Wine fridges are designed to keep your favourite wines in ideal condition. They ensure that the taste and quality are preserved. They also maintain the most suitable humidity level and protect your bottles from UV rays. However, not all wine fridges are the same.
When choosing a wine fridge, consider how many bottles of wine you have, the size of the refrigerator, and its temperature zones and controls. Entry-level options are priced anywhere from $150 to $2,000, while more advanced units cost $2,000 to $5,000.
For this list, we examined wine fridges available on various retailers like Amazon, Bing Lee and Appliances Online. We picked models based on customer reviews and ratings. We also chose the units for each category based on key product features.
The Vintec 50 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Storage Cabinet stands out as the best overall wine fridge on the market. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online and Bing Lee.
This fridge appeals to wine lovers with its two separate zones and insulated panels that keep a wine collection secure and well-organised. The UV-treated tinted glass doors and a dark interior work harmoniously to shield those precious bottles from potentially damaging UV rays.
The fridge's sleek and practical design boasts features such as dimmed internal LED lights, a vibration-proof design, and a reversible door. A bonus is the 2-year manufacturer's warranty, which offers peace of mind to buyers.
Its compact size might not be ideal for a seasoned wine connoisseur, but it can comfortably house and organise up to 50 bottles, preserving their quality with optimum temperature control. A few customers have also noted that the fridge's motor tends to be somewhat noisy, which can be a minor problem for some.
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We also picked Vintec's 50 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Storage Cabinet as the best dual-zone option, boasting a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online and Bing Lee.
Its digital temperature display ensures precise control over the perfect climate for wine storage, while the adjustable wooden shelves add a touch of elegance and practicality. There are also a reversible door and security lock for convenience.
The interior is meticulously engineered, and the triple-glazed door with anti-UV glass safeguards your precious collection from harmful sunlight. Another excellent feature is the dual-zone design, which allows for two different temperature settings - a bonus for those who appreciate reds and whites.
Plus, the LED internal lighting provides an evenly illuminated space and contributes to its stylish aesthetic. All these features complement an exquisite exterior finish that easily blends into any decor. A couple of aspects to consider include the size: it may not fit into smaller spaces due to its size. It's also pretty pricey at over $2,000.
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The Lecavist 12 Bottle Single Zone Wine Fridge is an excellent pick for those looking to keep their fine wines at the perfect temperature without breaking the bank. This fridge has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online.
The fridge's slim design allows it to fit seamlessly into tight spaces, making it suitable for smaller homes. Notably, the temperature range is 11 to 18 degrees, which is ideal for maintaining the quality of your wine.
It also comes with 5 steel shelves, each with a chic wooden trim and a label holder for easy identification. The right-hinged door, with a black frame and a stainless steel handle, contributes to the fridge's overall modern appeal. Plus, the triple-layer glass door (comprised of regular, tempered, and low-E coating) is sturdy and energy-efficient.
One downside to this fridge is that the steel shelves can sometimes be a bit tricky to slide in and out. Additionally, the LED light doesn't offer much to illuminate the bottles. That being said, this model still provides excellent value for the price and is a top contender in the budget wine fridge category.
The Esatto 46 Bottle Wine Storage Cabinet is quite simply the best wine storage solution for under $500. It earns a solid 4.7 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online, and it's easy to see why.
This unit is not just a storage space; it's a carefully designed haven for your wine. The double-layer UV glass with Low-E Film does an excellent job of insulating the unit and protecting your precious bottles from harmful UV rays.
Inside, the temperature can be controlled within a range of 5–18º C, ensuring optimal conditions for wine preservation. With white LED lighting and an electronic LED display, managing your collection is a delight.
However, nothing is perfect. Two minor cons to consider: the chrome shelves, while adaptable, may not accommodate all bottle sizes comfortably. Also, the lock and key can be a bit fiddly to use.
Awarded 4.6 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online, we picked the LG 8 Bottle Mini Wine Fridge as the best small wine fridge. This effortlessly marries form and function.
Its slender, stylish design fits seamlessly into any room, while its low-vibration cooling technology ensures your wine matures in a tranquil environment. It also has a dual glass door, which protects your wine from harsh UV light and external heat, thus preserving the delicate flavours of every bottle.
Ideal for most types of wine, the temperature can be adjusted between 8℃ to 16℃, so whether you're storing sparkling whites or earthy reds, you can be sure they're at their ideal serving temperature.
However, with only four shelves, capacity might be an issue for serious wine collectors. Also, the lack of a lock mechanism might pose a problem for households with children.
How do Australians rate LG's fridges?
99% of surveyed Australians recommend LG
4.6
Value for money
4.7
Overall
4.7
Ease of use
4.6
Cleaning and maintenance
4.6
Product features
How LG compares
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For fridges, LG was ranked 1st for value for money, 1st for ease of use, 1st for cleaning and maintenance and 1st for product features.
9 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
The Vintec Premium 198 Bottle Wine Cabinet with Fixed Shelves is a large, fantastic option for wine lovers.
Its impressive bottle capacity of 198 provides ample space for a growing collection while maintaining optimal storage conditions. The cabinet boasts six shelves constructed from American FSC Certified White Oak, exuding an elegant aesthetic while ensuring durability. The aluminium trim on the shelves adds an extra touch of sophistication.
The real showstopper, however, is its innovative features. The virtual cellar management tool, OENO By Vintec, is a game-changer, making it a breeze to track the collection and access expert recommendations. Plus, the Vintec Perfect Cradle Shelving is designed with optimised spacing to accommodate bottles comfortably neck-to-neck, accommodating multiple layers of bottles on each shelf.
While this model delivers on most fronts, there are a couple of drawbacks. The cabinet only has a right hinge on the double-glazed, UV-treated black alloy finish door, which may not suit all layouts. Additionally, the 'Hospitality Mode' may take some getting used to.
The Liebherr 195 Bottle Wine Storage Cabinet is a splendid narrow wine fridge, earning a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online.
It caters to a wide range of temperature preferences, ranging from an astonishing 5 °C to a cozy 20 °C. It comes equipped with several user-friendly features like an activated charcoal filter, an active carbon filter, and a convenient door open alarm.
The fridge boasts seven adjustable shelves, providing ample space to store your wine collection. The LED display panel with electronic temperature control ensures your wines are kept at the ideal temperature. The light type is incandescent, which adds a warm and inviting ambience to your space.
Plus, it features bulb front panel lighting, a MagicEye LED control type, and a solid door that exudes luxury. There are also 6 Beech wood shelves, an external digital temperature display, and a single temperature zone.
Despite its high rating and impressive array of features, it's worth noting a couple of potential downsides. The temperature range might not be cold enough for those who prefer extra-chilled wines. Also, the incandescent light might not be as energy-efficient as LED lights.
The Vintec 100 Bottle Beverage Centre has solidified its position as a top-tier wine and beer storage option, with a commendable 4.5 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online.
This single-zone unit keeps your brews and mixers icy cold, as low as two degrees Celsius. Its seamless stainless steel and glass design is an aesthetic addition to any home or restaurant setup. It can comfortably stand alone or blend under a kitchen bench or bar counter. The stainless steel front panels are not just for show; they neatly hold your cans and bottles.
A notable feature is the adjustable wooden shelves that add a touch of class while providing practical storage solutions. The unit's digital temperature display ensures you're always in control, ranging from 2 to 10 degrees. A lock provides added security, and the door is reversible to suit your space. Its triple-glazed door with anti-UV glass is a design plus.
However, it's worth mentioning that being a single-zone unit might not suit those looking for multi-temperature storage. Additionally, the wooden shelves, while attractive and versatile, may require more care than standard shelving.
The Vintec 100 Bottle Beverage Centre is also a fantastic choice for champagne connoisseurs, earning 4.5 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online.
With a single-zone design, this fridge is specifically tailored to store beers, champagne, wine, and mixers at a crisp 2 degrees Celsius. Its seamless stainless steel and glass exterior make it versatile enough to stand alone or be built under a kitchen bench or bar counter for a sleek, integrated look in your home or restaurant.
The stainless steel front panels are expertly designed to neatly hold cans and bottles, providing a practical and visually appealing storage solution. The temperature range of this beverage fridge ranges from 2 to 10 degrees Celsius, giving you the flexibility to adjust according to your needs.
And with a digital temperature display, you can easily monitor and control the temperature at all times. The adjustable wooden shelves allow for customisable storage options, ensuring your collection is always organised and easily accessible.
However, this comes with a hefty price. Some customers also mentioned that the security lock can sometimes be a bit picky.
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We examined numerous wine fridges found on various retailers like Amazon, Appliances Online and Bing Lee for this list. We looked into models from the following brands:
De’Longhi
Euro Appliances
Fisher & Paykel
Hisense
Husky
ILVE
Inalto
Liebherr
Miele
Schmick
Smeg
Vintec
We then shortlisted options based on customer ratings and reviews (as of December 2023). We also considered each model's key product features, including size, price, temperature zones and controls. We came up with what we believe are the 9 best wine fridges you can buy right now in Australia.
How to compare wine fridges
Why bother spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on a wine fridge when you've got an ordinary fridge that works just fine? One reason might be that you don't have enough space for all those bottles in the family fridge, but there's a much more important point to be aware of: your kitchen fridge is set to the wrong temperature.
Red and white wine need to be stored between 12℃ and 18℃. Wine fridges, which are also known as wine coolers and wine cabinets, will maintain a steady temperature in this all-important zone. They also maintain humidity at around 70% (to keep corks in place and stop air penetrating the bottle) and protect your bottles from UV rays.
However, not all wine fridges are created equal. Prices range anywhere from $150 for small, entry-level options right up to more than $5,000 for state-of-the-art coolers capable of holding more than 200 bottles. How much you pay will depend on the size of the fridge, the number of temperature zones you want, and whether you require advanced or basic features. Of course, the quality and value of the wine you want to store will also play a part.
Here are the key factors you need to consider when comparing your options:
Start by considering the cooling technology a fridge uses. Compressor-type fridges can maintain colder temperatures for longer, but they can have higher vibration levels and are usually more expensive.
Thermoelectric models are cheaper, quieter and use less energy; however, they can be affected by ambient temperature, so they may not be the best choice if they'll be placed in a garage or somewhere with significant temperature fluctuations.
Another factor to consider is the number of temperature zones a fridge has. Basic models only have one zone, which means storing all your bottles at one temperature. But if you're willing to pay more, you can get a dual-zone or multi-zone fridge with different compartments for storing each variety of wine at the optimum temperature. More temperature zones mean more flexibility, but they also mean a higher price tag.
Think about your storage needs to decide how many cooling zones you want. If you just want somewhere to keep your shiraz in perfect condition, a single-zone fridge may suit. But if you've got a varied collection of red and white varieties, you may want the versatility of multiple cooling zones. Another advantage of dual-zone coolers is that you can use one zone to store wines and the other to serve them, ensuring that your bottles are at the perfect temperature when you're ready to pour.
Check how easy it is to set your fridge up exactly how you want. For example, are there touch buttons or dials? Is there a digital temperature display so you can program your fridge to the precise level you want? Is there a humidity control system and if so, does it feature a water reservoir you'll need to fill from time to time? If there are charcoal filters to eliminate unwanted odours, how often will you need to replace them?
Most wine fridges feature glass doors so you can check on your collection without opening them. Doors are typically tinted to protect against the negative impact of UV rays, and some are made of tempered glass for extra strength. Check whether any unit you're considering features a reversible door for flexible installation.
If your wine collection is valuable and you want to protect it from thieves or curious children, look for a model with a lockable door.
Wood shelving is generally preferred to metal shelving because it means less vibration.
Sliding shelves ensure easy access to your bottles but can mean sacrificing some storage space, and it's also worth checking whether you can easily remove the shelves to create space for storing larger bottles.
Finally, some models feature display shelves complete with LED lighting if you want to show off the most prized bottles in your collection to envious dinner guests.
Check the specs sheet for the dimensions of any wine fridge so you can be sure it'll fit in the space you have available. Also take care when choosing where to put your wine fridge – noise may be a concern in your living area, while you'll want to keep it away from the oven if placing your fridge in the kitchen.
Another factor to take into account is where the fridge will actually sit. You can choose from compact benchtop models, freestanding appliances or fridges designed to be installed under your benchtop or as part of the cabinetry.
If your wine fridge will be on public display, you'll obviously want to consider its overall design and aesthetic appeal before buying. For example, will it match the existing decor in your kitchen or living room? Black and stainless-steel finishes are common, as are wooden shelving and LED lighting.
Check the length of the manufacturer's warranty – 2 to 3 years is common – and exactly what it covers.
Types of wine fridges
When buying a wine fridge, you'll need to compare fridges from the following:
Specialist wine cooler manufacturers, such as Vintec
Refrigeration specialists, such as Liebherr and Husky
General appliance manufacturers, such as Hisense and DeLonghi
Bottle capacity
One way to distinguish between the many products available is to take a look at their bottle capacity. The smallest countertop models hold just 6 or 12 bottles, while fridges at the other end of the spectrum can store more than 200. The quoted bottle capacity for a wine fridge is calculated using the size and shape of a 750mL Bordeaux bottle.
Consider the size of your current collection and how much it's likely to grow in the coming months and years. Do you just want somewhere to store a couple of dozen special bottles, or are you a serious connoisseur with a sizable collection on your hands? Also consider whether you'll be able to easily store oddly shaped bottles of sparkling, Burgundy or even magnums.
The first thing to consider when choosing a wine fridge is your budget. Decide how much you are willing to spend before starting your search. Next, think about the size and capacity of the fridge. Consider the number of bottles you need to store and ensure the fridge can accommodate them.
Also, think about the type of wine you will be storing - if you mostly have red wines, look for a fridge with adjustable temperature zones. Other features to consider include noise level, energy efficiency, and design. Reading reviews and comparing different models can also help you make a decision.
The lifespan of a wine fridge can vary depending on the quality and usage. Generally, a good quality wine fridge lasts 5 to 15 years. However, frequent usage or improper maintenance can shorten its lifespan. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and avoid overloading the fridge to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Technically, yes. However, using a regular fridge to store wine is not recommended for several reasons. Firstly, regular refrigerators are designed to operate at colder temperatures than ideal for storing wine. This can affect the taste and quality of your wine over time.
Yes, wine fridges can be placed on the carpet. However, ensuring the fridge is stable and level is important. Uneven surfaces may cause vibrations that disturb the sediments in your wine bottles.
Wine fridges require adequate ventilation to maintain the desired temperature and prevent overheating. Having at least 2-3 inches of space around the fridge is recommended for proper air circulation. Placing it in a confined or poorly ventilated area may result in the fridge working harder, potentially shortening its lifespan.
It is best to store red wine at a temperature between 11°C and 18°C, while you can store white wine between 7°C and 11°C.
To keep mould from growing inside your wine chiller, you can apply a light coating of baking soda on the wooden shelves. This will prevent mould from growing and ruining your precious collection. However, it is still best to consult your manufacturer's manual to know more about keeping your specific fridge in tip-top shape.
Bar fridges are general-purpose fridges with room to store various drinks and food items. Wine fridges are specifically designed to minimise vibration and have wooden shelves for storing wine bottles for long periods. Both are designed to control humidity and temperature, but wine fridges are more suitable for keeping large wine collections to preserve their integrity.
Customer satisfaction rating breakdown
The Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards is an annual national survey conducted in partnership with research firm Dynata. With over 30,000 real shoppers participating, the awards serve as a reliable reflection of Australian consumers' preferences and opinions. Here are the scores for fridge brands from 2024.
Brand
Cleaning and maintenance
Ease of use
Overall
Product features
Value for money
Recommended
Total Score
LG
4.6
4.7
4.7
4.6
4.6
99%
4.69
Samsung
4.5
4.7
4.6
4.5
4.5
97%
4.61
Westinghouse
4.6
4.6
4.5
4.3
4.4
100%
4.57
Kelvinator
4.4
4.4
4.4
4.5
4.3
96%
4.47
Hisense
4.4
4.5
4.5
4.2
4.4
92%
4.44
Mitsubishi Electric
4.4
4.4
4.4
4.3
4.2
94%
4.41
Haier
4.4
4.5
4.4
4.2
4.4
90%
4.4
Fisher & Paykel
4.3
4.5
4.4
4.3
4.4
89%
4.39
Kogan
4.1
4.3
4.3
3.9
4.3
84%
4.17
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2023, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info.
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Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in reviews. She has previously written articles about property investment, finances, and health. She’s a huge fan of Tina Fey, bubble teas and dogs. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila and is currently writing her thesis for a Master’s degree in Communication
With a 5.5-star energy rating, this might just be the most eco-friendly fridge on the market.
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