How Many Bottles Do You Need?
A good rule is to count the bottles you normally have in the house, then add a third. Collections tend to grow once there's somewhere proper to keep them.
A small cooler holding 6 to 8 bottles is fine if you only keep a few bottles for the week, or if you're short on space and want something that sits on a worktop. For regular wine drinkers and anyone who hosts dinner parties, 16 to 24 bottles is usually the sweet spot, and these sizes fit into most kitchens without much trouble. If you buy by the case or already have a decent collection, a cooler with room for 40 or more bottles gives you space to grow.
Bear in mind that bottle capacity is normally based on standard 75cl Bordeaux-style bottles. Wider bottles like Champagne or Burgundy take up more room, so the number you can actually fit may be a little lower than the one on the box.
A Quick Guide to Serving Temperatures
Everyone has their own preferences, but there are some general ranges most people follow. Sparkling wine and Champagne are best well chilled, at around 6-8°C. Light whites and rosé suit 8-10°C, while fuller whites like oaked Chardonnay open up more at 10-13°C.
Reds are often served too warm, especially in a heated room. Light reds such as Pinot Noir are nice slightly cool at around 12-14°C, and fuller reds sit best at 15-18°C.
If you're keeping wine for months rather than days, around 12-13°C is a sensible middle ground for both reds and whites.
Freestanding, Undercounter or Built-in?
Freestanding coolers can go almost anywhere with a plug socket nearby. They release warm air from the back or sides, so they need a gap around them and shouldn't be squeezed into a cupboard.
Undercounter and built-in coolers vent from the front, which is what lets them sit flush between kitchen units. Always check the product description before fitting a cooler into cabinetry, as only models designed for it should be installed this way.
Getting the Best from Your Cooler
Pick a spot away from direct sunlight, ovens and radiators, on a level floor. Many garages and outbuildings get too cold in winter for a standard cooler to work properly, so check the product details if you're planning to put one there. Try not to open the door more often than you need to, and give the glass a wipe now and then to keep your bottles looking their best.
Delivery and Returns
Delivery is free to all UK mainland addresses, and most orders arrive within 3-5 working days. There are no hidden fees at checkout. If you change your mind, you can send your cooler back, but the return postage is at your own cost. If it arrives damaged or develops a fault, please contact our customer service team and we'll arrange the next steps.
