Triple Zone Wine Coolers and Multi Temperature Wine Cabinets

What is a multi zone wine fridge?

Multi zone wine fridges either have 3 (or more) individual and separated temperature zones, or, more commonly, one zone that is warmest at the top and coolest at the bottom that use polyvalent technology to move warmer air to the top of the fridge.  Multi zone wine fridges come in freestanding, built-in or integrated multi zone fridges installation options. 

Multi zone wine fridges are available in black or stainless steel, and start from as low priced as sub £1000 to over £3000 depending on the brand and the quality of the components. Many multi zone wine fridges come with extra technologies due to their storage of a range of fine wines including integrated door locks, carbon filters and more.

What's the difference between a multi zone and a triple zone wine fridge ?

A triple zone has three set zones that can have their temperatures individually set at any temperatures within range. However, a multi-zone has a temperature range going up throughout the fridge from coldest at the bottom to warmest at the top.

Although multi zones are cheaper, it takes a lot of organisation to ensure the right bottles are at the right temperature throughout the fridge. Triple zones are simpler with set exact temperatures in set zones.

Why choose a multi zone wine fridge?

Those with lots of wine for storage and/or service can benefit from a multi-zone wine fridge. As they can also be switched to just single zones, they're also flexible and can change functions as your wine collection changes over the years.

Multi zones are good for collectors and even service, as long as careful management of bottles is adhered too.

Choosing the right multi zone wine fridge?

A multi-zone wine fridge offers the flexibility to store different types of wines at their optimal temperatures within a single unit. These fridges typically have separate compartments, each with its own temperature control, allowing you to create distinct temperature zones for red, white, and sparkling wines.

Key Factors to Consider:

1. Capacity: Before diving into the specifics of multi-zone functionality, consider the capacity you need. Determine how many bottles you intend to store, taking into account your current collection and potential future acquisitions. Adequate space ensures proper air circulation and prevents overcrowding, which can negatively impact temperature consistency.

2. Temperature Range: Different types of wines require specific temperature ranges for optimal aging and preservation. Reds generally fare better at slightly warmer temperatures than whites and sparkling wines. Look for a multi-zone wine fridge with customisable temperature settings to accommodate the diverse needs of your collection.

3. Number of Zones: The number of temperature zones is a critical factor in choosing the right wine fridge. If you primarily enjoy reds and whites, a dual-zone cooler may suffice. However, for those with a more extensive collection that includes sparkling wines, a triple-zone fridge offers the versatility needed to maintain distinct temperature ranges.

4. Temperature Controls and Stability: Precision in temperature control is paramount for preserving the integrity of your wines. Opt for a wine fridge with digital controls, allowing you to set and monitor temperatures with accuracy. Additionally, ensure the unit provides stable temperatures, minimizing fluctuations that could negatively impact the aging process.

5. Humidity Control: Proper humidity levels are crucial for preventing corks from drying out and wine oxidation. Look for a multi-zone wine fridge equipped with humidity control features to maintain an environment conducive to wine storage. This is particularly important for long-term aging.

6. Design and Placement: Consider the aesthetics and dimensions of the wine fridge, as it will likely become a focal point in your living space. Choose a model that complements your décor and fits seamlessly into your chosen location. Additionally, check for features like UV-protected glass doors to shield your wines from harmful sunlight.

7. Energy Efficiency: An energy-efficient wine fridge not only reduces your environmental footprint but also helps save on utility bills. Look for models with high Energy Star ratings and features such as LED lighting, which is both energy-efficient and minimizes heat emission.

8. Noise Level: Wine fridges can produce varying levels of noise. If you plan to place the unit in a living area or near bedrooms, opt for a model with low noise levels to avoid any disturbances.

Which are the best brands of multi zone wine fridge?

There are several brands that offer multi zone wine fridges in their range but those especially from La Sommeliere, Climadiff, Liebherr, Dunavox and Vestfrost are in the premium category. We've listed our selection of multi zone wine fridges below.

Multi Zone Wine Fridges – FAQs

What is polyvalent technology in multi-zone wine fridges?

Our range of multi zone wine fridges feature polyvalent technology which allows you to set up to six different temperature zones within the same wine fridge. When the internal fans are switched off the wine cabinet gets warmer as your progress up the wine fridge allowing for service temperature of reds at the top, maturation in the middle and service of white wine at the bottom.

Can a multi zone wine fridge be used as a storage cabinet?

Yes, if the fans are turned off the whole multi-zone can be used as a wine ageing cabinet. It can also be used for wine maturation in its central portion where the temperatures can be set for long term ageing.

Can Champagne be kept in a multi zone wine fridge?

Champagne could both be aged in a multi-zone wine fridge or served directly from the fridge depending if you kept the Champagne in the middle or bottom section of the wine fridge. Multi zone wine fridges tend to have fewer shelves which also reduces the issues wine fridges often have with the width of the base Champagne bottles have which can cause problems with their shelf depths.

How much does a multi zone wine fridge cost?

A multi zone using polyvalent technology is often cheaper than a wine fridge with two separated dual compartments and yet, is far more functional and has far more variety of use.

Triple zone wine fridges, with individual compartments, like the Liebherr WTES 5872 tend to be more expensive due to the restrictive and exacting nature of the three individually controlled zones.

Are multi zone wine fridges energy efficient?

Multi zone wine fridges are more efficient than traditional double or triple zone wine fridges but their levels of energy efficiency will rely more upon how recent and up to date the technology of the components are. Even in the last 3-4 years there has been a big jump in energy efficiency so it's always best to buy the latest model.

Are multi zone wine fridges noisy?

Not generally more noisy than other wine fridges and as they are often run with fans off they are more energy efficient and often less noisy than their single zone equivalents.

To combat noise, choose a premium brand, it's a general rule of thumb but wine fridges from the premium brands like Swisscave and Liebherr are known for their quiet running.

Do multi zone wine fridges have display shelves?

Some multi zone wine fridges have display shelves, however generally they have just a couple as these types of fridges are generally more functional and less for display purposes excluding the most premium examples.

Are triple zone wine fridges common?

No,. Very few wine lovers know about polyvalent technology or understand the great level of flexibility you get with a triple zone or multi-zone wine cabinet. Customers are often very surprised that triple zone wine fridges are an option. These types of wine fridges greatly benefit the eclectic wine collector whose wine collection changes a lot over time.

What temperature to set a multi zone wine fridge?

Multi zone wine fridges come in two styles - wine service, whereby the multi zone fridge will keep wines at serving temperature and offer up to six different temperature zones spread throughout the fridge with the coldest at the bottom and warmest at the top or maturation for when the fans are turned on and the temperature set to around 12°C.

Multi zone wine fridges are the only solution for the collector who has some red to drink now, some white or Champagne to drink now and then some wine to mature which can go into the middle of the wine fridge.

Need Expert help Choosing a Multi Zone Wine Fridge?

At Coolersomm we have 15 years of wine industry experience in fine wine and wine maturation so for any questions please email info@coolersomm.com, call 020 3627 2644, speak to us via Live Chat or visit us in our London store in Wandsworth.