Best Wine Coolers at 18 Inches Wide

Many people in the market to buy a new wine cooler already have a specific spot in the kitchen in mind where they want to put it. They are often looking for a wine cooler with an exact size to match the space available in their home. Often they’re interested in finding a mini wine fridge that will fit in a space no more than 18 inches wide. Several companies have models meeting this specification, so let’s compare a few of the best wine coolers of 18 inches wide size in this review.

The three models we’ll look at today are the Danby DWC032A2BDB 36 Bottle Wine Cooler, the Whynter WC28S SNO 28 Bottle Wine Cooler, and the Kalamera KR-28AJP 28 Bottle Wine Cooler.

Danby DWC032A2BDB 36 Bottle Wine Cooler

Danby DWC032A2BDB 36 Bottle Wine Cooler

The Danby DWC032A2BDB model has the largest capacity of the three wine coolers that we’re going to compare. It has 8 shelves stacked up vertically, with each one able to hold 4 standard-sized Bordeaux wine bottles. Obviously this also makes it slightly taller than the other two models, so if your vertical space is restricted, this might not be the one to consider.

As could be expected with the slightly larger size, this wine cooler is also the most expensive of the three. (Check the current selling price on Amazon)

As for looks, this one comes in a choice of black or stainless steel. I’m a bit partial to the black color version. I think it looks a little more slick. It’s lit inside by a cool blue LED light and has a darkened glass door. The door has handles on both the left and right sides, which allows you to fix the hinge to the side of your choice. This is kind of a handy feature when you consider that fitting the wine cooler into a tight area might require either a door that swings either to the left or the right.

This Danby wine fridge is a compressor cooling unit. This means it will be able to cool down as low as 43°F (6°C) with no trouble. The highest temperature it will allow while running is going to be around 55°F (13°C). As a compressor model, it’s also going to be able to hold a steady temperature, without fluctuations. On the downside, the temperature control is a simple dial. So it will require a little extra work on your part to find the exact dial setting needed for the temperature you desire. This will also require you to use your own thermometer. On the bright side, once you find the temp you want, this little wine fridge will hold it reliably.

It should be noted, though, that there can be a difference of about 5 degrees F from the top shelf to the bottom shelf, with the bottom getting cooler than the top. Therefore, if you’re storing both red and white wines, you might want to keep the whites on the lowest shelves.

Another potential issue with this wine fridge is that the highest temperature setting may be too cool for some wine collectors. Although it can be a good temperature for wine storage and aging, it’s going to be slightly cooler than an ideal red wine serving temperature. So if you decide to buy this unit, keep in mind that you might want to remove a bottle of red wine 20 minutes or so before you plan on serving it depending on the variety.

Pros

  • Powerful compressor cooling ability
  • 36 bottle storage
  • Looks good
  • Good value for this size and performance
  • Consistent temperature once set

Cons

  • Basic temperature dial
  • Top shelf to bottom shelf temperature difference
  • Highest temperature might be too cool for some

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Whynter WC28S SNO 28 Bottle Wine Cooler

Whynter WC28S SNO 28 Bottle Wine Cooler

Next, let’s look at the Whynter WC28S SNO Wine Cooler with 28 bottle capacity. This one is a solid-state thermoelectric cooling model. It has precise digital temperature control shown with an LCD display. The available temperature range is going to be warmer than the Danby compressor fridge model. In this case, 52°F to 65°F will be possible. This makes it a good wine cooler for anyone who wants to keep bottles of red wine at drinking temperature.

This Whynter wine cooler features a platinum finish and towel-bar door handle, although it’s actually a platinum colored plastic. Depending on your personal taste, you may prefer the appearance of this model over a black one.

As a freestanding thermoelectric cooler, some clearance will be required. In particular, you’d want to make sure it has several inches of empty space in back in order for the cooling to work effectively. You might have to actually keep it a full foot from the wall to get the best results. The depth without the handle is 20.5 inches, however, the interior depth may not be adequate for tall bottles such as Riesling.

Thermoelectric coolers are always going to be limited in their cooling ability due to the ambient temperature of the room. They’re usually limited to cooling no more than 25 degrees F below room temp. So if you live in a hot climate or don’t have air conditioning in your home, keep this in mind.

Pros

  • Digital temperature setting
  • 52°F – 65°F range
  • Affordable price
  • Door lock with 2 keys

Cons

  • Limited low range of thermoelectric cooling
  • Plastic door handle can look cheap

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Kalamera KR-28AJP 28 Bottle Wine Cooler

Kalamera Wine Cooler KR-28AJP 28 Bottle

The Kalamera KR-28AJP 28 Bottle Wine Cooler is another thermoelectric model. The digital temperature control can be set to a range of 54°F to 66°F. As with all thermo-coolers, your environment may limit the actual lowest temp that is achievable.

As for appearances, this model has a simple black exterior. It should look good in anyone’s home.

Although it has identical capacity and similar features to the Whynter model, this Kalamera cooler is the less-expensive of the two. (Check the current selling price on Amazon)

Pros

  • Good value
  • Simple, clean styling
  • Digital temperature control

Cons

  • Limited low range of thermoelectric cooling

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Buying Recommendation

My recommendation for the best 18-inch wide wine cooler to buy is going to depend on your needs and intended use. If you want strong cooling power that is pretty much guaranteed to never fluctuate, then by all means go with the Danby compressor model. However, if your goal is to simply keep red wine stored at a good temperature, ready for drinking at a moment’s notice, and if you’ll be keeping the unit in an area without wide temperature swings (such as an air-conditioned apartment), then I’d recommend a thermoelectric model. Of these two, I like the Kalamera cooler the best. Not only does it look more sharp (in my opinion), but it is also the better value.

If your avialable space is slightly more limited, check out these 15-inch wine coolers.




FireBird 28-Bottle Freestanding Thermoelectric Wine Cooler Review

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If you are the type of person who looks forward to a glass of wine at the end of a busy day, you know how important it is to keep that bottle at the right temperature. A wine that is too warm or too cold could ruin the entire experience. Subtle notes and fragrances only come out when the wine is stored properly.

A good wine cooler is essential to making sure your wine is always presented the right way. The 28-Bottle Freestanding Thermoelectric Wine Cooler by Firebird is one possible choice for all those who love their wine. This review will go over all the features of this product so you can decide for yourself if it is for you.

Product Details

The developers at Firebird realize the important role temperature plays in a good glass of wine. They have equipped their cooler with an easily accessible touch pad for temperature control. The clear display on the LED screen lets you know that the cooler is always at the correct setting.

The thermoelectric fan cooling system is quiet and able to reduce vibration.

This model is made to accommodate 28 standard sized wine bottles.

There is a sleek black and silver finish that will be able to blend with almost any decor. This is a company that knows exactly what every wine enthusiast needs in their home.

Pros

  • This fridge is both stylish and compact.
  • The fan is amazingly quiet.
  • The temperature settings are clear with the digital screen.
  • Great value at a reasonable price.
  • Excellent customer service for anyone who has questions and concerns.

Cons

  • The location of the fan causes wine on the top shelf to be cooler than those below.
  • The shelves will need to be adjusted for any non-standard bottle sizes.
  • The temperature settings do not go below 54 degrees.
  • The shelves are made from lower quality materials.

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Final Thoughts

Keeping the temperature of your favorite wine will improve the flavor and make the wine taste the way it meant to. The 28-Bottle Freestanding Thermoelectric Wine Cooler by Firebird has many good qualities and some aspects that are slightly problematic.

If you are passionate about your wine and feel the need to purchase a cooler, this model may be just what you need. Keep in mind that there are temperature limits and the cooling is not always distributed evenly. For the price though, this is one of the better coolers you will find.

It is quiet, efficient, and uses quality technology for the screen and settings.

While the needs of many wine lovers will be met with this product, those who are more detail oriented may feel like it falls short of expectations.

All-in-all this is a well-made wine cooler, but may not be for everyone. From all I have seen, this cooler does merit a test run as long as you are okay with a few minor inconveniences.

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AKDY 28-Bottle Single-Zone Freestanding Wine Cooler Review

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Wine cellar fridges are awesome to have if you want to keep your bottles at drinking temperature. They’re also nice to have if you simply want an efficient way to prolong the life of your wine without dedicating an entire room to becoming an actual cellar. If you’re looking to store and cool more than 20 bottles of wine at once, one product to consider is the AKDY 28-Bottle Single-Zone Freestanding Wine Cooler.

This model is a really great value. And I dare say it might be the best wine fridge available for under $200. Here’s more info to tell you why:

Details

One of the stand-out features of this AKDY wine cooler is that it holds 28 bottles of wine, which is significantly more than some other wine cooler models I’ve reviewed at this price point. Its wire racks are stable, securely hold the wine, and slide in and out easily. The machine uses a thermoelectric cooling system that’s fairly quiet the majority of the time, and it also rarely vibrates.

The design of this cellar fridge is energy efficient, and it also has a neat touchpad that controls the temperature inside. An LED display clearly shows what temperature the cooler is set to, and you can move the temperature up or down with the touch of a button.

akdy_28_bottle_single_zone_wine_cooler_door_shutAnother nice thing about the AKDY 28 Bottle cooler is how nice it looks. The profile is attractive and the black color ensures it can easily sit on display anywhere in your home and look great. This model is also a good pick if you don’t want a wine fridge that takes up tons of space, as it’s just 20 inches by 16.9 inches horizontally and 28.6 inches in height.

Pros

Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the excellent features of this cooler:

  • It’s very sleek looking and will fit well into most decor.
  • The wine cellar really does get down to 54 degrees and will stay cool.
  • The touch screen controls are super easy and convenient to use.
  • If you have a lot of wine bottles, this can be your one place to store them all. Of course, if you keep more than 28 bottles on hand you’ll need to either buy two coolers or find an alternative storage solution for your other bottles.

Cons

There are some concerns about this wine fridge, but few are total deal breakers:

  • If you want to store a lot of sparkling or white wine and you prefer to drink it around 46 degrees Fahrenheit or so, this may not be the best cooler to get. At best, it cools down to 54 degrees F. If you aren’t willing to chill sparkling and white wines in the fridge before serving, this isn’t the cooler for you.
  • Sometimes this model will make a noticeable humming noise, but it usually only happens when the weather is hotter and it has to work harder to cool the bottles.
  • The 28 bottle capacity will work well for casual wine drinkers and those who keep 28 bottles or less on hand, but those who have expansive wine collections will need more space.

Summary

For a convenient, easy to use, and space saving way to store your wine, the AKDY 28-Bottle Single Zone Cooler is a great choice. It’s attractive, works well, and its sub-$200 price point is a bargain. To store more than 20 bottles without spending a bundle, this wine fridge is well worth a look.

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NewAir 28-Bottle Freestanding Wine Cooler Review

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If you are a wine lover, then you know there is nothing better than enjoying a nicely chilled glass of wine after a long day. We know that improper wine storage can have negative effects to your expensive bottle of wine. That is why it is wise to invest in top notch wine cooler. The NewAir 28-Bottle Freestanding Wine Cooler will chill your wine to perfection, allowing you enjoy your favorite vintage just as it was meant to be.

NewAir 28-Bottle Cooler Key Features

The Exterior

This freestanding model has a very sleek and modern finished look that fits perfectly with any kitchen décor. It has a sleek black cabinet exterior that is framed beautifully with stainless steel. Its tinted glass double-paned door gives off a contemporary yet modern look.

newair_28_bottle_thermoelectric_wine_coolerThe NewAir 28-Bottle Cooler comes inclusive of a blue LED light that can be switched on and off. You can also opt to leave it on, giving your wine bottles a beautiful blue haze that will undoubtedly catch your guests’ attention. Finally, this model comprises of a sturdy, non-slip stainless steel bar handle that allows you to open and access your wine with little to no effort from your end.

This single-zone wine fridge has digital controls that are located on the top door frame. This allows you to set the temperatures to chill your wine to your heart’s desire.

The Interior

Next comes its removable slide-out metal racks that can hold up to 28 bottles of your favorite vintage. There are 6 pull-out shelves in total, each holding a capacity of four bottles. You can store an additional four bottles on the bottom of your cabinet, adding to a grand total of 28.

This model has plastic clips that ensure your bottles are intact and safe at all times. Keep in mind that this wine cooler can hold only 750ml bottles of your favorite red or white wines such as a Moscato, a Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, etc. but cannot accommodate champagne bottles that are wider. However, you can opt to pull out a few shelves to make more room for wider bottles—this however will reduce the number of bottles you can chill. This model can accommodate longer bottles that are within 12″ to 13″ long.

Setup and Maintenance

The NewAir Wine Cooler will be delivered to you near full assembly. All you have to do is use the provided manual instructions and fit the door handle.

When stacking up your wines, be wary of blocking the air ventilation, which is located at the back as this can cause your cooler to overheat or not chill your wines.

Pros

  • It holds temperature very well and will keep your bottles nice and chilled to your specified temperature settings, which preserves full flavor and aroma.
  • It has an elegant modern finish that will undoubtedly merge beautifully with your kitchen décor.
  • You will surprised at how easy it is to set up and operate.
  • Thanks to its adjustable interior, you will be able to remove and adjust your shelves to fit wider bottles such as magnums or champagnes.
  • This compact and very handy little device is perfect for your home bar, game room, dining room, or kitchen area.

Cons

  • It can be a bit noisy if you a first time user but you will eventually get used to the fairly quiet soothing sound
  • Its temperatures range from 54-66 degrees F (12-19 degrees C), which can be a bit restrictive when you are dealing with sweet wines.

Conclusion

Overall, the NewAir 28-Bottle Wine Cooler offers great value for your buck. It is spacious, elegant, very sturdy, has adjustable shelves, and holds temperature to ensure your wine is perfectly chilled at all times.

Yes, it does tend to make a little noise and has limited cold temperature settings, but aside from these tiny setbacks, this is a good value cooler with above average storage capacity at an affordable price.

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