We were about to replace our under-counter wine fridge about a year ago, when our trusted appliance repairman gave us a bit of golden advice: Don’t spend a fortune on a fancy one—it’s not worth it. Most under-counter fridges, whether budget or high-end, use the same type of refrigerant (like R600a or R134a). These coolants all have about the same life expectancy, and once they go, repairing the sealed system is rarely worth it—especially in a built-in unit where access is tight and labor costs are high. So, what are you paying for with luxury models? Things like aesthetic finishes, smart features, and extra zones. But not necessarily better cooling performance or a longer lifespan. We decided to skip the splurge here and focus on features that matter most—like quiet operation and reliable temperature control. It’s a great reminder that sometimes, “simple and serviceable” is the smarter choice. HomeTips LuxuryOnALeash ApplianceAdvice WineFridgeWisdom DashwoodHomeDesign DesignSmart HomeInvestmentTips TrustYourTrades KitchenDesign builtinfridge dashwoodhomedesign LTKHome LTKSaleAlert