If you're searching for a wine cooler, you’ve almost certainly come across the Cookology CWC300SS. Its 30cm slimline design makes it one of the most popular choices for modern kitchens where space is at a premium. But does its performance live up to its sleek looks?
We’ve seen conflicting reports online about its capacity, with some users expecting to fit more than 40 bottles. Our in-depth review is here to set the record straight. We’re diving into the real-world performance, noise level, and true capacity of the CWC300SS to help you decide if it's the right wine fridge for you.
Key Specifications at a Glance
Design, Style, and Build Quality
The first thing you notice about the CWC300SS is its design. It’s clearly built to integrate seamlessly into a modern kitchen.
The 30cm Slimline Footprint
At just 295mm wide, this cooler is a problem-solver. It’s designed to slot into that awkward gap you might have next to your dishwasher or at the end of a cabinet run. It can be used as a freestanding unit or installed under-counter, and its adjustable feet help you get a perfectly level fit.
Reversible Door and Wooden Shelves
The stainless steel door frame looks premium and, most importantly, it's reversible. This is a fantastic feature for flexible kitchen layouts. The door itself is made from double-glazed, UV-protective smoked glass, which is essential for protecting your wine from light damage.
Inside, it features five slide-out beech wood shelves. These are gentler on your bottle labels than metal racks and add a touch of class.
Performance: Temperature, Noise, and Capacity
Looks are one thing; performance is another. Here’s how the CWC300SS stacks up.
How loud is the CWC300SS?
Very quiet. The CWC300SS uses a compressor cooling system, which is more powerful and reliable than cheaper thermoelectric units. Despite this, it has a noise rating of just 41dB. This is equivalent to a quiet library or the hum of a modern refrigerator. In our test, it was barely noticeable in a busy kitchen.
Real-World Bottle Capacity
This is the most important part of this review. The CWC300SS is advertised with a 20-bottle capacity. This capacity is based only on standard 750ml Bordeaux-style bottles.
In the real world, you will struggle to fit 20 bottles if you have wider bottles, like those for Champagne or Prosecco. User reviews confirm that while the fridge is excellent, the 20-bottle claim is the absolute maximum, and you're more likely to comfortably store 15-17 mixed-shape bottles. This is a common issue for all wine coolers, not just this one.
What We Like (Pros)
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Sleek, Slim Design: The 30cm stainless steel build is perfect for tight spaces.
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Quiet Operation: At 41dB, it's one of the quieter compressor models available.
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Premium Features: The UV-protective glass, slide-out wooden shelves, and digital controls feel high-end for the price.
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Flexible Installation: The reversible door and under-counter or freestanding design make it easy to place.
What We Don't Like (Cons)
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Optimistic Capacity: The 20-bottle count is only for one specific bottle type. Wider bottles like Champagne are very difficult to fit.
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Flimsy Shelves: Some users report the wooden shelves, while attractive, can feel a bit flimsy when fully loaded.
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Visible Feet: When installed under-counter, the adjustable feet can remain visible, which might spoil a perfectly flush kickboard.
Our Verdict: Is the Cookology CWC300SS Worth Buying?
Yes, absolutely, as long as you have realistic expectations about its capacity.
The Cookology CWC300SS is a stylish, quiet, and well-built wine cooler that offers fantastic value. Its main selling point is its slim 30cm design, and it delivers on that perfectly. It's an ideal choice for the enthusiast who wants to keep a small collection of wine in perfect condition and integrated beautifully into their kitchen.
If you need to store 40+ bottles or have a large collection of non-standard bottles, this isn't the fridge for you. But if you're looking for the best 30cm wine cooler on the market, the CWC300SS is a top contender.
Best Alternatives to the Cookology CWC300SS
Since you don't sell the CWC300SS, here are the best alternatives from the Cookology range that you do offer:
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For a Different Finish: The Cookology CWC301BK is the exact same fridge as the CWC300SS but in a modern, sleek black finish.
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For Larger Capacity: If you have a 60cm space, the Cookology CWC600SS is the next step up. It holds 54 bottles and is perfect for a more serious collector.
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For Tighter Spaces: If 30cm is still too wide, Cookology offers 15cm models like the CWC150BK, which holds 7 bottles and is perfect for super-slim gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Cookology a good brand for wine coolers?
Yes. Cookology is a UK-based, family-owned brand that has built a strong reputation for offering stylish, value-driven appliances. They are highly rated by customers and were even shortlisted for a "Which Best Value Appliance Brand of the Year" award in 2024.
What is the model number for a CWC300SS?
The model number is CWC300SS. This identifies it as a 30cm (300) wine cooler (CWC) in Stainless Steel (SS).
How many bottles does the Cookology CWC300SS hold?
The official capacity is 20 standard Bordeaux-style bottles. Be aware that this capacity is reduced if you are storing wider bottles, such as those for Prosecco or Champagne.
Cookology 20-Bottle Stainless Steel Wine Cooler
Sleek and Modern Storage Solution for Your Favorite Wines
Product information
£299.99
Product Review Score
4.42 out of 5 stars
216 reviews
