Built-In Wine Refrigerators

Sleek and stylish, built-in wine fridges give you easy access to perfectly chilled wine

12 products
    12 products

    Built-In Wine Fridges

    Built-in wine refrigerators are designed to seamlessly blend into cabinets. Whether you want easy access to wine or have a smaller collection you want to age, a built-in wine fridge is the perfect solution.

    Many people incorporate a small built-in wine refrigerator in the kitchen or bar. Glass-front built-in wine coolers put your prized bottles on display and keep perfectly chilled wine at your fingertips and ready to serve.

    When searching for wine refrigerators, you’ll see “built-in” and “freestanding” units. You’ll need to decide which one is best for your situation.

    Built-In vs. Freestanding Wine Fridge

    Technically, any wine fridge can be used as a freestanding unit. However, wine fridges that are marked as freestanding should not be used for built-in applications.

    • Built-in wine fridges are specifically designed to be recessed into cabinetry. These units exhaust in the front, which pushes heat out and away from the compressor. Full-size built-in fridges fit between cabinets, while undercounter wine fridges often replace trash compactors, appliances that have gone out of style.
    • Freestanding wine fridges should not be recessed into cabinetry, as they typically exhaust on the side or in the back and need room to “breathe.” Freestanding wine fridges can be placed virtually anywhere, from a corner in the kitchen to a home bar or basement wine cellar.

    Choosing the Best Built-In Wine Cooler for Your Needs

    Here are some things to consider when choosing a built-in wine fridge:

    • Capacity – Make sure the fridge you choose can store all the bottles in your collection at optimal temperatures. For larger built-in units, consider a dual-zone model with multiple temperature compartments. This will allow you to store all kinds of wine, from reds to whites and rosés to sparkling wines and champagne.
    • Temperature Range – Any wine fridge you choose should have controls that allow you to adjust the temperature to compensate for changes in the weather and season.
    • Humidity Control – A built-in wine cooler should also give you control over the humidity levels to ensure your collection’s corks don’t dry out.
    • Size – Be sure to measure your space before choosing a wine fridge to ensure a comfortable fit. You may need to have a carpenter or contractor make some adjustments to your cabinetry.
    • Noise – If your wine fridge will be placed in a frequently used area of your home, such as the kitchen, look for a model with a quiet rating and vibration-dampening features to ensure optimal aging.
    • Energy Efficiency – Features like dual temperature zones and UV-resistant glass doors will maximize the energy efficiency of your wine fridge.
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    Built-In Wine Fridge & Cooler FAQs

    How many bottles does a built-in wine fridge hold?

    Depending on the size, the capacity of a built-in wine cooler can vary significantly—between 20 and 300 bottles.

    Most built-in wine refrigerators come in one of a few general sizes: small (15”-18”); medium to large (24”); and extra-large (25”-60”). There are many different types of built-in wine fridges, from small undercounter wine fridges to extra-large or side-by-side models that are approximately the size of a Sub-Zero-style kitchen refrigerator.

    What’s the difference between a freestanding and built-in wine fridge?

    The main difference between a freestanding and built-in wine fridge is the way each unit exhausts heat. Freestanding fridges exhaust from the back or the side, which means they need plenty of clearance for ventilation. Built-in wine fridges exhaust from the front, which keeps heat away from the compressor.

    Both freestanding and built-in units are sleek and stylish; however, some freestanding units have a more streamlined door pull, since they are not embedded within cabinets. Built-in units may have larger door handles to accommodate their built-in design.

    Where can I put a built-in wine fridge?

    Built-in wine coolers are ideal for kitchens, residential or commercial bars, wine rooms, and pantries. They’re designed to fit between or under cabinets, but many built-in wine fridges can also be used as freestanding units.

    If you plan to use your wine fridge as a standalone unit but want the option of installing it between cabinets in the future, choosing a built-in model will give you more flexibility.

    Which built-in wine refrigerator is best for my wine?

    If all you need to do is keep chilled wines within easy reach, a small built-in wine fridge may be enough. If you have a larger collection or a collection you plan to grow over time, a full-size built-in wine fridge is a smart choice.

    Regardless of which size wine fridge you choose, if your collection consists of a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines, you’ll want to choose a built-in wine cooler with multiple temperature zones. This makes it possible to store different varietals inside the same fridge at their optimal temperatures.

    With a multi-zone wine fridge, you can keep wines you plan to drink soon at their perfect serving temperature while aging other bottles for as long as you need.

    Can I age wine in a built-in fridge?

    Yes, you can store bottles in a wine fridge for years as long as the unit is well maintained, and you adjust the temperature and humidity conditions to accommodate changing weather conditions throughout the year.

    Many wine fridges today are designed with glass fronts that have a special UV coating to protect your wine. Still, you’ll want to ensure your wine is not exposed to direct sunlight, which can affect the aging process.

    If you’re concerned about light exposure, look for a wine fridge with a solid door, or consider an integrated wine fridge that matches your cabinets (work with your contractor or carpenter on design).