There are two types of refrigeration in wine coolers — thermoelectric wine coolers and compressor wine coolers. 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 in an environmentally friendly way that is inherently quiet and vibration free. Because of the characteristics of thermoelectric wine coolers, we see them as the cooling system of choice for a small wine cooler, either as a free-standing or a countertop 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)
- Energy-saving
- Especially suitable for smaller spaces, such as condos, apartments or RVs.
- Installation option of counter-top or freestanding.
Cons for Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
- Requires a narrower ambient temperature range (50° to 75°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)
- Not for built-in installation because of clearance requirements and restrictions.
Check out our wine cooler buying guide for tips and checklist to aid you with your buying decision.
Here are our top choices for Thermoelectric Wine Coolers among all brands:
Top-rated Allavino Thermoelectric Wine Cooler:
1. Allavino CDWR16-1SR Cascina Series 16-bottle
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;...
- 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;...
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 Koolatron Thermoelectric Wine Cooler:
1. Koolatron 20-Bottle thermoelectric Wine Cooler
- Premium Thermoelectric Cooling: State-of-the-art technology provides enhanced performance and temperature...
- Touch Screen Controls: External controls and digital display let you view and adjust the temperature or turn...
- UV Protective Glass Door: Double-paned mirrored glass door protects your wine from damaging UV rays while soft...
- Customizable Interior: This versatile wine cellar includes five stainless steel racks, each designed to hold...
Brand and Capacity: Koolatron WC20 20-Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler (right hinge)
Installation Type: Freestanding only, counter-top
Temperature Zone: Single-zone with temperature range 48°F -64°F
Dimension: 15.75” W x 20.25″ D x 21.5″ H
Weight: 32 pounds
Notable Features: This attractive 20-bottle thermoelectric model is part of the Urban Series by Koolatron (a well-known refrigeration manufacturer in Canada).
- Stylish design with a mirror door, groove-type door handle, and finished exterior in black.
- Well-insulated double-pane glass door.
- Digital touch screen temperature control is located on the door. You can manage the temperature setting and interior lighting without opening the door.
- 5 removable wire shelves. You can remove a shelf to make room for larger wine bottles (bigger than 750 mL).
This quiet and energy-saving model will look beautiful on a countertop in a condo, an apartment or a recreation vehicle.
Top-rated Koldfront Thermoelectric Wine Cooler:
1. Koldfront 18 Bottle thermoelectric Wine Cooler
- This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished, shows limited or no wear, and includes all...
- Finish: Stainless Steel
- Manufactured By: Koldfront
- Depth: 22.25 in.
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
- Cooling System: The quiet and vibration free thermoelectric cooling system allows you to set the temperature...
- Digital Display: Quickly monitor and set temperatures with ease using the push button controls mounted on the...
- 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
- ZONES - This 2 zone wine fridge allows you to set the temp 44°F - 66°F while protecting sediment.
- CONVENIENT - Chrome plated wire shelves pull out for easy bottle loading & convenient accessibility.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY - Use the controls on the door frame to monitor and set temperatures in both zones.
- CLIMATE CONTROL - Separate compartments provide optimal climate control to store white and red wine.
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...
- Digital Display: Quickly monitor and set temperatures with ease using the push button controls mounted on the...
- 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...
- Digital Display: Quickly monitor and set temperatures with ease using the push button controls mounted on the...
- 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, counter-top
Temperature Zone: Single-zone cooling
Dimension: 14.00″W x 19.50″D x 17.50″H
Read our review for NewAir AW-121E 12-bottle thermoelectric wine cooler.
Top-rated Whynter Thermoelectric Wine Coolers:
1. Whynter WC-201TD 20-bottle 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 with 5 removable...
- 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, counter-top Thermoelectric system
Temperature Zone: Single-zone cooling
Dimension: 16″ W x 20.5″D x 22”H
Read our detailed wine cooler review for Whynter WC-201TD 20-bottle wine cooler.
Top-rated Wine Enthusiast Thermoelectric Wine Coolers:
1. Wine Enthusiast Silent 32-Bottle Wine Cooler
- DUAL ZONE WINE FRIDGE - Freestanding refrigerator, holds 32 Bordeaux bottles, provides two temperature levels...
- DIGITAL TOUCH SCREEN - Top zone adjustable temperature range of 54-66 degrees F provides ideal storing...
- SILENT AND ENERGY EFFICIENT - The Thermoelectric refrigerator is energy-efficient and CFC-free, providing...
- CONVENIENT AND EASY TO USE - Convenient temperature control with an exterior digital touchscreen, 7 pull-out...
Model:Wine Enthusiast Silent 32-Bottle Wine Cooler
Type: Free-standing only thermoelectric-cooling wine cooler
Temperature Zone: Dual-zone cooling
Dimension: 33 1/2 “H x 15 3/4 “W x 20 1/4″D
Read our review for Wine Enthusiast Silent 32-Bottle Wine Cooler.