A wine refrigerator or cooler is a short-term storage device.
Its purpose is to store wine at
proper serving temperatures
which range from 40 to 65°F depending on the type of wine.
A wine cellar or high-end wine cabinet is intended for
long-term storage and is designed to keep wine at its optimum aging temperature (55°F for all wines). They must also minimize temperature fluctuations, create a relative humidity of about 70%, protect against ultraviolet light and vibrations.
So how long should you keep wine in a wine refrigerator? Less
than a year. A wine refrigerator or cooler should be used to
store ready-to-drink wines at their proper serving temperatures,
not age wine for ten years.
However, the line between wine refrigerator and wine cellar is
blurred because many people use wine refrigerators as a low
cost substitute for high-end
wine storage cabinets
like Eurocave and Vinotheque. People who do this are setting themselves up for disappointment. First, most wine refrigerators are notoriously unreliable, you'll be lucky if it lasts 5 years much less 10.
Second, the cardinal rule of long-term storage is maintaining a
stable temperature. Manufacturers like Eurocave maintain
temperatures +/- 1°F. Vinotemp, a wine cooler manufacturer states that it's normal for the temperature in its compressor-based models to fluctuate +/- 5°F. It's not just Vinotemp that has this problem, most wine refrigerators fluctuate like this especially during a defrost cycle.
Most wine coolers do not control humidity, normally their relative humidity is 40%. A few manufacturers have attempted to add humidity, for example U-Line which states that its models have 50% relative humidity. Danby provides humidity reservoirs in its Silhouette Series (i.e. you fill some plastic containers with water), Franklin Chef has drip trays to collect condensation which are then evaporated by the heat of the compressor. The results of these efforts are probably erratic.
Most wine coolers have double-paned glass doors which help
maintain temperature through increased insulation. They also
provide some protection against UV, although some manufacturers add tint for extra protection. Leveling legs help reduce vibration and some high-end wine refrigerators like Marvel
have vibration dampeners.
The question is, are you looking for a wine cooler or a low-cost
wine cellar?
Vintage Keeper
for example, makes a low-cost ($799) 100+ bottle wine cellar that is competitive with wine refrigerators of similar size. It maintains a temperature of 57°F and 60% humidity. Unfortunately, like most wine refrigerators it's not likely to last more than 5 years. You get what you pay for.
So what should you look for when buying a wine refrigerator?
Temperature Range - The primary function of a wine cooler is to chill wine to proper serving temperatures. So, a good wine refrigerator should have a decent temperature range, at least 45 - 65°F.
Price per Bottle - A good wine refrigerator should be
competitively priced. It doesn't have to be the cheapest if it
makes up for it in other areas. The price should be average or
below. Price per bottle (total price divided by bottle capacity)
is a fairer measure than total price.
This brings up the point that most wine coolers are designed
to operate in a room temperature environment (i.e. less than
80°F or greater than 65°F). Operating a wine refrigerator in areas subject to extreme temperatures (i.e. outside or in garages or storage sheds) can cause large temperature fluctuations in the cooler, or the cooler can fail completely. Out of the wine refrigerators reviewed below only two are designed for outdoor use (actually they're beverage coolers meant to chill beer, sodas and wine), Franklin Chef (Model FBC360D) and Marvel (Model # 6OBAR-SS-F).
Since the temperature in wine refrigerators normally fluctuate,
the best way to protect your wine against the damaging effects
is to keep the refrigerator full. A full refrigerator will take longer to get to the proper temperature, but once the wine is at the right temperature it acts as a cooling block and minimizes
temperature fluctuations. Damage caused by drying corks or
a lack of humidity takes place over a matter of months.
Thermoelectric vs. Compressor - A conventional cooling system contains three fundamental parts - the evaporator, compressor and condenser. The evaporator or cold section is the part where the pressurized refrigerant is allowed to expand, boil and evaporate. During this change of state from liquid to gas, energy (heat) is absorbed. The compressor acts as the refrigerant pump and recompresses the gas to a liquid. The condenser expels the heat absorbed at the evaporator plus the heat produced during compression, into the environment.
Thermoelectric Coolers are heat pumps,
solid state devices without moving parts, fluids or gases and are based on the Peltier effect. This design has several advantages: first no moving parts means no vibration and silent operation. With a compressor-based wine cooler you can hear the compressor cycling on and off and you can hear refrigerant circulating. This may seem trivial to some, but one of the most common negative comments about wine refrigerators is the noise they produce. But, don't expect a thermoelectric to be completely silent, most wine coolers have a fan to circulate air which you can hear turning on and off.
No moving parts means less maintenance, moving parts wear and need to be replaced. This means that thermoelectrics should last longer and be more reliable. Thermoelectrics contain no CFC's (refrigerant) and therefore are environmentally friendly. The solid state design allows thermoelectrics to take up less floor space (wine towers) and they are also lightweight.
Thermoelectrics use less energy and because they don't cycle
on and off they have smaller temperature fluctuations and more
precise temperature control. However, compressor-based systems are more efficient at cooling and can withstand more adverse conditions. But, remember that most wine refrigerators whether thermoelectric or compressor are designed for moderate conditions.
Dual vs. Single Zone Wine Refrigerators - A single-zone
refrigerator is self-explanatory, it has a single temperature sensor and temperature setting for the entire cooler. This is fine if you're chilling primarily one type of wine. However, the temperature in a single-zone wine refrigerator varies from top to bottom (the larger the cooler, the greater the differential). This allows white or sparkling wine to be stored on the bottom where it's cooler and red wine at the top.
But, it's unlikely that a single-zone refrigerator will have a twenty degree differential from top to bottom (i.e. 45 - 65°F), and even if the proper temperatures could be achieved you could only see the temperature at the location of the temperature sensor (top or bottom of the cooler). This can be remedied by buying a
thermometer
and placing it in the area without a sensor.
A dual-zone refrigerator has independent temperature controls
and displays for each zone. A good dual-zone will allow a full
temperature range in each zone (i.e. both compartments can
achieve 45 - 65°F, instead of 40 - 55°F in one and
55 - 65°F in the other).
Wine Cooler Size - How much wine do you need chilled and ready for drinking? Remember, a wine cooler is not a long-term storage device and you should not store wine in them for longer than a year. With that in mind, you can estimate the capacity you need by multiplying the amount of wine you drink a week by 52. One bottle of wine a week means a 52 bottle capacity, two bottles a week means a 104 bottle capacity.
If you already have long-term storage (i.e. a wine cabinet or rental space in a wine storage facility) it doesn't have to be that big. Of course you can always buy wine as you need it and keep the cooler small. If you entertain regularly and need many bottles of wine ready at the same time, you can estimate the bottle capacity you need by dividing the number of guests by 2 (i.e. 2 guests per bottle). So, if you regularly entertain 20 people you need to be able to chill 10 bottles of wine at a time, 50 people means 25 bottles and so on.
Aesthetics and Utility - Do you want your refrigerator
to be freestanding or under the kitchen counter? Built-in wine
coolers are specifically designed for the latter and have front venting. Some manufacturers like Vinotemp design them to fit the space used for a trash compactor.
Depending on where the refrigerator is kept, the direction the
door swings can negatively affect its utility. Many manufacturers
have models with reversible doors.
The racks in wine refrigerators are one of their most problematic
features. Like standard wine racks, their bottle capacity is based on Bordeaux-shaped bottles. Add some Pinot Noir,
Champagne or Magnums and your storage capacity will be
significantly reduced. Only high-end wine refrigerators like Marvel's Chateau Collection provide universal racking.
Even with Bordeaux-shaped bottles it's a tight fit, making wine
racks that slide or pull out very convenient. Aesthetically wood
racks are preferred over the much more common chrome (wire) racks, which is why some manufacturers provide wood facings for
them. In addition, metal racks inside wine cabinets can scratch
bottles and tear labels, and sometimes they can bend out of
shape under the heavy weight of the wine bottles. Not to
mention that metal racks conduct heat.
All of the wine refrigerators reviewed below look like refrigerators. But if you prefer a product that matches your home decor, you don't have to have a cabinet custom made. Vinotheque and Le Cache make high-end wine cabinets for
long-term storage, but Wine Enthusiast makes cabinets for wine refrigerators. The Portfolio Collectionincorporates their line of thermoelectric coolers into applications like wine bars and credenzas. This is unique for a product under $1000.
The Review
The following wine refrigerator review is based on a 5-point
system. The criteria were described above. Points were added for any positive customer comments found during research, and subtracted for negative comments (brief summaries of the complaints are included). If over-whelmingly
negative comments were found regarding a wine refrigerator's ability to perform its main function, it received zero points. Beverage centers are also described below, but because their configurations and capacities are so varied it's difficult to compare them to each other so they were not evaluated.
How to Find Reviewed Items - Where you buy products is almost as important as what you buy. Sites like Nextag, Bizrate and Epinions are great for finding deals and trustworthy merchants. Or, you can go with well-known names like,
- always has great deals and sellers are subject to customer review.
Wine Enthusiast - although the price is usually on the high side, they offer a white glove delivery service for heavy items or large wine refrigerators. With this service, they bring the item into your home, unpack it, inspect it and dispose of the packaging. Delivery is by appointment.
Single Zone Wine Refrigerators - Under 10 bottles
Analysis
Average price per bottle = $19.71
Haier (Model # HVUE06ABB) is the cheapest
Best Buy is Chambrer (Model # WC601B)
Chambrer Wine Refrigerator (Model # WC400-137)
Simulated Brushed Stainless Steel Accents
8 preset temperature levels
Temperature range: 45 - 68°F
All of our Chambrer wine cellars feature a convection system. This system circulates the air inside to ensure even temperature distribution so every bottle is cooled to the same temperature.
Thermoelectric cooling system
Storage for up to 4 bottles
Width: 10 7/8, Height: 14 3/8, Depth: 17 1/8
A user switchable temperature display (°C or °F)
Holds regular (750 ml) sized bottles
Compact design, fits on most countertops
Price: $120 - 160, Wine Enthusiast $160
$30 per bottle
2 points
Chambrer Wine Refrigerator (Model # WC605SS)
8 preset temperature levels
Temperature range: 45 - 68°F
All of our Chambrer wine cellars feature a convection system.
This system circulates the air inside to ensure even temperature
distribution so every bottle is cooled to the same temperature.
Thermoelectric cooling system
Storage for up to 7 bottles, 6 horizontally and 1 vertically
A user switchable temperature display (°C or °F)
Holds regular (750 ml) and jumbo (1500 ml) bottles
- 2 jumbo bottles on bottom rack only
All of our Chambrer wine cellars feature a convection system.
This system circulates the air inside to ensure even temperature
distribution so every bottle is cooled to the same temperature.
Thermoelectric cooling system
Storage for up to 7 bottles, 6 horizontally and 1 vertically
A user switchable temperature display (°C or °F)
Holds regular (750 ml) and jumbo (1500 ml) bottles
A reversible door like a refrigerator
A compact footprint that saves precious floor space
Width: 7 7/10", Depth: 17 3/10", Height: 33 1/10"
Price: $140 - 220
$20 per bottle
3.75 points
Chambrer Wine Refrigerator (Model # WC601S)
Wine tower, Silver
8 preset temperature levels
temperature levels ranging from 45 - 68°F
All of our Chambrer wine cellars feature a convection system.
This system circulates the air inside to ensure even temperature
distribution so every bottle is cooled to the same temperature.
Thermoelectric cooling system
Storage for up to 7 bottles, 6 horizontally and 1 vertically
A user switchable temperature display (°C or °F)
Holds regular (750 ml) and jumbo (1500 ml) bottles
A reversible door like a refrigerator
A compact footprint that saves precious floor space
Width: 7 7/10", Depth: 17 3/10", Height: 33 1/10"
Price: $148 - 220 Wine Enthusiast $170
$21.14 per bottle
2.75 points
Cuisinart Wine Refrigerator (Model # CWC-600)
6-bottle countertop wine cellar
Thermoelectric cooling technology – no noise or vibration
8 presets for proper serving and storage temperatures or any
variety of white or red wine
Electronic thermostat and LED readout
Stainless steel door with chrome handle
16-inch height is perfect for countertop use
Interior light with permanent ON option
Double-pane tinted viewing window
3 removable chrome racks designed to hold 750ml or 1500ml bottles
Ability to adjust temperature manually
Measures 21-1/2 by 11 by 16 inches
Price: $129 - 150
$21.50 per bottle
A lot of bad reviews: Can't maintain temperature, noisy
Dimensions: 10" W x 17.5" (19.5" with Handle) D x 15" H
Approx. Bottle Capacity: 6
It is different from a compressor unit,
and uses a chip and fan to keep the unit cool.
It is a normal function of the unit for the temperature to fluctuate. The unit is designed to cycle and this fluctuation of 5 degrees prevents the unit from excessive cycling.
Price: $111 - 160
$18.50 per bottle
1.75 points
Vinotemp Wine Refrigerator (Model # VT-6H)
Led Display
Bar Handle
Inside Light
Digital Temperature Control
Dimensions: 14.5" W x 17.5" (19.5" with Handle) D x 12" H
Approx. Bottle Capacity: 6
It is different from a compressor unit,
and uses a chip and fan to keep the unit cool.
It is a normal function of the unit for the temperature to fluctuate. The unit is designed to cycle and this fluctuation of 5 degrees prevents the unit from excessive cycling.
Price: $128 - 164
$21.33 per bottle
0.75 points
Single Zone Wine Refrigerators - 10 to 20 bottles
Analysis
$9.05 per bottle average price
Avanti (Model EWC16B) is the cheapest.
Avanti (Model EWC12) is the Best Buy.
Avanti Wine Refrigerator (Model EWC12)
Wine Tower
Stores up to 12 Wine Bottles
Adjustable Thermostat for Ideal Temperature Controlled Conditions
Temperature Settings: Max, Med, Min
Temperature Range: 51 - 62°F
Brushed Chrome Frame with Security Lock
Detachable Large Chrome Handle
Solid State Components for Superior Reliability
No Vibration - Bottle Sediment is not Disturbed
Unique State-of-the-Art Thermoelectric Technology
Thermopane Reversible Glass Door
Auto Defrost
Dimensions (H x W x D): 25 1/2" x 10 1/4" x 20 3/4"
Soft Interior Lighting with ON/OFF Switch
Slide-Out Chrome Shelves
Black / Stainless Steel
Good Reviews
Price: $100 - 166
$8.33 per bottle
3.75 points
Avanti Wine Refrigerator (Model EWC16B)
Stores up to 16 Wine Bottles
Adjustable Thermostat For Ideal Temperature Controlled Conditions
Temperature Settings: Max, Med, Min
Temperature Range: 51 - 62°F
Recessed Handle
Solid State Components for Superior Reliability
No Vibration - Bottle Sediment is not Disturbed
Unique State-of-the-Art Thermoelectric Technology
Thermopane Reversible Glass Door
Auto Defrost
Soft Interior Lighting with ON/OFF Switch
Height: 21 1/4", Width: 17", Depth: 19"
Slide-Out Chrome Shelves
Black
Price: $100 - 136
$6.25 per bottle
2.5 points
Chambrer Wine Refrigerator (Model # WC902SS)
8 preset temperature levels
All of our Chambrer wine cellars feature a convection system. This system circulates the air inside to ensure even temperature distribution so every bottle is cooled to the same temperature.
Thermoelectric cooling system
Storage for up to 11 bottles, 9 horizontally and 2 vertically
Temperature levels ranging from 45 - 68°F
A user switchable temperature display (°C or °F)
Holds regular (750 ml) and jumbo (1500 ml) bottles
Fits on most countertops
Width: 16.9", Height: 16.3", Depth: 16.9"
Beautiful stainless steel door accents
Price: $149 - 190
$13.54 per bottle
2.25 points
Cuisinart Wine Refrigerator (Model # CWC-900)
Thermoelectric cooling technology - no noise or vibration
Patented program with 8 presets for proper serving and storage temperatures for any variety of white or red wine.
Stores up to 11 bottles
3 removable chrome racks designed to hold 750 ml or 1500 ml bottles
Double-pane tinted viewing window
Electronic thermostat and LED readout
Instantly switch from Centigrade to Fahrenheit
Ability to adjust temperature manually
Dimensions: 20.12 x 18.90 x 17.95-in.
Bad Reviews: can't reach or maintain temperatures
Price: $149 - 200
$13.54 per bottle
Can't perform its function - zero points
Danby Wine Refrigerator (Product # DWC172BL)
17 bottle (1.8 cu. ft.) capacity
Shatter resistant tempered glass door
Auto-Cycle Defrost
Scratch resistant worktop
2 full width wire shelves (flat)
1 staggered shelf
Reversible door hinge
Black
Temperature Range is 48 - 62°F
Width: 17 1/2", Depth: 19 5/8", Height: 19 11/16"
5 good reviews, 1 bad review - arrived damaged,
not for long term storage, flat racks
Price: $113 - 190
$6.64 per bottle
3 points
Franklin Chef Wine Refrigerator (Model FWC20T)
20-bottle capacity in one compact unit
Thermoelectric: No compressor means more useable space, no vibration compact, energy-efficient and reliable
Thermostat knob - Max, Min settings, no thermometer
Can cool 18°F below ambient temperature,
therefore can't go below 55°F at room temperature
Wine-loving interior — cool, dark, and quiet
Curved, Euro-style, double-paned, tempered full-glass door
Attractive and sturdy black metal cabinet
Can stand alone or be built-in
Chrome-plated pull-out racks with back-stop to prevent accidental over-reach
Shelves pull out and are removable (chrome-plated)
Double-pane, tinted, UV resistant glass door displays
contents while protecting them from damaging UV rays.
Elegant interior lighting (which can be left on full-time, if desired).
Thermostat adjusts from 43 - 63°F.
15 inches wide (34-1/4”H x 14-7/8”W x 23-5/8”D)
Filler kit allows usage in 18 inch wide opening.
Price: $1,170 to $1,439
$39 per bottle
2.75 points
Vinotemp Wine Refrigerator (Model # VT-28TEDS)
Attractive free-standing cellar with dual-paned glass door, stainless steel trim
Thermoelectric temperature control
Sturdy shelf racking for individual bottle storage
Silver Exterior, blue light
Ultra-quiet, energy efficient operation
Dimensions: 281/2"H x 181/4"W x 22"D
Approx. Bottle Capacity: 28
Digital temperature display
6 pull-out chrome shelves
Easy push button controls
Maximum ambient room temperature 77°F
Price: $200 - 313
$7.14 per bottle
2.5 points
Vinotemp Wine Refrigerator (Model # VT-26G)
Holds Up to 26 Bottles of Wine
This unit is very popular as a replacement for the trash compactor
The front vent design makes this a built-in unit
Stainless Steel Door and Cabinet
Glass door
Sliding Wood Shelves
Light and Digital Display
Front Exhaust
Dimensions: 15" W x 23 1/4" D x 34 1/2" H
It is a normal function of the unit for the temperature to fluctuate.
The unit is designed to cycle and this fluctuation of 5 degrees prevents the unit from excessive cycling.
Price: $645 - 899
$24.80 per bottle
1.5 points
Single Zone Wine Refrigerators - 31 to 40 bottles
Analysis
$8.65 is the average price per bottle
Danby (Product # DWC310BL) is the cheapest
Danby (Product # DWC044BLP) and Haier (Model # HVC15ABB)
are Best Buys.
This is not a strong category
Avanti Wine Refrigerator (Model WC3201D)
Stores Up To 32 Bottles
Built-In or Free-Standing
Will Fit Most Trash Compactor Openings
Electronic Display
One Touch Digital Control for Cold Beverages, Red, White & Sparkling Wine
One Touch Dual Function Electronic Display for Monitoring Temperature (F/C)
Temperature Range: 45 - 65°F
Reversible Double-Pane Tempered Glass Doors
Detachable Brushed Chrome Handle
Slide-Out Contoured Chrome Shelves
Soft Interior Lighting with ON/OFF Switch
Removable Bottom Basket for Additional Storage
Black / Stainless Steel
Width: 15", Depth: 24", Height: 34"
4 bad reviews: very noisy, large temperature fluctuation
Price: $375 - 599, Wine Enthusiast $499
$11.72 per bottle
1 point
Danby Wine Refrigerator (Product # DWC310BL)
35 bottle (3.2 cu. ft.) capacity
Temperature cooling range 6 - 14°C (42.8 - 57.2°F)
Single Zone Wine Refrigerators - 61 to 100 bottles
Analysis
$16.87 is the average price per bottle
Danby (Product # DWC612BLP) is the cheapest
Marvel (Model # 8SWCBSG) is the Best Buy
Danby Wine Refrigerator (Product # DWC612BLP)
65 bottle (11.0 cu. ft.) capacity with 10 full width Wooden Wine Racks single stacked
75 bottle capacity with 8 full width Wooden Wine Racks double and single stacked
Temperature range 6 - 14°C (42.8 - 57.2°F)
Interior display light
Free standing application
Hassle free Auto-Cycle Defrost
Tempered glass door with Platinum door trim
Reversible door hinge
Wood Shelving
LED Display
Humidity Reservoirs
Width: 23 5/8", Depth: 25", Height: 58 13/16"
2 good reviews
Price: $560 - 896
$7.47 per bottle
3 points
Marvel Wine Refrigerator (Model # 8SWCBSG)
Stores up to 74 bottles, including magnums (under-counter)
Exclusive Sentry System refrigeration monitor has visual and audible alarms for over/under temperature, power failure and door ajar conditions
Cool blue LED display shows real time temperature of wine
Temperature can be set between 40 and 65°F
System has built-in user-activated Sabbath mode
Full auto defrost
Full-extension glide-out racks are specially designed to hold all types of bottles, from half bottles to high shouldered Bordeaux bottles to tall, slim German bottles.
Six glide-out racks, one stationary wine cradle
Vibration Neutralization System (VNS) offers triple layer protection from damaging vibration
Elegant interior lighting displays fine wines and may be set for continuous illumination with one-touch control
Shelf fronts of clear, solid white maple are perfect for custom finishing to match cabinetry. Or use Marvel’s Pre-Finished Shelf Facings in gloss black, gloss white or
stainless.
Door is constructed of argon-filled, dual-paned, tinted UV-resistant glass
Door swing is reversible and requires only 90° opening for full shelf extension
Clean continuous toe kick adds a stylish finish
Color: Stainless steel framed door with black cabinet and black interior
You may also order your wine cellar with a door that accepts a custom overlay
frame supplied by your cabinet maker. The Marvel overlay frame is one of the simplest
to install.
34”H x 29-7/8”W x 24-1/4”D
Price: $1943 - 2050
$26.26 per bottle
3.5 points
Single Zone Wine Refrigerators - 100+ bottles
Analysis
$5.80 is the average price per bottle
Avanti (Model WC681BG) is the cheapest
Avanti (Model WC681BG) is the Best Buy
Avanti Wine Refrigerator (Model WC681BG)
Stores up to 166 Wine bottles
One Touch Dual Function Electronic Display for Monitoring Temperature (F/C)
One Touch Digital Control for Red, White, or Sparkling Wine
Temperature Range: 40 - 65°F
Auto Defrost
One Touch ON/OFF Interior Cavity LED Lighting System
Slide-Out Wooden Shelves
Reversible Tempered Double-Glass Door
Built-In Interior Fan for Temperature Control
Built-In Handle
Security Lock
Black
Height: 71", Width: 23 1/2", Depth: 26 3/4"
1 good review
Price: $839 - 1494
$5.05 per bottle
4.5 points
Avanti Wine Refrigerator (Model WCR682SS)
Stores up to 166 Wine Bottles
One Touch Digital Control for Red, White, or Sparkling Wine
Reversible Tempered Double-Glass Door with Stainless Steel Frame
One Touch Dual Function Electronic Display for Monitoring Temperature (F/C)
Temperature Range: 40 - 65°F
Auto Defrost
One Touch ON/OFF Interior Cavity LED Lighting System
Wooden Shelves on a Sturdy Pull-Out Roller Assembly
Built-In Interior Fan for Temperature Control
Stainless Steel Handle
Security Lock
Black / Stainless Steel
Height: 71", Width: 23 1/2", Depth: 26 3/4"
Price: $977 - 1310
$5.89 per bottle
4.25 points
Franklin Chef Wine Refrigerator (Model FWC120)
Store up to 120 bottles of wine
Convenient digital controls allow you to select the ideal temperature for your wine, from 48 - 60°F.
Designed for build-in installation with fan motor at the back of the unit to direct compressor-generated heat.
Sturdy chrome racks pull out one-third to display contents
Anti-tip feature for exceptional rack stability
Wine-friendly dark interior
Auto Defrost
Height 60", Depth 27", Width 26"
Price: $749 - 1600
$6.24 per bottle
2.25 points
Haier Wine Refrigerator (Model # HVFM102ABL)
102-Bottle Capacity
Black Cabinet with Silver Trim
Tinted Glass Door Preserves Wine from Ultraviolet Rays
Reversible Door
Brushed Metal Grip Handle
Wine Display Rack
Adjustable Chrome Storage Racks
Mechanical Controls (Dial) for Easy Temperature Adjustments
Temperature Setting Range 39 - 65°F
Lock & Key
Soft Interior Light - Manual
Leveling Legs
Width: 23 7/16", Depth: 25 1/4", Height: 65"
2 good reviews
Price: $612 - 854
$6.00 per bottle
3.75 points
Dual Zone Wine Refrigerators - 21 to 30 bottles
Analysis
$29.44 is average price per bottle
Danby (Product # DWC283BLS) is the cheapest
Avanti (Model WC331DZD) is the Best Buy
Avanti Wine Refrigerator (Model WC331DZD)
28 bottle capacity. Stores Up to 18 Bottles in the Lower Zone & up to 10 Bottles in the Top Zone
One Touch Digital Control for Red, White & Sparkling Wine
Electronic Display
Separate Door for Each Zone
Dual Temperature Controls
Temperature range 45 - 65°F
One Touch Dual Function Electronic Display for Monitoring Temperature (F/C)
Reversible Double-Pane Tempered Glass Doors with Brushed Chrome frame
Removable Serving Tray
Slide-Out Contoured Chrome Shelves
Soft Interior Lighting with ON/OFF Switch
Removable Bottom Basket for Additional Storage
Recessed Handles
Width: 18 3/4", Depth: 18 3/4", Height: 33 1/4"
1 good review
Price: $360 - 650
$12.86 per bottle
4.0 points
Danby Wine Refrigerator (Product # DWC283BLS)
30 bottle (3.5 cu. ft.) capacity
Dual temperature zones for red & white storage
10 bottles of red wine and 20 bottles of white wine
White wine temperature range 5 - 10°C (41 - 50°F)
Red Wine temperature range 10 - 18°C (50 - 64.4°F)
LED (Blue) Temperature Indicator with Easy to read display
Interior display lights (Blue)
4 full width and 2 half width wooden shelves
Tempered glass door with stainless steel trim
Frost free operation (Auto-cycle)
Reversible door hinge
Humidity Reservoir
Width: 19.81", Depth: 23.31", Height: 33.18"
6 good reviews, 11 bad - Noisy, condensation on glass door,
drips all over floor, freezes wine, runs hot, poorly designed door, stopped working after 2 years, breaks down every year,
poor customer service, narrow shelves, doesn't fit 30 bottles.
Price: $347 - 599, Wine Enthusiast $599
$11.57 per bottle
2.25 points
U-Line Wine Refrigerator (Model # 1115WC)
Wine bottle capacity up to 24 bottles (.75L).
Slide out wine racks allow for easy access to bottles.
Maple-trimmed wine racks can be stained to match surrounding decor.
Push button digital control, integrated in the lower bottle retainer, allows you to set the middle zone temperature and see the temperature in all three zones (Displays both Fahrenheit and Celsius).
Top: Approximately 55°F (13°C) red wines
Middle: Approximately 50°F (10°C) white wines
Bottom: Approximately 45°F (7°C) sparkling wines
Adjustable on/off interior light permits elegant bottle presentation when door is closed.
The light will automatically shut off after four hours.
Field Reversible Door (Excluding Stainless Models)
Automatic Defrost
Sabbath or "Black Out" Feature
Leveling Legs Included
Stable storage temperature, vibration safe environment and 50% internal relative humidity enable short or longer term storage.
Tinted, thermal-tempered glass door protects your wine collection from potentially harmful UV light rays.
Stainless steel models feature a commercial style stainless handle with stainless door and black cabinet
51 bottle capacity wine cellar (as per loading instructions)
All black interior emulates the traditional wine cellar
Stainless steel trimmed black wood shelves match the stainless steel exterior
Two distinct, independently controlled temperature zones for red and white wine storage
Precise digital thermostat with LED display allows the temperature to be accurately set and monitored through the door
White wine temperature range 5 - 10°C (41 - 50°F)
Red Wine temperature range 10 - 18°C (50 - 64.4°F)
Our frost free, fan forced cooling system combined with the digital thermostat provides a more consistent internal temperature than an automatic defrost system
Cool Blue - true LED track lighting system beautifully showcases the wine without the heat created by an incandescent bulb
Tinted tempered glass door helps protect wine from harmful UV rays
Semi-flush discreet cupped door handle doesn't snag clothing
Integrated door lock - helps protect the contents from children
Reversible door swing allows for left or right hand opening
Built-in design
Height: 34 3/8", Width: 23 7/8", Depth: 23 3/4"
Price: $810 - 999
$15.88 per bottle
4.25 points
Danby Wine Refrigerator (Product # DWC513BLS)
51 bottle (5.0 cu. ft.) capacity
Dual temperature zones for red & white storage
White wine temperature range 5 - 10°C (41 - 50°F)
Red Wine temperature range 10 - 18°C (50 - 64.4°F)
LED (Blue) Temperature Indicator with Easy to read display
Interior display lights (Blue)
Integrated application
5 full width wooden shelves
Tempered glass door
Black with Stainless Steel Door Trim
2 Humidity reservoirs
Frost free operation (Auto Cycle)
Reversible door hinge
Width: 23.81", Depth: 23.625", Height: 34.25"
2 good, 1 bad - very noisy, runs continuously, poor customer service
Price: $774 - 1250, Wine Enthusiast $849
$15.18 per bottle
4 points
Danby Wine Refrigerator (Product # DWC2121BLS)
Maximum capacity 54 bottles
Designed for a built-in application
The new twin door design offers two independently controlled environments to store and age your favorite red & white wines
Electronic thermostat with LED display allows the temperature to be accurately set and maintained.
Temperature range can be set between 4 - 18°C (39 - 64°F)
Elegant stainless steel framed doors are set against the softly lit black interior
Beech wood trimmed shelves extend three quarters of their length allowing for easy access to the wine
Tempered glass door is shatter resistant and helps protect the wine from harmful UV light
Integrated door locks protect both your wine and children
Generous 5.3 cu. ft. capacity suitable for 110 beverage cans in addition to 11 bottles of wine.
Boasts 3-frosted glass adjustable shelves, an all black interior and stainless steel door trim.
The tempered glass door is designed to minimize harmful UV light.
Danby's Cool Blue LED lighting system provides enhanced display lighting for the interior without the heat of traditional incandescent bulbs that can warm stored contents.
The interior front mount blue LED thermostat can be set between 40 - 64°F (4 - 18°C)
A discreet integrated door lock will keep the contents secure and the reversible door swing provides the option of a left or right hand opening.
A unique fan forced interior cooling system better maintains the desired set temperatures in comparison to conventional cycle defrost systems.
Height: 34 6/16", Width: 23 7/8", Depth: 23 3/4"
Price: $665 - 855
GE Beverage Cooler (Model# PCR06BATSS)
150 can capacity or 126 cans and 12 bottle flexibility
Adjustable Temperature Control
Full-extension wine racks with beechwood fronts
Slides in and out with ease, making loading and unloading effortless
Spillproof Glass Shelves
Help contain spills for ease of cleaning
Tinted glass door with stainless steel accents
Delivers a high-end and modern appearance that blends with existing appliances and decor
Interior display lighting — Illuminates the contents to make selection quick and easy.
