There are two basic types of refrigeration in wine coolers — compressor wine coolers and thermoelectric wine coolers. Compressor-based wine coolers chill your wines using a mechanism much like your home refrigerator. A refrigerant is compressed and cooled and then allowed to expand (providing further cooling for your wine collection). Like your refrigerator, an electric motor is used to compress the refrigerant.
So, like your home refrigerator, there is some noise and vibration produced. On the other hand, this is a very well proven and reliable technology that operates effectively over a large ambient temperature range and capacity range. Compressor cooled wine cellars can easily be built to vent in any direction, so this technology is favored for built in or under-counter wine coolers. Look for a front-venting wine cooler if you want a built-in wine cooler. Most dual zone and multi-zone wine coolers are compressor based.
Consider the following attributes of a Compressor-based Wine Cooler when choosing the best wine fridge for you:
Pros for Compressor-based Wine Cooler
- Operates well over substantial ambient temperature range
- Generally capable of cooling a larger capacity of wine and more rapidly
- Generally very reliable (based on the same technology as a home refrigerator)
- Can require little clearance, allowing built-in or under-counter wine coolers with forward venting
Cons for Compressor-based Wine Cooler
- Not as energy efficient as Thermoelectric wine coolers
- May produce some noise and vibration, although most are low noise and low vibration
- May cost more to operate
- Contains a refrigerant (e.g., Freon)
Here are our top choices for Compressor-based Wine Coolers among all brands:
Top-rated Allavino Compressor Wine Coolers:
1. Allavino FlexCount 172-bottle VSWR172-2BWRN (right hinge) Dual-zone
- 172 BOTTLE CAPACITY: This Allavino VSWR172-2BWRN wine cooler has 12 shelves that can hold...
- DUAL ZONE TEMPERATURE CONTROL: This wine refrigerator's dual zone design allows you to...
- INNOVATIVE NEW SHELF DESIGN: Get the most out of your space with Allavino's new FlexCount...
- TRADITIONAL STYLE MEETS MODERN TECHNOLOGY: The sleek black cabinet with matching framed...
Model: Allavino FlexCount 172-bottle VSWR172-2BWRN (right hinge)/Allavino FlexCount 172-bottle VSWR172-2SSLN (left hinge) wine fridge.
Type: Free-standing or built-in dual-zone compressor-based wine fridge.
Dimension: 71.5″ H x 23.5″ W x 27″D
Read our review for Allavino FlexCount 172-bottle.
2. Allavino VSWR128-1SSRN (Right hinge) 128 bottle wine fridge
- 128 BOTTLE CAPACITY: FlexCount Series shelves store more bottle types than any other wine...
- FULL RANGE TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Adjustable between 41 degrees Fahrenheit and 64 degrees...
- INNOVATIVE NEW SHELF DESIGN: Allavino's unique shelving design features metal shelves that...
- TRADITIONAL STYLE MEETS MODERN TECHNOLOGY: Within the sleek black cabinet, an all black...
Model: Allavino VSWR128-1SSRN (Right hinge) 128 bottle wine fridge.
Type: Free-standing or built-in compressor-based wine cooler.
Dimension: 55.2″ H x 23.5″ W x 27.0″ D
Read our review for Allavino VSWR128-1SSRN (Right hinge) 128 bottle wine fridge.
3. Allavino FlexCount 2X-VSWR56-2SST 112 bottle wine fridge
- 112 BOTTLE CAPACITY: This wine cellar has 10 shelves that can hold up to 9 bottles each...
- MULTI-ZONE DIGITAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Store both red and white wines simultaneously in...
- INNOVATIVE NEW SHELF DESIGN: Allavino's revolutionary new FlexCount shelving features...
- BUILT-IN VERSATILITY: This wine cooler is front-venting, allowing it to be built in under...
Model: Allavino FlexCount 2X-VSWR56-2SST 112 bottle wine fridge.
Type: Side-by-side or free standing 4-zone compressor-based wine fridge.
Dimension: 33.9″ H x 46.8″ W x 23.6″ D
Read our review for Allavino FlexCount 2X-VSWR56-2SST 112 bottle wine fridge.
4. Allavino FlexCount 56-bottle VSWR56-2SSRN (right hinge) Dual-zone
- 56 BOTTLE CAPACITY: The Allavino VSWR56-2SSRN utilizes specially designed FlexCount...
- DUAL ZONE DIGITAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Store both red and white wines in this dual zone...
- INNOVATIVE NEW SHELF DESIGN: Allavino's revolutionary new FlexCount shelving features...
- POWERFUL COOLING TECHNOLOGY: Allavino FlexCount Series wine refrigerators combine...
Model: Allavino FlexCount 56-bottle VSWR56-2SSRN (right hinge) or Allavino 56-bottle VSWR56-1SSLN (left hinge)
Type: Free standing or built-in compressor-based wine cooler.
Dimension: 33.9″ H x 23.4″ W x 23.6″ D
Read our review for Allavino FlexCount 56-bottle VSWR56-2SSRN.
5. Allavino FlexCount 36-bottle VSWR36-2BWFN wine cooler Dual-zone
- 36 BOTTLE CAPACITY: This beautiful French door wine refrigerator has 12 shelves that can...
- DUAL ZONE DIGITAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Each of this unit's dual temperature zones has it's...
- INNOVATIVE NEW SHELF DESIGN: Allavino's FlexCount Series features a cutting edge metal...
- POWERFUL COOLING TECHNOLOGY: This wine refrigerator utilizes cutting-edge technology to...
Model: Allavino FlexCount 36-bottle VSWR36-2BWFN French door wine cooler
Type: Free-standing or built-in compressor-based French doors wine fridge.
Dimension: 32 3/4″ H x 23 1/2″ W x 23 1/4″D (25″ w/handle)
Read our review for Allavino FlexCount 36-bottle VSWR36-2BWFN wine cooler.
6. Allavino Cascina CDWR34-1SWT 34-bottle wine cooler
- 34 BOTTLE CAPACITY: Allavino's Cascina Series CDWR34-1SWT wine cooler refrigerator is a...
- DURABLE AND ATTRACTIVE WOODEN SHELVES: This wine refrigerator boasts 6 removable wooden...
- EASY TO USE PUSH BUTTON CONTROLS WITH LED TEMPERATURE DISPLAY: The temperature controls...
- STAINLESS STEEL FRAMED GLASS DOOR WITH LOCK: The sleek black cabinet features a stylish...
Model: Allavino Cascina CDWR34-1SWT 34-bottle wine cooler
Type: Free-standing only compressor wine cooler
Dimension: 33.1 “H x 20.4 “W x 19″D
Read our review for Allavino Cascina CDWR34-1SWT 34-bottle wine cooler.
Top-rated EdgeStar Compressor Wine Coolers:
1. EdgeStar CWR1661SZDUAL 332 Bottle Side-by-Side Wine Cellar
- Save money by purchasing two of Edgestar's popular wine cooler CWR1661SZ; Dimensions for...
- Digital temperature controls w/ LED display; Temperature: 40-65 degrees F; Tinted glass...
- Slide-out, wood-trimmed wire shelves; Auto defrost; Replaceable built-in carbon filter;...
- NOTE: Units ship separately and both will arrive right hinged. You may follow the...
Model: EdgeStar CWR1661SZDUAL 332 Bottle Side-by-Side Wine Cellar
Type: Free-standing or built-in.
Dimension: (per unit)69.5″ H x 23 7/16″ W x 26.75″ D, or 69.5″ H x 46.875″ W x 26.75″ D for the double unit described here.
Read our review for EdgeStar CWR1661SZDUAL 332 Bottle Side-by-Side Wine Cellar.
2. Edgestar CWR1211SZDUAL 242 Bottle Wine Cellar
- Save money by purchasing two of Edgestar's popular wine cooler CWR1211SZ
- Digital temperature controls w/ LED display; Temperature: 41-65 degrees F; Tinted glass...
- Slide-out, wood-trimmed wire shelves; Auto defrost; Replaceable built-in carbon filter;...
- NOTE: Units ship separately and both will arrive right hinged. You may follow the...
Model: Edgestar CWR1211SZDUAL 242 Bottle Built-In Side-by-Side Wine Cellar Stainless Steel – Black. This product is comprised of 2 independent wine refrigerators, requiring 2 separate plugs. The two separate units generally arrive at the same time, but may arrive separately. The installation depicted in the picture requires the reversal of hinging on 1 door, as both units are shipped as right-handed coolers.
Type: Front venting allows the units to be installed free-standing or built into other cabinet work.
Dimension: (per unit): 54.8″ H x 23 7/16″ W x 26.75″ D for the double unit described here.
Read our review for Edgestar CWR1211SZDUAL 242 Bottle Wine Cellar.
3. EdgeStar CWR1431TZ 143 Bottle Triple Zone Wine Cooler
- Triple Zone Operation: This EdgeStar wine cooler's triple-zone design will hold many...
- Versatile Temperature Range: The CWR1431TZ features three independently cooled climate...
- Convenient Installation: No matter where you choose to install this large-capacity wine...
- Powerful & Efficient: In order to maintain your desired climate settings, the unit's...
Model: EdgeStar CWR1431TZ 143 Bottle Triple Zone Wine Cooler
Type: No matter where you choose to install this large-capacity wine cooler, its front ventilation and reversible door swing will easily accommodate built in flush-mount and freestanding installation.
Dimension: Height: 69-7/16″, Width: 23-7/16″, Depth: 26-9/16″
Read our review for EdgeStar CWR1431TZ 143 Bottle Triple Zone Wine Cooler.
4. EdgeStar CWR1101DZ 110 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler
- Upper Zone: 41 - 54 degrees F; 55 bottle capacity; Lower Zone: 54 - 64 degrees F; 55...
- 110 wine bottle capacity; Two (2) independently controlled zones; Stainless steel trimmed...
- Undercounter or freestanding application; Blue interior LED lighting; Tinted glass door
- For a single zone version of this model please see CWR1211SZ; Dimensions: 54 4/5" H x 23...
Model: EdgeStar CWR1101DZ 110 Bottle Built-In Dual Zone Wine Cooler – Stainless Steel and Black.
Type: This wine cooler may be installed free-standing or built in flush with cabinets; front ventilation allows for this flush-with-cabinetry installation while the fully finished black cabinet also allows for freestanding use.
Read our review for EdgeStar CWR1101DZ 110 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler.
5. EdgeStar CWR461DZ 46-Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Cooler
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Model: EdgeStar CWR461DZ 46-Bottle Built-In Dual-Zone Wine Cooler
Type: This front-venting wine cooler design is ideal for under counter built-in, flush-mount and freestanding applications so it will fit with many alternative designs for your home or office. It uses a compressor for cooling.
Dimension: 33.5″ H x 23.5″ W x 24.5″ D
Read our review for EdgeStar CWR461DZ 46-Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Cooler.
6. EdgeStar CWB2886FD 30-Inch Built-In Wine and Beverage Cooler
- Dual Zone Operation: Whether you prefer a glass of wine or can of beer with dinner with...
- Temperature Range: The left cooling zone offers a temperature range of 40-65°F while the...
- Powerful & Efficient: In order to maintain your desired climate settings, this unit's...
- Convenient Installation: No matter where you choose to install this wine and beverage...
Model: EdgeStar CWB2886FD 30-Inch Built-In Wine and Beverage Cooler
Type: This front-venting compressor cooling design is ideal for under counter built in, flush-mount and freestanding applications.
Dimension: 34.13″ H x 29.5″ W x 25.38″ D
Read our review for EdgeStar CWB2886FD 30-Inch Built-In Wine and Beverage Cooler.
Top-rated NewAir Compressor Wine Coolers:
1. NewAir AWR-1600DB 160-bottle Wine Cellar
- 160 Bottle Capacity: The robust 160 bottle storage is perfect for red and white wines.
- Cooling System: The premier dual zone compressor cooler allows you to set the temperature...
- Digital Display: Quickly monitor and set temperatures with ease using the push button...
- Interior LED Lighting: Premium gold LED lighting and dimming options are provided to allow...
Model: NewAir AWR-1600DB 160-bottle Premier Gold Series Wine Cooler
Type: Free-standing or built-in compressor-system
Temperature Zone: Dual-zone cooling
Dimension: 23.5″ L x 26.8″ W x 69.7” H
Read our review for NewAir AWR-1600DB 160-bottle Wine Cellar.
2. NewAir AWR-1160DB 116-bottle Premier Gold Series Wine Cellar
- 116 Bottle Capacity: The robust 116 bottle storage is perfect for red and white wines.
- Cooling System: The premier dual zone compressor cooler allows you to set separate...
- Digital Display: Quickly monitor and set temperatures with ease using the push button...
- Interior LED Lighting: Premium gold LED lighting and dimming options are provided to allow...
Model: NewAir AWR-1160DB 116-bottle Premier Gold Series Wine Cellar
Type: Free-standing or built-in compressor-system
Temperature Zone: Dual-zone cooling
Dimension: 23.5″ L x 26.8″ W x 56” H
Read our review for NewAir AWR-1160DB 116-bottle Premier Gold Series Wine Cellar.
3. NewAir AWR-520SB 52-bottle wine cooler
- 52 Bottle Capacity: Convenient 52 bottle storage, perfect for red or white wines.
- Cooling System: The single zone compressor cooler allows you to set the temperature as low...
- 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: NewAir AWR-520SB 52-bottle wine cooler
Type: Free-standing or built-in compressor-system
Temperature Zone: Single-zone cooling
Dimension: 23.50″L x 22.40″W x 32.20″H
Read our review for NewAir AWR-520SB 52-bottle wine cooler.
4. NewAir AWR-460DB 46 bottle Wine Cooler
- 46 Bottle Capacity: Convenient 46 bottle storage, perfect for red and white wines.
- Cooling System: The dual zone compressor cooler allows you to set the temperature as low...
- Digital Display: Quickly monitor and set temperatures in both temperature zones with ease...
- Interior LED Lighting: Cool blue LED lighting is included to better illuminate your...
Model: NewAir AWR-460DB 46 bottle Wine Cooler
Type: Free-standing or built-in compressor-system
Temperature Zone: Dual-zone cooling
Dimension: 23.7″L x 22.6″W x 33.6″H
Read our review for NewAir AWR-460DB 46 bottle Wine Cooler.
5. NewAir AWR-290DB 29-bottle wine cooler
- Attractive blue lighting brightens the interior
- Dual temperature zones
- Keeps 29 bottles of wine readily accessible on sliding, adjustable beech wood shelves
- Measures only 15 inches in width to fit easily
Model: NewAir AWR-290DB 29-bottle wine cooler
Type: Free-standing, under-counter, built-in compressor system
Temperature Zone: Dual-zone cooling
Dimension: 22.50″L x 14.88″W x 33.75″H
Read our review for NewAir AWR-290DB 29-bottle wine cooler.
Top-rated Vinotemp Compressor Wine Cooler:
1. Vinotemp 165-Bottle Single-Zone Wine Cooler
- 165-Bottle Single Zone Freestanding Wine Cooler
- Freestanding installation only
- Interior LED lighting
- Dual-pane glass door with stainless trim and recessed handle
Model: Vinotemp 165-Bottle Single-Zone Freestanding Wine Cooler
Type: Free-standing only (rear venting)
Dimension: 23 2/5″w x 27 8/5″d x 68 2/5″h
Read our review for Vinotemp 165-Bottle Single-Zone Wine Cooler.
2. Vinotemp 155-Bottle Dual-Zone Connoisseur Series Wine Cooler
- Easy to use touch screen control panel with blue LED readout
- Dynamic and silent mode
- Black cabinet with seamless stainless steel door and grill
- Dual-zone
Model: Vinotemp 155-Bottle Dual-Zone Connoisseur Series Freestanding Wine Cooler
Type: this wine cooler may be free-standing or built-in. It is available in right or left hinge, so two units can be placed side-by-side for double capacity and 4 zone cooling.
Dimension: 23 3/5”W x 26 3/5”D x 69 4/5”H (per unit)
Read our review for Vinotemp 155-Bottle Connoisseur Series Wine Cooler.
3. Vinotemp VT-155SBW 155 Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Cooler
- Reversible door swing allows you two install two side by side
- Digital controller with blue LED readout
- Dynamic / Silent Mode
- Pull-out beech wood shelves
Model: Vinotemp VT-155SBW 155 Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Cooler
Type: Free-standing or built-in
Dimension: 23 1/2″ W x 26 1/2″ D x 70″ H, Depth including handle: 28 2/5″
Read our review for Vinotemp VT-155SBW 155 Bottle Wine Cooler.
4. Vinotemp 154-Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Cooler
- 154-Bottle Dual-Zone Freestanding Wine Cooler (Left Hinge)
- Freestanding installation only
- Dual-pane glass door with recessed handle
- Two independent temperature zones for red and white wines
Model: Vinotemp 154-Bottle Dual-Zone Freestanding Wine Cooler
Type: Free-standing only (rear venting)
Dimension: 23.43” W, 68.38” H, 27.16” D
Read our review for Vinotemp 154-Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Cooler.
5. Vinotemp VNTVT-122TS-2Z 110 Bottle Wine Cooler
- 110 Bottle Dual-Zone Touch Screen Wine Cooler
- Free-standing installation only
- Our distinctive black rack is a patented Vinotemp design exclusive*
- Frameless cabinet with seamless, all-glass technology
Model: Vinotemp VNTVT-122TS-2Z 110 Bottle Dual-Zone, Free Standing Wine Cooler
Type: This wine cooler may only be a free-standing unit.
Dimension: 23 1/2″ W, 26 4/5″ D, 51 7/10″ H
Read our review for Vinotemp VNTVT-122TS-2Z 110 Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Cooler.
Check out our Wine Cooler Buying Guide for helpful check list to aid you with your buying decision.
