A practical guide to help you decide if a wine cooler fits your kitchen, your space and your lifestyle.
A wine cooler isn’t just an appliance. For many people, it’s a way to enjoy their kitchen and home at a slower, more mindful pace. But not every kitchen, home or lifestyle needs one.
That’s why we’ve created this quick guide: in just 5 minutes you’ll know whether you need a wine cooler and which type suits you best. No unnecessary jargon. No empty romanticism.
1) Who it’s for (and who it isn’t)
It makes sense if…
- You enjoy hosting dinners or cooking with wine pairings.
- You like having bottles ready to serve, not just stored.
- You’re designing a new kitchen and want a clean, well-planned layout.
- You value both presentation and functionality.
It makes less sense if…
- You drink wine only occasionally.
- You don’t have available space or don’t plan to modify your kitchen layout.
👉 If you’re somewhere in between, don’t dismiss the idea yet: installation, space and real usage often make the decision clearer.
2) Quick selector: 3 questions
- Location (Where?)
- Built-in → undercounter or tall column models.
- Freestanding → allow space around for proper ventilation.
- Capacity (How much?)
- 8–24 bottles → compact format.
- 25–45 bottles → medium size.
- 45+ bottles → tall format or two combined units.
- Temperature (How?)
- Dual zone → flexibility for serving whites chilled and reds tempered.
- Single zone → simplicity if you usually drink one type of wine.
👉 With just these three answers, you can already narrow down your options and focus on what really suits your needs.
3) A few key decisions
a) Installation (No surprises)
At Frecan, proper installation ensures performance and durability:
- Column (45 / 60 / 88 / 122 cm) → requires front ventilation to expel warm air.
- Undercounter (30 / 60 cm) → needs at least 10 cm of base ventilation.
- Freestanding → avoid closed niches and leave space around and behind for air circulation.
Also, plan for an accessible plug (without stretching the cable), check door swing and handle clearance, and align the front with the cabinetry for a clean, integrated look.
b) Useful capacity (Real)
Catalogue numbers are based on standard 0.75 L bottles. If your collection includes sparkling, Burgundy or wider bottles, they’ll take up more space. This doesn’t mean the cooler holds less than stated — real capacity simply depends on the bottle types you store.
If you mix bottle formats, choose a model with slightly more capacity than you think you’ll need — it’s always better to have extra room.
c) Aesthetics and maintenance
A wine cooler shouldn’t look added-on, but seamlessly integrated. Aligning it with ovens, microwaves or other kitchen modules helps create a balanced, continuous line.
👉 When the wine cooler is properly aligned in height, front and proportion, the design feels fluid and cohesive.
And practically speaking:
- Easy access for cleaning.
- Functional, not decorative, interior lighting.
- Durable, low-maintenance materials.
🧼 If it’s easy to care for, it becomes a pleasure — not a concern.
4) Common mistakes you can easily avoid
- Choosing based on photos without considering ventilation or installation.
- Underestimating useful capacity.
- Forgetting plug placement or door clearance.
- Using it as a “display cabinet” without temperature control — the wine will notice.
5) Your next step
- If you already have a defined space, explore our full range of sizes and models. → View now
If you’re still unsure between capacities or zones, we can help you find the perfect match. → Contact us
Thank you for letting Frecan be part of your home.
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