Skip to content
If you are a wine lover but have limited or shallow space, it can be challenging to find the right wine storage solution. You may not have the floor space for a freestanding wine fridge, and your cabinets or kitchen counters may only be shallow.
This begs the question, can you get shallow-depth built-in wine coolers? The answer is yes - and they provide an excellent solution. These compact and space-saving appliances are specifically designed to fit into tight spaces without compromising on performance or style.
In this blog, we will explore the features, benefits, and considerations of shallow-depth built-in wine coolers, helping you make an informed decision for your wine storage needs.
What are Shallow-Depth Built-In Wine Coolers?
Shallow-depth built-in wine coolers are wine storage units that are designed to have a smaller depth than traditional built-in models.
While standard built-in wine coolers typically have a depth of around 24 inches, shallow depth models typically range between 15 to 20 inches in depth.
This reduction in depth allows them to fit seamlessly into narrow spaces, making them ideal for small kitchens, bars, or compact living areas.
Key Features and Benefits of Shallow-Depth Built-In Wine Coolers
Shallow-depth wine coolers can be a great way to store your wine collection, especially if you’re working with limited space. From a space-saving design to UV protection and temperature control, here are some of the key benefits and features of shallow-depth built-in wine fridges.
Space-Saving Design
The primary advantage of shallow-depth built-in wine coolers is their ability to maximise available space. Their compact design allows them to fit into areas where traditional wine coolers cannot, such as narrow alcoves, under countertops, or in small kitchen layouts.
By utilising previously unused or overlooked spaces, these coolers make efficient use of limited square footage.
Sleek and Seamless Integration
Just like standard built-in wine coolers, shallow-depth models are designed to seamlessly integrate with your cabinetry and kitchen decor.
They often feature a front ventilation system, allowing them to be installed flush with surrounding cabinetry without the need for additional clearance. With their sleek and minimalist designs, they add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space.
Bottle Capacity
Despite their compact size, shallow-depth built-in wine coolers still offer ample bottle capacity. They are available in various sizes, ranging from slim models that can hold around 20 bottles to larger units with a capacity of up to 50 bottles or more. This flexibility allows you to choose a cooler that suits your specific storage needs while still accommodating your available space.
Temperature Control and Stability
Maintaining the ideal temperature and humidity levels is crucial for preserving the quality and flavour of your wine. Modem shallow-depth built-in wine coolers are equipped with advanced temperature control systems, including adjustable thermostats and digital displays, ensuring precise temperature management.
Although many small wine coolers feature single-zone cooling, you can also find shallow built-in fridges that feature dual-zone cooling.
Unlike a single zone wine fridge, a dual-zone wine cooler allows you to store different types of wine at their optimal temperatures simultaneously. With dual temperature zones, you can store your red wine bottles and your white wine bottles at their optimal temperatures within the same unit.
UV Protection
Exposure to UV light can be detrimental to the quality of wine, leading to premature ageing and degradation of flavours.
Shallow-depth built-in wine coolers are designed with UV-resistant glass doors or tinted glass panels that block harmful UV rays while still providing a glimpse of your wine collection. This feature helps to preserve the integrity and taste of your wines over time.
Considerations for Shallow Depth Built-In Wine Coolers
While shallow-depth built-in wine coolers offer numerous benefits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when deciding which type of wine fridge to purchase and during installation.
Bottle Shape and Size
The reduced depth of these coolers may limit their compatibility with certain bottle shapes and sizes. Champagne bottles or larger-sized bottles of wine may not fit comfortably in shallow-depth units, so it's essential to consider the types of wines you typically store before making a purchase.
It’s important to note that shallow-depth built-in wine fridges are a great option for smaller wine collections. If you have a large wine collection with hundreds of bottles, we recommend that you seek out a larger, freestanding model.
Ventilation Requirements
Proper ventilation is crucial for the optimal performance of any wine cooler. Shallow-depth wine fridges still require proper air circulation to dissipate heat effectively.
Ensure that you provide adequate clearance for ventilation, following the manufacturer's guidelines to prevent overheating and reduce energy consumption.
Installation
Installing a shallow-depth built-in wine refrigerator might require professional assistance, especially if modifications are needed to accommodate the specific dimensions of your space.
Professional installation ensures proper electrical connections, ventilation, and alignment with surrounding cabinetry.
Storage Capacity
While these coolers offer sufficient storage capacity for most wine lovers, those with extensive collections may find the bottle capacity limiting. Consider your current and future storage needs to ensure the cooler you choose can accommodate your collection comfortably.
Are Shallow-Depth Built-In Wine Coolers Worth It?
Shallow-depth built-in wine coolers provide an excellent solution for wine enthusiasts who have limited space but still want to enjoy the benefits of proper wine storage. With their space-saving design, sleek integration, and advanced temperature control features, these compact appliances offer a practical and stylish solution.
However, it's important to consider bottle shape and size compatibility, ventilation requirements, installation considerations, and storage capacity when selecting a shallow-depth built-in wine cooler.
By doing so, you can find the perfect wine storage solution that fits seamlessly into your space while preserving the quality and flavour of your cherished wine collection.
At Elite Wine Refrigeration, we have a wide range of freestanding wine coolers, built-in wine coolers and integrated wine coolers available from leading brands such as Swisscave, EXPO, Liebherr, Climadiff and many more.
Whether you’re looking for a shallow-depth freestanding wine fridge or built-in unit, or a large, commercial wine fridge, we have the right product for you.
