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A high-quality wine cooler is an essential tool for serious wine collectors and casual enthusiasts alike. Some of the best wine coolers on the market today come equipped with a variety of features that vary from brand to brand.
Certain brands are well known to be very reliable, and some brands have better track records in terms of customer service compared to others.
Choosing the right wine cooler comes down to a few key factors, and the perfect wine cooler fits harmoniously into a living space at the correct budget.
at a glance: Our Top 5 Wine Cooler Brands
Choosing the Best Wine Cooler Brand – What To Consider
Price
One of the first factors that many wine enthusiasts consider when shopping for a new wine cooler is the price range. There are a number of factors that determine the price of a given wine cooler, with the most important being size or capacity.
Large-capacity wine coolers intended for use as home cellars are priced up to $3,000, while smaller wine coolers that hold 12 to 18 bottles can cost as low as $200. While size is the most important factor when it comes to the price of a wine cooler, there are many more to consider.
Certain wine coolers are equipped with different features that are more important to some wine enthusiasts than others.
There are also different refrigeration methods and technologies used, as well as different insulation and construction materials.
Size
One of the most important considerations to take into account when choosing a wine cooler is the overall dimensions of the appliance. It is important that the cooler fits in its intended place and an appliance too small for an intended area will look out of place.
For wine coolers that are meant to be placed in a prominently visible area, such as in the kitchen, it is important to choose a size that fits nicely with the rest of the appliances.
Smaller wine coolers can fit on countertops, while full-sized models are larger than a home refrigerator.
When it comes to choosing the size of a wine cooler, bigger is usually better. When deciding between two different sized models, it is recommended to “go big,” as many wine enthusiasts find that their collections grow significantly as the years go on.
Capacity
While the overall size and dimensions of a wine cooler are important considerations to make, it is also important to consider the number of bottles that will be stored inside. Some of the smaller coolers on the market store 12 bottles, and usually come in increments of six.
The needs of certain wine enthusiasts differ from others, and there are a few key factors to consider. Some wine enthusiasts prefer white wines and light reds that are meant to be enjoyed young and have no need for long-term wine storage.
Other wine enthusiasts consider themselves to be collectors and prefer red and dessert wines that are meant for aging.
Collectors usually choose high-capacity coolers that can hold over 150 bottles, and these are usually kept in a spare room, or a garage if there is no other space.
Features
Not all wine coolers are created equally, and different manufacturers offer different features on their appliances. Certain models offer full customization of temperature, and some higher-end coolers offer “dual zone” cooling with different temperature zones.
Some of the more affordable wine coolers do not offer any features outside of basic temperature control, which is sufficient for many casual wine enthusiasts. Others prefer to have coolers equipped with dual zone technology for different styles of wine.
Some of the most high tech wine coolers on the market are equipped with Bluetooth technology and smartphone apps. Some even feature built in cameras, allowing owners to check the cooler’s stock from the wine shop when re-stocking.
Aesthetics
Another important factor to take into account when choosing the ideal wine cooler is the look and aesthetic of the cooler itself. There are a wide variety of different styles and looks available today, and it is important to think about where the cooler will sit in the room.
Many wine coolers come equipped with a clear front cover, leaving the bottles visible without opening the door. This is a visually appealing design for some, but others prefer more traditional cooler doors with solid colors.
A variety of different finishes are available on wine coolers today, and there are options for clear doors or solid colors. Some of the most popular styles are solid black, as well as metallic designs like chrome or brushed silver finishes.
Quick Overview: Our Top Picks for Wine Cooler Brands
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Ivation 18 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | Kalamera Mini Fridge 15" Wine Cooler |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | Bodega Wine Cooler Refrigerator 24 Inch |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
 | Ivation 34 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler |
| CHECK CURRENT PRICESee Customer Reviews |
Five of the Best Wine Coolers on the Market
There are many different brands and models of wine coolers available on the market today, and some have a better reputation than others.
The following wine cooler brands are all well regarded in the wine industry for providing quality products with longevity.
1. Ivation 18 Bottle Wine Cooler
Pros
- Sleek black design with dark UV tinted front door
- Includes a locking door, making it a great option for family homes
- Small footprint for an 18-bottle capacity cooler – 17.7” x 13.6” x 30.3”
Cons
- Not enough storage for those with larger collections
- No high-tech features or dual zone cooling
The Ivation 18 Bottle Wine Cooler is one of the most popular coolers on the market today and comes with a variety of features that many enthusiasts will appreciate. At under $300, this cooler is a great value considering the trusted name brand and features.
2. Kalamera 30 Bottle Wine Fridge
Pros
- LED lighting in soft blue for easy visibility
- Temperature memory feature restores to set temperature after power loss
- Small size of only 9” x 33.9” x 22.4” with 5 wooden shelves offers a high capacity
Cons
- No dual zone refrigeration feature
- Simple design without many high tech features
Kalamera is another well-regarded and trusted brand when it comes to wine cooler appliances. This design features a large capacity in a small to medium footprint, as well as a modern chrome finish for a clean aesthetic.
3. Bodega 172 Bottle Wine Cooler
Pros
- Huge capacity of 172 bottles at under 30 inches wide
- Dual-zone cooling for different styles of wine
- High-quality commercial grade condenser
Cons
- Too tall for many spaces at over 70 inches
- High price tag of $2,500 is not realistic for some
This full-sized wine cooler offers one of the largest capacities on the market today for a cooler that is still within standard delivery size. It offers dual zone cooling technology, and is suitable for both serious home collectors and commercial use.
4. Wine Enthusiast 80 Bottle Wine Cellar
Pros
- Premium cooler with high-quality LED lighting
- 80 bottle capacity is the “sweet spot” for many wine enthusiasts
- Many customers are loyal to the Wine Enthusiast brand name
Cons
- Not available in a different color or finish options
- No dual zone cooling option
Wine Enthusiast is one of the most popular wine publications in the world, and they have put their prestigious name on this high quality wine cooler. It offers thoughtful features like sliding wooden shelves that contribute to the premium feel of the appliance.
5. Ivation 34 Bottle Smart Cooler
Pros
- Sleek black design with dark tint on the clear front door
- High-quality condenser is better than others in the price range
- Smartphone app and locking door are great features
Cons
- Not enough capacity for some collectors
- Black design does not fit well in some home aesthetics
This 34 bottle wine cooler packs a major punch with a reasonable price tag in terms of both features and performance. It comes equipped with WiFi connectivity, and users are able to monitor and adjust the internal temperature using a smartphone.
Best Wine Cooler Brands – Final Thoughts
There are hundreds of different models of wine coolers available on the market today, each with different capacities and features.
Choosing the correct wine cooler comes down to measuring the correct amount of space, choosing a price range, and deciding which features are most important.
One of the top brands on the market today is Ivation, and they offer a large variety of different models with varying features for all wine enthusiasts.
Make sure you check out our articles on the best wine Aerator’s to compliment your new wine cooler.
