Top 12 Best 36-Bottle Wine Fridges (2024 Review)

Last Updated: 18 November 2024

 

In this article, we’re going to be discussing the best 36-bottle wine coolers that exist on the market.

As with all of our articles, we’ve gone about doing hours upon hours of research, to find only the most well-regarded wine fridges, using a number of different criteria that we’ve outlined below, including customer feedback, reviews, and ratings.

We should also mention that we’ve found a range of 36-bottle wine coolers to accommodate for every budget, and we’ve gone about displaying the cost through the use of $ symbols, located next to each wine cooler.

With that all being said, we still get a wide range of questions, some of those FAQs we wanted to quickly address before diving into exactly what products we’ve included within this buyers’ guide, to help you refine exactly what you’re looking for.

 

✅What is a 36-bottle wine cooler?

Although the answer to this question might seem incredibly obvious, it’s important to state that this means that the wine cooler has an approximate bottle capacity of 36 Bordeaux bottles. Bordeaux wine bottles are considered the standard size wine bottle and hold 750ml of wine.

Although these wine coolers have a decent capacity, they’re considered to be small wine coolers, often used for residential usage in a home bar or kitchen environment, although they can quite easily be used in supplement to a large-sized wine refrigerator.

 

🍾What are the advantages of purchasing a 36 bottle wine cooler?

The main advantage of owning a wine cooler of this capacity is that it can hold quite a good capacity of wine, without the disadvantages that come along with large units, which weigh more and are larger in physical size. Because of this, a 36-bottle capacity unit is extremely portable, and can quite easily be transported up and down stairs.

Additionally, the size of these wine coolers make them ideal and able to be installed as an undercounter wine cooler, unlike units which are physically much larger.

 

🥂What are the disadvantages of purchasing a 36 bottle wine cooler?

There are no real disadvantages of purchasing such a unit, that is if you’ve got a healthy but not too extensive wine collection.

However, some may need a larger sized unit, and may prefer to purchase a 50 bottle wine cooler or even a 60 bottle wine cooler, 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, a 36-bottle wine fridge offers a good bottle capacity, and is available in single-zone and dual-zone models (all of which we’ve included below).

 

🍾Are 36-bottle capacity wine refrigerators available in different sizes?

Yes, although the majority of these units will be of a similar size due to their capacity, it will vary slightly from model to model and brand to brand.

We’ve provided all of the size information with each model, so rest assured that it’s all available.

 

🥂Where can I purchase my wine cooler from?

Although we realize that there is an overwhelming amount of choices when it comes to purchasing your next wine cooler, it is, however, extremely important to use a reputable supplier, and one that treats its customers with the utmost level of customer service.

After being in the industry for years, we often refer our readers to Amazon, as they not only provide excellent service to their customers, but they ensure that only the best manufacturers and suppliers are allowed to sell on their platform. This is done by constantly evaluating each business operating on the platform, taking into account their recent feedback and customer reviews, and then rewarding reputable sellers and eliminating untrustworthy sellers over time.

 

🍾Top Considerations when buying a wine cooler

It’s important to note that not all wine refrigerators are the same. Therefore, if you intend to buy a wine cooler, there are several things that you must consider.

 

Bottle Capacity

As we briefly touched on above, a 36-bottle wine cooler is ideal to store up to 36 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 compartment that can be used for cooling.

Dual zone wine coolers have 2 compartments that can be used for cooling, with separate thermostats and therefore, individual temperature regulation settings.

This means that dual zone wine 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 coolers, also known as undercounter wine coolers 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, due to 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, 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 36-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 $$$$$ being 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 specific-sized enclosure.

 

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 be able to store wine at a particularly cold temperature, and it is in this temperature area particularly that wine coolers often vary in range.

However, due to the bottle-capacity size of the wine coolers that we’re discussing, all of these 36 bottle wine fridges are powered by a compressor-based cooling system, instead of a thermoelectric one, which means that they are able to achieve lower temperatures easily.

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 36 bottle wine coolers, so you’ll generally find excellent reviews.

 

 

🥂Show me the best 36-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 a capacity of approximately 36-bottles.

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 36-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 36 Bottle Wine Coolers – Top 12

 

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Koldfront BWR300BL – Built-In, Single Zone – 30 bottle – $$

Technical Specs

• Dimensions: 23.8L  x 15 W x 32H inches
• Weight: 77 lbs.
• Range: 40°F- 65°F
• Warranty: 1-year warranty

General Specs

• 30 container capacity
• Compressor-powered
• Single Temp
• Suitable for built-in & freestanding usage
• Electronic controls
• Black door and cabinet
• Reversible door with double-paned glass
• 6 Removable metal shelves
• Internal blue LED light
• Stainless steel

Description

The Koldfront BWR300BL is a single-zone wine refrigerator, suitable for those that are potentially interested in lowering their ideal capacity from 36 bottles to 30 bottles.

It is a built-in wine cooler, and hence it can be installed into an enclosed space, such as below a home bar, or kitchen worktop.

It has a nice black outer aesthetic, which really makes the internal blue LED light shine strongly. Not to mention, the door is reversible, and has double-paned, tempered glass to help prevent UV light exposure.

Additionally, it comes with 6 slide-out wire shelves, which are easily cleaned and maintained.

Pros

• Reputable brand
• Great customer feedback and product ratings
• Reversible door with double-paned glass for UV light protection

Cons

• Not the ideal bottle capacity
• Single-zone
• Does not have a lockable door

 

 

 

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Kalamera KRC-30SZB-TGD – Built-in, Single Zone – 30 bottle – $$

Technical Specs

• Dimensions: 22.4L  x 15 W x 33.9H inches
• Weight: 77 lbs.
• Range: 40°F- 66°F
• Warranty: 1-year warranty

General Specs

• 30 container capacity
• Compressor-powered
• Single Temp
• Suitable for built-in & freestanding application
• Digital thermostat
• Stainless steel door and black cabinet
• Reversible door with double-paned, tempered glass
• Security lock
• 6 Removable beech wood rack shelves
• Internal blue LED light

Description

The Kalamera 15″ wine cooler is very similar to the previous Koldfront BWR300BL, as far as features are concerned, with the main differences being that the Kalamera is an Amazon’s Choice, includes beech wood shelving and had a lockable door.

It’s a single-zone wine refrigerator, suitable for those who’re potentially interested in lowering their ideal capacity from 36 bottles to 30 bottles.

It is a built-in wine cooler, and hence it can be installed into an enclosed space, such as below a home bar, or kitchen worktop.

It has a stainless steel front, with a black cabinet,  Not to mention, the door is reversible, and has double-paned, tempered glass to help prevent UV light exposure.

Pros

• Amazon’s Choice (Due to exceptional ratings)
• Reputable brand
• Great customer feedback and product ratings
• Lockable
• Reversible door with double-paned glass for UV light protection

Cons

• Not the ideal bottle capacity
• Single-zone

 

 

 

 

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Bodega JC-85A – Built-in, Single Zone – 31 bottle – $$

Technical Specs

• Dimensions: 23.1L  x 15.3 W x 34.3H inches
• Weight: 77 lbs.
• Range: 41°F- 68°F
• Warranty: 1-year warranty

General Specs

• 31 container capacity
• Compressor-powered
• Single Temp
• Suitable for built-in & freestanding application
• Digital thermostat
• Stainless steel door and black cabinet
• Reversible door with double-paned, tempered glass
• Security lock
• 6 Removable beech wood rack shelves
• Adjustable feet
• Internal blue LED light

Description

The Bodega JC-85A is very similar to the last two discussed wine coolers with regards to general specifications, besides the fact that this unit can hold 31 bottles and the company have equipped it with adjustable feet, alongside a carbon filter system to help make sure that the air is pure.

It’s a single-zone wine refrigerator, suitable for those who may potentially be interested in lowering their ideal capacity from 36 bottles to 31 bottles.

This unit has exceptional feedback on Amazon, and this is one of the main reasons that we’ve included within the list.

Similar to the previous mentioned units, It is a built-in wine cooler, and hence it can be installed into an enclosed space, such as below a home bar, or kitchen worktop.

It also has a stainless steel front, with a black cabinet,  Not to mention, it has double-paned, tempered glass to help prevent UV light exposure.

Pros

• Exceptional product reviews on Amazon
• Reputable brand
• Great customer feedback and product ratings
• Lockable
• Double-paned glass with UV light protection

Cons

• Not the ideal bottle capacity
• Single-zone
• Company doesn’t say if door is reversible

 

 

 

 

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Ivation IV-BWCC311SS – Built-in, Single Zone – 31 bottle – $

Technical Specs

• Dimensions: 22.4L  x 14.8 W x 33.8H inches
• Weight: 75 lbs.
• Range: 40°F- 66°F
• Warranty: 1-year warranty

General Specs

• 31 container capacity
• Compressor-powered
• Single Temp
• Suitable for built-in & freestanding application
• Digital thermostat
• Stainless steel door and black cabinet
• Reversible door with double-paned, tempered glass
• Security lock
• Removable shelves
• Soft internal LED light

Description

The Ivation IV-BWCC311SS is very similar to the Bodega JC-85A wine cooler in that it has a 31 bottle capacity, and has almost identical general features.

It’s a single-zone wine refrigerator, suitable for those who may potentially be interested in lowering their ideal capacity from 36 bottles to 31 bottles.

The one aspect that we particularly like, is that it’s very affordable! Although it has fantastic feedback, the feedback is limited as the product is quite new.

Similar to the previous mentioned units, It is a built-in wine cooler, and hence it can be installed into an enclosed space, such as below a home bar, or kitchen worktop.

It also has a stainless steel front, with a black cabinet, and tempered glass to prevent UV exposure.

Additionally, the cooler includes vibration suppression, to help minimize internal movement

Pros

• Exceptional product reviews on Amazon
• Reputable brand
• Great customer feedback and product ratings
• Lockable
• Double-paned glass with UV light protection

Cons

• Not the ideal bottle capacity
• Single-zone
• Company doesn’t say if door is reversible

 

 

 

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Ivation IVFWCC331DLB – Freestanding, Dual Zone – 33 bottle – $

Technical Specs

• Dimensions: 19.49L  x 16.93 W x 33.4H inches
• Weight: 60 lbs.
• Temperature Range:
  • Upper Zone: 54°F- 64°F
  • Lower Zone: 41°F- 57°F
• Warranty: 1-year warranty

General Specs

• 33 container capacity
• Compressor-powered
• Dual zone
• Suitable for freestanding application only
• Digital thermostat
• Black door and cabinet
• Double-paned, thermopane glass for UV protection
• Security lock
• Removable racks
• Soft interior LED light

Description

The Ivation IVFWCC331DLB is a very affordable dual-zone wine cooler, that can hold approximately 33 Bordeaux sized wine bottles.

The unit is designed for freestanding usage only, and therefore it cannot be positioned in an enclosed space, as its vents are located on the back, and thus it would restrict airflow.

It includes double-paned glass to help prevent UV light exposure, and the door features a lock, to help prevent unwanted visitors from accessing your wine collection.

Overall, it’s a decent cooler for those looking for an affordably-priced freestanding unit that has dual-zone capability.

Pros

• Exceptional product reviews on Amazon
• Reputable brand
• Good customer feedback and product ratings
• Dual zone
• Lockable
• Double-paned glass with UV light protection

Cons

• Not the ideal bottle capacity
• Not for built-in usage

 

 

 

 

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Karcassin SKR-2436DR – Built-in, Dual Zone – 36 bottle – $$$$

Technical Specs

• Dimensions: 22.6L  x 23.4 W x 32.9H inches
• Weight: 108 lbs.
• Temperature Range:
  • Left Zone: 41°F- 54°F
  • Right Zone: 54°F- 64°F
• Warranty: 1-year warranty

General Specs

• 33 container capacity
• Compressor-powered
• Dual zone
• Suitable for freestanding application only
• Digital thermostat
• Black door and cabinet
• Dual-layered glass for UV protection
• Security lock
• Removable racks
• Soft interior LED light

Description

The Karcassin SKR-2436DR is one of the most premium-priced wine coolers featured on the list, and is a very aesthetically pleasing 36-bottle wine fridge.

The unit is intended for both built-in and freestanding usage, given that it has a front-facing vent.

Additionally, this dual-zone wine cooler is different to other coolers that we’ve included on the list because it has a left and right zone, as opposed to an upper and lower zone. Both zones have different cooling temperature capabilities, as highlighted in the technical specifications section.

It comes with separate locks for each zone, and dual-layered glass, to help maintain effective cooling and prevent UV damage from external light.

Altogether, this is a nice wine fridge, and one which we would recommend for our readers who are looking for side-by-side compartments, which can be independently locked and unlocked.

Pros

• Highly reputable brand
• Great customer reviews, ratings and feedback
• Dual zone
• Suitable for both built-in and freestanding usage
• Independent compartment locking
• Double-paned glass with UV light protection

Cons

• Rather expensive

 

 

 

 

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EdgeStar CWR362FD – Built-in, Dual Zone – 36 bottle – $$$$

Technical Specs

• Dimensions: 22.6L  x 23.4 W x 32.9H inches
• Weight: 108 lbs.
• Temperature Range:
  • Left Zone: 40°F- 65°F
  • Right Zone: 40°F- 65°F
• Warranty: 1-year warranty

General Specs

• 36 container capacity
• Compressor-powered
• Dual zone
• Suitable for both built-in and freestanding usage
• Digital thermostat
• Stainless steel door and cabinet
• French tempered glass
• Security lock
• 10 Removable racks
• Soft interior LED light

Description

The CWR362FD wine cooler is manufactured by none other than EdgeStar, an extremely well known and reputable wine cooler manufacturer and supplier.

The unit has a 36-bottle capacity, and is designed for both built-in and freestanding usage.

Additionally, the unit has two separate cooling zones that are located next to each other, both cool between the temperatures of 40°F- 65°F.

It comes with 10, full depth steel wire rack shelves, which have wooden fronts.

Additionally, the cooler has locking capabilities for both of the compartments, helping to keep your wine safe from unwanted visitors.

Pros

• Highly reputable brand
• Great customer reviews, ratings and feedback
• Dual zone
• Suitable for both built-in and freestanding usage
• Independent compartment locking
• Double-paned glass with UV light protection

Cons

• Quite expensive

 

 

 

 

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EdgeStar CWF380DZ – Freestanding, Dual Zone – 38 bottle – $

 

Technical Specs

• Dimensions: 23L  x 19.5W x 33.2H inches
• Weight: 94 lbs.
• Temperature Range:
  • Upper Zone: 40°F- 54°F
  • Lower Zone: 54°F- 64°F
• Warranty: 1-year warranty

General Specs

• 38 container capacity
• Compressor-powered
• Dual zone
• Suitable for freestanding usage only
• Digital thermostat
• Stainless steel door and cabinet
• Tinted front glass
• Security lock
• Wood-fronted racks
• Reversible door
• Soft interior LED light

Description

The EdgeStar CWF380DZ is a freestanding wine cooler, which has a 38-bottle capacity just over the requirement.

It has been designed from freestanding usage only, and therefore cannot be used within built-in/undercounter and enclosed spaces, due to the fact that the vent is located at the back of the unit.

It is a dual zone unit, and has tinted front glass to help prevent any light exposure from damaging your wine collection.

Additionally, it features 5 wooden fronted racks, a reversible door and a security lock to protect your wines.

Pros

• Highly reputable brand
• Extremely affordable
• Great customer feedback, reviews and ratings
• Dual zone
• Tinted glass

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Only suitable for freestanding use

 

 

 

 

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Avallon AWC241FD – Built-in, Dual Zone – 42 bottle – $$$$$

 

Technical Specs

• Dimensions: 23.7L  x 23.9W x 34.5H inches
• Weight: 135 lbs.
• Temperature Range:
  • Left Zone: 40°F- 65°F
  • Right Zone: 40°F- 65°F
• Warranty: 1-year warranty

General Specs

• 42 container capacity
• Compressor-powered
• Dual zone
• Suitable for both built-in and freestanding usage
• Digital thermostat
• Stainless steel door and vent
• Dual-pane, low-E glass
• Security lock
• Soft interior LED light
• Removable shelves

Description

The AWC241FD wine cooler, manufactured by Avallon, is a premium unit with a capacity slightly above the desired 36-bottle capacity. Instead, this cooler can hold approximately 42 Bordeaux bottles.

This cooler has dual-zone capacity, with both zones being positioned next to each other, with separate opening doors and separate locks. Both of the zones have the same temperature capabilities, and can cool your wine collection between the temperatures of 40°F- 65°F, making both compartments ideal for either red, white or rose wine storage.

Both zones feature carbon filtration to prevent unwanted odors and to keep the air fresh. The low-E glass also helps to prevent UV exposure from damaging your wine collection’s taste.

It’s designed to be used as a built-in wine refrigerator, given that it has a front-facing vent, located towards the bottom of the physical unit.

Not only this, but it has a very polished, stainless steel outer aesthetic for the door and bottom vent.

Overall, this is a premium wine cooler, which provides more than the required bottle capacity, and is highly versatile in both it’s placement and the wine that can be stored in either compartment. Therefore, it’s ideal for someone looking for this, but who’s willing to pay the premium price.

Pros

• Very reputable brand
• Great customer feedback, ratings and reviews
• Dual zone (with both compartments being versatile regarding temperature)
• Ideal for built-in and freestanding usage
• Low-E glass for UV protection
• Quiet operation

Cons

• Premium-priced

 

 

 

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Ivation IVFWCC431DLB – Freestanding, Dual Zone – 43 bottle – $

 

Technical Specs

• Dimensions: 23.7L  x 23.9W x 33.4H inches
• Weight: 75 lbs.
• Temperature Range:
  • Upper Zone: 54°F- 64°F
  • Lower Zone: 41°F- 57°F
• Warranty: 1-year warranty

General Specs

• 43 container capacity
• Compressor-powered
• Dual zone
• Suitable for freestanding usage only
• Digital touch controls
• Black door and cabinet
• Dual-pane, low-E thermopane glass
• Security lock
• Soft interior LED light
• Removable wire shelving

Description

The Ivation IVFWCC431DLB is a dual zone wine refrigerator that has a slightly larger capacity than the required 36-bottles, standing at 43-bottles.

It is a dual zone unit, and has an upper zone which is more suited for storing red wine, and a lower compartment which is more ideal for storing white and rose wine.

This cooler is designed for freestanding usage only, as the vent is located on the back, and therefore installing this within an enclosed environment would limit airflow.

It has dual-paned, low-E thermopane glass to help prevent any UV light exposure from damaging the wine, and it also includes a security lock to keep your wines safe.

Overall, it’s a high-quality wine cooler if you’re looking for one that offers dual zone functionality, and is suitable for freestanding placement.

Pros

• Reputable brand
• Good customer reviews
• Dual-zone
• Low-E glass for UV protection

Cons

• Only ideal for freestanding usage
• Slightly noisy

 

 

 

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Phiestina PH-46BD3L – Built-in, Dual Zone – 46 bottle – $$$

 

Technical Specs

• Dimensions: 22.4L  x 23.4W x 33H inches
• Weight: 102 lbs.
• Temperature Range:
  • Upper Zone: 40°F- 50°F
  • Lower Zone: 50°F- 66°F
• Warranty: 1-year warranty

General Specs

• 46 container capacity
• Compressor-powered
• Dual zone
• Suitable for both built-in and freestanding usage
• Digital touch controls
• Stainless steel door and black cabinet
• Soft interior LED light
• Removable shelving
• Reversible door hinge

Description

The Phiestina PH-46BD3L is a dual zone wine refrigerator, ideal for those who are looking for a unit that is suitable for either built-in or freestanding placement.

It has a 46-bottle capacity, however, it’s upper zone, which is ideal for storing white wine, is a lot smaller than it’s lower compartment zone, which is best for storing reds. We recommend the next discussed wine cooler (Karcassin – 46 bottle) for those looking for a unit with balanced zones.

The cooler is extremely affordable, and comes with a reversible door.

However, the product listing doesn’t mention anything about the front glass being anti-UV, and therefore we highly recommend not placing this in direct sunlight. Additionally, there is no security lock on the unit.

Overall, it’s a decent unit if you’re looking to buy an affordable, dual zone cooler, capable of built-in and freestanding placement, but not for positioning in view of sunlight.

Pros

• Reputable brand
• Good customer reviews
• Dual-zone
• Built-in and freestanding usage

Cons

• Doesn’t mention anything about anti-UV glass layer
• Small upper zone
• No security lock

 

 

 

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Karcassin – Built-in, Dual Zone – 46 bottle – $$$

[#2 Recommendation – Incredible value for money]

Technical Specs

• Dimensions: 23.4L  x 24.2W x 32.9H inches
• Weight: 102 lbs.
• Temperature Range:
  • Upper Zone: 41°F- 55°F
  • Lower Zone: 54°F- 64°F
• Warranty: 1-year warranty

General Specs

• 46 container capacity
• Compressor-powered
• Advanced circulation cooling system
• Dual zone
• Suitable for both built-in and freestanding usage
• Digital temperature controls
• Stainless steel door and black cabinet
• Dual-layered glass
• Soft interior blue LED light
• Removable beech wooden shelves
• Reversible door hinge
• Safety lock

Description

This wine cooler by Karcassin is a dual zone unit, capable of holding up to 46 bottles of wine at any one time.

It is built for both built-in and freestanding usage, given that it has a front-facing vent, and an advanced internal air circulation system to keep the internal environment fresh.

It comes with dual-layered glass, which helps to prevent UV light exposure.

Additionally, this cooler has beautiful Beachwood shelving, which can be removed for cleaning, and it also has a reversible front door, and security lock, to keep your wine collection safe.

Overall, this is a fantastic unit for those who are looking for a well balanced dual zone wine cooler, that meets the criteria of holding just over the 36-bottle requirement. Additionally, it provides the best value for money considering it has some fantastic general features, and is very affordable.

 

 

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Conclusion

Overall, it’s important to know that every single reader will have different requirements, and that’s why we outlined all of the top considerations 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 “36-bottle wine refrigerators” (or there abouts).