Picture this: You just finished a long, particularly trying work week. The weekend is rolling in, and relaxation is on the horizon. You decide to run a warm bath, grab your latest read, and a delectable bottle of wine. But upon further inspection, you discover the wine is lukewarm. While you could toss a couple of ice cubes in there to cool things off, you’ll water down the tasty beverage.
So, what next? You could invest in a wine fridge. While you won’t get immediate results, you’ll have perfectly chilled wine ready for the next time inspiration strikes.
Wine fridges and coolers come in varying sizes, brands, colours, capacities, and more. You can find compact fridges designed to hold a few bottles or massive models designed to hold a hundred bottles. Some feature thermoelectric cooling; others utilize compressor technology.
But how do you know which one to choose? How do you pick the best model for your needs? Here’s where we come in. Our team did the hard part for you, combing through dozens of options to isolate the best wine fridges in Canada of 2024. So, without further ado, let’s explore our top picks.
Best Wine Fridges for Canadians: Efficient Options in 2024
- Best Overall: Ivation 28 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler
- Best for Dual Zone Control: Koolatron 24 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler
- Best for Large Capacity: Ivation 33 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler
- Best Budget: Ivation 8 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
- Best Compact: Koolatron 6 Bottle Wine Cooler
- Best Lockable Model: Schmecke 12 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler
- Best Multi-Functional: 60-Can Wine and Beverage Refrigerator
Why Did We Choose These Wine Fridges in Canada?
Each wine fridge on our list was a winner that emerged from our rigorous elimination process that involved extensive research, in-depth analysis, and meticulous evaluations. Each model excelled in its class, so you know you’ll be getting only the best from us! Here is why we chose each of the best wine fridges in Canada for 2024.
The Ivation 28 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler delivers an impressive array of features, earning its place as our best overall pick. It supplies a solid beverage capacity of 28 bottles, a wide temperature range, convenient controls, adjustable racks, and a built-in lock. This model is a great choice if you want a well-rounded wine fridge.
The Koolatron 24 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler is close behind the first model, securing its place as our top dual-zone control pick. This model can hold up to 24 bottles and offers isolated temperature control for two sets of 12 bottles. Each zone has a different temperature range to accommodate unique storage temperature needs.
The Ivation 33 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler offers the largest capacity on this list, making it an excellent choice for Canadians with larger wine collections. It can store up to 33 bottles and features adjustable racks that you can adjust to accommodate various bottle sizes.
The Ivation 8 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler is a solid option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly model. This model is priced lower than other models on this list but features a substantial array of features. It can store up to 8 bottles of wine and features a compact layout, making it perfect for Canadians with limited storage space.
The Koolatron 6 Bottle Wine Cooler earned its place as our best compact pick, as it features a small capacity and equally compact footprint. Its minimal size makes it ideal for Canadians in smaller homes with limited storage space, as it fits perfectly on a countertop for easy access.
A lockable wine cooler is a wise investment for Canadians with children, especially nosy toddlers with a penchant for getting into things they shouldn’t. The Schmecke 12 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler comes with a built-in lock and two keys, allowing you to keep your wine collection safely stowed away.
The 60 Can Wine and Beverage Refrigerator is a perfect choice for Canadians who regularly drink various beverages. This compact beverage refrigerator can house up to 17 bottles of wine or 60 cans, making it a suitable pick for mixed beverage needs. It also doubles as extra space for your fridge, so it’s perfect for storing overflow from your primary refrigerator.
Best Overall
Ivation 28 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler
The Ivation 28 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler is a perfect option for Canadians seeking a well-rounded pick. This model offers an impressive capacity and a solid blend of features, earning its place as our best overall pick.
It features a double-paned thermopane glass door for an extra layer of protection against harmful UV rays that could ruin the wine’s flavour. On top of that, the door design helps keep the inside of the fridge well-insulated to maintain even temperatures.
This model offers temperatures low enough to accommodate various wines, dipping to 41 degrees Fahrenheit and rising to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. This is ideal for sparkling white wines, which often demand a cooler temperature.
A bright LCD display supplies convenient control over your wine cooler’s temperature, allowing you to see the controls even in the dark. A built-in fan system helps maintain an even temperature by circulating air consistently throughout the cooler.
Powerful compressor technology delivers consistent cooling power, and although it makes some noise, it’s not overly noisy to the point of annoyance.
The racks inside the cooler are slatted and feature a curved design to support the neck of the bottle. You can remove each rack to adjust the layout based on the bottle sizes in your collection. The stainless steel exterior blends beautifully with the wood racks to create a high-end, modern appearance.
A built-in lock with two keys provides an extra layer of safety for your protection. This is ideal for Canadians with kids, as it prevents them from getting into your wine collection.
Key Features
- Built-in Lock. A built-in lock and two keys protect your wine collection from intrigued toddlers. It’s a great safety feature for larger families.
- Large Capacity. With enough space to hold up to 28 bottles, this model is a good fit for Canadians with an ample wine collection.
- Built-in Fan. An integrated fan helps circulate air throughout the cooler to ensure an even temperature and avoid overly warm or cool spots.
- Large Temperature Range. This model can go as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit or as high as 64 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for various types of wine.
Our Expert’s Take
“If you want a well-rounded wine fridge, this model is a worthwhile consideration. The substantial temperature range and build-in fan ensure that your wine is always the perfect temperature.”
Best for Dual Zone Control
Koolatron 24 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler
The Koolatron 24 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler is a superior option for Canadians who want dual-zone temperature control for their wine collections. This model is capable of keeping two sets of 12 bottles at different temperatures.
The top 12 bottles come with a separate temperature control from the bottom 12 bottles, which allows you to store bottles that require varying temperatures in the same cooler. The lower zone can support temperatures between 46 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit or 8 to 12 degrees Celsius, whereas the upper section handles 54 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit or 12 to 18 degrees Celsius.
The LED display is easily visible, even in the dark, and allows you to regulate the temperature and light inside the unit conveniently. Soft interior lights let your wine bottles bask in an ethereal glow, allowing you to revel in your collection.
Since this cooler can hold up to 24 bottles simultaneously, it’s perfect for Canadians with larger wine collections. Alternatively, it can be an ideal way to chill wine for your next get-together, whether you’re hosting a bachelorette party or a fancy dinner.
The unit utilizes thermoelectric cooling, so it operates quietly enough not to disturb the goings-on in your home.
Key Features
- Dual-zone cooling. This model provides dual-zone cooling with isolated control for 12 bottles on top and 12 bottoms at the bottom.
- Quiet operation. Thermoelectric cooling technology helps this fridge operate quietly enough not to disturb your day. You can easily hold a conversation while it keeps your wine cool in the same room.
- Large capacity. With enough room to house up to 24 bottles, this cooler is ideal for Canadians with larger wine collections.
- Sleek design. This model features a sleek black silhouette with a soft blue interior light and a clear display. It will look great in your kitchen.
Our Expert’s Take
“Keep your collections at two separate temperatures with this cooler. Each 12-bottle section features isolated controls, too.”
Best Large Capacity
Ivation 33 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler
The Ivation 33 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler is an excellent pick for Canadians with large wine collections. This model can hold a whopping 33 bottles, making it perfect for storing more expansive collections.
It features a double-paned UV-resistant thermopane glass door that helps keep the wine inside insulated and safeguard your collection from harmful UV rays that could adversely affect the quality of your wine. Soft blue LED lights illuminate the cooler’s interior, allowing you to view your entire collection.
Removable racks featuring gentle curves to cradle the bottles allow you to adjust the setup to accommodate larger bottles of wine. A bright LCD display at the top of the door offers convenient control over the temperature, letting you adjust it as needed to achieve the perfect temperature.
The cooler supports a temperature range of 12 to 17 degrees Celsius in the upper zone, whereas the lower zone keeps wines cooler between temperatures of 5 and 14 degrees Celsius. The temperature controls for each zone are separate, ensuring you achieve the desired result in each zone.
Key Features
- Dual-zone temperature controls. Two temperature zones with isolated control allow you to achieve different temperatures based on unique needs.
- UV-resistant glass. A double-paned door seals out moisture and prevents UV rays from affecting your wine. Since UV can often affect how your wine develops, this is a great feature.
- Large capacity. This cooler is perfect for larger wine collections, offering a maximum storage capacity of 33 bottles. You won’t have to choose which bottles to chill with this fridge.
- Adjustable racks. The racks are removable, allowing you to adjust the layout based on the size of the bottles in your collection.
Our Expert’s Take
“This wine fridge is perfect for larger collections with a few dozen bottles. Isolated temperature control takes your wine storage to the next level.”
Best Budget
Ivation 8 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
The Ivation 8 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler offers a solid array of features at an excellent price, seamlessly combining a mixture of features and value. It’s more affordable than other models on this list, making it an ideal pick for Canadians on a budget.
It can hold up to eight bottles of wine, which is perfect for hosting small groups or entertaining. It’s freestanding and small enough to store on a counter, making it a perfect choice for Canadians with smaller homes and limited storage space.
It employs thermoelectric cooling technology that helps it produce reliable cooling without making much noise. It supports a temperature range of 46 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit or 8 to 18 degrees Celsius. You can adjust the temperature using the high-accuracy digital display positioned atop the door.
A sturdy seal on the dual-pane smoked glass door blocks UV light and prevents moisture from entering the cooler. Solid polyurethane heavy foam insulation helps maintain an even temperature for optimal flavour development.
A stainless steel design and oak wood shelves provide a beautiful modern touch and aesthetics that match nearly any kitchen colour palette.
Key Features
- Modern design. A sleek stainless steel exterior pairs beautifully with real oak shelves and soft blue interior lighting for a modern aesthetic.
- Affordable. This model features a competitive price and is ideal for Canadians on a budget. It won’t break the bank, but it also doesn’t sacrifice quality.
- Quiet cooling. This model utilizes thermoelectric cooling to deliver reliable temperatures. It does this quietly, so you can enjoy conversation and entertainment without interruption..
- UV protection. A dual-pane smoked glass door protects your wine from moisture and UV rays. This helps your wine retain flavour.
Our Expert’s Take
“Don’t let the affordable price of this wine cooler fool you. It offers a solid range of features in a beautiful package to meet your wine storage needs.”
Best Compact
Koolatron 6 Bottle Wine Cooler
The Koolatron 6 Bottle Wine Cooler is ideal for Canadians without ample storage space. This compact model features just enough room to store six standard-sized bottles at a time. It’s small enough to sit on your countertop for quick and easy access.
The size makes it perfect for hosting and entertaining small groups, as it allows you to cool a couple of bottles at a time. Since it’s a freestanding model small enough to store on your counter, you’ll never have to go too far to grab a new bottle.
It features touchscreen controls on the front of the door for effortless regulation. A digital display keeps you in the know by letting you view and adjust the temperature or turn on the interior light without opening the door.
A double-paned mirrored glass door offers protection against UV rays, while soft interior lighting illuminates the inside of the cooler to highlight your wine collection. Removable racks let you adjust the layout to accommodate different bottle shapes and sizes.
It supplies a cooling range from 46 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit or 8 to 18 degrees Celsius. It employs thermoelectric cooling technology, so it delivers reliable cooling power without producing pesky noise.
Key Features
- Compact. This model is small enough to fit on your counter. Smaller homes with limited storage can benefit from the compact size of this wine cooler.
- Removable racks. The racks inside this model are removable to accommodate various bottle shapes and sizes.
- Thermoelectric cooling. This model utilizes thermoelectric cooling, allowing it to provide reliable cooling without producing excessive noise.
- UV protection. Double-paned glass on the door, complete with a mirrored finish, protects your wine collection against harmful UV rays.
Our Expert’s Take
“The six-bottle capacity of this wine cooler makes it perfect for a handful of people or a small gathering. It’s extremely quiet while running, so it won’t disturb you.”
Best Lockable Model
Schmecke 12 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler
The Schmecke 12 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler is an excellent choice for Canadians with kids. The cooler features a built-in lock, allowing you to safely store your wine without worrying about whether your kids can access the fridge’s contents. It comes with two keys for an extra layer of protection in case you lose one.
Aside from its lockable nature, this fridge has an impressive array of features. It utilizes compressor technology that helps keep a stable temperature and ensures the fridge remains undisturbed by temperatures around it.
It offers a full temperature range from 41 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit, which goes low enough to house sparkling white wines. A built-in fan keeps cool air circulating throughout the cooling, ensuring no overly warm or cool spots exist.
A UV-resistant double-paned thermopane glass door keeps the inside of the cooler well insulated and protects your wine collection from UV rays streaming into your home that could damage the wine’s tannins and flavour.
Soft LED lights bathe your collection in a gentle glow, preventing fading on labels and allowing you to get a good look at your collection. Removable racks let you adjust the setup to accommodate larger bottles.
Touch controls on a bright LCD display let you adjust the temperature or easily turn on the light. The lock-in button lets you set the temperature to avoid accidental adjustments from bumping the controls.
Key Features
- Lockable. This model comes with two keys and a built-in lock to keep your collection safe in the fridge.
- Full temperature range. Store your wine at varying temperatures based on the type you have. The choice of temperature helps keep your wine tasting great no matter which type you prefer.
- UV-resistant glass. Double-paned UV-resistant glass help with insulation and protect your wine from harmful UV rays. The flavour and quality of your wine won’t degrade over time.
- Soft-touch controls. A bright LCD display and touch buttons provide easy control over the temperature and light inside your wine fridge.
Our Expert’s Take
“If you need a lock on your wine fridge, this model is an excellent pick. It’s easy to regulate the temperature with the LCD display.”
Best Multi-Functional
60 Can Wine and Beverage Refrigerator
The Angel Canada 60 Can Wine and Beverage Refrigerator is an outstanding option for Canadians seeking a multi-functional wine fridge. This model can hold up to three bottles of wine on its curved upper racks, each tailored to cradle the bottle. If you trade the lower spaces designed to store cans for wine bottles, you can store up to 17 bottles.
On top of that, it can store up to 60 cans of your favourite beverage, whether you want to toss in sparkling water, soda, or beer. This fridge is a perfect option if you have varying beverage tastes and like to switch it up.
It’s ideal for smaller spaces, including offices, apartments, condos, and other compact homes, as it’s only 1.6 cubic feet. It can even function as a standard mini-fridge, allowing you to devote one rack to storing your lunch or leftovers and another for your beverages.
A clear tempered glass door lets you easily see inside the fridge to determine what you have, and an adjustable three-level temperature dial enables you to fine-tune the temperature. Adjust the temperature from 39 degrees to 61 degrees Fahrenheit based on what you’re storing in the fridge.
The shelves are removable for easy cleanup if you spill, and the door is reversible. A recessed handle stays out of the way without impacting usability, allowing you to easily grab drinks in seconds. Soft blue LED lights illuminate the fridge’s interior to ensure you can see what’s in there, even at night.
This model uses a compressor-based cooling system, producing some noise but offering a powerful cooling capacity.
Key Features
- Cans or bottles. This model is perfect for Canadians who drink multiple beverages, as it can store cans, bottles, and more.
- Large capacity. The large interior capacity of this wine and beverage cooler allows you to store up to 17 wine bottles or 60 cans at once.
- Compact. This fridge has a small footprint, making it suitable for compact spaces, including dorm rooms, apartments, and offices.
- Adjustable thermostat. A straightforward temperature dial allows you to adjust the temperature based on what you’re storing in the fridge.
Our Expert’s Take
“This model is perfect for Canadians who enjoy various beverages, as it’s designed to store wine and cans. If you want a more versatile beverage fridge, this option may be great for you.”
Comparing the Best Wine Fridges for Canadians
Category | Wine Fridge | Capacity | Beverage Capacity | Colour | Voltage |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Ivation 28 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler | N/A | 28 bottles | Stainless Steel | N/A |
Best for Dual Zone Control | Koolatron 24 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler | 2.4 cubic feet | 24 bottles | Black | 110 |
Best Large Capacity | Ivation 33 Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler | N/A | 33 bottles | Stainless Steel | N/A |
Best Budget | Ivation 8 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler | N/A | 8 bottles | Stainless Steel | N/A |
Best Compact | Koolatron 6 Bottle Wine Cooler | 0.65 cubic feet | 6 bottles | Black | 110 |
Best Lockable Model | Schmecke 12 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler | 1.2 cubic feet | 12 bottles | Black | 120 |
Best Multi-Functional | 60 Can Wine and Beverage Refrigerator | 1.6 cubic feet | 3 wine bottles, 60 cans | Black | 110 |
How We Selected the Best Wine Fridges in Canada
Choosing home products can be daunting at best. There are hundreds, even thousands, of options in every category, from toothbrushes to wine fridges. With such an overflowing pool to pick from, selecting the perfect fit can be overwhelming. But have no fear – our team is here to help! We’ve devoted countless hours to extensive research and evaluation to hand-pick the best products available in various categories, from the best smoothie blenders to highly-rated heat pumps.
Today, we shift our focus to wine fridges to help you find the best model to suit your needs. To kick off the process, we rounded up a few dozen of the highest-rated models on the market. Every model underwent thorough analysis and research to ensure it met or exceeded expectations.
As we searched for highly-rated wine fridges, we looked for a few key factors, including the following:
- Temperature control: The best wine fridges can create a uniform temperature throughout the entire cooler to ensure your wine remains perfectly chilled. However, some Canadians might need a refrigerator with dual-zone capabilities, so we included varying models that accommodate both ends of the spectrum.
- Capacity: Some wine fridges can hold a couple of bottles, while others can hold dozens. We included models that span the difference to ensure there’s something for everyone.
- Lock: While locks might not be essential for every Canadian, those with children may prefer the safety of a built-in lock. We included a couple of models with and without locks.
- Size: A good wine fridge is large enough to fit standard wine bottles, but only a select few can accommodate oversized bottles. We looked for models that can accommodate both to ensure you can store your entire wine collection.
Factors to Consider When Shopping For a Wine Fridge in Canada
Wine fridges aren’t made equally. So, to ensure you select a good fit for your needs, consider the following factors.
Uniform Temperatures
Even temperatures are critical for storing your wine. If the temperature drastically swings between highs and lows, your stored wine may begin to degrade, so temperature uniformity is essential. Most wine fridges do a decent job of maintaining consistent temperatures, but it’s best to select a model that excels.
The perfect storage temperature for your wine hinges on the type of wine you’re storing. Sparkling wines, whites, and reds prefer a temperature between 45 degrees and 60 degrees Fahrenheit or 7 degrees to 15 degrees Celsius.
Some wine coolers feature dual-zone cooling by allowing the cold air to sink to the bottom, keeping bottles stored in this area slightly cooler than those on top. However, many manufacturers are turning to multi-compartment designs to achieve this result and supply more precise temperature control.
Some models feature fan systems to keep cool air circulating and the temperature consistent. If you have many of the same wines, these models are an excellent choice, but if you have wines that need different temperatures, a compartment or zoned model is best.
Size
When shopping for a wine fridge, sizing is a pivotal factor. If the fridge is too small, your favourite wine bottles might not fit. This is especially true if you have several oversized wine bottles in your collection.
Choose a model that is long enough and provides plenty of space between the rows to accommodate the oversized bottles in your collection. This isn’t a concern if you have standard-sized wine bottles, as most wine fridges are designed around these measurements.
Shelf Types
Pay attention to the type of shelving in each wine cooler. The best wine coolers have well-designed shelving that holds each bottle securely, eliminating concerns about it falling out. Models with loose shelving may not hold your wine collection securely, so ensure you pay attention to the security of the shelves.
Choose a model with slide-out shelves, as this makes it easier to carefully remove the bottle when you’re ready to pop the cork. However, the shelves shouldn’t be overly wobbly. Instead, they should be stable enough to remain put when the wine sits in there but moveable enough to slide out each rack easily.
Noise and Vibration
Consider the noise and vibration levels of the wine refrigerator. Many wine coolers operate best when they’re in stable temperatures, like those inside your house, so the garage isn’t a viable storage spot for them. So, if you plan to place your wine cooler in your kitchen or near another living area, pay attention to the noise it produces.
Noisy wine coolers can be a nuisance, as can models that vibrate noticeably and add to the cacophony of sounds. Unless you plan to put your wine cooler a good distance away from the living spaces in your home, it’s best to choose a model with low vibration and noise levels.
Some claim that the vibrations can contribute to deteriorating the wine you store in the cooler. However, the molecules in your bottles of wine, like any molecules, are constantly in motion. So, in reality, the vibration doesn’t contribute to ruining wine stored in a wine cooler.
Capacity
Some wine coolers can hold a couple of bottles, whereas others can hold large quantities of wine. When shopping for a wine cooler, consider the number of bottles in your collection or how many you want to store in the cooler at once.
If you only want to chill a few bottles for entertaining purposes or to wind down after a week of work, a smaller model might be perfect for you. However, a larger model is ideal if you want to store your entire collection with a few dozen bottles in your wine cooler.
Energy Use
Wine coolers aren’t overly efficient and often demand a considerable amount of energy to keep your wine at the perfect temperature. If you’re concerned about how much your wine cooler will contribute to your energy bills, pay attention to the energy efficiency of each model.
Of course, setting the temperature lower will demand more energy, but even still, higher temperatures can still consume a significant amount of energy. In actuality, some models can consume as much as an 8-cubic-foot refrigerator. While this isn’t a major amount in the grand scheme of things, it still contributes to the number on your monthly bill, so it’s worth considering.
Locks
If you have children that could get into your wine cooler, consider purchasing a model with a lock. Kids have a knack for getting into things they’re not supposed to, and a wine cooler might present an intriguing realm of possibility. The locks are convenient if you have expensive wines in your collection that you’d prefer don’t suddenly turn up missing.
Some models come with handy built-in locks to keep your wine collection secure when you’re not around. If this isn’t a concern for you, skip the lock with a standard model.
Frequently Asked Questions
A wine fridge is a worthwhile investment if you have a collection of wines and like to keep them cool and ready to consume at any time. While you could keep the bottles in your refrigerator, the temperature in your fridge isn’t always consistent due to people frequently opening and closing the door.
Since temperature swings can detrimentally impact the quality of your wine, a wine fridge is the next best thing, as you’ll only open it when you want a bottle. This keeps the temperature more consistent and ensures your wine will remain tasty and at a perfect temperature.
The primary difference between a wine and beverage cooler is what it is designed to store. Wine coolers are designed specifically to store your wine collection, while a beverage cooler is more versatile. They can store all sorts of beverages, including wine, beer, soda, and other similar items.
Wine coolers can be the perfect place to store your wine, even if you don’t plan to drink it in the near future. These coolers hold your wine at the ideal temperature and humidity levels, which helps keep the wine from degrading. On top of that, they usually feature UV protection via special glass, which helps limit the impact of UV rays on the aging process and taste.
Wine coolers in Canada come in many different capacities, and personal preference will determine which option is best for you. Those who like to have a few bottles of wine on hand or who have limited space should choose a compact option which can hold between 6 to 8 bottles. Those looking to expand their wine collection will love a larger capacity model, which can accommodate 30+ bottles.
Two primary types of wine fridges are available today: compressor and thermoelectric. Compressor wine coolers feature a compression and release system that lowers the temperature within the cooler. These mechanisms offer an impressive cooling capability but often produce a bit of noise.
On the other hand, thermoelectric wine coolers don’t have any alternating mechanisms, motors, or compressors. They use little energy and produce no noise, yet store your wine at the ideal temperature.
Though a wine cooler keeps your wine at a perfect temperature, it is still important to place your cooler in an ideal location within your home. Some wine coolers need to be inside a home and can’t be housed in a damp or cool area like a garage. Because wine coolers can make some humming, they can vibrate on certain unstable floors like carpet, so choose a solid and smooth flooring for your wine cooler to avoid unnecessary noise and shaking of your wine.