If you know wine, then you know it needs to be just right. You appreciate that there are a number of factors, many of which you can control, that can guarantee the perfect glass every time. This means you understand that a dedicated wine cooler is the only way to achieve this perfection.
The foremost reason for investing in a cooler is, clearly, to make certain that your drink is served at the ideal temperature, as the true taste of a wine can only be attained at exact temperatures. For any vino connoisseur, a standard refrigerator does not offer precise enough conditions to guarantee a correct and continuous temperature. Excesses of both cold and heat can ruin a wine’s taste profile through premature ageing or by deadening the palate and aroma.
In addition, if you regularly host, a dedicated wine fridge not only frees up space in your main food refrigerator, but also ensures that you have good supply of perfectly chilled wines, or any other bottled beverage that you choose to store.
To help you find the fridge that’s right for your needs, we’ve found the best wine coolers available. All of the selected units are freestanding and require no installation.
Wine Coolers
1 of 7Russell Hobbs RH8WC1 8 Bottle Digital Wine Mini Fridge
No bigger than a microwave, Russel Hobbs' RH8WC1 is a great little unit which will store eight bottles of wine over two shelves. There's an internal light to allow you to make your wine selection before opening the door and compromising the cooler's exacting conditions. This simple and highly functional unit from a renowned and reputable brand will be at home in any kitchen. Energy class: A++Temperature range: 8°C to 18°C
2 of 7Cookology CW8BK 8 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
The CW8BK holds eight bottles over four chrome shelves, which is an ideal size for those hosting a dinner party or the connoisseur with a small collection of wine. The units small size allows it to sit on a worktop surface in your typical kitchen. The front panel is finished in an attractive, modern metal with touch controls for both the temperature and internal light. Cookology's product is extraordinarily quiet thanks to the thermoelectric unit. Energy class: BTemperature range: 8°C to 18°C
3 of 7Inventor Mini Vino Wine Cooler Fridge, 43L
This compact is a fantastic little cooler for those looking for a compact solution. There is a five-bottle rack and a small open space to store small bottle mixers. Inventor has fitted this unit with low noise technology, and UV glass to protect the contents from solar radiation, helping maintain temperature and your wine's taste quality. A really useful feature for those with limited space is the reversible door, which can hinge from the left or right to suit your kitchen. Energy class: A+Temperature range: 2ºC to 21ºC (manual thermostat)
4 of 7Cookology Dual Zone TWC18BK 18 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
Cookology understand that wines differ in their needs. There are two zones in the TWC18BK, each with its own thermostat, allowing you to store your bottles at two temperatures. The top compartment can hold eight bottles and features a window with LED light. The bottom windowless compartment can hold 10 bottles across four racks. The stainless finish, touch controls and slimline design makes this a very attractive product.Energy class: BTemperature range: 12°C and 18°C (top), 8°C and 18°C (bottom)
5 of 7Husky HUS-HN6 12 Bottle Slim Line Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
The experts at Husky have outdone themselves with the HUS-HN6. The unit's thoughtful design can store 12 bottles over eight racks, three of which are half racks. This is to allow standing space for four bottles, which is ideal for open bottle storage. The curved door is an elegant design, which does offer a slight depth advantage internally, and the mirrored glass finish offers a refined aesthetic. The unit is controlled by touch controls.Energy class: ATemperature range: 8°C - 18°C
6 of 7Cookology 15cm Wine Cooler, 7 Bottle Undercounter Freestanding Cabinet Fridge
For those looking for a simple and unobtrusive wine cooler, Cookology's undercounter unit is an ideal solution. There has been some compromise to achieve this low-profile, as the cooler can store only seven bottles, stacked on singular chrome racks. Despite using a compressor to offer a greater temperature range, the unit is very quiet and vibration free. The touchscreen thermostat and light are controlled internally, leaving a crisp uninterrupted appearance on the unit's front. The door can be reversed to hinge on the left or right depending on your kitchen's layout. Available in black or steel. Energy class: ATemperature range: 5°C - 20°C
£199.99
7 of 7SubCold Viva28 Under-Counter 28 Bottle Wine Fridge
If you have a significant supply of wines and bottled beverages, or you regularly host parties, then the SubCold Viva28 might be for you. 20 bottles can be stored over five chrome shelves, with a compact open space and flat chromed shelf offering up space for either eight further bottles, or small mixers, fruit slices and refrigerated snacks. In addition to a large window, the door is home to the digital thermostat controls and security lock. Energy class: BTemperature range: 3°C - 18°C
Thermoelectric vs. Compression
A thermoelectric generator is a device which converts heat fluctuations into energy. They have no moving parts, making them very quiet. However, they’re not as powerful as compression units which results in smaller and warmer temperature ranges.
A compression unit reduces the volume of gas to increase its pressure. This function uses the laws of thermodynamics to turn gases into liquids, therefore cooling a refrigerators internal space. These units have moving parts, are audible (often as a hum) and can vibrate when working. However, the units can achieve lower temperatures than a thermoelectric generator.
Wine coolers are typically powered (or cooled) by one of two means, a thermoelectric generator or compressor. Which you choose will depend on your preference and situation.