Slim Wine Fridges and Narrow Wine Coolers

What is a narrow wine fridge?

Narrow wine fridges are wine fridges that are significantly taller than they are wide. Typically sought by those with a narrow gap, narrow wine fridges can be both built-in, and for this purpose narrow would be anything under 60cm wide or for a freestanding wine fridge, anything under 55cm wide.

Narrow wine fridges tend to come in set sizes like 15cm wide, 30cm wide, 40cm wide and 50cm wide for undercounter wine fridges

Narrow wine fridges come in a range of colours, shapes and sizes, some offer dual zone technology and some have advanced features like carbon filters and locks. Narrow wine fridges can run anywhere in price from £300 to £3000 depending on the brand.

Narrow wine fridges that are under-counter vent from a panel at the front and can be built flush into carpentry. Freestanding narrow wine fridges will need 2-2 inches of space all around and 30cm on top to safely vent and operate.

What’s the difference between a narrow wine fridge and a normal wine fridge?

The width, narrow wine fridges are sought by those who do not have the space for a traditionally sized (60cm wide) wine fridge. Other than that, narrow wine fridges perform exactly the same function as all other wine fridges.

Why choose a narrow wine fridge?

Space-Efficient Design

One of the most significant advantages of slim and narrow wine fridges is their compact and space-efficient design. Unlike traditional wine cellars or larger wine refrigerators, narrow wine fridges are specifically designed to fit into tight spaces, such as under countertops, in small kitchens, or within existing cabinetry. This makes them an excellent choice for individuals with limited space who still want to store their wine collection in optimal conditions.

Temperature and Humidity Control

Maintaining the right temperature and humidity levels is crucial for preserving the quality and flavour of your wines. Narrow wine fridges are equipped with advanced cooling systems and digital thermostats that allow you to set and control the temperature with precision. Additionally, they often feature humidity control mechanisms, ensuring the cork remains moist, preventing oxidation, and maintaining the wine's integrity over time.

However, due to limited space, most narrow wine fridges do not come with a dual zone option for storing and serving red and white wines, although a handful do. The reason so few have dual zones is because it uses even more of the already limited space.

Protection from UV Light

Exposure to UV light can be harmful to wine, leading to premature aging and off-flavours. Slim wine fridges typically feature UV-resistant glass doors that protect your wine from harmful ultraviolet rays while still allowing you to view your collection without opening the door. This added protection is essential, especially if your fridge is placed in an area with significant natural light.

Reduced Vibration

Wine is a delicate beverage, and excessive vibration can disturb the sediment in bottles and affect the aging process. Many narrow wine fridges incorporate vibration-dampening technology to minimize disturbances. This ensures that your wine remains undisturbed and ages as intended, preserving its quality.

Customisable Shelving

Narrow wine fridges often come with adjustable and removable shelving, allowing you to configure the interior to accommodate different bottle sizes and simply to add more bottles, from standard 750ml bottles to larger magnums or unusual shapes. This versatility enables you to maximize your storage space and organize your collection effectively.

Due to lack of space, some really narrow wine fridges, those of 15cm or less, can sometimes only store Bordeaux style bottles so it’s important to check. Most wine fridges of this size (15cm wide) can not take a Champagne bottle.

Energy Efficiency

Wine fridges are designed to be energy-efficient, as they operate at lower temperatures than regular refrigerators. Many narrow wine fridges are also equipped with features like LED lighting, which not only showcases your collection but also consumes less energy compared to traditional lighting options. Most narrow and slim wine fridges are more energy efficient due to big wine cabinets due to their size and limited functionality.

Easy Maintenance

Maintaining a narrow wine fridge is relatively straightforward. Regular cleaning and occasional dusting of the condenser coils are usually sufficient to keep it in optimal condition. These fridges require minimal maintenance compared to other wine storage solutions, making them a convenient choice for busy wine enthusiasts.

Noise

Slim and narrow wine fridges are typically designed for under-counter use in a kitchen, these are built in wine fridges. As such they are always fairly low in noise with a low dB rating. We recommend choosing a wine fridge that is 39dB or below if operating in a kitchen.

Panel Ready

Many slim and narrow wine fridges are panel-ready, meaning that you can hang your own door on them and have them blend seamlessly in with your kitchen design.

Choosing the right narrow wine fridge?

What features should I look for in a narrow wine fridge?

Choosing a narrow wine fridge involves considering various features to ensure that it meets your specific needs and preferences. Here are some key features to look for:

1. Size and Capacity:

Ensure that the narrow wine fridge fits the available space in your home. Measure the space carefully, considering both the width and depth.

Check the capacity to make sure it can accommodate the number of wine bottles you intend to store.

2. Temperature Zones:

Look for a wine fridge with dual or multiple temperature zones if you plan to store different types of wine (red and white) simultaneously. This allows you to set different temperatures for each section.

3. Temperature Range and Control:

Verify the temperature range of the fridge and ensure it covers the ideal storage conditions for both red and white wines.

Choose a unit with accurate and easy-to-use temperature controls.

4. Humidity Control:

Some wine fridges come with humidity control features to maintain the proper moisture levels, which is crucial for preserving the quality of your wine.

5. Vibration and Noise Levels:

Check for a unit with minimal vibration to prevent disturbing the sediment in wine bottles. Excessive vibration can negatively impact the aging process.

Consider the noise level, especially if the wine fridge will be placed in a living area.

6. UV Protection:

UV rays can harm wine by causing premature aging. Look for a wine fridge with UV-resistant glass or doors to protect your wine from light exposure.

7. Shelving and Layout:

Consider the shelving configuration and materials. Adjustable shelves can accommodate different bottle sizes, and wooden shelves are often preferred for their aesthetic appeal.

Sliding or pull-out shelves make it easier to access bottles without disturbing others.

8. Energy Efficiency:

Choose a wine fridge with a good energy rating for energy efficiency. This can help reduce operating costs and minimize your environmental impact.

9. Door Type:

Decide whether you prefer a solid door or a glass door. Glass doors provide a clear view of your collection but may expose the wine to light, whereas solid doors offer better insulation and protection.

10. Security Features:

Some wine fridges come with locks to prevent unauthorized access. This can be important if you have valuable or rare bottles in your collection.

11. Brand Reputation and Reviews:

Research the reputation of the brand and read customer reviews to ensure that the wine fridge has a good track record for reliability and performance.

12. Warranty:

Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer. A longer warranty period can provide peace of mind and may indicate the manufacturer's confidence in their product.

Considerations when choosing a narrow wine fridge?

#1 – Measure the space

Many customers know they want a slim wine fridge and they know how big the carcass should be to fit their kitchen aperture, but they don’t take into the account the door overhang as it is opened, this can often add 1-2cm to the width of the functional wine fridge.

Some manufacturers have doors that open into themselves, so the 15cm or 30cm measurement is correct whether the door is open or closed, but many don’t. This means the unit will not sit entirely flush and you’ll need to leave a little space to open the door.

#2 – Bottle capacities

If you have a mixed collection of Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux style bottles, that 18 bottle capacity could fall to just 12, always stack bottles of the same variety with one another to maximise spaces and remember that all wine fridges, from slim and narrow to wine cabinets, capacities are measured in Bordeaux style bottles.

#3 – Dual Zone

Is this narrow wine fridge for the service of red and white wine? If so, you’ll probably want a dual zone wine fridge. If you only drink white and Champagne, a single zone will be better and you’ll be able to add more bottles to the unit too.

#4- Energy Efficiency

Look for an energy-efficient wine fridge that consumes less power, as wine fridges need to maintain lower temperatures than regular refrigerators.

#5 - Noise Level

Check the noise level of the wine fridge, especially if you plan to place it in a living space or an area where noise might be a concern.

By considering these factors, you can select a slim wine fridge that best meets your needs and ensures your wine collection is stored in optimal conditions.

Which brands offer slim wine fridges?

Most brands offer at least one narrow wine fridge, however, some are real specialists in this area including Dunavox and mQuvee and Swisscave and EuroCave wine fridges.

Narrow wine fridges are an excellent investment for wine lovers who want to store and age their collection properly, even in limited spaces and look great in a kitchen setting. These appliances offer precise temperature and humidity control, protection from UV light, reduced vibration, and customisable shelving, ensuring your wines remain in optimal condition. With their space-efficient design, energy efficiency, and easy maintenance, narrow wine fridges provide a convenient and stylish solution for wine storage. Whether you're a casual wine drinker or a passionate collector, consider adding a narrow wine fridge to your home to elevate your wine storage experience

How to install a narrow wine fridge?

There are two key considerations when installing a narrow wine fridge 1) ventilation and 2) in the case of built in - the overhang of the door.

Always ensure wherever you place your wine fridge you are following the ventilation requirements of the manufacturer, without this you may invalidate the warranty.

Secondly, if building your narrow wine fridge into a gap in your kitchen, always account for the door. Some wine fridge manufacturers have smart doors that open onto themselves, however some brands may have an overhang on the hinge side which will mean building some clearance into your design.