Thermoelectric coolers are popular because of how much quieter they tend to be compared to regular refrigerators.
Not only are they very quiet, they use less energy. By using a thermoelectric cooler for your wine, you are helping your home as well as your ears.
Other benefits of thermoelectric wine coolers include their low profile size and vibrations. Most users don't even remember they purchased a wine cooler until they're seeking a cool, refreshing drink, and then it's right there, ready and waiting.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Thermoelectric Wine Coolers
Advantages
Several positive factors should be considered before investing in thermoelectric wine coolers rather than traditional compressor wine coolers.
- Quiet: Thermoelectric units are nearly silent, as compared to compressor units which tend to be a bit noisier. It's the wine cooler's internal mechanism that determines how loud or how quiet the cooler will be.
- Doesn't Vibrate: Maybe this wasn't at the top of your list of considerations, but it's something to keep in mind. A relentless rattling can get on the nerves pretty quickly.
- Energy Efficient: Thermoelectric wine fridges are designed to be energy efficient. After the initial cost, running this small thermoelectric wine cooler will be less expensive than other wine coolers. Keeping your wine cool has never been so eco-friendly.
Disadvantages
Fair is fair. Despite the overwhelming positives we have found, there are always things you need to keep in mind when shopping.
Let's talk about the disadvantages of owning this piece of thermoelectric cooling technology.
- Cost: Wine coolers are expensive in and of themselves, and then choosing thermoelectric cooling will up the price a little. Considering a compact thermoelectric wine cooler could give you what you're looking for while keeping the cost down.
- Space: Even small thermoelectric wine refrigerators are another appliance to fit into your kitchen. Not only do they take up more space, but they also have a very specific function. In a pinch, wine coolers could be used as regular refrigerators, but it wouldn't be terribly convenient even if it does have removable wire racks. The design is tailored to fit a wine collection, not lunch meat and cabbage.
- Less Powerful: Thermoelectric wine fridges are less powerful than compressor wine coolers. If the cooler is in a place where it's exposed to a lot of heat, it will have trouble keeping up.
- Smaller: Thermoelectric wine coolers aren't often designed for large storage capacity. As far as wine collections go, this will support a small one. That is the usual case. There are exceptions, but the majority of thermoelectric wine coolers will range from 12-60 bottles.
Thermoelectric Wine Cooler Vs. Compressor Wine Cooler
In summary, thermoelectric is a smaller, less powerful wine cooler that will keep your fine wines contained and stored while staying sleek and quiet.
Compressor wine coolers will give you more storage space and more power, allowing you to store wine under more strenuous circumstances, but you'll pay more in energy use and decibel levels.
There is give and take for each. Most users have found that they're willing to sacrifice a little bit of size and power for the low-profile concept of thermoelectric wine coolers.
However, that's not the case for everyone. If your lifestyle is one where the temperature of your home is usually quite high, you may not want to sacrifice that.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
Size and Capacity
Storage capacity is one of the most important factors to consider before you purchase a thermoelectric wine cooler.
Many kitchens will offer you an idea of how much space you can afford to lose to a wine fridge, but if you're not constricted, you can choose the best thermoelectric cooler based on how much wine you want to store.
Manufacturers usually list the number of bottles that their wine coolers can hold, which will make your shopping easier. However, it is important to know that the numbers they give you are usually specific to Bordeaux-style bottles. Some coolers will accommodate more bottles if the bottles are smaller, but some wine coolers are designed specifically for Bordeaux-style bottles which means it won't change anything. Reviews will often tell you how you can use each specific wine cooler.
The number of bottles your thermoelectric wine cooler can hold will vary based on the kind of bottles you're storing.
If you must have a specific number of bottles to be satisfied with your little makeshift wine cellar, consider purchasing a wine refrigerator that can hold a higher number of bottles than you need it to so that it will accommodate whatever style of bottle you need it to.
Temperature Range
The optimal temperature for red wine is between 55-65°F (12-18°C), white wines are typically stored at a temperature between 45-55°F (7-12°C), and sparkling wine is typically stored at a consistent temperature between 38-45°F (3-7°C).
If you know which kind you are most likely to stock, pick a cooler that will accommodate that desired temperature.
A lot of wine coolers will have an average temperature range of 45-65 degrees F. Sometimes, they can struggle to reach those lower extremes, so it's important to find a wine cooler that can handle the temperature of your home while still retaining lower temperatures if that's what you need.
Number of Cooling Zones
Another option would be to pick dual-zone wine coolers. Dual-zone cooling has a temperature difference between zones for different wines, allowing you to store more than one kind of wine at the optimal temperature.
Dual-zone wine fridges could be used only for storage, or they could potentially have a heat option.
A heat option? Absolutely.
We've all had to leave a bottle of wine out on the counter for a while before serving. Well, if your cooler can blow hot air as well as cool air, you suddenly have a wine warmer. The desired temperature isn't always just about cold air.
Design and Aesthetics
Hear me out: interior light. A thermoelectric wine cooler with soft interior lighting is elevating to the room and shines a gentle light on how much of a wine lover you are.
A curved glass door will have wine enthusiasts flocking to you. The sleek, modern look is easy on the eyes while still making a statement.
There are so many thermoelectric wine cooler features that there is a cooler for every room and every collector.
Noise Level
Compressor coolers are built like little refrigerators, which means they're bulky and loud.
We already have so many appliances in our home adding another noise maker is stressful and unnecessary.
Thermoelectric wine coolers work against the noise with an energy-efficient unit that is quiet and doesn't vibrate. Users everywhere are happy and content with their thermoelectric noiseless wine coolers.
Price
Thermoelectric wine coolers are more expensive than compressor wine coolers, but the best thermoelectric wine coolers make up for it by being compact, energy efficient, and quiet.
Some features, such as having multiple temperature zones, will increase the price, so identify what is most important to you and prioritize if the need arises.
In this article, we will explore lots of options in a broad price range. The goal is to be a place where everyone will be able to find something to fit their needs.
11 Best Thermoelectric Wine Cooler in 2023
What is the best thermoelectric wine cooler? Well, unfortunately, there isn't a definitive answer to that question. Each situation is unique to you.
You may have a small kitchen with wood cabinets or an industrial kitchen of massive size.
Maybe you want to put the wine cooler in your spare bedroom or in the den. No one wine cooler will be the right fit for all of humanity.
However, here are eleven thermoelectric wine cooler reviews to help expedite your shopping experience and help you find your best thermoelectric wine cooler.
Built-in Under Counter Wine Cooler
STAIGIS Wine Fridge, 24-inch Wine Cooler w/ 46 bottles Capacity, Built-in Wine Cooler Refrigerator for Home with Stainless Steel Frame Door.
This cooler has dual temperature zones, a lower zone for red and an upper zone for white. We have found that it is a sturdy, dependable cooler with quite a bit of room. A few people have felt that the interior light doesn't quite reach the bottom shelf, but that's easily overcome.
The double-tempered glass doors protect your wine from harmful UV rays that would spoil the wine while maintaining the perfect temperature.
This quiet, dual-zone thermoelectric wine cooler with LED interior lighting is a sleek addition to any kitchen.
Dual Zone Wine Cooler:
Kalamera 24'' Wine Cooler Refrigerator 40 Bottle - Dual Zone Built-in or Freestanding Fridge with Seamless Stainless Steel & Triple-Layer Tempered Reversible Glass Door and Temperature Memory Function.
This 40-bottle dual-zone wine cooler boasts a seamless design that's perfect for wine lovers. The description says it is a 40-bottle dual-zone wine cooler.
Some reviews are saying that would be a tight fit; however, we've already discussed how different wine bottles can affect how much space you have. We had no issues fitting all the wine bottles we need into this cooler.
Its versatility in being either built-in or freestanding makes it applicable to kitchens everywhere, and the triple-layered tempered mirror glass door means the ambient temperature of your home has much less bearing on the wine within your cooler.
Dual Zone Under Counter Stainless Steel Beverage Cellar
WINEBOSS 24" Wine and Beverage Refrigerator Dual Zone 18 Bottles and 57 Cans 24 inch Wine Cooler Under Counter Wine Cellar Beverage Fridge Built in Freestanding with Glass Door for Beer Soda Drink Bar.
This 18-bottle wine cooler is beautiful. Not only do these wine fridges elevate the look of your entire kitchen, wineboss claims it's as quiet as falling leaves, and they're right.
It is not a dual zone cooler, but this thermoelectric wine fridge is perfect for any wine enthusiast, showcasing soft interior light, an upper zone for white wines, and the lower zone for all the reds.
Customer service is always obliging and ready to help. They have good reason to be proud of their product.
Freestanding Compressor Wine Cooler With Slide Out Trays
Phiestina Dual Zone Wine Cooler Refrigerator, 33 Bottle Free Standing Compressor Fridge and Chiller for Red and White Wines, 16'' Glass Door Wine Refrigerator with Digital Memory Temperature Control.
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The Phiestina wine fridge is a dual-zone thermoelectric wine cooler with a wide temperature range for all your beverage needs.
Some users have mentioned that it's a little louder than they would expect, but we have found that it's an unobtrusive hum that you'll hardly notice. It's a perfect little thermoelectric wine fridge that will please all wine lovers.
Freestanding Wine Cooler With Glass Display
Whynter WC-201TDa Thermoelectric Wine Fridge, Freestanding Wine Cooler Refrigerator With Glass Door, Gray, 20 Bottle Capacity.
This is not a dual-zone wine cooler, but it does have a wide temperature range from 46-66 F. The single cooling zone allows the cooler to keep up when the ambient temperature of your home is on the higher side.
It's on the smaller side, only being able to hold 20 wine bottles, but the thermoelectric cooling system is mighty.
The dark, sleek front elevates your room to a new level of classy.
Locking Smart Cooler With Wi-Fi Phone Inventory and Control
Ivation 34 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler Refrigerator with Wi-Fi Smart App Control Cooling System | Large Freestanding Wine Cellar Fridge For Red White Champagne or Sparkling, Black Glass Door & Lock.
This wine cooler with removable wire racks can be controlled and monitored from the convenience of your phone.
Are you a wine enthusiast at the store wondering what you have? Check your catalog from the app.
Worried about the heat wave that hit while you were away from home? Check the temperature.
The thermoelectric cooling system will protect your wine while you monitor it from anywhere you can imagine.
Black + Decker 12-Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
BLACK+DECKER Thermoelectric Wine Cooler Refrigerator with Mirrored Front, Freestanding 12 Bottle Wine Fridge.
This is a 12-bottle thermoelectric wine cooler, which means it's on the smaller side of wine coolers. It's convenient for any kitchen, no matter the size, and delightfully quiet.
Reviews rave about this little wine cooler. Some call it the best thermoelectric wine cooler they've ever owned, reliable, low profile, and affordable.
Even when there is a hiccup with this wine cooler, customer service is always helpful. It's a solid choice for those of us looking for something a bit more compact and easy to install/transport.
This wine cooler is affordable enough that you could even get two to place throughout your home, and then you suddenly have a 24-bottle dual zone set up.
Countertop Wine Cooler
Schmécké 12 Bottle Red And White Wine Thermoelectric Wine Cooler/Chiller Counter Top Wine Cellar with Digital Temperature Display, Freestanding Refrigerator Smoked Glass Door Quiet Operation Fridge.
This small wine cooler is the best thermoelectric countertop fridge we could find. It holds 12 wine bottles, which isn't a lot, but it's it good balance of storage and space.
As far as real estate, this little wine cooler does require some clearance around it, so keep that in mind when purchasing.
It's not a lot of clearance, but you don't want to stuff the little thing inside a corner and hope for the best. This will likely lead to overheating.
It isn't a dual-zone thermoelectric wine cooler, but that's to be expected from something so compact. This is the route to go if you're hoping to save on space and energy.
Luxury Smart Wine Cooler
SHKI Wine Cooler Large Tall Luxury Double Wall Stainless Steel Glass Led Light Compressor Smart Refrigerator Rapid Bottle Wine Cooler.
Some call this a wine cabinet. It's a freestanding, large, vertical wine cooler.
There is a special upper zone reserved for wine glasses, which doesn't only store them; it keeps them chilled and waiting.
The temperature range won't be massive, but it will encompass all your red and white wine needs, and the control is in the upper zone for easy access.
Freestanding 154 Bottle Humidity Control Wine Cellar
BODEGA Wine Cooler 24 Inch, 154 Bottles Wine Refrigerator, Freestanding Wine Fridge with Intelligent Temperature Memory & Humidity Control Design Wine Cooler, Upgraded Compressor, Quiet Operation.
This is a 154-bottle wine cooler with a thermoelectric cooling system. Let that sink in for a moment.
It doesn't have dual temperature zones, but it makes up for it with capacity. Thermoelectric coolers of this size will save you a lot of money on energy.
Some users are saying that the temperature isn't terribly steady throughout the unit, but if you keep the cooler in a place where the ambient temperature is steady, the cooling system shouldn't struggle.
Large Capacity for Commercial Use
SHKI Wine Cooler Large Capacity Display Wine Cooler Beverage Refrigerator Strong Cabinet for Commercial.
Is the best thermoelectric wine cooler one that also stores other beverages of your choice? Perhaps. If that is what you're looking for, this is the cooler for you.
It has UV protection and interior lighting. It is a multi-bottle dual-zone wine cooler with wine racks on one side and versatile beverage storage on the other.
No matter what kind of wine enthusiast you are, this cooler is sure to make you happy with loads of space and uses.
A Brief Comparison of Wine Coolers
The best thermoelectric wine cooler is somewhat subjective to your specific needs. Consider things such as temperature range, capacity, how many zones it has, customer service, warranty, and the like.
The wineboss is a dazzling balance of style, necessity, and thermoelectric cooling.
The Schmécké is an option suitable for almost every home because it can live on the countertop.
The BODEGA is not a dual-zone thermoelectric wine cooler but will store as much wine as you could need. However, it will be expensive to maintain and stock.
Keep these things in mind when searching for the best thermoelectric cooler of any size.
Additional Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Wine Cooler
Durability
When you purchase a wine cooler, you want it to last years. The average lifespan of a wine cooler is five to fifteen years if well-cared for.
Something of quality should last you, at least that, so don't settle. Read old reviews on products and search for any that have been updated recently with positive statements. Finding those reviews or repeat buyers is what really tells you the durability of a product without you having to experiment with lots of money.
Brand
Brand is very important when choosing a wine cooler. Whynter thermoelectric wine cooler is reliable and well-reviewed. Koolatron wine cooler is another good option.
With sites such as Amazon, you can actually click on the brand name and read reviews on some of their other products as well as the wine cooler you're looking at.
Find a brand that's known for thermoelectric coolers. The more specific the products they produce, the better they are as they are at their jobs. Usually.
Always go with a brand you trust over someone you've never heard of, even if that second brand offers lower prices. In today's world, it's very easy to make something look legitimate when it's the farthest thing from it.
Reputation
Have you ever heard of these wine coolers or seen them in action? If not, it can be hard to know what to trust.
Ask around and see if you know anyone who has used one of these wine coolers before, or find a site you trust (like us) to point you in the right direction.
Just because a name is big doesn't mean it's who you want to purchase from. Big names could have gotten their fame from some product besides wine coolers and then branched off.
Sometimes, if a company does this, it can mean that their other products are inferior, almost like they're an afterthought. It's still crucial to do your research on specific products, even if you're looking at a well-known brand.
Warranty
Ideally, you will have no need for a warranty, but that's not the world we live in. Before buying any wine cooler, research the company and the item for warranty information.
It will probably cost you more to put a warranty on your wine cooler, but it will end up being worth it when something goes wrong, or the unit is damaged during the shipping process.
If nothing else, warranties are often worth it because of the peace of mind they afford. Knowing that your investment is protected can help you rest in making the decision you believe is best for you.
Customer Service
We already talked about getting a warranty, but if the customer service is trash, a warranty might not even help you. Customer service is the final stop for most situations, which means that you want them to be kind and willing to help.
This is another time that reviews can play a huge part in giving you assurance about what is the best thermoelectric wine cooler for you.
Even when the reviews for your chosen wine cooler are overwhelmingly five stars, you might take a peak at the one-star reviews and see what was the source of their dissatisfaction. Bad reviews often bring up customer service and will give you a rounded look at what the company is offering.
Final Thoughts and Overall Recommendations
The best thermoelectric wine coolers are the ones that fit your needs. If you need a 154-bottle wine cooler, the 154-bottle wine cooler is what's best.
Most of us don't need more than a 40-bottle wine cooler, but thankfully there is a big range of options when it comes to the best thermoelectric wine coolers.
As far as style goes, there is always another brand to look at, so don't put yourself in a tiny box. Thermoelectric coolers come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, which means you should be able to find what you're looking for, even if it takes some time.
Unless you're getting a dual-zone thermoelectric wine cooler, the temperature range of your thermoelectric wine cooler isn't going to be excessively large.
Compressor coolers tend to have a larger temperature range just off of the sheer power they can house. Even the best thermoelectric wine coolers will struggle with a large temperature range. Temperature range isn't the only defining factor of what makes the best thermoelectric wine cooler, but it should be considered.