Many built-in units are designed to fit under the counter, and hold between 25 and 50 bottles of wine. Larger built-in units are available and can be planned during a kitchen remodel. Built-ins tend to be more expensive than freestanding wine refrigerators, and may include contractor costs for installing the unit. On the plus side, there are many high quality built in wine refrigerators, and once they are incorporated into your kitchen plan, they can be conveniently located. Cost for a built-in wine refrigerator may range from about $450 for 25 to 30 bottles, to several thousand dollars for high end models that hold 100 bottles or more.
Free standing units range in capacity from countertop models that hold about a dozen bottles of wine to large units that hold 100 bottles or more. The key benefit to this type of refrigerator is convenience. You can locate it anywhere in your home, and you can purchase a refrigerator to suit your budget and size needs. Free-standing refrigerators tend to be less expensive than built-ins. Another advantage is that you can purchase refrigerated wine cabinets that look like furniture, adding a stylish element to wine storage.