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You don’t have to be a certified sommelier with a James Beard award to feel like you deserve a great under counter wine fridge. Even if you’re a budding wine enthusiast, a great wine fridge is worth the investment because wine at any level will taste better served at its optimal temperature.
“I think for serious wine drinkers where quality matters, a wine cooler is a great investment,” Meggan says. “No matter what the cost of the wine is that you buy, the best thing you can do is store it correctly. That way, when it comes time to enjoy it, you won’t have any loss in quality.”
To help you choose this investment, I worked with Meggan to learn about the unique benefits and features that are her must-haves in an under counter wine fridge, including built-in wine fridges. I then researched highly recommended models and read hundreds of online reviews to find the best options out there that won’t blow the bank but still offer great performance, capacity, and overall value.
If you’ve been thinking about adding one of the best under counter wine fridges to your home or wine cellars, check out our picks below.
Table of Contents
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall: NewAir Built-in 46 Bottle Dual Zone Compressor – $749.99 at Home Depot
- Best Built-In Wine Fridge: Insignia 61-Bottle Built-In Wine Cooler – $499.99 at Best Buy
- Best Dual Zone Wine Fridge: Kalamera 46-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler Refrigerator – $699.99 at Amazon
- Best 24-Inch Wine Cooler: Velieta 24-Inch Wine and Beverage Refrigerator – $620.99 at Home Depot
- Best 15-Bottle Wine Cooler: NutriChef 15-Bottle Wine Chilling Refrigerator – $273.99 at Amazon
Reviews of The Best Under Counter Wine Fridges
1. Best Overall: NewAir Built-in 46 Bottle Dual Zone Compressor
We believe the best under counter wine fridge for the price is this model by NewAir by far. It doesn’t get much better than its dual-zone technology that can keep 46 bottles of red and white wines at their ideal temperatures. Just place your reds on one side, place your whites on the other, and use the digital controls to set each side to its optimal temperature. The stainless steel finish and triple-tempered doors with beech wood shelves will add sophistication to your space.
It’s also pretty that it could stand alone if you don’t have a counter spot for it to go under! We also like that it has an extremely quiet compressor, and it locks to keep any wine thieves out.
The Specs:
- Form: Built-in
- Temperature Zone: Dual Zone
- Bottle Capacity: 46
- Dimensions : 23.43” W x 3” H
- Temperature Range: 40-66 degrees F
The Pros:
- Attractive
- Dual temperature zone
- Triple-tempered doors
The Cons:
- Expensive
- Narrow shelves make it hard to see wine labels
What Others are Saying:
The NewAir Built-in 46 Bottle Dual Zone Compressor was named best overall by Better Homes & Gardens in their roundup of wine fridges.
Buy the NewAir Built-in 46 Bottle Dual Zone Compressor:
2. Best Built-In Wine Fridge: Insignia 61-Bottle Built-In Wine Cooler
This built-in wine cooler is single-zone temperature that’s controlled via a touchscreen display and can store up to 61 bottles at once. The interior lighting makes it easy to read the labels and each of the six wooden shelves removes easily, so you can take one out to make room for bulkier Champagne or rosé bottles. One of the most unique features is the reversible door that allows you to choose if you open it from the left or right.
There are also adjustable legs, which can come in really handy when trying to fit the wine fridge into tight spaces.
The Specs:
- Form: Built-in
- Temperature Zone: Single Zone
- Bottle Capacity: 61
- Dimensions: 23.8” W x 34” H
- Temperature Range: 41-64 degrees F
The Pros:
- Reversible door
- High capacity
- Modern look
The Cons:
- The door must be closed tightly
What Others are Saying:
The Insignia 61-Bottle Built-In Wine Cooler is a best seller at Best Buy with an average rating of 4.3.
Buy the Insignia 61-Bottle Built-In Wine Cooler:
3. Best Dual Zone Wine Fridge: Kalamera 46-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler Refrigerator
If you’re going to spend $800 on a wine fridge, this dual-zone model has incredible value because you aren’t limited to storing everything at one temperature. The upper zone is great for chilling white wines at 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit and you can tuck reds into the lower zone to store them at a warmer 50-60 degrees.
You’ll be happy for a long time with the modern digital touchpad, beautifully tinted and tempered glass, and the subdued LED lighting that makes it easy to read the labels but won’t be an eyesore.
The Specs:
- Form: Freestanding
- Temperature Zone: Dual zone
- Bottle Capacity: 46
- Dimensions: 23.4” x 33.9” H
- Temperature Range: 40-50 degrees F upper zone; 50-66 degrees F lower zone
The Pros:
- Temperature set memory with auto restore
- Safety lock
- Pretty LED lights
- Relatively compact
The Cons:
- Champagne and rosé bottles only fit on the bottom
- Bulky shelves
What Others are Saying:
The Kalamera 46-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler Refrigerator was named best under counter wine fridge by Food & Wine and the best dual zone by Better Homes & Gardens. It has a 4.3 rating on Amazon with more than 700 reviews.
Buy the Kalamera 46-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler Refrigerator:
4. Best 24-Inch: Velieta 24-Inch Wine and Beverage Refrigerator
The Velieta 24-inch Wine and Beverage Refrigerator is a home run because it has a vibration absorption system that reduces the impact of any tremors or noises that could accelerate the wine’s aging process. This could help prevent any negative impact on its taste and its constant temperature control. It’s just as sleek as well, and it’s small enough to slip under any counter without having to take over your whole room.
It’s quite pricey, but it comes with precise humidity control and wide temperature ranges.
The Specs:
- Form: Built-in
- Temperature Zone: Single zone
- Bottle Capacity: 30
- Dimensions: 23.4″ W x 34.3″ H
- Temperature Range: 41-72 degrees F
The Pros:
- Vibration absorption system
- Modern design
- Compact with large capacity
- Removable shelves
The Cons:
- Racks cannot be adjusted
What Others are Saying:
The Velieta 24-Inch Wine and Beverage Refrigerator has more than 200 reviews on Amazon with a 4.6 rating.
Buy the Velieta 24-Inch Wine and Beverage Refrigerator:
5. Best 15-Bottle Wine Cooler: NutriChef 15-Bottle Wine Chilling Refrigerator
This compact model can chill with the best of them, making it a fantastic choice for tight spaces! Its compressor is efficient and quiet, with a vibration-free system that won’t disturb your wine. It also has neat tech features, with an auto-lock on the door, optional LED lights, and a digital control panel to monitor its temperature. Fans of modern design will love its dark black stainless steel exterior that is sleek, shiny, and smooth. At just over $200, it would make an exceptional gift as well.
The Specs:
- Form: Freestanding
- Temperature Zone: Single Zone
- Bottle Capacity: 15
- Dimensions: 17.7” W x 27.7” H
- Temperature Range: 41-64 degrees F
The Pros:
- Affordable
- Compact
- Automatic child lock
- Adjustable interior LED lights
The Cons:
- Smaller capacity
- Takes a few days to cool down
What Others are Saying:
The NutriChef 15-Bottle Wine Chilling Refrigerator was named best budget wine fridge by Better Homes & Gardens and best compact wine fridge by Liquor.com.
Buy the NutriChef 15-Bottle Wine Chilling Refrigerator:
Other Under Counter Wine Fridges to Consider
Antarctic Star 15-Inch Wine Cooler
This compact wine cooler is versatile because it can be used as both a freestanding or built-in unit. Its advanced cooling system is quick-cooling and can be adjusted from 41 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The low-vibration compressor is quiet and it’s compact but can still hold 28 bottles on its wire shelves. The Antarctic Star 15-Inch Wine Cooler is available at Amazon for $389.99.
Ivation 24 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler Refrigerator with Lock
This freestanding wine cooler is great for small areas because its dimensions are small (only 17.72 by 16.93 by 29.13 inches), but it still holds 24 bottles, so it’s great for smaller modern spaces where the wine needs to keep flowing. The digital display is easy to work with, and it is not noisy. Aesthetically, we love its energy-efficient blue LED lighting, matte exterior finish, and dark double-paned glass. The Ivation 24 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler Refrigerator is available at Home Depot for $359.99.
Magic Chef 44 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler
This wine cooler certainly holds a ton of wine bottles (44 to be exact!), so it’s a good bet for the true wine enthusiast who collects their favorite vinos—so long as they have the space for it. It’s a bit on the larger size at 34.4 by 23.4 by 24.4 inches, so you’ll have to make the space for it. It does have some helpful features, like dual zones and a spacious stainless steel rack. The Magic Chef 44 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler is available at Home Depot for $483.07.
Why You Can Trust Us
I’m Belle, an award-winning content creator and an adjunct professor who works in restaurant PR in the Midwest. Over the course of 20 years, I’ve held almost every position imaginable in various restaurants, including ownership of a Korean-concept hot dog cart (that was named after my dog’s teeth). My writing and on-camera work can be seen on Better Homes & Gardens.
To create this guide for the very best under counter wine fridges out there, I worked with Meggan to hear what she personally loves and to learn what qualities she expects from a wine cooler. Together we scoured trusted online reviews and guides from sommeliers and wine aficionados to narrow down the best under counter wine fridges. We then compared the models based on size, performance, capacity, special features, and overall value to come up with our list of the best under counter wine fridges.
Everything to Know Before Buying an Under Counter Wine Fridge
What to Consider Before Buying an Under Counter Wine Fridge
There are a number of factors to consider when investing in an under counter wine fridge like price, size, bottle capacity, volume, number of temperature zones, temperature ranges, and size. First, pick the type of wine fridge that is best for your needs, either a single temperature zone or a dual temperature zone.
Single Temperature Zone Fridge: A single temperature zone fridge only lets you set one temperature for the fridge, which shouldn’t be a problem if you only plan on chilling your whites. If you choose to store both red and white in the same fridge, it’s recommended to set it to a consistent temperature of 55 degrees, which is the sweet spot to properly store all types of wine.
Dual Temperature Zone Fridge: If you like to have a mix of wines available and want to aim for the most optimal temperature possible, get a dual-zone fridge so you can have each area set to different temperatures. That way, you can enjoy your favorite wines at their optimal temperature, which is the way it should be!
What Temperature Should an Under Counter Wine Fridge Be?
Most wine fridges can be set between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to choose the optimal temperature for each varietal of wine. If you prefer only lighter, red wines like pinot noir, you’ll want to aim for a temperature just under room temperature, between 62 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Deeper wines should be between 55 and 65 degrees. Some white wines, like sauvignon blanc, should be set closer to 48 to 52 degrees so you can take it straight to the table for serving.
Can Any Wine Fridge Go Under a Counter?
There are two categories of wine fridges: built-in and freestanding. They can both go under a counter if they are the correct size, but you should choose the unit that works best in your current space.
Built-in: Built-in wine fridges are specially designed to fit under an existing counter or take the place of old appliances like trash compactors. They are seamless in design, with ventilation located near the front, so they are safe to push all the way back to the wall, and they will not overheat.
Freestanding: These wine fridges can be put anywhere, but you’ll need to make sure to leave at least three inches on each side of the cooler—including the top—if you place it under a cabinet so that it has enough space for proper ventilation. If you don’t allow enough space, the unit could overheat.
How Tall Should an Under Counter Wine Fridge Be?
A standard under counter wine fridge is between 34 and 35 inches tall, depending on how the feet are adjusted. Remember that freestanding fridges need a few inches of space for proper ventilation, so remember to add that in if you’re taking measurements.
How Do You Install an Under Counter Wine Fridge?
Follow these steps to install an under counter wine fridge by yourself! Make sure to check with the manufacturer’s instructions as well.
1. Check For Electrical Outlets: Double-check check your unit will have direct access to power. If it doesn’t, you may need to call for professional help. It is not recommended to use an extension cord to reach your wine fridge and doing so may make the warranty invalid.
2. Measure the Space: Measure the cavity of the space you want to place it in. Make sure to leave enough space for proper ventilation per the manufacturer’s instructions, and make sure you include any handles that could stick out or any hinges that may need extra room to allow the doors to open.
3. Mount and Level the Unit: A built-in wine fridge will come with mounting plates to secure it to the cabinet or wall. Make sure the unit is completely level before installation. Often the units will have adjustable feet to help you.
4. Let it Rest: If you’ve been shuffling the unit around, the coolant will need to settle. Wait a day before using it.
5. Turn it On: Once you’ve installed the unit, fill the unit to three-quarters its capacity so it can cool efficiently and set your temp. Depending on the size of the unit you choose, it may take more than 3 days for it to cool to your desired temperature.
The Best Wines to Chill in Your Wine Fridge
All wines, regardless of the style, should be served chilled. That goes for reds, too! It’s actually pretty common for reds to be served too warm and whites to be served too cold. Here’s a breakdown of temperatures and wine types to help you:
Sparkling:
- Champagne, sparkling wine, Prosecco, Cava
- 40-50 degrees F
- Great for: Mimosa Bar or Champagne Cocktail
Lighter whites:
- Chablis, Chenin Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Albarino
- 45-50 degrees F
- Great for: Bruschetta or Pasta Primavera
Fuller whites and rosés:
- Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
- 50-55 degrees F
- Great for: Thanksgiving Dinner
Light to medium reds:
- Gamay, Pinot Noir, Grenache/Garnacha, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese/Chianti, Rhône blend (like Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre), Barbera, Merlot, Montepulciano
- 55-60 degrees F
- Great for: Blackened Salmon
Medium reds:
- Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese/Chianti, Rhône blend (like Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre), Barbera, Merlot, Montepulciano
- 55-60 degrees F
- Great for: Classics like Lasagna and Rotisserie Chicken
Fuller reds:
- Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz, Petite Sirah
- 60-65 degrees F
- Great for: Chimichurri Steak or Beef Stew
If you’re just starting out in the wine world, check out my guides, where I take you all through the basics and beyond:
- A Guide to White Wine
- A Guide to Red Wine
- A Guide to Sparkling Wine
- A Guide to Rosé Wine
- The Biggest Wine Myths, Resolved
- Best Electric Wine Openers
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
Belle DuChene is an award-winning digital content producer who has a passion for all things lifestyle including food, fashion, and French culture. (And French wine, of course!) Over the course of 20 years, she's held almost every position imaginable in various restaurants and has eaten her way through the side streets of more than 20 countries. Always a student, her kitchen looks like a library of culinary school textbooks and she will sit for the level one sommelier exam with the Court of Master Sommeliers this summer. Belle owns an award-winning content creation agency, teaches communications at three colleges and universities, and tutors in French. In addition to Culinary Hill, her writing and on-camera demonstrations have been published on BHG.com.