Wine Refrigerator Buying Guide

A wine refrigerator is key to preserving your wine so your bottle is as fresh and flavorful as it can be when you’re ready to uncork it. Help keep your reds and whites at their optimal serving temperatures, so you always have the perfect pairing for your meal on hand.

Are Wine Refrigerators Worth It?

Wine refrigerators provide a controlled environment with ideal temperatures for your Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio and other favorite red and white varietals. Because this environment is tailored specifically for wine, it is an ideal option for long-lasting storage, helping to keep your wine at its optimal flavor.

Whether you are a dedicated collector or simply hosting a dinner party, a wine refrigerator helps keep your bottles fresh and helps the subtle flavors come to life in your glass.

WHAT DOES A WINE REFRIGERATOR DO?

A wine refrigerator, also known as a wine cooler or wine cellar, is essentially a modern, practical version of a traditional wine cellar. A wine refrigerator may be installed in your kitchen or entertainment area, and it provides a temperature-controlled environment for your wine. Models with glass doors also put your collection on display and ready for your guests.

Wine refrigerators are designed specifically to create a dark, dry environment for your collection and help reduce the risk of UV light exposure, which may damage the bottle and compromise the aging process of your wine.

WHAT IS A STANDARD WINE REFRIGERATOR TEMPERATURE RANGE?

Most wine refrigerators can be set between around 40 degrees and just under 70 degrees to cover the range of optimal serving temperatures for both whites and reds. A wine refrigerator can be set to maintain a consistent temperature of 55°F, an environment that can properly store all types of wine long term.

However, you can also typically set it to the ideal serving temperature for your wine. For example, certain red wines, such as a lighter Pinot Noir or a heavy Syrah, can be stored between 60 and 68°F. Whereas, some white wines, like a classic sauvignon blanc, should be served at a cooler temperature between 48 and 52°F to help unleash the aromas and vibrant flavors.

Regardless of your wine preferences, with a wine refrigerator you are in control of the temperatures and can set the appropriate range for your wine collection.

BUYING A WINE REFRIGERATOR: WHAT TO LOOK FOR

While most wine refrigerators may provide temperature control, UV protection and the ideal environment for wine preservation, selecting the model that suits your wine preferences and storage capacity is key. Consider the following factors on your journey to discover the ideal wine cellar.

Storage capacity

Standard wine refrigerators are about 24 inches tall and have the capacity to hold more than 40 bottles.

Installation

Many wine refrigerators from KitchenAid brand can be seamlessly integrated into your existing area with sleek installation and hidden hinges. Select models, like this KitchenAid^® 24" Undercounter Wine Cellar, offer fully flush installation for a built-in look.

Temperature

A single temperature zone or dual temperature zone may be ideal, depending on your preference of red wine, white wine or both. Select wine refrigerator models from KitchenAid brand come with a Temperature Monitoring System, which provides added peace of mind by monitoring internal temperatures and alerting you if the temperature falls out of range.

Other select models offer Two Temperature-Controlled Zones that let you separate reds and whites to store each at different temperatures.

Types

Considering where you want to place your wine refrigerator can help determine which type is the best for you. 

Built-in models can be seamlessly installed under countertops for convenient access to wine while hosting dinner parties. Freestanding models are standalone appliances that can be housed outside the kitchen, in areas such as the dining room, for quick access to a refreshing Riesling after dinnertime.

Select wine refrigerators can store additional beverages, like seltzers and sodas, or even foods like charcuterie boards, so you can always have appetizers ready for your guests.

Energy efficiency

Select energy efficient undercounter wine cellars and refrigerators from KitchenAid brand support sustainability and can help save money on utility bills.

Style and design

Versatile undercounter wine refrigerators from KitchenAid brand can complement your existing decor with a stylish stainless steel finish. Select models also come in Black Stainless Steel with a PrintShield^™ Finish or a Panel Ready design, which allows you to install a custom front panel and handle (not included) over the door to create a seamless look with existing kitchen cabinetry.

INTERIOR LIGHTING

Bright interior lighting, like the LED Interior Lighting found in KitchenAid^® wine refrigerators, makes it simple to see your wine selections when you open the door. Select KitchenAid^® wine refrigerators feature Motion-Activated LED Lighting, so the inside illuminates as you approach the unit and dims when no longer needed.

UV-PROTECTED GLASS DOORS

To keep your Cabernet Sauvignon and White Zinfandel in quality condition, look for a wine refrigerator equipped with UV-protected glass doors. Some models, like this KitchenAid^® Undercounter Wine Cellar, offer UV-Protected Thermal Glass Doors that filter UV rays to help prevent the damaging effects of heat and light. This model also features a Door Alarm that will alert you if the refrigerator door has been left open for more than five minutes to help ensure your wine is kept at the ideal chill.

AUTOMATIC DEFROST

Minimize appliance upkeep with a wine refrigerator that automatically defrosts ice for you. Automatic Defrost cycles found on select KitchenAid^® wine refrigerators help reduce frost build-up inside your wine refrigerator, so you don’t have to regularly empty the appliance and defrost it manually.

TYPES OF WINE REFRIGERATORS

There are different types of wine refrigerators available to store your favorite bottles. If you are partial to only red or white wine, then a single temperature zone refrigerator may allow you to maintain long-term storage for your syrah or viognier at one temperature.

However, if you have a mix of unique red and white wines in your collection, a dual temperature wine refrigerator may be ideal, such as this model from KitchenAid brand that features a Two Temperature-Controlled Zone. These models have two separate temperature-controlled sections to simultaneously store red and white wines at their optimal settings.

KitchenAid brand provides these single and dual types of cooling zones in undercounter wine cellars, beverage centers and undercounter refrigerators. Learn more about the different types and their advantages below.

2. BEVERAGE CENTERS

An undercounter beverage center has the ability to store all types of beverages and small food items you’ll need for entertaining, including wine, lemons and limes, martini olives and cheeses.

Undercounter beverage centers provide storage flexibility as an alternative to your main refrigerator, as well as convenient shelving and rack designs to match your organizational preferences.

3. UNDERCOUNTER REFRIGERATORS

Undercounter refrigerators provide the capabilities of a standard refrigerator in a compact, freezer-less appliance. With various types of undercounter refrigerators available, these appliances may be used to store your favorite beverages, appetizers and ingredients, allowing easy access to whatever you need to serve your guests. Although they are not typically used for wine storage, they are perfect for chilling a few bottles before serving.

Undercounter refrigerators from KitchenAid brand may also help you delight your guests with the convenience and practicality of having refreshments readily available when you are entertaining.

WINE REFRIGERATORS VS. STANDARD REFRIGERATORS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Wine refrigerators are designed specifically to preserve wine with consistent temperatures and humidity control in a dark setting. Wine refrigerators’ glass doors also help minimize temperature fluctuations, as there is less need to open and close the door to browse the contents.

Any fluctuations in temperature may affect the taste of the wine or deteriorate the corks.

Undercounter wine cellars are also more compact and provide flexibility with installation and placement, as opposed to standard freestanding or built-in refrigerators.

Explore this refrigerator buying guide for more tips and best practices.

DO I NEED A WINE REFRIGERATOR?

If you have a wine collection or are looking to get started, a wine refrigerator is an indispensable addition to your home. It will allow you to get the most out of your wine and enjoy the vibrant, complex flavors of each glass. A wine cellar allows you to keep multiple varietals on hand and ready to uncork at your next dinner party for the perfect pairing, no matter the dish.

Explore the wide array of KitchenAid^® undercounter wine refrigerators for your personal collection.