Top 8 Best 42-Bottle Wine Fridges (2024 Review)

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David J Sharp

Wine Expert at Love Craft Wines

David J Sharp is a wine equipment expert, having previously worked with some of the best wine cooler manufacturers within the USA. Today he works as a full-time wine cooler and wine cellar consultant for small and large clients alike. You can find out more about LoveCraftWines here.

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Last Updated: 18 November 2024

In this article, we’re going to be discussing the best 42-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 42-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 42-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 42 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 wine refrigerator.

🍾What are the advantages of purchasing a 42 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 42-bottle capacity unit is extremely portable, and can quite easily be transported up and down stairs.

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

🥂What are the disadvantages of purchasing a 42 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 fridge or even a 60 bottle wine fridge, 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 42-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 42-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 42-bottle wine cooler is ideal to store up to 42 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 42-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 42 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 42 bottle wine coolers, so you’ll generally find excellent reviews.

🥂Show me the best 42-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 42-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 42-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 42 Bottle Wine Coolers – Top 8

• Avallon AWC241FD – Built-in, Dual Zone – 42 bottle – $$$$$ – Skip to section
• Ivation IVFWCC431DLB – Freestanding, Dual Zone – 43 bottle – $ – Skip to section
• EdgeStar CWF440SZ – Freestanding, Single Zone – 44 Bottle – $ – Skip to section
• Antarctic Star – Built In, Dual Zone – 46 Bottle – $$$ – Skip to section [#1 Affordable, Great Features & Highly Reliable]
• Newair AWR-460DB – Built In, Dual Zone – 46 Bottle – $$$$$ – Skip to section
• Phiestina PH-46BD3L – Built-in, Dual Zone – 46 bottle – $$$ – Skip to section
• Karcassin – Built-in, Dual Zone – 46 bottle – $$$ – Skip to section [#2 Incredible value for money]
• Kalamera KRC-52ASS – Freestanding, Single Zone – 50 Bottle – $$ –  Skip to section

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

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

EdgeStar CWF440SZ – Freestanding, Single Zone – 44 Bottle – $

Technical Specs

• Dimensions: 23L  x 19.4 W x 32.9 H inches
• Weight: 88 lbs.
• Range: 40°F- 65°F
• Package includes: 1 x Compressor-based Cooler, 1 x instruction
• Warranty: 1-year warranty

General Specs

• 44 container capacity
• Compressor-powered
• Single Temp
• Freestanding application
• 6 Removable metal shelves
• Electronic controls
• Blue Light-emitting diode interior illumination
• Lockable and reversible door
• Towel bar style handle
• Stainless steel

Description

One of the best in the market, this wine cooler is the right unit to use to keep containers of wines in perfect condition. It is a compressor-based cooler designed for freestanding application and not for built-in or under the counter application.

It is designed to be equipped with an efficient compressor cooling technology and efficient features such as single-zone temp range from 40°F- 65°F, electronic control system for condition and light setting, light-emitting diode light, 6 pieces of metal shelves in elegant wood design, and lockable reversible full glass door.

This cooler has a storage capacity of 44 bottles of red and white wines in standard Bordeaux size. The shelves can be removed in you need to store and chill larger-sized bottles.

This EdgeStar cooler features a lockable door that allows you to lock the fridges that children or other people will not be able to access your precious collections of red and white wines.

It is also a reversible door that allows user to swing the door to the left or to the right depending on which side is comfortable for the one opening it. It is a true value for money at its affordable price, 1-year warranty, and efficient unit.

Pros:

• Good capacity for compact storage and efficient cooling temp. It is a recommended kitchen and home appliance for collectors.
• Provides correct temp for cooling and aging purposes.
• Price and warranty are valuable.
• The locking system is functional and dependable.
• For commercial and personal use
• Stainless steel finish makes the unit very stylish.

Cons:

• Not for built-in installation
• Heat vents out from the side

Antarctic Star – Built In, Dual Zone – 46 Bottle – $$$

#1 Affordable, Great Features & Highly Reliable

Technical Specs

• Dimensions: 23.5 x 22.75 x 34.25 inches
• Weight: 114.64 lbs.
• Range: 41°F- 54°F upper; 54°F – 68°F lower 
• Package includes: 1 x Compressor powered, 1 x instruction
• Warranty: 1-year warranty

General Specs

• 46 container capacity in different sizes
• Freestanding and built-in application
• Dual zone condition with cooling fan
• Blue light-emitting diode
• Beech wood shelves, sliding
• Frost-free stainless steel opening and handle
• Double layered tempered opening in tight seal
• Quiet and low vibration

Description

Antarctic Star features this one as its best 46 bottle capacity unit. It is the perfect unit for collectors who want the dual zone temp setting, which allows them to set the temp at a range of 41°F- 54°F for the upper and 54°F – 68°F for the lower.

This cooler offers a bigger space that you don’t need to remove a single shelf if you want to store or chill a bottle which is larger than the standard size. The sliding beech wood shelves or wooden racks are designed to be stylish and elegant, making the unit attractive in any kitchen or living room style.

Antarctic Star boasts of this unit because of its elegant appeal with its frost-free stainless steel opening and handle. 

The door has that fully functional and protective double-layered tempered opening, which prevents outer heat and light.

Cooling operation is smooth and efficient with the compressor-based cooling technology that is quiet and of low vibration. This kind of system allows the liquor to store and age in perfection without the disturbance. If you want to check the liquor or the condition of the unit, upper and lower zones, you don’t even have to open the door. The beautiful blue light-emitting diode allows you to view them from the outside.

Pros:

• The stylish finish looks good on kitchen and room. It makes the interior appeal more elegant and attractive.
• Good for both standalone and built-in application
• No issue with different sizes
• Can store both red and white wines in dual temp
• Quiet and compact size
• Fits any cabinet space design
• Manufacturer provides one-month replacement or refund and one year warranty

Cons:

• Nothing

Newair AWR-460DB – Built In, Dual Zone – 46 Bottle – $$$$$

Buy from NewAir

Technical Specs

• Dimensions: 24″ W x 33″ H x 22.5″D inches
• Weight: 104 lbs.
• Temperature range:
  • Upper zone: 40°F – 50°F
  • Lower zone: 50°F – 66°F
• Warranty: 1-year warranty

General Specs

• 46-bottle capacity
• Stainless steel frame
• Suitable for both Built-in & Freestanding usage
• Dual-zone capacity
• Compressor-based cooling system
• Blue interior LED lighting
• Adjustable temperature control
• Double-layered glass door for UV protection
• Sliding beech wood racks

Description

The NewAir AWR-460DB, 24-inch, 46-bottle capacity unit is a great match for anyone who’s looking for an incredibly reliable, premium-quality unit, from a highly reputable wine cooler manufacturer.

This is a built-in wine cooler, and therefore it’s vent is located at the front, meaning that the fridge can either be placed in an enclosed (built-in) or freestanding position.

Additionally, this wine cooler has dual-zone capabilities, with its upper zone being suitable for cooling white and rose wines, whilst the lower zone is more ideal for chilling red wines.

It has a stainless steel front aesthetic, and its front door has triple-layered glass for the best UV protection we’ve seen.

Overall, this is a particularly impressive wine cooler, and taking into account the customer reviews in addition to the unit’s technical specs, we highly recommend this cooler.

Pros:

• Premium-Quality
• Built-in or freestanding placement
• Dual-zone capability
• Triple-layered glass for the best UV protection
• Great customer reviews
• 1-year manufacturers warranty

Cons:

• None

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

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

#2 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.

Kalamera KRC-52ASS – Freestanding, Single Zone – 50 Bottle – $$

Technical Specs

• Dimensions: 22.8 x 19.3 x 33 inches
• Weight: 82.7 lbs.
• Range: 40°F- 66°F
• Package includes: 1 x Compressor-based, 1 x instruction
• Warranty: 1 year warranty

General Specs

• 50 bottle capacity
• Single temp setting
• Freestanding
• Stainless steel and black
• Tempered dual pane glass front
• Compressor advanced cooling system technology 
• 7 removable beechwood racks
• Interior fan
• Slat-style shelving for even airflow
• Touch control
• Blue LED light and display
• Up/Down arrows for temp adjustment

Description

Kalamera features this single zone wine cooler designed with the ever-elegant black stainless steel and dual-paned tempered door. It is equipped with an advanced compressor cooling technology that operates quietly and without vibration, assuring you that your liquor are in perfect condition and temp.

The freestanding design is intended to give you a gorgeous kitchen or living room appliance that will match your interior decoration. The smoked opening is also impressive for a kitchen appliance. For added style, you will appreciate its blue light-emitting diode and display system which allows you to view your collection without opening the door or set the desired temp from the outside.

Another cool feature of this unit is its 7 beechwood racks that are capable of holding 50 standard-sized of Bordeaux. They are strong enough to hold but soft as well to protect them from scratches. Stocking and stacking will never be a problem whether you prefer red wines or white wines.

The addition of interior fan allows evenly cooling. This is also improved by the slat-style of shelving wherein airflow circulates throughout the entire unit. If you want sparkling white wines or chilled red wines anytime, you always get them perfectly with this unit.

If you want a wine cellar-like unit in your house for your wine collecting hobby, this Kalamera wine cooler is your choice. It is a recommended single zone wine refrigerator for wine connoisseurs.

Pros:

• Compressor-based cooling system operates nice and quiet.
• Size and height is perfect for home, kitchen, living room, bar, and office.
• Soft blue light looks elegant
• Beechwood racks are strong
• It has a thermal meter that restores the set temp in case of power shut down.
• Convenient for being accessible anytime a cup of red wine is desired.
• Decorative design
• Good quality for a low price

Cons:

• It cannot be installed under the counter or used as a built-in appliance.

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 “42-bottle wine refrigerators” (or thereabouts).