Have you been searching for a wine cooler but then been bamboozled and confused by terms like “thermoelectric” and “compressor”? While we cover the difference between thermoelectric and compressor-based wine coolers in our buying guide, the basic crux of it is:
A compressor-based wine cooler is basically a little mini refrigerator using the same system to refrigerate your wine as your regular kitchen fridge does to keep your food cool. Meanwhile, a thermoelectric wine cooler uses modern, “thermoelectric” technology to remove hot air from the wine cooler cabinet.
This thermoelectric cooling system is not perfect, for instance, it will struggle to ever be able to get as cold as a compressor-based refrigeration system. But, this is partly why it is such a good cooling system for wine coolers, as wine generally should not be kept as cold as the temperature of your kitchen refrigerator.
If you live in a very hot climate a thermoelectric wine cooler might not be the best choice for you as it may struggle to keep your wine cold enough. However, there are a lot of advantages to thermoelectric wine coolers too.
They are extremely energy efficient so will inevitably be cheaper to run than a compressor-based wine cooler. They are also quiet and vibration free – both key, important elements when storing wine. They are also small and compact making them easy to fit into your kitchen or anywhere else you decide to store and cool your wine.
There are quite a few thermoelectric wine coolers available these days, so, which ones are the best?
Here’s our list of the best thermoelectric wine coolers available.
1. Magic Chef MCWC12B 12-Bottle Wine Cooler
The Magic Chef MCWC12B 12-Bottle Wine Cooler is one of the best thermoelectric wine coolers on the market. This cooler has a very effective cooling system, with temperatures ranging from 54 degrees Fahrenheit to 66 degrees Fahrenheit.
It has an amazing design with a black finish. It is portable and can fit into any space. In addition to being portable, this cooler has a modern design that will blend into the décor of your home. It also has an electronic control panel with an LED display.
One of the most notable features of this cooler is that it features a super-quiet operation. It also has a large capacity, as it can hold up to 12 bottles of wine. The dimension of the cooler is 14.2” W x 19.0” H x 20.1” D. It also comes with sculpted-chrome shelves, which are highly durable. With the adjustable temperature control, you can store wines at their optimal serving temperature. You can position this unit on a countertop or the cabinet.
Specs:
- Dimension: 2” W x 19.0” H x 20.1” D
- Capacity: 12 Bottles
- Temperature Range: 54°F to 66°F
- Weight:4 pounds
PROS
CONS
- Beautiful design
- Large storage capacity
- Super quiet
- Adjustable temperature control
- Not ideal for larger wine bottles
2. NutriChef PKTEWC120 Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
This is another great option to consider if you are looking for the best thermoelectric wine cooler. This cooler is designed to store 12 bottles of wine. You can use it to store both red and white wine. It has an adjustable temperature control feature that allows you to adjust the cooling temperature to suit the optimal serving temperature of the wine. You can adjust the temperature of this unit from 50° to 64°F.
This cooler is 9.9 inches long, 19.7 inches wide, and 25.0 inches high. The housing construction material of this unit is engineered thermoplastic ABS, which is a highly durable and strong material. This cooler comes with an advanced cooling system that has an extremely quiet operation.
This product is also backed by a one-year warranty, and this gives you all the assurance you need when buying it. The shelves of this cooler are designed for both short and long bottles, as it has both horizontal and vertical space-saving shelves. It comes with a reinforced, transparent glass door with an air-tight seal.
Specs:
- Dimension: 9’’ x 19.7’’ x 25.0’’
- Capacity: 12 Bottles
- Temperature Range: 50°F to 64°F
- Weight:2 pounds
PROS
CONS
- Large storage capacity
- Ideal for storing short and long bottles
- Decorative and compact design
- Extremely quiet operation
- It does not fit all bottles properly
3. Cuisinart CWC-800CEN 8-Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
The Cuisinart CWC-800CEN 8-Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler is a great option for those looking for a very portable wine cooler. The capacity of this cooler is 8 bottles, and it is portable enough to fit into any tight space or cabinet.
It features touchscreen controls, which allow you to adjust the temperature with ease. This cooler has a highly efficient cooling system that consumes less energy with an ultra-quiet operation. It has soft interior lighting, which makes it easy to spot and pick your favorite wine even in the dark.
Specs:
- Dimension: 19 x 12 x 22.5 inches
- Capacity: 8 Bottles
- Temperature Range: 39°F to 68°F
- Weight:2 pounds
PROS
CONS
- Wide temperature range to choose from
- Ideal for champagnes, white wines and red wines
- Portable design
- Soft interior lighting
- It is a bit pricey
4. Koolatron WC18DZ Dual Zone Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
Next, for something a little different is the Koolatron slim dual zone Thermoelectric Wine Cooler. This wine cooler is designed as a freestanding unit that is compact enough to put anywhere there is power. It is large enough to carry up to 18 bottles of wine. If you are looking for the best thermoelectric wine cooler that will keep your visitors talking, then this is the product for you.
The dual zone cooling stores 8 bottles in the upper zone and 10 bottles in the lower zone. It has touchscreen controls and a digital display that allows for easy adjustment of the temperature in each zone. It also has a UV protective door that will protect your wines from UV rays. The cooling system of this unit is reliable and efficient, and it is energy efficient as well.
Specs:
- Dimension: 13 x 22.25 x 38 inches
- Capacity: 18 Bottles
- Temperature Range: 46°F to 66°F
- Weight: 9 pounds
PROS
CONS
- Sleek and slim design
- UV protective door
- Adjustable dual zone temperature controls
- Reliable and efficient cooling
- Door is not reversible - right hinge only
5. Koolatron WC20 Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
If you are looking for a thermoelectric wine cooler with a large capacity to carry more bottles, then you should consider the Koolatron WC20 Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
This wine cooler is designed to store up to 20 bottles of wine.
Interestingly, it has a large capacity but compact design. It is designed to keep your wines fresh and tasting good. In addition to preserving the quality of your wine, this cooler provides UV protection for your wines. It has an LCD and you can change the temperature settings to either Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Specs:
- Dimension: 9 x 16.9 x 20.1 inches
- Capacity: 20 Bottles
- Temperature Range: 52°F to 65°F
- Weight: 31 pounds
PROS
CONS
- Can be placed anywhere there is a power source
- Wire racks can be removed to fit larger or irregular shaped bottles
- Quiet operation
- Stable temperature
- Does not go lower in temperature
6. Avanti Countertop 6 Bottle Wine Cooler
The last on our list is the Avanti Countertop 6 Bottle Wine Cooler, and it is designed for those looking for small and portable thermoelectric wine coolers. This unit has only two shelves and it can store only 6 bottles of wine.
It has an integrated handle and the shelves slide out for easy accessibility of your wines. This unit features a lightweight and compact design, which means you can move it around with ease. It also features soft interior LED lighting with an On/Off switch. This cooler features adjustable temperature controls, and the temperature goes from as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit to as high as 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Specs:
- Dimension: 22 x 16.8 x 11.5 inches
- Capacity: 6 Bottles
- Temperature Range: 45°F to 65°F
- Weight: 22 pounds
PROS
CONS
- Portable and lightweight design
- Slide-out shelves
- Relatively cheap
- Low capacity
Final Thoughts
Having your own thermoelectric wine cooler means that you will be able to cool your favorite wine to the optimal serving temperature while maintaining its taste and freshness.
So, there you have it, our top 6 suggestions for the best thermoelectric wine coolers.
Cheap to run, quiet to use and they keep your wine cool! There’s a lot to love about thermoelectric wine coolers.