What wine fridge to buy?

14 years ago

We're planning on adding a 24" wine fridge to our remodeled kitchen. We are not huge wine drinkers but want to store wine for when we entertain guests. We don't need top of the line and am curious what is out there between $300-$600. Can someone help with brands and what to look for in quality?

I also posted this in the Wine Forum but no response.

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Comments (12)

adh673
14 years ago
This may not help but I just got a quote from a place and they recommended U-line. Not sure of how much they would be though.
adh673
14 years ago
This may not help but I just got a quote from a place and they recommended U-line. Not sure of how much they would be though.
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Sherriz - do you mean under the counter? There are a number of them. But really, the rule is, buy a lot more than you think you need. They fill quickly if you buy anything for aging. If it's just short term, then I suppose an under the counter is OK. But if you're going to buy something for aging, let's say you buy a case this year and another next year and then another - that's already 36 bottles. And they NEVER hold as much as they say they do - the numbers they give are for standard Bordeaux bottles. If you have Rhone shaped bottles or riesling, forget it - you'll be able to store far fewer. I bought a wine fridge, then another, and then built a cellar in the basement, and should have built it bigger because it's overflowing. But if you're looking for short term storage, you can actually save a lot of money. Most of the money will go to looks, not functionality. Smoked glass doors, pull-out trays, etc., cost money. While pull out trays seem nice, the fact is that they're quite heavy, so you're not likely to be pulling them out much. I wouldn't go for dual temps - I never understood that entire principle. Look at the gasket around the door - if it's cheap or the door seems flimsy, you'll get moisture build up and your cooler will run a lot. And putting the unit next to the stove or dishwasher isn't a great idea either. Those are insulated, but you exhaust heat from the back, just like your wine cooler does. As far as brand names, I've not looked at those much but I can say that Haier, which seems to make Magic Chef, is perhaps not your best bet. The compressors seem to burn out quickly and replacing those is essentially the cost of a new unit. I bought a small Haier unit when we were renovating the house and it lasted just over a year. When I looked it up by model, I got to the Magic Chef site. And found many complaints. They're made in China and maybe aren't made of the best materials. Better are Vinoteque - I've got one going on 10 years. Also Vinotemp, Eurocave and a few others. Cheers.
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It is a standard 24" space. The sister model is likely a Monogram http://appliances.monogram.com/us/specs/ZDWI240HII . U-Line also makes a 24" wide panel-ready wine storage unit as do several other brands https://www.ajmadison.com/b.php/Accepts+Custom+Panels%3BUndercounter%3BWidth%3A+19%22+-+23.9%22%3BWine+Coolers/Nao~20%3BN~34+1417+2446+776 . Be prepared for nearly $2K (or more) for the chilling unit plus the cost of the custom panel.
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semi
14 years ago
Just back from a trip to the appliance store. I was told to count on $1,000 + for a U-Line beverage fridge and $1,500 for a Monogram one.

I did not see anything in the $300-500 range. I wish I did!

Please let us know if you do find anything in that price range.
gsciencechick
14 years ago
Check out Sears! We had one on our wedding registry from there. They should have one in your price range.
canyonhome
14 years ago
I'm also in the market for an under the counter 45-55 bottle wine refrigerator. My research is telling me one can't get a quality one, new, for under $1,000. The closest I'm finding is about $1,200 for the KitchenAid.

Like you, I'm shopping for a better price, and I think the best options are online, eBay (brand new with warranty, call the manufacturer to verify the dealer and warranty), slightly used on craigslist, or "showroom used/new" from a showroom store. (I have yet to check out places like Sears or Home Depot).

But, I'm no expert on brands, so I also hope we see some replies here from more knowledgable posters :)
motherof3
14 years ago
I just purchased a Marvel beverage fridge (hold wine bottles and soda/beer cans). It was a 24" that retailed for $1299 (they also have a wine only version for the same price). I purchased 15k worth of other appliances and was able to get the fridge for $875. Top of the line is Subzero. The appliance dealer said that Subzero was the Porche, Marvel a Cadillac and Avanti a Chevy. I forgot how much the Avanti was, but I went with middle of the road. I'm not sure how Marvel compares with ULine. I found looking at the AJMadison website was helpful with pricing and reviews. Good luck.
adh673
14 years ago
I will add again, I was at lowes tonight and they had 24 inch wine fridges, ss exterior, for under 500 on display. Like everything, you notice the details that are missing from a upper level option- like dual or tri zones for various wine types. But I am like that. I go to a new home open house and I cant stand my house when I get home. But it fades and you start to think about really what you wanted to spend or the features you REALLY need. Let us know what you decide b/c Im on the hunt myself but since I need to research like 10 appliances for my remodel I'm distracted and this might be one of the last that I decide on. So far, my decisions = 0.
sherriz
Original Author
14 years ago
Does anyone know anything about Vinotemp? A friend also mentioned this brand.
ulinesalesguy
14 years ago
My only comment about the less expensive units is to be completely aware of what you are buying:

1) If you are needing a built-in application (you can identify this through a grille at the front of the unit for venting), you will be spending more than a free-standing unit. The least expensive built-in units are in the $800-$900 price range that I'm aware of (Danby Silhouette)

2) If you are storing wine, one of the most important things is temperature stability for wine preservation. Before you buy anything, check the owners manual. Many of the less expensive units can have a temperature variation of +/- 6-8 degrees (or, a 12-14 degree temperature swing)
dtrumpet101
14 years ago
I have a vinotemp, and like it very much. Its a 55 bottle or so model, though it holds closer to 48 comfortably. got it in summer of 2008 at costco for around $500. they don't have them in the store anymore, at least not my local one, though they may have them online. It has a tinted glass door, wood front shelves on wire racks, and is not noisy. Holds the temperature (one zone) consistently too.
wa8b
14 years ago
Costco sells a 24" under-counter dual-zone Vinotemp for $499.00. Don't know anything about Vinotemp, but Costco has a very liberal return policy if you're unhappy for some reason.

Here is a link that might be useful: Vinotemp at Costco.com
gatorguy
14 years ago
We have a Marvel, which was quite a bit more than you are looking to spend, but I really cant recommend it as I find to be a bit noisy. I think you will find the link have a lot of useful info on brands. Ultimately, if you're not a big wine drinkers, I would suggest finding something that goes with the rest of your appliances.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wine cellars

What wine fridge to buy?

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adh673

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