7 Best Small Wine Fridge Ideas for Compact City Kitchens
These homeowners found creative ways to overcome space limitations by adding a small wine fridge in their kitchens. Here’s how they installed these compact units into peninsulas, built-in cabinets, and even in under-stair nooks.
1. The perfect gathering point
(Above) Arnish and Brenden’s remodeled kitchen peninsula with a built-in wine fridge
As a chef/caterer, Sweeten homeowner Arnish wanted to renovate his kitchen to better accommodate his large parties and cooking activities. The kitchen peninsula became the centerpiece of the room and a gathering point for guests. Arnish added a wine fridge to the peninsula, to elevate its look and function.
Now all of his entertaining needs are in one location, conveniently close by for guest refills.
2. A built-in wine fridge cabinet
(Above) Renovated kitchen of a Manhattan homeowner with a built-in wine fridge below the counter
When a water leak forced these Manhattan homeowners into an entire apartment gut renovation, they used the opportunity to create more modern and useful storage options. One of the best remodel additions: their kitchen cabinet wine fridge.
To avoid an overcrowded main fridge, they added a small, secondary unit to optimize the space. A small wine fridge cabinet panel on the wine fridge door matches the rest of the kitchen cabinets for a sleek, modern finish.
If you’re wondering where to put a wine fridge in the kitchen, this layout has you covered.
3. Turning unused nooks into beverage storage space
(Above) Sarah and Craig’s renovated kitchen bar area featuring a small wine fridge
One of the main goals of Sarah and Craig’s Long Island City condo renovation was to maximize areas that had been previously dead space. As they worked to reconfigure the storage of their kitchen, they discovered a small nook of unused space in their bar area.
The installation of their wine fridge improved the kitchen’s design and functionality.
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4. A family-friendly beverage fridge
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(Above) Courtney and Jim’s renovated home featuring their kitchen with a wine fridge
Sweeten homeowners Courtney and Jim renovated their Clinton Hill home that had become overcrowded for their family of four. It lacked practical storage options and needed a more personalized feel. They focused on the kitchen, where they gather as a family and for socializing.
To increase the hosting potential of their kitchen, their newly installed under-counter wine fridge would serve as a beverage center for children and adults.
5. A creative wine fridge location
(Above) Alicia and Ed’s kitchen remodel with a small wine fridge installed under their stairs
Alicia and Ed‘s brownstone remodel aimed to boost their kitchen’s “wow” factor. They were especially frustrated with their old refrigerator’s lack of storage space for wine bottles.
The couple’s Sweeten contractor found them the perfect solution, which turned out to be one of the best kitchen wine fridge ideas to date. Although their floor plan did not allow for a larger refrigerator, they found a spot underneath the staircase.
No structural changes were needed. A chalkboard wall surrounds their wine fridge for a unique touch.
6. A kitchen designed for foodies
(Above) Jessica and Jesse’s remodeled kitchen with a built-in wine fridge in their peninsula
Self-professed foodies, Jessica and Jesse set out to build a working kitchen for cooking and gathering together. Their Sweeten contractor created a six-foot peninsula that was a true workhorse.
It featured full-length drawers for pans and dinnerware, built-in shelves for cookbooks, and toe-level kick-drawers. Utilizing every inch, the couple also fit in a built-in wine fridge.
They now have complete control over the temperature of their wine, and can easily serve beverages with their meals.
7. A snug fit for a small wine fridge
(Above) Kayla and Jesse’s newly remodeled kitchen with a small built-in fridge
For Kayla and Jesse, it was time to remodel their 70-square-foot kitchen for a more personal feel. By working with her Sweeten contractor, Kayla was able to find space for everything she wanted in her new kitchen. One of the best pieces that she was able to add was a small wine fridge.
Without compromising any necessary space or overcrowding the kitchen, Kayla was able to fit a small unit in her kitchen. As an avid cook, the wine fridge completed her dream kitchen.
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Frequently asked questions
The main benefit of a small wine refrigerator is that it keeps your wine at the perfect temperature without taking up much space. It adds both function and a touch of luxury to any kitchen layout.
No, built-in wine fridges aren’t noisy so long as they’re properly installed with good ventilation. Most modern models are designed to run smoothly and blend seamlessly into kitchen environments.
Yes, you can use a built-in wine fridge to store other drinks. It works well for beverages like sparkling water, juice, or soda when hosting or for everyday use.
One thing to consider before getting a wine fridge is where to place it to ensure proper airflow and easy access. It’s also important to measure the space and choose a size that complements your kitchen layout.
