Best Wine Refrigerator of 2019
Unless we’re talking about mulled wine, you probably like your wine chilled. Although the main function of wine refrigerators is cooling your wine collection, there is more to it.
There is just something about being able to showcase your collection when guests come to visit. Moreover, a good wine fridge lets your wine mature at a perfect temperature and humidity, while being compact enough to fit anywhere.
Welcome to the world of the best wine refrigerators of 2019.
Best Wine Refrigerator Reviews
Kalamera KRC-30SZB 30-Bottle Built-In Wine Cooler
This is a 30-bottle wine cooler with a convenient LED display and great looks.
Product Highlights
The Kalamera KRC-30SZB is a built-in wine cooler that can easily slide between cupboards or under a countertop, which makes it fantastic for your bar space or kitchen.
The flexibility of placement is one of the main selling points with this product, but this doesn’t mean that it doesn’t come packed with other fantastic features to satisfy any wine lover. At first glance, you’ll note that it fits perfectly with the style of your other stainless steel appliances.
The design of this unit is truly amazing with its prestigious-looking lighting and stainless steel frame. The finished top and sides mean that you can set it up anywhere you like, as a freestanding unit that perfectly matches the surroundings. As you may know, all built-in wine coolers can also be used as freestanding.
Its sleek, modern look is perfectly matched by its cooling systems. Although you may have heard of loud compressor-based coolers, there is no need to worry with the Kalamera. This product comes with excellent air circulation, ensuring an even spread of cold air, all across the model’s interior. Thermoelectric cooling is a gadget technology – all serious refrigerators and coolers are compressor-based for the much higher cooling capacity.
What's to like about the Kalamera KRC-30SZB 30-Bottle Built-In Wine Cooler
It may not sound like much, but the Kalamera’s slatted wood shelves are built with proper airflow in mind and the wood used for these shelves is beech wood, which is an important thing to note, as this type won’t scratch your bottles.
Its LCD display looks fantastic and it boasts a memory function, meaning that if your power goes out, you won’t have to manually set the desired temperature on this cooler when the power comes back.
What's not to like about the Kalamera KRC-30SZB 30-Bottle Built-In Wine Cooler
The only real downside to this wine fridge is that it can’t cool red wine bottles and white wine bottles separately. White wines should be kept at a temperature of 40°-50°, while reds should be set to 55°-65°F.
Given the six available beech shelves, it would be nice if they each featured a custom temperature setting. Instead, Kalamera has a single-zone cooling system. That being said, this model is packed with so many great features that not having dual zones is absolutely forgivable.
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Koldfront TWR187ESS 18-Bottle Freestanding Wine Cooler
This is a dual-zone wine cooler that allows you to keep 18 wine bottles inside it.
Product Highlights
First of all, the fact that this one is a dual-zone wine cooler means that you can set ideal temperatures for the two zones. This is important if you want to keep reds and whites at their respective ideal temperatures. Dual-zone wine coolers tend to be more expensive, but this Koldfront is an exception.
It is covered in stainless steel, which helps the Koldfront score points in the durability and design departments. This is a freestanding wine cooler with thermoelectric cooling systems and removable wood shelving. It has a very useful separate thermostat and a touch-control panel that is very easy to use. The LED lights allow for a fantastic view.
With its sleek design, the Koldfront TWR187ESS can fit every corner of your home or place of business. It works best, visually, in kitchens and bar rooms. The tempered glass door with a safety lock makes this wine cooler an ideal choice for restaurants, bars, and homes.
The top zone temperature range is 54° to 66°F, while the bottom zone temperature settings go from 46° F to 66°F. This means that red wine bottles should go up top and white wine bottles in the lower zone.
What's to like about the Koldfront TWR187ESS 18-Bottle Freestanding Wine Cooler
The fact that a dual-zone wine fridge comes at a price this affordable means a lot. It may sound trivial, but if you are a true wine connoisseur, you know how important it is to keep different wine types at different temperatures.
When it comes to temperature control, this wine refrigerator does a fantastic job. The LED light works like a charm and everything is really easy to set up.
What's not to like about the Koldfront TWR187ESS 18-Bottle Freestanding Wine Cooler
The Koldfront TWR187ESS can only hold 18 bottles of wine. That means 3 on each of the six shelves or 9 bottles each of white wine and red wine.
Another downside when it comes to this fridge is the fact that the temperatures for each of the two zones can’t be individually set, which is a characteristic of the less effective thermoelectric cooling technology. However, 9 wine bottles of each type may be more than enough for most people.
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Commercial Cool CCWT080MB 8-Bottle Wine Cooler
This is an ultra-compact wine refrigerator for home/office use that can hold up to 8 bottles of wine.
Product Highlights
The Commercial Cool CCWT080MB is an affordable unit that does a great job of cooling both red and white wines. The goal here is small-scale use, so it might not be ideal for restaurants. However, the Commercial Cool CCWT080MB is right at home for home and office use.
At 20.2 x 10 x 18.4 inches and 20.7 lbs., it is extremely compact and lightweight, which is essential for its intended purposes.
This unit boasts a thermoelectric wine cooler with a decent temperature range of 46°F-66°F. This cooling technology is not as heavy-duty but it’s extremely quiet, which is a huge plus, given the nature of the product’s use.
It has a freestanding design for countertop use and the recessed door handle and hidden hinge maximize that prestigious, sleek look. The thermostat control is mechanically adjustable.
The see-thru glass door is grey-tinted and the LED-illuminated interior displays the bottles clearly, making them look even more elegant than when they’re out of the cooler. This product might not be a juggernaut that’s intended for heavy use, but it is definitely one of the best small wine fridges available.
What's to like about the Commercial Cool CCWT080MB 8-Bottle Wine Cooler
Don’t let the 8-bottle capacity fool you. At this price, the Commercial Cool is clearly made for office and home use and it’s pretty good at that.
The sleek black design and fantastic LED lights make the Commercial Cool one of the most attractive mini wine coolers on the market. When it comes to personal-size wine coolers, there aren’t many that can match this one.
What's not to like about the Commercial Cool CCWT080MB 8-Bottle Wine Cooler
In some instances, this fridge tends to malfunction after a while. However, with the 1-year warranty that it comes with, you can at least get a modicum of reassurance.
This fridge, despite its adjustable temperature range, is a single-zone fridge, which means that you can’t store both red and white wine in it at the same time and expect connoisseurs to approve.
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Ivation 18-Bottle Freestanding Wine Cooler
This is a dual-zone wine cooler with a simple design that can hold up to 18 wine bottles.
Product Highlights
As a go-to wine cooler for the average wine lover/collector, Ivation 18-bottle has made its name on the market largely owing to its dual-cooling zone feature at an affordable price.
For wine collectors who keep both white and red wines on hand, this Ivation model will be a perfect choice. However, if you have red or white wine bottles exclusively, you might have a hard time getting the right temperatures throughout.
With its sleek design and black color, it is suitable for most locations, whether you plan on placing it in your kitchen, bar room, office, or restaurant. But does the Ivation 18-bottle have anything else to offer besides the cool design, dual cooling, and 18-bottle capacity? Yes, it does. For starters, the cooling section is extremely effective and efficient.
The upper section’s temperature range goes from 46° F to 64°F and the bottom zone temperatures 54° to 64°F. This means that the former is dedicated to white wines, while the lower section is great for storing red wines.
The dual zones in this model are no joke; the difference is very apparent, which can be easily tested by putting a separate thermometer in both compartments.
When it comes to the noise level, it isn’t ideal but it is bearable. This may prove to be a tad annoying in small office or dorm room setups, but it won’t be noticeable in larger spaces such as more spacious kitchens and bar rooms.
The interior of this wine cooler features LED lights which bring even more class to the table, especially when looking through the smoked glass door. The cooler also features removable shelves for multi-purpose storing options.
The Ivation 18-bottle is very space-efficient and compact, which isn’t common for a dual zone cooler of such capacity.
What's to like about the Ivation 18-Bottle Freestanding Wine Cooler
The removable shelves are a huge draw for this wine cooler. This makes it very tweakable and fit for a multitude of purposes. If you take the shelves out of this wine cooler, you can pretty much store anything inside, even different beverages and food.
Of course, this is far from its primary use, but it is a great perk, not to mention that you can store box wine and larger champagne and wine bottles. It also keeps the temperatures steady, which is crucial when it comes to wine storage.
What's not to like about the Ivation 18-Bottle Freestanding Wine Cooler
The shelves, however, don’t slide out very easily. This can make storing larger wine bottles and other food and beverages somewhat frustrating. Keep in mind that if you need to remove a shelf to store a larger wine bottle, be prepared for reduced storage capacity.
There really is no way around it, but seeing as you only get 18 bottles with this one, you might end up buying two of them.
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Whynter WC-201TD 20-Bottle Freestanding Wine Cooler
This is a 20-bottle compact wine cooler that is ideal for those who are looking for a wine cooler that will fit anywhere.
Product Highlights
More than anything else, the Whynter WC-201TD 20-bottle wine cooler is absolutely gorgeous. It has a sleek black glass door that isn’t there just to look pretty (although it inevitably achieves this) but actually to keep those UV rays from entering and compromising your wine.
The simple metal chassis is very sturdy and looks fantastic. The small legs on the bottom of the model are adjustable, making this product ideal for uneven surfaces.
The LCD display and the three soft touch buttons are very straightforward and easy to use; the arrow pointing upwards increases the temperature, the arrow pointing downwards lowers it, and the light bulb button in the middle turns the interior lighting on or off. Simple as that.
Not many wine coolers come with the option to turn the LED light on without actually opening the fridge, which is a neat aesthetic tweak that can make your wine refrigerator look even more classy and beautiful.
Its dimensions are 20.5" x 15.79" x 22", which is compact enough for a model that can store as many as 20 standard wine bottles. At a mere 33 lbs., it is a very lightweight model.
Its adjustable thermostat ranges from 46°F to 65°F, which is perfect for your white or red wine collection. However, given the fact that it doesn’t have the dual-cooling zones, cooling two different types of wine at the same time may not be ideal.
On the inside, there are five shelves of molded wire. These are evenly spaced, which gives off even more of that prestigious vibe. The holders have a very tight fit, which is important in order for the wine to sit as still as possible.
What's to like about the Whynter WC-201TD 20-Bottle Freestanding Wine Cooler
The most important thing to take into account here is that the Whynter 20-bottle is unbelievably quiet. So quiet that you’re going to wonder whether it’s on to begin with. This is easy to check by inspecting the LED light button at your disposal.
But there is more to this extremely quiet cooling system — much less vibration, and having your wine sit still in the storage is very important.
What's not to like about the Whynter WC-201TD 20-Bottle Freestanding Wine Cooler
The main downside of this otherwise incredible model is that it doesn’t have a dual-zone cooling system. Not being able to store both of the main wine types at the same time and at their individual preferred temperatures is somewhat of a downside, but if this cooler was dual-zoned, with its commendable build quality, it would be significantly more expensive.
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BUYER'S GUIDE
There are many wine refrigerators available on the market and knowing what to look for in each model is crucial in making a good choice. There are a lot of things to consider, such as the type, humidity levels, UV protection, portability and storage, and shelving.
Whether you’re an experienced wine connoisseur or someone who’s looking to get into collecting wine, it is important that you pick a solid wine cooler that will last for years.
Types of Wine Refrigerators
Apart from built-in and freestanding, there are two main types of wine refrigerators: single zone and dual zone. Single zone wine coolers usually have an adjustable thermostat for regulating cooling of the whole internal zone.
Dual zone wine refrigerators have two cooling zones, usually divided by shelves. This is an essential feature because white wine is usually served at a lower temperature than red wine.
Although some red wines can be stored at 55°F, they are best kept at around 60°F, depending on the wine type, whereas the ideal temperature for white wines is around 50°F.
With dual-cooling refrigerators, you can set a certain part to provide a preferred temperature environment for bottles of white wines and the other one for bottles of red wine. Dual-zone wine fridges are, as a rule of thumb, more expensive.
Humidity Levels
Unlike regular fridges, wine coolers are built to gradually lower the temperatures in order to maintain high humidity levels at all times, whereas the typical kitchen fridges have the goal of drying out the conditions as much as possible. When browsing wine refrigerators, look for those that feature humidity control.
Proper insulation also helps tremendously. The ideal humidity levels are roughly around 70%. The minimal humidity shouldn’t go below 50%, as corks will dry out below this mark.
UV Protection
Most wine fridges have glass doors. Most of these glass doors are equipped with UV protection. UV rays can severely affect a bottle of wine, but with protection, this issue is avoided, right?
Actually, wine refrigerators offer different levels of UV protection and this is measured in percentages of VLT (Visible Light Transmission). Wine fridges with a coat of 10% VLT film means that 90% of daylight is blocked, allowing only 10% to go through. Look for wine fridges with 10% VLT.
Portable and Storage
Portable wine coolers can keep your wine cold but won’t protect it from less-than-ideal moisture and VLT levels. These products are great for picnics and vacations but aren’t designed with storing wine for the long term.
That being said, it might be preferable, if you have a smaller collection, to have a lightweight wine fridge that you can easily install and move around according to your needs.
As for storage, it all really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a tabletop cooler with a capacity of 8 regular bottles, you don’t have to shell out for expensive 30-bottle units.
On the other hand, if you want to store your wine properly and keep it at a proper temperature, humidity, and VLT level for years, you’re better off going with a cooler of a higher capacity.
Shelving
Some wine refrigerators offer shelves that can fit a variety of bottle sizes, while others are more of a tight fit. The choice here, again, depends on your preference. Which wine type do you like the best? Do you want to store a variety of wine types, brands, and bottle sizes?
Another important thing to take into account is whether or not the shelves are removable. Wine fridges with securely fitted removable shelves can effectively store a variety of different bottle shapes and sizes. Having removable shelves in your wine cooler makes it multi-purpose.
No one said that you can’t store food or beer in your wine fridge if you need it for a party or something.
F.A.Q.
How can I store my reds and whites in the same refrigerator?
You can store your reds and whites in any wine refrigerator and it will still be better than storing them in the kitchen counter or fridge. This is owing to the controlled humidity levels, as well as the UV ray protection.
However, ideally, you’ll want to buy a dual-zone wine refrigerator if you want to maintain ideal temperatures for both your red and white wines. There are many affordable dual zone fridges out there, even though these are more expensive than the equivalent single zone variety.
How do I clean my wine refrigerator?
First, unplug the device from the power source. This goes for cleaning any electrical device. Then, refer to the manufacturer’s instruction guide to avoid product damage.
Most wine fridges can be safely cleaned with warm water mixed with 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda. Ideally, use a soft cloth, sponge, or a microfiber cloth to avoid unnecessary scratches. Harsh chemicals shouldn’t be used when cleaning wine refrigerators
How cold should I set the temperature in my wine refrigerator?
There is not a single ideal temperature for all wine types out there. Differences exist even among the white/red wines themselves.
Full-bodied reds, such as Zinfandel Shiraz, Ribera del Duero, Grand Cru Bordeaux, and Carmenere work best at 64˚F, while Banyuls, Vintage Port, and Madeira should be kept at 66˚F. This slight discrepancy in temperature matters, but the largest difference in ideal temperatures is between red and white wine.
White wines need to be kept at lower temperatures, usually not over 46˚F. If you’re looking to store a variety of wine types at their ideal temperatures, you’re likely going to have to buy a few dual-zone wine refrigerators. It is best to start small and move up.
What’s the difference between thermoelectric and compressor coolers?
Compressor wine coolers are like standard refrigerators, except they work on a smaller scale. Essentially, they work by means of the vapor compression cycle in order to remove the heat from the cabinet’s interior. The compression system uses a coolant gas to do this.
The four main parts of the compressor cooler system are the compressor, the expansion valve, the condenser, and the evaporator.
Thermoelectric wine coolers are different. Here, two metal pieces transmit electric current, creating a heat flux. In this flux, one side grows hot, while the other cools down. The cold side of the device is on the inside for cooling the cooler cabinet, while the hot side is placed on a heat sink that uses aluminum fins to dissipate the heat.
Compressor coolers can cool to much lower temperatures and are more energy-efficient, while thermoelectric coolers are more environmentally safe, vibration-free, and quieter.
Why can't I just store my wine in my regular fridge?
Well, you can, if you don’t intend on keeping it in there for too long. In order to protect the wine from the effects of age, temperature inconsistencies, humidity levels, and other conditions, wine coolers are used.
Of course, if you aren’t much of a wine enthusiast and don’t really care too much for the potentially slight difference in taste, aging, smell, and similar pet peeves of wine connoisseurs, a regular fridge should do the trick for you.
If you want to dig deeper into the world of wine, getting a wine cooler is very important. Additionally, certain wine types are best enjoyed at certain temperatures, which is why so much emphasis is put on a variety of ideal temperatures when it comes to different wine types.
FINAL VERDICT
All wine refrigerators from the list are great in their own right. Some are more practical, while others offer more stable temperatures and better conditions overall.
However, the Kalamera KRC-30SZB takes the cake here. It is very practical and can fit anywhere, while the stainless steel look is truly a great match anywhere. It can be set as a freestanding unit or installed and its compressor cooler and fan do a surprisingly efficient job at cooling and evenly distributing the cool air.
Its LCD display has a memory function that will memorize the ideal temperature that you’ve set for your wine collection and automatically reset to it in case of power outages.
Its beech shelves are the ideal material, not only because they look beautiful but because they won’t scratch bottles and labels. The Kalamera truly shines as the best wine refrigerator of 2019.