Wine Cooler Buying Guide - Quench Essentials

Perhaps your journey into wine enjoyment began when a friend brought over a bottle for dinner and you decided to venture out and purchase a bottle or two yourself. From there it grew into a sincere appreciation for many different varietals for various foods or occasions, and that little wine rack in your pantry or countertop--not to mention the fridge--is decidedly overcrowded.

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The question becomes, how do I efficiently store my wine to preserve it well and keep it ready for serving? Assuming you aren’t ready to invest in constructing a wine cellar, investing in a wine cooler is a good idea for storing your wine and keeping it ready to enjoy whenever you are. So, where to start? Wine coolers come in many types and sizes with a variety of special features and price ranges.

For quick reference, use this guide for easy browsing: 

Where to Start

One of the first considerations is the size of your wine collection. How many bottles do you need to store? Allowing enough room for the addition of new “finds” and special purchases, you should consider a cooler sized for +75% to double the size of your current collection.

Do you favor sparkling, white, or red wine or enjoy wines of every kind? This will determine how many cooling zones you will want to consider as well as temperature control, cooling technology, and special options.

Wine Cooler Types

Let’s consider the type of wine cooler first. Wine coolers can range from a single or dual bottle wine chiller that sits on your countertop to full height built-in models that match your cabinets and hold up to 200 + bottles. Free-standing models that are more like pieces of furniture are also popular and come in a variety of sizes and zones. If you have the space, or are in the midst of a kitchen remodeling project, you may decide that an under-counter built-in cooler is just the thing.

This type will usually accommodate anywhere from 18-70 bottles and include at least 2 cooling zones. Don’t need quite that much storage? A smaller countertop model for about 4-20 bottles is a good choice. If you are short on space, there are tower wine coolers which are slim enough to fit almost anywhere while still providing capacity for around 35-40 bottles with dual-zone cooling.

Cooling Zones

Different wines are best served at differing temperatures. Dry whites and sparkling wines usually about 20 to 25 degrees colder than full-bodied reds, with fruity reds & full-bodied whites in between. Cooling zones are spaces in the cooler which can be set at specific temperatures so that your wines are kept at optimal serving conditions.

If you prefer a few specific whites or reds, a single zone cooler is perfect. For those who like more variety, most wine coolers offer at least 2 zones, some with multiple zones for more specialized wine collections, offering a temperature range of 40-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Digital temperature controls offer more precise regulation and most wine coolers use this type.

Cooling Technology

Although you may not think too much about this at first, the kind of technology used to operate the wine cooler is fairly important. You will want to take into consideration noise and energy efficiency, as well as the amount of vibration generated, since too much can adversely affect your wine. The following list provides a short explanation of each.

• Compressor: This is the most common type and uses a refrigerant similar to that in refrigerators. They provide very stable temperatures in a wider range, handling ambient temperature well, while some high-end models will also regulate humidity. The downside--they tend to be heavier and produce vibration and some noise due to running of the compressor, which is not great for your wine or environment. Some of these may also include an auto-defrost option.
• Thermoelectric: This cooling technology utilizes the Peltier effect which removes heat from the air instead of adding cool air. With no moving parts, these coolers offer virtually silent operation with almost no vibration and are extremely energy efficient.However, they require some clearance for air circulation and will not function as well if ambient temperatures are too high or too low. They do not get as cold as compressor models and smaller capacity coolers work the best.
• Hybrid: These wine coolers use a combination of both compressor and thermoelectric technologies which provides a wider, more stable temperature range with low noise and vibration, while being very energy efficient. However, these units are considerably more expensive to purchase.
• Absorption: This is a newer cooling technology which uses a physiochemical process with no motor or compressor, providing silent, vibration-free operation. These are more difficult to find and can be costly.

Cost of a Cooler

And speaking of cost, before trying to decide on all the optional features of a cooler, you will want to take a look at your budget. Wine coolers vary widely in price, even within the same size or capacity and cooling technology. Take into consideration the average price per bottle in your collection and compare it with the price per bottle for storing it (cost of the cooler divided by the bottle capacity.)

Obviously, the more you have invested in your wine, the more you will want to preserve and protect it and, generally speaking, the cheaper the appliance, the less dependable it will be. That being said, good, reasonably priced wine coolers with the options you need can be found. If you simply must have that over-budget cooler, look for discounted units such as floor models that may have slight exterior imperfections but are fully functional. Keep these price ranges in mind when shopping for your wine cooler.

• Small (24 bottles or less, including single/dual chillers) $60 - $200
• Medium (up to 50 bottles) $250 - $650
• Large (75+ bottles) $1,000 and up depending on brand and desired options.

If you’ve been thinking about a wine cellar, but don’t want the bother of construction, you may consider purchasing a wine cabinet or credenza or even a walk-in wine room which you can assemble inside your home and then disassemble to move with you to a new location. Needless to say these carry a hefty price tag but can be a great option for the serious collector.

Optional Features

There are many features to choose from with wine coolers and your decision will, of course, be based on your particular wine choices, lifestyle, and budget. Everything from blue LED lights to child locks to racking options can be cause for deliberation.

• Controlling humidity is also a concern for correct wine storage and should be maintained from 50 - 70% RH, 65% being optimal. Wine coolers on the high end of the scale offer humidity control, but most do not. One solution, especially in compressor models which dry the air, is to place a wet sponge in the cooler to add moisture. Some coolers include a small container which can be filled with water and placed on the rack.
• The kind of racking in your wine cooler is a definite consideration. Most coolers store standard 750ml bottles so be sure to check if you have wide bottles or need to store magnums or larger bottles. Racks are usually either chromed wire racks, wire racks with wooden or stainless facing, or wood racking, any of which can be adjustable and either fixed or slide-out. Wire racking is least expensive but can bend from the weight of the bottles. Wood racking is most costly but the rougher texture absorbs excess humidity and it’s durable. Cooler racks commonly store bottles lying on their side, but some offer storage standing upright and even angled, for displaying the label.
• Doors are available with their own set of options, to name a few:
  • Insulated (double-pane)
  • Right or Left Hinged
  • Reversible Hinging
  • French Doors
  • Tempered, tinted, or transparent glass
  • Solid
  • Self-closing
  • Locking
• Leveling Legs are an important feature since you want your cooler (and bottles of wine) to be resting on a level plane.
• Lighting of any kind may well be questioned since UV light is harmful to wine, hence dark bottles. But LED lighting, especially blue tones which are much less intense, should not affect it. You can usually choose to have the light come on only when the door is open, or remain off at all times (“black-out” mode) during Sabbath and religious occasions.
• Decor: Coolers generally have exteriors and doors that blend with many different decors, such as stainless, black, or various wood finishes. Some manufacturers offer customized doors or finishes to match cabinetry so be sure to check that out if you are looking for a specific style.

In Summary

When deciding on how to store your wine, whether it’s a modest novice collection, a large and varied collection or somewhere in between, you will want to consider protection from the 4 classic enemies of wine: Heat, Humidity, Light, and Vibration. The right wine cooler will offer precise temperature settings, with some level of humidity control, while protecting the wine from UV light and operating at minimal vibration. With the wide variety available and depending on budget and space limitations, you’re sure to discover your perfect wine cooler.

Questions?

If you still have some questions, please contact our knowledgeable sales staff and they'll be glad to assist you with your selection. 1-877-783-6246

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At a Glance:

What is a Wine Refrigerator?

Types of Wine Cooler Cabinets

Why Do You Need a Wine Chiller Fridge?

How to Choose a Wine Chiller

FAQs

Why Trust Us?

A wine cooler is a smart option if you enjoy wine but aren't ready to invest in a walk-in wine cellar. As Americans consume more reds, whites, and roses, sales of these appliances, often known as wine refrigerators or wine coolers, have surged.

Whether you've been drinking wine for a long time or are just beginning to develop your wine palate, proper wine storage is vital for getting the most enjoyment out of each bottle. Adding a wine cooler to your house, regardless of the design of your wine chiller, is the greatest method to ensure that your wine stays fresh and matures flawlessly. You will also be able to serve your wine at the optimal temperature to optimize its flavor.

But, with so many cooling units on the market today, how can you know which one is right for you? There's a lot to think about, which is why our Friedmans Appliance specialists compiled this comprehensive wine refrigerator buying guide. We'll break down all of the main elements and assist you in considering your budget, preferences, and style.

What is a Wine Refrigerator?

A wine refrigerator might be the ideal place to store your collection of sauvignons and zinfandels. This specialty refrigerator maintains greater temperatures (up to 46 degrees Fahrenheit) than a standard food and beverage refrigerator (40 degrees Fahrenheit). Wine chillers keep reds, whites, champagnes, and other effervescent wines cold by maintaining a steady temperature and keeping your favorites away from vibrations and external heat. When searching for these chilled wine appliances, you can also look under the names: wine chiller, wine freezer, wine cooler cabinet, wine cooler fridge, wine bottle chiller, or wine vault — in case your Google search only yields wine cooler beverages rather than the wine fridge.

Types of Wine Cooler Cabinets

A true wine aficionado obviously needs a wine refrigerator in his or her home. However, there are other wine cooler options on the market. It might be challenging to make the right decision at times. Let's go through all of the features of the wide varieties of wine coolers on the market to pick the best alternative for you!

Wine Fridge Temperature Zones

When examining this category, bear in mind that wine fridges are further categorized into three main types:

• Single Zone Wine Coolers — These refrigerators maintain the optimal temperature for your wine and may store up to 166 bottles. They are simple to include in any kitchen.
• Dual Zone Wine Fridges — The capacity to preserve multiple wines at different temperatures simultaneously is the key distinguishing characteristic of this kind. This wine storage solution may be the ideal answer if you have numerous varieties of wine requiring different temperature conditions.

For example, we have a Café wine cooler that can not only hold up to 46 bottles of your favorite wines but also includes Magnum bottle storage that can easily ice up to eight 1.5 liter bottles of sparkling and white wines. The dual-zone temperature management and smart technology enable you to use the SmartHQ app to remotely modify the temperature in the two zones as well as dim the LED light wall for the perfect ambient lighting regardless of the occasion. Furthermore, smart technology guarantees that you receive the most recent updates, additional modes, and other connected home features.

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• Multi-Zone Wine Fridge — These wine refrigerators will undoubtedly benefit sophisticated collectors. If you have a very remarkable wine collection, you should choose this type of cooler since it allows you to store more than 100 bottles at more than two temperatures in one location.

Wine Coolers by Type of Technology

There are two types of refrigerators available today:

• Compressor Wine Cooler — This technique compresses and releases air to lower the temperature within the cooler. The key advantage of this kind is its powerful cooling capability.
• Thermoelectric Wine Cooler — Because there are no alternating mechanisms, compressors, or motors in this cooler, it produces no noise. It also does not over-freeze and uses very little energy.

Wine Fridge Dimensions

 If you want to treat your bottles of Chablis and Pinot Noir like royalty, you must consider a range of aspects, including size.

• Mini Wine Fridge — Although their capacities are limited, mini wine fridges are an excellent choice for hotels and home bars.
• Large Wine Fridge — This design is ideal for wine lovers with a large wine collection.

This large Fisher & Paykel wine cooler, for example, offers a 91-bottle capacity, customizable lighting, precise temperature control, and a quiet, low vibration compressor, ensuring that your extensive wine collection is perfectly preserved in a beautifully illuminated environment.

The company is the world’s best best thermoelectric wine cooler supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

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• Tall Wine Fridge — These refrigerators are stylish, tall, and slender, have a professional appearance, and take up very little room.

Wine Cooler Location

Decide where you want to put the greatest fridge for you before you buy it. To some extent, it is your own preference, but there are also additional factors to consider, such as the following:

• Freestanding Wine Cooler — Unlike built-in wine coolers, these appliances are intended for freestanding installation.

This sophisticated Kalamazoo outdoor wine cooler would look great on your patio bar! This wine cooler features a 16-bottle capacity and dual zone temperature zones for flexible and dependable wine and cheese chilling. Two wine cooler shelves with full-extension refrigeration shelf and two-inch thick walls provide exceptional insulation and prevent vibrations behind the oiled Ipe wood overlay door that gives full UV protection.

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• Built-in Wine Refrigerator — These wine fridges are tailored to your lifestyle and kitchen layout.
• Under Counter Wine Fridge — These are ideal for proprietors of kitchens, restaurants, and cafes. They are fashionable, and small yet spacious, with two areas for wine and beer.
• Countertop Wine Cooler — These are typically compact and can hold up to 25 bottles.

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At Friedmans, you'll find an incredible selection of premium wine chillers by today's leading brands.

Why Do You Need a Wine Chiller Fridge?

Many people believe that they utilize a wine fridge for aesthetic reasons. That, however, is incorrect. A wine fridge provides more than just aesthetic benefits in your house. Here are some of the benefits of using a wine refrigerator.

1. A Wine Chiller Gives You a Dedicated Place to Store Your Wine Collection

As much as we'd all like to have a cellar in our homes, not everyone has the space or the finances for one. Home cellars are not for everyone; they are not always practical and tough to maintain. While you might keep the wine in your pantry or a standard refrigerator, these circumstances aren't optimal for preserving the quality of your wine. Having separate wine storage space means you won't be taking up valuable space in your refrigerator or other sections of your house. Furthermore, large collections are an excellent method to keep track of your wine inventory and organize your collection.

You can truly customize and arrange your wine storage with single and dual zone temperature zone wine fridges by dividing your red and white wines. Wine refrigerators use racking technology to protect your wines and allow you to store them in the optimal horizontal position to keep them fresh.

2. A Wine Chiller Protects and Preserves Your Wines

They claim wine improves with age, but only if you take precautions to preserve and safeguard it. Wine preservation necessitates appropriate long-term storage conditions, such as constant temperatures, little exposure to light, and minimal movement or vibrations. When you purchase an older vintage wine, you are investing, and a wine refrigerator helps safeguard that flavorful investment. While wine may be stored at an ambient temperature, it is not optimal for preserving it.

Room temperatures may vary and change quickly depending on the season or day. This can be harmful to the wine preservation process. Wine should ideally be stored at a steady temperature between 50 degrees and 59 degrees Fahrenheit since temperature changes may be exceedingly harmful to the wine's delicate maturing process.

Wine coolers are meant to keep a steady temperature, which is very crucial for cellaring wine. Wine coolers also offer humidity-controlling features such as strong insulation and UV-protecting glass to avoid light damage.

3. A Wine Chiller is Cost-Effective

While possessing a home cellar may be a serious wine collector's dream, the initial construction expenditures and long-term upkeep costs are exceedingly significant. A home cellar may be built for as low as $15,000. Not to mention that you will need to build the cellar, which might take months and be fraught with issues and additional expenditures.

In addition, to attain the perfect storage conditions that a wine refrigerator provides, you will need a continually running cooling system and a humidifier to ensure correct humidity. This will add up to a sizable monthly payment! The average monthly cost of having a wine cellar, including energy and upkeep, is roughly $1,500 per square foot, plus $300 to $850 in maintenance fees.

4. A Wine Chiller Allows Your Wine to be Ready to Drink Anytime

Your wine refrigerator will not only keep your wine fresh until you are ready to drink it, but it will also store your wine at the optimal serving temperature, ensuring that you always have ready-to-drink wine bottles. Nothing is worse than having visitors around and having to rush to cool a bottle of wine to serve.

Owning a wine refrigerator ensures that you will always have wine on hand to drink, and your visitors will be able to select a bottle from your beautiful and opulent LED-lit wine refrigerator. With a wine cooler, you'll be able to have a large selection of wine on hand for you and your guests on any given day or event. Wine refrigerators' innovative temperature control technology allows you to effortlessly modify the temperature as needed and quickly cools to the degree you want it to.

5. A Wine Chiller Permits You to Enjoy Your Wine and Life to the Fullest

A wine refrigerator is ideal for anyone who wants to get more out of wine and life. Because it makes such a big impact, this tiny luxury is a tremendous boost for any wine lover. Wine refrigerators are a lovely kitchen or house addition, with options for freestanding and built-in wine coolers. It adds a special touch to a home and allows you to display your wine collection. If you appreciate the great outdoors, an outdoor wine fridge allows you to complement it with a wonderfully cold glass of wine.

How to Choose a Wine Chiller

Other elements to consider in your quest are many. Your requirements should guide your search for the best under-counter wine cooler, so it's a good idea to know what you're searching for before you start exploring. Here are some questions to think about as you browse.

How much wine are you storing, and for how long?

The amount of wine you have on hand will undoubtedly influence your decision. Varied coolers have different capacity and storage styles, which influence how much wine they can contain. The amount of time you will be keeping the wine will also influence the sort of cooler you want. If you plan on storing a large amount of wine or keeping bottles for an extended period of time, you should consider establishing a whole wine cellar rather than depending on a succession of smaller wine fridges.

• Bottle Capacity — Wine refrigerators are available in sizes ranging from a dozen to over 300 bottles. When selecting one for your guests, consider how much capacity you require today and leave some space for expansion in the coming years.
• Type of Shelving — Some wine coolers are built to store bottles horizontally, whereas others aren't. When selecting a wine fridge, keep in mind that bottles with natural corks should be placed horizontally if they will be preserved for an extended amount of time. This is less relevant if your favored vintages often feature metal tops or rubber corks.

Where are you storing your wine?

Like any other cooling appliance, your wine fridge should be situated on a firm hard surface away from direct sunlight and other heavy equipment that may produce vibrations or heat. Aside from that, whether your wine fridge will be positioned in the front of the home or in a storage room will influence the sort of unit you require.

• Freestanding vs. Built-In — Some variants may be integrated into counters for use behind the bar, while others can stand alone in bar areas or retail settings.
• Door Styles — If you opt for a cabinet with glass doors, look for many panes for insulation and light filtering to protect your supply from UV radiation. You may also require door locks to secure your wines in open areas of your home.
• LED Lighting — LED illumination that is energy efficient is an excellent feature for wine coolers, especially if you want to market bottles in consumer areas. LEDs are bright yet cool and less likely to harm your stock. Furthermore, some versions offer blue lights to give a sophisticated ambience.
• Aesthetics — Choose a cooler that will look well in your bar, restaurant, or tasting room if you want to put it in the front of the house where people can see it. There are several types available, each with elegant door frames and finishes that will complement your decor.

What type of wines are you storing?

The recommended storage temperature for each variety of wine varies. As a result, you'll want to ensure that the unit you choose can accept the sorts of wine you offer. If you simply offer a small variety of wines or have a few bottles of wine on hand, 55 degrees Fahrenheit will work for most varieties of wine as long as the temperature remains steady.

• Number of Zones — Determine if you require the adaptability of many zones or the dependability of a single-zone machine.
• Temperature Range — Check that the temperature range of the equipment you choose is compatible with your wine reserves.
• Type of Cooling System — Some high-end wine coolers employ whisper-quiet thermoelectric cooling technologies to keep the cabinet cool without causing vibrations. The majority of wine chillers will employ a refrigeration system with a compressor. The kind you select will be determined by the amount of money you are willing to invest and the level of ambient noise you can endure.

How much is your wine chiller budget?

Built-in wine coolers range in price from roughly $300 to several thousand dollars, depending on size, style, and amenities. Remember that installation expenses are sometimes added to the entire upfront expenditures. Higher-capacity wine refrigerators are more expensive than ones that just hold a few bottles, and versions with added amenities like a security lock or touchscreen are also more expensive. If you're keeping valuable bottles that you've already spent a lot of money on, paying enough money to get a built-in wine cooler that works consistently, lasts, and has all the capabilities you need is a wise investment.

Built-in wine refrigerators may be a valuable addition to your house for everyone, from the committed connoisseur to the homeowner who enjoys the notion of having a space for extra beverage storage. You can safeguard your investment and ensure that those costly wines you buy taste great when you open them, or you can conveniently have some extra chilled wines on hand for when you have company around. Whatever your needs are, Friedmans Appliance offers the perfect wine cooler for our Wine Country clientele.

Wine Chiller FAQs

Whether you are a wine connoisseur or enjoy a glass or two occasionally, you are certain to have wine chiller queries. Our Friedman specialists are here to help.

Q: Does a wine chiller get as cold as a refrigerator?

A wine cooler refrigerator is distinguished from a regular refrigerator by its temperature range. The temperature of the wine should be between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Most wine coolers do not operate at temperatures lower than 46 degrees. The temperature range of a refrigerator is 35 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit, which is regarded as too cold for wine.

Q: Can milk be stored in a wine chiller?

Milk-based beverages, on the other hand, must be refrigerated at a considerably lower temperature than wines if they are to survive more than a few days. However, putting milk in your wine cooler for a few hours is alright if you're drinking it soon (for instance, if you're serving milk-based cocktails at a party).

Q: How long does wine last in the fridge?

A bottle of wine may normally survive between two and five days after it has been opened, depending on the type of wine and how it is stored. A good stopper may make a significant impact. Remember that the point of utilizing a wine fridge in the first place is to safeguard the wine's character by limiting oxidation, light exposure, and fast temperature changes.

 Why Trust Friedmans Appliance?

Established in 1922, Friedmans Appliance has been the most trusted name in the Bay Area for over 100 years. What started as a small appliance store in Oakland has expanded to include every appliance you need for your home. Our commitment to value, inspiration, and character has only grown, creating an unbeatable reputation for top-notch appliances. At Friedmans, we strive to give our customers the best of the best, including our selection of top appliance brands and our exceptional customer service. Speaking of which, we offer a 100-day price guarantee on all our products — the longest in the industry!

Our wide selection of appliances is just one of the reasons we're the best Bay Area appliance store. We carry refrigerators in every style, every cooking appliance to show off your chef skills, and every dish care and laundry appliance you need for cleanup.

Shop Wine Chillers at Friedmans

See for yourself why Friedmans is a trusted name in the Bay Area and shop wine coolers online. While we are located in Pleasant Hill, we deliver to all of Northern California — even Reno! If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help you upgrade your kitchen or patio with your ideal wine chiller, whether you call us at 925-808-2950, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our appliance store in Pleasant Hill to experience the quality in person. Visit us today!

Learn More: Outdoor Wine Coolers — Luxury Backyard Ideas

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