Wine Cooler vs Wine Fridge: What is the Difference?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a wine cooler and a wine fridge? Maybe you’re a wine connoisseur, or perhaps you simply enjoy the occasional perfectly chilled Chardonnay. If you’re looking for a way to store your wine, you’re probably going to need one or the other.

There are few things less appealing than a lukewarm glass of Lanson. But how do you ensure your go-to glass is served at the desired temperature? No one wants to come home, after a challenging week at work, to anything less than a perfectly poured and expertly stored glass of wine.

Now the warmer months are just around the corner, it’s time to get the wine chilled and the BBQ smoking. A wine cooler is the perfect addition, making sure your wine is always at the ideal drinking temperature. So grab a burger, pop a cork and get the Summer vibe going.

Wine Cooler vs Wine Fridge – Help!

So, where do you start? Firstly, you need to know the difference between a wine cooler and a wine fridge. What is a wine cooler? What does a wine fridge do differently?

These are just a couple of questions we answer on a regular basis. To help point you in the right direction, we’ve put together this comprehensive comparison guide: Wine cooler vs wine fridge: What is the difference?  Read on for some great tips and advice.

Wine Cooler vs Fridge – The Basics

Before you begin your buying journey, you need to understand just what you’re comparing. Here’s a quick breakdown of the functions of wine coolers and wine fridges.

What is a Wine Cooler?

 Good question. It’s something that keeps wine cool, right? 

Right, but a wine cooler does a whole lot more. 

Yes, it’s designed to store and cool your wine, ensuring it reaches the optimal temperature. 

But why is this so important? 

The fact is, when wine is stored at the correct temperature, the flavour, aroma and quality of the wine is preserved. Whether you spend a little or a lot on your wine collection, you will want to enjoy it when it’s at its best. 

Furthermore, a wine cooler will maintain humidity levels within. This prevents corks from drying out, which can lead to oxidation and spoilage of your wine.

I like red and white wine, so how does that work?

Some wine coolers are dual zone, which means that you can set different temperatures in different compartments. This allows you to simultaneously store red and white wine in the same wine cooler.  

Single-zone coolers allow for precise temperature setting at one chosen level.

In short, when asking yourself, ‘What is a wine cooler?’ The simple answer is that it’s something that allows you to store and enjoy your wine collection, at its best.

What is a Wine Fridge?

Do I need a wine fridge?

A small wine fridge is a great way to store a select collection of wines. However, many wine fridges have a much larger capacity, allowing serious collectors to age and preserve their cherished collection. 

What will a wine fridge do?

Designed for longer-term wine storage, a wine fridge will maintain the temperature of your wine, ready for when you decide to consume it.

What other features might a wine fridge have?

Look for UV-resistant doors, vibration-damping and humidity control settings. These all add up to a highly efficient wine storage system.

A Few Pointers

The wine cooler vs fridge market is pretty well stocked. Whatever your budget, style and wine drinking habits, there’s something for you.

You can expect to pay upwards of £400 for a good quality, slimline model. Whereas top end units, with larger capacity and all the bells and whistles, can run into several thousands.

Clients who are looking for an ultra-streamlined finish may opt for an integrated wine cooler. However, the freestanding versions don’t look out of place in any style of kitchen. In fact, they can add quite a luxurious touch.

Popular brands such as Neff, Bosch and Hoover have a selection of wine coolers to cover all requirements. However, Pevino is a name not to be missed when it comes to top-quality wine coolers. Take a look at their impressive range for some great inspiration.

Before you make your decision between wine cooler vs fridge, take a look at some of the pros and cons. 

Wine Cooler 

Pros

Temperature Control – preserves the taste and quality of the wine

Humidity Control – prevents corking

UV Protection – prevents damage from harmful UV light

Aesthetic Appeal – adds a touch of luxury

Compact

Cons

Can be pricey – check out Modern Living for great deals

Limited capacity in some models

Risk of vibration disturbing the sediment in the wine

Wine Fridge

Pros

Organised storage – often used for ageing or preserving a cherished collection

Large capacity storage for serious collectors

Encourages correct storage techniques due to optimum space

Cons

High-capacity models can be expensive

May not be suitable for casual wine drinkers

Possible high maintenance costs

Wine Cooler vs Wine Fridge: Top 6 Things to Consider

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all the information and advice, here’s a handy list of the main considerations before making a decision.

1. Capacity – How many bottles do you plan to store? The units vary in size, so make sure you choose one large enough to manage your collection

2. Temperature zones – Do you plan to store different types of wine (red, white, sparkling)? If so, consider a wine cooler or wine fridge with dual or multiple temperature zones.

3. Size and space – Measure the space you are working with to ensure it can accommodate the unit you choose.

4. Humidity control – Some wine enthusiasts want to avoid wine corks drying out. Humidity control is the way to take care of this.

5. Aesthetics – Do you need a small wine fridge, an integrated wine cooler or a larger freestanding model? Select the unit that fits with the aesthetics of your kitchen as well as your wine storage needs.

6. Price – Find the wine cooler that suits your budget as well as your storage requirements. Some suppliers have flexible payment options.

So there you have it. Hopefully, we’ve given you enough pointers to make buying a wine cooler, or wine fridge, that little bit easier. Sun or no sun; it really doesn’t matter. Your wine cooler is fit for all seasons. Whether you’re soaking up the Summer rays or snuggled up in front of the fire, your wine will always be ready when you are.

Modern Living has a vast array of options, catering for all tastes, budgets and storage requirements.