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5 Best 18-Bottle Wine Fridges [Essential Picks in 2023]

The 18 bottle size of wine cooler represents an excellent storage solution for wine enthusiasts that have small to medium sized collections and don’t have access to a wine cellar.

They come in a range of shapes, sizes and capabilities so I've put this guide together to showcase my favorites.

My 18-Bottle Wine Cooler Recommendations

These are the 18-bottle models that I like over all others. They're the picks of the bunch in 2023.

1. Wine Enthusiast Dual-Zone Cooler

This Wine Enthusiast 18 bottle wine cooler impresses with its beautiful design that can fit into most interiors stylishly.

This freestanding unit uses the thermoelectric technology, which makes it (mostly) quiet and with a really low level of vibrations.

The dual temperature zones will allow you to store both red and white wines, or to chill a few bottles before serving.

2. EdgeStar 18 Bottle Built-In Wine Cooler

Whether you are searching for a freestanding or a built-in unit, this 18 bottle wine cooler from EdgeStar might be the right option for you.

With a beautiful design, this wine cooler will add a touch of style to your interior, while the elegant wooden shelves enhance the aspect of the unit.

Built as a single zone unit, this wine cooler represents an excellent choice if you have an increasing collection of red or white wines.

3. Kalamera Wine Refrigerator 18 Bottle Built-in or Freestanding

With a design very similar to the EdgeStar reviewed above, this built-in or freestanding unit from Kalamera has a width of only 12 inches, fitting perfectly in narrower spaces.

Even if it is a compressor wine cooler, the manufacturer used an advanced technology that reduces the noise and the vibration level, the user’s experience being similar to a thermoelectric unit.

The temperature can be set between 40 and 66°F, the unit being suitable for storage or chilling purposes.

4. Haier 18-Bottle Dual Zone

Haier is one of the wine cooler manufacturers that really care about the design of its products, and this freestanding wine cellar is really beautiful.

The sleek design is enhanced by the modern curved door, while the smoked glass adds more class to this splendid wine cooler.

Using the thermoelectric technology, this unit is perfect for both red and white wines, boasting dual cooling zones.

5. Koldfront 18 Bottle Free Standing Dual Zone Wine Cooler

Another 18 bottle wine cooler that deserves your attention is this Koldfront freestanding unit that uses the thermoelectric technology.

Compact enough, you can place this wine cooler directly on the floor or on the countertop.

The beautiful design will make this unit fit perfectly even in the living area, while the safety lock will help you keep safe an expensive collection of wines.

Things to Consider Before Buying an 18 Bottle Wine Cooler

There are so many models of wine cooler available that it is sometimes difficult to decide which is the right unit for you.

For this reason, there are a few things you should consider before choosing a unit.

First of all, you should decide if you want to preserve your wine, to chill it before serving or both.

Depending on your intentions, but also on the diversity of your collection, you should decide what features to look for in a wine cooler.

1. Thermoelectric Wine Coolers

The thermoelectric wine coolers present the advantage of having a really quiet operation, making it possible to place them almost anywhere in your house.

The temperature range usually varies between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the units being suitable for the storage of both red and white wines.

Because the internal temperature is always influenced by the external temperature, these units might be unsuitable to be placed in hot environments and they might not chill your wine properly before serving.

Typically, these units are ideal for preserving the wine, as the low level of vibration will not disturb the wine’s sediment. 

2. Compressor Wine Coolers

If you live in a warmer climate or if you want to use the wine cooler for chilling purposes, you should probably opt for a compressor wine cooler.

Similar to the regular refrigerators, these wine coolers have a superior cooling capability but they are noisier and produce more vibrations.

These units are more suitable to be placed in the kitchen and they come in various options including built-in, countertop or freestanding units.

3. Single Zone Wine Coolers

As the name says, these units maintain the same temperature in the whole interior.

Typically used for preserving the wine, the single zone wine coolers are a suitable solution for you if you have a collection composed of a single variety of wine.

These wine coolers also represent suitable storage options for the homemade wine.

4. Dual Zone Wine Coolers

These dual zone fridges are suitable for those who have different wines that must be preserved at different temperatures.

Usually one zone provides a lower temperature than the other, being suitable for preserving both white or sparkling and red wines.

These wine coolers can also be a versatile two-in-one preserving and chilling solution if you have only one type of wine since you will be able to place only one bottle in the colder zone.

In addition to these considerations, you should also decide where you want to place the wine cooler.

If you want to use it as an exhibition space for an expensive wine collection and place it in a living area, then maybe the best solution would be a thermoelectric countertop or freestanding unit.