What is a Better: A Wine Bottle Chiller Made of Marble or Stainless Steel?


Serving wine at the proper temperature ensures you and your guests enjoy the intended balance of aroma, flavor, alcohol, and structure, as designed by the winemaker.

If the wine’s temperature is too cold or too warm, you will likely miss its flavor profile and character. There are many tools and methods to ensure your wine is served at just the right temperature; proper time spent in a cellar or wine cooler, a bottle thermometer, allowing the wine to decant at room temperature, and more. Red wines should generally be served slightly colder than room temperature between 62-68◦F. White wines taste best when served between 49-55◦F. It can be particularly challenging to keep both red and white wines cool during warmer seasons. One way to keep bottles cold for up to three hours is to use a wine bottle chiller.


A wine bottle chiller is an insulated vessel into which you can add a bottle of wine. The thick walls of the wine bottle chiller will maintain the wine's temperature for several hours without ice. Wine bottle chillers are shaped similar to a bucket but with a lower profile and modern design. They are easy to use on a countertop or table, making them easy to use for dinner parties, outdoor gatherings, and more. Wine bottle chillers may include an insert that can be chilled in the refrigerator or freezer beforehand to maintain or cool the wine. The two most popular materials used for wine bottle chillers are marble and stainless steel.

Marble has always been an excellent insulation material. Most of us have had the experience of stepping onto cold marble tile without socks on and noting that it is quite cool to the touch. In addition to retaining cold, it has an elegant, modern, and timeless appearance. To keep wine extra cold, add the marble wine chiller to the freezer for an hour before use. Since it is made of solid rock, you should handle it with care. Once it has been cracked or dropped, it isn't easy to repair.

Stainless steel has long been used for food-related products such as appliances, countertops, cookware, kitchen tools, and more. Stainless steel has become popular because, like marble, it can retain cold temperatures easily. It is also heat resistant, resistant to rusting, staining, and corrosion. Plus, it is also very easy to clean and maintain. Stainless steel chillers are lighter in weight when compared to marble bottle chillers. They will generally be double-walled to maintain the cold temperature of the bottle.

Should you buy a marble or stainless-steel bottle chiller? If you plan to bring your chiller with you for dinner parties or outdoor events, a stainless-steel chiller is a more suitable option because it is lightweight and durable. If you are only using your bottle chiller at home, a marble version can add style and elegance to a room; just be careful not to drop it. One material is not necessarily better than the other, and the choice depends largely on your taste.