Dual Zone Wine and Beverage Fridge: How to Choose One

If you drink both wine and beer, one temperature is never right for both. A dual zone wine and beverage fridge solves that by giving each half of the cabinet its own temperature control. This guide explains how the zones work and what to check before you buy.

How a dual zone fridge works

A dual zone fridge splits the cabinet into two compartments, each with its own thermostat. Our dual zone models list Zone 1 at 1°C to 10°C, which suits beer, soft drinks and white wine, and Zone 2 at 5°C to 18°C, which covers the warmer range used for red wine and sparkling or white wine you want less chilled.

Serving temperatures at a glance

As a rough guide only, because tastes vary:

• Beer and soft drinks: roughly 2°C to 5°C, so Zone 1 set cold.
• Sparkling and white wine: roughly 6°C to 12°C, which sits between the two zones.
• Red wine: roughly 14°C to 18°C, so Zone 2 set towards the top of its range.

Sizes in our range

Our wine and dual zone beverage fridges cover a wide range of capacities:

• 122 litres: the Schmick JC132D is a compact under bench dual zone unit.
• 165 litres: the Schmick JC165 holds 90 cans or 30 wine bottles.
• 190 litres: the Schmick JC190-GG is listed as a dual zone wine and beer fridge, holding 80 cans or 29 wine bottles.
• 215 litres: the Schmick SK198D-B-HD holds 88 cans or 28 wine bottles.
• 244 litres: the Schmick SK228D-B-HD holds 110 cans or 34 wine bottles.

Under bench fitting and ventilation

Most dual zone fridges are bought to sit under a bench, which makes ventilation the first thing to check. The larger models are around 750 to 900 mm wide and 800 to 865 mm high, so measure your space carefully. Choose a front-breathing design for enclosed cabinetry and leave the clearance the manufacturer lists. Our built in bar fridge guide walks through the measurements.

Indoor or alfresco?

Some dual zone models are listed for indoor use only, while others are tropical rated and suitable for indoor or alfresco installation. If it will sit on a covered patio or in a warm bar area, check the suitability and climate rating on the product page.

Quick checklist

• Which two types of drink will you store?
• How many bottles and cans do you need to hold?
• Does it fit your bench opening, with ventilation clearance?
• Is it rated for the room it will be in?

Dual zone fridge FAQs

Do I need a dual zone fridge for wine and beer?

You do if you want both at their ideal serving temperature. A single zone fridge will suit one drink well and the other less so.

Can a wine fridge keep drinks as cold as a normal fridge?

Not necessarily. Single zone wine fridges are usually set warmer. In a dual zone fridge, Zone 1 is the cold zone, listed from 1°C.

Can I build a dual zone fridge into cabinetry?

Only if it is designed for it. Look for the under bench and front-venting details in the listing, and follow the manufacturer clearances.

For a wider look at drinks fridges, read our beer fridge guide.