Wine refrigerators and wine coolers are essentially the same thing. Wine coolers and wine refrigerators keep wines cool by the use of a compressor. Most wine coolers have an adjustable thermostat so that the temperature can be adjusted accordingly for the different types of wines being stored or cooled. Buying the right wine cooler does not have to be hard. Purchase a wine cooler that caters to your various needs and future wine storage plans. What would you like to spend on your wine refrigerator? If you're looking to store a growing collection, you might want to spend more for a larger storage unit so that you will have the extra space when the time comes to expand your collection. If you are trying to conserve space, a smaller wine cooler might be the proper investment.

A built-in wine cooler integrates with the cabinets to take up as little space as possible. A freestanding wine cooler can be designed small enough to fit on a countertop with other appliances or simply placed on the floor for easy access. Keep in mind that if you are wanting to place your wine cooler within the cabinetry, you will need to purchase a built-in unit, otherwise you will need to leave 3 - 4 inches of space in the back and on the sides of a freestanding wine cooler so that the wine cooler can breathe. The compressor is located at the back of all freestanding wine coolers so leaving space on the sides and the back is crucial so that the wine cooler doesn't overheat and shut off. Built-In wine coolers have a vent in the front so the wine cooler can be completed surrounded (flush) with the cabinetry. If you're storing more than one type of wine, it is suggested that you research dual and triple zone wine coolers. These wine coolers allow you to chill two or three types of wine in a single unit. They are usually larger than single zone units, so you will require more space.