What can I do with an old wine fridge?

Do you have an old wine fridge collecting dust in your garage or basement? Or do you want to make space for a new freestanding wine fridge or buy a replacement undercounter wine fridge?

At CoolerSomm we will take away your old wine fridge and recycle it when you buy a new wine fridge for far less than the local council charge but what if you want to keep the wine fridge and use it around the home?

Perhaps it served you well in its heyday, keeping your favourite vintages at the perfect temperature, but now it sits unused, taking up valuable space. Fear not! That neglected appliance can find new life with a little creativity and resourcefulness. In this blog post, we'll explore a variety of inventive ways to repurpose an old wine fridge, turning it from a relic of the past into a functional and stylish addition to your home or someone else's home!

  1. Repurpose as a Beverage Cooler: One of the most straightforward uses for an old wine fridge is to repurpose it as a beverage cooler. Remove the wine racks and shelves, and you have the perfect space to chill cans of soda, beer, or other beverages. It's ideal for entertaining guests or keeping drinks easily accessible in a home bar or entertainment area.

  2. Convert into a Cheese or Cured Meat Cave: Wine fridges are designed to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, making them ideal for aging cheese or curing meats. With a few modifications, such as adding humidity control and adjustable shelving, you can transform your old wine fridge into a mini cheese cave or charcuterie chamber. Impress your friends and family with homemade aged cheeses and artisanal cured meats.

  3. Create a Herb or Vegetable Garden: Turn your old wine fridge into a compact indoor garden for growing herbs, vegetables, or microgreens. With the addition of grow lights and a hydroponic system, you can create the perfect environment for year-round gardening, regardless of the weather outside. It's a great way to add fresh, homegrown ingredients to your meals while maximising limited space.

  4. Design a Humidor for Cigars: Cigar aficionados will appreciate the opportunity to repurpose an old wine fridge into a custom cigar humidor. Install cedar shelves, a humidification system, and temperature controls to create the ideal conditions for storing and aging cigars. Not only will it preserve the quality of your cigars, but it will also add a touch of sophistication to your home decor.

  5. Transform into a Mini Cellar for Specialty Foods: If you're a foodie with a penchant for specialty ingredients like truffles, artisanal cheeses, or aged balsamic vinegar, consider repurposing your old wine fridge as a mini cellar for gourmet foods. The controlled temperature and humidity will help preserve the flavors and integrity of delicate ingredients, ensuring they stay fresh for longer.

  6. Upcycle into a Functional Furniture Piece: Get creative with your old wine fridge by upcycling it into a unique piece of furniture. With a fresh coat of paint or some reclaimed wood paneling, you can transform the exterior to suit your style. Use it as a storage cabinet in the kitchen, a side table in the living room, or a plant stand in the garden—the possibilities are endless.

  7. Repurpose for Storage in the Garage or Workshop: If you're short on storage space in your garage or workshop, an old wine fridge can be a valuable asset. Use it to store tools, paint supplies, or hobby materials, keeping everything organized and easily accessible. With the addition of labels or clear bins, you can quickly locate what you need without rummaging through cluttered shelves.

  8. Donate or Sell for a Sustainable Solution: Finally, if you no longer have a use for your old wine fridge, consider donating it to a local charity or selling it online. By giving it a new home, you're diverting waste from the landfill and providing someone else with the opportunity to repurpose it in their own creative way. It's a win-win for both the environment and your community.

In conclusion, an old wine fridge is more than just a relic of its past life—it's a versatile canvas for creativity and innovation. Whether you choose to repurpose it for practical storage, transform it into a stylish furniture piece, or donate it to someone in need, there's no shortage of possibilities. So dust off that neglected appliance and let your imagination run wild—the only limit is your own creativity.

Sarah newton

Author - Sarah Newton

Sarah Newton has worked in the wine industry for two decades holding senior positions at some of the UK wine industry's leading brands. The MD of Coolersomm, Sarah is WSET certified and our lead wine buyer too.