A 12-bottle wine cooler is an ideal choice to store our favorite red and white wine in a small space. These are compact wine fridges that take up very little space and demand minimal energy, to offer the ideal temperature to store the wine bottles. As these wine coolers are compact, they are great options for student rooms, dining rooms, and other small spaces. Though these wine cellars are small, they are still flexible and are capable of maintaining the ideal temperature to preserve wine bottles.
Features to look for in the 12 bottle wine coolers
The following are some of the best features, that we should look for in the wine cooler. It is optimal to use thermoelectric coolers that don’t make use of chemicals for their cooling function. They hold small fans that distribute the cool air evenly inside the wine cooler. The other features to look for in the wine cooler are as follows.
1. Temperature range of the wine cooler
This is one of the most important features to look out for in the wine cooler. The ideal storage temperature for different types of wines is between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooler should be able to maintain a consistent temperature for proper aging of wine and therefore it should feature a digital control panel to help set the right temperature. Most wine coolers have dual temperature zones, and thus we can keep the wine in two different temperature zones, one for long-term storage and another zone for frequent serving.
2. Maintaining the humidity levels in the cooler
Humidity is equally important as temperature, for corked wines. It is important to maintain appropriate humidity levels between 50% and 70% as the corks will dry out and shrink at low humidity levels. This can expose the wine to bacteria and wine, that can penetrate through the gaps in the cork. When the conditions in the cooler are very moist, due to high humidity, molds can grow in the wine bottles. Therefore, it is important to look for a cooler that offers a perfect balance between temperature and humidity.
3. UV protection
Sunlight and the UV lights of the sun can lead to a chain of reactions that happen in wine. Thus, wine cellars need to render a perfect environment for wine aging so that it is shielded from sunlight. UV rays can cause wine discoloration and also disturb tannins in the wine. Make sure that the wine cellar you buy features a double-paned door to block out unwanted UV rays.
Also check: Best Wine Coolers Under $500
Best 12 Bottle Wine Coolers
The 12-bottle wine coolers are designed to store standard wine bottles. They hold removable shelves that make it easy for us to organize the interiors of the wine cellar. They are vibration and noise-free and hold diverse temperature ranges to preserve the wine bottles for a long time. The following are some of the best wine coolers that are capable of stocking 12 wine bottles.
#1. Ivation IVFWCC121LB 12 Bottle Wine Cooler – Best Overall
| Features | Rating |
| Temperature control | 9.3 |
| Performance | 9.3 |
| Build quality | 8.8 |
| Noise | 9.5 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.8 |
| Value for money | 9.6 |
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This is an excellent freestanding wine cellar that is great for storing red, white, sparkling wine at an ideal temperature of 41 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. The compressor technology of the Ivation wine cooler ensures that the temperature inside the wine cooler is not affected by the outside heat sources. The wine cooler will reach extremely low temperatures to house sparkling white wine at the appropriate temperature range.
This wine cooler helps in preserving the flavor and aroma of the wine. We only have to set the temperature in this wine cooler and allow the unit to do the rest. The wine cooler features a built-in fan that helps in maintaining a consistent temperature and an environment for the long-term storage of wine. The wine cooler has easy-to-use and removable racks that can be rearranged to accommodate bottles of different sizes.
The wine cooler features a UV-resistant double-paned thermopane glass that helps to keep the interiors insulation. It also protects the collection from the harmful UV lights that can damage the tannins and the overall flavor of the wine. The wine cooler also features soft interior lighting and its LED lights gently illuminate the wine collection. In this wine cooler, we can be sure that the wine collection age comfortably and gracefully. There is a bright LCD that allows us to view the temperature even in the dark.
Pros
- We can easily adjust the temperature of the wine cooler and even turn on the light by tapping on its digital display.
- Users can also lock in the settings of the wine cooler with the help of its lock button.
- The wine cooler is capable of holding 12 standard 750ml wine bottles.
- Its vibration-free operations will not disturb the sediments in the wine.
Cons
- It is not good for sparkling wine bottles, as they are too big.
Also check: Best Wine Coolers Under $1000
#2. Koolatron WC12DZ Dual-Zone Wine Cooler – Runner Up
| Features | Rating |
| Temperature control | 9.1 |
| Performance | 9.2 |
| Build quality | 8.8 |
| Noise | 9.3 |
| Energy efficiency | 9.3 |
| Value for money | 9.3 |
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This is an exceptional dual-zone thermoelectric wine cooler that is capable of storing 12 wine bottles at a time. The wine cooler features separately controlled upper and lower temperature zones, that are capable of holding 6 bottles of wine at their ideal storage temperature. The wine cooler is capable of holding 12 bottles of 750 ml capacity each. The wine cooler features touch screen controls and when we tap on its digital display, we can easily adjust its temperature and even turn on its interior LED lights.
This attractive and compact wine cellar can be placed anywhere as a freestanding installation near a power source. The unit has a UV protective door and its attractive mirrored glass door protects the wine from the damage of the harmful UV rays, while its soft interior lights highlight the wine collection elegantly.
Its eco-friendly thermoelectric technology cools wine efficiently at temperatures of 46 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit, without any vibration or harmful CFCs, to ensure that the wine is kept at an optimal storage temperature. The wine cooler possesses digital controls, that help in adjusting the temperature without having to open the door unnecessarily.
Pros
- This is a great wine cooler with digital temperature controls.
- This wine cooler operates very quietly and renders tremendous cooling power.
- It has four removable shelves in black and silver color.
- Its dual-zone cooling maintains a temperature range of 12 to 18 degrees Celsius and 8 to 18 degrees Celsius.
Cons
- The glass door doesn’t have a protective film inside
- The color of the interior lights cannot be changed.
Also check: Best Dual Zone Wine Coolers & Fridges 2022
#3. Nutrichef PKCWC 120 Wine Fridge – Best Energy Efficiency
| Features | Rating |
| Temperature control | 9.2 |
| Performance | 9.2 |
| Build quality | 8.8 |
| Noise | 8.9 |
| Energy efficiency | 9.5 |
| Value for money | 9.4 |
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This is an excellent wine cooler that features a freestanding design and maintains an optimal temperature for storing both red and white wine. The wine cooler has a capacity of 12 bottles and features a distinct digital control and UV-protected glass door. This wine cooler is perfect for chilling and storing 12 bottles of red and white wine and it also features an accurate precision compressor cooling technology and adjusting temperature controls. The wine cooler features an adjusting temperature control, integrated LED lights, and a built-in circulation fan and ventilation grill.
The wine cooler features a compact and decorative design with its reinforced glass door and its air-tight seal. This 12-bottle beverage cooler features a compact and modern design that is perfect for the living room, kitchen, and home office. It also holds a freestanding design for the table, floor, and adapts to countertop placement as well.
It is possible to control the exact temperature of the electric wine cabinet for both short and long terms at a consistent temperature. It features an adjusting digital touch-button display for both Celsius and Fahrenheit and the wine cooler maintains a temperature range of 41 to 64 degrees. The wine cooler features an ultra-quiet operation and is equipped with an advanced cooling system, that will keep the beverages at the right temperature without making any noise.
Pros
- This premier wine cooler is backed with a one-year warranty for quality.
- This is a compact and freestanding wine cellar-style beverage cooler.
- The unit features a built-in circulation fan and ventilation grill.
- The unit features a button-activated child safety auto-lock function.
Cons
- Though it has a freestanding design, it requires clearance around the unit for optimal ventilation.
#4. Schmecke SHMFWCC125LB 12-Bottle Wine Cooler – Editor’s Choice
| Features | Rating |
| Temperature control | 9.3 |
| Performance | 9.2 |
| Build quality | 8.8 |
| Noise | 9.1 |
| Energy efficiency | 9.1 |
| Value for money | 9.3 |
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This is an excellent wine cooler refrigerator with a lock. It is a large freestanding wine cellar that is capable of maintaining a temperature of 41 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. It has digital temperature controls for storing red and white wine, champagne, and sparkling white bottles. The wine compressor technology of this wine cooler ensures that the temperature of the wine cooler is not affected by external heat sources. This wine cooler can alter its temperature depending on the type of wine that is been stored in it.
This wine cooler helps in preserving the flavor and aroma of the wine, and we only have to set the temperature in the wine cooler and allow the cooler to do the rest. It features a built-in fan that helps in maintaining a consistent temperature throughout. This cooler helps in maintaining an optimal temperature for long-term wine storage.
Its UV-resistant double-paned thermopane glass door helps in keeping its interiors insulated, and also protects the collection from the harmful UV lights of the sun. It helps in preventing the damage of the tannins and helps preserve the overall flavor of the wine. It has removable racks and easy-to-use touch controls. We can rearrange the shelves to accommodate the wine bottles of varying sizes. From wine to champagne you can be sure that the wine collection ages comfortably.
Pros
- We can easily adjust the temperature and turn on the lights by tapping on the digital display.
- Its bright LCD allows us to view the temperature of the wine cooler even in the dark.
- Its vibration-free operation will not disturb the sediments and preserve the quality of the wine.
Cons
- The wine cooler doesn’t have humidity control.
- The appliance gets super noisy with the use
#5. BLACK+DECKER BD60336 12-Bottle Wine Cellar – Great Alternative
| Features | Rating |
| Temperature control | 9.1 |
| Performance | 9.2 |
| Build quality | 8.9 |
| Noise | 9.2 |
| Energy efficiency | 8.8 |
| Value for money | 9.2 |
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This is an excellent 12-bottle wine cellar that is capable of storing up to 12-bottles of your favorite wine in its 28.3 lb. space-saving cellar. The Black and Decker wine fridge also includes five full-length chrome removable racks along with convenient interior lighting. This is an efficient wine cellar that helps in preserving the wine for the long term so that it maintains its taste, color, and quality. We can enjoy delicious tasting wine that is preserved in an ideal climate.
The thermoelectric cooling function of this wine cellar is quiet and energy-efficient. This wine fridge ranges in temperature from 46 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for storing and preserving wine bottles. The solid door of this wine cooler features a mirrored front pane that helps in blocking out any potential UV lights, that can damage the wine and alter its true taste.
The wine cooler also features a black trim that renders it a sleek, sophisticated, and modern style. The Black and Decker wine cellar comes with a one-year warranty for its parts and labor. The front door of this wine cellar has a mirrored finish, that enhances the elegance of the home to many folds. This outstanding wine fridge comes with adjustable leveling legs and a stylish recessed door handle.
Pros
- The wine cooler features a modern design for your sophisticated taste.
- This wine cellar is great for storing red and white wine, Champagne bottles, and sparkling white wine.
- This is more than a mere wine cooler, it is stylish, practical, beautiful to look at, and also extremely convenient to use.
- It not just helps in storing wine, but also helps in preserving its rich flavor.
Cons
- The door hinges of this wine cellar are not reversible.
- The Champagne bottles will not fit on either the upper shelf or on the bottom shelf.
Also check: Best 6 or 7 Bottle Wine Coolers
Final Words
Wine is a costly affair and is a preferred drink for most people, it is thus important to store them in appropriate cellars so that their flavors are maintained intact. We hope our best 12 bottle wine cooler recommendations and guide help you in picking up the perfect wine cooler for your use.
