Wine Refrigerator Buying Guide

Despite their small size (the models we tested were all 34 inches tall or shorter, 21 inches wide or narrower, and ranged in capacity from 8 to 36 standard bottles), some wine fridges cost about as much as a full-sized refrigerator. Most were at least good at maintaining uniform temperatures, which is essential for keeping your favorite tipples in tip-top condition.

More companies are producing two-zone wine fridges, which offer greater flexibility in storing sparkling, white, rosé, and red wines at different temperatures. (Single-compartment models may count on colder air settling to the bottom of the unit to provide various temperature zones.)

“You wouldn’t buy an antique car and leave it out in the driveway,” says Gary Vaynerchuk of the Wine Library, one of the biggest online wine retailers in the U.S. “People are investing more and more money in wine, and having the ability to store that wine properly is massively important.”

We test wine fridges similarly to how we test full-sized refrigerators. We fill them with as many 700-ml. bottles of water as they can hold, and then wire them up with temperature sensors throughout their storage cavities. We then monitor them in one of our temperature-controlled test chambers, changing each fridge’s temperature settings and the ambient temperature inside the test chambers to evaluate their temperature performance.

During this test, our test engineers evaluate the temperature uniformity (or lack thereof) inside the wine fridges, their ability to reach and maintain different set temperatures, and their ability to compensate for changes in room temperature, from 55º F all the way up to 110º F.

We also measure their energy consumption to determine how energy-efficient they are, and their noise output using a sound-pressure meter. All of this data is consolidated into one Overall Score for each model that’s shown in our wine refrigerator ratings.

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind as you shop for a new wine refrigerator.

Uniformity of temperature is a wine-storing essential; wine can degrade when stored in a spot with wide temperature swings. Most of the models we tested were good at maintaining uniform temperatures.

Ideal storage temperatures depend on the density of wine. Sparkling wines, whites, and reds are best stored from 45º F to 60º F. Single-compartment cellars let cool air sink within the container to create different zones, but more manufacturers are opting for separate compartments within the units, which allow you to store your wine at different temperatures. For most of the wine fridges CR tested, the coldest setting was in the 39º to 41º range, and the highest was in the 64º to 65º range. (Compare that to the FDA-recommended temperature of 40º F or lower for a refrigerator that holds food.)

Look for coated-wire and wooden racks, slide-out racks to access bottles more easily, and those that you can adjust to fit larger bottles. Avoid shelves that slide out too easily, as well as those without a stop to retain the shelf so bottles don’t fall out on the floor.

A noisy wine refrigerator can be a concern if it will be placed near living areas. Some claim that vibration caused by noise can cause the wine to deteriorate, but wine molecules—like all molecules—are constantly in motion. Every molecule is moving much faster than any motion imparted by vibration from a fridge or cellar. (In previous tests, the level of vibration was almost too low for our tests to measure, but we did find that louder models showed greater vibration.)

Wine refrigerators aren’t particularly efficient and aren’t part of the federal government’s Energy Star program. While the temperature settings that you choose will increase or decrease your energy use, some models in our tests used more than double the energy of others, or about as much energy as an 18-cubic-foot refrigerator.

Many models offer digital temperature controls that you can access without opening the door, which helps keep temperatures more consistent. Preset settings for red wine and white wine can also cut out some guesswork.

Some models have water bins to maintain a high-enough humidity level so that corks and labels don’t dry out.

Some wine fridges have integrated locks to prevent visitors from pilfering your prize vintages.

Some models use tinted glass to protect wine from exposure to ultraviolet light, which can cause the wine and wine labels to deteriorate.

These shelves can be used to display your prized bottles, or to store partly full ones.

Some wine refrigerators have wooden shelf edges that you can stain to match your cabinets; others can accept a custom-cabinet frame. Some models allow you to insert strips of molding that match your cabinetry around the glass door.

If you don’t have a cool area with stable temperatures, a wine fridge is a great option for wines of any type, including reds.

Typically, no. But some can get close.

It’s a bit confusing, but the term “wine cooler” can refer to either a wine refrigerator or a wine-based mixed drink. Another common name for a wine refrigerator is a wine chiller. All three of these terms can be used interchangeably.

As long as you want, or at least until it’s “wine o’clock” somewhere.

Makers of wine fridges include manufacturers of full-sized refrigerators such as Frigidaire, Sub-Zero, Viking, and Whirlpool, which offer wine fridges with styling that match their kitchen appliance suites. Consumer Reports currently tests models from Cuisinart, Kalamera, Koolatron, NewAir, and Wine Enthusiast, among others.