Wine Cooler Comparison

Stainless Steel Wine and Beverage Cooler

When shopping for a new wine refrigerator, Vinotemp, Sub-Zero, KitchenAid, and Viking stand out for their sleek design and reliable technology. Today we are exploring how each brand compares based on their 46-bottle 24-inch wine cooler. 46-bottle wine fridges is a popular size as it can easily be installed under a kitchen counter.

A wine refrigerator should accomplish the basics; temperature and humidity control, protection from harmful UV rays, and minimal vibration. Let’s begin by reviewing the basic features that each of these models has in common:

• Fits undercounter (front exhaust)
• Compressor cooling system
• Sturdy wire racking with a lip to prevent bottles from falling off the rack and also providing an additional shield against UV rays
• Stores around 46 standard bottles of wine
• Digital temperature control
• 2 independent temperature zones
• Interior lighting
• Glass door
• Sabbath/vacation mode
• Reversible door hinge or available in right or left hinge for side-by-side installation

Now that we have discussed the commonalities, let’s talk about what makes each unit unique and whether or not there is an advantage to each. Please note that we are quoting prices as of 2019. Prices are subject to change.

Vinotemp launched its Designer Series with the intention of bringing customers an award-winning luxury wine cellar. The standout features of this unit include:

• Vinotemp’s patented wine racks with black lip / Ouzo™ style wine racks
• Blue LED lighting on both sides
• Cold catalyst filter which helps with humidity maintenance and to prevent unwanted odors
• Optional curved handle (shown), standard is pole handle
• Door lock with elegant French key
• Seamless stainless door trim
• Insulated glass door

Compared to other models, Vinotemp provides a lot of features for the price. It is also priced more economically than the competition while still offering the same advantages as a more premium brand.

Also, if you are looking for a different finish, racking, or handle style, Vinotemp has similar models for you to explore:

• Connoisseur Series 46 Dual Zone Wine Cooler
• Butler Series 46-Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Cooler
• 46-Bottle Dual-Zone Connoisseur Series Wine Cooler (Stainless)
• 46 Bottle Dual-Zone Touch Screen Wine Cooler

Image Source: KitchenAid

KitchenAid has been a household name for many years. Their specialty is kitchen appliances, more recently adding wine refrigerators to their catalog. The highlights of this particular model include:

• Available in both stainless steel and black stainless steel
• Fingerprint proof finish
• UV ray protected thermal glass door
• Metal front racking designed to move smoothly when pulled out or pushed in

KitchenAid’s wine refrigerator is priced moderately. Their warranty includes a 1-year warranty on the entire unit and 5-year warranty on the sealed system.

Image Source: SubZero

Sub-Zero is one of the first brands that comes to mind in the luxury appliance industry. The majority of Sub-Zero’s appliances are made for the kitchen, but wine coolers are not necessarily their specialty. Here are some of the standout features of their 24” undercounter wine cooler:

• UV resistant glass door
• Select between 2 handle styles; pro and tubular
• Connects to home security system
• Additional accessories available through authorized dealers: dessert wine rack, dual installation kit, several lock kits, kickplates, solid overlay door, inventory tile system.

Sub-Zero is the highest priced for this size of wine refrigerator. They do offer a “Worry-Free Warranty” which includes a 2-year warranty on the entire appliance, a 5-year warranty on the sealed system, and a limited 12-year warranty on select parts.

Image Source: Viking

Viking is another popular brand name that introduced wine refrigerators into its lineup of kitchen appliances. Please keep in mind that this unit is now discontinued. Highlights of this unit:

• Two different glass door styles (clear or fluted)
• Holds slightly less bottles than other models (44)
• Heavy duty commercial grade handle

The Viking warranty is very detailed: 2-year full warranty on the entire unit, 6-year full warranty on the sealed system, lifetime limited warranty on the stainless-steel exterior, and 90-day warranty on cosmetic parts.

We wanted to include popular brands such as LG and Maytag in this analysis, but they have discontinued their wine refrigerator series and removed the information from the internet. Both brands have the option to add a wine rack inside their standard food refrigerators, but we strongly advise against storing your wine inside your fridge. There are many elements that make the kitchen refrigerator unsuitable for wine; it’s too cold and dry, there are odd smells that can permeate the cork and negatively affect the taste of your wine, and there’s a lot of movement from the door regularly being opened and closed.

What truly makes Vinotemp standout from its competition beyond the price? Vinotemp has been in the wine storage industry for over 30 years. While KitchenAid, Viking, and Sub-Zero are all fantastic brands offering appliances for the kitchen, their knowledge of wine storage is limited. Vinotemp extends its wine storage options beyond wine coolers and also makes wine cabinets, wine racks, and cooling systems. Vinotemp’s catalog includes everything you could possibly need for the storage and service of wine.

Talk to us about your wine storage needs today. Contact us with our Contact Form.