
Get exclusive shopping offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Updated . What changed?
Designed to keep your wines in ideal conditions for long-term storage, wine fridges can be a useful investment for any level of wine lover.
Name | Avg. price (USD) | Bottle capacity | Cooling zones | Installation type | Purchase |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Magic Chef MCWC12B![]() | $94 | 12 | 1 | Countertop | Shop now |
Danby DWC93BLSDB![]() | $231 | 36 | 1 | Free standing | Shop now |
Ivation Thermoelectric Wine Cooler![]() | $160 | 18 | 1 | Free standing | Shop now |
Nutrichef Thermoelectric Wine Cooler![]() | $140 | 12 | 1 | Free standing | Shop now |
Why invest in a wine fridge when you’ve got an ordinary fridge that works just fine? One reason might be that you don’t have enough space for all those bottles in the family fridge. But there’s a much more important point to be aware of: your kitchen fridge is set to the wrong temperature.
Red and white wine need to be stored between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, while the ideal temperature for storing most foods is right around 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Wine fridges also maintain humidity at around 70% to keep corks in place and stop air from penetrating the bottle. And they protect your bottles from light and UV rays.
A wine fridge might not be right for you if:
When buying a wine fridge, compare fridges from the following:
Not all wine fridges are created equal. Prices range anywhere from $150 for small, entry-level options right up to over $5,000 for state-of-the-art coolers capable of holding more than 200 bottles.
How much you pay will depend on the size of the fridge, the number of temperature zones you want and whether you require advanced or basic features. Of course, the quality and value of the wine you want to store will also play a part.
Here are the key factors you need to consider when comparing your options:
Compressor-type fridges can maintain colder temperatures for longer, but they can have higher vibration levels and are usually more expensive. Thermoelectric models are cheaper, quieter and use less energy. However, they can be affected by ambient temperature so they may not be the best choice if they’ll be placed in a garage or somewhere with significant temperature fluctuations.
Basic models only have one zone, which means storing all your bottles at one temperature. But if you’re willing to pay more, you can get a dual-zone or multi-zone fridge with different compartments for storing each variety of wine at the optimum temperature. More temperature zones mean more flexibility, but they also mean a higher price tag.
Check how easy it is to set your fridge up exactly how you want. Are there touch buttons or dials? Is there a digital temperature display so you can program your fridge to the precise level you want? Is there a humidity control system and if so, does it feature a water reservoir you’ll need to fill from time to time? If there are charcoal filters to eliminate unwanted odors, how often will you need to replace them?
Most wine fridges feature glass doors so you can check on your collection without opening the fridge. Doors are typically tinted to protect against the negative impact of UV rays, and some are made of tempered glass for extra strength. If your wine collection is valuable and you want to protect it from thieves or curious children, look for a model with a lockable door.
Wood shelving is generally preferred to metal shelving because it means less vibration. Sliding shelves ensure easy access to your bottles but can mean sacrificing some storage space. It’s also worth checking whether you can easily remove the shelves to create space for storing larger bottles.
Check the spec sheet for the dimensions of any wine fridge to be sure it’ll fit in the space you have available. Also take care when choosing where to put your wine fridge — noise may be a concern in your living area, and you’ll want to keep it away from the oven if placing your fridge in the kitchen. If your wine fridge will be on public display, you’ll obviously want to consider its overall design and aesthetic appeal before buying. Black and stainless-steel finishes are common, as are wooden shelving and LED lighting.
Check the length of the manufacturer’s warranty — two to three years is common — and exactly what it covers.
Our pick for 0% intro APR
Chase Freedom Flexâ„
Our pick to earn cashback
Citi® Double Cash Card
Our pick to get the lowest interest rate
Fiona personal loans
Our pick for bad credit
Monevo personal loans
See if your purchase is available for buy now, pay later (interest-free financing) or compare more 0% intro APR credit cards and the best personal loans currently on the market.
If you’re an avid wine drinker and collector, investing in a wine fridge could help you preserve your bottles longer and enjoy them once perfectly aged. But because they can be pricey, compare your options before bringing one home.
To choose our list of the best wine fridges, we considered overall features, size, price and our own online research.
How much wine fits in a wine fridge?
The smallest countertop models hold just 6 or 12 bottles, while fridges at the other end of the spectrum can store more than 200. The quoted bottle capacity for a wine fridge is calculated using the size and shape of a 750-milliliter Bordeaux bottle.
Can you put food in a wine fridge?
No, wine fridges have a higher temperature and humidity level than regular fridges made for food storage.
Can you make a wine fridge cooler?
Most models don’t include temperature settings that go below around 45 degrees Fahrenheit, since you don’t want to store wine any cooler than this.
Learn how to choose an air purifier to filter harmful particles out of the air so you can breathe easier in your home or office.
As businesses reopen following COVID-19-related shutdowns, choose the best non-contact infrared thermometer that fits your needs.
We compare Shopify and Etsy to find out which e-commerce platform has the lowest fees and the best features for online merchants.
Reusable coffee cups are great for the environment, but which are best? We researched and asked our staff, here are our top picks.
Learn how to choose a safe, effective smoke alarm according to building and safety codes in your area.
Find out how Google Express works so you can quickly shop the best deals.
Find out how insurers determine your rates and what you can do to save. Plus, compare quotes from top providers to get the best rate for your home.
Keep baby comfy and cozy in the right bassinet.
Manage your mane with the right dryer for your hair type and styling needs.
We’ll help you choose the perfect fridge for your kitchen.