We independently and virtually review, test, research, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

The 8 Best Under-Counter Wine Coolers in 2023

Best Capacity
Newair Freestanding 33 Bottle
4.5/5
Best Value
Newair Freestanding 23 Bottle
4.5/5
Best Under 18-Inch
Summit SWC1840B
4/5

Looking for a way to store your wines at the proper temperature while making the best use of the limited space in your kitchen?

Today, we are going to focus specifically on the best wine fridges. Not only are we going to help you choose from the best under-counter wine coolers, but we’ve also got an entire guide on the top models our team tested and evaluated! Let’s dive in.

Our Top Under-Counter Wine Cooler Picks

Jump to Section

Our Top Picks for Under-Counter Wine Coolers in 2023

1. Newair Freestanding 33 Bottle Compressor Wine Fridge

Best Freestanding Wine Cooler for Capacity

Nothing truly beats the advantages of this spectacular NewAir Freestanding 33 Bottle Compressor Wine Fridge. Not only does it keep your wine tasting immaculate and delicious, but it also accentuates your living space thanks to its sleek and modern design. It comes in 16.9″D (w/handle) x 18.9″W x 33.5″H sizes.

Enjoy perfect wine with its brilliant compressor cooling and preserve its flavor for longer periods with the built-in fan that circulates air and controls temperature.

This fridge also protects your wine bottles from UV damage even if it is placed next to a window. This is because of its double-pane insulated glass that shields your beverages.

You can change temperature settings from the easy-touch digital display and check the labels with the soft built-in LED lighting.

The Newair Freestanding 33 Bottle Compressor Wine Fridge allows you to store up to 33 bottles and you can customize the space by removing the racks as you, please. So, while the Newair Freestanding 23 Bottle Compressor Wine Fridge stores only 23 bottles, both models use a compressor cooling system to maintain a consistent temperature range of 39-64°F, and they feature an adjustable thermostat, a double-paned glass door, and a removable shelf.

Pros
Cons

2. Newair Freestanding 23 Bottle Compressor Wine Fridge

Best Freestanding Wine Cooler for Value

NewAir never disappoints with its magnificent wine fridge build and compact design. This Newair Freestanding 23 Bottle Compressor Wine Fridge allows you to enjoy the perfect wine with excellent compressor cooling and is a mini version of the 33-bottle fridge. This comes in the sizes 16.93″D (w/handle) x 18.90″W x 25.20″H.

Like its bigger version, this one comes with a built-in fan for temperature regulation and air circulation. It can store up to 23 bottles of wine or other beverages. The double-pane glass also protects the bottle from UV damage and its ultra-compact design allows it to be placed virtually anywhere – from the corner of the room to the top of a side table for ease of access.

It also comes with a soft LED light to protect the aromas and flavors of your wine and the adjustable shelves can be removed for custom space.

How does this model compare to another one we tested? Well, the NutriChef PKCWC150 is a thermoelectric wine cooler that can hold up to 15 bottles of wine and has a smaller storage capacity than the Newair Freestanding 23 Bottle Compressor Wine Fridge, but it offers a more energy-efficient and quieter cooling system

Pros
Cons

3. NutriChef PKCWC150

Best Freestanding Ultra-Compact Wine Cooler for Under-Counter Installation

If you are looking for a compact, freestanding wine fridge that you can install successfully underneath your countertop, the NutriChef PKCWC150 is worth a look.

Just how compact is it? The dimensions are 13.6 in. wide x 35.4 in. high x 20 in. deep. Most quality wine cooler products measure 15 inches or wider, so this product is ideal for a very small kitchen.

With the right installation, you can get the unit flush against your cabinets so that it appears no different from a regular built-in wine cooler. That is true for some other units on this list as well, though some require extra space around them for venting.

This small wine cooler with its attractive glass door provides you with space for up to 15 bottles on its polished chrome racks.

You can adjust the temperature anywhere between 41 degrees Fahrenheit and 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

One more thing we like about this wine cooler is that it comes back with excellent customer support from NutriChef.

This company has a solid reputation for rapidly and amicably resolving customer disputes.

Compared to a slightly bigger model we tested, the BODEGA model uses a compressor cooling system to maintain a temperature range of 41-68°F, while the NutriChef model uses a thermoelectric cooling system with a temperature range of 41-64°F. Also, the BODEGA 15 Inch Wine Cooler features a digital touchscreen display, a safety lock, and an LED interior light, while the NutriChef PKCWC150 model features a reinforced glass door, a digital touch-button display, and an adjustable temperature control.

Pros
Cons

4. BODEGA 15 Inch Wine Cooler

Best Under-Counter 15-Inch Wine Cooler

 

Are you in search of slim built-in wine coolers? This product can be installed either under your counter or as a free-standing unit. It measures 15.3 x 23.1 x 34.3 and is cooled by a quiet compressor. You can set the temperature anywhere between 41 degrees Fahrenheit and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

There is a lot to love about this 31-bottle wine cooler. We appreciate its just-above-average capacity, its sleek appearance, and its many convenient features for ease of use.

One thing we do want to clarify about it is that the product is manufactured in China and is in no way associated with  Bodega Living, a brand known for premium wine fridges.

So far as we can tell, the manufacturer is a company called Foshan Shunde Qingzhou Electric Appliances Co, LTD.

Despite the potentially confusing marketing, the product is high in quality and well worth considering if you are in search of a narrow 31-bottle wine cooler.

For context, the Summit Appliance SWC1840B Commercial 18″ Wide Wine Cellar is a larger and more expensive model than the BODEGA 15 Inch Wine Cooler and it can hold up to 34 bottles of wine and features a compressor cooling system with a temperature range of 41-68°F.  The BODEGA wine cooler, on the other hand, has a more affordable price point, a digital touchscreen display, and a safety lock.

Pros
Cons

5. Summit Appliance SWC1840B Commercial 18" Wide Wine Cellar

Best Under-Counter 18-Inch Wine Cooler

 

We have noticed that quite a few people are looking for the best under-counter wine cooler measuring 18 inches. Alas, this is not a common measurement for wine coolers, so there are not a whole lot of options on the market.

But one quality product we did identify is the Summit Appliance SWC1840B Commercial 18″ Wide Wine Cooler. With its 17.75″ width, this small wine cooler has enough space to accommodate up to 34 bottles.

It has a single temperature zone. You can set the temperature anywhere between 41 degrees Fahrenheit and 64 degrees Fahrenheit.

So, it is ideal for the wine enthusiast who prefers mainly reds or whites, but not both.

While the Summit Appliance SWC1840B Commercial 18″ Wide Wine Cellar and the Newair Freestanding 33 Bottle Compressor Wine Fridge model offer similar temperature ranges and cooling systems, the Summit Appliance model is larger and more expensive with a more professional look.

Pros
Cons

6. Kalamera Beverage and Wine Cooler 24-Inch with Seamless Steel Door

Best 24-Inch Dual Zone Built-In Wine Cooler/Soda Cooler

 

Some customers might be looking for a dual-zone product that not only can store their wines, but also is suitable for beers, sodas, and other beverages.

One such product is the  Kalamera Beverage and Wine Cooler 24-Inch with Seamless Steel Door. Its exact dimensions are W23.4” x H33.9” x D22.4”.

In one zone, you can store 20 wine bottles, and on the other side, there is space for 60 cans. You can get the temperature for the wines down to 40-66 degrees Fahrenheit, while the section for the other beverages can cool down to 38-50 degrees Fahrenheit.

This dual wine and beverage cooler is quiet, attractive, and runs reliably.

Plus, if your area experiences regular power outages, you will appreciate its handy temperature memory function.

Pros
Cons

7. STAIGIS Wine Refrigerator 24 Inch Wine Cooler with Stainless Steel Frame Glass Front Door

Best 24-Inch Dual Zone Built-In Wine Cooler (Wine Only)

 

If you are looking for a dual zone 24-inch cooler for wine only, you may like the high-capacity STAIGIS Wine Refrigerator 24 Inch Wine Cooler with Stainless Steel Frame Glass Front Door because we sure did when we tested it out.

This product measures D22.4″ x W23.4″ x H33.1″, and offers space for 46 bottles of wine.

The top zone features two shelves for storing whites, with the temperature adjustable between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

The bottom zone gives you three shelves for red wines, and you can adjust the temperature between 50 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you prefer, there is also a version of this product that allows you to store 20 wine bottles and 60 cans of other beverages.

Pros
Cons

8. EdgeStar CWR5631FD 30-Inch 56 Bottle Built-In Dual Zone French Door Wine Cooler

Best 30-Inch Dual Zone Built-In Wine Cooler (Wine Only)

 

If you are looking for a 30-inch dual zone cooler, we suggest the EdgeStar CWR5631FD 30-Inch 56 Bottle Built-In Dual Zone French Door Wine Cooler.

You can set the temperature on either side between 40 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. So, you get to decide whether to put your reds on the left or the right and vice versa.

While designed to be installed under your cabinet or as a freestanding unit, it vents to the front, making for convenient, easy installation regardless.

Pros
Cons

Video: The Best Under-Counter Wine Fridges

Why Do You Need an Under-Counter Wine Cooler?

Previously, we introduced you to countertop wine fridges . Above, you can check out reviews for the best under-counter wine coolers on the market this year. But we realize you may still have some questions about shopping for an under-counter wine fridge. So, let’s talk a bit about why you might need this type of wine cooler.

Save Space

If you have a small kitchen, it makes sense to do what you can to conserve space. By getting a wine cooler that goes under your counter, you can conserve as much space as possible while still finding a spot to store your wine collection.

Organize Your Wine Collection

Under-counter wine fridges provide you with a way to organize all of your wine bottles, making it easy to locate your favorite red and white wines.

Preserve Your Wines

By keeping your wines chilled to optimal temperatures, you can preserve their flavors and aromas to the fullest extent.

Serve Wine at the Perfect Temperature

Just as there is an ideal temperature at which to preserve your wines, there is also an ideal temperature at which to serve them.

When you keep your wine collection in a fridge under your counter, each one will always be at just the right temperature to offer you the best experience.

UnderCounter Wine Fridge and Cooler

Top Considerations for Choosing an Under-Counter Wine Cooler

Let’s go over important factors to consider when choosing the best under-counter wine coolers that will fit your needs.

Compressor System vs. Thermoelectric System

Two different types of cooling systems are used in wine coolers. Some products use a thermoelectric system. Others (most) use a compressor system. What is the difference between the two?

  •  A thermoelectric system involves two different pieces of metal. Each one is made from a different substance. When they are joined to form a cooling device, heat is absorbed from one side, transfers through the device to the other, and then disperses through a heat sink.
  • A compressor, on the other hand, utilizes a system consisting of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. Your refrigerator uses the same type of system.

With a compressor cooling system, you can cool down the interior of a wine fridge more than you would be able to use a thermoelectric system.

That means that in warm climates, in particular, a compressor-based cooler would serve your needs better.

Additionally, compressor systems are more energy-efficient than thermoelectric systems and thus are also more cost-effective.

This may leave you wondering whether thermoelectric systems have any benefits at all. One advantage they possess over compressor systems is that they do operate with very little noise. Not only that, but they are essentially free of vibrations, unlike compressor systems.

Plus, from an environmental standpoint, thermoelectric cooling is superior. Emissions are nonexistent, and there are no harmful refrigerants to deal with when it comes time to recycle.

Most of the units we see these days feature compressor technology, but you can find a few options with thermoelectric cooling. Ultimately, you will need to assess the pros and cons and decide which one better fits your priorities.

Built-In vs. Freestanding

Another consideration is whether you want a freestanding or “built-in” wine cooler. If you want to install your under-counter unit directly into your cabinetry with no open space around the cooler, then it is a “built-in” model. The vent is in front.

Indeed, the term “under-counter” tends to be synonymous with “built-in” for wine coolers.

Freestanding units, on the other hand, are designed to go wherever you want to put them. They could go next to your counter, on top of your counter, or even across the room. Such a unit vents to the back.

But that means that technically if you desire, you can even put a freestanding wine cooler underneath your counter. For example, you might do this if your counter includes a bar with extra space underneath it.

In fact, quite a few units are marketed as free-standing or built-in wine coolers, depending on your choice of installation. There is no firm division between the two categories.

Single-Zone vs. Dual-Zone

Something else you will notice as you are shopping for the best under-counter wine coolers is that some coolers include a single cooling zone, while others include two cooling zones.

Not everybody is clear on the purpose of the dual zones. It is not so that you can store your red and white wines separately at optimal temperatures for the purposes of preservation. In actuality, you only need a single zone for that with the temperature between 53-57 degrees Fahrenheit.

But wine connoisseurs do like to serve their favorite wines at different temperatures. 45-52 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for whites whereas 58-65 degrees Fahrenheit is the best temperature range for reds.

So, if you want to be able to enjoy your growing wine collection at the most suitable temperatures, it pays off to have one temperature zone for your whites and a separate one for your reds.

There are a number of additional considerations with respect to dual temperature zones. These include:

  • The bottle capacity of each of the dual temperature zones. Is one side bigger than the other? Which is it?
  • The temperature range for each of the zones. Is one side intended for reds and the other for whites? Or is there a wide enough range with each side that you can choose which is which, setting the optimum temperature for reds or whites as you prefer?
  • The placement of the zones. Is there a zone on the left and one on the right? Or is there an upper zone along with a lower zone?
  • Are the two sides intended for red white and white wine respectively? Or is one side equipped with wine racks while the other is intended for the storage of other beverages?
  • How many wooden shelves are in both zones? Are they removable?

Indeed, you will discover that while many wine refrigerators are solely for wine storage, quite a few are targeted toward wine collectors who also want to keep other beverages chilled.

With these products, the temperature zone for wines is on one side, while the temperature zone on the other is intended for beers, sodas, and other drinks you might want to keep colder.

Dimensions and Storage Capacity

The next consideration is the size of the wine fridge you are thinking of purchasing. You need to consider the exterior dimensions as well as the interior dimensions of the best under-counter wine coolers.

The exterior dimensions determine whether the unit will fit underneath your cabinet. Clearly, if it will not, it is not the right cooler for your needs.

How many bottles do you want to be able to store? The interior dimensions will determine how much wine storage is available to you.

If you have some flexibility in terms of the space available under your counter, consider going with a unit that includes a little more room than you think you might use.

Novice wine collectors are sometimes surprised by how many bottles they end up wanting to store at one time. If you err on the size of the larger storage capacity, you will probably end up being grateful later down the road that you can fit more bottles inside.

Decibels

If the volume level of a wine cooler is important to you, make sure that you are purchasing a unit that operates quietly, if not silently.

The kitchen tends to be a noisy environment when you are at work. But if you also eat supper in there, you might want it to be quiet when you are sitting down for a meal with a glass of your favorite wine.

Air Vent Positioning

As we discussed earlier, freestanding wine coolers tend to feature back venting. Built-in coolers, on the other hand, vent heat to the front.

You will need to decide based on the configuration of your kitchen and the exact spot where you want to install the unit which type of wine cooler is more appropriate. If the unit cannot vent properly, it will overheat.

Convenience Features

Finally, while you are shopping for a wine cooler, you will notice that there are a variety of other features for convenience that some units may include.

For example, if you have children, you might want to invest in a wine cooler that includes child safety locks.

Wine fridges may also come with an internal blue LED light that makes it easy to see at a glance inside.

Another example of useful feature would be shelves you can remove or reconfigure as needed. Many customers appreciate wooden shelves as they are sturdy and stylish.

One more helpful feature in areas with frequent outages is a temperature memory function.

Product Compressor System Built-In vs. Freestanding Single-Zone vs. Dual-Zone Dimensions and Storage Capacity Decibels Air Vent Positioning Convenience Features
Newair Freestanding 33 Bottle Compressor Wine Fridge 4/5 Freestanding Single-Zone 4/5 3/5 4/5 4/5
Newair Freestanding 23 Bottle Compressor Wine Fridge 4/5 Freestanding Single-Zone 3/5 3/5 3/5 3/5
NutriChef PKCWC150 3/5 Built-In Dual-Zone 3/5 4/5 3/5 2/5
BODEGA 15 Inch Wine Cooler 4/5 Built-In Single-Zone 3/5 4/5 4/5 2/5
Summit Appliance SWC1840B Commercial 18″ Wide Wine Cellar 4/5 Built-In Single-Zone 3/5 3/5 3/5 2/5
Kalamera Beverage and Wine Cooler 24-Inch with Seamless Steel Door 5/5 Built-In Dual-Zone 4/5 3/5 4/5 4/5
STAIGIS Wine Refrigerator 24 Inch Wine Cooler with Stainless Steel Frame Glass Front Door 5/5 Built-In Dual-Zone 3/5 4/5 4/5 4/5
EdgeStar CWR5631FD 30-Inch 56 Bottle Built-In Dual Zone French Door Wine Cooler 5/5 Built-In Dual-Zone 5/5 3/5 4/5 5/5

 

Frequently Asked Questions

There are a number of brands worth considering for your under-counter wine cooler, including NutriChef, Kalamera, STAIGIS, and others.

Of the brands we have recommended in this list, the one that has impressed us the most after we tried it out with respect to customer service is NutriChef.

So, if you are specifically wondering about which brand stands behind its products most, that is the one we would suggest.

Do you want to preserve your wines at a steady temperature? Do you want to store them in a way that saves space and is energy-efficient?

If you answered yes to those questions, then yes, a wine fridge is worth the investment.

Whether or not you will benefit from a dual-zone wine cooler depends on the types of wines you enjoy and how important ideal serving temperatures are to you.

If almost all the wines you drink are either reds or whites, you are not really going to benefit much from having more than one temperature zone.

But if you are looking to store a collection of red and white wines and you want to be able to serve each of them at the best possible temperature for full enjoyment, a dual-zone wine cooler is right for you.

There is no way to offer a one-size-fits-all answer to this question because it all depends on how much space is available in your kitchen and what exact features you are looking for.

That being said, our vote would probably go to the STAIGIS 24 Inch Wine Cooler with Stainless Steel Frame Glass Front Door. We love its modern look, its high bottle capacity, its removable shelves, its blue interior LED lighting, and its other great features.

As with products that feature two cooling zones, the product that is best in this category is the one that offers the bottle capacity, dimensions, and features that you want.

But if we had to pick just one single-zone wine cooler to recommend, the single-zone product of our choice would be the NutriChef PKCWC150.

Why this one? Despite its small size and low bottle capacity, this single-zone product impresses us with its beautiful design, ease of use, consistent temperature, and attractive LED lights.

So, if one temperature zone and a 15-bottle capacity are all you need, think about giving it a try.

Yes, it is possible to use a cooler that was designed with the countertop in mind under your counter instead. You just need to install it.

The bottle capacity for this type of cooler usually ranges somewhere between 15 and 60. That should provide you with plenty of space for white, red, and sparkling wines.

Can you find larger coolers out there in which you can store more bottles on removable shelves? Yes, but above the capacity range we just listed, it will be hard to find units that are designed to fit under your counter. They tend to feature vertical builds and are just too tall for any kitchen counter. Of course, you could always just install a pair of smaller coolers.

Beautiful kitchen with under counter wine refrigerator

Enjoy the Perfect Glass of Wine With the Right Under-Counter Wine Cooler

You have had a chance to check out a full list of tried, tested, and recommended under-counter wine coolers now.

Additionally, you have learned what features are important to look for when evaluating the best under-counter wine coolers.

Think about the storage capacity you need, the space you have available to install the fridge under your counter, whether you need dual zones or not, and what features for convenience are essential to you.

If you are ready to pick out the ideal under-counter wine fridge for your home now, click on any of the links in this article.

Undoubtedly, they are the best built in wine fridge available in the market.

Recapping Best Under Counter Wine Fridge Picks

 

Why Trust Kitchen Infinity?

Our writers and reviewers thoroughly research every aspect of kitchen appliances or home improvement products so you can make a well-informed decision when investing in these products. We evaluate top quality products from several brands within budget friendly price ranges and contrast consumer reviews, surveys, satisfaction forms, brand performance, and annual appliance rankings. We go to great lengths to ensure that your next buy is worth every penny!

Dino Paccino

Dino Paccino

Dino is a lifelong writer and home improvement specialist. He enjoys bringing cutting-edge information on home renovation and remodeling to Kitchen Infinity.

Download Free Chart Now!

Your email will be used only to confirm your request and to provide free kitchen information. By submitting your info on this form, you are agreeing to be contacted regarding your service request by means of email. This is no obligation form and doesn’t require you to purchase any service.

norton_black
comodo_black