8 Best 42-Bottle Wine Fridges

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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.

 

 

 

 

In this article, we’ll look at the best 42-bottle wine coolers available on the market.

As with all of our articles, we spent hours upon hours researching to find only the best wine fridges, based on a variety of criteria that we’ve outlined below, including customer feedback, reviews, and ratings.

We should also mention that we’ve found a variety of 42-bottle wine coolers to suit every budget, and we’ve displayed the price using $ symbols, which are located next to each wine cooler.

Having said that, we still receive a wide range of questions, some of which 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 may appear to be obvious, it is important to note that this means the wine cooler has an approximate bottle capacity of 42 Bordeaux bottles. Bordeaux wine bottles are the standard size wine bottle, holding 750ml of wine.

Although these wine coolers have a decent capacity, they are considered small wine coolers, often used for residential use in a home bar or kitchen environment, though they can easily be used in addition to a large wine refrigerator.

 

🍾What are the advantages of purchasing a 42-bottle wine cooler?

The main benefit of owning a wine cooler of this capacity is that it can hold a good amount of wine without the drawbacks that come with larger units, which weigh more and are larger in physical size. As a result, a 42-bottle capacity unit is extremely portable and can be transported up and down stairs with ease.

Furthermore, unlike units that are physically much larger, the size of these wine coolers makes them ideal for installation as an under-counter wine cooler.

 

🥂What are the disadvantages of purchasing a 42-bottle wine cooler?

If you have a healthy but not overly extensive wine collection, there are no real drawbacks to purchasing such a unit.

However, some may require a larger unit and may prefer to purchase a 50-bottle wine fridge or even a 60-bottle wine fridge, as we frequently hear from our readers that their wine collections seem to grow over time, which is understandable.

Nonetheless, a 42-bottle wine fridge has 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, while the majority of these units will be similar in size due to their capacity, it will vary slightly from model to model and brand to brand.

We’ve included all of the size information with each model, so you can be confident that it’s all there.

 

🥂Where can I purchase my wine cooler from?

Although we understand that there are a plethora of options when it comes to purchasing your next wine cooler, it is critical to use a reputable supplier and one that treats its customers with the utmost respect.

After years in the industry, we frequently refer our readers to Amazon because they not only provide excellent customer service, but also ensure that only the best manufacturers and suppliers are allowed to sell on their platform. This is accomplished by continuously evaluating each business on the platform, taking into account their recent feedback and customer reviews, and then rewarding reputable sellers while eliminating untrustworthy sellers over time.

🍾Top Considerations when buying a wine cooler

It’s important to understand that 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

A 42-bottle wine cooler, as mentioned briefly above, is ideal for storing up to 42 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 only one compartment for cooling.

Dual-zone wine coolers have two cooling compartments with separate thermostats and, as a result, individual temperature regulation settings.

As a result, dual-zone wine units are ideal for 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 coolers, also known as under-counter wine coolers, 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 is that a built-in wine unit is more versatile due to the presence of a front-facing vent, which is typically located at the bottom of the unit. This allows the cooler to be placed in an enclosed setting 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 42-bottle wine coolers in a variety of price ranges. We’ve used dollar signs to represent their prices, with $ being the least expensive and $$$$$ being the most expensive unit.

 

Size and Weight

Although the physical size and weight of this capacity-size wine cooler will not vary significantly, it is important to consider, particularly if you are looking to purchase a built-in/under-counter system that will eventually fit into a specific-sized enclosure.

 

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 be able to store wine at a particularly cold temperature, and wine coolers frequently vary in this temperature range.

However, due to the bottle capacity of the wine coolers we’re talking about, all of these 42 bottle wine fridges are powered by a compressor-based cooling system rather than a thermoelectric one, which means they can easily achieve lower temperatures.

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 42-bottle wine coolers, so you’ll find mostly positive feedback.

 

🥂Show me the best 42-bottle wine fridges

As we mentioned at the start of this article, we meticulously researched and selected the best quality wine coolers with a capacity of approximately 42 bottles.

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 42-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 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 – $$$$$

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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

Avallon’s AWC241FD wine cooler is a premium unit with a capacity slightly above the desired 36-bottle capacity. Instead, this cooler has a capacity of 42 Bordeaux bottles.

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

Carbon filtration is used in both zones to prevent odors and keep the air fresh. The low-E glass also helps to protect the taste of your wine collection from UV rays.

Because it has a front-facing vent near the bottom of the physical unit, it is intended to be used as a built-in wine refrigerator.

Not only that, but the door and bottom vent have a highly polished stainless steel exterior.

Overall, this is a high-quality wine cooler that has more than the required bottle capacity and is extremely versatile in terms of placement and the wine that can be stored in either compartment. As a result, it’s ideal for someone looking for this but willing to pay a premium.

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 – $

 

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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 with a capacity of 43 bottles, which is slightly higher than the required 36 bottles.

It is a dual zone unit with an upper compartment ideal for storing red wine and a lower compartment ideal for storing white and rose wine.

Because the vent is on the back, this cooler is only intended for freestanding use, and installing it in an enclosed environment would restrict airflow.

It features dual-paned, low-E thermopane glass to help prevent UV light exposure from damaging the wine, as well as a security lock to keep your wines safe.

Overall, it’s a high-quality wine cooler that offers dual zone functionality and is suitable for freestanding installation.

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 – $

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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

This wine cooler is one of the best on the market and is ideal for keeping wine containers in perfect condition. It is a compressor-based cooler designed for freestanding use rather than built-in or under-counter use.

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

This cooler has a capacity of 44 standard Bordeaux-sized bottles of red and white wine. If you need to store and chill larger-sized bottles, the shelves can be removed.

This EdgeStar cooler has a lockable door that allows you to lock the fridges so that children or others cannot access your valuable collections of red and white wines.

It is also a reversible door, allowing the user to swing it to the left or right depending on which side is more comfortable for the person opening it. With its low price, 1-year warranty, and efficient unit, it represents excellent value.

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

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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 the cooling fan
  • Blue light-emitting diode
  • Beech wood shelves, sliding
  • Frost-free stainless steel opening and handle
  • Double-layered tempered opening in a tight seal
  • Quiet and low vibration

Description

This one is Antarctic Star’s best 46-bottle capacity unit. It is ideal for collectors who want the dual-zone temp setting, which allows them to set the temperature between 41°F and 54°F for the upper zone and 54°F and 68°F for the lower zone.

This cooler has enough space that you don’t have to remove a single shelf to store or chill a bottle that is larger than the standard size. The sliding beech wood shelves or wooden racks are stylish and elegant, making the unit suitable for any kitchen or living room decor.

This unit is praised by Antarctic Star for its elegant appearance, which includes a frost-free stainless steel opening and handles.

The door features a fully functional and protective double-layered tempered opening that keeps out outside heat and light.

The compressor-based cooling technology is quiet and vibration-free, making cooling operations smooth and efficient. This type of system allows the liquor to be stored and aged perfectly without being disturbed. You don’t even have to open the door to check the liquor or the condition of the unit, upper and lower zones. You can see them from the outside thanks to the lovely blue light-emitting diode.

Pros:
  • The stylish finish looks good in the kitchen and room. It makes the interior appeal more elegant and attractive.
  • Good for both standalone and built-in applications
  • No issue with different sizes
  • Can store both red and white wines in dual temp
  • Quiet and compact size
  • Fits any cabinet space design
  • The manufacturer provides a 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 an excellent choice for anyone looking for a dependable, high-quality unit from a reputable wine cooler manufacturer.

Because this is a built-in wine cooler, the vent is located in the front, allowing the fridge to be placed either enclosed (built-in) or freestanding.

Furthermore, this wine cooler has dual-zone capabilities, with the upper zone ideal for cooling white and rose wines and the lower zone ideal for chilling red wines.

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

Overall, this is a particularly impressive wine cooler, and we highly recommend it based on customer reviews as well as the unit’s technical specifications.

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 – $$$

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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 looking for a unit that can be installed either built-in or freestanding.

It has a 46-bottle capacity, but the upper compartment zone, which is ideal for storing white wine, is significantly smaller than the lower compartment zone, which is ideal for storing reds. For those looking for a wine cooler with balanced zones, we recommend the next discussed wine cooler (Karcassin – 46 bottles).

The cooler is very affordable and has a reversible door.

However, the product listing makes no mention of the front glass being anti-UV, so we strongly advise against using it in direct sunlight. Furthermore, there is no security lock on the unit.

Overall, it’s a good buy if you’re looking for a low-cost dual-zone cooler that can be installed in a cabinet or freestanding, but not in direct 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

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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

Karcassin’s wine cooler is a dual-zone unit that can hold up to 46 bottles of wine at once.

Because it has a front-facing vent and an advanced internal air circulation system to keep the internal environment fresh, it is designed for both built-in and freestanding use.

It has dual-layered glass, which helps to protect against UV light exposure.

This cooler also has beautiful Beachwood shelving that can be removed for cleaning, as well as a reversible front door and security lock to keep your wine collection secure.

Overall, this is a fantastic unit for those looking for a well-balanced dual-zone wine cooler that holds just over the 36-bottle requirement. Furthermore, it offers the best value for money because it has some fantastic general features and is very affordable.

 

 

 


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

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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

This single-zone wine cooler from Kalamera is made of sleek black stainless steel and has a dual-paned tempered door. It has advanced compressor cooling technology that runs quietly and without vibration, ensuring that your liquor is in perfect condition and temperature.

The freestanding design is intended to provide you with a beautiful kitchen or living room appliance that will complement your decor. For a kitchen appliance, the smoked opening is also impressive. You’ll love its blue light-emitting diode and display system, which allows you to see your collection without opening the door or adjusting the temperature from the outside.

Another appealing feature of this unit is its seven beechwood racks, which can hold 50 standard-sized bottles of Bordeaux. They are strong enough to hold but soft enough to protect against scratches. Whether you prefer red or white wines, stocking and stacking will never be an issue.

The installation of an interior fan allows for even cooling. This is also enhanced by the slat-style shelving, which allows airflow to circulate throughout the entire unit. If you want sparkling white wines or chilled red wines at any time, this unit will always deliver.

This Kalamera wine cooler is ideal if you want a wine cellar-like unit in your home for your wine-collecting hobby. It is a single-zone wine refrigerator that is recommended 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 remember that each reader will have different needs, which is why we outlined all of the major considerations 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 “42-bottle wine refrigerators” (or thereabouts).

  • Antarctic Star – Built In, Dual Zone – 46 Bottle – $$$ – Skip to section [#1 Affordable, Great Features & Highly Reliable]
  • Karcassin – Built-in, Dual Zone – 46 bottle – $$$ – Skip to section [#2 Incredible value for money]

 

 

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