If you’ve ever wondered why wine tastes different at home compared to when out at your favorite winery or restaurant, the answer all lies in how you store it. At home, wine bottles tend to be stored at room temperature ― which, for the most part, will give you a satisfactory glass of the good stuff. However, if you are a connoisseur of all things viticulture, you’re going to want the right type of wine refrigerator to keep your supply tasting perfect as time passes. Not only that, but wine storages are designed with sophistication in mind, so while it’s storing your wine at the right climate, it’s also displaying your selection like an art piece. So, if you’re seeking that ideal glass of red or white, our team of experts have put together our top picks for the best wine refrigerators and what to look for before you make a purchase.
At a Glance
Best Mini: Marvel 2.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Wine Cooler-MLWC215SS01A
Best Built In Panel Ready: Sub-Zero® 30" Panel Ready Wine Cooler-IW-30CI-RH
Best Full Size: Sub-Zero® 30" Stainless Steel Wine Cooler-BW-30/S/PH-LH
Features to Look for Before Buying
Capacity
The capacity of a wine refrigerator can be measured in cubic feet but is usually measured in the number of bottles it can hold. The most compact units on the market can hold as little as seven bottles while the largest undercounter models can hold nearly 57 bottles (and full-sized columns can hold even more). For both wine connoisseurs and amateurs, a unit that can hold 24 bottles will work nicely when split into multiple zones. This capacity provides a good balance of air flow and storage space and doesn't give the appliance a bulky exterior.
Installation
The type of wine refrigerator you purchase will determine how the unit is installed in your home, and how it looks next to your other appliances and cabinets is a crucial factor. If you want your fridge to have a streamlined look, then you'll want to go with a built-in model that'll be snug and seamless with your cabinets and sit flush. If you're planning to put your wine cooler in a living room, dining room, or basement, then a free-standing model will give you the flexibility to do so and will more than likely cost you less.
Single Zone or Dual Zone
The interior of a wine refrigerator is usually referred to as a "zone." The model you choose can either have one zone that is outfitted with shelves and set to a single temperature or two zones. A dual zone wine fridge divides the interior into two compartments, which can have unique temperature settings. This type of design is very handy if you're hoping to store both reds and whites. White wine needs a chillier environment than red, so one compartment of a dual-zone model usually has a temperate range of 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while a single zone has a range of 50 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit.
Our Best Wine Refrigerators
Now that you know what to anticipate for your ideal wine storage setup, take a look at some of our favorite models:
BEST OVERALL: Albert Lee™ Undercounter Series 5.15 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Frame Wine Cooler-UWB24C32BG
Store up to 21 bottles of your favorite reds and whites as well as 64, 12 ounce cans in this Albert Lee wine fridge. Ideal temperature settings allow you to store wine anywhere between 34 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit to accommodate all types of pours. Plus, you’ll find just what you are looking for with LED interior lighting that you can change from white, to blue, and amber. Best of all, this best overall wine refrigerator blends seamlessly with your existing home setup and won’t take up much space.
BEST MINI: Marvel 2.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Wine Cooler-MLWC215SS01A
If you’re looking for a space-efficient and energy-saving way to store your favorite vinos, this smaller Marvel wine cooler can store up to 24 bottles and provide the optimum environment for your prized selections. Heavy-gauge wire racks safely cradle each bottle and prevent jarring, while a Vibration Neutralization System protects the wine from agitation, allowing it to come to full maturation. To top it off, dynamic cooling technology delivers precise temperatures and frost-free operation to create an exceptional preservation environment for your most important bottles.
BEST BUILT IN PANEL READY: Sub-Zero® 30" Panel Ready Wine Cooler-IW-30CI-RH
This Sub Zero wine fridge is the perfect solution for those looking to store all kinds of drinks, from soda, to beer, and (of course) wine. With both refrigerator and freezer drawers included, this beverage and wine fridge is the best of both worlds and can hold up to 86 bottles of wine. Not to mention, the freezer drawer is equipped with an ice maker that yields ice automatically to make sure it never goes empty when you’re hosting or entertaining.
BEST FULL SIZE: Sub-Zero® 30" Stainless Steel Wine Cooler-BW-30/S/PH-LH
With ample amounts of capacity to hold up to 146 bottles, this Sub Zero wine fridge is ready for any occasion at your home. With a UV-resistant glass door, your wines are safe from unhealthy aging while remaining at a constant, moderate humidity with dual evaporators, so corks don’t dry out over time. And for even more added protection, this wine fridge is compatible with your home security system to make sure no one takes a bottle of vintage out without you knowing first.
Shop Wine Refrigerators at Albert Lee
Don’t drink average wine when you could be tasting the very best, right in your home. It’s time to upgrade your kitchen or hosting space with the right type of wine refrigerator. Whether you like to keep a small personal stash or enjoy sharing your collection while entertaining, you’ll want your wine tasting exactly the way it was meant to be consumed.
Once you’ve decided what will work best for your budget, home, and personal needs, don’t hesitate to visit any one of our six Albert Lee locations, and shop for the best wine refrigerators in the Pacific Northwest. For any questions or additional information, feel free to browse our digital catalog online or give us a call at your store of choice.
Learn More: Luxury Kitchen Appliance Buying Guide: Elevating the Kitchen Experience