10 Best Wine Coolers

Buying guide

Are you unsure which wine cooler is the best choice for you? Read our buying guide to become more informed about your options.

When choosing a wine cooler based on its design, there are several important considerations to keep in mind:

Freestanding wine coolers

• Ventilation: While freestanding wine coolers are versatile and can be placed on the floor or countertop, it’s crucial to ensure they are placed in a well-ventilated area. Proper ventilation prevents the compressor from overheating and ensures efficient cooling.
• Capacity: These coolers are known for their impressive capacity, with some models capable of storing 200 bottles or more. Consider your wine collection size when selecting a freestanding cooler.
• Affordability: Freestanding wine coolers are generally more affordable than built-in options, making them a cost-effective choice for many wine enthusiasts.

Built-in wine coolers

• Seamless Integration: The primary advantage of built-in wine coolers is their ability to blend into your kitchen space seamlessly. They can be installed under kitchen counters or integrated into cabinets, providing a sleek and cohesive appearance.
• Space Constraints: These coolers typically have a smaller capacity compared to freestanding models. Consider your available space and storage needs before opting for a built-in cooler.
• Cost: Built-in wine coolers tend to be more expensive than freestanding ones due to their design and integration capabilities. Budget considerations are important when choosing this option.

All wine coolers have an energy label, where you can find key specifications about the product. On the energy label, you can find the following information:

• Energy efficiency class
• Annual energy consumption
• Capacity
• Noise level
• Noise level class

The energy label makes it easier to compare the key specifications across the various wine coolers.

• Single temperature zone: These models are ideal if you plan on serving one type of wine at a time, as different wines have different serving temperature requirements.
• Dual temperature zone: Models with more than one temperature zone are typically more costly, but they can store wines with different serving temperature requirements. For example, red wine ages better at slightly warmer temperatures than white wine.

Wine coolers come in various sizes. Most commercial models can accommodate 6 to 140 bottles. When choosing a model, consider how many bottles you plan to store on average. Also, consider where you will store it, and remember that you will need to leave about 5 cm at the back and on each side for proper ventilation.

The following chart shows how the size is distributed among the wine coolers on our list.

As with the size, consider how many bottles you intend to store and adjust your measurements for a few bigger bottles. Wine coolers range from 15 cm wide slimline models with a single temperature zone to models with medium and large capacities. Medium models are usually 30 to 60 cm wide. Most have dual temperature zones and can hold around 17-40 Bordeaux-sized bottles. Large models, typically freestanding, measure 60 to 90 cm and can carry over a hundred bottles. Naturally, they also take up more space.

The cooling system of wine coolers continuously functions with moving parts such as compressors, fans, and refrigerant lines to maintain a consistent temperature. Consequently, most models emit considerable noise, measured in decibels.

The noise level for the wine coolers in our comparison ranges from 35 to 46 dB. The distribution in noise level is illustrated in the following chart.

These are the three quietest wine coolers.

On the energy label, you can find the wine cooler’s energy efficiency class, which ranges from A to G. The better the energy efficiency class, the more energy efficient the wine cooler is.

The following chart shows how the energy efficiency class is distributed across the wine coolers:

On the wine cooler’s energy label, you can find its annual energy consumption. The energy consumption for wine coolers ranges from 100 to 259 kWh and is primarily influenced by the size of the wine fridge.

The following chart shows how the energy consumption is distributed across the wine coolers:

Models with more features and more significant capacities are more expensive. Choosing a model with the features you need and that fits your budget would be best. It is also good to consider if you want to spend extra on fancy features.

The price for the wine coolers varies from £299 for the cheapest model to £5395 for the most expensive one. The price distribution across wine coolers is shown in the following chart.

These are the five cheapest wine coolers:

• Reversible door It makes positioning the wine cooler easier as you can choose to place the hinges on either the left or right, depending on the existing layout.
• Anti-vibration system: It protects the natural components of the wine from disturbances that could adversely affect the flavor.
• LED Interior lighting: They make the refrigerator more attractive and allow you to see the bottle arrangement so that you can easily find your favorite wine.
• Secure lock: It protects not only against theft but also ensures that children won’t get into the refrigerator.
• Humidity controls: They keep the internal humidity at an optimal level to prevent air from getting into the bottles with dried-out corks. Some models are also equipped with a hygrometer to measure the humidity and water vapor in the atmosphere.
• Charcoal filters: They keep the wine cooler odor-free and always fresh by screening out dust and dirt.
• Adjustable shelves: They help you take full advantage of the refrigerator space, especially when storing larger or irregular-shaped bottles.
• Open door indicator/alarm It is a beneficial feature to let you know when the door is not properly closed to stop cool air from escaping. It also ensures a steady cooling temperature.
• Digital display and controls: They let you easily operate the refrigerator and closely monitor specific parameters like the temperature.
• Insulation: Sufficient insulation guarantees excellent performance as it protects your wines from ambient temperature.
• Smart wine coolers: These wine coolers feature Wi-Fi connectivity, which enables remote monitoring and inventory management through a smartphone app.