An under counter wine cooler is a great idea for wine collectors with smaller kitchens. These relatively compact wine fridges can be tucked away neatly underneath your kitchen counters, much in the same way as other everyday appliances. You will find a wide variety of under the counter wine coolers on the market, ranging from compact solutions with limited storage capacity to more substantial dual zone models. Need a little help making an informed decision? Read on for our go-go guide on what to look out for when selecting an under counter wine cooler. To learn more about different types of fridge, see our guide here.
Capacity
Under counter wine coolers can be fairly limited when it comes to storage capacity. Although they offer more capacity than the most compact models on the market, they are less generously proportioned than free-standing models and some built-in options. You should have no trouble finding an under counter fridge that will comfortably store several dozen bottles of wine. If this seems too restrictive for you, make sure you opt for a model that includes removable shelving as a standard feature. This will allow you more freedom when it comes to how many bottles you can store overall and will allow you to keep larger bottles chilled.
Operational Noise & Vibration
If you opt for an under counter wine cooler, you need to bear in mind that the appliance will be in close proximity to other surfaces. Choose a model that has a low operational noise of around 40 decibels or lower. You should also make sure the model you are interested in produces little or no vibration. Any vibration produced by an under counter cooler will be magnified if any part of the fridge is in contact with kitchen surfaces or cabinetry.
Thermostat Controls
This is a crucial part of any wine fridge. To make life as easy as possible, select a cooler that includes soft-touch controls for fuss-free temperature adjustments. A clear LCD display will also ensure you have constant access to temperature readings. A memory function in the event of power failure will also prove useful. Pick a fridge that has controls on the outside of the housing itself as this will save having to open the door and disturb the internal temperature each time you wish to make an adjustment.
LED Lighting
Any decent wine fridge should incorporate LED lighting as a standard feature. Unlike incandescent bulbs and other forms of lighting, LEDs provide you with an easy way to illuminate your wine fridge contents, without excess levels of heat that might cause damage to your wine store.
To learn more about different types of wine fridges, check out our guide here.
Product Reviews
Interested in building a wine collection? Read on for our pick of some of the best under counter wine cooler models you can currently find available on the market.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B07ZQLZQ2B” locale=”US” tag=”12×75-20″]15 Bottle Wine Cooler Refrigerator – White & Red Wine Fridge Chiller Countertop Wine Cooler[/easyazon_link]
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This compact wine cooler from NutriChef is an ideal choice of fridge for smaller kitchens. This wine cooler is relatively limited when it comes to storage capacity, with enough space for up to 15 bottles of standard size. Inside, this wine cooler features four individual wine racks and one bottom standing rack to securely hold your bottles in place. This compact cooler also allows you to keep your wines at a desirable temperature all times. This fridge offers a temperature range of 41 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit, which is more than sufficient to store a variety of red and white wines.
Digital soft-touch controls allow you to make quick adjustments to temperature. This is particularly useful considering this fridge only offers a single cooling zone, letting you bring down the temperature prior to serving chilled whites and sparkling wines. The digital controls are located on the outside of the fridge itself, meaning you do not have to open the door in order to access them. This is effective at maintaining optimal temperatures and also makes this cooler a particularly energy-efficient choice. A child safety lock is also included as standard, kicking in after 20 seconds of inactivity. This keeps your wine collection locked away from little ones. Although compact in design, this fridge offers ample space for a smaller wine collection, with user-friendly operation and plenty of practical features. It is also a versatile choice. You can tuck this away neatly under the counter or place it atop a surface with ease.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B07PH477F8″ locale=”US” tag=”12×75-20″]NewAir NBC126SS02 Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler[/easyazon_link]
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This stylish wine cooler from NewAir will instantly impress with its attractive design and first-rate features. This wine fridge boasts a Set-and-Forget thermostat, with no less than seven custom settings. The powerful compressor cooling system is perfect for ensuring your wine is kept at optimal temperatures at all times, while also allowing you to chill down to 37 degrees Fahrenheit. This lower range is particularly impressive when you compare it against other options on the market. The wide variety of custom thermostat settings also provide you with plenty of choice for when it comes to chilling all manner of red and white wines, beers, sodas and more.
This fridge has been designed with can storage in mind, but the adjustable shelves make it a flexible choice, allowing you to store a good selection of wine bottles. The compact size of this cooler also makes it a versatile choice for any kitchen or interior space. It will slot neatly under any counter, while it can also be placed atop a surface should you wish to rearrange your kitchen. The quiet compressor also makes it an ideal option for those looking to store wines in a study or dining room, operating at just 35 decibels. An integrated LED light allows you to show off your collection in style, while also letting you glance at contents in the dark.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B07ZQHCPNX” locale=”US” tag=”12×75-20″]12 Bottle Wine Cooler Refrigerator – White Red Wine Fridge Chiller Countertop Wine Cooler[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”500″ identifier=”B07ZQHCPNX” locale=”US” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31MpKbDmMjL.jpg” tag=”12×75-20″ width=”500″]
This compact wine cooler from NutriChef will definitely appeal to those with smaller kitchens., offering ample storage for up to 12 bottles of your favourite reds and whites. Despite its small stature, this wine cooler offers plenty of premium features. A reinforced glass door and secure seal creates an airtight environment for your stored wines. It is incredibly simple to keep your wines stored at a desirable temperature. This fridge offers a temperature range of between 41 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit, with set temperatures remaining stable over long periods. Even though this offers limited storage capacity, it is a good option for short-term and long-term wine storage alike.
This fridge is also a very energy-efficient choice. Ultra quiet operation is assured thanks to the advanced cooling system, ensuring your wine remains at desirable temperatures, without you having to worry about noise disturbance. The compact design of this fridge means it will easily fit under just about any kitchen counter, even in smaller kitchens. It can also be placed on top of a counter if you choose to rearrange your kitchen interior.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B07W46VYMV” locale=”US” tag=”12×75-20″]Karcassin 15 inch Wine Cooler Refrigerator – Compressor Wine Bottle Cooler[/easyazon_link]
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This premium wine cooler from Karcassin is the way to go if you are after first-rate design and stylish aesthetics. This wine fridge offers space to store up to 32 bottles of your choice. Inside you will find a selection of wooden wine racks that slide smoothly, allowing for easy storing and retrieval of your preferred bottles. They can also be removed with ease, allowing you to reorganise the interior of your fridge should you wish to store larger bottles and drinking vessels. An advanced circulation system means this fridge will run quietly, without the usual compressor noise you might experience with other cooler models. The forced air circulation also provides sufficient cooling throughout the entire fridge, meaning all your bottles will be kept chilled at a suitable temperature.
Digital controls make temperature adjustments and other setting changes hassle-free. The LCD temperature display is easy to read and highly visible, while the touch controls are incredibly responsive. A smart memory function also comes as standard, which is particularly important should your fridge suffer a power failure unexpectedly. A safety lock is also included, preventing your fridge from being opened too frequently. This is essential for preserving internal temperature conditions, while also ensuring little ones can not gain access to the alcoholic contents.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B08B4RYF7W” locale=”US” tag=”12×75-20″]Phiestina 15 Inch Dual Zone Wine Cooler Refrigerator – 29 Bottle Built-in or Free-standing Frost Free Compressor[/easyazon_link]
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This stylish wine fridge from Phiestina makes a fine addition to any contemporary kitchen. Advanced compressor cooling and a reliable air circulation system are on hand to ensure your fridge runs as efficiency as possible. Thanks to the reliable performance of this wine cooler, you never need to worry about your stored wine. The superior compressor also means the fridge will not disturb you with excess operational noise. This fridge also boasts a very impressive capacity. You have enough room to store up to 29 bottles of your choice here. The dual zone design also makes it an ideal option for those looking to store and mature a more varied wine collection.
The upper zone offers a temperature range of between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, providing ideal conditions for white wine. The lower zone offers a temperature range of between 50 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for maintaining a collection of red wines. Sliding storage racks make this a very user-friendly model, allowing you to retrieve and store wines with ease. The compact design ensures it will fit neatly under any kitchen counter, while the reversible door hinge provides you with the option of left-hand or right-hand opening. The front vent also means this fridge is a good option for very small kitchens, allowing optimal airflow, even when fitted flush.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B089R88LPY” locale=”US” tag=”12×75-20″]Staigis Wine Refrigerator – 15 Inch Wine Cooler with Stainless steel Frame Glass Front Door[/easyazon_link]
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This Staigis wine fridge scores top marks for aesthetics and functionality. It is also a very spacious option, with plenty of storage capacity for up to 30 individual bottles of your favourite wines. If you are looking to build a sizeable collection of reds and whites, this Staigis cooler will definitely appeal. Digital temperature control allows you to easily set, view and maintain your desired temperate levels. This fridge offers a single cooling zone, with a 40 to 66 degree Fahrenheit temperature range. This temperature range is broad enough that you can store a variety of wines at optimal conditions.
Advanced compressors are on hand to ensure quick cooling performance, while also ensuring this fridge is a very energy-efficient choice. The quality compressor also ensures minimal vibration to ensure essential wine sediments are preserved. Low operational noise is also assured, making this a discreet addition to any kitchen. The concealed handle design is particularly attractive, making this fridge a low-profile option that will look right at home in any contemporary kitchen.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B07RXPJMXL” locale=”US” tag=”12×75-20″]Aobosi 15 Inch Wine Cooler, 28 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Refrigerator with Stainless Steel Tempered Glass Door[/easyazon_link]
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This contemporary wine cooler from Aobosi is definitely the way to go if you are seeking first-rate functionality. The dual cooling zone technology makes this an easy choice for those with larger wine collections with more variety. With space for up to 28 individual wine bottles, the two cooling zones allow you to store a selection of reds and whites of all varieties at optima temperatures. An advanced circulation system is on hand to keep temperatures consistent at all times, with a very slight margin of error of just a single degree. As such, this 28-bottle cooler is an obvious choice for those looking for stable environments for storing wine. The reliable lock screen will also prevent unwanted changes to your selected settings.
The stainless steel finish makes this a very attractive model and a fine addition to any modern kitchen. Inside, there are several wooden wine racks that can be slid in and out with ease. They can also be readily removed should you wish to reorganise the interior of your fridge to house larger bottle sizes. If you are looking for a high-quality build, consistent temperature performance and user-friendly operation, this dual zone cooler is definitely worth considering.