Wine coolers are the perfect alternative to a traditional wine cellar. Wine coolers are available in various styles, including sleek stainless steel, black, mirrored, panel-ready, and more. Wine coolers may hold six bottles or three hundred in various sizes. With such a wide variety of wine coolers, you may be wondering what size of wine fridge to buy. Here we discuss what to consider when picking the best wine cooler for your home.
Standard Wine Cooler Sizes: Small, Medium, and Large
Small Countertop Models
If you have a small collection of wines or limited space, a small countertop wine cooler may be the perfect fit for you. These compact units typically measure around 10-20 inches in width, 10-20 inches in depth, and 10-20 inches in height. They can hold anywhere from 4 to 18 bottles of wine, making them ideal for those who are just starting to build their wine collection or for those who want to keep a few favorite bottles at the perfect temperature.
A compact countertop wine cooler can be ideal if your wine collection is on the smaller side or if you’re short on storage space.
Countertop Wine Coolers Common Sizes:
- Width: 10 to 20 inches
- Height: 10 to 18 inches
- Depth: 20 to 25 inches
- Capacity: Typically holds 4 to 20 bottles
These space-saving devices usually have dimensions of 10–20 inches across, 10–20 inches deep, and 10–20 inches tall.
Medium Undercounter or Built-In Units
If you have a moderate collection of wines and a bit more space to work with, a medium Undercounter or Built-In wine cooler might be the best option for you. These units usually measure around 20-30 inches in width, 20-30 inches in depth, and 30-36 inches in height. They can hold anywhere from 20 to 50 bottles of wine, providing you with enough storage space to keep a variety of different wines at their optimum temperature.
A medium-sized built-in or undercounter wine cooler could be ideal if your wine collection is on the smaller side and you have some extra room to maneuver
Undercounter or Built-In Wine Coolers Common Sizes:
- Width: 15 to 30 inches
- Height: 32 to 34 inches
- Depth: 23 to 26 inches
- Capacity: Ranges from 20 to 50 bottles
These units often have dimensions of 30–36 inches in height, 20–30 inches in width, and 20–30 inches per depth.
Large Freestanding Wine Coolers
For serious wine enthusiasts with a sizable wine collection and plenty of space in their home, a large Freestanding wine cooler may be the way to go. These units typically measure around 30-40 inches in width, 20-30 inches in depth, and 36-84 inches in height. They can hold anywhere from 50 to over 200 bottles of wine, giving you the ability to store and age a significant number of bottles. Keep in mind these units can be heavy and may require professional installation due to their size and weight.
A huge freestanding wine cooler could be the best option for dedicated wine drinkers who have a substantial wine collection and plenty of room in their home.
Freestanding Wine Coolers Common Sizes:
- Width: 18 to 30 inches
- Height: 30 to 70 inches
- Depth: 20 to 28 inches
- Capacity: Can vary widely, from 12 to over 150 bottles
In general, the dimensions of such units are as follows: 30–40 inches wide, 20–30 inches deep, and 36–84 inches tall.
Before Buying a New Cooler: Measuring for Installation
Having a proper wine cooler to keep your wine collection safe is a must-have for every wine connoisseur. Make sure the wine fridge will fit in your space and is compatible with your installation needs before you start reaping its benefits. For accurate measurements when setting up your wine cooler, use this handy guide.
Prior to enjoying its advantages, ensure that the wine fridge is suitable for your space and can be installed according to your requirements.
Your home’s available space should be your primary consideration when taking measurements for a wine cooler. Get the dimensions of the space you want to put the wine fridge in. A few inches of space should be left at the back and sides to ensure adequate ventilation. The arrangement of any adjacent furniture, such as cupboards, walls, or appliances, should also be taken into account when deciding where to put the wine cooler.
Proper ventilation is essential for the optimal performance of your wine cooler. You must allow for adequate airflow around the unit to prevent overheating and ensure consistent cooling. If you plan to install the wine cooler under a counter or in a built-in cabinet, you should check the manufacturer’s specifications for ventilation requirements. Additionally, you should avoid placing the wine fridge in direct sunlight or near sources of heat, as this can affect its cooling capabilities.
Considers Your Personal Need
Bottle Capacity Options
Make sure the wine cooler you choose can hold all of your bottles by checking its capacity. The number of standard 750 ml wine bottles that a wine cooler can hold is a common way to estimate its capacity. The actual capacity could be different for different shaped and sized bottles, so keep that in mind when you’re shopping. Make sure the wine cooler can fit your collection by checking the size and bottle arrangement possibilities.
Shelving and Storage Options
Shelving and storage options play a crucial role in maximizing the capacity of your wine cooler while keeping your bottles organized and easily accessible. Some wine coolers come with adjustable or removable shelves, allowing you to customize the interior to fit different bottle sizes and shapes. Additionally, features such as roll-out shelves, wooden racks, or display shelves can add convenience and aesthetic appeal to your wine storage. Consider your shelving and storage preferences when selecting a wine cooler to ensure it suits your collection and offers easy access to your favorite bottles.
Temperature Zones Options
The ideal temperature must be maintained during wine storage. The best wine coolers contain temperature zones that let you keep various vintages at the perfect serving temperature. In particular, if you like a wide range of wines, this function will come in handy because it keeps each bottle at the ideal temperature for maturation and consumption.
| Single Zone | Best for storing one type of wine at a time. Offers a consistent temperature throughout the cooler. |
| Dual Zone | Allows you to store both red and white wines at their respective ideal temperatures. Offers greater flexibility for wine enthusiasts. |
| Tri-Four Zone | Provides separate compartments for red, white, and sparkling wines, ensuring each type is stored at its optimal temperature. |
Depending on the model, you can find wine coolers with two or three separate cooling zones, perfect for preserving the different flavors of white, sparkling, and red wines. A wine cooler’s temperature zones are an important feature to consider, but you should also check if each zone can be modified to meet your demands.
Additional Features to Consider
Before you buy a wine cooler, be sure it has temperature zones and all the other features you need. Look for features that can reduce vibration, maintain humidity, and protect from ultraviolet light. Wines are better protected from ultraviolet light, corks are less likely to dry out and ruin the wine, and sediment in older wines is less likely to be disturbed thanks to vibration reduction and humidity management. Additional features seen in some wine refrigerators include digital thermometers, interior illumination, and reversible doors. Think about these extra features when you’re choosing a wine cooler so your collection stays in the finest possible shape.
Conclusion: Wine Cooler Common Wine Sizes
Drawing together all the information about wine cooler measurements and common wine fridge sizes, you now have a better understanding of the options available to you. Whether you are looking for a compact wine cooler to fit in a small space or a larger wine fridge for your extensive collection, knowing the common measurements and sizes will help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect fit for your needs. Remember to consider not only the dimensions of the wine cooler but also the capacity and features it offers to ensure it meets all your requirements.
