In this Dunavox wine cooler review, you can learn about their most popular models: the tall DX-194 and DX-181 cabinets, and the compact under-counter DAUF-17.58. Dunavox is a respected manufacturer with over 15 years of experience designing robust, high-quality wine storage solutions.
From build quality, shelving and temperature control to installation and energy efficiency, this guide will help you choose the right Dunavox model for your space and collection.
Dunavox DX-194 & DX-181 Review
The DX-194 and DX-181 are tall, freestanding wine cabinets built for larger collections. Both models use the same structure and layout, with a choice of single or dual temperature zones.
Reliability and Robustness
The initial impression you get from the Dunavox unit is its solidity; it's robust and looks fantastic, with glass doors stretching most of the unit's length.
We have been working with Dunavox for a long time now, and the DX-194/DX-181 have been very popular units. They are among the most reliable units we supply. Any after-sales issues are quickly resolved by Dunavox, which offers exemplary after-sales service.
Shelving and Interior Features
The interior of the wine cabinet is lit by blue LED ceiling lighting which looks sleek and stylish when the lights are off. Once the bottles are inside, the lighting can only be seen on the top few shelves as the bottles completely block it.
With the dual-zone model, the lighting is even better as you have ceiling lighting in both temperature zones, so it is slightly more effective. For more inspiration, see our guide to wine cooler lighting.
The shelving is sturdy and can accommodate various bottles easily. Usually, a very limiting factor in a full shelved unit like this is the distance between the shelves, but in the Dunavox units, you get a 10.5cm space in between each shelf.
This is more than big enough for even some of the larger Champagne bottles, so it is very versatile when it comes to the bottles it can store.
The shelves are telescopic and super easy to remove should you want to store some magnums or larger bottles. To remove the shelf, simply unhook it very easily from the mechanism on the runners.
Control Panel and Bottle Capacity
The control panels on both the single- and dual-temperature-zone units are simple to use, and there’s an option to turn the unit off while keeping the light on.
You can change the set temperature and switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit. Plus, with the dual-zone model, you can switch between the temperature zones, and the control panels are aesthetically pleasing.The bottle capacity in both units is very high for a unit with full shelving. The single-zone model is rated at 194 bottles with a couple of shelves removed, and the dual-zone model is 181 bottles with all shelves mounted.
That’s true of all wine cabinets, but it’s something to consider before purchasing.
External Features and Finish
The exterior design is the same on both the dual and single zone models. Each features a large, black PVC-lined carcass and is available in either black or stainless steel.
The black model features a full, frameless glass door that looks terrific, as there are no joins whatsoever. This is paired with a long matte black handle, which adds a touch of class to the front of the unit.
The stainless steel model features a seamless glass door with a silver handle to match. It's worth noting that the sides will still be black on the stainless steel model as well.
Installing The Wine Cabinet
The tall Dunavox units are suitable for both freestanding and built-in installations. What do we mean by this?
Freestanding is just as it sounds: a freestanding unit with plenty of ventilation around it, placed in a dining room or kitchen next to a standard freestanding fridge/freezer.
Built-in refers to having cabinets built around the wine cabinet with little to no ventilation space. The unit still sits on the floor, but you can create a seamless finish with cabinets neatly surrounding the wine cooler.
You may have noticed in the photos that there’s a vent at the bottom of the cabinet. Behind it sits a set of fans that draw in cool air to keep the compressor running at the right temperature. This is what makes the cabinet so versatile.
To learn how to incorporate your storage into your existing space, see our guide on where to place a wine fridge in the kitchen.
Professional Wine Storage
The Dunavox units are designed with long term storage in mind. This is why they are equipped with a charcoal filter and fan assisted cooling (which keeps a far more even temperature than direct cooling models).
They also feature UV-treated glass doors with heating and cooling functions, allowing the cabinet to raise its temperature when the ambient temperature drops.
Learn more about preserving the quality of your drink in our guide on why you should keep wine out of sunlight.
The cabinet is also equipped with a lock, ensuring your wine is kept safe.
Dunavox DAUF-17.58 Review (300mm Under-Counter Model)
This slim under-counter model is built for smaller spaces where you still want proper temperature control for both reds and whites.
Overview of the DAUF-17.58
Dunavox recently upgraded one of their most popular units, the DAUF-17.58 dual-zone, 300mm-wide built-in wine cooler. This was originally one of only two available in the UK, which meant it was extremely popular throughout our retailer network.
The newer model is similar; the main difference now is that it is A/G energy rated as opposed to B.
Interior, Shelving & Noise Levels
The fans are usually the main source of noise complaints on wine coolers. Dunavox only uses the highest-quality fans in their units, which keeps them quiet in operation.
Once the units are built in with surrounding kitchen cabinets, it is unlikely you will notice any noise.
The interior is lit by blue LED lighting, which has several lighting functions: you can leave the lights on constantly, set them to turn on when the door opens, or turn them off completely.
This can be easily selected by unlocking the control panel and pressing the light button until it beeps.
As with most 300mm-wide built-in wine coolers, Dunavox also uses treated beech shelving, which is semi-sliding and allows you to access your favourite bottles easily.
Beech is used primarily because it is hardy and more resistant to stains than other materials, such as oak.
Bottle Capacity & Temperature Zones
This model features dual temperature zones, with space for 6 bottles in the upper zone and 11 in the lower.
Each zone is independently programmable: 5–12°C for the top and 12–22°C for the lower, ideal if you’re storing both white and red wines for a party, for example.
The DAUF-17.58's shelves are designed around Bordeaux bottles, as with most wine coolers.
However, there are shelves that do accommodate larger bottles, such as Champagne and larger burgundy bottles, but we have found the distance between the shelves to be quite generous throughout the whole of the unit.
Due to the high-quality components that Dunavox uses, we have found the temperature to be consistent and reliable, whilst also being very quiet in operation.
Energy Efficiency
As previously mentioned, this model is the upgraded version of the previous very popular DX-17.58.
The internals have changed slightly, and the compressor has also been upgraded, which means that the energy usage has reduced substantially to 137 kWh/annum.
On average, this will cost you around £20 for a whole year's worth of cooling your wines perfectly!
Of course, the compressor is mounted on rubber bushes so that any vibration from the compressor is absorbed to make sure your wines are stored in the ideal vibration free conditions - if you did plan to use this wine cooler for long-term storage.
Colours & Design
The DAUF-17.58 comes in three colours: stainless steel, black and white. The carcass on all of the units is black, as it is primarily designed to fit between kitchen cabinets, where it won’t be visible.
Both the black and white units feature a full glass door, and the back of the glass has been painted to give the effect of a door frame. This gives the door a high-gloss finish that pairs well with gloss kitchen units.
For more inspiration, see these creative wine cellar ideas for tips on styling your home.
The doors are double-glazed for improved energy efficiency and treated to block UV light.
This protects your wine from harmful exposure, which can interfere with the ageing process and cause discolouration over time, especially when bottles are stored long-term.
Installation Guidelines
The Dunavox DAUF-17.58 is designed primarily as a built-in wine cooler for undercounter use. However, if you do have a narrow space or do not need a wine cooler with a high capacity, you can also use this as a freestanding unit.
With this being a built-in wine cooler, the door is designed to open in on itself, which is why you only need a 300mm wide space for this wine cooler to be installed into.
The overhang on the door is only 2.5mm at 45 degrees, which makes it ideal to slide neatly into small spaces.
If you want to run a plinth in front of the wine cooler, this model also features a removable front grille which is easily removable and just pops off.
It is best to take this off if you are running a plinth in front, as it gives you a deeper plinth depth to play with. If you do run a plinth in front, please ensure you install a grille into the plinth so that the wine cooler can breathe properly!
Alternatives & Warranty
Currently in the UK, there are very few options available for a dual-temperature-zone, 300mm-wide unit. mQuvee does manufacture a cheaper version with a door height of 700mm, compared to the standard 715mm.
With the Dunavox units, you also have the added benefit of the 3-year parts and labour warranty and 5 years on the compressor as opposed to a standard 2-year warranty with mQuvee.
Our Verdict on the DAUF-17.58
Here at Elite Wine we believe the DAUF-17.58 is a great upgrade to the previous model and meets the new requirements of the UK population with energy efficiency now being even more important than ever!
As with the old model, we think it will be very popular, and with the introduction of the new white units, this should only increase the demand for the wine cooler, as the new trend in white kitchens has pushed Dunavox to release this colour.
If you are looking for an alternative dual-zone 300mm wide under-counter model - AVU27TDZB1, browse our Avintage range. Avintage is well-established, having provided companies like ours with reliable cooling systems.
With an array of designs available across our site, it’s clear to see why our loyal customers enjoy browsing our products so much.
Avintage is known for being a leading wine cabinet brand, and with more people reaping the benefits of their designs, the brand itself is becoming increasingly popular here at Elite Wine Refrigeration.
Which Dunavox Model Is Right for You?
Choosing the right Dunavox wine cooler comes down to how much wine you store, where the unit will go, and how you plan to use it. All three models are reliable and well built, but they suit very different needs.
The DX-194 and DX-181 are best suited to larger collections and long-term storage. These tall cabinets offer high capacity with full shelving and generous spacing for larger bottles.
They work well as either freestanding or built-in units and make a real statement in a kitchen, dining room or garage.
If you want maximum storage, the DX-194 is the better option. If you prefer separate temperature zones for reds and whites, the DX-181 is the more practical choice.
The DAUF-17.58 is designed for smaller collections and built-in kitchen use. It’s a compact, 300mm-wide under-counter wine cooler with dual temperature zones, making it ideal if space is limited but you still want proper wine storage.
It integrates neatly into cabinetry and is available in black, white or stainless steel to suit modern kitchen designs.
If you’re building a dedicated wine storage area, the DX-194 or DX-181 will give you the flexibility and capacity you need. If you’re looking for everyday access to a smaller selection of wines in your kitchen, the DAUF-17.58 is the better fit.
As always, reliability and customer service is the focus of the new Dunavox products, so if you do have any other questions regarding these units, please do not hesitate to contact us.
