Introduction
The Cuisinart Private Reserve Wine Cellar is designed to preserve the flavor, bouquet, and body of your wine collection. This compact wine refrigerator stores up to 8 bottles at their ideal temperature, ranging from 39°F to 68°F (4°C to 20°C). It features a quiet and energy-efficient thermoelectric cooling system, touchscreen controls, and soft interior lighting.
Please read this manual thoroughly before operating your new wine cellar to ensure proper use and care.
Important Safety Instructions
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury to persons, including the following:
- Read all instructions before using the appliance.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
- To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse cord, plugs, or the appliance in water or other liquid.
- Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
- Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts.
- Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner.
- The use of accessory attachments not recommended by Cuisinart may cause injuries.
- Do not use outdoors.
- Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
- Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
- Always attach plug to appliance first, then plug cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn any control to OFF, then remove plug from wall outlet.
- Do not use appliance for other than intended use.
- Ensure proper ventilation around the unit.
- This appliance is intended for household use only.
Package Contents
Verify that all components are present and in good condition upon unpacking.
- Cuisinart CWC-800CE Wine Refrigerator Unit
- 3 Contoured Chrome Racks
- Instruction Manual
Setup and Installation
Unpacking
Carefully remove the wine cellar from its packaging. Retain the packaging materials for future transport or storage. Ensure all packing materials, including foam and tape, are removed from the unit before use.
Placement
Place the wine cellar on a flat, stable surface away from direct sunlight and heat sources (e.g., ovens, radiators). Allow at least 5 inches (12.7 cm) of space around the back and sides of the unit for proper ventilation. This unit is designed for freestanding installation only.
Leveling
The unit features adjustable feet. Use a level to ensure the wine cellar is perfectly level. Adjust the feet by turning them clockwise or counter-clockwise until the unit is stable and level. Proper leveling is crucial for efficient operation and to prevent vibrations.
Power Connection
Before plugging in, allow the unit to stand upright for at least 2 hours. This allows the cooling system fluids to settle. Plug the power cord into a dedicated 120V AC outlet. Do not use extension cords or adapter plugs.

Front view of the Cuisinart CWC-800CE 8 Bottle Private Reserve Wine Refrigerator. The unit is black with a glass door, displaying 8 wine bottles on chrome racks. A digital temperature display and control buttons are visible at the top.
Operating Instructions
Control Panel
The control panel is located on the top front of the unit. It includes a digital temperature display, temperature adjustment buttons, and a light control button.
- Temperature Display: Shows the current internal temperature.
- Temperature Up/Down Buttons (+/-): Used to increase or decrease the desired temperature. The temperature range is 39°F to 68°F (4°C to 20°C).
- Light Button: Toggles the soft interior LED light on or off.
Setting the Temperature
- Plug in the wine cellar. The display will show the current internal temperature.
- Press the + or - buttons to set your desired temperature. Each press adjusts the temperature by 1 degree.
- The display will flash the set temperature for a few seconds, then revert to showing the actual internal temperature.
- The thermoelectric cooling system will automatically work to reach and maintain the set temperature.
Interior Light
Press the Light button (represented by a light bulb icon) to turn the interior LED light on or off. This light is for viewing your wine collection and does not affect the cooling performance.
Loading Wine Bottles
The Cuisinart CWC-800CE is equipped with 3 contoured chrome racks designed to hold up to 8 standard 750ml or 1500ml wine bottles. For optimal air circulation and cooling efficiency, avoid overcrowding the racks.
- Gently pull out the chrome racks.
- Place wine bottles horizontally on the racks, ensuring they fit securely within the contours.
- Push the racks back into the unit until they are fully seated.
- Close the door firmly to maintain the internal temperature.

The Cuisinart CWC-800CE wine refrigerator shown with a wine bottle and glass next to it, illustrating its compact size and capacity for 8 bottles.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Cleaning the Interior
To prevent odors and maintain hygiene, clean the interior regularly.
- Unplug the unit before cleaning.
- Remove all wine bottles and racks.
- Wipe the interior surfaces with a soft cloth dampened with a mild detergent solution.
- Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
- Clean the chrome racks with a mild detergent and dry completely before returning them to the unit.
Cleaning the Exterior
Wipe the exterior with a soft, damp cloth. For stainless steel trim, use a stainless steel cleaner if necessary. Do not use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals.
Power Outage
In case of a power outage, the wine cellar will typically retain its temperature for several hours if the door remains closed. Once power is restored, the unit will resume operation at its last set temperature. However, prolonged outages may require checking the wine temperature and resetting if needed.
Troubleshooting
Review the following common issues and solutions before contacting customer service.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Unit does not operate. | No power. | Check if the unit is plugged in. Verify the wall outlet is functional. Check for a tripped circuit breaker. |
| Unit is not cold enough. | Temperature setting is too high. Door is not closed properly. Excessive door openings. Poor ventilation. | Adjust temperature to a lower setting. Ensure the door is fully closed. Minimize door openings. Ensure adequate space around the unit for ventilation. |
| Excessive vibration. | Unit is not level. | Adjust the leveling feet to ensure the unit is stable and level. |
| Noise from the unit. | Normal operation sounds. | Thermoelectric cooling systems produce a low hum. Occasional clicking sounds are normal as the system cycles. |
| Door does not close properly. | Unit is not level. Racks are out of position. | Adjust leveling feet. Ensure racks are fully inserted and not obstructing the door. |
Specifications
| Model Number | CWC-800CE |
| Capacity | 8 Standard Wine Bottles |
| Cooling Technology | Thermoelectric |
| Temperature Range | 39°F - 68°F (4°C - 20°C) |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 12.3" x 22.6" x 19.2" (31.2 cm x 57.4 cm x 48.8 cm) |
| Item Weight | 25.7 pounds (11.66 kg) |
| Installation Type | Freestanding |
| Door Material | Stainless Steel Trim, Triple-pane Viewing Window |
| Included Components | 3 Chrome Racks |
Warranty and Support
For warranty information, product registration, or customer support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Cuisinart website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Cuisinart Customer Service: Please visit www.cuisinart.com for contact information and support resources.





