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Wine Cooler Buying Guide

Detailing the sizes and types of drinks fridges available, this wine cooler buying guide is designed to help wine-lovers and those who like to entertain make an informed purchase for their home. It also covers features to look out for, plus planning considerations to ensure a neat fit into any layout. Great for freeing up space in the main fridge, these models are also a must-have for a more luxurious entertaining experience.

What sizes are available?

Full size

Enjoy space to store plenty of party supplies thanks to a 60cm-wide design, which matches the size of other devices in the cooking area for a balanced look.

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Full size

With options available that can store between 18 to 44 bottles, a full-size cooler is great for creating a well-stocked home bar packed with favourite beverages. This large capacity works well in bigger households and is also popular with those who enjoy entertaining, as it allows guests to take their pick from a wide selection of drinks.

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Slimline

Choose a narrow, 15cm-wide drinks cooler when furnishing a small or awkward layout to introduce a luxury feature where space is limited.

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Slimline

Holding up to seven bottles, these slimline models are popular with couples or solo occupants who like to unwind with wine. The slender design allows the device to be slotted neatly into a gap or discreetly added to a run of cupboards – elevating evenings at home without crowding the room.

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What are the different fitting types available?

Integrated

Create a streamlined look by opting for a built-in model that sits flush with the surrounding cupboards, reducing visual clutter for a tranquil living space.

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Integrated

Integrated designs are a popular option for homeowners who want to achieve a high-end aesthetic with clean lines and a minimalist feel. Located alongside other units, these understated fridges offer handy drinks storage while maintaining the appearance of a room. This makes a subtle feature that blends into the background when entertaining.

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Under counter

Invest in a built-under drinks chiller which slots beneath the counter for easy access to refreshing beverages while saving space in a smaller layout.

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Under counter

Under-counter models are designed to fit below the work area, which places bottles within close reach for chefs who cook with wine or regular dinner party hosts. This is also useful in a home with a limited footprint, as it provides storage for beverages without compromising on work space and frees up room for other features.

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What features should I look out for when buying a wine cooler?

Adjustable shelves

Look for a design with adjustable shelves to accommodate larger or more cumbersome bottles.

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Adjustable shelves

Moveable shelving ensures that every dinner party drink can stay nicely chilled, however big or awkwardly-shaped the bottle. This also makes it easier to configure the cooler to hold extra supplies when hosting during busy periods, like Christmas time – which is handy when guests arrive bearing gifts. For an added bonus, pick a unit with timber shelves, as these absorb any vibrations from the machine to protect beverages from damage.
Reversible doors

Adapt a unit to suit a specific layout with reversible doors, which can be fitted with either a left or right-hand opening.

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Reversible doors

The option to choose which side the door opens allows a model to slot in easily into an existing floorplan without the need to move cupboards or reposition other features. This is also useful when moving to a new house as the cooler can be altered to suit a new location, or when completing a home renovation.

LED lights

Find favourite bottles and preserve vintages with LED lights, which illuminate the contents of a cooler.

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LED lights

Producing bright and clear illumination, LED fittings it simple to find beverages – handy if the drinks unit is tucked into an alcove or nook where light is limited. Another benefit is that it emits less UV rays than conventional bulbs, which can prevent wine being spoiled. LEDs are long-lasting too, reducing the need for replacement. Storing bottles in this way also protects them from sunlight damage – safeguarding treasured vintages and ensuring every sip always tastes delicious.
Frost free

Select a frost-free model to prevent icy build ups and enjoy impeccably chilled wine every time.

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Frost free

Frost can limit the amount of storage space inside a drinks chiller, so this feature can help maximise capacity for beverages by keeping ice at bay. It will also ensure that bottles are stored at the optimum temperature for, helping to preserve the taste and quality of tipples. All our models also have a cooling fan, which produces low-level noise – something to bear in mind if the unit is being placed into a communal area.

Open door indicator

Reduce energy waste with a style that has an open-door indicator, which sounds when the unit is not closed properly.

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Open door indicator

As well as limiting lost energy, this feature will ensure that the temperature within the chilled compartment remains consistent, so drinks are always ready for serving. This can prove useful when the host has their hands full or guests overlook an open door.
Temperature control

Set the correct serving temperature to suit different beverages, thanks to precise controls.

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Temperature control

Some models offer the option to select a warmer setting for cosy winter tipples, like mulled wine, making them a versatile investment that can be used all year round. This also ensures that reds can be kept closer to room temperature for those who prefer shiraz to chardonnay. For the ultimate beverage cooler, choose a style that can split the temperature within the unit, allowing different tipples be stored in one device.

Planning considerations

Capacity

Consider the households size how often a home is used for entertaining when choosing a beverage chiller.

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Capacity

A model with a smaller capacity will work best for those that enjoy the odd glass from time to time or homeowners who have a small layout. Meanwhile, larger spaces and families who enjoy entertaining can benefit from additional drinks storage. Compare product information to find out how many bottles can be stored and consider the available space in a layout before making a choice.
Location

Keep a cooler and its contents damage-free by placing it in an area that is away from direct sunlight.

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Location

Coolers are often fitted in utility rooms or dining areas, providing additional drinks storage to free up space in the main refrigeration unit. Be sure to install the machine in a spot where it will be easily accessible, like on an island, where guests will be able to help themselves to a top-up. Wherever the product is located, ensure it is out of direct sunlight to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent wine becoming spoiled by UV rays.

Energy efficiency

Save money on energy bills over time by investing in a model with features, like a triple-pane glass door.

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Energy efficiency

To keep drinks at serving temperature, these coolers are constantly on, which makes energy efficiency a key consideration when choosing a product. Look for a design that features LED lighting, which also uses less power, as well as those with triple-pane glass to ensure cold air stays locked in.
Model Maintenance

Clean a cooler at least once a year to ensure it works effectively and provides drinks for every gathering.

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Model maintenance

To remove any dirt or grime, first unplug the device, then remove bottles before wiping down the shelves and sides with a damp cloth. Glass cleaner is also handy to keep the door spotless, so it is always easy to see the beverages stored inside.