When most people think of wine coolers, they picture those giant cabinets that hold a large unit. These are for storing more wine than you can possibly drink.
But there’s another category of wine coolers that might be great for you: small wine coolers. And that’s a category we’re going to talk about in this article.
We’ll start off by going through what to think about when choosing wine coolers. We’ll also talk about the best small wine coolers on the market in 2022. And finally, you’ll get advice on three mistakes you shouldn’t make when buying a wine cooler.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Kalamera 24'' Wine refrigerator 46 Bottle Dual Zone Built-in or Freestanding Fridge | Best Overall |  |
| Whynter 20 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler | Budget Pick |  |
| Allavino VSWR56-2SSRN Wine Refrigerator | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Kalamera 24'' Wine refrigerator 46 Bottle Dual Zone Built-in or Freestanding Fridge
Pros:
- Beautiful design
- Efficient A/C and compressor
- Easy to use and adjust displays
This 24 wine refrigerator is quite spacious and features a dual zone temperature set-up. It will allow you to adjust the temperature of the upper and lower units independently. This is a great feature if your collection contains Pinot noir and Sauvignon blanc. And you want to keep the whites cool at a certain temperature but the reds can be a bit warmer. The dual zone temperature function allows you to have the upper portion as a red zone and the lower zone a white zone. This dual zone function is a great money saver and can reduce the number of wine coolers you will need in your home. The interior lighting is also a nice addition. Not only is it extra convenient while you are looking for a particular wine, it adds to the aesthetics of the unit.
The French door design and soft-sided bottle storage racks provide easy access to your favorite wines. It has a stainless steel finish on the doors and a thick, reversible, tempered glass door. The stainless steel paneling offers a classic and sophisticated look. And the double pane hard glass provides an extra layer of insulation.
2. Kalamera 4.2 Cu.ft 50 Bottle Compressor Wine Refrigerator Single Zone
Pros:
- Stainless steel exterior
- Digital temperature display
- Adjustable shelves
Cons:
- Cumbersome start up
- The interior lighting is dim
- The door squeaks
There is nothing quite like a nice bottle of red from your home bar. It’s an alluring scent of earth and the knowledge that you are listening to the music of angels.
And now as you sample a glass of your favorite wine, you can also look around at your vino collection in absolute glory inside the new Krono coolers.
And how can you resist having Krono build the new shelves for your wine storage? You can’t.
3. Whynter 20 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
Pros:
- Energy star-rated
- Automatic defrost
- Adjustable temperature settings
- Temperature alarm
- Sturdy and durable
Cons:
- The unit is loud when actively cooling
- Doesn’t hold as much as a 25 bottle wine cooler (although it’s advertised as such)
- The black tinted mirror-glass door doesn’t let you see how much wine is inside the cooler
- The latch is hard to put on
The Whynter TWR-305WB 20 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler is one of the best wine coolers for people who’re always on the move. It comes with a 20-bottle capacity and thermoelectric cooling technology, which means it requires no compressor and can therefore be more efficiently packed for travel.
The temperature ranges from 46 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a sturdy and durable hinge that promises that the cooler will be in one piece for long without any problems.
The cooler only weighs 29 lbs and measures 35.2 x 22.5 x 24.2 inches, making it the perfect choice for people who don’t have a lot of space to accommodate a large wine cooler.
4. Ivation 18 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler/Chiller
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Programmable temperature control
- High-quality stainless steel finish
- Quick cooling – ideal for those on a tight schedule
Cons:
- Overall size could be bigger
- Unable to display the temperature in Celsius
Ivation is a company that focuses on kitchen appliances, and their red and white wine cooler is a perfect example of what they offer.
The 18-bottle wine cooler features stainless steel construction that is sure to stand the test of time.
In addition, it also comes with a large LCD screen which gives access to the temperature adjustment and can display the temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius.
5. Koldfront 18 Bottle Free Standing Dual Zone Wine Cooler
Pros:
- Available at two capacities
- Roomy double-zone temperature-controlled compartments
- Great value
There are not many wine coolers in the market today that do not have a UV-resistant black exterior and black inside. Not only does this Koldfront wine cooler look classic from any angle but it especially looks great from the side. Also, the length of the wine bottles does not matter much because there are adjustable shelves that can be removed if needed.
One action that you might even take advantage of is the maximum bottle capacity of 18. With that kind of storage capacity, you do not have to worry on storing large bottles or smaller ones. The total internal space taken up by this cooler is 57.88 inches by 17.72 inches by 29.71 inches.
A feature that you will surely love in this model is the dual zone temperature control. It allows for an excellent control of the temperature which is ideal for parties or intimate evenings with your sweetheart. There are stainless steel racks that you can remove and put them back depending on your needs. The stainless steel base will make sure that your wine bottles will be safe with its anti-skid design.
6. Kalamera 15'' Wine Cooler 30 Bottle Built-in or Freestanding
We find it interesting that some newer wine cooling methods are getting popular in recent years. We're not going to get into details about them, but we want to mention that they include things such as wine cooling cushions and beverage related cooling devices. The topic of this part is more about the latest wine refrigerators you can buy.
While this guide is mostly focused on best wine coolers, we can update this entry in the upcoming future due to the fact that there are a lot of other types of coolers.
We tested them heavily and came up with 10 models of wine coolers that you can buy in the year 2020 and beyond. The list is made based on the following criteria:
- Design
- Specific Features
- Features that make some models better than others
- Price/Qualities Ratio
7. Haier 12-Bottle Dual Zone Curved Door
Pros:
- Dual zone with separate temperature controls and digital LED displays for each zone
- Sectioned door holder for two bottles
- Temperature displayed in C or F
- Ability to hold temperature of both zones for 24 hours
- Can be used with one of the zones on standby after power outage
- Consistent performance
- Stylish design
Cons:
- A bit expensive
- Louvers are not adjustable
The Haier 12-Bottle Dual Zone Curved Door Wine Cooler with Smoked Glass is a dual-zone wine cooler with one sleek, divided door in the front panel. Its stylish design comes with rich interior LED lighting, which is ideal for showcasing your wine collection.
The cooler comes with separate temperature controls with a LED indicator that shows you if the temperature of each zone is set to room temperature or the setting you have set. It also displays the temperature in C or F for both zones. You can also adjust both of these temperatures separately through the digital controls for each zone.
The two glass shelves that come with the cooler can hold up to ten standard 750ml bottles of wine each. This will give you a total capacity of twelve bottles when single bottles are stored side-by-side. If you want to open a bottle before you buy additional bottles for your collection, you can do so using the shelf with the door holder that comes with the unit.
8. Avanti 12 Bottle Thermoelectric Counter Top Wine Cooler
Pros:
- Beautifully designed and compact
- Highly efficient with a thermostat
- Stylish LED lighting
Cons:
- High price tag
- No temp control
- Not big enough for a full-sized bottle
Avanti has raised the bar when it come to thermoelectric wine coolers with their EWC1201 wine cooler. It sports a compact contemporary design that is ideal for small kitchens or an entertainment space. The sleek black finish makes it an attractive addition to any decor.
The bottle is capable of holding up to 12 bottles of wine and comes with a convenient black chrome door handle. The LED interior lighting is dimmable and can be customized from within the unit.
The manufacturer advertises this cooler as capable of cooling down to 55 degrees Fahrenheit below ambient temperature. The cooling process uses passive convection, so this is a relatively quiet unit that won’t be a disturbance to your daily life.
9. Allavino VSWR56-2SSRN Wine Refrigerator
Pros:
- GearMaster vacuum insulation with Cool-Chill feature
- Interior LED lighting
- Approved for shipping
- Sizes up to 28 bottles
- Manufacturer direct pricing
Cons:
- Expect a longer cooling period – about 5-7 hours
- Periodic condensation accumulation
We selected the Allavino VSWR56-2SSRN Wine Refrigerator as our first choice for several reasons, including its unique vacuum insulation that keeps wines ready to drink for several years. We also expect a longer cooling period – about 5-7 hours. Though certain users may notice some condensation accumulation during this time. The manufacturer recommends keeping the refrigerator in an open and well-ventilated area – which is perfectly fine, unless you have another use for that valuable open space.
10. Wine Enthusiast Silent 32 Bottle Wine Refrigerator
Pros:
- Great for long-term storage
- Lighter than average wine coolers
- Takes up a small space
- Available in 4 different colors
- Great for apartment living
Cons:
- Only holds 32 wine bottles
- Only 3 years warranty
Wine Enthusiast is a widely popular brand when it comes to wine refrigerators. The SEB-100 Series is an all-in-one sleek looking stainless steel inside and out. It has a front-access design and LED backlit by an LCD display.
It has dual thermoelectric zones and uses a compressor cooled system for faster cooling. It holds up to 64.4 bottles of wine (192 wine bottles), and compact design makes it perfect for tight spaces.
It has a digital temperature probe which alerts you when wine reaches a preferred temperature. It also has adjustable thermostats and interior lighting. Plus, the stylish stainless metal finish blends in perfectly in your home decor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which brand of wine cooler is the best?
De'Longhi is best suited for people who love convenience. It has a self-order feature so that you can activate a cooling cycle at the push of a button.
For a more simple option, you can go with the NewAir AWR-360E-BL instead. Its temperature control is automated but you also have manual controls for the temperature and fan settings. There is an indicator light that will display the product's temperature and you can use it to store red and white wine alike.
For an affordable option, we recommend the NewAir AWR-917E-CA. It can hold up to 9 bottles of wine and has an adjustable interior. In terms of appearance and controls, it looks like a typical black fridge. As a bonus, it also works as a cooler for food and even ice. All you have to do is turn it on.
For a traditional option, we like the Danby DAR044A1A.
How do I choose a wine cooler?
In selecting a wine cooler, think about the temperature you’d like, energy efficiency, and the size of your wine collection. Small wine coolers are more suitable for people who have less wine to store, whereas a large cooler can accommodate more bottles for a bigger collection. Energy efficiency is also an important feature to consider since you won’t want a large electricity bill.
Also, take into account the capacity and dimensions of the cooler. Consider whether you’re installing the cooler on a counter top, a wall, or a floor. If on a counter top, you may want a model that has a smaller footprint so that it doesn’t dominate your counter space. For growers and wineries, these coolers are also a useful solution to keep their wine in the best conditions possible along the production line from vineyard to store shelves.
Are wine coolers worth it?
For those who enjoy a nice bottle of wine at home, wine coolers are certainly worth a purchase. You may want to keep it stored in the freezer (where alcoholic beverages don't freeze). This will allow the wine to stay fresh and at the right serving temperature.
If you don't have an expensive, high-end wine cooler, you may save even more money by purchasing a wine cooler dispenser. This is a beverage container that keeps the wine cool as it works its way through the tubing. It's also pretty affordable and you'll only have to make ice once!
Interestingly, wine coolers can not only be used to store wine, but are also perfect for keeping your beer chilled as well.
What is the best dual zone wine refrigerator?
Most people will agree, the best wine fridges are dual zone because they allow you to store different kinds of wine in the same refrigerator. This is especially convenient for those that like both red and white wine.
However, some owners of multiple fridges, and those that keep their wine collection in a wine cellar will say that a single zone fridge is the best option for those that like to store wine for a long period of time. Wine fridges with two separate refrigerators can be great for those that want to keep white wine chilled at around 53 Fahrenheit while red wine is at 58 Fahrenheit. Since both of these options offer you the choices to display your wine in the temperature where you like the best, a dual zone wine refrigerator seems like the right choice.
Conclusion
Keeping pace with the rapidly changing technology, the wine coolers have undergone a revolutionary change in a very short time.
It doesn’t matter if you are an occasional drinker or a hardcore wine connoisseur; you require the best wine cooler in 2022 to keep your wine at a steady temperature for the best flavor. After reviewing top wine coolers in the market today, we stand convinced that the coolers discussed in our article are the best to have.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Kalamera 24'' Wine refrigerator 46 Bottle Dual Zone Built-in or Freestanding Fridge | Best Overall | |
| Whynter 20 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler | Budget Pick | |
| Allavino VSWR56-2SSRN Wine Refrigerator | Upgrade Pick | |