Koolatron 20 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler

I’ve had a 200 bottle wine cellar for nearly 30 years and replaced the compressor unit 3 times before figuring out how to tap the low side line and recharge the coolant myself. However, after a decade of that, the heat exchanger itself became clogged and I knew it was time for a new unit. However, after a couple of moves, I simply didn’t have the space or need for large cabinet. I replaced it with wooden rack to hold a few cases of everyday wine and bought this unit for holding my special bottles.

I really wanted something about twice this size, but thermoelectric units max out around 28 bottles. I knew I wanted the thermoelectric version so that I wouldn’t have to deal with the cheap failure-prone compressors used by all wine coolers (they rarely last more than 3-5 years vs a 15+ in a refrigerator). Also, a 55 bottle wine cabinet with a compressor could easily cost $1000 while this one was $200. Even if I have to replace it every 2 years, it’s a better deal than the compressor versions.

First, the good stuff. It’s very quiet. My sits in the living room between the sectional and A/V center and I rarely even notice that it’s running. The solid black design goes will with the A/V gear and the internal light is nice to have when you want to look for a bottle before opening the door. Now for the bad. The shelving is incredibly cheap and bends slightly when full of bottles. Some oversize bottles fit and some don’t. Finally, it’s happiest in an air-conditioned home since it can only cool about 20F below ambient. Mine struggles a bit in late summer when internal temperatures reach nearly 80. I suspect this will affect the longevity of the unit so I’m glad that I spent the $8 or so for the 5 year extra warranty. Even it the unit dies after 2-3 years and the warranty is a scam, it’s still a solid value for such a nifty little unit.

Bought this after seeing reviews in New York Magazine, and intrigued by this thermoelectric cooler. Downsized into a new house with a fabulous chef’s kitchen, but no wine cooler. Did not have space for a stainless “trophy” wine cooler, just want to keep a case or so of red wine at 55 degrees. Ordered this after consulting with my electrician, who said it would be OK to put this in a pantry with lots of air space and ventilation.

Very pleased with the performance thus far, and has no problem holding 20 bottles. It’s quiet, and an excellent value. So far so good.

Great wine cellar if you are looking for 1 temperature compartment.
Was worried when switching on after respecting the recommended resting time.
It was very hot on the sides at startup.
Then it stabilised after a few hours and does the job perfectly.

Works like a charm. Keeps our wines at the perfect temperature! I like the temperature display for peace of mind, and the interior light button so I can admire the bottles when the mood strikes 😉

This fridge is not design to fit in Champage bottles in the quantity described, which was my main intention for the second Koolatron. The first one just had a scattered door with dangerous glass debris breaking out. I am very afraid now this happens with this one as well. This defect derives from bad manufacturing quality and customer service is unwilling to accept and replace (even after I accept their offer for which I have to pay the part and shipping, I am not able to receive it). I had planned a third one, but this will be a different brand.

This wine fridge is exactly what I needed for my small apartment. It fits nicely under the bar counter between my kitchen and living room, with room on top for wine accessories. It’s pretty much plug and play. You just have to insert the wine racks, which is easy, plug it in, set the temperatures and you’re done. (I chose the lowest temp for each zone—one for white and one for reds.) You DO have to give it a couple hours to reach temperature, and that was after sitting in my apartment during a cold-spell. My heat was set for 68 at night but I had it off and the windows open during the day as I was working hard unpacking. Be aware that the temperature display is in Centigrade/Celsius, but the manual gives you equivalent temperatures in Fahrenheit, and you can always look up the conversion online.

I’ve had this, fully-stocked and working for about two weeks and the ONLY negative I can think of is that you have to keep the back 4” (10cm) away from the wall for ventilation. I didn’t know this until I read the instructions, but I’m not sure it would be any difference with any other unit. I may turn it sideways to make the walkway into the living room wider, but we shall see. It’s still a great unit and highly recommended it!

Relatively inexpensive but does everything it needs to. Would have given 5 stars except temp range noted on box doesn’t match unit. Luckily temp range of unit is sufficient