What is the Average Size of a Wine Fridge?


Whether you only own two bottles of wine or two hundred, a wine refrigerator is a smart storage solution.

Wine fridges are appliances specifically designed for the storage of wine. Like a kitchen refrigerator, they include wine racks, interior lighting, and a powerful cooling system that keeps wine at its ideal serving or storage temperature. Wine coolers are available in many different styles and sizes including freestanding countertop models, built-in medium capacity styles, and large units that can store hundreds of bottles. Shopping for a new wine cooler can be intimidating. Here we break down common sizes and other features to look for when shopping for a new wine cellar.

Wine Refrigerator Sizes

The perfect wine refrigerator size for you will largely depend on the size of your current collection and your buying habits. How you plan to use the refrigerator can also affect what size you should purchase. For example, if you have a large wine collection that is already stored in a traditional wine cellar, you may prefer a smaller wine fridge for the kitchen so you can keep your favorite bottles at serving temperature. Common wine refrigerator sizes include:

● XL (30-inch-wide wine coolers): A 30-inch wine cooler may be a perfect size for those with a large wine collection. XL wine fridges can house between 188 to 300 bottles or more.
● Medium to Large (24-inch wine fridge): When people think of an “average” size wine fridge, they most likely reference a wine cooler within this category. Many 24-inch-wide wine coolers can fit in the space once occupied by an old dishwasher. Medium to large wine fridges can hold between 40 to 100 bottles of wine or more. They are available in under-the-counter styles or taller units that can be recessed into cabinetry.
● Small (15-to-18-inch wine refrigerators): Small-capacity wine refrigerators hold less than 40 bottles. Small wine refrigerators are popular for small space dwellers or those looking to fill the space once used for a trash compactor.
● Tiny (countertop wine cooler): Tiny wine fridges are small enough to sit on a countertop or tabletop. The tiny category includes wine coolers that hold between 4 to 16 bottles or less.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to size, you will also want to keep some other important factors in mind.:

● Bottle Capacity: As mentioned above, the amount of wine you plan to store should be considered when buying a wine cooler.
● Budget: How much money do you want to spend on a wine cooler?
● Appearance: Select a wine cooler that will work with the décor of your space. Do you need to match your wine cooler with existing appliances?
● Location: Most wine coolers are designed for use indoors. If you want to install a wine fridge in the garage, basement, or even outdoors, make sure you purchase an appliance designed for use in these spaces.
● Temperature zones: Wine coolers are available in single zone or dual zone.
● Installation type: If you would like to install your wine fridge recessed into cabinetry, be sure to select a model with a front exhaust. Another option is to purchase a unit with a rear exhaust (freestanding) that is not designed to be installed into cabinetry.
● Racking: Wood and wire or some combination of the two are often used to create wine racking in wine refrigerators. You should also select a model with adjustable racking to accommodate oddly shaped bottles such as champagne or magnum bottles.
● Reversible door swing: A reversible door swing allows you to change the door's swing from right to left. This allows you to install two units side-by-side or pair a wine cooler with a beverage refrigerator.
● Security: Should your wine cooler have a lock? If children are present in the home, a cooler with a lock is often necessary to prevent them from getting into your wine collection.

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