How long does a new wine fridge take to get cold?

Why you wait before switching on

A compressor fridge contains refrigerant and oil in a sealed system. If the fridge has been tipped or laid on its side in transport, oil can move into the pipes. Standing it upright for a while lets the oil drain back into the compressor before it starts. That is why manuals ask you to wait.

How long varies by maker. Some say a few hours, others longer, and many ask for more time if the fridge was transported lying down. Thermoelectric coolers have no compressor or oil, so many can be switched on sooner; check the manual.

Step-by-step first start

Follow these steps for a smooth start, adjusting the times to your manual.

1. 1

   Unpack, remove all transport tape and packing, and check for damage.

2. 2

   Place the fridge where it will live, level it with the adjustable feet and leave the gaps the manual asks for.

3. 3

   Leave it standing upright for the time the manual specifies.

4. 4

   Wipe the inside with warm water and a little mild washing-up liquid, then dry.

5. 5

   Plug directly into a wall socket and set the temperature.

6. 6

   Leave it empty with the door shut until it reaches the setting.

7. 7

   Load bottles a few at a time.

How long the first cool-down takes

An empty compressor wine fridge usually reaches its setting within a few hours. A larger cabinet, a warm room or a low setting takes longer. Thermoelectric models cool more slowly and may not reach low settings in a warm room. Expect the compressor to run continuously during this time; that is normal.

Use a thermometer in a glass of water on a middle shelf to check the real temperature, rather than relying on the display while it is still settling. See wine fridge running constantly for what is normal later on.

Loading bottles in stages

Bottles at room temperature hold a lot of heat. Putting a full load in at once can keep the fridge running for a day or more and may set off a temperature alarm on some models; see why is my wine fridge beeping.

Add a few bottles at a time, spread between shelves, then add more once the temperature has recovered. Bottles that were already cool, from a cellar or another fridge, can go in sooner. Our storage guide explains where to put each type.

Bar and drinks fridges

People also ask how long a bar fridge takes to get cold. The same rules apply: wait upright if it was laid down, run it empty first, then load in stages. Drinks fridges are often set colder than wine fridges, so the first cool-down may take a little longer. See beer fridge temperature for settings.

A common worry is whether the gas in a bar fridge runs out. A sealed fridge does not use up its refrigerant; if it stops cooling after years, it may have a leak or a fault, which needs an engineer.

What is normal on day one

Some new-fridge smell is common and fades in a few days with the door shut. Gurgles and clicks as refrigerant settles are normal; see wine fridge making noise. Light condensation on the glass in a humid room usually settles as the cabinet stabilises.

If the fridge is not cooling at all after several hours, check the setting, socket and any demo mode, as covered in wine fridge not turning on. Still choosing a model? Compare options in our best wine fridges guide.

Compare wine fridges →

Frequently asked questions

How long after delivery can I turn on my wine fridge? Follow the manual. Many ask for several hours upright, longer if it was transported lying down.

Can I put wine in a new wine fridge straight away? Better to wait until it reaches the setting, then load in stages.

Why is my new wine fridge not cold after an hour? That is normal. Allow a few hours empty, longer in a warm room.

Does a bar fridge run out of gas? No. Refrigerant circulates in a sealed system and only escapes if there is a leak.