14 Best Wine Coolers from $67 to $2450 | One Wine Lover’s Search for the TOP Wine Cooler | Buyer’s Guide 2022
If you are looking for the best wine cooler for your hard-earned high-quality wine, then you’ve come to the right place. Learn how to care for your wine more efficiently with this exclusive buyer’s guide. We’ll cover all types of cooling devices, things to look for when shopping, and review the TOP 14 Best Wine Coolers worth every penny!
What You Will Learn from This Guide:
- How Wine Coolers Work
- Types of Wine Coolers
- Things to Look for When Shopping
- Personal Experience
- TOP 14 BEST WINE COOLERS
- BEST SINGLE ZONE WINE COOLERS
- BEST DUAL ZONE COOLERS
- BEST BUILT-IN WINE COOLERS
- BIG WINE COOLER
- SINGLE BOTTLE COOLERS
- PORTABLE: FOR PICNIC
- FOR HOME
As a colleague of mine recently said, wine is something that’s hard not to love. Every wine has its own cultural history, its own story, its own personality. There’s truly an art form to pairing wines with foods, with occasions, with distinct tastes various people may have.
Keeping wine chilled to the perfect temperature is no simpler than choosing the right pairings for meals and events. Different wines have very different consistencies, and therefore need different coolers, and indeed, different base temperatures for them to be best served. If you love wine, and of course you do, who doesn’t, you’re going to want to pick the best wine cooler.
You may be wondering then, what kind of wine cooler do you need? There are so many choices, just like there are for wine itself. Today, we’re going to learn a bit about wine coolers, a bit about the factors to base choices upon, and maybe, just maybe, we’ll learn a little more about wine itself too.
How Wine Coolers Work
Some wine coolers utilize a reduced-power version of classic refrigeration, though this is frowned upon due to being loud, power-abusive and somewhat uncivilized. This relies on what’s known as endothermic expansion, where freon or a similar gas expands inside tubes. As it expands, it draws in the ambient heat around it, cooling the environment somewhat rapidly. This technology is loud and inefficient due to the need for a compressor.
Better wine coolers use thermoelectric cooling, which is a solid-state, simpler concept. It utilizes what’s known as the Peltier effect. With this effect, two metal panels have a pass-through charge sent through them. One side will become hot, the other cold due to electrothermal displacement.
Peltier cooling is silent, very environmentally sound, and much gentler on the wine itself. It also allows for more compact designs due to the absence of the freon pipes and compressor.
Heavy duty thermoelectric coolers do utilize an additional component called a heat sink, which absorbs and deflects the heat from the hot side of the cooling plate. Computer CPUs famously use these as well. So a silent-running fan and a heat sink on a larger wine cooler aren’t unusual.
Types of Wine Coolers
There are a few types of wine coolers, by way of form factor.
Single bottle coolers resemble a classic ice bucket but rely on Peltier cooling and natural convection to cool the bottle. These are ideal for table service or other such simple uses.
There are “case” coolers, which resemble small refrigerators in that they’re small, boxy appliances. The difference is that they tend to have clear doors, and wine racks inside. These coolers come in a couple varieties, those being single and dual zone.
Dual zone is ideal for multiple wines that prefer different temperatures.
Finally, there are various large wine coolers for larger bottles, jugs or, if you really must, boxed wines as well.
A Simple Buyer’s Guide: Things to Look for When Shopping
Of course, first of all, you’re going to want to know what kinds of wine you want to keep around. We all have our favorites – I’m partial to cabernet and rosé myself, which have fairly different cooling requirements and storage needs from each other.
What kinds of bottles are you going to have? There is the standard basic wine bottle of which the variations are very minor. But, some specialty wines may be in oddly-shaped or larger bottles. Some wines come in large glass jugs, and so on.
Once you know your cooling needs and space requirements, you’ll want to look for a cooler with an accurate (preferably digital) thermostat, a nice, neutral design that fits the ambiance around you, possibly cutouts for upright bottles if you prefer, and of course, solid reviews.
Tinted windows are also recommended, as it keeps direct UV light away from the wine – UV ruins the wine. That’s why we keep it out of the sun after all.
Finally, if you’ve older kids or teenagers in the house or roommates, it’s a good idea to look for ones that can lock.
Personal Experience
My first wine cooler, I built myself just because it sounded like a fun project. My mistake was going with classic endothermic refrigeration, scavenging the guts from a busted mini-fridge to build it. It looked nice when I was done, and it worked as expected. But it ran loud, brought up the power bill, and absolutely ruined several bottles of my cabernet by chilling them a bit too much, making the tannins bitter the wine. The lesson here was to not go with this form of cooling, even if buying one built from scratch to use this technology. Frankly, some wines aren’t meant to be kept that cold consistently.
My second cooler, which I use to this day, is a cabinet-shaped dual-zone cooler about the size of a large microwave. It uses Peltier cooling, so it doesn’t make a sound. It has an adjustable, digital thermostat, nice, lilac-tinted glass doors and place for a lock, though in my living environment, I’ve no need to lock my wine up. I can keep my cabernet and my rosé in the same cooler, at their unique temperature needs with ease. It also works fine for outdoor cooling, as I’ve brought it outside for hosting my annual 4th of July luaus.
TOP 14 BEST WINE COOLERS
Read on to discover the best single and dual zone wine coolers, including built-in options.
BEST SINGLE ZONE WINE COOLERS
Magic Chef MCWC6B 6 Bottle Countertop Wine Cooler - Neutral, compact wine cooler
This attractive wine cooler holds up to six bottles of wine in a single cooling zone, with an adjustable thermostat of exceptional accuracy. The sleek, simple black box design matches any kitchen dining area, mini bar or outdoor gathering place.
Being a single zone, you’re not going to want to mix your whites, reds or more exotic wines that have their own very specific cooling needs.
Features
- Bottle Capacity: 6 standard, sides.
- Cooling Method: Thermoelectric (Peltier).
- Shelf Type: Sculpted Chrome.
- Lock: No.
- Tinted Door Glass: No.
- Thermostat Type: Digital.
- Thermostat Readout: None.
- Zones: Single.
Performance
This single zone thermoelectric cooler fits nicely in various kitchens and other locations. The sculpted chrome shelves are durable, while remaining gentle on the bottles. Being a single-zone cooler, you can’t mix and match various wine types as effectively, of course.
It lacks a thermostat readout, meaning you’ll need to purchase one. The absence of tinted windows means you’ll need an area with minimal direct prolonged sunlight. An absence of a lock may or may not be a concern.
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Conclusion
If you don’t need to lock your wine up, can protect it from the sun, and don’t drink a wide variety of wines, I can see this being a recommendable solution. It’s nice looking and gets the job done, though the lack of a thermostat readout bothers me with this one.
Last update on 2022-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Magic Chef MCWC6B: Check the current price
Avanti 12 Bottle Thermoelectric Counter Top Wine Cooler – High capacity, modern cooler
This cooler is a tall, neutral cooler with a sleek, modern appliance look. It features a built-in digital readout and control panel for the accurate digital thermometer. It holds up to 12 bottles, some of them standing upright.
Features
- Bottle Capacity: 12 bottles.
- Cooling Method: Thermoelectric (Peltier).
- Shelf Type: Sculpted Chrome.
- Lock: No.
- Tinted Door Glass: Yes.
- Thermostat Type: Digital.
- Thermostat Readout: Digital.
- Zones: Single.
Performance
This is a taller unit, meaning you may have somewhat harder of a time finding counter space for it if you have overhead cabinets. The very vertical design may make it a bit awkward in that sense. Like all single zone coolers, you’re making something of a commitment as to the types of wines you can keep in it for very long.
The digital thermostat with a lit LED readout and built-in control panel are very nice, and it hearkens to the modern design many other appliances have adopted. Very nice, for what it is.
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Conclusion
If you just want a conventional single zone cooler, and your overhead cabinets don’t get in the way of this unit, I am very comfortable recommending this unit. It’s modern in all the right ways and feels designed very much for actual wine lovers, not just casual wine drinkers.
Last update on 2022-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Avanti 12 Bottle: Check the current price
Ivation 18 Bottle Thermoelectric Countertop Wine Cooler – The single zone for the serious wine lover
This is a big one, holding up to 18 bottles on its sculpted chrome racks. It claims in the listing to be for red and white wines, and this is true in the most basic sense, but it’s not wise to mix them due to the temperature differences these types of wines are ideally kept at.
It’s a big cooler, so you need space for it. It claims to be a countertop, but should probably be placed on a small table, free standing.
Features
- Bottle Capacity: 18 bottles.
- Cooling Method: Thermoelectric (Peltier).
- Shelf Type: Sculpted Chrome.
- Lock: No.
- Tinted Door Glass: Yes.
- Thermostat Type: Digital.
- Thermostat Readout: Digital.
- Zones: Single.
Performance
Honestly, this is pretty much the same technology, with the same accouterments of the previous model, on a grander scale. It’s sleek, modern and attractive while not drawing too much attention to itself.
It’s big, though, so you might struggle to find room for it unless you have a big kitchen.
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Conclusion
If you love your wine, and you only need a single zone cooler, you’ll like this one if you have the room for it. The size means that it’s not really the countertop cooler it claims to be – I’d love to have a kitchen where this thing takes up less than a third of my counter space. Still, if you have room for it, and you love your wine, you’ll probably like this cooler.
Last update on 2022-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ivation 18 Bottle: Check the current price
BEST DUAL ZONE COOLERS
Wine Enthusiast Silent 18-Bottle Touchscreen Cooler – The modern high-capacity cooler for serious wine lovers
This cooler by Wine EnthusiastWine Enthusiast is a handsome devil, sleek and black, with tinted windows and a tasteful touchscreen LED digital thermostat of excellent accuracy. It looks like brushed steel or black mahogany from a distance, and the lighting and subtle yet effective tinting add a hint of elegance.
Features
- Bottle Capacity: 18 bottles.
- Cooling Method: Thermoelectric (Peltier).
- Shelf Type: Sculpted Chrome.
- Lock: No.
- Tinted Door Glass: Yes.
- Thermostat Type: Digital.
- Thermostat Readout: Digital.
- Zones: Dual.
Performance
This is an attractive machine, with excellent capacity, and the ability to really varietize your wine tastes thanks to its dual zones. But, again, with coolers this big, they’re really only for people who love wine enough to dedicate this much space to such a device.
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Conclusion
If you love wine, and you have a variety of tastes, you’ll probably get quite a bit of mileage out of this cooler. It’s similar in a lot of ways to mine, though mine is considerably older, having membrane keys and a simple LED setup for my thermostat. But, since this is a later generation of the style I have, I can vouch for it being nice. Mine’s not this big though … these 18-bottle coolers are massive, the size of mini-fridges or more.
Last update on 2022-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Wine Enthusiast Silent 18-Bottle: Check the current price
Koldfront Free-Standing Dual-Zone 24-Bottle Cooler – Stand-alone wine cooler for the practical wine lover
This dual-zone beast can hold 24 bottles, with a lovely digital thermometer readout, and an attractive brushed steel appearance that makes it blend with any environment if you do have it in a visible place.
Features
- Bottle Capacity: 28 bottles.
- Cooling Method: Thermoelectric (Peltier).
- Shelf Type: Sculpted Chrome.
- Lock: No.
- Tinted Door Glass: Yes.
- Thermostat Type: Digital.
- Thermostat Readout: Digital.
- Zones: Dual.
Performance
For someone who likes to keep a stock of wine on hand, readily cooled to the perfect temperature, and has a variety of tastes, this is a more practical approach than a bulky kitchen unit. When placed somewhere that isn’t awkward, this serves well for large stocks of wine.
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Conclusion
I’ve been wanting a cooler like this for a long time, but in Florida, we don’t have basements or cellars where I could easily put one. Our patios are too hot for the Peltier cooler to keep up with and my kitchen certainly hasn’t the room for it. But, for a truly serious wine lover, this can be a wonderful appliance to have, and I recommend it in those cases. For the casual drinker? Not so much.
Last update on 2022-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Koldfront 24-Bottle: Check the current price
BEST BUILT-IN WINE COOLERS
SINGLE ZONE
Ausranvik 32 bottle Built-In Single Zone Wine Cooler – Nice insert for compact kitchens
This digitally-regulated 32-bottle cooler is a bit more compact than the free-standing ones, though it doesn’t sit on a countertop. These fit nicely into space where a garbage compactor, secondary dishwasher or other appliance might be.
For a smaller kitchen, these sorts of form factors do tend to be more practical.
Features
- Bottle Capacity: 32 bottles.
- Cooling Method: Thermoelectric (Peltier).
- Shelf Type: Stainless steel.
- Lock: No.
- Tinted Door Glass: Yes.
- Thermostat Type: Digital.
- Thermostat Readout: Digital.
- Zones: Single.
Performance
This one works well in smaller kitchens because its form factor means it and duck into places like extra dishwasher spaces or the like easily enough. It can sit under countertops, and keep your wine on hand without crowding things.
Single zone coolers limit your choices for wine on-hand though.
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Conclusion
If you have a spare appliance space, this might be a nice solution for smaller kitchens. To be honest, I’d probably go for a design like this, albeit a dual-zone because my two favorite wines are drastically different in their cooling needs. I feel ok recommending this for smaller kitchens for sure.
Last update on 2022-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ausranvik 32 bottle: Check the current price
Kalametra 12” Wine Cooler 18 Bottle Freestanding or Built-In – Single zone cooler with optional placement.
This unit, with its attractive stainless steel design, blue LED lighting, and nicely-lit digital thermostat readout is ideal for smaller kitchens as either a corner appliance or to tuck away in small appliance spaces.
Features
- Bottle Capacity: 18 bottles.
- Cooling Method: Thermoelectric (Peltier).
- Shelf Type: Stainless steel.
- Lock: No.
- Tinted Door Glass: Yes.
- Thermostat Type: Digital.
- Thermostat Readout: Digital.
- Zones: Single.
Performance
This one works well for small kitchens as its narrow but attractive design makes it easy to place in corners or other spaces other coolers won’t fit. It can also be placed as a built-in under countertops or in other spaces normally occupied by other appliances.
The soft lighting is nice, and the thermostat control is also excellent. The handle is a bit of a protuberance though.
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Conclusion
If you have a narrow space ideal for something this size, this works well for a small kitchen that can’t optimize its entirety of space. It’s attractive and will add some nice lighting ambiance in evenings and at night.
Last update on 2022-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Kalametra 18 Bottle: Check the current price
EdgeStar 24 Inch Wide 36-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler – Built-in for a serious wine lover
This wine cooler a built-in for a larger kitchen that has room for such a space hog, but it is an attractive, modern cooler. The dual doors are nicely-tinted and attractive with their stainless steel finish. The LED readouts are tasteful, subdued yet very legible.
Features
- Bottle Capacity: 36 bottles.
- Cooling Method: Thermoelectric (Peltier).
- Shelf Type: Stainless steel.
- Lock: No.
- Tinted Door Glass: Yes.
- Thermostat Type: Digital.
- Thermostat Readout: Digital.
- Zones: Dual.
Performance
This is the built-in for a large kitchen owned by a serious wine lover. If you don’t have a big kitchen, this may be a problematic built-in for you. It doesn’t work well as a stand-alone cooler, being something of an eyesore when not nestled properly into an alcove.
If you plan on keeping it in a basement, though, this is a nice, efficient cooler.
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Conclusion
If you have the kitchen space for this attractive, double door cooler, you’ll probably enjoy it. It fits most modern kitchens, even if you didn’t do yours in stainless. It also suits classic country kitchens well enough as well.
By Heartland Home Goods
Last update on 2022-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
EdgeStar 36-Bottle: Check the current price
Wine Enthusiast 73-Bottle Evolution Series – Built-in for those who like to entertain.
This refrigerator-sized behemoth stores 73 bottles, in two zones, each with a dedicated digital LED thermometer readout. It has a sleek, black and stainless steel look with very tinted windows.
This belongs in the same size space as a refrigerator, so unless you have a massive kitchen, you need somewhere else to put it.
Features
- Bottle Capacity: 73 bottles.
- Cooling Method: Thermoelectric (Peltier).
- Shelf Type: Stainless steel.
- Lock: No.
- Tinted Door Glass: Yes.
- Thermostat Type: Digital.
- Thermostat Readout: Digital.
- Zones: Dual.
Performance
It needs a lot of space though, so you better have a huge kitchen or a nice cellar for it to go into.
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Conclusion
If you entertain or host a lot of functions, this might be an ideal cooler for you. But, for the average person, even a true wine lover, this might be a bit excessive. This is especially true if you have finite space, as this thing is huge.
Last update on 2022-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Wine Enthusiast 73-Bottle: Check the current price
BIG WINE COOLER
Edgestar 332 Bottle Side-By-Side Wine Cellar Cooler – The digital wine cellar for the serious collector or restauranteur
This massive cooler holds 332 bottles, with an attractive, blue LED-lit side by side form factor. It has a commercial stainless steel finish and digital thermostat readouts. This thing is professional, so unless you run a bar, restaurant, or are yourself a wine dealer/collector, this is probably not up to your alley.
Features
- Bottle Capacity: 332 bottles.
- Cooling Method: Thermoelectric (Peltier).
- Shelf Type: Stainless steel.
- Lock: No.
- Tinted Door Glass: Yes.
- Thermostat Type: Digital.
- Thermostat Readout: Digital.
- Zones: Dual.
Performance
This goliath cooler is really only for commercial use, or for serious wine collectors who drink their collection over time. Average people haven’t the space for a cooler this size (even in their cellar), nor have they a need for its capacity.
If you run a bar, a restaurant, or are a wine dealer/collector, though, this will perform admirably.
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Conclusion
This is the only one on the list I recommend for commercial uses, or for major dealers or collectors of wines. I cannot recommend this for average wine lovers, because look at the size of this thing.
By Heartland Home Goods
Last update on 2022-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Edgestar 332 Bottle: Check the current price
SINGLE BOTTLE COOLERS
Portable: for picnic | Vacu Vin Active Wine Cooler Silver
If you’re not ready to spent a fortune on a cooler you’ll use once every other month, then investing in a chilling wine silver sleeve might sound like a good alternative. You’ll get two of these for the price of one (which is slightly less than 20 dollars). The sleeve’s made of multiple polyester foil layers and foam pouches that ensure the temperature is retained. All you have to do with this thing is throw it in a fridge for a good freeze.
Last update on 2022-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Vacu Vin: Check the current price
For home | Oggi Wine Cooler with Freezer Inserts
If you’re looking for something a little bit more solid than a sleeve, which might be okay for a barbeque but will look inappropriate in a room setting, then Oggi Wine Cooler might seem like a good idea. This attractive cooler will keep your wine chilled without condensation on the wine bottle. It’s made of stainless steel with freezer inserts, which you place in the fridge to let it cool or freeze, whatever you prefer.
Last update on 2022-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Oggi: Check the current price
Stainless Steel Ice Bucket with Ice Tongs | Bellemain
Bellemain Stainless Steel Ice Bucket is an absolute best seller among the portable wine coolers. It’s huge but still perfect for any room or table setting decor. It’s also beautifully designed as a classic style American made ice bucket that fits anywhere and lasts longer, thanks to an enhanced double wall insulation and slotted tray inside.
Last update on 2022-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bellemain: Check the current price
Electronic Cooper Cooler Rapid Beverage & Wine Chiller
At a first glance, this beast looks like a toaster, but it’s not that at all. This is an electric machine that chills cans in as little as one minute and wine bottles in as little as six. By the way, in case you have babies in the household, this might prove invaluable too because it can heat up baby’s bottles. It won’t be an outright cheap investment, but it’s less than 100 dollars, so might be an alternative to consider, in case you are not ready to invest in an authentic wine cooler.
By Kaspien
Last update on 2022-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cooper Cooler: Check the current price
Natural White Marble Wine Cooler | Creative Home
Although, the marble design of this thing is quite questionable, it can look well in an old-fashioned setting and might be a nice gift idea for your grandpa. Besides, it’s priced affordably and available in an array of nice pastel colors.
By Creative Home
Last update on 2022-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Creative Home: Check the current price
FAQ
What is the right temperature for wine?
That depends on the wine, and every variety varies. So, consult the internet based on your wine of choice, the list would be too long to discuss here. None should be any cooler than 45 degrees, none should be warmer than 60 degrees.
What is the difference between a compressor and a thermoelectric cooling system?
Compressor coolants are loud, using expanding gas like in refrigerators and freezers. Thermoelectric uses cooling plates which use less power, and run much more quietly. They’re not as powerful as compressors.
Single Zone vs. Dual Zone – which is better?
This depends. Do you tend to keep only one basic type of wine around, such as a white or a red? If so, then a single zone is fine. Do you mix a lot of variety? Then you want dual.
Why whine cooler is better than a regular refrigerator?
Refrigerators are too cold on average, their thermostats less controllable, and if the wine is simply corked, it will absorb food smells.
Can you put beer in a wine cooler?
Sure. But it won’t be quite as cold as you might prefer.
Comparative Chart of Wine Coolers
| Product | Features |
| Magic Chef | Bottle Capacity: 6 standard, sides. |
| Avanti | Bottle Capacity: 12 bottles. |
| Ivation | Bottle Capacity: 18 bottles. |
| Wine Enthusiast 18 bottle | Bottle Capacity: 18 bottles. |
| Koldfront 24-Bottle | Bottle Capacity: 28 bottles. |
| Ausranvik 32 bottle | Bottle Capacity: 32 bottles. |
| Kalametra | Bottle Capacity: 18 bottles. |
| EdgeStar CWR361FD | Bottle Capacity: 36 bottles. |
| Wine Enthusiast 73-Bottle | Bottle Capacity: 73 bottles. |
| Edgestar CWR1661SZDUAL | Bottle Capacity: 332 bottles. |
| Vacu Vin | Bottle Capacity: 1 Material: multiple polyester foil layers and foam pouches |
| Oggi | Bottle Capacity: 1 Material: stainless steel |
| Bellemain | Bottle Capacity: 3 litre capacity Material: stainless steel |
| Cooper Cooler | Bottle Capacity: 1 Electric machine Material: plastic |
| Creative Home | Bottle Capacity: 1 Material: marble |
Conclusion
If you love wine, then you want to use a proper cooler. Knowing your kitchen space, your wine preferences and your aesthetic tastes, one of the coolers on this list is sure to meet your needs admirably. There are plenty more out there, so feel free to shop around, compare, and ask other wine enthusiasts what their coolers of choice might be.
For what my opinion is worth, I quite like the Wine Enthusiast 18-bottle cooler, even if I don’t need to cool 18 bottles at a time.
