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. In general, a premium compressor-cooling model operates effectively over a large ambient temperature range. For example, you can house the Allavino Vite series 99-bottle in an ambient temperature between 55°F -80°F.
Compressor-cooling is used effectively for almost all mid-capacity to definitely large-capacity wine coolers. In general, capacity-range of 36-bottles and above units runs on compressor-cooling only.
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
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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 Vite Series 305 Bottle YHWR305-1BRT (right hinge) wine cellar
- Made in China
- The Package Length of the Product is 35.0 inches
- The Package Width of the Product is 39 inches
- The Package Height of the Product is 87 inches
Model: Allavino Vite Series YHWR305-1BRT wine cellar black door (right hinge)
Type: Free-standing or built-in compressor-based wine cellar.
Dimension: 78-1/2″ H x 31-1/2″ W x 29-1/4″ D (with handle)
Read our review for Allavino Vite Series 305-Bottle YHWR305-1BRT wine cellar.
3. Allavino VSWR128-1SSRN (Right hinge) 128 bottle wine fridge
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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.
4. Allavino FlexCount 2X-VSWR56-2SST 112 bottle wine fridge
- Allavino's 2X-VSWR56-2SST Multi-Zone Wine Cellar Refrigerator offers elegant built-in or freestanding storage...
- Made up of two dual zone 56 bottle units with opposite hinged doors, it has four distinct zones that can be...
- It features Allavino's new cutting-edge metal shelves, which are specially designed to be strong enough to...
- This extra space makes it possible to store larger bottles without sacrificing bottle capacity, making this...
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.
5. Allavino Vite Series YHWR99-2BRN 99-bottle dual-zone wine cellar
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Model: Allavino Vite Series YHWR99-2BRN 99-bottle wine cellar (black-color door frame) or Allavino Vite Series YHWR99-2SRN 99-bottle wine cellar (stainless-steel-color door frame)
Type: Free standing compressor-based wine cooler.
Dimension: 64-3/8″ H x 23-1/2″ W x 23-1/8″ D
Read our review for Allavino Vite Series YHWR99-2BRN 99-bottle wine cellar.
6. Allavino FlexCount 56-bottle VSWR56-2SSRN (right hinge) dual-zone wine cooler
- The lower zone must be set at least 4 degrees and no more than 12 degrees higher than the upper zone
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 dual-zone VSWR56-2SSRN wine cooler.
7. Allavino FlexCount 56-bottle VSWR56-1SSRN single-zone wine cooler
- The Allavino VSWR56-1SSRN FlexCount Series Single Zone Wine Refrigerator is a convenient and elegant wine...
- This wine cellar features a black cabinet, a stainless steel framed glass door on a right hinge, a stainless...
- Wine cooler includes an advanced cooling system and an intuitively designed control panel with display and...
- Allavino's wine refrigerator comes equipped with a bottom storage area and 5 roller-guide metal wine racks...
Model: Allavino FlexCount 56-bottle VSWR56-1SSRN (right hinge) or Allavino 56-bottle VSWR56-1SSLN (left hinge)
Type: Free standing or under-counter built-in compressor-based wine cooler.
Dimension: 33.9″ H x 23.4″ W x 23.6″ D
Read our review for Allavino VSWR56-1SSRN (Right hinge) 56-bottle single-zone wine cooler.
8. Allavino FlexCount 36-bottle VSWR36-2BWFN wine cooler Dual-zone
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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.
9. Allavino Cascina CDWR34-1SWT 34-bottle wine cooler
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
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
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
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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
- Brand: EdgeStar Included items: Wine cooler Type: Wine Cooler Finish: Stainless Steel/Black Color options:...
- Settings: Upper Zone: 41-54 degrees Fahrenheit, 55 bottle capacity Lower Zone: 54-64 degrees Fahrenheit, 55...
- ETL approved Tinted glass door Fashionable flat faced stainless steel handle Undercounter or freestanding...
- Auto defrost Security lock Display: Digital temperature controls with LED display Wattage: 200 watts
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
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 dinner, this EdgeStar...
- Temperature Range: The left cooling zone offers a temperature range of 40-65°F while the right cooling zone...
- Powerful & Efficient: In order to maintain your desired climate settings, this unit’s high-efficiency...
- Convenient Installation: No matter where you choose to install this wine and beverage cooler, its...
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.
7. Koldfront BWR300BL 15 Inch Built-In 30 Bottle Single Zone Wine Cooler
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Model and Capacity: Koldfront BWR300BL 15 Inch Built-In 30 Bottle Wine Cooler
Type: Under-counter, built-in, compressor cooling system
Dimension: 14.9″ W x 23.4″D x 32”H
Temperature Zone: Single-zone cooling
Read our review for Koldfront BWR300BL 30-bottle wine cooler.
Top-rated Frigidaire Compressor Wine Coolers:
1. Frigidaire FFWC3822QS 38-Bottle wine cooler
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Model: Frigidaire FFWC3822QS 38-Bottle wine cooler
Type: Free-standing only wine fridge.
Temperature Zone: Dual-zone cooling
Dimension: 34″H x 21 1/2″W x 24 1/2″D (w/handle)
Read our review for Frigidaire FFWC3822QS 38-Bottle wine cooler
Top-rated Kalamera Compressor Wine Coolers:
1. Kalamera 24-inch-wide 157-bottle wine cooler
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Model: Kalamera 157-bottle KRC-157DZB-TGD wine cooler
Type: Free-standing, built-in, compressor-cooling system
Temperature Zone: Dual-zone cooling
Dimension: 69.6 “H x 23.4 “W x 26.8″D(without handle); 69.6 “H x 23.4 “W x 28.6″D (with handle)
Read our review for Kalamera 157-bottle wine cooler.
2. Kalamera 50-bottle free-standing wine cooler
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Model: Kalamera KRC-52SZF 50-bottle wine cooler
Type: Free-standing
Temperature Zone: Single-zone cooling
Dimension: 33.07 “H x 19.50 “W x 22.83 “D
Read our review for Kalamera 50-bottle wine cooler.
3. Kalamera 24-inch-wide 46-bottle wine cooler
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Model: Kalamera KRC-46DZB-TGD 24-inch 46-Bottle Wine Cooler
Type: Free-standing, built-in or under-counter
Temperature Zone: Dual-zone cooling
Dimension: 33 “H x 23.4 “W x 24.4″D (with handle)
Read our review for Kalamera 24-inch-wide 46-bottle wine cooler.
4. Kalamera 24-inch 40-bottle French-doors wine cooler
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Model: Kalamera KRC-40DZB 24-inch 40-bottle French doors wine cooler
Type: Free-standing or built-in or under-counter
Temperature Zone: Dual-zone cooling
Dimension: 33 “H x 23.4 “W x 24.2 “D (with handle)
Read our review for Kalamera 24-inch-wide 40-bottle French-doors wine cooler.
5. Kalamera KRC-30SZB-TGD 30 Bottle Single Zone Wine Cooler
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Model and Capacity: Kalamera KRC-30SZB-TGD 15-inch-wide buillt-in wine cooler
Type: Under-counter, built-in, compressor system
Temperature Zone: Single-zone cooling
Dimension: 33.9 “H x 14.9 “W x 22.4″D (with handle)
Read our review for Kalamera 15-inch-wide 30-bottle wine cooler.
6. Kalamera KRC-18SZB-TGD 12 inch-wide 18-bottle wine cooler
No products found.
Model and Capacity: Kalamera KRC-18SZB-TGD 12-inch-wide 18-bottle wine cooler
Type: Under-counter, free-standing or built-in compressor system
Temperature Zone: Single-zone cooling
Dimension: 33.9″H x 11.6″W x 24.4″D (with handle)
Read our review for Kalamera 12 inch-wide 18-bottle wine cooler.
Top-rated NewAir Compressor Wine Coolers:
1. NewAir AWR-1600DB 160-bottle Wine Cellar
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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: 26.90″ D x 23.50″ W x 69.7” H (without handle)
Read our review for NewAir AWR-1600DB 160-bottle Wine Cellar.
2. NewAir AWR-1160DB 116-bottle Premier Gold Series Wine Cellar
- [A WINE CELLAR IN YOUR HOME] - Ultra-large 116 bottle storage is perfect for wine collectors and connoisseurs....
- [BUILT-IN OR FREESTANDING] - The quiet and low-vibration front-venting compressor system allows this wine...
- [DUAL TEMPERATURE ZONES] - Get two wine coolers in one thanks to dual-zone cooling for up to 116 standard wine...
- [FULL-EXTENSION BEECHWOOD SHELVES] - Gorgeous beechwood shelves slide effortlessly, preventing sediments from...
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″ W x 26.8″ D 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
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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
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Model: NewAir AWR-460DB 46 bottle Wine Cooler
Type: Free-standing or built-in compressor-system
Temperature Zone: Dual-zone cooling
Dimension: 23.5″W x 33″H x 22.5″D
Read our review for NewAir AWR-460DB 46 bottle Wine Cooler.
5. NewAir AWR-290DB 29-bottle wine cooler
- OPTIMAL TEMPERATURE FOR DIVERSE COLLECTIONS - Designed for collectors who enjoy both reds and whites, this...
- PRECISE DUAL-ZONE COOLING WITH LOW VIBRATION - The advanced compressor cooling system delivers reliable...
- DOUBLE-PANE GLASS DOOR FOR SUPERIOR INSULATION - A sleek, UV-protected, double-pane glass door provides...
- SECURE STORAGE FOR 29 BOTTLES WITH WOOD SHELVES - Smooth-gliding, premium wood shelves cradle up to 29...
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 Sipmore Compressor Wine Cooler:
1. Sipmore 44-bottle wine cooler wine cooler
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Model: Sipmore 24-inch-wide 44-bottle wine cooler
Type: Free-standing or built-in or under-counter compressor-based
Temperature Zone: Single-zone cooling
Dimension: 33.9″H x 23.4 “W x 22.4″D (without handle)
Read our review for Sipmore 44-bottle wine cooler.
Top-rated Smith and Hanks Compressor Wine Cooler:
1. Smith and Hanks RW145DRE 46-Bottle wine cooler
- 46 BOTTLE STORAGE CAPACITY. Offset bottle shelf lets you store pinot, chardonnay, and cab bottles without...
- READY TO DRINK WINE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS. With our dual zone cabinet, store up to 46 bottles of your favorite...
- FREE STANDING OR BUILT INTO CABINETS. Flexible design means you can use your wine storage cabinet as a free...
- EASY TO INSTALL. 24 inch wine cooler will fit into almost any space. Just plug it in and you are ready to go....
Model:Smith and Hanks RW145DRE 46-Bottle wine cooler
Type: Built-in, under-counter or free-standing, compressor wine cooler
Temperature Zone: Dual-zone cooling
Dimension: 34 1/4 “H x 24 “W x 23″D (without handle); 34 1/4 “H x 24 “W x 25″D (with handle)
Read our review for Smith and Hanks 46-Bottle wine cooler.
Top-rated Vinotemp Compressor Wine Cooler:
1. Vinotemp 165-Bottle Single-Zone Wine Cooler
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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
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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
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
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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
No products found.
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.
Top-rated Wine Enthusiast Compressor Wine Cooler:
1. Wine Enthusiast Classic L 80 Bottle Wine Cellar
- SINGLE ZONE FRIDGE - Freestanding bulk storage refrigerator stores up to 80 standard Bordeaux bottles; keep...
- DIGITAL TOUCH SCREEN - Set cooler to a temperature range of 41 degrees F to 68 degrees F providing ideal...
- QUIET AND ENERGY EFFICIENT - ETL-certified silent cooling technology and black double-pane full-glass lockable...
- CONVENIENT AND EASY TO USE - Cabinet features pull-out wood trimmed wire shelves and dramatic cool blue LED...
Model: Wine Enthusiast Classic L 80-Bottle wine cooler
Type: Free-standing compressor-cooling system
Temperature Zone: Single-zone cooling
Dimension: 40.8 “H x 23.2 “W x 24.8″D
Read our review for Wine Enthusiast Classic L 80 Bottle Wine Cooler.
Check out how to choose a wine cooler for a helpful check list to aid you with your selection decision.