5 Best Shallow Depth Wine Fridges [Space Saving Coolers]
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If you’re tight on space but big on taste, I’ve got your back. I’ve sifted through countless options to bring you the top shallow wine fridges that are designed to accommodate cool wine in tight spaces.
I've uncovered the shallowest wine fridges available in 2023, some measuring as little as 17 inches deep.
With a standard wine bottle measuring around 12 inches, I'm pretty confident you won't find anything shallower!
My Recommended Shallow Depth Wine Fridges
With wine fridges coming in various designs, I felt it was important to provide a selection of shallow options that cover the breadth of what's on offer.
Wine fridges store wine bottles horizontally (to keep the cork moist) and the type that fits in a house never exceeds one wine bottle in depth. Therefore, there's not a huge amount of variation in the depth of wine coolers.
They are typically well over 20 inches deep with some reaching over 25 inches, however, the shallowest wine refrigerators get down to 17 inches in depth, and I've included my favorites here.
Best Overall
Ivation 18-Bottle
Shallowest Single Zone
New Air 27-Bottle
Shallowest Dual-Zone
Ivation 33-Bottle
Best Overall Shallow Wine Fridge
Ivation 18-Bottle Compressor Wine Fridge
The Ivation 18 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler is an exceptional choice for those seeking a good sized, shallow-depth wine fridge.
Its sleek design, coupled with a depth of just 17.7 inches, makes it an ideal fit for compact spaces without compromising on functionality.
It's a single-zone wine cooler equipped with all the key features needed to keep both you and your wine happy. Let's take a quick run-through of what's on offer.
With a temperature range of 41-64°F, this fridge can accommodate serving both white and red wines at their optimal temperatures. However, being a single-zone cooler you'll need to choose just one temperature setting at a time.
The interior is nicely lit up with an LED light which can be toggled on and off using the simple interface on the panel above the door. There's not much to remark about with the interface, it's intuitive to use with just five buttons and an LCD temperature display.
You have control over the temperature to the nearest degree with up and down arrows and you can toggle between °F or °C if needed. There's a lock button (which is particularly useful if you have kids) and also a light switch button.
Honestly, it won't win any outstanding design awards but it doesn't need to, it's pretty much idiot-proof and you don't need to read a manual to get started.
A key consideration for me when choosing a good wine fridge is the quality of the door. It MUST be well insulated to save energy and it MUST be properly tinted to block out UV light. Thankfully, the UV-resistant thermopane (insulated) glass door here ticks both boxes.
The temperature is maintained consistently throughout the fridge using a fan. I have a bit of an issue with their marketing department selling this as a "silent fan", as well it might be silent, you can never tell as the 36 dB compressor does a great job of drowning it out.
But, that's not to say this shallow wine fridge is noisy, it isn't. It's just not silent like you might be led to believe. The American Academy of Audiology state a whisper is around 30 dB with a quiet library around 40 dB. So, this wine fridge is somewhere in the middle of a whisper and a quiet library, which is a pretty good place to be.
Key Features
Bottom Line: At just 17.7 inches, this is a shallow depth wine fridge that will fit into the tightest of spaces. It doesn't compromise on features either and keeps wine bottles cool with the minimum of fuss.
Shallowest Single-Zone
NewAir 27 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler
If you're on the hunt for a wine cooler that's the epitome of sleek and compact, then let me introduce you to the NewAir 27 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler. This baby is a mere 17 inches deep, making it one of the absolute shallowest wine fridges you can get your hands on.
And let's not forget, it holds a whopping 27 bottles. That's like having a mini wine cellar that can fit in the tiniest of spaces.
Now, let's talk aesthetics. The NewAir is dressed to impress with its stainless steel frame and beechwood shelves. It’s like the George Clooney of wine coolers - timeless and sophisticated.
The glass door is triple-tempered, which means it's not just keeping your precious vino insulated, but it's also giving those harmful UV rays the cold shoulder.
The control panel is a no-nonsense affair. It's got that ‘I-mean-business’ vibe with its digital display and touch controls. You can toggle between Fahrenheit and Celsius, and there’s a lock button to keep the settings tamper-proof. And yes, it has an interior LED light that bathes your wine collection in a soft glow. It’s like your wine is on the red carpet every day.
But here’s where the NewAir really flexes its muscles. This cooler is not just about looks; it’s got the brains too. The compressor cooling system is robust, ensuring your wines are cradled at the perfect temperature.
And the dreaded refrigerator buzz? With a noise rating of 35 dB, it ranks as one of the quieter wine fridges on the market. If you didn't read my previous recommendation, to put that into perspective, a whisper is rated at 30 dB and a quiet library at 40 dB.
So, is the NewAir 27 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler worth your time and money? In my book, it’s a resounding yes. You simply don't get wine fridges of this sizeable capacity that are shallower.
Key Features
Bottom Line: It's the wine fridge with the shallowest depth (of real quality) that I'm aware of. At just 17" deep this wine cooler is really compact but still looks great and has all the features you need.
Best Small and Shallow
BLACK+DECKER 6-Bottle
If a 27-bottle wine refrigerator is overkill and you just need a small cooler for the countertop to keep a few bottles at a time in, then BLACK+DECKER do an awesome little 6-bottle model that could be just the ticket.
It's perfect for those who don't have the luxury of space but refuse to compromise on their wine experience. Measuring 19.8" D x 9.7" W x 14.9" H it's the perfect small countertop cooler.
To save on bulk, tiny wine fridges like this one use something called thermoelectric cooling. This is at the expense of a bulky compressor, which is the standard cooling device used by fridges and air conditioners.
Thermoelectric coolers have two big advantages in that they are quieter (less vibration) and more energy efficient. Sounds amazing right? Well, yes it is, but there's a downside too, which explains why they aren't the industry standard (compressors are).
Thermoelectric wine fridges are less powerful and sensitive to ambient temperatures. This means if you live in an area that gets very hot or if your preferred installation location could see big swings in temperature, then a thermoelectric cooler might not be a good choice.
This BLACK+DECKER wine fridge features electronic temperature controls that let you dial in the perfect setting for your vino. The LED display is crisp and clear, so you can see your settings at a glance. And let's not forget the interior light that makes your bottles look like they're on display at an upscale wine boutique.
The glass is triple-paned for excellent temperature insulation but unfortunately there's no tint on the glass to filter UV light. For this reason, I wouldn't recommend installing this anywhere where sunlight might be an issue.
Being a freestanding unit, you'll need to account for clearances for proper air circulation. This unit needs 2" at the sides and top and 4" at the back, which is fairly standard.
Key Features
Bottom Line: If you need the most compact wine cooling solution for your home then they don't get much smaller than this.
Shallowest Dual-Zone
Ivation 33-Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Fridge
For the discerning oenophile, the Ivation 33 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Refrigerator represents the epitome of sophistication and utility.
The dual-zone temperature control is a standout feature, allowing for the precise and independent regulation of two separate compartments.
The upper zone is ideal for white and sparkling wines with a temperature range of 41-57°F, while the lower zone, ranging from 54-64°F, is perfectly suited for red wines. This flexibility is indispensable for maintaining the optimal serving temperatures of a diverse array of wines.
The aesthetic appeal of this unit is undeniable. With a stainless steel exterior and a double-paned glass door, it exudes an air of elegance. The glass is UV-resistant, safeguarding your wines against the damaging effects of sunlight. The door also features a lock, adding an extra layer of security for your prized collection.
Internally, the Ivation 33 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler Refrigerator is equipped with sliding beechwood shelves, which can be effortlessly adjusted to accommodate bottles of varying sizes. The soft interior LED lighting illuminates your collection without the harshness of traditional bulbs.
The unit employs a state-of-the-art compressor cooling system, ensuring consistent temperatures devoid of fluctuations. The fan-forced internal circulation prevents hot spots and ensures even cooling throughout the unit.
With a depth of just 16.9 inches, this wine cooler is considered extremely shallow and is ideal for installations where space is at a premium.
Key Features
Bottom Line: Dual-zone wine fridges are bulkier by design but this one bucks the trend to remain compact and very narrow of depth. It also manages to be a thoroughly well-built wine cooler that's dependable as well as easy to use.
Best Value For Money
Danby 16-Bottle Wine Cooler
This Danby 16-Bottle Wine Cooler is a compact, money-saving solution for wine lovers who are conscious of both space and budget. With a depth of just 19.9 inches, it fits comfortably in small spaces, making it an excellent choice for those with limited room.
This wine cooler offers a temperature range of 6°C - 14°C (43°F - 57°F), allowing you to keep your wine cool. A point of note here is that 57°F is still quite cool and while perfectly fine for serving white wines, your reds will be a little too cool when taken straight out of the fridge to serve. For this reason, I consider this to be solely a white wine fridge (unless you don't mind taking your bottles of red out 30 minutes before serving).
The cooler's interior LED light provides a soft, warm glow that beautifully showcases your wine collection without the harshness of traditional lighting.
The cooler's exterior is sleek and modern, with a black cabinet, stainless steel trim, and a tempered glass door. The door is also reversible, offering flexibility in placement.
It's a no-frills wine fridge and you won't find any beechwood trim here. However, the wire shelves provide all the functionality you need to keep your wine cool. Just note, that you won't be able to proudly display your wine bottle labels like you can with some coolers.
There are a couple of important notes here that aren't obvious from the sales literature. The first is that it requires 5" of clearance at the sides, back and top. This is a bit more than usual so make sure to plan for this.
Also, it does actually have tinted and tempered glass for UV protection and heat insulation. I'm not sure why they don't make a point of mentioning this.
Key Features
Bottom Line: For its price point, the Danby 16-Bottle Wine Cooler offers excellent value for money. It provides most of the essential features you'd want in a wine cooler without breaking the bank. However, there are a few caveats that I've highlighted. The narrow temperature range being the most important one.
Types of Wine Fridges to Consider
If you're new to the world wine refrigerators then there are a few key differences that you should consider.
Freestanding vs Built-in Wine Coolers
Freestanding wine coolers, as the name suggests, are versatile and can be placed anywhere in your home. They're the wanderers of the wine cooler world. They don’t need to be tucked into cabinetry and are often designed to be showstoppers.
However, they need ample space around them for ventilation, so they can’t be squeezed into tight spots.
On the other hand, built-in wine coolers are the custom tailors of the wine storage realm. They're designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen cabinetry or under the counter. They usually have a front ventilation system, which allows them to be snugly integrated into your existing décor without the need for extra space around the sides and the back.
In essence, if you're looking for a wine cooler that can be placed anywhere and possibly moved in the future, a freestanding unit is your go-to.
But if you're after that sleek, integrated look and have a specific spot in mind, a built-in wine cooler is the bespoke choice for you.
For freestanding units, it's generally recommended to have at least 4 inches of space on the sides, back, and top to ensure proper air circulation. This is because they usually vent heat from the back, and without adequate space, they can overheat and not function efficiently.
Built-in wine coolers, on the other hand, are designed with front ventilation. This means they can be installed almost flush with cabinetry and don't require as much clearance on the sides or back.
However, it's still advisable to leave up to 1 inch of space at the back and 1/4 inch at the sides and on the top. This is to allow heat to escape and to ensure that the unit doesn't overheat.
In both cases, it's essential to consult the manufacturer's guidelines for the specific model you are considering, as requirements can vary. Proper ventilation is crucial for the wine cooler's longevity and for keeping your wines at optimal temperature!
Single Zone vs Dual Zone Wine Coolers
Single-zone and dual-zone wine coolers serve distinct purposes in the preservation and aging of wines.
Single-zone wine coolers have a singular cooling area and maintain a consistent temperature throughout the unit. They are ideal for individuals who primarily consume one type of wine, be it red or white. For instance, if a collector has a predilection for red wines, a single zone cooler set at an optimal temperature for reds would be most suitable.
Conversely, Dual Zone Wine Coolers are equipped with two separate compartments, each with its own temperature controls.
This feature is advantageous for connoisseurs who enjoy both red and white wines, as it allows for the storage of each type at its respective ideal temperature. For example, one could store red wines in one compartment set at around 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit, and white wines in another compartment set at approximately 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit.
In summary, Single Zone Wine Coolers are best suited for those with a preference for either red or white wine, while Dual Zone Wine Coolers cater to the diverse tastes of those who appreciate both.
It is imperative for collectors to consider their consumption habits and preferences in making an informed decision on the type of wine cooler that best meets their needs.
Compressor vs Thermoelectric Wine Coolers
Compressor and thermoelectric wine coolers are the two primary types of cooling technologies used in wine fridges.
Understanding the differences between them is essential for making an informed decision based on your wine storage needs.
Compressor Wine Coolers
Bottom Line: Compressor based wine coolers are more powerful, more energy hungry, and noisier than thermoelectric coolers. However, they are much more reliable and therefore still the industry standard.
Thermoelectric Wine Coolers
Bottom Line: Thermoelectric wine coolers are more energy efficient and quieter than compressor based wine coolers. However, they aren't suitable for use in very hot climates. They're also only really suitable for smaller fridge sizes.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shallow Depth Wine Fridge
When choosing a shallow depth wine fridge, there are several factors to consider to ensure you select the best model for your needs.
- Installation: The first consideration is the installation of the wine fridge. Shallow depth wine fridges come in two main types: freestanding and built-in. Freestanding models are versatile and can be placed anywhere there is enough space and a power outlet. Built-in models, on the other hand, are designed to fit into existing cabinetry or under counters. They typically have front ventilation to prevent overheating. The choice between freestanding and built-in will largely depend on your available space and the layout of your home. Be sure to check the specific surface clearances for your model of choice before purchasing too. These devices need air circulation space to remain cool.
- Capacity: The capacity of the wine fridge is another crucial factor. This depends on the size of your wine collection and how much you plan to grow it in the future. If you're a casual drinker with a small collection, a wine fridge that holds 6-20 bottles might be sufficient. However, if you're a serious collector or plan to become one, you'll want a larger capacity fridge. Remember, it's better to have a little extra space than not enough.
- Special Features: Lastly, consider the special features that come with the wine fridge. These can include dual temperature zones, which allow you to store red and white wines at their optimal temperatures simultaneously. Other features to look for include UV-protected doors to protect your wines from light damage, adjustable shelves for different bottle sizes, and digital temperature controls for precise adjustments. Some models even offer smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity and app control.
