Under Counter Wine Refrigerators

The primary difference between a freestanding and built-in in appliance is the location of the exhaust. This is an important feature because in order for the refrigerator to operate properly, it needs to vent to avoid overheating. If the vent is on the front of the cooler, this means it can be built-in to existing cabinetry or placed under a counter. If the unit vents to the back, it is considered freestanding and will require adequate clearance on all sides in order to exhaust properly.

Built-in wine coolers will also have different dimensions than freestanding ones. Since they are designed to sit flush with cabinetry, most are built to standard counter height and depth. Some wine coolers are also made to replace older appliances. For example, select coolers are designed to be 15-inches wide, the same width as most trash compactors. The biggest advantage of the built-in wine cooler is its larger variety of installation options. It can be used freestanding if needed or incorporated into cabinetry.

Freestanding coolers largely vary in size and shape since they are not meant to sit under a counter or recessed. As stated above, the unit must vent to the back which means that you must ensure you are following installation guidelines so the unit does not overheat. Since a freestanding cooler cannot be recessed, set up is much simpler. Some units are so small they can sit on top of a counter or table.

Aside from storing your wine at the proper temperature, a built-in wine fridge has a number of advantages. As mentioned above, it can be installed into cabinetry or left freestanding. This means you can fit it into virtually any room. To complement many different spaces, built-in wine coolers are available in a variety of finishes; from panel-ready options that blend with their surroundings to smoked stainless steel. Vinotemp’s built-ins are also available in a range of capacities, from seven bottles to hundreds. For those who love different types of wine, many built-in wine coolers have multiple temperature zones, allowing you to store a variety of wines. When you need ample storage space, some Vinotemp built-in models have reversible door hinges or are available in a left hinge. This means you may install more than one refrigerator side by side, expanding your storage capacity. Adding a wine refrigerator to your kitchen or entertaining space will also increase your home’s value as many buyers appreciate added luxury and convenience.

Organize, store, and protect your wine collection with a wine refrigerator by Vinotemp. Shop our selection 24 hours a day on Vinotemp.com. If you need assistance picking the perfect appliance, please call us at 1-800-777-VINO (8466) or email sales@vinotemp.com.