Wine Coolers

Different types of wine coolers and how to install them

Wine Coolers are a new relatively new luxury appliance to have in the kitchen and the trend is increasing because of the design aspects but also the functionality of them. The ability to save space in the fridge freezer is a great draw to the wine lover and of course, if the wine cooler is used for storage then they will keep your wines in good condition.

We have drawn on the information provided by companies like Elite Wine Refrigeration to give you a guide to the different types of wine cooler available on the market as there are so many different variations available – it can be quite overwhelming at times.

Built in Wine Coolers

Built in wine coolers are designed to fit into confined spaces such as undercounter/ worktop, alcove or in bespoke cabinetry (often seen in full height wine fridges).  They come in a range of sizes similar to cabinets: 150mm, 300mm, 400mm, 600mm.

Due to the installation method, these types of wine coolers come with fans under the unit to ensure adequate ventilation is achieved by introducing coo air and expel warm air through the front vent. The airway must be kept clear through the vent, so the plinth must have a grille installed to ensure the vent is not blocked.

Freestanding Wine Coolers

Freestanding wine fridges come in various sizes and are often be placed in a dining room, living room or an office where there is adequate space for ventilation.  Freestanding units are often referred to as built in units due to the fact they sit on the floor, however this isn’t the correct terminology so make sure you are looking at the correct type of wine cooler for the space you have.

Ventilation is a must for freestanding models as they do not have front vents to assist with air flow around the unit and keeping the compressor cool. You can find instructions in the manufacturer’s manual, which is usually a minimum of 3 – 5 inch gap around the sides and the space to be kept clear at the top.

Freestanding units are ideal for service temperatures with units of a lower capacity of around 20-30 bottles or there are much bigger wine cabinets designed for long term storage that are designed to mimic a wine cellar – these are called ageing cabinets and have capacities of up to 300 Bordeaux bottles or more.

Integrated wine coolers

Integrated units are designed to be installed in a housing unit like an integrated oven or microwaves to create a seamless look. It can often be mistaken as a ‘built in wine fridge’ due to the similarity of how it’s installed. Integrated wine coolers create a real focal point from an eye level, and is a great way of chilling your wine without taking up your normal fridge space.

These units will slide neatly into a standard 600mm wide tower unit that an integrated oven, double oven or microwave would and are available in both single, dual and three temperature zones. Size wise, there is a size to suit all budgets and capacities required – the most common sizes have an aperture of 455mm, 595mm, 885mm, 1234mm and 1780mm.

This type of unit does have specific installation requirements as they do not have their own in-built ventilation system. This means there must be a grille installed in the plinth and an open-air way at the back of the unit through to the top - to ensure proper air circulation and warm air to be expelled for adequate ventilation. You can always find installation drawings from the manufacturer for the joiner to use as a reference, here is an example installation diagram.

For this article, we partnered with Elite Wine Refrigeration to bring you an overview of the key points to look out for when purchasing a wine cooler as the space you have available and the way you want to use your wine cooler – will determine the best type of wine cooler for you.