A wine cooler is a must-have for any wine lover. Not only does it keep your wine at the perfect temperature, but it also looks great on your kitchen countertop. They come in all different shapes and sizes, so finding the best one for your needs can be tricky. I’ve done the research for you and have found the five best countertop wine coolers on the market.
Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a serious collector, this article will help you find the best countertop wine cooler for your home. So pour yourself a glass of wine and let’s get started.
5 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Countertop Wine Cooler
For wine enthusiasts, a wine cooler is a must-have appliance. Here are 5 reasons why you should buy one:
A wine cooler keeps your wine at the perfect temperature, whether you prefer red or white.
They come in a variety of sizes to fit any space, and some even have multiple zones for different types of wine.
With a countertop wine cooler, you can store both opened and unopened bottles of wine, which is perfect for keeping your unfinished wine bottles fresh.
Most countertop wine coolers have built-in lighting, so you can showcase your collection in style.
Countertop wine coolers are relatively affordable, making them a great investment for any serious wine lover.
Efficient thermoelectric cooling system – for less noise and energy consumption
Touchscreen controls easily adjust temperature and interior light
LED temperature display
Soft interior lighting
Capacity: 8 Bottles
Temperature Range: 39°F to 68°F
Wattage: 115 watts
Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 22.5 inches
When it comes to wine storage, the Cuisinart countertop wine cellar is one of the best options on the market. It comes with a thermoelectric cooling system, the most efficient way to keep your wine at a consistent temperature. It features precise temperature control, which allows you to keep your wine at its optimal temperature for preservation.
This countertop wine cooler is quieter than similar models on the market. Plus, the 115 watts low energy consumption means that you’ll save money on your electricity bill.
This bad boy not only looks great with its sleek design, but it also performs exceptionally well. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just getting started, this is the perfect option for you.
Pros
Efficient cooling system
Noiseless operation
Touch controls
Interior lighting
Cons
Some customers are not happy with the cooling ability. But it is important to keep in mind that this is a thermoelectric wine cooler meant for long-term storage and not for serving wines at a specific temperature.
#2. Best with Dual Zone: NutriChef Countertop Wine Cooler
WINE CHILLING EFFICIENCY: Preserve your wine's flavor and aroma, with a temperature range of 41°F to 64°F. Our small wine fridge ensures that temperature isn’t affected by outside heat sources and can house 18 bottles, up to 50.9 liters.
STYLISH, COMPACT DESIGN: Sleek, free-standing wine cellar style that easily holds 18 standard-sized wine beverages. Place this narrow wine fridge anywhere - on floors, tables, or countertops, beautifying your home, office, or kitchen.
SILENT PERFORMANCE: Experience the ultra-quiet operation of our wine fridge - small. Featuring contoured and polished chrome wine racks, a glass door with an airtight seal, and an invisible door hinge, this wine cooler is perfect for your home.
DIGITAL CONTROL BUTTONS: By tapping the digital touch button display panel, you can easily adjust the temperature and turn on the light. With the touch screen control button on our wine refrigerator small, you can easily store your wines and drinks.
BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: Backed by one-year quality warranty for complete satisfaction. Rest assured, your precious wine collection will remain safe and protected for years to come. If you ever run into any kind of trouble feel free to reach us out 24/7.
Capacity: 18 Bottles
Temperature Range: 41°F to 64°F
Annual Energy Consumption: 1080 Watts
Dimensions: 34 x 16 x 22 inches
We all know that wine should be served at the perfect temperature, but what many people don’t realize is that different wines should be served at different temperatures. That’s where the NutriChef countertop wine cooler comes in handy. This wine cooler has two zones, so you can store both red and white wine at the perfect temperature.
The freestanding design means you can put it anywhere in your kitchen or home. This vibration-free wine cooler can hold up to 18 bottles of wine. Plus, the compressor fan cooling technology ensures that your wine stays at the perfect temperature.
It allows you to choose between Centigrade and Fahrenheit units, so you can dial in the exact temperature you need for your wine from 41-64° Fahrenheit. Whether you’re trying to keep your white wine chilled or bring your red wine up to room temperature, this cooler has got you covered.
Affordable Luxury: This elegant freestanding wine fridge holds up to 6 standard-sized wine bottles and fits perfectly on a table or countertop so you can get the most out of your favorite vintages
Touch Screen Controls: External controls and digital display let you view and adjust the temperature or turn the interior light on or off without opening the door so the cool air stays inside your wine cooler where it belongs
Freestanding Convenience: You can place this compact freestanding wine cellar anywhere there is a power source so your favorite wines are always close at hand
UV Protective Glass Door: Double-paned mirrored glass door protects your wine from damaging UV rays while soft interior lighting subtly highlights your wine collection
Quiet Reliable Cooling: Advanced thermoelectric technology efficiently cools to 46-66°F (8-18°C) with no vibrations or CFCs to ensure your wine is kept at an optimal temperature
Capacity: 6 Bottles
Temperature Range: 46°F to 66°F
Wattage: 50 watts
Dimensions: 10 x 20 x 14.5 inches
Koolatron countertop wine cooler is one of the best budget-friendly options on the market. It’s a freestanding unit that can hold up to 6 standard-sized wine bottles, making it perfect for small gatherings or intimate evenings at home.
The wine cooler has user-friendly controls with a touch screen and digital display. You can easily adjust the temperature to keep your wine at the perfect chill. Plus, the eco-friendly thermoelectric cooling system is gentle on your wine, keeping it at a temperature between 46 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit.
It also features a UV-protected glass door to keep your wine safe from harmful UV rays. Additionally, its contemporary design is a great addition to any kitchen countertop.
Pros
Freestanding convenience
UV protective glass door
Soft interior lighting
Cons
Noisy
#4. Best Compact: Wine Enthusiast Countertop Wine Cooler
Small Collection Storage: This countertop wine cooler is designed to accommodate up to 6 Bordeaux bottles, making it an ideal choice for small collections. Wine Enthusiast’s metal racks securely hold the bottles, allowing for easy accessibility and readability
Easy Temperature Control: With a digital touchscreen located on the front, you have complete control over the internal temperature of your wine collection. The LED display ensures that the information is always readable, providing you with the convenience to set the perfect storage conditions
Energy-Efficient Cooling: Our wine cooler incorporates state-of-the-art solid-state cooling technology, meeting the latest energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Enjoy the benefits of efficient and quiet cooling, resulting in more consistent temperatures for your wines
Sleek and Space-Saving: This cooler offers an affordable and efficient solution with its sleek design. Measuring 9.75" x 19.88" x 14.88" and weighing just 8 lbs, this compact cooler fits perfectly in any limited space
Trusted Quality and Warranty: Backed by the renowned Wine Enthusiast name, our wine cooler offers long-lasting quality. With over 40 years of experience in wine preservation, storage, and service, you can trust the durability and reliability of our product. Each cooler comes with a 1-year warranty, covering both parts and labor, and is supported by our in-house customer support team at Wine Enthusiast
Capacity: 6 Bottles
Temperature Range: 46°F to 65°F
Dimensions: 19.87 x 9.75 x 14.87 inches
This is the best compact wine cooler on the market. It holds up to 6 Bordeaux bottles. This means that you can have your favorite wines on hand at all times, without taking up a lot of counter space in your kitchen.
It features digital touchscreen controls and an LED temperature display, making it easy to use. Moreover, its solid-state cooling technology ensures that your wine is properly chilled and ready to enjoy.
Pros
Perfect for a small collection
Energy efficient
Affordable
Cons
Little storage capacity
#5. Best Large Capacity: Antarctic Star Wine Cooler
KEEP WINE COOL: NCCKDIKOLREBEHeat is enemy number one for wine. The Wine Cooler enables you to store your wine in optimal conditions for long-term aging. Working temperature range is 40°F- 61°F, and allows you to customize the temp (55°F is often cited as close to perfect).
IDEAL LIGHT and HUMIDITY: With its reinforced glass door with air tight seal and help to maintain an ideal humidity level, this beverage refrigerator gives you a compact and modern design perfect for your living room . Blue soft LED interior lighting not only beautifully showcases the wine but won’t damage the wine.
PERFECT WINE STORAGE: 36 standard red or white wine bottles capacity, also perfect for canned beer and beverage storage. Horizontal racking is a space-efficient way to store your bottles, and it can't harm your wines.
NO VIBRATION and QUIET: Equipped with an advanced cooling system that will keep your beverages at the right temperature. With no disturbance to its natural occurring sediments. Equipped with Movable Black Shelves, Glass Door and Adjustable Leveling Legs.
FREESTANDING: Freestanding application only, NOT for built in use. The beverage and wine center door will close more easily when the two front leveling legs are extended slightly.
Capacity: 36 Bottles
Temperature Range: 40°F to 61°F
Shelves: 5
Dimensions: 21.3 x 20.5 x 31.4 inches
With a spacious interior that can hold up to 36 standard red or white wine bottles, this countertop wine cooler is perfect for those who enjoy entertaining or simply like to keep a well-stocked fridge.
It maintains a temperature between 40 and 61 degrees F, making it perfect for both short-term storage and long-term aging. The reinforced glass door ensures that your wine is protected from outside light and humidity.
It has a blue soft interior LED light that lets you view your collection without opening the door and disturbing the temperature.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to be prepared for spontaneous visitors, this appliance gives you the flexibility to enjoy wine on your schedule.
Pros
Big capacity
Quiet and vibration-free
Elegant appearance
Cons
Expensive
What are the Different Types of Wine Coolers?
There are three main types of wine coolers, so it is important to know what your options are before making a purchase.
1. Countertop Wine Coolers
A countertop wine cooler is a small appliance that is ideal for cooling and storing a small collection of wine bottles. They use thermoelectric cooling, which is a type of solid-state cooling that uses electricity to move heat from one side of the unit to the other. A countertop wine cooler is a great option if you have limited space.
2. Freestanding Wine Coolers
A freestanding wine cooler, also known as a wine fridge, is a type of wine refrigerator that can be placed anywhere in your home. These units are not built into your cabinets like built-in wine coolers, so they offer more flexibility when it comes to placement.
They have a larger capacity than other wine cooler types. A small unit is typically used to store 12-18 bottles of wine. However, some large freestanding wine coolers can hold 100 bottles or more.
They come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit any need. Some freestanding units feature two cooling zones, which allow you to store both red and white wines at their optimal temperatures.
3. Built-in Wine Coolers
A built-in wine cooler is installed into a kitchen cabinet or other type of storage space. They are typically smaller in capacity than freestanding units and are mostly compressor-based. Under countertop wine coolers are often used in conjunction with wine cellar systems. They are a great way to keep your wine collection organized and at the correct temperature.
Which Type of Wine Cooler Should You Get?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the type of wine you plan on storing, the size of your collection, space, and your budget.
If you are looking for a basic wine cooler that will store a small number of bottles, a countertop model should suffice. However, if you have a large collection or plan on storing more expensive wines, a large freestanding wine cooler would be a better choice.
If you’re looking for a wine cooler that will fit seamlessly into your kitchen, a space-saving built-in model is a great option.
Things to Look for in a Wine Cooler
When choosing a wine cooler, here are a few key things you should keep in mind:
Size
One of the key factors is the size of the wine cooler. They come in all different sizes, from small units that can hold 12 to 18 bottles, to large units that can hold 100 bottles or more. It is important to choose a size that will fit your space and meet your storage needs.
Cooling System
Another factor to consider is the type of cooling system. There are two main types of cooling systems: compressor-based and thermoelectric. Compressor-based coolers tend to be more expensive, but they are also more effective at cooling large spaces. Thermoelectric coolers are less expensive to operate but can be less effective in very hot climates.
Price
Wine coolers can range in price from under $200 to over $1,000, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. Finally, read customer reviews to get an idea of which models are the most reliable and offer the best value for your money. By keeping these factors in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect wine cooler for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a countertop cooler freestanding or built-in?
A countertop cooler is a freestanding unit that is not built-in to the counter. It is usually small and compact, making it ideal for use in tight spaces.
Can I place my countertop wine cooler on the floor?
As long as your wine cooler is freestanding, you should be able to place it on the floor. Of course, you’ll want to make sure that the surface is level and stable so that your wine cooler doesn’t tip over.
What is the difference between a wine cellar and a wine cooler?
A wine cellar is a storage room for wine that is typically underground and temperature controlled for long-term aging. A wine cooler is a refrigerated cabinet that is used to store wine for short-term consumption.Wine cellars typically have higher humidity levels than wine coolers, which helps to prevent the cork from drying out and allows the wine to age gracefully.
Hi, I’m Rachel Edwards and I enjoy a glass of wine as much as the rest of them. Well, maybe slightly more.
My parents own a vineyard in Napa Valley and were constantly making new wines for the locals to try. Their brand was one of the most popular across the US at one point. My sister and I loved running up and down the vines, picking the grapes for our parents, and even helping with the ideas.
Since moving out of the family home, my love for wine has not waivered - in fact, I consider myself somewhat of a connoisseur. I’m always the one to bring the wine to our girly gatherings, family meals, and picnics - let me know what we’re doing, and I’ll supply the goods.
