When it comes to wines, there are differing opinions on how best to enjoy them. However, one point of agreement among everyone is that wines need to be well-stored and chilled. Well-stored wine retains its rich taste and smell. Wine cooler refrigerators are specialized refrigerators that preserve wines. They differ from regular refrigerators in that they have a specific function.
Having read our review of the best wine cooler refrigerators, you are spoilt for choice. Worry not; this buying guide will help you navigate the world of wine cooler refrigerators to ultimately help you make a sound choice of wine cooler.
What is the Difference Between Wine Refrigerators and Regular Refrigerators?
The obvious answer to this question is that wine refrigerators are specifically made to preserve wines, while regular refrigerators can preserve a wide variety of consumables. More specifically, the humidity level in the two refrigerators differs. Standard refrigerators preserve items stored in them at a humidity level of 10% or lower. A humidity level lower than 10% dries out a wine’s cork and makes it oxidize; wine coolers maintain a humidity level of between 40 and 70%.
A wine refrigerator allows you to store wines among wines; this eliminates the risk of the wine taking on the odor and taste of food when stored among other food items inside regular refrigerators. In terms of price, standard refrigerators are more expensive than wine coolers.
Standard refrigerators only use the compression method to cool their content; wine coolers use compression and thermoelectric methods to cool their content. Also, wine coolers block out harmful UV rays with dual paned doors – a feature that is not available in regular refrigerators.
Vibration ages wine more quickly, and the compressor found in regular refrigerators are major culprits. Compressor wine coolers have an absorption system that reduces the motor’s vibration.
What are the Types of Wine Cooler Refrigerators?
When categorized based on the cooling method, there are two types of wine chillers. They are the compressor wine cooler and the thermoelectric wine cooler.
Compressor Wine Cooler
Compressor wine coolers use the same cooling method used in regular refrigerators to preserve wine. Usually, it compresses air and releases it to reduce the internal temperature of the cooler. It is an efficient wine cooler and can hold many wine bottles. However, it consumes a lot of electricity.
Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
Thermoelectric wine coolers use temperature differentials between the interior and exterior of the cooler. It contains a cooling node that heats up on the outside and cools on the inside when electricity passes through it. Thermoelectric wine coolers are more mobile and consume less electricity. However, the outside environment affects its performance.
What are the Things to Consider When Buying Wine Cooler Refrigerators?
There are various factors to consider before purchasing a wine cooler refrigerator. Your storage needs should be at the core of those factors. This factor and other factors that will help you get the best cooler for your wines are discussed below.
Bottle Capacity
The first factor to consider when choosing a wine cooler is how much wine you will be keeping inside. The size of your wine collection will help you to choose the wine cooler that meets your needs. A wine cooler that can hold far more than the number of wines you have is not exactly a cost-effective option. You will be cooling empty spaces for nothing. Also, you are likely to quickly outgrow a wine cooler that holds the exact number of wines you have. Hence, it would be best to get a wine cooler that can hold your wines and extra bottles.
Noise
Depending on where you will place your wine refrigerator, you should consider the noise coming out of the wine cooling unit before buying one. Compressor wine coolers are known to make a humming sound that may not exactly suit being placed in the living room or close by. Thermoelectric compressors are silent cooling units that do their jobs noiselessly.
Cooling Zone
A wine refrigerator can either have a single cooling zone or double cooling zones. Wine coolers with a single cooling zone can only store wines at an even temperature. This may not be a good option if you have a collection of red and white ones since they require different storage temperatures. A dual-zone wine cooler allows you to cool wines at different temperatures. The cooler is divided into compartments. Single zoon wine coolers are relatively cheaper than dual-zone coolers.
Freestanding Wine Coolers vs. Built-in Wine Coolers
You also have to consider whether you want your wine cooling unit to stand alone or form part of a cabinet. Freestanding wine coolers can be freely placed on top of a counter or on the floor. They require space for air to flow around the unit to avoid overheating. Built-in wine coolers are designed to fit in between cabinets. They have an exhaust grate underneath to move air out of the unit.
Built-in wine coolers are quite flexible and can be placed as a stand-alone unit – a characteristic that freestanding wine coolers lack.
How Much do Wine Cooler Refrigerators Cost?
You can buy a wine cooler refrigerator for as low as $150, and there are wine cooling units that cost as much as $10,000. The wine refrigerator’s bottle holding capacity, cooling zone type, and other additional features influence the price. Wine cooler refrigerators within the $300 and $2,000 range offer a balance between cost and efficiency.
FAQs
Q: What is the ideal temperature for a wine fridge?
The ideal temperature for a wine cooler is between 400F and 650F. Any temperature that falls within this bracket is fine for your wine.
Q: Do wine fridges use a lot of electricity?
No, they don’t. An average wine cooler uses between 80 to 90 watts. Compared to regular refrigerators, this is minimal.
Q: Where should I put my wine fridge?
You can place your wine fridge in the kitchen or dining room. Ease of access should inform your choice of placement.