I need to get a wine fridge in my place. Only need one that holds 40-60 bottles. I see some on Craigslist that run $300-400, about 30-60% off from the new price. They typically are 3-5 years old. Good idea? Bad idea? Certain brands better than others?
Go to Frys and get a new one in that bottle range for the same price. It’s not going to be a Eurocave, but it will be new…
I see some that have nice racks with wood edges and then some that are just metal frames holding the bottles that cost less. Is going for the nicer look really an indicator that the actual quality is of the product is really any better (somehow I think I already know the answer. I am after all in the wine industry.) ![[tease.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/c/c5b32b76bebaa359b0452ae247b61189ffe5fa7e.gif "tease"){kind=small}
Let’s say it’s like picking a random Burgundy from the aisles of a big box alcohol store. There is a chance that what you get is beautiful and exactly what you wanted, but the odds are greatly against you.
it probably cost more to fix those compressors than buying a new one. I would suggest just buying a new one if you’re buying it at that price.
Actually after taking a second look, the unit at Frys that caught my eye in your range is sold out everywhere. I then went on Amazon out of curiosity to see what they have, and boy do the reviews tell an interesting story… anything under $700 in the size you want is basically garbage. Ugh.
Ouch. $1000 to hold 50-60 bottles seems pretty steep. I might as well start buying Code 38 corkscrews as well.
Don’t consider a used small cabinet. The expensive ones are very expensive to repair.
For small units buy cheap disposables such as this… http://www.pcrichard.com/catalog/product.jsp?modelNo=WC34TM
Buy 2 you’ll get your your capacity, have redundancy 
and be under $400 brand new.
Keep any eye out for sales around the holidays. I got a 40 bottle vinotemp from Target around this time back in 2006 for $150 with free shipping.
I had good luck on a vino temp a few years ago, got a 60 bottle portofino unit on Craigslist for $400.
If you buy it, bring a bunch of friends to pick it up. Lots of Craigslist robberies.
Years ago, I bought a 60ish bottle unit made by Magic Chef from Home Depot or Lowes (can’t remember which). Haven’t used in in a few years, so i gifted it to a neighbor’s girlfriend, and now it is happily keeping wine in her kitchen at over 10 years of age. It was all black with smoked glass, looked nice, was quiet, and always maintained high 50’s temps at the bottom of the unit and around 60-61 at the top. For $250-300 or whatever it cost, it was a really good starting unit, and if I had a vacation place where I wanted to keep a few dozen bottles, this is exactly what I would buy again.
Looking at the Target website, all they have is 12-24 bottle versions for $300 by Wine Enthusiast. But there are two here in Napa, so I will wander in and see what they have. Given this is Napa, maybe they have a greater selection.
Roy, when I got into wine, I purchased a 52 bottle Avanti. Works like a gem. It is quiet and cold.
I bought a year-old Avanti 40-50 bottle unit on craiglist for about 75% less than what it sells for at retail. I’ve had it for a year without any problems so far. Obviously with these sorts of things YMMV but you can get a nice deal if you poke around.
I agree with Scott. Lots of scammer on Craigs list. I avoid like the plague.
That is exactly what I bought - had it for years. I first bought it with the idea that the best bottles would go in it, but now it is my “everyday white” storage. But I’ve never had the least bit of a problem with it. And, on sale, I think it was not even $150 at Home Depot - maybe even less, as it was cheap! Bought a portable thermometer so that I can keep the temp in order.
(We finished our basement years ago, and then I just installed window unit AC to keep the temps in order the two or three months per year that it is a concern, I’ve never had a bottle that was flawed due to climate control issues down there. Which is why I now just use the fridge for whites. But it works perfectly well.)
Will do. Thanks for the advice everyone. Keep the recommendations coming. I am looking for one in the 40-60 bottle, up to $700 cost, if there are good ones.
Roy,
I bought my daughter a new one at Home Depot last year on Black Friday. Even without that great deal, a NEW one is $199 and holds 52 bottles. Dont spend that much on a used one. You can do better…
I see you put your price range at about $700. Go and google a Danby 75 btl one. You will be near that price. I have one, have 105 bottles in it now.
We bought 2 from Home Depot. I think they’re the same Harris is talking about. They were somewhere in the $200ish range and the racks are teflon coated so they don’t tear the labels.
I would not buy a used one for that price.