Integrated or built-in wine cellar: how to choose for your kitchen project?

When designing a fully-equipped kitchen, the question of appliance integration is unavoidable. This is particularly true of wine cellars, which have become an integral part of high-end kitchens.

But the choice between an integrated or built-in wine cellar can quickly become a technical one.
What are the differences? What are the advantages of each solution? And, above all, which wine cellar should you choose, depending on your kitchen configuration?

This guide will help you understand the specifics of each model, and make an informed choice based on your needs, space and installation constraints.

Integrated or built-in: what's the technical difference?

The built-in wine cellar

A built-in wine cellar is designed to be integrated into a column or tall cabinet, like an oven or microwave.

• It generally features rear ventilation, requiring specific cut-outs at the top and bottom of the cabinet to ensure good air circulation.

• It can be installed at eye level, for ergonomic use and to show bottles to their best advantage.

• This type of installation provides vertical harmony in kitchens with appliance columns.

Please note: the smooth operation of an integrated wine cellar depends on strict compliance with ventilation recommendations (generally 200 cm² of top and bottom ventilation).

Built-in wine cellars

A built-in wine cellar is designed to be installed under a worktop, in a standard base cabinet.

• It is equipped with a front or self-ventilated ventilation system, which eliminates the need to cut into the cabinet.

• It fits into a standard 60 cm wide niche (or 30/40/45/75 cm for specific formats such as AVI45PLATINUM or AVU41D82).

• It aligns with the other base units for a harmonious aesthetic appearance.

Self-ventilated models, such as those in Avintage's Platinum range, offer simplified installation, with no visible ventilation grille.

How to choose?

1. The type of kitchen and aesthetic requirements

• Column kitchens: choose a built-in wine cellar, for harmonious verticality with ovens and other appliances.

• Linear or island kitchens: an under-mount wine cellar is ideal for aesthetic continuity and easy access.

2. Available space

• For small kitchens, small-format built-in cellars (e.g. AVU31D88 - 18 bottles, 30 cm wide) save considerable space.

• Built-in cellars require a complete column niche, more suited to spacious kitchens.

3. Ergonomic use

• A high-mounted wine cellar lets you consult bottle labels at eye level.

• Bottom-mounted cellars can be fitted with telescopic rails for easy access (standard on Avintage Platinum ranges).

4. Technical constraints

• Column-mounted: a special cabinet with top and bottom ventilation is required.

• Under counter installation: be careful to align with 72 or 78 cm fronts, now standard on modern kitchens.

To sum up: which wine cellar for which project?

Need help choosing?
Avintage experts help kitchen designers, interior architects and private customers choose the right format and optimize integration.