Small wine coolers are compact and often used as countertop wine coolers. In general, you want your countertop wine coolers to have small foot-print, not too heavy, not too tall. They can be thermoelectric or compressor-based for cooling, although thermoelectric cooling is often favored for these smaller units where silent operation is important.
Here are some important considerations in selecting a countertop small wine cooler:
- Capacity. Small size of 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 18, or 20-bottle is appropriate size for counter-top.
- Type. Compact free-standing unit fits the best on a countertop.
- Dimension. Counter space is always a premium in any kitchens. Check exterior dimensions of the unit to ensure proper fit in your environment
- Cooling temperature zone. Do you want a single-zone or a dual-zone
- Temperature range. The settable temperature range available in the cooler. In general, red wine carries a range of 50°-65°F; white at a range of 40°-50°F.
- Easy to operate. The convenience and ease-of-use of the temperature control panel.
- Consider additional features that may be of value to you, such as interior lighting, type of shelves, door lock, etc.
- Warranty. It is a peace of mind to have at least a one-year parts warranty by the manufacturer.
Style and material. These small wine coolers will be sitting on your counter top, it will likely be viewable from any angle. It is important that the cabinet be finished from all four sides and the top. You want it to look pleasing with the other appliances in your space.
Tips:
- For proper ventilation, make sure you have five inches clearance between the back of the cooler to the adjacent walls.
- Do not use extension cord with any of the featured wine coolers below.
So first pick the small wine cooler you desire, make sure it’s dimensions are compatible with your space, and then prepare to enjoy your fine wines.
Here are our top choices for the best countertop small wine coolers:
1. NewAir AW-121E 12-bottle thermoelectric small wine cooler
- 12 Bottle Capacity: Compact, 12 bottle storage, perfect for red or white wines.
- Cooling System: The quiet and vibration free thermoelectric cooling system allows you to...
- Digital Display: Quickly monitor and set temperatures with ease using the push button...
- Interior LED Lighting: Cool blue LED lighting is included to better illuminate your...
Model and Capacity: NewAir AW-121E 12-bottle thermoelectric small wine cooler
Type: Free-Standing only, counter-top Thermoelectric system
Temperature Zone: Single-zone cooling
Dimension: 14.00″W x 19.50″D x 17.50″H
Weight: 26 lbs.
Read our review for NewAir AW-121E 12-bottle thermoelectric wine cooler.
2. Cuisinart CWC-800CE 8 Bottle Private Reserve Wine Cooler
- Efficient thermoelectric cooling system – for less noise and Energy consumption that...
- Touchscreen controls easily adjust temperature and soft interior light
- Designer stainless steel trim on exterior
- 3 contoured chrome racks designed to hold up to 8, 750ml or 1500ml bottles triple-pane...
Model and Capacity: Cuisinart CWC-800CE 8 Bottle Private Reserve Wine Cooler
Installation Type: Free-Standing only, verticle profile, counter-top
Cooling Type: Thermoelectric system
Temperature Zone: Single-zone with wide temperature range 39°F -68°F
Dimension: 12″ W x 22.5″ L x 19″ H
Weight: 26 lbs.
Notable Features:
- Stainless steel trim on black exterior – a designer style of sophisticated binding.
- Classic black interior housing with soft LED lights.
- You manage the temperature setting, interior light via a touch-screen control panel.
- Three-tier removable chrome shelving – to accommodate 8 wine bottles.
- Well-insulated triple-pane glass door.
- Limited 3-year warranty by the famous kitchen appliance manufacturer Cuisinart.
- Place this cooler on a dry and level surface, away from direct sunlight or hot appliances.
- This is a thermoelectric unit – it operates best with proper air circulation and the ambient temperature is less than 70°F.
3. Ivation Premium 8-Bottle thermoelectric Wine Cooler
- WINE COOLER (wine Cellar / Wine Chiller) A MUST HAVE: The only way to protect the quality...
- PERFECT Stable TEMPERATURE: The Ivation cooler enables you to store your wines short &...
- HUMIDITY, MINIMAL LIGHT: Insulated with Solid polyurethane heavy foam (CFC-free) & Closed...
- NO VIBRATION & SUPER QUIET: Specially built with an Energy-efficient thermoelectric...
Model and Capacity: Ivation Premium 8-Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
Installation Type: Free-Standing only, horizonal counter-top
Cooling Type: Thermoelectric system
Temperature Zone: Single-zone cooling
Dimension: 16.25″ W x 18.8″ L x 10.7″ H
Weight: 19.18 lbs.
Notable Features:
- Thermoelectric cooling system – quiet and low vibration.
- Temperature range: 46°-64°F – suitable to store red or white wine.
- Pull-out beech-wood shelves – strong and beautiful shelving material.
- Digital control – easy to operate.
- Tempered-smoked glass door – beautiful and good safety feature to block UV light.
- Stainless-steel door trim – durable and matches well with other stainless appliances.
4. Koolatron WC08 8-Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
- Stores 8 wine bottles – climate controlled storage help preserve the ideal taste and...
- Thermoelectric cooling - dependable, silent and vibration-free cooling technology
- Three full width wire wine racks – racks can be removed if needed to let you customize...
- Digital temperature controls – set the temperature to create the ideal climate for your...
Model and Capacity: Koolatron WC08 8-Bottle Wine Cooler
Installation Type: Counter-top, free-Standing only
Cooling system: Thermoelectric system
Temperature Zone: Single-zone with temperature range 48°F -64°F
Dimension: 12″ W x 21.5″ L x 19″ H
Weight: 20 lbs.
Notable Features:
- Well-insulated double-pane glass door.
- The sleek mirror conveys an urban sense of style.
- Easy to use electronic touch screen temperature control.
- Removable metal shelves – to accommodate larger non-standard wine bottles.
- Soft interior light to gently illuminate your collection.
- Compact design with a flush-back and groove-type door handle.
- Manufactured by a quality refrigeration manufacturer Koolatron.
The tempered mirror-glass-door on this thermoelectric unit reminds me of the first Koolatron brand appliance I saw at Grandpa Jack’s office in Ontario years ago. Did you know Koolatron is a top-quality refrigeration manufacturer and distributor since the 80’s? Koolatron headquarters in Ontario, Canada.
5. Avanti 6-bottle thermoelectric wine cooler
- 6 Bottle Capacity
- Thermoelectric Cooling System
- Holds Wine From 46 - 65 F
- Soft Touch Control
Model and Capacity: Avanti 6-Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
Installation Type: Free-Standing only, counter-top in a kitchen or a home bar.
Cooling system: Thermoelectric system
Temperature Zone: One single-zone cooling system
Dimension: 9.75″ W x 20.25″ D x 15″ H
Weight: 22 lbs.
Notable Features:
At 10-inch wide, 15-inch tall, this is one of the most compact coolers in the market.
- Simple design with black exterior.
- Soft touch digital control panel is located on the door. You don’t have to open the door to set the temperature or turn on/off the LED light.
- Temperature range: 46°-65°F – suitable to store sparkling, white or red wine.
- Save energy – thermoelectric has lower energy consumption than compressor-type cooling.
- Transparent glass door – you can see your vintage inventory easily, especially when your collection is illuminated by the soft interior LED light.
- Removable metal shelves – durable shelving material and easy access to your wine.
- Door handle is a groove-type design on the side of the door – the result is a smooth and seamless front door.
- Magnetic seal on the door helps to keep interior temperature constant.
6. Allavino CDWR16-1SR Cascina Series 16-bottle small wine cooler
Model and Capacity: Allavino CDWR16-1SR Cascina Series 16-bottle wine cooler
Type: Free-standing only, counter-top thermoelectric wine cooler
Temperature Zone: Single-zone cooling
Dimension: 20 1/4″ H x 17″ W x 19″D
Weight: 31 lbs.
Read our review for Allavino CDWR16-1SR Cascina Series 16-bottle wine cooler.
7. NewAir AW-181E 18-bottle Thermoelectric small wine cooler
- 18 Bottle Capacity: Compact, 18 bottle storage, perfect for red or white wines.
- Cooling System: The quiet and vibration free thermoelectric cooling system allows you to...
- Digital Display: Quickly monitor and set temperatures with ease using the push button...
- Interior LED Lighting: Cool blue LED lighting is included to better illuminate your...
Model and Capacity: NewAir AW-181E 18-bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
Type: Free-Standing only, countertop Thermoelectric system
Temperature Zone: Single-zone cooling
Dimension: 14.00″L x 19.38″W x 25.75″H
Weight: 33.9 lbs.
Read our detailed wine cooler review for NewAir AW-181E 18-bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler.
8. Whynter WC-201TD 20-bottle thermoelectric small wine cooler
- Measures: 20.5" Long x 15.79" Wide x 22" High
- Capacity: 20 standard wine bottles
- Black tinted mirror glass door with sleek black cabinet and space saving recessed handle...
- Adjustable Thermostat, 46°F - 65°F, with soft-touch digital control panel.
Model and Capacity: Whynter WC-201TD 20-bottle small wine cooler
Type: Free-Standing only, countertop Thermoelectric system
Temperature Zone: Single-zone cooling
Dimension: 16″ W x 20.5″D x 22”H
Weight: 33 lbs.
Read our detailed wine cooler review for Whynter WC-201TD 20-bottle wine cooler.
9. EuroCave Wine Art 2-bottle Preservation System
- QUIET, COMPACT AND COUNTERTOP-FRIENDLY - With a whisper-quiet design and a height under 19...
- PRESERVE YOUR HAPPINESS - EuroCave Wine Art enables you to perfectly preserve the flavors...
- DUAL COMPARTMENTS - Store either red, white, or both at the optimal serving temperature....
- FINE WINE BY THE GLASS, ALL WEEK LONG - Wine Art's two compartments operate independently,...
Model: and capacity: Eurocave wine art 2-bottle preservation system and wine cooler
Type: Counter-top, Free-standing
Temperature zone: Dual Zone
Dimension: 9.8 x 9.6 x 18.6 inches
Weight: 14 pounds
Read our review for EuroCave Wine Art 2-bottle Preservation System.
Summary:
The best countertop wine cooler is the one that meets your requirements. Consider the capacity and style you like. Measure your countertop space allocated for your compact wine cooler. Consider some of our top-rated units in your evaluation. We hope you will find the one for you. Enjoy!
Check out our Wine Cooler Buying Guide for helpful check list to aid you with your buying decision.
