Last Updated on February 15, 2023 by Tom
The Best Single Zone Wine Fridge & Cooler Reviews, Tips and Buying Guides
Have you ever wondered why your wines smell or taste different from the original taste after being stored in the refrigerator?
Your standard refrigerator is most likely to be open frequently as it stores a wide variety of items aside from wines. Besides, the smell from the food can easily permeate the cork of the wine.
So, read on to find out the Best Single Zone Wine Cooler & Refrigerator for your wine collection.
What is a single zone wine cooler?
A single zone wine cooler is specifically designed to store wine and is built with only one temperature control and compartment. Without further ado, let’s get started with our top 7 products review.
There are many benefits to having the best single zone wine refrigerator, but it is important for you to be aware of the features and capabilities before making your decision.
Single zone wine coolers can help keep air temperatures at their optimal levels so that you don’t have different zones with varying degrees of humidity or temperature.
They can also take up less space than multiple units which means they won’t clutter your kitchen countertops like other types might. If this sounds like what you need in order to store your wines properly, then consider one of the best single zone wine fridge on our list below!
Reviews Of The Best Single Zone Wine Cooler & Fridge in 2023
Here are top rated single zone wine cooler to buy on the market
Top 1- Allavino VSWR128-1SSRN – 128 Bottle Single Zone Wine Refrigerator
Our top pick is Allavino VSWR128-1SSRN – 128 Bottle Single Zone Wine Refrigerator. This best single zone wine cooler has the largest storage capacity on our review, which makes it suitable for commercial use. You can store up to 128 standard wine bottles without adjusting or removing shelves.
The thin metal shelves are designed to accommodate all bottle shapes and sizes without scratching the top shelf except for larger wines like pinot. Plus, the thin racks slide in and out of the refrigerator easily.
The right hinge door is sturdy and features a transparent glass, which allows you to have a full view of your drinks before opening the door.
Where to install this single zone wine cooler won’t be a problem, as it can be built-in or used as a freestanding gadget.
Pros
- Durable racks
- Digital control panel
- Blue LED light
- Spacious
- Suitable for all bottle sizes
Cons
- The door is irreversible.
Top 2- Allavino VSWR56-1SSRN Single Zone Wine Cooler Refrigerator
Are you searching for a wine refrigerator with ample space that can allow you to save different collections of drinks? Allavino VSWR56-1SSRN Wine Refrigerator is one of the best products for you. It is equipped with six durable racks that are strong enough to hold bulky wines without drooping.
With its 56 bottle storage capacity, you will never run out of wine in your bar. The racks feature wooden slats that support the bottles and reduce vibration. This product is designed with a vent in front, which makes it suitable for installing under-counter or in between cabinets.
This model’s temperature setting can be altered between 41 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit to suit the various wine types.
The temperature can either be read out in either Fahrenheit or Celsius, depending on the user’s preference. The stainless steel finish makes it match every home or bar decor.
Pros
- Versatile
- Durable
- Holds up to 56 bottles of wine
- Adjustable temperature
Cons
- Costly
Top 3- Kalamera Wine Cooler – Under Counter or Freestanding – Dual Zone
Kalamera Wine Cooler is equipped with an advanced cooling system that ensures cold air is evenly circulated. Various brands of wines require different temperatures to get chilled and well preserved. The temperature of this wine cooler is read in only Fahrenheit. It ranges from 40 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit.
This best single zone wine cooler holds up to 40 standard wine bottles and requires a 24-inch room to install. The user-friendly digital control panel allows you to set your preferred temperature and also regulate the interior lights.
Kalamera Wine Cooler features a built-in beeper that indicates when the door is left open or not properly shut. Moreover, the door is reversible, making it an ideal option for ambidextrous users.
The interior blue LED and a transparent French glass door makes it easier to locate the drink in the cooler. The shelves are made from beech wood that is rustproof.
Pros
- Built-in door lock
- Interior LED lights
- French door design
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Users complained of an inaccurate temperature reading.
Top 4- Kalamera 15″ Single Zone Wine Cooler and Fridge
This model features an integrated safety lock that ensures the cooler’s temperature is not tampered with due to frequent opening. You can place this wine refrigerator on your patio without being bothered about your kids playing with it.
The door is made of dual layers of tempered glass and stainless steel rims, which holds the glass firmly and creates a fine finish. With its 30 bottle capacity, you can store a wide variety of your favorite drinks irrespective of their size. Plus, it features a temp memory function that recalls the previous temperature setting before the power cut.
There is an LCD screen that displays the current temperature setting for easy reading. The wooden shelves are easily detachable to create more space for larger sized wines. It is designed to minimize scratch and vibration. The racks slide out easily, even when filled with drinks.
Pros
- Slim design
- Temperature memory function.
- Produces less noise
- Reversible door
- Includes a safety lock
Cons
- Pricey
Top 5- Allavino VSWR30-1SSRN Single Zone Wine Cooler Refrigerator
Here is another pick from the Allavino collection. This wine refrigerator holds up to 30 standard wine bottles without scratching the label or sagging the shelves. Each shelf is designed with slats to accommodate 5 bottles.
The maximum bottle capacity is only disrupted when you have to store larger drinks like champagne bottles. It holds about 18 to 20 pinot bottles. You can place this wine cooler anywhere in the house, including your living room, as the fan operates quietly. Thanks to the front vent design, you can either use it as a freestanding cooler or built into your cabinet.
This best single zone wine cooler comes with an adjustable temperature setting that can go as low as 41 and high as 64 degrees Fahrenheit. The digital control panel is easy to read and operate. With just a single touch, you can regulate the temp, and also on/off the interior LED light.
Pros
- LED-lit interior
- Sleek design
- Suitable for home use
- Durable
Cons
- Some reviewers complained about the noise level.
Top 6- Kalamera 4.2 Cu.ft 50 Bottle Compressor Wine Refrigerator Single Zone
Kalamera 4.2 Cu. Ft 50 Bottle Compressor Wine Refrigerator is one of the best single zone coolers on the market. It comes with a freestanding design, which can also be built-in depending on your available space. This wine cooler features seven shelves that can hold up to 5 bottles each.
The shelves are removable and sturdily built for longer durability. Each shelf features two stoppers, which prevent the drinks from sliding off the racks. Thanks to its blue LED-lit interior and tempered glass door, which offer you a clear view of the interior without having to open the door.
The digital control panel features temperature control buttons, which allow you to alternate the temperature setting. The glass door is double layered to prevent sun rays from penetrating the cooler, affecting the temperature within. Plus, the slatted rack design and interior fan ensure even cold air distribution around the bottles for uniform chilling.
Pros
- Ample bottle storage capacity
- Double layer door
- Sturdy shelves
- Elegant design
- Extremely quiet
Cons
- No safety lock
Top 7- Danby DWC036A1BSSDB-6 3.6 Cu.Ft Single Zone Wine Cooler
In case you have limited storage space in your bar or kitchen, and you still want to enjoy your various collection of wines at the same temperature, this single zone wine cooler is perfect for you. It features a UV protected glass door, black wire racks, stainless steel frame, and LED lights. This model is well suited for freestanding usage.
Thanks to the reversible door hinge, this best single zone wine cooler can be placed anywhere in the house and is suitable for both right and left-handed users. With its six removable shelves and one non-adjustable shelf, you can store up to 36 bottles of both red and white wine at a preset temperature.
Although the Danby wine cooler doesn’t have a digital control panel, the temperature is adjustable and ranges from 43 degrees Fahrenheit to 57 degrees Fahrenheit. The handle has a concave pocket design that is comfortable to clutch.
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Reversible door
- Durable racks
- Customizable temperature
Cons
- No digital display
How To Choose the Best Single Zone Wine Cooler & Fridge
Installation Type
Before buying a single zone wine cooler, you need to be sure of how it is installed and if you have the required space for it. There are two ways to install these refrigerators, some are freestanding units, and others are built into cabinets. Moreover, some products can be installed both ways which we advise that you go for.
Built-in wine refrigerators are also known as under cabinet wine coolers. They are built with their vents in front for easy ventilation. Freestanding wine coolers are mostly designed to stand alone with their vents at the rear.
However, since freestanding wine refrigerators are constructed to stand alone, they can be placed anywhere within the bar.
Temperature Settings
Wines are stored within a specific temperature range to prevent them from freezing, which could cause a change in their taste, aroma, and flavor. Most single zone wine coolers come with an adjustable temperature that ranges between 40 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the brand and model.
However, the perfect temperature for storing wine is 55 degrees Fahrenheit, irrespective of the color.
Door
The design and construction of the wine cooler door must be put into consideration when choosing a model. Make sure that the door is constructed with materials that are resistant to harmful lights. Sun rays can quickly age wine, making it lose its taste even before the expiration date.
The doors of most of the products on our review are double-layered or well protected against UV rays.
Bottle Capacity
The bottle capacity of a wine cooler is a vital factor that can not be neglected when buying. Your need for a wine refrigerator will determine the size you settle for. There are several models with various capacities. Some are great for commercial uses, and others are better suited for home use.
The number of shelves in the wine refrigerator will determine its total bottle capacity. Also, the bottle size will affect the bottle capacity. Larger sized wines will take up more storage space than small-sized bottles.
Wine Cooler Style
You should also consider the style of a wine cooler. Some include a solid-door design, while others have a glass door. This will affect the aesthetics of your space and it’s important to choose wisely.
Dual Zone or Single Zone?
Finally, you’ll want to decide between a dual zone or single zone cooler. Dual zones allow you to set two different temperatures for different types of wines to optimize their taste. This feature is best for those who own classic wines from various regions
E.g., Bordeaux and Burgundy – as well as other specialty vintages that require certain storage conditions (e.g., Chianti). For those with largely Italian-style collections, a single zone unit works fine because most Italian wines are best served chilled.
If you’re interested in storing more than wine (e.g., champagne or liquor), then you will need to purchase a dual zone cooler that has an additional storage compartment for your extras.
Noise Level
Wine coolers can range in noise level depending on the compressor used and whether it is located inside the unit itself, behind the outside frame (the “housing”) or is part of the cooling coil. Compressor-based models tend to be less noisy than housing-built units because they are not connected by tubing.
However, compressor-based models require more space than housing built units – at least one inch around each side, back and top compared to .5 inches for housing built models. Generally, housing-built units are best for areas with high ambient noise (e.g., kitchens).
Drawer Design
There are two types of drawer designs: one in which the wine racks slide in and out and another that simply gives you access to a single level of bottles without having to pull out all the ones in front of it.
Type of Wine Coolers about Design and Structure
Single Zone Wine Cooler:
The settings are usually preset to a temperature within optimum range for wine storage. A single zone unit chills all wines to the same temperature and with the same mode of operation. These types of chillers come in many sizes with different capacities.
Dual Zone Wine Cooler:
It allows two kinds of wines to be chilled separately by maintaining optimum temperature settings for each type of wine under one cabinet through wireless remote control with digital LED display. The dual zone model may have multiple bins, racks or bottle slots, depending upon its capacity.
The main concept is that dual zone wine coolers allow two kinds of wines at different temperatures which is not possible in single zone cooler i.e., they save space and power when compared to separate single zone appliances while chilling two different wines at their optimum serving temperatures.
FAQs on best single zone wine cooler
Why are wine coolers so expensive?
Wine coolers are expensive because of the various parts that make up the cooling system. It is built differently from your regular refrigerator. The compressor and fan utilized by manufacturers vary from brand to brand, which also adds up to the price. You will also find lesser options that are within your budget if you search properly. But, most of these units use thermoelectric, which consumes more power.
Is a wine cooler worth it?
If you are a wine lover, you will know how important it is to preserve the flavor and taste of your expensive wines. A wine cooler is worth investing in, as it is the perfect place to store your wine for long periods without bothering about it losing its taste.
It is better to invest in a high-quality wine cooler than having to toss out your expensive red or white wine frequently.
Where should I put my wine fridge?
You can place your wine fridge anywhere within the house as long as the noise level doesn’t disturb you. Here are some of the places you can put your wine fridge. They include your bar, kitchen, living room, basement, patio, dining room, closet, and wine cellar.
Can I put beer in a wine fridge?
Yes, you can store your beer in a wine fridge. Beers and wines are similar kinds of drinks that require a specific temperature to cool properly. A wine fridge comes with the ideal temperature range for storing all kinds of beers.
Difference Between a Single Zone and Dual Zone Wine Cooler?
Conclusion
The best single zone wine cooler for your home will depend on the space you have available, how many bottles of wine need to be stored, and what kind of features are most important to you.
We’ve taken the guesswork out by providing our list of top picks in three different price ranges below. Choose one that meets your needs and enjoy!
