Oct. 07, 2024
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Understanding wine refrigeratorsWhen it comes to preserving and serving wine, a wine refrigerator is an excellent investment. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. In this section, well explore the different types of wine refrigerators, the benefits of owning one, and whether a wine refrigerator is a good investment.
Types of wine refrigeratorsWine refrigerators, also known as wine coolers or wine fridges, come in various types and styles to cater to different preferences and storage needs. Here are some common types of wine refrigerators:
Benefits of a wine refrigeratorA wine refrigerator provides several benefits that make it a worthwhile investment for wine enthusiasts. First, it helps to preserve the quality of the wine by keeping it at the optimal temperature and humidity level. This ensures that the wine ages correctly and doesnt spoil or lose its flavor. Additionally, a wine refrigerator provides a convenient and organized way to store and display your wine collection.
Vibrations can negatively impact the aging process of wine. Wine refrigerators are designed to minimize vibrations, which can disturb sediments in the bottle and affect the wines flavor.
Exposure to light, especially UV rays, can be harmful to wine. Wine refrigerators are typically designed with UV-resistant glass or solid doors to shield the bottles from light and maintain the wines quality.
Wine refrigerators come in various sizes, from small countertop units to larger built-in or freestanding models. This allows wine enthusiasts to choose a size that fits their collection and available space.
Having a dedicated wine refrigerator makes it convenient to organize and access your wine collection. Some models may have multiple temperature zones, allowing you to store different types of wine at their optimal temperatures.
Wine refrigerators are designed to be energy-efficient, with insulation and temperature control mechanisms that reduce energy consumption compared to using a regular refrigerator.
Proper storage conditions help prevent premature aging, oxidation, and spoilage of wine. A wine refrigerator ensures that each bottle is stored in an environment optimized for its preservation.
For those who want to age their wine for an extended period, a wine refrigerator provides the ideal conditions for long-term storage, allowing the wine to develop complexity and maturity.
Many wine refrigerators are aesthetically pleasing and can be designed to complement the décor of a home or wine cellar, adding a touch of sophistication to the storage of your wine collection.
Is a wine refrigerator a good investment?Whether a wine refrigerator is a good investment depends on your needs and preferences. If you are a wine enthusiast who enjoys collecting and serving wine, or you simply enjoy drinking wine regularly and have a mix of reds and whites, then a wine refrigerator is an excellent investment.
A wine refrigerator can also be a good investment for wine enthusiasts who want to store and age their wines properly. For example, if having a collection of high-quality or aging, old vintage wines.
However, if you only drink wine occasionally or dont have a large collection, then a wine refrigerator may not be necessary.
Additionally, its important to consider the cost of a wine refrigerator, as they can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
A wine refrigerator can be the perfect home for your collection. It is an appliance that cools at warmer temperatures than a beverage or food refrigerator. Other names for this specific appliance are wine cooler, wine chiller, or wine vault. Wine Coolers cool reds, whites, champagnes, and other bubbly wines.
Below you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about storing wine and why a wine refrigerator may be the perfect storage solution for you.
Only about 1% of wine being sold on the modern market is meant to be cellared. One way to gauge whether or not your wine falls into the elite 1% is its price; if you paid $30 or less, your wine was made to be enjoyed in the near future (within a few months or up to 3 years). White wine generally needs less time to age, while red wine may require both short or long term storage. Both types of wine require proper cellaring conditions. Do not fret, if you are not ready to uncork your bottle today, storing it properly in a wine refrigerator will preserve it.
Here are some factors to consider when selecting a wine storage solution.
You may be wondering whether or not you can store your wine in a standard refrigerator. The short answer is no. There are several reasons why you should avoid storing your wine in a standard refrigerator:
Wine Coolers
Refrigerators
Primary purpose is to cool wine to its ideal temperature
Primary purpose is to store a variety of food
Ideal humidity level for wine ranges between 30-40%.
Humidity level is 10% or lower. This can cause the cork to dry out and the wine to oxidize.
Wine should be stored amongst other wines.
When stored with food, wine may take on the odors and taste of the food it is stored with.
Available in multiple sizes and can fit into a variety of spaces both big and small
Usually available in a standard size meant for a kitchen only and not ideal for smaller spaces
Large capacity wine coolers may hold up to 300 bottles
Capacity for wine depends on how much food is stored inside the refrigerator
In general, wine refrigerators are less expensive than a standard refrigerator
More expensive than a standard wine refrigerator
Designed to maintain wines integrity with special racking and cooling system
Frequent activity (opening and closing door) will cause vibrations that are counterproductive to the aging of wine
Encourage the slow, progressive, and natural aging of wine
Will cool wine below its ideal temperature, greatly slowing the maturation of wine
Available with both thermoelectric and compressor systems
Typically, available with a compressor system only
Now that you know wine storage basics and the reasons why a standard refrigerator is not suitable for your wine collection, lets explore the benefits of owning a wine refrigerator:
Now let us explore some frequently asked questions about wine refrigerators.
Between 41-65°F, which allows coolers to store wines that require both warm or cold temperatures.
Wine coolers or refrigerators offer long term storage (55°F at 50% humidity), short term storage, or service (quickly cooling the wine).
Some experts define long term wine storage as anything over 6 months and short term as anything less than 5 years. At Vinotemp, we define long term storage as anything over 1-3 years and short term as anything less than 3 years.
If you only collect one type of wine (red or white), then a single-zone cooler should suffice. If you have an equal love for both red and white wines, then a dual-zone cooler will benefit you since you can set one zone at a lower temperature than than the other. Additionally, dual-zone coolers present the option to set one zone to storage temperature and the other to serving temperature. If you anticipate you will be uncorking a bottle in the near future, you can simply move your wine from the storage to service zone for about 30 minutes to an hour.
If a unit is listed as single zone, that means it has only one interior storage space with no partition. A single temperature will be maintained to cool all wines to the same level. The efficiency depends on whether it is a thermoelectric or compressor-based system.
PROS & CONS of a SINGLE ZONE WINE COOLER
PROS
CONS
Great for those building a wine collection with one type of wine
Best for only one type of wine. If youre trying to store both red and whites and the temperature of the cooler is set for whites, it will be too cold for the red wine.
Excellent at maintaining one steady temperature
The ideal temperature for both wines can be set at 55°F. If the temperature is higher than 55°F, the problem may arise.
Cheaper than multi-zone coolers
You may need to purchase more than one cooler if you are trying to store different varieties (one for red, one for white, etc.)
Contact us to discuss your requirements of WINE COOLER bulks. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
If a unit is listed as dual zone, this means the cooler has two independent storage spaces. These refrigerators are designed with a partition in the middle which may be horizontal or vertical. Each zone can maintain a separate temperature, with one zone for white wine and the other for reds. If the refrigerator is designed with a compressor-based system, there are usually two separate mechanisms. With thermoelectric units, there is only one mechanism.
PROS & CONS of a DUAL ZONE WINE COOLER
PROS
CONS
Perfect for those who enjoy collecting a variety of wine
Second compartment becomes inefficient if you are storing only one variety of wine
Separate compartments hold different wines safely at their ideal temperatures
All wines can be stored at their ideal temperatures in different compartments, but cellaring at a consistent 55°F can store both types of wine.
Cheaper than other alternatives such as purchasing a second wine cellar
While cheaper than some alternatives, it is still expensive and has more energy consumption than the single-zone units.
Wine coolers use either thermoelectric or compressor technology. A compressor system uses gas to lower the temperature. Thermoelectric coolers use a module that controls fans. There is more information on thermoelectric vs. compressor cooling below.
The chart below shows a comparison of the 2 different kinds of wine refrigerators. One kind is not necessarily better than the other. Your personal preference, budget, and the needs of your collection will be important factors that help you choose which kind of cooler is best for you.
The best metaphor would be to say if you are in your car with the air conditioner on, its cooling like a compressor. If you use the fan without the coolant, that is just the fan. Thermoelectric is quieter, and compressor pulls down the temperature more efficiently.
Compressor Wine Cooler
This type of wine cooler operates similar to a standard refrigerator. Air is compressed and then released to reduce the temperature of the interior. This process is known as the vapor compression cycle. This process helps to reduce the temperature significantly. The compressor wine cooler contains the refrigeration chambers in which a compressor is used to compress refrigerant molecules electronically. This increases the temperature of the particles. The particles are then released suddenly which in turn decreases the temperature of the air. This cold air is blown through the interior of the cooler using a small fan. Heat is expelled at the back of the unit. This makes it very important to follow all clearance guidelines to ensure the unit functions properly. As soon as the internal temperature begins to rise, the compressor kicks back on and works to cool to the preset temperature. Once the desired temperature has been reached, the compressor will turn off to prevent freezing the contents of the refrigerator.
Placing Your Compressor Wine Cooler
You may place a compressor wine cooler inside your home or office. You must make sure you are following all clearance guidelines to ensure the unit is able to exhaust. You should also ensure that you are placing the unit in a space that can hold its weight when loaded with wine.
Efficiency
The mechanism inside the compressor wine refrigerator allows it to maintain a wide range of temperatures irrespective of the ambient temperature. Compressor technology maintains the temperature quickly by alternating between on and off as needed.
PROS & CONS of a COMPRESSOR WINE COOLER
PROS
CONS
Rapidly cools your wine
Compressors naturally emit more sound than a thermoelectric system
No influence from the external environment
Small vibrations may reduce the shelf life of your wine slightly
Wide temperature range
Uses more electricity and does use refrigerants
Optimal temperature can be set for both
red or white wines independently
Uses heavier components which decreases its mobility
Able to cool a large number of wine bottles
Thermoelectric Wine Coolers
Thermoelectric wine refrigerators use an electric current to create a temperature differential between the inside of the cooler and the external environment. The system utilizes a metal rod which is electrolyzed. The heated end faces the exterior in order to remove the heat from the interior of the wine cooler. The cooler end faces the interior. Similar to the compressor wine cooler, a small fan distributes the cool air throughout the inside. There is no alternating mechanism and no motors or compressors to create excess noise or vibrations. These units are generally quiet but there may be a small amount of noise coming from the fan. Due to the temperature differential, freezing does not happen. The equipment will typically cool the inside of the cooler ten to twelve degrees colder than the ambient environment and will maintain this temperature automatically. The design was inspired by the Peltier Effect and is very efficient.
Placing Your Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
Because thermoelectric wine refrigerators are freestanding, you must follow the clearance guidelines and leave sufficient room on all four sides in order for the cooler to exhaust properly. If heat is not allowed to exhaust properly, the cooler will not operate efficiently. Moreover, due to the design of thermoelectric units, they should not be placed in a warm room.
Efficiency
Thermoelectric units are moderately efficient at cooling and dependent on the temperature of the external environment. In order to take advantage of the thermoelectric precise cooling ability, the cooler should be placed in a room with a mild temperature.
PROS & CONS of a THERMOELECTRIC WINE COOLER
PROS
CONS
Good alternative for the preservation of wine
Takes longer to cool the wine
Does not consume a lot of electricity
Interior temperature dependent on the external environment
Uses an environmentally friendly mechanism for cooling
Temperature will remain the same unless the external environment cools or warms
Does not use heavy equipment, lighter than compressor coolers and easier to move
Smaller bottle capacity
Works best in rooms with a cooler temperature
The energy department (DOE) will soon restrict the sale of thermoelectric for wine coolers for the reason that it takes more energy to pull the temperature down, while compressor units are changing to R600 gas which is a kind of propane gas. R600 is flammable but helps pull down the temperature more efficiently.
First, ask yourself the following questions:
We recommend that you select a wine refrigerator with the storage capacity for 20-55% more wine than what you have on hand. Youll have sufficient room for your collection to grow and have enough wine on hand to entertain.
Size is also one of the main reasons wine refrigerators have an advantage over traditional wine cellar; with a variety of sizes, youre sure to find one that fits your space.
Free-standing. If a unit is specified as free-standing, this means that it should not be recessed into cabinetry. Its exhaust is located at the rear of the unit and in order to operate properly, it requires ample space to breathe. You can learn more about the specific installation requirements of free-standing units by referring to the helpful guide linked below.
View the Free-Standing Installation Guide (PDF)
Built-in. If a unit is built-in, this means that the refrigerator can be recessed into cabinetry while still following specific clearance guidelines to ensure it exhausts properly. Guidelines on how to install a built-in unit are provided here while unique installation instructions specific to your wine refrigerator can be found in its manual.
View the Built-In Installation Guide (PDF)
They may be installed under a counter, free standing, or even portable. They are perfect for homes, hotels, restaurants, boats, RVs, offices, resorts, bars, wineries, etc.
We have seen our units in high end restaurants, as well as celebrities and uber wealthy clients who have a Vinotemp wine cooler in their home.
The kitchen, living room, dining room, man cave, bar, basement, garage, outdoor patio or entertaining space, under the stairs, closet (with proper air circulation), the family room, or inside your personal wine cellar.
Wine refrigerators will have varied options for shelving. Wine Appliances will have either metal or wood racking. This racking can have bottle supports to help the bottle from rolling around, or to be able to stack the bottles for maximum bulk storage.
Wine Coolers now have many shapes, from a 6-bottle unit that hangs on the wall, to a trash compactor/dishwasher size appliance, to a small space built in 7 bottles single wide (7-inch-wide) unit for an empty spot and small spaces, to a 300-bottle bulk storage wine refrigerator as well as table top variations. This makes it super easy for those who do not drink a lot, or have empty nested ad moved to a condo to have access to wine/ wine cooler for guests and special occasions.
Vinotemp produces wine refrigerators under the Vinotemp brand name as well as the Element by Vinotemp brand name. The charts below show the different series offered.
Element by Vinotemp
Element by Vinotemp offers stylish, economical, space-saving storage and serving solutions for both residential and commercial use. Style Connoisseur Series Mirrored Series Butler Series Eco Series Image About Element by Vinotemps most distinctive line features sturdy wine racking with stainless lip, sleek curved handles, honeycomb front exhaust, seamless/stainless steel doors, and compressor cooling. A unique series featuring mirrored trim doors, a variety of installations from free-standing to built-in, thermoelectric and compressor based cooling. Element by Vinotemps largest series comes in a wide variety of styles, black or stainless, compressor based cooling, free-standing or built-in. An eco-conscious series that does not use CFCs or HCFCs. Available in a variety of colors. Variety of installations --- counter top or floor. Single-zone or dual-zone. Price Point Starting at $ Starting at $199 Starting at $259 Starting at $169 Storage Capacity Range 28-155 bottles 6-50+ bottles 15-165 bottles 2-48 bottlesVinotemp
Maintaining a higher standard of aesthetics, wine refrigerators by Vinotemp are an effective collaboration between form and function. Style Designer Series Private Reserve Series Cava Series Il Romanzo Series Image About Vinotemps most exclusive series features high-end details that will elevate your wine collection. French key with lock, curved or pole handles, seamless/stainless door frame, charcoal filter (for humidity and odor control), Low E glass (UV protection), smooth gliding racks or tempered glass shelves are all included in this collection. Unique storage solutions ranging from smaller and larger collections. This series includes the back-lit units that allows you to display your wine using different lighting, and the new Panel-Ready units that allows you to attach panels to the door that match surrounding cabinetry. Furniture style wine coolers that are perfect for the living or dining room. Utilizing thermoelectric technology, these wine coolers are ultra-quiet and energy-efficient. Open wine coolers that are perfect for tabletop or countertop use and for those who love to entertain. Single-zone or dual-zone. Price Point Starting at $ Starting at $699 Starting at $ Starting at $199 Storage Capacity Range 24-300 bottles 7-188 bottles 38-48 bottles 2-8 bottles
Before you install a cooler, here is what you should consider:
While installing your new wine refrigerator:
With proper care your wine refrigerator should last for many years.
All wine refrigerators are commercially manufactured. Even when following the most precise manufacturing procedures, it is possible for some manufacturing faults to occur.
If none of this works, please contact customer service using our
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Whether storing 6 bottles or 300, the only want to allow wine to achieve its full potential is to store it properly. Vinotemp and Element by Vinotemp offer a variety of wine refrigerators that take the guesswork out of wine storage.Please contact us if you have any further questions. Our wine storage experts are happy to help!Download the (PDF) version of the Wine Refrigerator Buying Guide
For more dual zone wine refrigerator manufacturerinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
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