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The Best Wine Chillers: No More Lukewarm Wine
Written By Kelly Tobin
If you’ve ever had a glass of lukewarm Chardonnay, you know that keeping your wine at the perfect temperature is non-negotiable. Enter the wine chiller: your wine’s best friend and your new secret weapon in the battle against room temperature wine.
In this post, I’ll share the top 5 best wine chillers on the market so you can find the best one for you. My favorite wine chiller comes from Huski and can keep your wine cold for up to six hours without ice, condensation, or cold hands. I also found some other great options for a wide variety of budgets and styles so you’re sure to find the perfect one for your home bar.
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Reviewing the Best Wine Chillers
Huski Wine Chiller
Best Overall
The Huski Wine Chiller is a game-changer for keeping your wine chilled without the need for ice, boasting an award-winning design that keeps your bottle cool for up to 6 hours. Made from premium 304 stainless steel with double-walled, vacuum-insulated construction, it ensures no condensation, so your hands and tables stay dry. Its flexi-lock expandable design fits most 750ml wine and champagne bottles snugly, making it versatile for a range of occasions, whether you’re at home, by the BBQ, or out on the boat.
However, at $50, it sits at a mid-range price point that may feel a bit steep for some, especially if the fit isn’t perfect for every bottle. While the chiller is compatible with many popular champagne brands, it doesn’t accommodate all, especially wider or taller bottles like Dom Pérignon or Bollinger. Despite these minor concerns, the Huski Wine Chiller still gets my top spot thanks to it’s unbeatable performance and portability.
Homeries Wine Chiller
Most Elegant Design
The Homeries Marble Wine Chiller Bucket is a total showstopper, made from smooth, solid marble that instantly ups the elegance at any gathering. This chiller is perfect for keeping your wine or champagne cool, and it fits most 750ml bottles with ease. Plus, it’s not just for wine—feel free to chill your water or juice on a hot day, or get creative and use it as a chic utensil holder, vase, or even a sleek desk organizer. It’s the kind of versatile, stylish piece that looks great wherever you put it, and it’s a solid pick for gifting to any wine lover in your life.
That said, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. While the marble gives it a high-end feel, it’s also on the heavier side, which might be a bit of a hassle if you’re planning to take it to outdoor events. And like any marble item, it needs to be handled with care to avoid chips. Despite these small drawbacks, for $40, it’s a fantastic blend of form and function that’s bound to impress at your next dinner party or casual get-together.
Oggi Wine Chiller
Budget Pick
The OGGI Stainless Steel Double Wall Wine Cooler is a sleek and practical choice for keeping your wine at its best. With its double wall construction, it does a decent job of maintaining the chill of your white wine or champagne, and it’s also capable of preserving red wine at a nice cellar temperature. The stainless steel material is sturdy and stylish, adding a touch of elegance to any table setting.
At $19, it’s an affordable option that doesn’t skimp on quality or aesthetics. It’s easy to clean even though hand washing is required, and its minimalist design blends well with various decor styles. Its capacity is limited to a single standard-sized bottle, which might be a drawback if you’re entertaining a crowd. Despite these minor issues, the OGGI wine chiller offers good value for the price and is a solid choice for casual wine drinkers looking to keep their beverages cool in style.
Fine Dine Wine Chiller Gift Set
Best for Gifting
This Fine Dine Wine Chiller Gift Set features a 750ml vacuum-insulated bottle and two 16 oz tumblers. The advanced double-wall insulation technology and shatterproof 18/8 stainless steel construction ensure durability and effective temperature control. Plus, the BPA-free lids with silicone seals make the tumblers ideal for travel or outdoor events.
Its one downside is that it’s not fully leakproof. But as long as you don’t plan on tossing it in a backpack, that shouldn’t be too be of an issue. Despite these minor setbacks, the set remains a solid option for those looking for a practical and attractive gift or a dependable addition to their drinkware collection.
Vinglacé Wine Chiller
Best for On-the-Go Chilling
The Vinglacé Wine Bottle Chiller brings both style and practicality to the table, with its sleek stainless steel, double-walled, and vacuum-insulated design that promises to keep your wine or champagne chilled for hours. To use it, just unscrew the adjustable top, pop in your chilled bottle, screw it back on, and you’re set! Its portability and lightweight build make it perfect for picnics, beach outings, or any time you want to enjoy your favorite bottle on the go. Plus, it’s packaged in a beautiful gift box, making it a great gift option for wine lovers.
However, at $90, it’s definitely on the pricey side compared to other wine chillers. While many users appreciate its visual appeal and how well it maintains the temperature of different wine bottles, there have been some mixed reviews about its screw-in functionality, with some finding it tricky to use. Also, opinions are split on whether it truly offers good value for the money, especially given its higher price tag and occasional fit issues with some bottle types. If you’re willing to splurge for a stylish and portable wine cooler, the Vinglacé could be worth the investment, but it may not be for everyone.
How to Find the Best Wine Chiller
Looking to keep your wine perfectly chilled and ready to serve? Choosing the right wine chiller can make all the difference in enhancing your wine-drinking experience. To help you find the ideal chiller, I’ve broken down the key criteria to consider when shopping for one. Here are the factors I used to narrow down my top 5 recommendations, and you can use them to find the perfect wine chiller for your needs!
1. Material Quality
What is it made out of?
Wine chillers come in various materials like stainless steel, marble, acrylic, or even ceramic.
- Stainless steel is a popular choice because it’s sleek, highly durable, and resistant to rust and corrosion—making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
- Marble chillers are elegant and naturally insulating, but they can be heavy and prone to chipping if not handled carefully.
- Acrylic chillers are lightweight and offer a clear view of your bottle, adding a modern touch, but they can scratch easily and might not insulate as effectively as other materials.
Choose the material that aligns with your style, durability needs, and where you plan to use the chiller.
How durable is it?
You’ll want a chiller that stands the test of time, so check the durability of the material.
- Stainless steel is typically more durable and less likely to break, dent, or stain compared to acrylic or glass options.
- Marble, while beautiful, requires careful handling to avoid cracks or chips.
- Acrylic is less durable compared to stainless steel or marble, as they are prone to scratching and can crack or shatter if dropped.
Think about how frequently you’ll use the chiller and in what settings—if you’re often outdoors or hosting, durability will be even more important.
2. Size and Weight
Will it fit my wine bottles?
Before purchasing, make sure the chiller can accommodate your preferred bottle sizes. Most chillers are designed to fit standard 750ml wine bottles, but if you enjoy larger bottles, such as magnums or certain champagnes, you’ll want to check the dimensions closely. Some chillers have adjustable heights or flexible grips to fit a wider range of bottle shapes and sizes, which adds to their versatility.
If you’re planning to take it on the go, is it easy to carry?
If you’re looking for a chiller to bring to picnics, BBQs, or outdoor events, portability matters. A lighter chiller is easier to handle and transport, but ensure it’s still sturdy enough to hold your bottle securely. Consider features like handles or a compact design that makes it easy to carry without sacrificing performance. A well-balanced weight is key: it shouldn’t be so heavy that it’s cumbersome, nor so light that it feels flimsy.
3. Performance
How long does it keep wine cold?
A good wine chiller should quickly bring your wine to the right temperature and keep it there for as long as possible. Double-walled chillers with vacuum insulation often provide superior performance, effectively locking in the cold for hours without the need for ice. This is especially useful for outdoor gatherings where keeping wine cool can be a challenge.
Does it create condensation?
A high-quality chiller should prevent condensation from forming on the outside. Excess condensation can create a mess on your table or countertop and may even make the chiller slippery to handle. Look for models that are specifically designed to be sweat-proof or have a stay-dry exterior to keep your surfaces tidy and your hands comfortable.
Does it leak?
No one wants spills at a party! Ensure the chiller has a stable base and holds the bottle securely to prevent tipping. Some models offer anti-slip bottoms or additional stabilization features to keep the chiller upright, especially when you’re pouring. This not only helps in maintaining a clean space but also enhances the overall usability of the chiller.
Which Wine Chiller Is Right for You?
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect wine chiller to keep your favorite bottles at their best. Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party, enjoying a sunny afternoon on the patio, or heading out for a picnic, the right wine chiller will keep your drinks perfectly chilled, effortlessly enhancing your wine experience.
People Also Asked
What should I look for when buying a wine chiller?
Key factors to consider include material quality (stainless steel, marble, acrylic, etc.), durability, ease of cleaning, design, performance (how long it keeps wine cold), and any additional features like double-walled insulation or portability. A good wine chiller should be functional, stylish, and easy to use.
Can a wine chiller fit all types of bottles?
Most wine chillers are designed to fit standard 750ml wine and champagne bottles, but there can be exceptions. Some may have adjustable designs to accommodate various bottle sizes, while others may not fit wider or uniquely shaped bottles like certain champagnes. Always check the specifications to ensure compatibility.
How long does a wine chiller keep a bottle cold?
The cooling duration varies depending on the chiller's design and materials. High-quality wine chillers can keep bottles cold for anywhere between 2 to 6 hours, with some even longer, depending on the insulation and ambient temperature.
Do wine chillers cause condensation?
The best wine chillers are designed with double-walled insulation to prevent condensation, keeping your hands and surfaces dry. However, cheaper models or those without proper insulation might allow condensation to form on the exterior.
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