There are two types of refrigeration in wine coolers — thermoelectric wine coolers and compressor wine fridges. So how do you choose the best wine chiller for you? Thermoelectric wine coolers cool wines using a solid-state heat pump that operates on the Peltier effect. Without going into the physics, this provides the ability to cool wines (or anything else) without moving parts in an environmentally friendly way that is inherently quiet and vibration free (both good things for a wine refrigerator). Because of the characteristics of thermoelectric wine coolers, we see them as the technology of choice for a small free-standing wine fridge or an under counter wine cooler.
Consider the following attributes of a Thermoelectric Wine Cooler when choosing the best wine cooler for you:
Pros for Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
- Environmentally friendly – No refrigerant like Freon, low energy consumption
- Quiet (no moving parts besides fans)
- No Vibration (keeps wine sediments undisturbed)
- Especially suitable for smaller, counter-top or freestanding wine coolers
Cons for Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
- Requires a narrower ambient temperature range (50° to 80°F) than compressor-cooled units—not suitable for garage or outdoor installation
- May not function as well in warmer temperatures
- Require more clearance around the beverage fridge to protect from damage due to overheating (#1 reason for failure of thermoelectric wine coolers)
- Cannot be installed into cabinetry because of clearance restrictions
Here are our top choices for Thermoelectric Wine Coolers among all brands:
Top-rated AKDY Thermoelectric Wine Coolers:
1. AKDY 32 bottle single zone thermoelectric wine cooler
Model: AKDY 32 bottle single zone thermoelectric wine cooler.
Type: Free-standing only (vents to the rear)
Dimension: 16.2″ W x 21″ D x 31.7″ H
Read our review for AKDY WC0002 32 bottle single zone thermoelectric wine cooler.
2. AKDY WC0020 28 bottle single zone thermoelectric wine cooler
- Electronic touchpad for precise temperature control with LED display
- Adjustable temperature control provides the perfect environment for your wine
- Thermoelectric fan cooling system reduces noise and vibration
- Low energy consumption and efficient advanced heat dissipation
Model: AKDY WC0020 28 bottle single thermoelectric zone wine cooler
Type: Free-standing only (vents to the rear)
Dimension: 16.93 W x 20.27 L x 28.58 H
Read our review for AKDY WC0020 28 bottle single zone thermoelectric wine cooler.
3. AKDY WC0021 21 bottle dual-zone Thermoelectric wine cooler
- External Dimension(in): 13.5"W x 20"L x 32.25"H
- Internal Dimension(in): 11"W x 13"L x 28.25"H
- Upper zone: 44°F - 66°F, 6 bottles; Lower zone: 44°F - 66°F, 15 bottles
- 7 removable shelves capacity up to 21 bottles
Model: AKDY WC0021 21 bottle Thermoelectric wine cooler.
Type: Free-standing only (vents to the rear)
Dimension: 13.38W x 20.27L x 32.28H
Read our review for AKDY WC0021 21 bottle Thermoelectric wine cooler.
4. AKDY WC0012 18 bottle Single-zone Thermoelectric wine cooler
- Electronic touchpad for precise temperature control with LED display
- Adjustable temperature control provides the perfect environment for your wine
- Thermoelectric fan cooling system reduces noise and vibration
- Low energy consumption and efficient advanced heat dissipation
Model: AKDY WC0012 18 bottle Single-zone Thermoelectric wine cooler
Type: Free-standing only
Dimension: 13.38” W, 20.27″ D, 25.28″ H
Read our review for AKDY WC0012 18 bottle Single-zone Thermoelectric wine cooler.
Top-rated Allavino Thermoelectric Wine Cooler:
1. Allavino CDWR16-1SR Cascina Series 16-bottle
- Allavino 16-Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Refrigerator
Model: Allavino CDWR16-1SR Cascina Series 16-bottle wine cooler
Type: Free-standing only thermoelectric wine cooler
Dimension: 20 1/4″ H x 17″ W x 19″D
Read our review for Allavino CDWR16-1SR Cascina Series 16-bottle wine cooler.
Top-rated Haier Thermoelectric Wine Cooler:
1. Haier 18-Bottle Dual Zone thermoelectric Wine Cooler with Smoked Glass door
- Vibration-free; Ultra quiet thermal electric cooling
- Perfect for red or white wines
- Dual touch screen controls with2 LED displays. Independently adjust temperature 46-66f upper compartment; 54-66f lower compartment
- 9 Full-width chrome storage racks
Model: Haier 18-Bottle Dual Zone thermoelectric Wine Cooler with Smoked Glass door
Type: Free-standing Thermoelectric cooling
Dimension: 20.3” D x 37.2” H x 9.9” W
Read our review for Haier 18-Bottle Dual Zone thermoelectric Wine Cooler.
2. Haier 12-Bottle Dual Zone thermoelectric Wine Cooler with Smoked Glass door
- Vibration-free; Ultra Quiet Thermal Electric Cooling
- Perfect for Red or White Wines
- Curved Door with Smoked Glass with Black Trim/Black Cabinet
- Dual Touch Screen Controls with2 LED Displays. Independently adjust Temperature 46-66F upper compartment; 54-66F lower Compartment
Model: Haier 12-Bottle Dual Zone thermoelectric Wine Cooler with Smoked Glass door
Type: Free-standing or Countertop Thermoelectric cooling
Dimension: 20.3” D x 26” H x 9.9” W D
Read our review for Haier 12-Bottle Dual Zone thermoelectric Wine Cooler.
Top-rated Koldfront Thermoelectric Wine Cooler:
1. Koldfront 18 Bottle thermoelectric Wine Cooler
- Adjustable thermostat for each zone; Temperature range: Lower zone: 54-64° F; 12 bottles; Upper zone: 45-54° F; 6 bottles;
- For freestanding installation only, not meant for built-in use; Dimensions: 26 1/4" H x 13 5/8" W x 19 3/8" D
- Vibration free thermoelectric cooling; Soft LED interior lighting; Even temperature distribution
- Includes 4 chrome racks; Electronic controls & digital temperature display
Model: Koldfront 18 Bottle thermoelectric Wine Cooler
Type: Free-standing only
Dimension: 25.33″ H x 14″ W x 22.25″ D
Read our review for Koldfront 18 Bottle thermoelectric Wine Cooler.
Top-rated NewAir Thermoelectric Wine Coolers:
1. NewAir AWR-280E 28-bottle single-zone thermoelectric wine cooler
- 28 Bottle Capacity: Compact, 28 bottle storage, perfect for red or white wines. Watts:70 watts
- Cooling System: The quiet and vibration free thermoelectric cooling system allows you to set the temperature as low as 54 degrees Fahrenheit...
- Digital Display: Quickly monitor and set temperatures with ease using the push button controls mounted on the door frame.
- Interior LED Lighting: Cool blue LED lighting is included to better illuminate your collection.
Model: NewAir AWR-280E 28-bottle thermoelectric wine cooler
Type: Free-Standing Thermoelectric system
Temperature Zone: Single-zone cooling
Dimension: 17.00″L x 20.00″W x 28.75″H
Read our review for NewAir AWR-280E 28-bottle thermoelectric wine cooler.
2. NewAir AW-210ED 21-bottle thermoelectric wine cooler
- 21 Bottle Capacity: Compact, 21 bottle storage, perfect for red and white wines.
- Cooling System: The quiet and vibration free dual zone thermoelectric cooling system allows you to set the temperature as low as 44 degrees...
- Digital Display: Quickly monitor and set temperatures in both temperature zones with ease using the push button controls mounted on the door...
- Interior LED Lighting: Cool blue LED lighting is included to better illuminate your collection.
Model: NewAir AW-210ED 21-bottle thermoelectric wine cooler
Type: Free-Standing Thermoelectric system
Temperature Zone: Dual-zone cooling
Dimension: 13.50″L x 20.00″W x 32.13″H
Read our review for NewAir AW-210ED 21-bottle thermoelectric wine cooler.
3. NewAir AW-181E 18-bottle single-zone thermoelectric 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 set the temperature as low as 54 degrees Fahrenheit...
- Digital Display: Quickly monitor and set temperatures with ease using the push button controls mounted on the door frame.
- Interior LED Lighting: Cool blue LED lighting is included to better illuminate your collection.
Model: NewAir AW-181E 18-bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
Type: Free-Standing only Thermoelectric system
Temperature Zone: Single-zone cooling
Dimension: 14.00″L x 19.38″W x 25.75″H
Read our review for NewAir AW-181E 18-bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler.
4. NewAir AW-121E 12-bottle thermoelectric 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 set the temperature as low as 54 degrees Fahrenheit...
- Digital Display: Quickly monitor and set temperatures with ease using the push button controls mounted on the door frame.
- Interior LED Lighting: Cool blue LED lighting is included to better illuminate your collection.
Model: NewAir AW-121E 12-bottle thermoelectric wine cooler
Type: Free-Standing only Thermoelectric system
Temperature Zone: Single-zone cooling
Dimension: 14.00″L x 19.50″W x 19.00″H
Read our review for NewAir AW-121E 12-bottle thermoelectric wine cooler.
