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Wine Coolers – A Complete Buying Guide

Start / Advice and inspiration / Kitchen buying guides / Appliances / Wine Coolers – A Complete Buying Guide

Whether you’re a budding sommelier or simply enjoy a glass over dinner, wine is truly one of life’s luxuries. From Old World reds to effervescent bubbles, there’s nothing more indulgent than uncorking a bottle of your favourite wine.

If you find you don’t have enough space for your wine collection in your refrigerator, it may be time to think about a wine cooler fridge for your space. From freestanding wine coolers to integrated models, a wine fridge is a perfect way to show off your collection and keep your bottles at the optimum temperature.

As well as functionality, the best wine coolers look stylish too. Whether you choose sleek stainless steel or striking black, your wine cooler fridge has the potential to transform your kitchen design into something spectacular.

Built-in or freestanding?

Whether you choose a built-in wine cooler or a freestanding model is really dependent on the space you have available and the aesthetic you want to achieve.

Integrated wine coolers

Undoubtedly, built-in wine coolers have serious style appeal. Integrated seamlessly into your kitchen cabinets, these wine fridges are the perfect choice for both modern kitchens and traditional spaces. You can usually find integrated wine coolers with the capacity to suit every wine connoisseur, and these models often have dual temperature zones too.

It’s worth bearing in mind that built-in wine coolers are typically vented at the front, meaning you don’t have to leave much space behind the unit for air circulation.

Freestanding wine coolers

Freestanding wine coolers can be a good choice for discerning wine fans, as they often don’t have limitations on size. If you would like to store more than 40 bottles, it may be worthwhile looking into freestanding models.

Equally, they can be an ideal choice for those limited in cabinet space. It is possible to find countertop wine coolers that can keep a few bottles until you’re ready to enjoy them.

It’s worth noting that freestanding wine coolers often need to be positioned away from walls or units, as they may be vented at the back.

Considering size and capacity

Whether you want dedicated refrigeration for a few bottles or plenty of space to store your wine collection, it’s important to think carefully about the size and capacity of your wine cooler fridge. The model you choose may also be impacted by the space you have available in your kitchen.

Small capacity wine coolers

If you want a few perfectly chilled bottled ready to drink, a 150mm wine cooler may be right for you. These have a stunning slimline design, won’t take up a significant amount of cabinet space, and typically store approximately seven Bordeaux bottles.

Remember that 150mm wine coolers don’t tend to have dual-zone temperature control, which means you’ll need to choose between red and white storage.

Medium capacity wine coolers

Looking for a medium capacity wine cooler? Look for anything between a 30cm wine cooler and 60cm model. These are the ideal choice for those that want a built-in wine cooler design, as they sit comfortably beneath your cabinets for a seamless look. If you choose a 300m wine cooler, you can expect to store approximately 17 Bordeaux sized bottles. For larger models, the capacity increases to around 40.

You’ll find that many medium-capacity models often include dual temperature technology, meaning you should be able to store both reds and whites.

Large capacity wine coolers

If you have a large wine collection, it’s usually best to look for a freestanding wine cooler. Depending on the size you choose, these can comfortably store hundreds of bottles. Bear in mind that you will need plenty of space if you choose a large capacity model, as they tend to be at least 190cm in height and 60cm in width.

Thinking about temperature

The best wine coolers ensure your wine is stored at the optimum temperature. They do this by utilising one of two different refrigeration methods.

Compressor wine coolers operate as your normal refrigerator would. They can be a bit noisier, but they are usually the best at keeping your wine at a consistent temperature.

Thermoelectric wine coolers use technology to separate warm air from cool, removing the warmer air to keep your bottles chilled. However, they don’t refrigerate as well as compressor units.

It’s also important to think about the type of refrigeration you require for your wine cooler fridge. There are two key types of fridge to choose from.

Dual-zone wine coolers

If you enjoy both red and white wine, it may be worthwhile to choose a dual-zone wine cooler. These have different temperature zones that can be adjusted to suit your wine requirements, ensuring that your favourite bottles can be enjoyed at their optimum temperatures.

Single zone wine cooler fridges

Single zone wine coolers are ideally suited to those who enjoy a specific type of wine or prefer to store their reds at room temperature. With this type of wine cooler fridge, your favourite bottle will always be chilled to the perfect temperature.

Additional wine cooler fridge features

As well as temperature and size, there are other features you may want to consider for your wine cooler fridge. The best wine coolers offer plenty of functionality, ensuring that your wine can be enjoyed at its best.

Thermostat options

Depending on your requirements, you may also want to think about the thermostat options your wine cooler fridge offers. If you prefer to set the temperature of your fridge manually, look for manual thermostats that give you maximum control. Alternatively, some electric models offer pre-set options to calculate the best temperature for your chosen wine.

Protective features

Keeping your wine at its best is the goal for all wine cooler fridges. With this in mind, some functionalities can ensure your wine is stored as safely as possible. Some of the best wine coolers include features like UV glass that shield your wine from the sun, charcoal filters to remove odours, and anti-vibration technology to prevent sediment from being disturbed.

Lighting

The lighting of your wine cooler fridge is another important consideration. Look for models that incorporate LED lighting, as these won’t affect the temperature of your fridge. LEDs also enhance the aesthetics of your wine fridge, ensuring that it looks as good as it performs.

Anti-theft

If you intend to store premium or vintage bottles of wine in your wine cooler fridge, it may be worth considering lockable models. These give you the added peace of mind that comes with additional security.

Shelving

It’s worth noting that most wine coolers store your bottles horizontally. This makes it easier to access your wine and ensures that your corks don’t dry out or crack.

You’ll find that most wine coolers base their capacity on standard Bordeaux bottle sizes too. For larger bottles, like champagnes or burgundies, it may be worth looking for a wine fridge that offers removable shelving. This will allow for larger bottles and keep your options open when it comes to storage.

Whether you enjoy collecting fine wines or simply want a perfectly chilled bottle to serve to your dinner party guests, a wine cooler fridge is the premium choice for wine storage. With a sleek design and stunning style, they’re the ideal choice for complimenting both contemporary and traditional kitchens alike.

From small capacity options to larger models, the best wine coolers elevate your space to create a striking effect.

Ready to invest in a wine fridge for your kitchen? Discover our exquisite range of wine coolers today.

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