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Best Buy
As a wine lover, you may have your sights (and tastes!) set on a wine cellar—a pricey endeavor, no doubt. Fortunately, there are affordable options.
“A dedicated wine fridge is great for someone who loves hosting and has guests that drink a lot of chilled wine and Champagne," says Jessica Randhawa, owner and head chef of The Forked Spoon, a website filled with numerous recipes. “Storing large amounts of wine and Champagne bottles can take up a lot of space in the main kitchen refrigerator. But more importantly, the temperature in a kitchen refrigerator is too cold for most wines.”
Mari Jones, president of Northern California's Emeritus Vineyards, agrees about the benefits of owning a wine fridge. "I like having dedicated storage space for my wine instead of having boxes scattered everywhere. I also like knowing that my wine is at a constant temperature and not fluctuating with the seasons. As someone without air conditioning, the summers can be hot!"
We researched dozens of wine refrigerators, evaluating effectiveness, capacity, durability, and overall value. Ready to dive in? It's time for happy hour! Gather up your favorite bottles, because we've rounded up the best wine refrigerators you can buy.
Best Overall
Hisense HWS54029SS 54-Bottle Stainless Steel Built-In/Freestanding Wine Chiller
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Lowes
Flexible installation
Door alarm
Operates quietly
Door handle alignment can be off
Exclusive item
The average wine lover can’t go wrong with the Hisense HWS54029SS. It can hold a large amount of your favorite vino—54 bottles, to be exact!—and you can install it in multiple places in your home. To top it all off, it’s also reasonably priced.
There are plenty of convenience features to add to the list of things to love. Most importantly, the fridge features six removable shelves with attractive wood paneling and a super-handy interior light to help you spot your favorite bottle. (You know, when you're looking for one late at night!)
The door is also reversible, has an alarm, and filters UV rays to keep your bottles safe from premature aging. On the downside, this fridge only has one zone, so you’ll have to pick a temperature rather than choose a dedicated one for each varietal.
Installation is highly flexible on this model, too—you can opt for a built-in or freestanding design. And because the model vents out the front, you can even slip it under your counter. Just note: You'll have to install the door handles yourself, and the screw holes don't always line up, requiring repair with a drill. You'll find this particular model sold exclusively at Lowe’s.
Dimensions: 33.9 x 23.4 x 25.5 inches | Weight: 106 pounds | Zone Type: 1 | Bottle Capacity: 54 | Defrost Type: Frost-free | Installation Type: Built-in or freestanding
Best Budget
Black + Decker BD60026 8-Bottle Black Freestanding Wine Chiller
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Amazon
Can be installed on a countertop
Sliding racks
Holds set temperature
Manually defrosts
Warmer temperature range
Yes, it’s possible to have a sophisticated appliance like a wine fridge without spending a lot. The Black+Decker BD60026 is proof! Sure, it may not have all of the fancy bells and whistles of top-end models, but it does have everything you need for a small collection. It fits eight bottles in the single cooling zone, but each one nestles comfortably into one of three illuminated sliding racks that make loading and unloading a breeze.
While the small size may be a turnoff for some, there are advantages to having a compact freestanding design. Namely, you can install this very cute fridge in small spaces, like on your kitchen countertop or even in your game room.
The internal temperature can be set anywhere between 46 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which is slightly more suitable for reds, but it works for white, too. And there’s a bit of good news: The electronic controls make it easy to set the right temperature. Perhaps the biggest downside is that the fridge manually defrosts, so you’ll have to unload your wine when frost builds up, chip away at it, and let the model drain before it can be put to work again. But for the affordable price, we think it’s worth the workout!
Price at time of purchase: $170
Dimensions: 18.5 x 10.24 x 20.1 inches | Weight: 20.9 pounds | Zone Type: 1 | Bottle Capacity: 8 | Defrost Type: Manual | Installation Type: Freestanding
Best Splurge
Cafe Smart 46-Bottle Wine Cooler
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Home Depot
Customizable hardware
Has an LED light wall
Smart-home compatible
Requires a learning curve
Takes up a lot of space
If you’re in the market for a sophisticated and customizable appliance, you’ve probably stumbled upon the offerings by Cafe. As a line of GE products, the brand produces gorgeous, boutique-style kitchen appliances, from ranges to wine fridges, that are highly customizable and reliable.
You can even opt to have the fridge built right into your cabinetry or freestanding in your space—either way, the controls are hidden to keep things super-sleek. You can also customize the handles to match the hardware in your home. Talk about snazzy!
But it’s not all about aesthetics. This wine fridge can hold up to 46 bottles and has a full LED light wall that gently illuminates the interior—just use your smartphone to adjust the light’s dimness. And you can also wirelessly control the internal temperature of the dual-zone unit between 41 and 61 degrees Fahrenheit. The fridge notifies you if the door is left open, and there’s also a Sabbath and lockout mode. This wine fridge is totally worth the splurge!
Price at time of publish: $3,099
Dimensions: 25 x 34.25 x 23.5 inches | Weight: Not listed | Zone Type: 2 | Bottle Capacity: 46 | Defrost Type: Automatic | Installation Type: Built-in or freestanding
Best High-Capacity
Whynter BWR-0922DZ 92-Bottle Dual-Zone Freestanding/Built-In Wine Refrigerator
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Amazon
Holds set temperature
Operates very quietly
Display shelving
Manually defrosts
Can be difficult to adjust temperature
Proud to have an extensive wine collection? Then, you’ll need a fridge that can accommodate as many bottles as possible! And while there are options on the market that can fit 150-plus bottles, they aren’t practical for all spaces. The Whynter BWR-0922DZ is the perfect marriage of capacity and function, holding an impressive 92 bottles in a manageable footprint. But it’s not just about size—this unit is more suitable for households, because it’s whisper-quiet and energy-efficient, with a yearly operating cost of just $25.
Still, it has two zones for chilling both whites and reds in the most ideal environment, and 12 shelves, complete with a top display shelf, making the whole thing look impressive and sophisticated. The freestanding, built-in fridge also features a wide temperature range that can be set from 40 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. An internal fan helps distribute cold air for optimal conditions.
There’s a learning curve associated with adjusting the temperature, though. What’s more, it manually defrosts, and 92 bottles is a big load to regularly take out and put back in. Still, we think its large capacity and energy efficiency make this a top choice worth checking out.
Price at time of publish: $1,389
Dimensions: 22.25 x 23.25 x 55 inches | Weight: 159 pounds | Zone Type: 2 | Bottle Capacity: 92 | Defrost Type: Automatic | Installation Type: Built-in or freestanding
Best Compact
Cuisinart CWC-800CEN Private Reserve 8-Bottle Wine Cellar
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Amazon
Can be installed on a countertop
Wide temperature range
Good for small living
Display reads the set temperature
No reversible door
Sometimes you don’t necessarily want a gigantic, built-in wine fridge. Whether you live in a small space or simply like the idea of having a more portable and compact option, the Cuisinart CWC-800CEN is a good choice. It's not too expensive, and it can fit into a variety of spaces. Plus, it’s small enough to store on a countertop or set up in a camper or tiny home.
Storage is undeniably more constrained than other models on the market, but you can fit eight bottles inside of the single-zone unit. It’s also quiet and very easy to operate. You’ll have no trouble adjusting the temperature anywhere from 39 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
It does, however, lack some convenience features of larger models. There's no reversible door, for example, but overall, it’s a worthy pick for the average wine lover with a happy hour–sized collection or a smaller living space.
Price at time of publish: $370
Dimensions: 17.5 x 10.5 x 17.5 inches | Weight: 27.2 pounds | Zone Type: 1 | Bottle Capacity: 8 | Defrost Type: Not listed | Installation Type: Freestanding
Best Dual-Zone
Colzer 24-Inch Wine and Beverage Refrigerator
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Amazon
Two zones
Sleek aesthetic
Freestanding or built-in
Not garage-friendly
When you have both beer and wine lovers in the house, the versatility of this dual-zone beverage fridge can’t be beat. This sleek unit has two dedicated sides—one for beers or other canned drinks and one for wine.
It’s not just about the organizational factor of dedicated shelving for each type of bottle or can, though. This sort of organized division allows you to have the appropriate climate for each type of beverage. The left zone offers a temperature range of 35.6 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while the right zone offers a range of 41 to 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
But that’s not even what we love most. At capacity, the fridge holds up to 18 bottles of wine—more than sufficient for the average person—and 57 cans of beer, soda, or sparkling water. Maintenance is minimal, too. The fridge automatically defrosts itself every six hours. The appliance is also very quiet, and it has a double layered door that keeps the machine running efficiently. Just note: While you can install it freestanding or built-in, it shouldn’t be placed in an area that’s not temperature-controlled, like the garage.
Price at time of publish: $700
Dimensions: 23.4 x 34.2 x 22.6 inches | Weight: 111.8 pounds | Zone Type: 2 | Bottle Capacity: 18 bottles; 57 cans | Defrost Type: Automatic | Installation Type: Built-in or freestanding
Best Under-Counter
Signature Kitchen Suite 24-inch Built-in Undercounter Wine Refrigerator
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Signature Kitchen Suite
Panel ready
Smart appliance
Special technology to keep wine in optimal conditions
Can’t be used freestanding
Pricey
Love the built-in look? Consider this pricey, 24-inch under counter option from Signature Kitchen Suite—LG’s premium line of kitchen products. The appliance fits seamlessly into your kitchen design and is even panel ready, so you can customize it to match the rest of your cabinetry or make it a cool accent piece in your home.
It’s highly functional, too, protecting wine from its three biggest threats: temperature and humidity variation, vibration, and light. The 41-bottle wine fridge has a unique, proprietary feature that the brand calls Wine Cave Technology to minimize vibration and temperature fluctuations, plus limit light exposure and maintain optimum humidity levels. You'll also get two zones, so you can confidently store more than one varietal.
It’s also WiFi enabled, so you can tweak all of the settings from afar using a compatible smartphone app. Want to learn more about wine? You can get expert recommendations through the brand’s Signature Sommelier app.
Price at time of publish: $3,499
Dimensions: 12 x 36 x 26 inches | Weight: 148 pounds | Zone Type: 2 | Bottle Capacity: 41 | Defrost Type: Automatic | Installation Type: Built-in
Best Smart
LG 65-Bottle Wine Refrigerator with InstaView
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Best Buy
Smart features
Great capacity
Versatile drawer storage
Can’t be built-in
This wine fridge comes equipped with all kinds of smart features. For starters, it’s WiFi-enabled, so you can control everything via an app on your phone. But the tech goes way beyond that—voice activation allows you to open the door, plus you can automatically open the door with just the wave of your foot. The unit also has noteworthy conveniences like InstaView, which illuminates the glass, so you can see what’s inside without even opening the door.
Beyond the envy-inducing bells and whistles, you’ll get the function you need. The 65-bottle LG SIGNATURE Wine Cellar uses LG's proprietary Optimal Preservation Technology to mimic the environment of traditional wine caves. This helps minimize temperature fluctuations, reduce vibration, limit light exposure, and lock in humidity to create the ideal storage environment for any variety or vintage. What’s more, the base of the unit has two convertible drawers that add versatility. You can customize the temperatures of these handy drawers from fridge to freezer mode, instantly turning the appliance into a preservation system for both food and wine. We think it's the perfect place to store a nice selection of cheese or maybe frozen appetizers for those last-minute gatherings.
Price at time of publish: $6,999
Dimensions: 70.6 x 27.6 x 28.9 inches | Weight: 386 pounds | Zone Type: 3 | Bottle Capacity: 65 | Defrost Type: Automatic | Installation Type: Freestanding
Best Garage-Friendly
Kalamera 4.3 cu. ft. Single Zone 30-Bottle Free Standing Wine Cooler
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The Home Depot
Garage-friendly
Quiet compressor
Impressive capacity for size
Manual defrosting
Single zone
You might not know this, but you can’t store just any refrigerator in the garage, particularly in areas where the climate fluctuates to warm or cold extremes. Doing so can actually cause the unit to malfunction and shut down. The same goes with wine fridges. If you want to store your appliance in this type of environment, you’ll need to look for a fridge specifically rated for garage use—a surprisingly limiting order.
But this compact option for Kalamera is a great option—the workhorse is meant to run in all kinds of areas in the home, so you can store up to 30 bottles wherever you’d like! It’s freestanding, so simply place anywhere—in the dining room, kitchen, garage, or entertainment area. The unit keeps wine at a set temperature between 41 and 61 degrees Fahrenheit. Just note that the digital controls only cover a single zone, so you’ll have to choose one temperature for all of your vintages.
Still, you can expect this fridge to work hard to preserve your collection of wine. The appliance has a quiet compressor that won't disturb wine sediments. It also has an interior cooling fan that improves airflow through the wire racks for better chilling. You will, however, have to defrost manually. But no biggie! We definitely think the benefits of this wine fridge outweigh any disadvantages.
Price at time of publish: $345
Dimensions: 33 x 19 x 22.5 inches | Weight: 67.3 pounds | Zone Type: 1 | Bottle Capacity: 30 | Defrost Type: Automatic | Installation Type: Freestanding
Best for Red and White Wine
Smith & Hanks 32 Bottle Wine Refrigerator
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Amazon
Sophisticated look
Built-in or freestanding
Dual zone
Quiet
Can be tricky to slide racks in and out
If you want to keep both red and white wine on hand—and do so the proper way—you’ll need a dual zone wine fridge, like this one from Smith & Hanks. Its wood-studded metal racks offer enough space to keep 32 bottles of wine chilled at two different temperatures, one for red and one for white. The racks aren’t on rollers, so it may be difficult to pull full racks in and out.
But you’ll have no trouble operating the two zones. The unit has easy-to-access digital controls that can be set to either Celsius or Fahrenheit. But it’s not all about cooling performance. The fridge is also whisper-quiet—great for your peace-of-mind, but also important to minimize the vibrations that can cause premature degradation of your wine.
There’s flexibility in installation, too. While the appliance is a terrific freestanding wine cooler, it can also be installed as a built-in under-counter unit—perfect for anyone who is looking for a more custom, high-end look.
Price at time of publish: $679
Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 34 inches | Weight: 84 pounds | Zone Type: 2 | Bottle Capacity: 32 | Defrost Type: Automatic | Installation Type: Built-in or freestanding
For a wine refrigerator that has all the necessary bells and whistles, opt for the Hisense HWS54029SS 54-Bottle Wine Cooler, which has flexible installation options and a door alarm. You may have trouble installing the door handle upon delivery, but you will ultimately love the removable wooden shelves and quiet operation of this appliance. Another great option is the Black+Decker BD60026 8-Bottle Black Freestanding Wine Chiller, which features sliding racks and holds its set temperature.
What to Look for in a Wine Refrigerator
Size and Installation Type
A wine refrigerator is either freestanding or built-in. The type of design you purchase will determine how the unit is installed in your home and how it looks next to your other appliances and cabinets. If you want your fridge to have a streamlined look, opt for a built-in model that'll be snug with your cabinets and sit flush. If you're planning to put your wine cooler in a living room, dining room, or basement, a freestanding model will give you the flexibility to do so and will typically cost less. Of course, size is also important, based on how and where you plan to install it.
Bottle Capacity
Bottle capacity is a big factor when it comes to choosing a wine fridge or cooler. Mari Jones, president of Emeritus Vineyards, says, "I wanted to make sure my wine fridge could hold a range of bottle sizes and shapes. I have a lot of magnums, and as a Pinot Noir person, I have a lot of Burgundy bottles, as well. Most wine fridges are made for Bordeaux bottles, so ensuring that I could utilize all the space of the fridge with my collection was the most important feature to me."
The capacity of a wine refrigerator can be measured in cubic feet, but it is often measured in the number of bottles it can hold. The most compact units on the market can hold as few as seven bottles, while the largest can hold nearly 57. For both wine connoisseurs and amateurs, a unit that can hold 24 bottles is usually enough, even when split into multiple zones. This capacity has a good balance of airflow and storage space, and it doesn't give the appliance a bulky exterior, which can be hard to place in your home. It leaves room for large-form bottles that aren't a standard shape and size.
Zone Type
The interior of a wine fridge is called a "zone." The model you choose can either have one continuous zone, which is outfitted with shelves and set to a single temperature, or two separate zones. A dual-zone model divides the interior into two compartments, which can have unique temperature settings. This type of design is handy if you're hoping to store both reds and whites in your unit. White wine needs a chillier environment than red wine, so one compartment of a dual-zone model usually has a temperate range of 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while the other has a range of 50 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit.
Reliability
Finding a product with quality humidity control and temperature control is key to storing wine properly. Look for a wine fridge with a temperature range between about 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. (As noted, white wine should be stored at about 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while red wine requires a higher temperature of about 50 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit.) Humidity level is just as important. If wine is stored in a location with low humidity, it can degrade more quickly. The best humidity for wine is between 65 and 70 percent. Just know that wine fridges with humidity control are more precise.
Standout Features
Reversible Door
A reversible door allows you to access your wine fridge by opening the door to either the left or right. It's usually designed with recessed handles and airtight seals along both edges. Although these seals can become worn or less effective over time, this feature is handy for households with limited space, as it makes the model more flexible to install. That's why we chose the Hisense 54-Bottle Wine Cooler. Not only does it have a reversible door, but it is energy efficient, it offers flexible installation, and it is packed with clever features, like a door alarm and UV filter.
Safety or Child Lock
A safety lock, which is sometimes called a "child lock," gives you the option to secure your wine fridge on a daily basis or while entertaining. If your household includes children or frequently has guests, it prevents unwanted entry and can ease your nerves. Typically, the lock is paired with a physical key or key fob, which should be stored in an accessible spot inside your home.
Door Alarm
In the event that you leave your wine fridge's door open, or the door doesn't seal tightly, a door alarm is very handy. It alerts you, with either a loud noise or a notification to your device, that the door needs to be closed. That prevents chilled air from escaping, and the internal environment from fluctuating in a way that could ruin your wine. While this feature is typically found in high-end wine fridges, it can be worth the extra money if you have a special collection or are picky about how wine is stored.
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How long do wine fridges last?
The lifespan of an appliance depends on a variety of factors, not just quality. External factors, like use and maintenance, will also affect the longevity of an appliance. The location of your appliance is important, too. In general, a wine fridge that’s well cared for can last about 10 years or more.
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What is the difference between a wine cooler and a wine refrigerator?
Colloquially, the terms "wine cooler" and "wine fridge" are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences. While both appliances exist to store wine, wine coolers are better suited for collections of fine wine. A wine fridge typically acts more like a traditional fridge, with some vibration and a chillier temperature. But wine should ideally be stored at a higher temperature than your average refrigerator. Vibrations from traditional refrigerators can also degrade wine. Not to mention, humidity levels play a role. Wine coolers are typically better equipped to address these nuances, thus preserving wine better.
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Should red wine be stored in a wine fridge?
Although wine of any kind doesn’t have to be stored in a wine fridge, it’s the more optimal environment for both reds and whites. Still, red wine should be stored at a slightly higher temperature than white wine. Aim for a temperature of about 50 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit to best preserve red wines.
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Do wine fridges use a lot of electricity?
Compared to a full-size refrigerator, a wine fridge typically uses much less electricity. While you'll still run the appliance constantly, the internal environment isn't as cool. It requires less energy to maintain the temperature you set. Depending on the size of your wine fridge, it'll use between 100 and 500 kWh per year, while full-size fridges use more than 500 kWh.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience writing about consumer products like home appliances. To curate this list, Earley scoured all of the most popular retailers to find the best, most highly rated wine fridges. Then, she vetted each, reading all of the specs and hundreds of reviews to ensure that the final list contained only the most reliable, quality options on the market today. We also consulted the following experts on what makes for a great wine fridge:
- Jessica Randhawa, owner and head chef of The Forked Spoon, a website filled with numerous recipes
- Mari Jones, president of Northern California's Emeritus Vineyards
- Peter Som, culinary creator and Pinterest creator
- Johnathan Brewer a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board
Additional reporting was conducted by Marisa Viglione, Senior Commerce Editor for Appliances, Cleaning, and Organization for The Spruce.