Everything You Need to Know Before Purchasing a Magic Chef Wine Cooler
You’ve made the decision to invest in a wine cooler to properly store and age your fine wines. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to decide which brand and model is right for you. Magic Chef is one of the most popular and reliable wine cooler brands available today. In this comprehensive buying guide, we will provide you with a detailed overview of Magic Chef wine coolers so you can determine if they are the best choice for your needs.
Overview of Magic Chef Wine Coolers
Founded in 1929, Magic Chef originally started by making gas ranges. Since then, they have expanded their product line to include all types of home appliances, including high-quality wine coolers. Magic Chef wine coolers are designed to keep wine cooled at the optimal temperature between 54° and 66° Fahrenheit. This prevents the wine from getting too cold, which can mute the flavors and aromas of the wine. The range also prevents the wine from getting too warm, which can speed up the aging process.
Magic Chef offers both freestanding and built-in wine cooler models to suit any space. Their wine coolers come in a range of sizes, from small 16-bottle units up to extensive 166-bottle dual-zone wine refrigerators. Most Magic Chef wine coolers have black cabinets with stainless steel accents and tinted glass doors. The interiors are made of beechwood racks that safely cradle each bottle and prevent vibrations. Magic Chef wine coolers also come with adjustable leveling legs, reversible doors, interior lights, and digital controls with temperature displays.
When shopping for a Magic Chef wine cooler, some of the most important factors to consider are:
- Size – How many bottles do you need to store? Magic Chef offers compact and huge multi-zone units.
- Cooling zones – Single, dual, or triple zone options to keep reds, whites, and sparklings all at optimal temps.
- Freestanding or built-in – Freestanding units are portable, while built-ins blend seamlessly into cabinetry.
- Temperature range – Most Magic Chef models maintain 54°F to 66°F for proper wine storage.
- Noise level – Compressors can cause vibration and hum. Look for quieter models rated under 50 dB.
- Energy efficiency – More efficient units have more insulation and cost less to run long-term.
- Warranty – Magic Chef units come with 1- or 2-year warranties. Extended warranties may be available.
- Price – Magic Chef wine coolers range from budget-friendly to high-end luxury models over $3,000.
Magic Chef Wine Cooler Benefits and Drawbacks
Magic Chef is known for making wine coolers with convenient features, quality components, and excellent design at prices customers love. However, there are some downsides to consider with Magic Chef wine refrigerators:
Benefits of Magic Chef Wine Coolers:
- Great prices – Very affordable, often hundreds less than comparable units.
- Quality materials – Most models have stainless steel accents and beechwood racks.
- Digital display – Convenient digital temperature control panel.
- Versatile sizes – Compact to huge capacities, 16- to 166-bottle units.
- Whisper-quiet – Top units rated at just 42 dB for disturbance-free operation.
- Warranty included – 1- or 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Lighting could be better – Some models have dim or no interior lights.
- Compressor hum – Compressors on lower-end units can vibrate and make noise.
- Not for collectors – Lack advanced humidity and air filtration systems.
- No curved door – Flat glass door allows some UV light to enter.
- No alarm – No alerts for door ajar or temperature fluctuations.
- Plastic parts – Lower-end models may have plastic handles or hinges.
While they may not have all the bells and whistles of an expensive collector’s unit, Magic Chef wine coolers are ideal for beginners or those looking for solid storage without breaking the bank.
Magic Chef vs Other Wine Cooler Brands
How does Magic Chef stack up against other popular brands like NewAir, Kalamera, and NutriChef? Here is a brief overview comparing Magic Chef wine coolers to other major brands:
- NewAir – Known for higher-end features and Napa-inspired design. Comparable prices to Magic Chef.
- Kalamera – More budget-friendly prices starting under $200. Not as stylish looking as Magic Chef.
- NutriChef – Very similar price and feature-set to Magic Chef models. NutriChef has slightly more plastic parts.
- Avallon – Prices start lower than Magic Chef but they have more quality complaints.
- Vinotemp – Specializes in high-end collectors units. Prices far exceed Magic Chef models.
- Whynter – Focused on built-in installation. Comparable prices but fewer size options than Magic Chef.
When compared to other brands, Magic Chef stands out for offering the best combination of quality, features, and attractive affordable pricing. NewAir wine coolers may have more premium details, and Kalamera costs less, but Magic Chef hits that sweet spot in between.
Where to Buy Magic Chef Wine Coolers
Luckily, Magic Chef wine coolers are widely available both online and in-store. Here are some of the best places to buy a Magic Chef wine cooler:
- Amazon – Extremely wide selection of Magic Chef wine fridges. Often at the lowest prices, too. Free shipping with Prime.
- Home Depot – Large selection of Magic Chef models both in-store and online.
- Lowe’s – Another home improvement store selling Magic Chef wine cooler units online and in-store.
- Walmart – Brick-and-mortar stores have limited selection, but a good variety available online.
- AJ Madison – Authorized internet retailer with great prices on Magic Chef wine coolers.
- Wayfair – Large online selection of Magic Chef wine refrigerators with discounted prices.
- Overstock – May have limited quantities but Overstock often has deals on Magic Chef wine coolers.
- Target – Typically just a small number of Magic Chef models available, but you can buy online and pick up in store.
For the biggest selection and lowest prices, I recommend checking Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, AJ Madison, and Wayfair. Look for discounts and new low prices when shopping around.
Magic Chef Wine Cooler Pricing
Magic Chef offers wine fridges at every price point to meet diverse budgets:
- Under $200 – Small 16- to 22-bottle single-zone freestanding coolers. Manual knob temperature control.
- $200 to $500 – Larger 28- to 66-bottle units, some dual-zone. Digital display, beechwood racks.
- $500 to $1,000 – Dual-zone coolers holding 80 to 160 bottles. Higher-end finishes and features.
- $1,000+ – Built-in or towering 166-bottle triple-zone coolers. For serious collectors.
Expect to spend $200 to $600 for a quality Magic Chef wine fridge with the size, features, and quality most owners need. The budget-friendly single-zone 16-bottle model starts at just $180 while the luxury 166-bottle built-in unit tops out around $3,500.
Always look for sales and deals when buying a Magic Chef wine cooler. Special holiday pricing or online-only discounts can save you up to 25% off the list price. Sign up for retailer newsletters for promotions and coupon codes, too.
Magic Chef Wine Cooler Reviews
Most Magic Chef wine cooler reviews are positive overall. Magic Chef earns average ratings around 4 out of 5 stars on retail sites. Here are some highlights from Magic Chef wine fridge reviews:
- “This Magic Chef model keeps my wines perfectly chilled. It’s very quiet and looks beautiful in my dining room.”
- “I can fit all my reds, whites, and champagne now. The temperature zones keep everything just right.”
- “Super easy to set up and maintain. Magic Chef makes wine storage simple.”
- “Much nicer looking than I expected. The stainless accents give it an expensive feel.”
- “Love the size to price ratio. Stores all my wine for a fraction of more elite brands.”
- “Not totally vibration free and the lighting could be better, but it gets the job done.”
- “Works great, especially for the price, but the plastic parts feel a little chintzy.”
Most common complaints involve plastic parts, vibrations, and lighting. But overall, most reviews agree Magic Chef wine coolers offer tremendous value and quality at an affordable price point.
How to Install a Magic Chef Wine Cooler
Installing a Magic Chef wine cooler is a straightforward process. Here are the basic steps:
- Select a spot – Pick a location with a stable floor, good ventilation, and away from direct sunlight.
- Level the unit – Use the adjustable legs to level the wine cooler. This helps with vibration and door alignment.
- Allow clearance – Leave at least 4 inches of clearance on all sides for proper air circulation.
- Plug it in – Make sure the outlet provides the proper voltage. Do not use extension cords or overload outlets.
- Remove packing – Take out all interior boxes, tape and shipping materials. Clean the interior.
- Add bottles – Let the unit cool down for a few hours first. Then load bottles starting on the bottom rack.
- Maintain temperature – Set the temperature between 54°F and 66°F depending on your wine storage needs.
- Replace shelf covers – The stainless steel shelf covers should be the last items removed during installation.
Always refer to the product manual for the full list of installation steps. Pay special attention to built-in or integrated wine cooler installations. Overall, though, Magic Chef wine coolers are designed for quick and easy set up right out of the box.
Magic Chef Wine Cooler Dimensions
Magic Chef offers wine coolers in a wide range of sizes to suit any space. Here are some example dimensions for popular Magic Chef wine fridges:
- 16-Bottle – 19.7” W x 19” D x 33” H (freestanding)
- 28-Bottle – 19” W x 19.75” D x 32” H (freestanding)
- 46-Bottle – 21” W x 23.4” D x 33.9” H (freestanding)
- 80-Bottle – 23.4” W x 26” D x 34.2” H (freestanding)
- 166-Bottle – 23.8” W x 26.8” D x 79.5” H (built-in)
Always measure the cutout dimensions for built-in wine coolers – the overall external measurements will be larger. Also confirm ceiling height and doorway or stairwell widths to ensure your Magic Chef wine cooler will fit in the intended space.
Magic Chef Wine Cooler Energy Efficiency
Magic Chef wine coolers range from basic units with moderate efficiency ratings to higher-end models with Energy Star certification. Here’s how they compare:
- Entry-level units – Typically C or D efficiency ratings. Not Energy Star certified.
- Mid-range models – Around B efficiency rating. Some have Energy Star certification.
- Top-tier units – Up to A+ efficiency rating. Mostly certified by Energy Star.
Higher efficiency units feature added insulation, tighter door seals, and more efficient compressors. This means they cost less per month to operate while maintaining perfect wine storage conditions.
While an entry-level Magic Chef may only cost $5 to $10 per month to run, an Energy Star certified model will be under $5. So upgraded units can save $5 to $10 per month, adding up to major savings long-term while also using less energy overall.
Magic Chef Wine Cooler Warranties
Magic Chef wine coolers come with manufacturer warranties to cover defects. Here is the warranty coverage based on the series:
- Essentials Series – 1 year limited warranty
- Premier Series – 2 year limited warranty
- Designer Series – 2 year limited warranty
- Collector Series – 2 year limited warranty
Coverage includes parts and labor on defect-related issues. Approved repairs or replacements will be provided free within the warranty term. Extended third party warranties are also available for purchase.
As long as you make your purchase through an authorized retailer, Magic Chef wine cooler warranties protect against early defects. Just be sure to register your warranty with Magic Chef promptly after buying.
Maintaining Your Magic Chef Wine Cooler
Magic Chef wine coolers are designed for easy, low maintenance wine storage. Here are some tips for keeping your Magic Chef wine cooler looking and running like new:
- Keep bottles sealed – Uncorked wine can corrode the unit over time. Always store wine capped or corked.
- Clean regularly – Wipe spills immediately and clean the interior every 2-3 months. Unplug first and never use harsh cleaners.
- Check the seal – Make sure the door is sealing tightly. Gaskets may need to be cleaned or replaced over time.
- Clear condenser – Use a vacuum with a brush to clean dust buildup off the condenser every 6 months or so.
- Replace filters – If your unit has a carbon or other filter, swap it out every 4-6 months.
- Level unit – Keep the fridge level and stable. Adjust legs as needed.
- Organize bottles – Try to avoid overcrowding and regularly reorganize bottles for even cooling.
With proper care and maintenance, your Magic Chef wine cooler can stay in fantastic condition for many years. Be sure to refer to the user guide for model-specific tips.
Discounts on Magic Chef Wine Coolers
Magic Chef wine coolers already have affordable price tags, but you can often save even more through special discounts:
- Holiday sales – Look for big markdowns around holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.
- Outlet deals – Check retailer outlet sites for discounted floor models and refurbished units.
- Open box savings – Lightly used customer returns can mean big savings.
- Coupon codes – Check websites, newsletters, and promotions for coupon codes off Magic Chef wine coolers.
- Credit card points – Some credit cards offer bonus points or cash back for appliance purchases.
- Price match guarantee – Ask retailers to match a lower published price you’ve found elsewhere.
With flexible sizing and pricing, Magic Chef gives you options to find the perfect wine fridge at the perfect discounted price point for your needs and budget.
Magic Chef Wine Cooler Capacity
One of the first decisions to make is what capacity or bottle count you need in your Magic Chef wine cooler. Common options include:
- 16-Bottle – Compact single-zone design. Great for small collections or limited space.
- 28-Bottle – Accommodates about two cases of wine. Good mid-size cooler.
- 46-Bottle – Perfect for 45 bottles with room for some extras. Dual-zone in some models.
- 66-Bottle – Stores 60 or more bottles. Available as single or dual zone.
- 166-Bottle – Huge standing unit has 156+ bottle capacity. Commercial grade.
Measure how many bottles you currently have and want space for. Standard 750ml bottles and European pinot/champagne sizes 750/700ml bottles fit in all Magic Chef units.
Consider if you want room to grow your collection over time, too. But don’t size up too much beyond your needs since empty space can impact cooling performance.
Setting the Temperature on Magic Chef Wine Coolers
Most Magic Chef wine coolers have digital temperature controls right on the front. Here are the basic steps for adjusting the set temperature:
- Press the power button to activate the digital display.
- Locate the up and down temperature buttons – they look like little arrows.
- Press the up or down buttons to reach the desired temp.
- Wait 5 seconds – the display will flash and confirm the new set temperature.
Magic Chef recommends setting temperatures between 54° and 66°F for optimal wine storage. Set dual zone models at 54°F for whites and 62° for reds.
Always allow your wine fridge a full 24 hours to stabilize and reach the new temperature setting. Adjust in 1-2° increments at a time for best results.
Using a Magic Chef Wine Cooler for Beverages Besides Wine
While designed for wine, Magic Chef beverage coolers can also store and chill:
- Craft beer – Stored upright at 38-45°F for ales and lagers.
- White wine – Set at 50-55°F to prevent chilling damage.
- Red wine – Best stored at 55-65°F to bring out flavor and aroma.
- Champagne – Store corked at 45-50°F to keep bubbly.
- Soda/seltzer – Keep around 38°F for maximum fizz and refreshment.
- Cold brew coffee – Brewed coffee stays fresh at optimal 38-42°F.
The adjustable temperature range lets you tweak the setting for perfect storage of wine, beer, soda, or anything else needing refrigeration without getting frozen. Dual zone models make it easy to fine tune temps in each compartment.
Magic Chef Wine Cooler Temperature Range
Most standard Magic Chef wine coolers maintain temperatures between:
- Lowest setting – 54°F
- Highest setting – 66°F
This provides an ideal range for both red and white wine storage:
- White wine – Store at 55-60°F, ideally 58°F
- Red wine – Store at 60-65°F, ideally 62°F
Dual zone Magic Chef models allow you to further customize the range:
- Upper zone – 54-60°F for crisper whites
- Lower zone – 60-66°F for fuller reds
Standard units can be used for both reds and whites by setting right in the middle around 60-62°F. Look for larger zones or two temperature displays on dual zone Magic Chef wine fridges.
Noise Level of Magic Chef Wine Coolers
Magic Chef wine cooler noise levels vary by price point and quality. Here’s what to expect:
- Entry-level models – Tend to be the loudest, around 50 dB or more. You’ll hear the vibration and humming of the compressor.
- Mid-range models – Provide decent noise insulation, usually 45-50 dB. Some hum may be audible.
- High-end models – Are the quietest at under 45 dB. Some are as low as 40 dB for near silent running.
For comparison, 40 dB is the noise level of a library. 45-50 dB is more of a regular conversation level. Compressor hums under 50 dB are considered very quiet for wine fridges.
Look for “whisper quiet” Magic Chef wine coolers rated at 40-45 dB if a disturbance-free environment is important to you. Read reviews about noise levels or ask about decibel ratings when purchasing.
Do Magic Chef Wine Coolers Have Dual Zones?
Not all Magic Chef wine coolers have dual zones, but many models do. Here are some examples of Magic Chef dual zone wine fridges:
- Magic Chef 46-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler (MCWC46DZ)
- Magic Chef 166-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler (MCWC166DZ)
- Magic Chef 80-Bottle Dual Zone Built-In Wine Cooler (MCWC80DZBI)
- Magic Chef 152-Bottle French Door Dual Zone Wine Cooler (MCWC152DZFD)
Dual zone capabilities allow you to set an ideal temperature range in each compartment for both red and white wines. One zone stays cooler for crisp whites while the other keeps reds perfectly chilled.
Look for the letters “DZ” in the model name to know it’s a Magic Chef dual zone wine refrigerator. Also confirm it has two temperature displays or controls on the front.
Storing Red and White Wine in Magic Chef Coolers
Thanks to adjustable zones from 54°F to 66°F, Magic Chef wine coolers can store both reds and whites at proper serving temperatures. Here are some tips:
- Chill whites at 55-60°F in the upper zone or rear of single zone units.
- Set reds at 60-65°F in the lower zone or front of single zone models.
- Let units fully cool down before loading to allow ideal wine preservation.
- Store wines capped or corked to prevent corrosion from uncorked bottles.
- Keep units level, clean, and full for most efficient cooling performance.
- Give bottles space to breathe and circulate air; avoid overcrowding.
The right temperature controls flavor development in your wines over both short and long-term storage. With flexible zoning options, Magic Chef has a wine refrigerator perfect for your red, white, or mixed wine collection.
Magic Chef Wine Cooler Durability
Most Magic Chef wine coolers will provide 5-10+ years of reliable service with proper care and maintenance. Here are some durability factors:
- Hermetic Compressors – Commercial grade, made to last through years of use.
- Stainless accents – Fingerprint and rust-resistant stainless steel shelves and trim.
- Tempered glass – Dual-paned tinted glass doors and walls can withstand bumps and wear.
- Reversible door – Door hinges can be installed left or right for flexibility.
- Adjustable leveling legs – Keep the unit stable even on uneven surfaces to prevent vibration.
- Interior light – LED lighting lasts over a decade without needing replacement.
- Insulated cabinet – Retains consistent temperatures and prevents cold air loss.
While entry-level models have more plastic parts, Magic Chef builds wine coolers to be long-lasting appliances with many years of usable life for the average owner.
Magic Chef Wine Cooler Manuals
Magic Chef wine cooler manuals provide detailed troubleshooting, installation, cleaning, warranty, and general usage instructions. Manuals are available:
- In the product box
- By contacting Magic Chef customer service
- Requesting via email from Magic Chef support
- Available for download on the Magic Chef website
- Online on retailer sites like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and AJ Madison
- On third party sites like ManualsLib and ManualsOnline
Magic Chef product manuals contain valuable information on assembly, parts diagrams, temperature settings, door/shelf adjustment, and more. Always refer to your model’s manual when first installing your wine cooler.
Check the Magic Chef website under the Product Support tab for the digital manual library. You can also call 800-375-2036 for any manual requests. Having access to the manual will help you get the most out of your Magic Chef wine fridge.
Conclusion
I hope this comprehensive buying guide helps you determine if a Magic Chef wine cooler is right for your wine storage needs. Magic Chef offers a range of quality wine refrigerators with convenient features at budget-friendly pricing. Models come in small 16-bottle capacities up to large 166-bottle built-ins with dual temperature zones. By following this advice, you can shop with confidence and find the perfect Magic Chef wine fridge for chilling reds, whites, or complete collections at just the right temperature.
