What is a Built In Wine Cooler?

by Philip Thompson
Updated on 23 October, 2024

In this post, we will cover here what a built-in wine cooler is, useful information about them, and which features to consider before you purchase one.

What a Built In Wine Cooler is

Built-in wine coolers are normal fridges/wine coolers that can be installed into a cabinet or under-counter kitchen space.

They require a small amount of space between the fridge and surrounding cabinetry for ventilation, and mustn't have anything attached to the front of the fridge.

built in wine coolers in kitchen

Built-in vs Integrated - What's The Difference?

Both built in and integrated coolers will both easily fit into interior kitchen spaces.

The main difference between them is that fully integrated fridges are completely enclosed (and can have cabinetry attached to them), whereas the door of the built-in fridges have to be exposed and accessible (for ventilation).

Shop for an integrated wine fridge here.

Built-in wine coolers need a couple of centimetres of space surrounding them which allows the free flow of air and prevents overheating.

Variations of space requirements exist depending on the brand and model, and this should be confirmed with the manufacturer to ensure the validity of the warranty.

Wine coolers that are full integrated tend to be more costly than the built-in variety. They seamlessly fit into your space which necessitates extra unit integration work.

Either of the two is a great choice, but a fully integrated wine cooler is best if you are looking for a super seamless look and a freestanding or built-in wine cooler is best for those wishing to show off their unit.

Interesting Statistics

Interesting built-in wine cooler statistics:

These are increasing in popularity. Sales have increased by 17% over the past year.
The average US price is $1,500 (£1,250).
The majority are between 24 and 36 inches and the 30-inch size is the most popular.
The average capacity is 24 to 48 bottles
The dual zone model is the most popular type, accounting for 60% of sales.
They represent the majority of wine coolers purchased, with freestanding accounting for only 10% of the overall demand.
Compressor cooling technology is used for most, accounting for 80% of sales.
The average temperature range is between 4.4-18.3°C (40-65 ̊ F).

Which Features Should You Consider?

Bottle Capacity:

The number of bottles a built-in wine cooler can hold is an important consideration before buying. This determines how much wine can be stored at a time.

A larger 100-bottle capacity is best for those who entertain often or have a large wine collection whereas a 20-bottle capacity would better suit smaller collections or those who entertain on occasion.

At Expert Wine Storage, you can filter products by bottle capacity, helping you to easily find a wine fridge that meets your needs.

Learn more about wine bottle capacity requirements here.

Digital Display:

A digital feature displaying the temperature and other settings will facilitate monitoring and adjustments. The temperature inside the cooler can be easily seen and the perfect conditions for wine storage are maintained.

Self-Closing Door:

This feature closes the wine cooler door should it be left unattended and open. This prevents spills, and damage to the bottles and keeps the temperature stable.

Built-in Fan:

This feature will aid air circulation which helps protect wine from damaging hot spots and maintain a consistent, even temperature, especially important for wine coolers with over 50 bottles capacity.

Power Consumption:

Energy usage is an important consideration when buying a wine cooler. Select a wine cooler with low power consumption, a good example is 200 watts per hour, as this will save electricity and money over time.

Appliances are now rated on a scale of A to G in the UK (started in March 2021). The older scale is still used for some appliances, which is A+++ to G. The old scale A+ can be the equivalent to F on the new scale.

Warranty Duration:

This is the time during which the manufacturer covers problems or defects which may occur with the unit. Consideration of this period is important before buying a wine cooler.

For example, a two-year period will ensure your investment is protected. Longer duration of warranties will provide an increased length of coverage should any issues arise.

Expert Wine Storage allows you to filter products by warranty duration, helping you to make an informed decision.

Installation Ease:

A wine cooler that is easy to install is an important consideration as they are bulky, heavy items.

Detailed installation guides are included with some units whilst others have built-in kits for installation. The instructions should be checked before buying to make sure you are comfortable with the installation process.

For example, someone who is handy and with confidence in their ability might best opt for a DIY installation kit.

We have a full detailed guide on how to buy a wine fridge here.

How Much Space Do You Need Around Your Cooler?

A minimum of 0.25 cm ventilation space is required surrounding a built-in wine cooler. This allows for the dissipation of warm air. To the rear of the unit, a breathing space of 0.5 to 1 cm is necessary to allow for airflow.

The unit should not touch the rear of the cupboard or wall as this can cause unwanted vibrations.

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