Content Summary
Are you looking for the best way to store your favorite wines, and miss a wine cellar? Then an under-counter wine fridge might be just what you need.
With its convenient size and specialized temperature control features, a wine fridge is an ideal solution for keeping your bottles at their peak flavor and quality.
Whether you're a novice or an experienced wine enthusiast, having an under-counter wine refrigerator can make it easier to enjoy all of your favorite vintages.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of owning a cabinet wine fridge and how to choose, among the best wine fridges, the right model for your needs!
Counter Built-In Wine Fridges: Buying Guide
What should you look for in an under-counter wine cooler?
When looking for an under-counter wine cooler, you should consider factors such as the temperature range, size, capacity, noise level, installation type, and price.
Additionally, it's important to make sure that the wine cooler is Energy Star-certified if you're looking for an efficient and cost-effective option.
What size should an under-counter fridge be?
- The size of an under-counter fridge will depend on the number of bottles that need to be stored. Generally speaking, it's recommended to purchase a fridge that is at least 3.5 cubic feet in size.
- This should provide enough space for 28 up to 52 bottles of wine, depending on their size.
- If you plan on storing larger size bottles, the bottle capacity may be reduced. To prevent this, the shelves must be adjusted or additional shelves should be purchased.
- It's important to measure the space you're planning on putting your wine fridge in and make sure it will fit before you buy.
How much should you pay for a built in under-counter fridge?
The price of wine fridges can vary significantly depending on size and features. Generally, you should expect to pay between $400 and $1,000 for a good quality under-counter wine fridge.
It's also important to factor in the cost of installation, which can range from $50 - $200. Overall, you should be sure to consider your budget and ensure that you're getting the best value for your money.
These models can hold 28 up to 52 bottles. We have published other blog posts that feature different types of wine fridges with larger and smaller capacities. You may want to check out those:
- Slimline wine coolers: hold 7 bottles.
- Compact wine fridges: hold 10 to 24 bottles.
- Freestanding wine fridges: hold 12 - 46 bottles.
- Large capacity wine fridges: hold 150 - 180 bottles.
- Outdoor wine fridges: hold 24 - 34 wine bottles & a kegerator.
- Beverage fridges: hold 18 - 112 wine bottles and >50 cans.
7 PICKS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Danby Silhouette Built-In Wine Cooler
In The Spotlight
We find that the Danby Silhouette wine cooler is a great option for those looking for a stylish and functional under-counter wine fridge. The spacious interior and adjustable shelves allow for easy storage of different-sized wine bottles, while the active cooling system ensures stable temperatures for optimal storage conditions.
Pros:
- Spacious interior capable of holding up to 50 bottles of wine, a dream for beginning wine collectors.
- Adjustable shelves provide flexibility for storing different sizes and types of wine bottles.
- It can be used as an under counter wine cooler or as a freestanding wine fridge.
- The active cooling system maintains a stable temperature throughout the cooler.
- LED lighting is bright and efficient for showcasing your wine collection.
- The reversible dual pane glass door allows for easy viewing of your wine collection while adding insulation to keep temperatures stable.
Cons:
- This wine cooler is not Energy Star certified, which may result in higher energy bills.
- This is a single zone cooler, which means you need to use it for storing either red or white wines - not both.
- The stainless steel finish may require frequent cleaning to maintain its appearance.
- It's in the highest price range in our selection but the quality of construction, temperature control, and LED lighting make it worth the investment.
Product Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 25.31"D x 23.81"W x 34.62"H
- Capacity: 5.7 Cubic Feet
- Configuration: Compact Freezerless
- Energy Star: No
- Installation Type: Built-in/ Undercounter/ Countertop/ Freestanding
- Defrost System: Frost Free
Tylza Built In Wine Cooler
In The Spotlight
The Tylza built-in wine cooler is a great option if you’re looking for a high-capacity, advanced wine cooler that will store your collection of bottles at optimal temperatures.
It has a smart digital control system and removable shelves for added convenience, though the lack of Energy Star certification may be a deterrent for some.
Pros:
- Large capacity, fit for beginning wine collectors: it can store up to 51 bottles of standard wine.
- Advanced compressor system provides fast, stable cooling and accurate humidity control.
- Low noise levels: operates at a maximum of 38 dB for a quiet environment.
- Constant temperature technology maintains a consistent temperature for optimal wine storage. This wine fridge allows you to adjust the temperature anywhere between 40°F to 65°F, providing the perfect conditions for storing both red and white wine bottles.
- This wine fridge has a comparable capacity to the Danby model above, but is more affordable.
- Removable shelves allow for easy customization and storage of larger bottles.
- Smart digital control with temperature memory function for added convenience.
- Stylish, space-saving design with a waterproof feature.
Cons:
- An automatic defrost system may cause cooling issues after extended use.
- Shelves are made of beech wood, which could be susceptible to mold in humid climates.
- The stainless steel finish may require frequent cleaning to maintain its appearance.
- The cooler may produce some noise while operating, which could be an issue in quiet environments.
- Not Energy Star certified, and may result in higher energy bills.
- More expensive than other models.
Product Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 22.63"D x 23.42"W x 34.25"H
- Capacity: 5.3 Cubic Feet
- Configuration: Compact Freezerless
- Noise Level: 38 dB
- Installation Type: Built-in/ Undercounter/ Countertop/ Freestanding
- Defrost System: Automatic
BODEGA Built In Wine Cooler
In The Spotlight
The BODEGA wine cooler is a great option for those looking to store their wine collection in a temperature-controlled environment. Its silent compressor and advanced digital control system make it easy to maintain your collection's optimal temperature.
Pros:
- Super silent low noise compressor with vibration absorption system to prevent artificial aging of wine.
- Wi-Fi smart app control for remote temperature adjustment at 41℉-68℉ range from any Android or Apple device.
- Accurate temperature setting with LED control display and blue LED lights for easy wine picking.
- Can be installed as a freestanding or built-in wine cooler.
- Can hold up to 52 bottles of wine.
Cons:
- Some customers have reported issues with the accuracy of temperature control.
- The wooden frame may not be suitable for long-term use in humid environments.
- It is not Energy Star certified, which may impact energy efficiency.
- More expensive than some other models.
Product Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 23"D x 23.5"W x 34.1"H
- Capacity: 145 Liters
- Configuration: Freezerless
- Noise Level: 38 dB
- Installation Type: Built-in/ Undercounter/ Tabletop/ Freestanding
- Defrost System: Automatic
Kalamera Wine Cooler
In The Spotlight
We found that the Kalamera wine fridge is an excellent investment for wine lovers who want to keep their collection in pristine condition. Its advanced cooling technology, automatic defrosting, and temperature memory function ensure that your wines are always perfectly chilled and preserved.
Pros:
- Advanced cooling technology with a quality compressor unit and outstanding vibration reduction gear which minimizes disturbance to wine sediments.
- Soft blue LED lighting that enhances the beauty of your wine collection.
- Stainless steel frame with 2 layers of tempered glass to stabilize temperature levels and keep glass from fogging.
- An energy-efficient single zone system with a control display for setting temperature from 40-66°F that provides the perfect chilling temperature at all times.
- Temperature memory function that restores the set temperature in the cooler after power is restored to prevent wine collection from going bad.
- Five high-quality wooden shelves that are removable and come with stoppers on two sides of each shelf, ensuring bottles do not fall when pulled out.
Cons:
- The Kalamera wine cooler can only hold up to 30 bottles of wine, with larger bottles like Pinot or Champagne affecting the fridge's capacity.
- Although it is a bit more expensive compared to other mini wine fridges, its efficient performance and exquisite design make it worth the investment.
Product Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 22.4"D x 14.9"W x 33.9"H
- Configuration: Compact Freezerless
- Noise Level: 38 dB
- Installation Type: Built-in/ Undercounter/ Tabletop/ Freestanding
- Defrost System: Automatic
AAOBOSI Wine Refrigerator
In The Spotlight
This freestanding dual zone wine cooler has a sleek design that fits into any home décor and its quiet operation ensures that your favorite wines are kept in their optimal temperature range. A perfect small wine cooler for the casual wine drinker.
The two temperature zones allow you to customize temperatures for different types of wine (storing, serving) and it can hold up to 28 bottles of wine. The temperature memory function and lock screen feature are also useful in protecting your set program from accidental operation.
Pros:
- Exquisite design with seamless stainless steel frame and double tempered glass door.
- This 28 bottle dual-zone wine cooler features custom temperature settings for both storing and serving different types of wine: red and white wines, rosés and champagnes.
- It has adjustable beech wood wine racks.
- The temperature memory function restores the set temperature after power is lost, and a lock screen function protects against accidental operation.
Cons:
- Not Energy Star certified, so it may not be the most energy-efficient option.
- The stated bottle capacity may be reduced if accommodating larger bottles, such as champagne bottles.
- Quiet operation with a low noise level of 42 dB and low vibration, however, it's higher noise volume compared to the above models.
- It may be a bit pricier compared to the Antarctic Star model.
- Not suitable for built-in applications.
Product Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 14.96"D x 22.7"W x 34.2"H
- Configuration: Freezerless
- Noise Level: 42 dB
- Energy Star: No
- Installation Type: Built-in/ Undercounter/ Tabletop/ Freestanding
Antarctic Star Wine Cooler
In The Spotlight
This Antarctic Star undercounter wine cooler is a fantastic choice for any wine enthusiast. Its exceptional features like a dual-layer tempered glass window, advanced cooling system, beech wood shelves, and blue LED lights justify the price.
Although not Energy Star certified, the overall design and performance help preserve the taste and maturation of wine, making it a worthwhile investment.
Pros:
- This wine refrigerator has the lowest price compared to other models in our selection.
- The Antarctic Star wine cooler has a sleek and stylish design that matches any home décor.
- It can hold up to 28 bottles of wine without removing any shelves, saving space in your kitchen or living room.
- The advanced cooling system also ensures quick and quiet performance.
- The temperature range can be adjusted from 41℉ to 68℉, ensuring the wine maintains its ideal temperature for better taste.
- The double-layered tempered glass window provides both protection from harmful UV rays and a full view of your collection, while tight seals to keep your wines at a steady temperature.
Cons:
- The Antarctic Star wine cooler is not Energy Star-certified, so it may not be the most energy-efficient option.
- The bottle capacity may be reduced if accommodating larger bottles.
- It is not suitable for built-in applications.
Product Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 22.75"D x 14.96"W x 34.25"H
- Configuration: Freezerless
- Noise Level: 42 dB
- Installation Type: Built-in/ Undercounter/ Tabletop
- Defrost System: Frost Free
COLZER Classic Wine Fridge
In The Spotlight
The COLZER Classic wine fridge is an excellent choice for storing and serving wine with its versatile temperature range, adjustable and removable shelves, low vibration and noise, efficient cooling system, and intuitive one-touch digital controls.
Pros:
- The COLZER Classic Wine Fridge allows for a wide temperature range (41-72°F), which is ideal for long-term storage or quick serving of red, white, or rosé wine.
- The adjustable shelves of this compact wine cooler are made of sturdy beech wood and have grooves that prevent the bottles from shaking or getting damaged. You can also remove them to accommodate larger size bottles.
- Low vibration and noise: Thanks to the upgraded compressor and vibration absorption system, the wine fridge runs smoothly and quietly, minimizing unnecessary disturbances.
- Efficient and effective cooling: The compressor-based cooling system is powerful, efficient, and can handle tough cooling jobs while remaining consistent and reliable.
- Easy to use: With one-touch digital controls and blue LED lights, the COLZER Classic Wine Fridge is straightforward to operate and maintain.
- This product has a long service life of up to 8-10 years due to the use of state-certified materials. It also has a lock for security and safety.
Cons:
- Limited bottle capacity: The COLZER Classic Wine Fridge has a capacity of 30 standard-size (Bordeaux 750ml) wine bottles, which may not be sufficient for larger collections.
- Although the wine fridge is efficient, it lacks an Energy Star certification, which may be a concern for individuals seeking the most energy-efficient option.
- Reduced bottle capacity for larger size bottles: If accommodating larger size bottles, the bottle capacity may be reduced. To prevent this, the shelves must be adjusted accordingly.
Product Specs:
- Product Dimensions: 15"D x 23"W x 33.3"H
- Capacity: 3.5 Cubic Feet
- Configuration: Freezerless
- Noise Level: 42 dB
- Installation Type: Built-in/ Undercounter/ Tabletop/ Freestanding
- Defrost System: Automatic
Under Counter Wine Cooler FAQs
Here are some common questions people have about under-counter wine coolers.
What is the best temperature range for storing wine?
The ideal temperature range for storing wine for a long time (anything > 6 months) is 55°F (12.7°C). This will ensure that the wine retains its flavor and aroma, while also preventing oxidation.
What is the best serving temperature for red and white wines?
Red wine: 60-65°F; white wine: 45-50°F.
What is the advantage of dual temperature zones?
As storing and serving temperatures differ, you may want to be able to differentiate between storing temperature (55°F) and serving temperature (red 60-65°F; white 45-50°F).
What is the best wine fridge?
It all depends on your preference. If you are a casual wine drinker, you may want a mini wine cooler, with a modest capacity of 25-30 bottles. If you are a beginning wine collector, you may need a ca. 50 bottle capacity.
Serious wine collectors have a wine cellar with several wine refrigerators allowing a storage capacity of 200-250 bottles.
Whether you want a single or dual zone, is also up to you. A dual zone has the advantage, that you can always have some bottles - red, white, rosé or champagne - at serving temperature.
What is the difference between wine cooler and cellar?
- A wine cooler is specifically designed to store and chill bottles of wine, while a cellar refers to a storage area that has been intentionally built or modified to store wine.
- Cellars are typically located in the basement of homes and can be used to preserve bottles of wine at the ideal temperature and humidity levels.
- They can also provide an extra layer of insulation to further protect wine from external temperatures and light.
Is there a difference between a wine fridge and a beverage fridge?
- A wine fridge is designed to store and serve wine at the ideal temperature, while a beverage fridge is typically used to store and chill drinks, such as beer and soda.
- While many beverage fridges can also be used to store wine bottles, the temperature range is not typically as precise as that of a wine fridge.
- Additionally, many beverage fridges are not equipped with the necessary shelving or racks to store bottles horizontally, which is ideal for long-term wine storage.
Can I use a mini fridge as a wine fridge?
It is not recommended to use a mini fridge as a wine fridge. Mini fridges are typically not designed for long-term storage of wines, and usually don't have the temperature regulation or racks necessary for proper storage.
Additionally, mini-fridges can produce too much moisture which could affect the taste of the wine.
Do wine fridges use a lot of electricity?
Under-counter wine fridges typically use around 100 watts of electricity. This is equivalent to the power used by a light bulb and is relatively low compared to other household appliances.
Additionally, many wine fridges come with energy-saving features such as LED lighting and adjustable temperature settings that can help reduce electricity usage.
Do under-counter fridges need ventilation?
Under-counter fridges typically need ventilation to maintain a consistent temperature.
The exact type of ventilation required will depend on the particular model, so it's important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully before installing your fridge.
Additionally, if you're installing a built-in wine cooler, you should make sure that the ventilation grills are easily accessible.
Where should I put my wine fridge?
Ideally, you should place your wine fridge in a cool and dark area of your home. It's also important to keep it away from direct sunlight, as this could affect the quality of the wine.
Additionally, it's important to make sure that there is good ventilation around the fridge, and that the area is not too humid.
Can you put a wine cooler under a counter?
- You can install a wine cooler under a counter. However, it's important to make sure that there is enough space to fit the unit and that the ventilation grills are easily accessible.
- You should make sure that the area is cool and dark, as this will help protect the wine from light and heat.
- Additionally, you should make sure that the area is not too humid, as this could affect the taste of the wine.
What is the lifespan of wine fridge?
Most wine fridges are designed to last for many years, up to 10 years. If they are maintained properly, they can continue to keep your wines at the optimal temperature for many years to come.
However, it's important to note that the lifespan of a wine fridge can be affected by factors such as environmental temperature, humidity, and vibration.
The Best Under Counter Wine Fridge For You
Under-counter wine fridges are an ideal solution for those looking to store their wines for a long time. When selecting a cabinet wine fridge, it's important to choose one that is the right size and has the right features for your needs.
Which one is your favorite pick among our 7 selections?
Happy shopping!
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