-in refrigerator. Free-standing refrigerators are designed to stand alone and comes with a compressor stationed behind. Free-standing refrigerators have enough space but still lacking in depth.
However, if you decide to go for a built-in wine refrigerator, you will have to ensure they’re designed to fit in perfectly into your cabinet. Cabinet refrigerators have their compressors at the back and are pressed against the wall.
Deciding between both, you will have to consider their flexibility. Built-in refrigerators are more suitable for food items. It’s easy to pick one or two items when cooking since they’re built-into a dishwasher.
7. Living Space
Before purchasing a refrigerator cooler, you will want to consider your living space. If you’re thinking of getting a replacement for your wine refrigerator, it’s safe to assume the new one you will go for will seamlessly fit into the space occupied by the old one.
While that’s highly likely, you still need to ensure the space left for the new refrigerator won’t be exhausted. Since your refrigerator will be loaded with wine, it’s bound to be heavy. Ensure it’s properly installed.
8. Size
The size of the refrigerator you go for depends on the amount of space you have. After deciding on what style you want, you will want to ensure your refrigerator has room and more storage than the items you have at hand. It will be better for your refrigerator to have 25 – 30% more storage capacity so you have additional space left after storing all your items
9. Easy To Maintain
Your refrigerator should be durable and easy to maintain. Ensure your choice of refrigerator isn’t prone to repair. Refrigerators that break down easily will make it even more frustrating to store your drinks. And if you’re hosting an occasion, there’s a probability that it will break down when you least expect.
10. Other Factors
If you want a wine refrigerator that will last long, it’s better to go for one whose built material is easy to clean. Also, ensure the refrigerator comes with proper lighting as it makes it easier to pick items at night.
Wrapping Iu Up
Electric wine coolers are devices that keep wine bottles at the temperature you want. Thanks to them, you will be able to discover a new richness in certain wines. They are intended for individuals, amateurs, or collectors, as well as for certain professionals. They are efficient and reflect a genuine interest in wine culture. They are also great decorative elements: they are ideal for highlighting a pretty collection.
There are many products on the market today. We analyzed and compared 10 cellars for refrigerating wine. We recommend the Nutrichef PKCWC18 model which offers you a very good price and quality, a single independent cooling zone. Meanwhile, if you want a dual-zone model, we recommend the Koolatron WC12DZ Thermoelectric Cooler.
Whether storing 100 or 10 bottles, you will want a wine refrigerator that will minimize the aging period of your drink. There are a variety of models out there, but everyone has their preferences. This guide doesn’t just give you an idea of what to expect but ensures you make an informed purchasing decision.
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