Review of Igloo 12-Bottle Wine Cooler
Compact wine coolers are the best thing to have happened to wine lovers since, well, full-size wine refrigerators. Small wine fridges are very practical to use and affordable, which is why the market quickly filled up with them.
As you may know, it is very easy to get intimidated with all these options and just jump right for the cheapest model available. The problem with that is you may end up with a poorly designed wine cooler that would probably function better as a nightstand.
We decided to put this detailed review together to help you out. We take a look at the Igloo 12-bottle wine cooler and see if it is worth the hype.
Review Summary:
We have heard a lot about the FRW1201 from Igloo, and we understand where the buzz is coming from. The unit looks good, does not promise too much, and also does not cost much.
More importantly, though, it carries a trustworthy name: Igloo, who has been a leading cooler brand in the US for more than 70 years now.
Key Features:
o 12-bottle capacity
o Dual-layer glass door
o White interior light
o Adjustable temperature settings
o Adjustable height
Pros:
• It feels solidly built and durable.
• The interior light is functional and adds an elegant touch.
• Its height can be adjusted.
• It does chill well.
• The temperature is adjustable.
Cons:
• The last row is not as spacious as the ones above it.
• It takes time to get the temperature to the desired level.
• The cooler does not fit champagne bottles.
• It has a single compartment.
Verdict
What we like about the FRW1201 are that Igloo obviously succeeded in applying their powerful cooling technology to this product. It chills exactly as well as it is supposed to. Just like other products, this 12-bottle wine cooler has misgivings, such as the narrow bottom row, the long time it takes the temperature to settle at a right level, and its limited bottle size capacity.
But these are small issues we can easily get past, considering the value we are getting for our money.
Check Price On AmazonWho Is This Product For?
One glance at the FRW1201 and you can easily tell who will best enjoy this. This is your wine cooler if you plan to keep under 12 bottles ready at any given time, have limited floor space, and/or a relatively modest budget.
Key Features and Benefits of the Product
Tough iron case
The FRW1201 comes in a solid, heavy-duty, high-grade iron case. It is nice to look at, but aesthetics is the least of its concerns. The iron body keeps the wine cooler durable while keeping all that cooling inside.
Two-layer glass door
We like the glass door, which doubles as a stylish display window. The door is dual-layer glass that is good at keeping the cold in and withstanding daily wear and tear and accidental bumps now and then.
12-bottle capacity
This wine cooler can handle up to 12 wine bottles. However, take note that size is important here. There is no way you can fit a champagne bottle in here, for example.
Also, the bottom row is not as roomy as the ones above it, so if you have hefty bottles, you want to put those on the top shelves. You can also remove a shelf or two to make way for bigger wine bottles if you only have a few to store.
Adjustable temperature
If you look at the upper right-hand corner of the cooler’s inside wall, right by the door, you should see the temperature control. It shows a minimum-maximum range, which runs from 46F to 64F (8C to 18C).
Cooling capacity
The superior cooling power of the FRW1201 comes from heat-pipe refrigeration technology, meaning it does not use a compressor. This is great news because compressors are quickly becoming a thing of the past. They are also noisy and more harmful to the environment.
Don’t get us wrong, the technology used by the FRW1201 still uses coolants that emit harmful substances, but they are considerably less than those released by compressors. The other (and more noticeable) benefit of having no compressor is the quiet operation and reduced vibration. You’re free to place this wine cooler in any living space.
Interior light
The simple on/off light switch is in the same area as the temperature control. It looks great because it is elegantly dimmed.
Removable parts
The removable parts make cleaning easy. Also, you can easily make room for bigger bottles by removing one of the shelves in the cabinet.
Alternatives/Comparisons
There are at least three other wine coolers from different manufacturers that are very similar to the FRW1201. There is the Avanti EWC 1021, the Haier HVTEC12DABS, and the Danby DWC1233BL-SC. They are all 12-bottle freestanding wine coolers.
The ones by Avanti and Danby are single-zone coolers just like Igloo’s. The one by Haier is a dual-zone cooler, which is easier to manage if you have more than one type of wine. Haier’s model has a curved door and a smoked glass door.
Danby’s is the one closest to Igloo’s regarding design and price. Meanwhile, the wine cooler by Avanti is unique because the cabinet allows for vertical bottle storage.
Additional Tips
Here are some quick tips worth remembering for when you eventually get your Igloo FRW1201 12-bottle wine cooler in the mail:
Installation
The FRW1201 is freestanding, so there is nothing to “install,” but you have to mind where you place it. For optimum performance, make sure that there is at least 1 inch (2,5 cm) of clearance on each side and a 4 inch (10 cm) minimum clearance at the back of the cooler.
Also, make sure to put it on a horizontal, flat floor in an area away from direct sunlight. Do not place heavy things on top of the cooler.
Cleaning
Unplug the cooler before cleaning it, and do not use acid preparations, medical solutions, dilution solutions, oil, gasoline, or any chemical preparation to clean this unit as they may damage the cooler.
When cleaning the unit, use soda water first, then wash it with clean water. Do not use soap or detergents on the cabinet.
Repair
Any repair work should only be entrusted to authorized service centers and personnel.
Part Replacement
Consult the manufacturer or the nearest authorized service center in case of broken or missing parts, especially if it is the fuse of the power board that is broken. It strictly has to be replaced with the same type of fuse to avoid the risk of fire.
Extension Cords
DO NOT use extension cords.
Final Verdict
Now that we have gone over the good, the bad, and the so-so of the Igloo FRW1201 12-bottle wine cooler, it only makes sense to ask: is it recommended? Our answer is a resounding yes.
It is affordable, compact, simple to use, and effective. It does not promise much, but it does the one thing it is supposed to do: excellent cooling. Like every other consumer product out there, the FRW1201 has lapsed, but they are easy to forget once you get a taste of your Igloo-chilled wine.
If you like what you have read about this wine cooler from Igloo, feel free to check it out here.
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