Last updated on August 31st, 2021 at 11:14 am
What are dual zone wine cooler refrigerators and why would you consider buying one?
If you’re a serious wine drinker (considering quality not quantity) then you know that red and white wines are perfect for consumption at different temperatures.
Table of Contents
- Why Buy a Two-Tempertature Zone Wine Fridge?
- Best Small Dual Zone Wine Coolers (12-30 Bottles):
- Mid-Size Dual-Zone Wine Coolers (30-50 Bottles)
- Large Two-Zone Wine Refrigerators
- Thermoelectric Dual-Zone Wine Chillers
When To Buy A Dual-Zone Wine Fridge?
If you love both reds and whites then you might want to consider getting a dual zone wine refrigerator in order to cool both wine types to their most favorable drinking temperature.
Most red wines taste the best at 50 – 64°F, while the majority of white wines require cooler drinking temperature (41 – 50°F) to fully appreciate their flavour.
You should get a a dual temperature zone wine cooler if you want to
- store reds at around 55°F in one of the two compartments, and
- to chill whites to serving temperature in the other zone.
A dual zone wine cooler comes handy if you often have guests and you want to have ready-to-serve serve wine – both whites and reds – at temperature perfect for consumption.
Kept at the right temperature, your wines will preserve their natural flavour and aroma for a longer period of time.
Independent Temperature Controls
2-temperature-zone wine coolers have separate temperature controls and displays for each zone.
You simply set the desired temperature for the whites in one of the two compartments, and adjust the suitable temperature for reds in the other compartment.
But if you’re looking for a simple wine storage solution then a single zone wine cooler will be a more cheaper and reasonable choice.
French Door Design – True Dual Zone
French Door – or side-by-side- wine refrigerators offer two independent sections, both with their own control and display.
So if truly separate sections are important to you then consider buying a French door wine cooler.
Which Brand/Manufacturer?
EdgeStar/Koldfront has a range of wine refrigerators with two temperature zones,but other manufacturers like Wine Enthusiast, Koolatron, Schmecke, Kalamera, NewAir also offer 2-zone wine storage units.
Many wine coolers, however don’t have two distinctive temperature zones. So make sure you check this feature when you compare wine coolers
Best Small Dual Zone Wine Coolers 2021
The smallest capacity wine coolers with two temperature zones are 12 – 28- bottle units.
Koolatron 12-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler
The Koolatron WC12DZ is a slim, small footprint model that sells for around 200 USD. Both zones have space for 6 – 6 750 ml, Bordeaux-style bottles.
It has black cabinet with black trimmed tinted glass door. The door glass is double pane to ensure excellent insulation.
The recessed handle lends a clean, neat look to the cabinet.
Main Features – Koolatron 12-Bottle Wine Fridge
Capacity: 12 bottles, Bordeaux-type, 750 ml.
Cooling Method: Thermoelectric cooling.
Hinging: right (cannot be reversed).
Upper Zone : Holds 6 bottles: 54 – 66°F (12 – 18°C): perfect for red wines,
Lower Zone: accommodates 6 bottles: 42 – 66°F (5 – 18°C) – you can chill whites/sparkling wine here.
Temperature Control: Digital touch buttons to set the temp. for both zones
Interior light – muted LED light (just tap the Light Bulb button on the control screen to switch it on/off)
Shelving: 4 removable wire shelves – hold average size, 750 ml bottles
Noise Level: Low noise – the fridge will emit some humming noise, but it isn’t disturbing.
Defrost: manual defrost – you have to unplug the unit and remove all the bottles.
Energy Use: 235 kWh/year.
Placement: Freestanding installation only
Dimensions & Weight:
- Height: 26″
- Width: 10″
- Depth: 20.25″
- Weight: 29.78 lbs.
Price & Warranty
- Price: cc. 192 – 200 USD (16 – 16.7 USD per bottle).
- Warranty: 90 days manufacturer warranty on parts and labor.
What Users Say?
According to some owners the Koolatron WC12DZ is not a true dual zone cooler: they set the upper part to 65°F but it’s 55°F , while the lower part was set to 50°F and the display shows 54°F.
Others love the small footprint and quiet operation. Few experienced early failure.
Conclusion
All in all, the Koolatron WC12DZ is an affordable, small wine chiller with space saving design.
It also has the advantages of thermoelectric cooling: low noise and electricity consumption, less threat to the environment compared to compressor fridges.
Wine Enthusiast 18-Bottle Dual-Zone Max Wine Cooler
It’s a compressor-operated cooler with split temperature zones.
The black steel cabinet with black framed glass door and integrated handle results in a sleek, contemporary look.
Store reds in the bottom zone to let them reach their full potential after several years, and keep whites and roses at serving temp. in the upper zone!
Just press the buttons on the digital control panel on the top of the door to adjust temperature for both zones.
Alternatively, you can set the two sections to the same temperature to use it as a single zone cellar.
More Features – Wine Enthusiast 18-Bottle Wine Fridge
Cooling Method: Efficient, long-lasting compressor cooling.
Door: Dual pane, see-through glass with UV protection tint, hinging is non-reversible and has an integrated handle.
Temperature Range (for both zones): 41° – 64°F (5 – 17.7°C)
Controls & Display: Temperature display in blue LED on the front of the door. Buttons for setting the temperature you want the fridge to cool to are also here.
Shelving: 5 curved, chrome plated metal shelves, and 1 stationery shelf at the bottom. It’s slightly tilted to better display the bottles.
Noise Level: 40 dBA.
Placement: Recommended for freestanding installation. Ventilates at the back so it is not suitable for building into cabinets, or putting it under a counter with not enough clearance.
Ambient Temperature Range: 61 – 90°F – to achieve efficent cooling with minimal noise place the cooler in a room where the temperature is within this range.
Dimensions & Weight:
- Height: 32.75″
- Width: 13.75″
- Depth: 19″
- Weight: 50 lbs.
Price & Warranty
- Price: cc. 350 USD (19.4 USD per bottle)
- Warranty: 1 year parts & labor, 3 years on sealed system.
What Users Say?
Most owners are satisfied their Wine Enthusiast 18-Bottle Dual Zone Max cooler. It maintains stable temperatures, has an appealing look and is easy to set up.
Quite a few people complained that the fridge is noisy though.
See other 18-bottle wine coolers.
Mid-Size Dual-Zone Wine Refrigerators
Here are some medium capacity wine storage units with two independently controlled zones. Their capacity ranges form 28 to cc. 40 – 50 bottles.
Antarctic Star 28-Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Cooler
This is an elegant wine chiller with brushed, stainless steel framed glass door.
The glass is dual layer for max. thermal insulation. The slight tint of the glass protects your wines from UV light.
The door has a long, sturdy stainless steel bar handle: 17″ (45 cm).
The pleasant blue LED interior lighting stylishly shows off the bottles.
The Antarctic Star 28-Bottle fridge has narrow design suitable for built-in installation under the counter.
It is an attractive appliance that looks good placed standalone too.
Main Features – Antarctic Star 28-Bottle Wine Fridge
Compressor cooling with fan air circulation ensures efficient yet fairly silent operation and consistent temperatures.
Door opens to the right and hinging is not reversible.
Security lock so you can keep your collection safe from unwanted access (e.g. children)
Upper Zone: 41° – 54°F (5 – 12°C) : ideal for whites, roses, Lower Zone: 54° – 68°F (12 – 20°C) best for storing reds.
Simple temp. setting by a press of the +/- buttons.
Auto Lock Temperature Setting: the set temperatures will be locked after 3 min non-activity on the control pad. No worrying about an accidental change. You can unlock the controls by pressing the +/- buttons simultaneously.
Shelving: 6 gliding beech wood shelves, unpainted, hold the bottles. There is enough vertical space between the shelves that you can place wider bottles on them.
Noise Level: 42 dBA
Power Usage: 70 watts
Dimensions & Weight:
- Height: 34.25″
- Width: 14.96″
- Depth: 22.75″
- Weight: 88.2 lbs.
Price & Warranty:
- Price: cc. 530 USD (cc. 18.9 USD per bottle).
- Warranty: 1 year manufacturer warranty and 1 month replacement and refund.
What Users Say?
Many owners have praised the stylish look, easy set up, and stable temperatures in both zones of the wine cooler.
Major complaints include: poorly written instruction manual, the fan turns on too often.
Some mentioned that the auto lock temp. setting feature (the control pad locks up if left untouched for a few minutes) as an inconvenience.
Conclusion
Overall, the Antarctic 28-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler is one the best in its category. At a reasonable price it boasts premium design that goes well with any decor.
TYLZA 30-Bottle Built-In Wine Cooler
The China-based brand, TYLZA, offers moderately-priced, quality wine & beverage coolers.
The smallest model has space for 30 bottles of wine in two independent temperature sections.
The black cabinet looks sharply elegant with the stainless steel-trimmed double layer glass door.
It has front ventilation and is ready for built-in installation.
The ventilation grille boasts unique design with the X-shaped slits.
With its 15″ width it fits under a counter or kitchen island and blends well with other appliances.
Main Features – TYLZA 30-Bottle Model
Capacity: 30 standard size & style bottles, placed cross-wise.
Cooling Method: Efficient compressor cooling with fan circulation.
Zones: Top Zone Range: 40 – 55°F (5 – 13°C), Bottom Zone Range: 55 – 65°F (12-18°C)
Safety Lock: The double pane glass door has safety lock with 2 keys.
Shelving: 6 detachable, sliding wood shelves. They are unpainted.
Controls & Display: Touch pad buttons on the control panel dividing the two parts. LED readout showing displaying the temperature in blue.
Lighting: Blue LED interior illumination.
Noise Level: 38 dBA
Placement: Built-In or Freestanding Installation.
Has 4 leveling legs to help you adjust a level position.
Dimensions & Weight
- Height: 33.3″
- Width: 15″
- Depth: 23″
- Weight: 77 lbs (35 kg).
Price & Warranty
- Price: cc. 550 – 599 USD (18.3 – 20 USD per bottle).
- Warranty period: 1 year parts and labor. 30 days return.
What Owners Say About the Tylza 30-Bottle Cellar?
The vast majority of users are very satisfied with their choice. The fridge is very quiet, it maintains the set temperatures and looks smart with the unique design of the stainless steel exhaust plate.
At around 500 – 580 USD it’s a very good buy compared to similar size units.
TIP: Read our review to find out more about the TYLZA 30-Bottle Built-In Wine Cooler!
Schmecke 33-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cellar
It’s a generously-sized black wine cooler designed for freestanding installation. Holds 33 standard height and width bottles.
Looks great especially with the affordable price tag (cc. 370 USD or less).
Main Features – Schmecke 33-Bottle Wine Fridge
Cooling Method: Compressor cooling with fan-assisted air circulation: constant temperatures, stable storage environment for your wines.
Controls: Digital press button controls for both zones. After setting the desired temperature just touch the “lock” icon to freeze the settings.
Display: Easy to see LCD screen shows the current temperatures.
Top Zone: 54 – 64°F (12 – 17.7°C): suited for storing reds, Bottom Zone: 41 – 57°F (5 – 13.9°C): good for chilling whites and sparkling wines.
Door: Double layer, thermopane glass door with black trim and recessed handle. Door glass is tinted to filter UV rays.
Safety Lock: Door can be locked, comes with 2 keys.
Shelving: Removable chromed metal racks hold the wine bottles. To make room for wide, larger bottles just pull out a shelf.
White LED interior light shows off the wines nicely.
Dimensions & Weight:
- Height: 33.4″
- Width: 19.4″
- Depth: 16.9″
- Weight:
Price & Warranty:
- Price: cc. 370 USD (11.2 USD per bottle)
- Warranty: 1 year limited manufacturer warranty.
What Users Say?
Most owners are very satisfied with their purchase. According to reviews, the Schmecke 33 bottle wine cellar cools to, and holds the set temperatures in both zones.
Conclusion
It’s silent and a great, affordable addition to any wine lover’s home.
Similar Units
- Popular 30-bottle wine cellars (mainly single zone models).
Smith & Hanks 32-Bottle Built-In Wine Cellar
This is an attractive built-in model with 15 inches width. If you buy wines in standard size 750 ml Bordeaux type bottles then you can fit in 32 of them.
The top shelf has ample space for Champagnes and other large bottles too.
The Smith & Hanks wine cooler’s compressor works almost noiselessly and it will keep your wines at stable temperature in its two zones.
The temperature range in the two sections:
- Top Zone: 41 – 54 °F (5 – 12 ºC) – suitable for white/sparkling/Champagne
- Bottopm Zone: 46 – 66 °F (8 – 18 ºC) – bets for storing red wines.
More Features – S & H 32-Bottle Wine Fridge
Door: Double pane door with UV protection and reversible hinging
Lock: Safety lock with 2 keys
Shelving: 6 Wood-paneled black wire shelves, they are all removable
Controls: Digital touchscreen control panel
Blue LED interior light.
Temperature Memory – restores settings when there is a power failure.
Auto defrost.
Placement: Built-In/Freestanding placement.
Dimensions & Weight
- Height: 34″
- Width: 15″
- Depth (without handle): 23″, with handle: 25″
- Weight: 84 lbs. (38 kg).
Price & Warranty
- Price: cc. 600 – 650 USD (cc. 18.75 – 20.3 USD per bottle).
- Warranty: 3 years on compressor, 1 year on parts and labor.
TIP: Read our detailed review on Smith & Hanks 32-Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Cooler.
French Door Model – Zephyr Brisas 21-Bottle Wine & Beverage Cooler
If you are looking for a versatile wine storage unit then consider the the Zephyr Brisas BWB24C32AG wine & beverage center.
It has premium features at an unresistably favorable price (cc. 1 100 USD).
What’s more, the unit is equipped with some serious technical properties that you will find only in high-end wine fridges, including
- Temperature Memory Function
- Open Door Alarm
- Sabbath Mode
- Temperature Alarm
Key Features – Zephyr Brisas 21-Bottle Beverage Cooler
Capacity: 21/19 Bottles of wine (depends on storage configuration) & 64 canned beverages.
Cooling Method: Silent compressor technology with dual evaporator and air circulation fan system.
Temperature Range: 38 – 65°F (3 – 18°C) in both sections. Can be set independently.
Controls & Display: Digital touch buttons and clear LED display for each zone.
Installation: Built-in/Freestanding.
Noise Level: 40 dBA.
Dimensions & Weight
- Height: 33.87″
- Width: 23.87″
- Depth: 23.5″
- Weight: 130 lbs. (59 kg).
Price & Warranty
- Price. cc. 1 100 USD
- Warranty: 5 yrs on compressor, 2 yrs on parts, 1 year on labor.
Conclusion
The Zephyr Brisas Dual Zone Beverage Center (BWB24C32AG) is packed with outstanding features. It has a premium look that the double door design only enhances. You can use it fitted under a counter or freestanding.
It is quiet even when the compressor is working. So if you are looking for a wine and beveage fridge combo at great price the Zephyr Brisas 21-bottle model presents an ideal choice. Another plus is the good warranty period.
TIP: We go into more details in our post about the Zephyr Brisas 21-Bottle French Door Wine /Beverage Cooler.
Medium Size Dual Zone Wine Chillers
46-Bottle, Dual Zone Avanti Wine Cooler
This medium-capacity wine refrigerator by Avanti can be used as built-in or as freestanding.
The upper temperature zone can hold 32 bottles of red wine while you can chill 14 bottles of white or sparkling wine in the lower compartment on wooden shelves that are fitted with rollecr-assembly for easy pull-out (except for the bottom shelf) and to be able to remove them.
Temperature adjustment for the two zones is simple with the touch-pad digital control panel integrated in the top part of the unit.
Each of the two compartments has its own control buttons: the lower zone’s control is on the right-hand side and you can set temperature for the upper part with the touch buttons on the left.
You can also select temperature to be displayed either in Fahrenheit or in Celsius degrees.
In the upper compartment you’re recommended to store red wines for which you can program the temperature between 55°F – 65°F.
The lower zone is for chilling whites and sparkling wines to serving temperature. Here you can adjust temperature in the 40°F – 55°F range. If you drink mostly whites you can store them in the upper zone.
Price & Warranty
- cc. 700 – 800 USD (15.22 – 17.4 USD per bottle).
TIP: Read a full review on the Avanti 46-Bottle wine cooler.
Similar Home Wine Cellars
- The Summit SWC530LBI wine cooler holds 46 bottles of wine in 2 temp. zones.
- The EdgeStar 46-bottle Dual-Zone Wine Refrigerator holds approx. 44-46 bottles in its two zones.
- The Magic Chef MCWC44DZ is a cheap 44-bottle wine cooler with two separate zones, each with its own controls.
TIP: Take a look at Danby 2-Zone wine cooler models.
Medium-Capacity Dual Temp. Zone Wine Cooler Refrigerators
- The Electrolux ICON™ Professional 48-bottle wine cooler offers 3 independent temperature zones.
- The VT-45 Series Vinotemp Wine coolers can accommodate up to 45 bottles of wine in two temperature zones.
- Jenn-Air Wine Cellars and Kitchenaid Wine Coolers look the same and have the same features: 46 bottles capacity, mechanical thermostat, glide-out shelves with unstained maple fronts – no true dual zone units because temp. cannot be independently set for the two zones.
- The Cavavin Urbania 46-bottle wine cooler also has space for up to 46 bottles of wine in two independent temperature zones.
- The 48-Bottle Wine Enthusiast Wine Refrigerator is an affordable 2-Zone wine cooler.
Large-Capacity Two-Zone Wine Refrigerators
When you grow out your mid-sized home wine cooler and you look for a more capacious wine storage unit (100+ bottles) then it’s best to choose a dual temperature zone wine refrigerator so that you have space and flexible storage solution for a wide variety of wines.
Whynter 100-Bottle Wine Cooler – Budget Option
This upright cellar by Whynter has ample space for your wine collection in its two zones.
11 pull-out wood-fronted metal racks accommodate the bottles. Keep in mind that you can reach the 100 bottle stated capacity only with 750 ml standard style bottles.
The two zones have the same range of temperature 40 ºF – 65 ºF (5 – 18 ºC) – a quite wide one that allows you to chill whites to 40 ºF and store reds at 55 ºF.
The strong and efficient compressor combined with the dual-pane smokey door will provide steady temperature and sun-light free conditions.
Key Features – Whynter 100-Bottle Wine Cooler (BBWR-1002SD)
Capacity: maximum 100 bottles (750 ml, Bordeaux type) in two temp. sections.
Cooling Method: Efficient compressor technology with dual air ventilation system.
Temperature Range In The Two Zones: 40 – 65°F (5- 18°C).
Controls & Display: Digital touch buttons and clear LED display for each zone.
Installation: Built-in/Freestanding.
Noise Level: less than 45 dBA.
Power Use: cc. 0.205 kW/year.
TIP: To help you decide whether this fridge is for you see all the pros and cons of the Whynter 100-bottle wine cellar in our full review (it discusses mainly Whynter’s 92-bottle single-zone model which has nearly the same specs as the 100-bottle model.)
Dimensions – Whynter 100-Bottle Cellar
- Height: 55″
- Width: 23.5″
- Depth: 22.5″ (24.75″ w. handle)
Price & Warranty
The Whynter BBWR-1002SD cooler sells for around 900 – 1 200 USD which is an excellent price for such a sizeable unit in the dual-zone category.
The 1 year parts and labor warranty however could be longer.
NewAir 116-Bottle Wine Refrigerator
The NewAir AWR-1160DB provides storage for up to 116 bottles (750 ml, Bordeux-style). If you shooting for a tad more than 100 bottles then this is a superb choice.
What’s more, it’s costs around just 1 500 – 1600 USD.
Designed for either built-in or standalone placement, the NewAir 116-bottle wine cellar will be any serious wine aficionados’ favorite applaince. Let’s take a peek at the main specification!
The black metal cabinet comes with a reversible triple-pane glass door that boasts a stainless steel frame and strong handle.
The 11 shelves are 100% beech wood and slide smoothly on the rails. You can pull them completely out to make space for wide bottles.
Key Features – NewAir AWR-1160DB Wine Cellar
Cooling Method: Compressor with 3 internal ventilators.
Temperature Range: 40 – 66 ºF (5 – 18 ºC) in both zones.
Controls & Display: Digital push buttons and white LED radout.
Door: 3-pane tinted glass, direction of opening can be changed, has security lock with 2 keys.
Auto Defrost: Yes
Noise Level: Less than 40 dBA
Electricity Consumption: cc. 48 kW/year
Dimensions – NewAir AWR-1160DB
- Height: 54.75″
- Width: 23.50″
- Depth: 26.90″ (with handle: 28.75″)
- Weight: 183 lbs (83 kg)
TIP: Here is the full rveiew on the NewAir 116-bottle dual-climate wine cooler, including all the pros and cons.
- Take a look at some popular 100-bottle wine cooler refigerators with 2 temperature zones.
- Read review of Sub Zero 427 Dual zone wine cellar models that hold cc. 132 bottles of wine.
- The Liebherr WS 14300 Wine Cabinet has 3 temperature zones, and 143 bottle capacity. For an even larger wine cellar model check out the 155-Bottle Dual-Zone Avanti Wine Cooler.
- The Cavavin Urbania 149-Bottle wine cooler is a good-value unit.
More Dual Temperature Zone Wine Cellars
- Compare Marvel vs. U-Line Dual Zone Wine Refrigerators.
- Avanti Dual Zone Wine Refrigerators – affordable wine storage units with 2 temperature zones in various capacities.
- In the lower capacity range Sunpentown has a 28-bottle wine refrigerator with two zones.
- A more affordable option (cc. $400 – $500) is the EdgeStar 32-bottle Dual-Zone wine cooler.
- The U-Line 2-Zone Wine Refrigerator has two drawers and clean, sophisticated design.
- The Summit 80-bottle wine refrigerator (model SWC1545) is also a very good dual zone wine cooler.
- Sub-Zero also offers a wide choice in Two-Zone Wine Coolers.
- Eurocave wine cellars are top-notch wine storage and cooling appliances with versatile technical features and wide options in design. Besides 2-temperature zone units, they offer multiple-zone wine cabinets, as well.
- Made in the United Kingdom, Caple Wine Refrigerators include models with 2 temperature zones at affordable prices.
Thermoelectric Two-Zone Wine Refrigerators (Many Are Discontinued)
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly 2-zone home wine cellar then consider buying a thermoelectric (also known as Peltier) unit which doesn’t contain compressor and cooling agent.
TIP: Read more about the benefits of thermoelectric wine refrigerators.
- Most Vinotemp 2-Zone Wine Refrigerator Models are thermoelectric units.
- The EdgeStar TWR320ESS Thermoelectric Wine Cooler is a freestanding dual zone model with 32 bottle storage capacity.
- The Avanti EWC18DZ is a Two-Zone Thermoelectric Wine Cooler that stores up to 18 bottles of wine.
- The NewAir Thermoelectric Wine Chiller line includes two dual-zone models: the 21-bottle NewAir AW-211ED and the 32-bottle NewAir AW-320ED model.