
What is the difference between built-in and built in wine coolers?
Another important difference is the dimensions of the wine cooler. Built-in models are built to the same depth as adjacent kitchen counters and other fixtures so that the wine cooler is flush with your cabinetry.
Will a wine cooler fit under a countertop?
Built-in models are built to the same depth as adjacent kitchen counters and other fixtures so that the wine cooler is flush with your cabinetry. Freestanding models may be at odd sizes, so they won’t fit perfectly under a counter top.
Should I choose a built-in or freestanding wine fridge?
The biggest pro for a freestanding unit is typically it is lower in price. A big pro for the built-in unit is it gives you more options for placement as it can be installed into your cabinetry or placed freestanding. No matter which you decide is right, you will be all the merrier toasting with a wonderfully chilled glass of wine!
What's the difference between a wine cooler and a beverage cooler?
On average a wine cooler will not offer temperatures below 46°F degrees. A beverage cooler and refrigerator are similar to each other, but beverage coolers frequently do not offer the adjustable shelves or door storage that a refrigerator often does, and they often have glass doors in order to display the contents.

Can a freestanding wine cooler be built-in?
This is a commonly asked question when it comes to wine coolers, the answer to this question is no, a freestanding wine cooler cannot be installed into a built-in unit. Freestanding wine coolers are made to be freestanding as they are designed with a vent on the back of the cooler.
What is a built-in wine cooler?
A built-in wine cooler is designed to sit recessed into existing cabinetry or undercounter, saving you valuable space. Vinotemp's stylish units are available in black, smoked black stainless steel, stainless steel, and more. Bottle capacities range from 7 bottles to 300.
Can any wine fridge be built-in?
Whether a wine cooler can be built into a cabinet depends on the design of the cooler itself. If the vents are in the front of the unit to allow for proper circulation, then yes, it can be built into a cabinet. This is not the case if the venting is built into the back or sides of the unit.
Can you put a freestanding wine cooler in a closet?
If the unit is designed for freestanding installation, it must have 6 inches of space at the back and 10-12 inches of space on either side. Never place a freestanding wine fridge inside a closet, underneath a counter or tabletop, or recessed into cabinetry.
What is the difference between a built-in refrigerator and a free standing?
Built-in fridges are generally taller than freestanding models, although they are limited to cabinet depth (24”) so they can be installed seamlessly flush with kitchen cabinetry. They come in many different sizes and can be as wide as 48”.
Where should I place my freestanding wine cooler?
Top 10 Places to Put a Wine CoolerKitchen. This is by far the most popular place for wine coolers. ... Dry Bar or Wet Bar. ... Cellar. ... Tasting Room. ... Dining Room. ... Restaurant or Café ... Wine Bar. ... Finished Basement, Den, or Entertainment Area.More items...•
Can you build in a freestanding fridge?
A freestanding fridge freezer won't be able to fit inside a housing cabinet, nor can it have kitchen cabinet doors attached to it – it's just not designed to. However, you can create a 'surround' using kitchen cabinets to help make a freestanding fridge freezer look more built-in and part of a run of cabinets.
What does freestanding installation only mean?
Freestanding appliances can stand on its own with finished sides, without the need of installing in the cabinetry while built-in appliances are integrated into the kitchen cabinets or walls, creating more modern, sophisticated look in the kitchen.
How do you install a built-in wine fridge?
2:256:39DIY Built-in Wine Fridge - NewAir 46 Bottle 24 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI measured the width of the to 18 inch cabinets. And width of the wine fridge to get there with theMoreI measured the width of the to 18 inch cabinets. And width of the wine fridge to get there with the countertop. And now I can pop a wine fridge in between the two. And that's how I did my plans.
How much clearance does a freestanding wine fridge need?
Generally, this means that you will need to allow for 6 inches of clearance at the back, 10-12 inches of clearances on each side, and nothing placed on top of the cooler. Freestanding units should never be recessed into cabinetry like a built-in wine fridge.
Can you put a freestanding wine fridge under the counter?
A freestanding wine refrigerator should never be installed under a counter. If a wine fridge (freestanding or built-in) were to be placed in a hot garage, it would put a strain on the system because it would have to work much harder to reach the low temperature needed to store the wine and maintain that temperature.
What can go wrong with a wine cooler?
Thermoelectric Cooler IssuesImproper Room Temperature. When you have thermoelectric wine cooler problems, the room temperature may be the issue. ... Defective Fan. A thermoelectric wine cooler uses a fan to move hot air out. ... Faulty Thermostat. ... The Fan is Not Working. ... Faulty Evaporator.
Which one should I choose – Built In or Freestanding?
The answer to this question almost entirely depends on where you’re looking to place the wine cooler.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section we’ll address all of the most common questions that we get asked on the topic. If you don’t see the question that you’re looking to get answered, leave it in the comments section and we’ll add it to the list, alongside an in-depth answer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, built-in wine fridges are more versatile in their placement options, when compared against freestanding units.
What is the difference between a built in wine cooler and a freestanding wine cooler?
Wine capacity is important, but what really makes all the difference between built-in and freestanding coolers is the amount of temperature zones each unit has. The most common wine coolers – freestanding or built-in – are single zone units. This means that the temperature within it is maintained throughout the entire appliance.
What are the two main methods of cooling for wine?
The two main methods of cooling for any built-in or freestanding appliance are compressor cooling and thermoelectric cooling.
What is compressor cooling?
Compressor cooling is commonly found in larger appliances, meaning that it has the ability to cool a great number of bottles while keeping temperatures consistent regardless of outside environmental changes. Although they tend to consume more energy and produce more noise while operating, if you’re in the market for a freestanding unit then this is the method you’ll most likely choose.
Why use dual zone cooler?
Dual zone units are the most popular choice among wine drinkers because it allows one to chill different types of wines at two different temperatures.
Can you store Zinfandels at the top?
Zinfandels can be stored at the top in a lightly chilled setting, and Champagnes can be stored at an even colder setting underneath! Multiple zone units provide even more room for a wide array of options because you can store several different types of wine at different temperatures throughout.
Is a wine cooler a freestanding unit?
On average, freestanding wine cooler units are lower in price, making them a bit more desirable. A freestanding appliance doesn’t require the same strict dimensions that a built-in unit does, and a consumer can easily find a brand and size that can be plugged in anywhere.
Freestanding and Built-in Wine Cooler
The freestanding wine cooler is designed to stand alone without the support or help of any other external tool. The built in wine cooler is designed to be placed into existing counters and cabinetry. Most built-in coolers also have a front vent located under the door.
Getting Your Wine Cooler Up and Running
If you are looking for a high-quality wine cooler, then it is rather expensive. It will have the necessary high outward design and finishing while the inner parts are run with special technology that controls temperature without fail.
Best Areas to Place Your Cooler
You can purchase your wine cooler to suit the space you have at your home or establishment. You may need to measure the space so that it would be fit enough to its designated space when you purchase a cooler. There are several areas in your home, shop, or commercial establishment where you can easily keep your wine coolers.
The capacity of Your Wine Cooler
You must first have an idea about the type of wine cooler you want and the capacity it holds. What is good for a public restaurant or café may not be the same in your home. You may need wines only in small quantities, and therefore you need to think it over and check the bottle capacity it has to hold your collection.
Freestanding Vs Built-In Wine Coolers: Which One Do You Choose?
The question of which is better between a freestanding wine cooler and built-in one has become more complicated with the increase in technology and sophistication of Wine coolers.
What Is A Wine Cooler?
What is a wine cooler? A wine cooler is simply an electronic device designed to store and dispense alcoholic beverages, typically in conjunction with juice and a low carbonated drink. However, it can be of higher capacity than just this, usually containing a smaller capacity carbonated beverage.
Should I Consider When Choosing A Wine Cooler?
Should I consider purchasing a wine cooler? This is one question that you should ponder before you buy wine cooler. If you have a wine collection in your home, then there is no doubt that you would love to be able to store them properly.
What Type Of Wine Cooler Should I Buy?
What type of wine cooler should I get? This is a common question among home enthusiasts since there are so many types of wine cooler chillers that are available in the market. Basically, the most important factor to consider when buying a wine cooler would be the amount of storage space you have at home.
Freestanding Vs. Built-In Wine Coolers: Which Is Better?
There are many pros and cons to both Freestanding vs. Built-in wine coolers. Many wine enthusiasts prefer the flexibility of having an on-site wine cooler that offers them flexibility in space, temperature control and additional features, like Wine cooler.
May I Use A Wine Cooler To Store My Other Beverages?
If you are thinking of buying a freestanding wine cooler, you should understand that there are different types of these coolers. You may buy them according to their size and capacity. The very basic and inexpensive kind of cooler is called a fanny pack.
What is a Built-in Wine Cooler?
A built-in wine cooler is designed with a front exhaust. When looking at the appliance from the front, you will notice there is a grill at the bottom of the unit, beneath the door. This is where the unit will expel hot air. Therefore, when installing your new wine fridge, you must ensure that the exhaust remains unobstructed.
What are the Advantages of a Built-in Wine Fridge?
Ice wine is made from Vidal Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Riesling grapes. All of these grapes have adapted to their cold climates. Riesling and Vidal Blanc are most commonly used for ice wine.
What's the Difference Between Iced and Ice Wine?
Built-in wine coolers have numerous advantages. The primary benefit of a built-in wine cooler is the variety of installation. A built-in refrigerator can be installed into existing cabinetry as long as proper clearance guidelines are followed.
What is a Freestanding Wine Cooler?
Freestanding wine coolers have an exhaust at the rear or side. Freestanding wine refrigerators commonly operate using a thermoelectric cooling system, but may have a compressor-based cooling system. Thermoelectric cooling systems have fewer moving parts, which means they are quieter than a compressor-based system and use less energy.
What are the Advantages of a Freestanding Wine Cooler?
There are many benefits to owning a freestanding wine cooler. The first noticeable advantage is the price. Freestanding wine coolers typically cost less than built-in wine refrigerators. The second advantage is the installation.
How much space do you need for a freestanding wine cooler?
In order to allow for sufficient air circulation, there should be a minimum of 3-5 inches of space left around the units , which is why these coolers are commonly placed in large rooms such as spacious kitchens or garages. Due to the way the cooler dissipates heat from the back, freestanding units cannot be positioned in the same way an integrated unit would be. If a freestanding wine cooler was enclosed, it would be susceptible to over-heating and eventually, burning out.
How many bottles can a freestanding wine cooler hold?
Generally, they are capable of having wider and taller dimensions than built-in models and have the capacity to hold upwards of 150-200 bottles. Many freestanding wine coolers will have 4-6 shelves to hold the bottles, whilst others will have 10-15 shelves. If you have an especially large wine collection, you should consider opting for the taller freestanding wine coolers.
What is integrated wine cooler?
Built In or integrated wine coolers are engineered to literally be ‘built-in’ to any cabinet, counter or space within your kitchen. There is a huge variety of integrated wine coolers on the market that are designed to accommodate arrange of cabinetry setups. Integrated wine coolers can also be positioned independently if preferred, like a freestanding model. As integrated wine coolers dissipate heat from the front of the unit rather than the back, they can be installed virtually anywhere, as long as they are out of direct sunlight and free from vibrations.
Can you put a wine cooler under a kitchen counter?
As long as you have the adequate space to do so, you could install your integrated wine cooler underneath a kitchen counter or within existing cabinetry. You could also opt for a slimmer, taller model to install alongside other appliances and cupboard which would give your kitchen a really sleek, modern look .
Built-In Wine Coolers
Built-in wine coolers, like the NewAir AWR-290DB or AWR-190SB, are specifically made to fit seamlessly below your existing cabinetry. They could take the place of a garbage disposal underneath your kitchen counter or fit flawlessly within an existing home entertainment system in your personal bar, RV, or man cave.
Freestanding Wine Coolers
Freestanding wine coolers can stand independently of cabinets and walls in which appliances with built-in capability are placed. Typically larger than built-in units, freestanding wine coolers are ideal for people who want to place their wine collections just about anywhere. Additionally, freestanding units sometimes vent from the back.
Which Unit is Right for You: Built-in or Freestanding?
With both built-in and freestanding wine coolers offering many benefits, you might be wondering which option works best for you. If you’re short on space, a built-in wine fridge is perfect for you.

Placement
Capacity
- Along with placement, knowing how much you need your cooler to hold reveals what options are available. What is limiting about built-in wine coolers is that these units tend to be more compact. They’re meant to be placed under the counter or within a cabinet—designed specifically to fit well into a kitchen’s structure– and their limited size results in a limited capacity of wines. To a mode…
Temperature Zones
- Wine capacity is important, but what really makes all the difference between built-in and freestanding coolers is the amount of temperature zones each unit has. The most common wine coolers – freestanding or built-in – are single zone units. This means that the temperature within it is maintained throughout the entire appliance. A single zone unit is ideal for anyone who mainl…
Types of Cooling
- Something worth mentioning in respect to both types of wine appliances is the way that a unit is cooled. The two main methods of cooling for any built-in or freestanding appliance are compressor cooling and thermoelectric cooling.
Price
- Once you’ve considered all the other factors, the last thing to contemplate is the price. On average, freestanding wine cooler units are lower in price, making them a bit more desirable. A freestanding appliance doesn’t require the same strict dimensions that a built-in unit does, and a consumer can easily find a brand and size that can be plugged ...