8 Best 18-Bottle Wine Fridges & Coolers

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Written By Roseanne

Charlie's been a wine enthusiast for 20+ years. He and Roseanne have a vast amount of experience and expertise in wine refrigerators.

 

 

 

 

We’ll talk about the top 18-bottle wine refrigerators available on the market in this article.

Similar to all of our thorough buyer’s guides, we spent countless hours researching to identify only the best, most reputable wine coolers. We’ve done this by using several key criteria, which we’ve outlined below, including looking at customer feedback, ratings, and reviews.

We should also point out that we have a variety of 18-bottle wine fridges to suit every price range. The cost of each of the wine refrigerators under discussion is indicated next to each wine cooler in the form of $ symbols.

As a result, we wanted to quickly answer some of these frequently asked questions (FAQs) before moving on to the specific wine coolers that we have included in this buyers’ guide. We frequently receive a variety of questions about how to choose the best wine cooler.

Please read it carefully because we believe it will help you pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for.

✅What is an 18-bottle wine cooler?

Although this may appear to be a simple question with a simple answer, let us discuss what it actually means.

Simply put, the wine cooler has a bottle capacity of approximately 20 Bordeaux bottles.

Bordeaux wine bottles are standard-size wine bottles, holding 750ml of wine.

These wine coolers clearly have a good bottle capacity, but they are considered small-sized wine coolers, making them best suited for residential use in a home bar or kitchen environment. They can also be used in addition to a large wine fridge in a commercial setting, such as a bar or restaurant.

 

🍾What are the advantages of purchasing a 20-bottle wine cooler?

One of the primary benefits of having a wine cooler with this bottle capacity is that it holds a reasonable amount of wine without the drawbacks associated with larger units, which obviously weigh more and are physically much larger in size.

As a result, an 18-bottle capacity unit is extremely portable and can be easily transported upstairs and downstairs.

Furthermore, unlike units that are physically much larger, the size of these wine fridges makes them ideal for installation as built-in wine coolers.

 

🥂What are the disadvantages of purchasing a 20-bottle wine cooler?

If your wine collection isn’t too large, there aren’t any significant drawbacks to owning such a unit.

However, some may require a larger unit and may prefer to purchase a 50-bottle wine fridge, 75-bottle wine fridge, or even a 120-bottle wine fridge, as we frequently hear from our readers that their wine collections continue to grow, which is understandable as time passes.

Regardless, an 18-bottle wine fridge has a good-sized bottle capacity and is available in single-zone and dual-zone models (all of which are listed below).

 

🍾Are 18-bottle-capacity wine refrigerators available in different sizes?

They are, indeed.

Although the majority of these sizes will be similar, they will differ slightly from model to model and depending on the brand.

However, you can be confident that we’ve included all of the size information for each model.

 

🥂Where can I purchase my wine cooler from?

We recognize that there are numerous options available when it comes to purchasing your next wine cooler. However, we cannot emphasize enough how critical it is to select a reputable supplier who treats their customers with the utmost respect and provides excellent customer service.

After years in the industry, we frequently refer our customers to Amazon and specific manufacturers with whom we have built relationships, because we know that these brands value their reputation and consider customer feedback in order to improve their customer buying experience.

So you can rest assured that we’ve completed all of the necessary tasks.

 

🍾Top Considerations when purchasing a wine fridge

Not all wine refrigerators are created equal!

As a result, if you intend to purchase a wine cooler, there are several factors to consider:

 

Bottle Capacity

An 18-bottle wine cooler, as mentioned briefly above, is ideal for storing up to 20 Bordeaux-style bottles.

It’s important to think about not only your current bottle capacity but also how much you might need in the coming months and years. This saves you from buying multiple physical units or buying and then selling to upgrade.

Type

There are various types of wine coolers, each of which is uniquely suited to specific environments and requirements. Allow me to elaborate:

 

Single-Zone vs Dual Zone

Single-zone wine coolers have one (single) compartment for cooling.

Dual-zone wine coolers have two (dual) compartments for cooling, each with its own thermostat and temperature control settings.

This means that dual-zone units are better suited to those who want to store multiple types of wines (both whites and reds) in a single physical unit without having to store them at the same temperatures.

If you only want to store one type of wine, a single-zone unit may be more appropriate.

Both types are covered in the product section below.

 

Undercounter vs Freestanding

Built-in wine fridges, also known as ‘under-counter wine fridges,’ are intended to be integrated into an enclosed space, such as a kitchen or bar.

Freestanding wine coolers, on the other hand, are intended to be used as a stand-alone unit.

The main distinction here is that a built-in wine unit is more adaptable. This is due to the fact that it has a front-facing vent rather than a bottom-mounted vent. This allows the cooler to be placed in an enclosed space without affecting airflow, which is important for maintaining fresh air inside the unit.

However, because freestanding units have vents in the back, they cannot be kept in an enclosed space because airflow would be restricted.

It should be noted that a built-in wine cooler can be used as a freestanding unit, but not vice versa.

 

Cost

We understand that each reader has a different budget. And it’s critical to keep this in mind when selecting the best wine cooler for you.

This is why we’ve done our best to find 18-bottle wine coolers in a variety of price ranges. We’ve displayed dollar signs to represent their costs, with $ representing the least expensive unit and $$$$$ representing the most expensive.

 

Size and Weight

Although the physical size and weight of this capacity-size wine cooler will not vary significantly, it is important to consider, especially if you are looking to purchase a built-in/under-counter system that will ultimately fit into a specifically sized enclosure, which could be under your kitchen worktop or under a bar.

 

Temperature range

Each of the wine coolers listed below has a slightly different temperature range. This may influence the types of wine you store in it in some cases.

You may want to store wine at a particularly cold temperature, and wine coolers’ capabilities often vary in the colder temperature ranges.

As a result, you can be confident that we’ve covered all of the temperature ranges for each wine cooler featured in the article.

 

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews are particularly good at considering because they provide transparent insight into both the good and bad aspects of a product.

However, we’ve done our best to include only the highest quality 21-bottle wine coolers, so you’ll find mostly positive feedback.

 

🥂Show me the best 18-bottle wine fridges

As we mentioned at the start of this article, we meticulously researched and selected the best quality wine coolers with an 18-bottle capacity.

We’ve included not only technical information for each wine cooler, such as physical measurements, weight, warranty, and so on, but also general specifications.

With that said, we’ve included a list of 18-bottle wine fridges within our list (or within that region) because we assumed you’d be interested in slightly larger and smaller units that 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 – $

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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 wine refrigerator has a single zone and holds 18 bottles.

It’s intended for freestanding use, which means it can only be placed in an open environment because the air vent is on the back of the unit.

It has UV-resistant double-paned glass to help protect your wine collection from light exposure.

It also has a safety lock, so you can keep your wines safe from unwanted visitors.

Overall, this cooler has a wide temperature range and is an excellent choice for those looking for a low-cost 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 – $

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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 hOmelabs wine refrigerator has a single zone and holds 18 bottles.

It’s intended for freestanding use, which means it can only be placed in an open environment because the air vent is on the back of the unit.

Because it is thermoelectrically powered, it operates at an extremely low noise level and is thus very quiet.

It lacks a lock, and because it is a thermoelectric cooler, its temperature range is more limited than that of 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 – $$

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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 NutriChef PKCWC180 is a single-zone, compressor-powered wine cooler.

It has an 18-bottle capacity and is intended to be used freestanding, which means it cannot be placed in an enclosed environment because the air vent is located towards the back, requiring airflow.

According to customer feedback, the unit operates quietly and effectively cools wine.

Not to mention that it has a wide temperature cooling range, which is excellent for a cooler at this price.

NutriChef has done an excellent job in designing a very sleek, stylish wine cooler that clearly does its 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 – $$

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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

Wine Enthusiast’s 18-bottle wine refrigerator is a single-zone, compressor-powered unit.

It has a sleek black outer casing, chrome shelving, and bright LED lighting.

Because it is powered by a compressor-based cooler, it has a wide cooling temperature range.

It’s also simple to use, with a digital touchscreen on the front that controls the temperature functionality.

It also has a decent 1-year part and labor warranty, with a 3-year warranty on 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 – $$$

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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 NutriChef PKCWC18 is a single zone, compressor-powered wine cooler.

It has an 18-bottle capacity and is intended to be used freestanding, which means it cannot be placed in an enclosed environment because the air vent is located towards the back, requiring airflow.

According to customer feedback, the unit operates quietly and effectively cools wine.

Not to mention that it has a wide temperature cooling range, which is excellent for a cooler at this price.

NutriChef has created 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 – $$$

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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 compressor-powered single-zone unit.

Due to the front-facing vent located at the bottom of the unit, it can hold 18 Bordeaux-sized bottles of wine and is extremely versatile in its placement (either built-in or freestanding).

This cooler has a stainless steel door and handles, as well as double-layered tempered glass, to help keep the temperature consistent.

The unit has a wide temperature range, cooling between 41°F and 68°F, and comes with a lock and key to help protect your collection from intruders.

Furthermore, the unit has received excellent customer feedback!

 

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 – $$$$

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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, like the Antarctic Star, is a single-zone, compressor-powered unit.

Due to the front-facing vent located at the bottom of the unit, it can hold 18 Bordeaux-sized bottles of wine and is extremely versatile in its placement (either built-in or freestanding).

It has a triple-layered glass door that helps to protect the wine from UV light.

This cooler has a stainless steel door and a lock and key to keep your wine collection secure.

The unit has an extremely wide temperature range, cooling between 41°F and 72°F.

Furthermore, the unit has received rave reviews from customers!

 

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 – $$$$$

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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, like the Antarctic unit, is a single-zone, compressor-powered unit.

Due to the front-facing vent located at the bottom of the unit, it can hold 18 Bordeaux-sized bottles of wine and is extremely versatile in its placement (either built-in or freestanding).

This unit is slightly smaller than the previous two, and it is also slightly lighter.

This cooler also has a stainless steel door and a lock and key to keep your wine collection secure.

However, when compared to the Antarctic Star and Colzer units, it has a more limited temperature range.

Nonetheless, it’s a fantastic unit with some positive customer feedback.

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, we must emphasize that each reader will have different needs and requirements, which is why we outlined all of the top considerations before purchasing a wine cooler at the beginning of this article.

However, after considering all factors such as price, features, customer feedback, and reviews, we’ve determined that the wine coolers listed below 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]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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