The best undercounter wine coolers can protect delicate wines from temperature shifts and keep them close to hand for entertaining or everyday enjoyment. Most wine coolers have several temperature-controlled zones, so you can store different wines at different temperatures.
Many undercounter wine fridges are also available as built-in models with stainless steel or custom panel doors that match your kitchen cabinets. Some also offer reversible doors, so you can change the door opening direction to suit your space.
What To Look For In An Undercounter Wine Cooler
Undercounter wine coolers are a popular option for homeowners as well as restaurants and bars. They offer a convenient way to store wine and keep it at the optimum temperature, preserving its taste and consistency. They are also very attractive appliances that can be used to enhance the decor of your home or establishment.
The secret to buying the right undercounter wine cooler is knowing what you want and then finding it. To do that you need to consider a number of factors, including:
- Size of the unit – Undercounter wine coolers come in a variety of sizes, ranging from compact units that hold 12 bottles up to larger ones that can hold up to 150 bottles. This means you have plenty of choices when it comes to size and can select an appliance that fits your needs perfectly.
- Temperature settings – Another important consideration when buying an undercounter wine cooler is the type of temperature control system it has. Most units have digital controls with easy-to-read LED displays so you can adjust the temperature quickly and easily. Some models allow you to set different temperatures for different sections, making them ideal for storing reds and whites together in one unit.
- Number of shelves – The number of shelves in your undercounter wine cooler will depend on how many bottles you plan on storing in it. Most units come with three racks, but you can also find units with four or even five shelves.
- Appearance – The appearance of your wine cooler can have a big impact on your home’s decor. They come in a wide variety of styles and colors, so it’s easy to select one that complements the rest of your kitchen or bar.
- Energy efficiency – The energy efficiency of an undercounter wine cooler depends on the type of compressor it has as well as how much insulation it uses. A unit with a really efficient compressor will use less energy than a unit that is not as energy efficient.
- Warranty – Most undercounter wine coolers come with a one-year warranty, but longer warranties are available, depending on the manufacturer.
Once you have considered all these factors and have narrowed your choices down to two or three units, it is time to check them out.
List Of 9 Best Undercounter Wine Cooler
#1 STAIGIS 24 Inch Under Counter Dual Zone Wine Cooler
Most of the time you’re going to be using your undercounter wine cooler for bottles. But, STAIGIS has designed their cooler to hold up to 46 bottles of wine, which is a lot more than any other unit on the list.
The STAIGIS undercounter dual zone wine cooler uses a compressor cooling system. The compressor itself is very quiet and efficient, so it won’t make much noise while it runs, and will cool your bottles down quickly.
The stainless steel frame and glass door put this designer cooler at the top of our list in terms of looks. Aesthetics are important when it comes to fitting into your home decor or kitchen design as well, so having something that looks good is key here.
The controls are simple with an easy-to-read LED digital temperature display screen for each zone and a color temperature selection display for each compartment. The shelves have ball bearings and can glide smoothly on the tracks, making loading and unloading that much easier! Hidden touch control buttons add another element of sleek design.
Great build quality means this unit will last you for years without breaking down or showing signs of wear with use over time like some other models might do; whether you plan on using this every day or just during special occasions!
This model has a great price considering all the features it offers such as blue LED lights – which makes this one stand out from others at an affordable rate!
#2 Phiestina 24 Inch Under Counter Wine Cooler
The Phiestina 24 Inch Under Counter Wine Cooler is built to fit in your kitchen. It has a stylish, black and stainless steel exterior that matches any kitchen design. The wine cooler has a large 46-bottle capacity. This Phiestina product is easy to install, too: the user manual makes the installation process very easy to understand.
What makes this item special is its interior design. It has blue LED lighting, so you can clearly see what’s inside without having to open the door. The unit also comes with wooden shelves that fit different sized bottles of wine.
The temperature range of this wine cooler goes from 40F to 66F. You can adjust the temperature when necessary through an electronic control panel located at the front.
This dual zone wine fridge is compact enough for undercounter installation in small kitchens. This unit weighs 69 pounds and measures 33 x 22 x 23 inches (HxWxD). t’s designed for those who have space constraints or prefer an easier way to store their favorite drinks at home without having too many bulky appliances around them. We recommend placing it near where food preparation occurs so that you can easily access chilled beverages.
#3 Smith & Hanks RW88SR 34 Bottle Under Counter Wine Refrigerator
If you love red wine, this cooler is the best choice when it comes to undercounter coolers. It features a dual-zone controlled cooling system that lets you store red wine at 55 degrees Fahrenheit and white wine at 45 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also override the preset temperatures or set your own if you prefer a different temperature for your wines.
This cooler comes with an electronic touch control panel, so it’s easy to operate using just your fingertips. Its digital display shows accurate temperature readings and is helpful in showing the current temperature of both zones at once. The tempered glass door ensures that your wines are safely stored inside and UV rays don’t leak through them as well as giving off non-visible light, which can also affect their taste and quality over time.
The Smith & Hanks RW88SR 34 Bottle Under Counter Wine Refrigerator has 15 inches depth and 34 bottles capacity; so it can fit underneath any countertop in the kitchen perfectly without needing much space needed on top of what’s already allotted for other appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators etc…
#4 Kalamera 24” Undercounter Wine Cooler
This wine cooler is for those who love to entertain and need a good number of bottles on hand. It has a capacity of 46 bottles and an easy slide-out beechwood rack that holds the bottles in place. The dual-zone cooling system allows you to store white, red, or sparkling wines separately by adjusting the temperature for each zone independently.
The Kalamera wine cooler’s interior is fully illuminated with blue LED lighting so you can easily find your favorite bottle even in low light conditions. The touch panel control is easy to use and allows you to adjust the temperature digitally from 40F-66F degrees. This wine chiller also has an energy saving mode, which makes it one of the most eco-friendly models on our list! You can use it as freestanding or undercounter appliance and enjoy its stylish stainless steel design in any setting where great wine needs keeping cool.”
#5 Sinoartizan Under Counter Wine and Beverage Cooler
The Sinoartizan Under Counter Wine and Beverage Cooler is a dual zone wine cooler that can store up to 42 wine bottles (21 in each zone). It has a compressor cooling system that ensures consistent temperatures throughout, and it also has a noise-free operation. The temperature range is from 40°F to 66°F and can be set using the digital temperature controls with touch screen display. This cooler also has two separate zones, allowing you to store reds at one temperature and whites at another.
It comes with an elegant stainless steel door frame, tempered glass door and handle, soft interior LED lighting for easy viewing without exposing your wines to heat or UV light that damages your wines. It also has seven removable wire racks for storing all of your wine bottles; six racks hold up to seven bottles each, while the bottom rack holds 14 bottles in total. There’s also a Smart Touch Control panel where you can select the perfect temperature for your wine collection.
#6 Karcassin 15 Inch Undercounter Wine Cooler
Bring home the classy and well made Karcassin 15 Inch Undercounter Wine Cooler to store your wine bottles in style. This under counter wine cooler is built with a durable construction and can easily be fitted under any counter or bar top. It has a temperature memory function that allows you to set your desired temperature and it will maintain it after a power outage or restart. The reversible door allows you to adjust this cooler according to your kitchen or bar space. It comes with anti-UV glass door which protects wine from harmful rays of the sun.
The stylish LED lighting gives this cooler an effortlessly cool look that complements any kitchen decor. It can accommodate up to 15 bottles of red, white and sparkling wines at one time on two beech wood shelves. This cooling unit is equipped with quiet yet quick cooling compressor that makes sure your wine tastes as great as it looks!
#7 Colzer Classic 15 Inch Undercounter Wine Cooler
This unit allows you to store up to 30 bottles of wine at the same time. The temperature range is 41°F to 72°F. It can be adjusted with the help of a digital control panel, which also has a touch button so that it becomes easy for you to operate it. The glass door is tempered and there are sliding beechwood racks inside.
It will not produce too much sound while operating and you don’t have to worry about fog as well because it comes with an anti-fog function. The shelves are adjustable and removable and if you want, they can also be removed completely to accommodate bigger bottles of wine. With the help of pole handle, opening and closing of the door becomes very easy. There is a lock present on the door as well with two keys so that you can keep your expensive collection safe from children or anyone else who shouldn’t have access to it easily.
#8 TYLZA Undercounter Wine and Beverage Cooler
You should know that the TYLZA Undercounter Wine and Beverage Cooler has an auto-defrost function, which means it will prevent ice buildup in the unit. This model is also built with an interior light that makes it possible to store your beverages in a dark place if needed. The TYLZA Undercounter Wine and Beverage Cooler can hold up to 18 bottles and comes with a removable stainless steel frame for increased versatility.
This wine cooler has three temperature zones that support different types of beverages, thanks in part to its powerful & quiet cooling system. It also comes with an easy-to-use touch screen that allows you to quickly adjust the thermostat and monitor current temperatures while the protective tempered glass door keeps your items safe from harm or damage. Two safety locks are included to help ensure your drinks stay right where they belong so you can continue enjoying them whenever you’re ready!
#9 Koolatron Deluxe 12 Bottle Undercounter Wine Cooler
This 12-bottle wine cooler from Koolatron is also a beverage center, which makes it perfect for parties or game nights. With its digital temperature control and interior LED lighting, you can set your preferred temperature for storing reds or whites. This countertop model is compact enough to fit in smaller spaces, and it comes with 5 removable wooden shelves.
Best of all, the UV-protective door keeps the sun’s harmful rays out while the thermoelectric technology cools your wine and beverages efficiently. The touch screen controls are sleek and easy to use, so you can adjust the temperature of this unit with no trouble at all.
Undercounter Vs. Freestanding Wine Cooler
The wine cooler market has expanded rapidly over the last 5 years. When deciding which type of wine cooler is best for your situation, it is important to understand the differences between undercounter and freestanding wine coolers.
Undercounter Wine Coolers
Undercounter wine coolers are able to be installed under any countertop or cabinetry. They are installed in a similar manner as a dishwasher or trash compactor.
Undercounter wine coolers have a front-venting design, meaning that they vent out the front of the unit. This allows the unit to be pushed flush against the wall without allowing heat to build up against the wall and cause damage to your appliance or cabinetry. If you have an existing cabinet that you would like to install your undercounter wine cooler in, make sure there is at least 1/2″ on each side of the cabinet opening for proper ventilation.
Freestanding Wine Coolers
Freestanding wine coolers need to have at least 4″ of space on all sides of them in order to properly ventilate the unit. Freestanding units need space on all sides for air flow because they do not have a front-venting design like undercounter models. This means if you want to add a freestanding wine cooler to a countertop that already has appliances on it, make sure that you leave more than 4″ on each side around the appliance as well.
Freestanding units also come in different models with different features and prices. Most freestanding coolers can store up to 36 bottles of wine and have proven to be very durable over time without any major issues.
Verdict
Undercounter and freestanding wine coolers each have their own advantages which are best suited for different applications.
Undercounter wine coolers take up very little space and are able to fit in pretty much any kitchen, but have a front-venting design that needs 1-2″ of clearance past the cabinet opening.
If you have an existing cabinet that you would like to install your wine cooler on, this may not be possible without modifying your cabinet.
Freestanding wine coolers have lower price points, but take up more room and need at least 4″ of space on all sides of the unit.
FAQs
Q: Can I use this undercounter wine cooler to store beer?
A: Yes, you can. But please be aware that, if you do, you need to set the wine cooler at higher temperature so that it is suitable for storing beer. The higher temperature will shorten the life of the compressor and cause a noise problem, so we don’t recommend it.
Q: How often should I clean my undercounter wine cooler?
A: We suggest cleaning your undercounter wine cooler every 2-3 months. Use a clean towel and warm water to wipe down the interior, then dry with a soft cloth.
Q: Can this undercounter wine cooler be used as a built-in or freestanding?
A: It can be built-in or freestanding, but it must be installed horizontally.
Q: Can I put this undercounter wine cooler in my pantry?
A: Yes, you can. It is a normal unit unless it is installed horizontally. The only thing to note is that there will be a little more work involved because you need to keep the refrigerator and freezer at lower temperatures so that they function as they were designed. But you won’t have to trouble of dealing with the compressor cooling fan or air conditioning system. So when installed horizontally it really simplifies things and saves energy.
Q: Can I put this undercounter wine cooler in my garage?
A: Not unless you use it as a freestanding unit. This is because there is a high-voltage electrical short-circuit protection in the system that would prevent it from working in a garage. If you use it as a freestanding unit, please be sure to keep the refrigerator and freezer at lower temperatures so that they function as they were designed.
Conclusion
When it comes to an undercounter wine cooler, there are lots of different types, brands and models to choose from. From a small 14-bottle unit that can fit snugly underneath your kitchen counter to a large 30-bottle unit with lots of bells and whistles, there’s an option for every wine lover out there.
Whether you’re looking for a better way to store your wine or want to add some pizzazz to your next dinner party, purchasing an undercounter wine cooler is an excellent choice. Now that you know the best options on the market, you’re ready to take the plunge and purchase your very own undercounter wine cooler.