Last Updated: 19 November 2024
In this article, we’ll be discussing the best 18-bottle wine fridges that exist on the market.
Similarly to all of our in-depth buyer’s guides, we’ve done hours upon hours of research, to find only the highest quality, most well-regarded wine coolers. To do this, we’ve used a number of key criteria that we’ve outlined further below, which includes taking into account: customer reviews, ratings, and customer feedback
We should also mention that we’ve included a wide range of 18-bottle wine fridges to accommodate every budget. Each one of the discussed wine refrigerators has the price displayed alongside it, through the use of $ symbols, located next to each wine cooler.
With that being said, we regularly get a variety of questions regarding how to choose the right wine cooler, therefore we wanted to quickly address some of these FAQ’s before jumping into exactly what wine coolers we’ve included within this buyers’ guide.
Please take some time to read it as we think this will help you define exactly what you’re looking for.
Table of Contents
✅What is an 18-bottle wine cooler?
Although this may seem like a question with a simple answer, let’s discuss what it really means.
To put it simply, it means that the wine cooler has an approximate bottle capacity of 20 Bordeaux bottles.
Bordeaux wine bottles are considered to be the standard size of wine bottle and hold 750ml of wine.
It’s clear that these wine coolers have a decent bottle capacity, however, they are considered to be small-sized wine coolers, making them best suited for residential usage in a home bar or kitchen environment. They can also be easily used in addition to a large-sized wine fridge in a commercial space too, like a bar or restaurant setting.
🍾What are the advantages of purchasing a 20 bottle wine cooler?
One of the main advantages of having a wine cooler with this bottle capacity is that it holds quite a decent capacity of wine, without the disadvantages that come along with large units, which obviously weigh more and are physically much larger in size.
Because of this, an 18-bottle capacity unit is extremely portable and therefore can be easily transported up and downstairs.
Additionally, the size of these wine fridges makes them ideal and able to be installed as built-in wine coolers, unlike units which are physically much larger.
🥂What are the disadvantages of purchasing a 20 bottle wine cooler?
There are no distinct disadvantages of owning such a unit if your wine collection isn’t too extensive.
However, some may need a larger sized unit and may prefer to purchase a 50 bottle wine fridge, 75 bottle wine fridge or even a 120 bottle wine refrigerator, as we often hear from our readers that their wine collections only seem to increase, and that’s understandable as time goes on.
None-the-less, an 18-bottle wine fridge offers a good-size bottle capacity, and are available in single-zone and dual-zone models (all of which we’ve included below).
🍾Are 18-bottle capacity wine refrigerators available in different sizes?
Yes, they are.
Although the majority of these sized units will be of a similar size, they will vary slightly from model to model and based on the brand.
However, you can rest assured that we’ve provided all of the size information alongside each model.
🥂Where can I purchase my wine cooler from?
Now we realize that there an overwhelming amount of choices when it comes to purchasing your next wine cooler. However, we cannot express enough how extremely important it is to choose a reputable supplier and ones that treat their customers with the utmost level of respect and offer great customer service.
After years of being in the industry, we often refer our customers to Amazon and the specific manufacturers that we trust and have built relationships with, as we know that these brands value their reputation and take into account customer feedback, in order to better their customer buying experience.
So rest assured that we’ve done all of the work here.
🍾Top Considerations when purchasing a wine fridge
Not all wine refrigerators are the same!
Therefore, if you intend to buy a wine cooler, there are several factors that you must consider:
Bottle Capacity
As we briefly touched on above, an 18-bottle wine cooler is ideal to store up to 20 Bordeaux-style bottles.
It’s not only useful to consider your current required bottle capacity, but also consider the amount that you’ll potentially need for the upcoming months and years. This will save you purchasing multiple physical units, or indeed buying and then selling to upgrade.
Type
There are multiple types of wine coolers, and each one is distinctly suitable for certain environments and requirements. Let me explain further:
Single-Zone vs Dual Zone
Single zone wine coolers have 1 (single) compartment that can be used for cooling.
Dual-zone wine coolers have 2 (dual) compartments that can be used for cooling, with separate thermostats and temperature regulation settings.
This means that dual-zone units are more ideal for those who wish to store multiple types of wines (both whites and reds) within one physical unit, without having to store them at the same temperatures.
However, if you only wish to store one type of wine, a single-zone unit may be more suited for your needs.
We’ve included both types within the product section below.
Undercounter vs Freestanding
Built-in wine fridges, also known as ‘under-counter wine fridges’ are designed to be integrated within an enclosed space, often in a kitchen or bar setting.
However, freestanding wine coolers are designed to be positioned as a standalone unit.
The key difference here is that a built-in wine unit is more versatile. This is due to it having a front-facing vent, which is usually located at the bottom of the unit. This allows for the cooler to be positioned in an enclosed setting, without negatively affecting airflow, which is important to help maintain fresh air inside the unit.
However, freestanding units have vents that are located at the back, and therefore cannot be kept in an enclosed space, as it would restrict airflow.
It should be noted that a built-in wine cooler can be used in a freestanding position, but not the other way around.
Cost
We realize that each reader will have their own unique budget. And it’s important to keep this in mind when deciding on the most ideal wine cooler for you.
This is why we’ve done our very best to find a wide price-range of 18-bottle wine coolers to accommodate for this. We’ve gone about displaying dollar signs to represent their costs, with $ being the least expensive, leading up to $$$$$, representing the most expensive unit.
Size and Weight
Although the physical size and weight of this capacity-size wine cooler will not vary dramatically, it’s certainly important to take this into consideration, especially if you’re looking to purchase a built-in/undercounter system which will ultimately fit into a particular sized enclosure, which could be under your kitchen worktop or under a bar.
Temperature range
Each of the wine coolers that we’ve featured below has slightly different temperature ranges. This may, in some cases, dictate the types of wine that you choose to store in it.
You may want to store wine at a particularly cold temperature, and it’s in the colder temperature ranges that wine coolers often tend to vary in capability.
Therefore, you can rest assured that we’ve included all of the temperature ranges for each wine cooler that we’ve featured in the article.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews provide transparent insight into both the good and bad aspects of a product, which is why they’re particularly good at considering.
However, we’ve done our best to only include the best quality 21 bottle wine coolers, so you’ll generally find excellent reviews.
🥂Show me the best 18-bottle wine fridges
As we touched on at the beginning of this article, we’ve meticulously researched and chosen the best quality wine coolers that have an 18-bottle capacity.
Not only have we included technical information for each wine cooler, including physical measurements, weight, warranty, etc, but we’ve also included general specifications.
Ok, so with all that being said, we’ve included a list of 18-bottle wine fridges within our list (or within that region), as we assumed that you may be open to looking at slightly larger and smaller units which are of course, similar in price.
🍾Best 18 Bottle Wine Coolers – Top 8
- Ivation – Freestanding, Single Zone (Comp) – 18 Bottle – $ – Skip to section [#2 Freestanding Recommendation – Affordable, Great Reviews]
- hOmelabs – Freestanding, Single Zone (Thermo) – 18 Bottle – $ – Skip to section
- NutriChef – Freestanding, Single Zone (Comp) – 18 Bottle – $$ – Skip to section
- Wine Enthusiast – Freestanding, Single Zone (Comp) – 18 Bottle – $$ – Skip to section
- Nutrichef – Freestanding, Single Zone (Comp) – 18 Bottle – $$$ – Skip to section
- Antarctic Star – Built-in, Single Zone (Comp) – 18 Bottle – $$$ – Skip to section [#1 Built-in Recommendation – Fantastic Value for Money]
- Colzer – Built-in, Single Zone (Comp) – 18 Bottle – $$$$ – Skip to section
- Kalamera – Built-in, Single Zone (Comp) – 18 Bottle – $$$$$ – Skip to section
Ivation – Freestanding, Single Zone (Comp) – 18 Bottle – $
Technical Specs
- Dimensions: 17.72L x 13.58W x 30.31H inches
- Weight: 47.6 lbs.
- Range: 41°F- 64°F
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
General Specs
- 18 container capacity
- Compressor-powered
- Single Temp
- Suitable for freestanding usage only
- Quiet operation
- Electronic control panel
- UV-Resistant, Thermopane, Double-paned glass
- Black outer chassis
- 6 removable wire shelves
- Internal LED lighting
- Safety lock
Description
This Ivation unit is a single-zone, 18-bottle wine refrigerator.
It’s designed for freestanding usage, which means that it can only be positioned in an open environment, as the air vent is located on the back of the unit.
It comes with double-paned glass, which is UV-resistant, to help protect your wine collection from light exposure.
Additionally, it has a safety lock, so that you can keep your wines safe from any unwanted visitors.
Overall, this cooler has a wide temperature range, and is a great option for those wanting a budget, 18-bottle single-zone wine cooler.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Decent customer reviews
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Single zone
- Freestanding
hOmelabs – Freestanding, Single Zone (Thermo) – 18 Bottle – $
Technical Specs
- Dimensions: 20.1L x 14.0W x 25.5H inches
- Weight: 45 lbs.
- Range: 54°F- 64°F
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
General Specs
- 18 container capacity
- Thermoelectric-powered
- Single Temp
- Suitable for freestanding usage only
- Ultra-quiet operation
- Touch button control panel
- LCD temperature indicator
- Black outer chassis
- 6 removable wire shelves
- Internal LED lighting
Description
This unit from hOmelabs is a single-zone, 18-bottle wine refrigerator.
It’s designed for freestanding usage, which means that it can only be positioned in an open environment, as the air vent is located on the back of the unit.
With this being a thermoelectric powered unit, it’s operating at an extremely low noise level, hence is very quiet.
It does not come with a lock, and with it being a thermoelectric unit, the temperature range is more limited when compared to a compressor-powered cooler.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Quiet operation
- Fantastic customer reviews
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Single zone
- Freestanding
- Limited temperature range
NutriChef – Freestanding, Single Zone (Comp) – 18 Bottle – $$
Technical Specs
- Dimensions: 17.7L x 13.6W x 30.3H inches
- Weight: 55.4 lbs.
- Range: 41°F- 64°F
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
General Specs
- 18 container capacity
- Compressor-powered
- Single Temp
- Suitable for freestanding usage only
- Quiet operation
- Digital touch button control panel
- LCD temperature indicator
- Black outer chassis
- Reinforced glass door with an airtight seal
- 6 polished chrome shelves
- Internal LED lighting
Description
The PKCWC180 manufactured by NutriChef is a single zone, compressor powered wine cooler.
It has an 18-bottle capacity, and is designed to be used in a freestanding position, which means that it cannot be situated in an enclosed environment, as the air vent is located towards the back, hence it requires airflow.
According to customer reviews, the unit operates quietly and cools wine very well.
Not to mention, it does have a wide temperature cooling range, which is great for a cooler of this pricepoint.
NutriChef have done a great job to create a very sleek, stylish wine cooler, that clearly does it’s job well.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Quiet and effective operation (stated in customer reviews)
- Great customer reviews
- Wide temperature range
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Single zone
- Freestanding
Wine Enthusiast – Freestanding, Single Zone (Comp) – 18 Bottle – $$
Technical Specs
- Dimensions: 17.75L x 13.75W x 30.5H inches
- Weight: 43 lbs.
- Range: 41°F- 64°F
- Warranty: 1-year warranty (parts and labor) and 3-years for sealed parts
General Specs
- 18 container capacity
- Compressor-powered
- Single Temp
- Suitable for freestanding usage only
- Quiet & efficient operation
- LED Display & Digital touchscreen
- Black outer chassis
- 6 polished chrome shelves
- Internal LED lighting
- Designed in USA
Description
This 18-bottle wine refrigerator by Wine Enthusiast is a single-zone, compressor powered unit.
It comes in a sleek black colored outer casing, with chrome shelving and bright LED lighting.
With it being powered by a compressor-based cooler, it means that the unit has a wide cooling temperature range.
Additionally, it’s easy-to-use with a digital touchscreen on the front, which controls the temperature functionality.
It also comes with a decent 1-year part and labor warranty, with 3-years for sealed parts.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Quiet and effective operation (stated in customer reviews)
- Decent customer reviews
- Wide temperature range
- 1-year warranty (3-year for sealed parts)
Cons
- Single zone
- Freestanding
Nutrichef – Freestanding, Single Zone (Comp) – 18 Bottle – $$$
Technical Specs
- Dimensions: 17.7L x 13.6W x 30.3H inches
- Weight: 55.4 lbs.
- Range: 41°F- 64°F
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
General Specs
- 18 container capacity
- Compressor-powered
- Single Temp
- Suitable for freestanding usage only
- Quiet operation
- Digital touch button control panel
- LCD temperature indicator
- Black outer chassis
- Reinforced glass door with airtight seal
- 6 polished chrome shelves
- Internal LED lighting
Description
The PKCWC18 manufactured by NutriChef is a single zone, compressor powered wine cooler.
It has an 18-bottle capacity, and is designed to be used in a freestanding position, which means that it cannot be situated in an enclosed environment, as the air vent is located towards the back, hence it requires airflow.
According to customer reviews, the unit operates quietly and cools wine very well.
Not to mention, it does have a wide temperature cooling range, which is great for a cooler of this pricepoint.
NutriChef has done a great job to create a very sleek, stylish wine cooler, that clearly does its job well.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Quiet and effective operation (suggested in customer reviews)
- Great customer reviews
- Wide temperature range
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Single zone
- Freestanding
Antarctic Star – Built-in, Single Zone (Comp) – 18 Bottle – $$$
Technical Specs
- Dimensions: 22.75L x 11.6W x 34.25H inches
- Weight: 88.1 lbs.
- Range: 41°F- 68°F
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
General Specs
- 18 container capacity
- Compressor-powered
- Single Temp
- Suitable for both built-in & freestanding usage
- Quiet, low vibration
- Double-layered glass door
- Beach wood shelving
- Blue LED lighting
- Door lock & key
Description
The Antarctic Star 12″ wine refrigerator is a single-zone, compressor-powered unit.
It can hold 18 Bordeaux-sized bottles of wine, and is extremely versatile in the way it can be placed (either in a built-in or freestanding position), due to the front-facing vent, located at the bottom of the unit.
This cooler has a stainless steel door and handle, and comes with double-layered tempered glass, to help maintain a consistently cool temperature.
The unit has a wide temperature range, being able to cool between 41℉ to 68℉ and comes with a lock and key, to help protect your collection from any unwanted visitors..
Additionally, the unit has some fantastic customer reviews!
Pros
- Mid-priced
- Premium build quality
- Looks beautiful with beechwood shelving and cool inner LED lighting
- Built-in or freestanding placement
- Quiet and effective operation (suggested in customer reviews)
- Fantastic customer reviews
- Very wide temperature range
- Door lock
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Single zone
Colzer – Built-in, Single Zone (Comp) – 18 Bottle – $$$$
Technical Specs
- Dimensions: 23L x 12W x 34.5H inches
- Weight: 66.1 lbs.
- Range: 41°F- 72°F
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
General Specs
- 18 container capacity
- Compressor-powered
- Single Temp
- Suitable for both built-in & freestanding usage
- Quiet, low vibration
- Digital temperature control
- Triple-layered glass door
- Beach wood shelving
- Blue LED lighting
- Door lock and key
Description
The Colzer 12″ wine fridge is a single-zone, compressor-powered unit, similar to the Antarctic Star unit.
It can hold 18 Bordeaux-sized bottles of wine, and is extremely versatile in the way it can be placed (either in a built-in or freestanding position), due to the front-facing vent, located at the bottom of the unit.
It has a triple-layered glass door, to help protect the wine from UV light exposure.
This cooler has a stainless steel door and comes with a lock and key, so that you can keep your wine collection safe.
The unit has an incredibly wide temperature range, being able to cool between 41℉ to 72℉.
Additionally, the unit has some amazing customer reviews!
Pros
- Mid-priced
- Premium build quality
- Looks beautiful with beechwood shelving and cool inner LED lighting
- Built-in or freestanding placement
- Quiet and effective operation (suggested in customer reviews)
- Fantastic customer reviews
- Incredibly wide temperature range
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Single zone
Kalamera – Built-in, Single Zone (Comp) – 18 Bottle – $$$$$
Technical Specs
- Dimensions: 22.4L x 12.6W x 33.9H inches
- Weight: 63.9 lbs.
- Range: 41°F- 66°F
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
General Specs
- 18 container capacity
- Compressor-powered
- Single Temp
- Suitable for both built-in & freestanding usage
- Reversible door
- Digital LED temperature control
- Triple-layered glass door
- Beach wood shelving
- Blue LED lighting
- Door lock and key
Description
The Colzer 12″ wine fridge is a single-zone, compressor-powered unit, similar to the Antarctic unit.
It can hold 18 Bordeaux-sized bottles of wine, and is extremely versatile in the way it can be placed (either in a built-in or freestanding position), due to the front-facing vent, located at the bottom of the unit.
This unit is a little smaller than the previous two units, and comes in a little lighter too.
This cooler also has a stainless steel door and comes with a lock and key, so that you can keep your wine collection safe.
However, when comparing the temperature range against the Antarctic Star and Colzer units, it has a more limited range.
None-the-less, it’s still a fantastic unit, and has some solid customer reviews
Pros
- Premium-priced
- Premium build quality
- Looks beautiful with beechwood shelving and cool inner LED lighting
- Built-in or freestanding placement
- Quiet and effective operation (suggested in customer reviews)
- Solid customer reviews
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Single zone
- More limited temperature range comparing against the previous two discussed units
Conclusion
Overall, it’s extremely important for us to reiterate that every reader will have different needs & requirements, and that’s why we outlined all of the top considerations before purchasing a wine cooler at the beginning of this article.
However, taking all aspects into account, including price, features, customer feedback, and reviews, we’ve concluded that the below wine coolers are the best 18-bottle wine refrigerators.
- Antarctic Star – Built-in, Single Zone (Comp) – 18 Bottle – $$$ – Skip to section [#1 Built-in Recommendation – Fantastic Value for Money]
- Ivation – Freestanding, Single Zone (Comp) – 18 Bottle – $ – Skip to section [#2 Freestanding Recommendation – Affordable, Great Reviews]
