Choosing the right wine refrigerator for your home can be overwhelming due to the many types, options and features available to you. Despite this, we have all the information you need to help pick out the best wine fridge for you and your family.
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Below we answer some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to wine coolers.
- Freestanding vs. Built-In Wine Coolers
- Thermoelectric vs. Compressor-Based Wine Coolers
- Single Zone vs. Dual Zone Wine Coolers
- Wine Coolers vs. Beverage Coolers vs. Refrigerators
- Wine Aging and Humidity
- Cleaning Your Wine Cooler
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Freestanding vs. Built-In Wine Coolers
What is the difference between a freestanding wine cooler and a built-in wine cooler?
A freestanding wine cooler is designed to stand alone while a built-in wine cooler (also called a zero clearance or under-counter wine cooler) is designed to be built into existing counters and cabinetry as they include a front vent located under the door that channels heat forward away from the unit.
- Read More: Freestanding vs Built-In Wine Coolers
What would happen if I installed a freestanding wine cooler under my counter?
A freestanding wine cooler is designed to dissipate heat from the back, so this heat cannot escape from an enclosure and eventually will overheat the unit. This overheating will in turn noticeably decrease the cooler’s ability to maintain its internal temperature and cool your wine. The unit’s compressor will attempt to overcompensate for the overheating unit and may eventually burn itself out. At the very least you run the risk of shortening the cooler’s overall lifespan as the compressor is continually overworked. You also run the risk of invalidating the manufacturer’s warranty by operating a freestanding unit in a built-in space.
- Read More: Can a Freestanding Wine Fridge be Installed Under the Counter?
Are there any options that will allow me to install a freestanding unit under my counter?
Yes, if you allow sufficient space around the unit for the heat produced during operation to properly dissipate you will be able to install a freestanding unit into a built-in space. We strongly suggest leaving a gap of 2 to 3 inches on each side of the cooler as well as on top and in the back to create the needed airflow around the unit. You will not be able to achieve a true built-in appearance with these gaps but this should allow you to utilize a freestanding unit within a built-in space.
Thermoelectric vs. Compressor-Based Wine Coolers
What exactly is thermoelectric cooling?
Many smaller wine coolers employ thermoelectric cooling instead of using a traditional compressor and refrigerant. A thermoelectric wine cooler contains a cooling node consisting of a ceramic tile that has electrical current passed through it. As the electrical current is passed through the cooling node the outside of the tile will heat up and the other side (the side facing into the cooler) will cool down. Typically, a thermoelectric wine cooler will contain small fans inside the unit which help to evenly distribute the cool temperatures being created by the node throughout the interior of the unit.
What are the advantages of thermoelectric wine coolers vs. compressor-based coolers?
Due to the lack of a compressor, thermoelectric coolers will produce fewer vibrations which in turn will equal fewer disturbances of the sediments within the wine bottles. Please keep in mind that thermoelectric wine coolers are not completely silent as the internal fans needed to distribute the cold air within the cooler do produce some noise. However, they are usually quieter than compressor driven models. Thermoelectric coolers also consume less energy than compressor units, so they cost less to operate.
On the other hand, thermoelectric coolers are limited in that they can generally only produce temperatures about 20°F lower than the temperature outside the unit. Compressor-based cooling does not have the same limitation.
- Read More: Thermoelectric vs. Compressor: The Pros & Cons of Each
Which is type of wine cooler is right for me, thermoelectric or compressor?
If you keep two cases or less on hand, the room where the cooler will be kept doesn’t get too warm, and you want a freestanding wine cooler, then a thermoelectric wine cooler is probably a good choice for you. For warmer rooms and larger collections, you’ll be better served by a compressor-based cooler. Also, most built-in models feature a compressor.
Single Zone vs. Dual Zone Wine Coolers
What’s the difference between single and dual zone wine coolers?
Single zone wine coolers have one temperature control and the storage space is undivided, so the whole cooler is set to the same temperature. This style is best if you tend to keep only white or only red wines, since they don’t have the same optimal temperatures. Dual zone wine coolers have two temperature controls and the storage space is divided into sections which may be set to their own temperatures. This style is ideal for keeping both reds and whites without resorting to two wine coolers.
What is the best way to store white and red wines in the same cooler?
Typically, white wines should be stored in the temperature range of 46°F to 56°F and red wines will be stored between 58°F to 68°F. The best way to accommodate both wines within the same unit is to purchase a dual zone wine cooler.
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A dual zone cooler will allow you to maintain two distinct and separate temperature zones within the same cooler. Many times a dual zone unit will offer a larger storage capacity for one style of wine over the other so be sure to purchase the unit that best suits your individual drinking preference. You may of course store both red and white wines together in a single zone unit.
By placing your red wines in the top shelves of the unit you will be storing them in the warmest section of the cooler. There is usually only a 5 to 8 degree temperature difference between the top of a single zone wine cooler and the bottom so ultimately either your red wines will be too cold or your whites too warm depending on how you choose to set the master thermostat of the unit.
May I use a wine cooler to store my other beverages?
The average wine cooler will not offer temperatures below 46°F degrees. Due to this limitation we suggest purchasing a dedicated beverage cooler or traditional refrigerator if you wish to store beverages other than wine.
Wine Coolers vs. Beverage Coolers vs. Refrigerators
What is the difference between a wine cooler, beverage cooler and refrigerator?
A wine cooler is set to a higher temperature range than a refrigerator or beverage cooler because wine should not be stored as cold as other beverages. On average a wine cooler will not offer temperatures below 46°F degrees. A beverage cooler and refrigerator are similar to each other, but beverage coolers frequently do not offer the adjustable shelves or door storage that a refrigerator often does, and they often have glass doors in order to display the contents.
A wine and beverage cooler has a wide temperature range so it may be used for either, but keep in mind if you want to store both at the same time you will either have too-cold wine or too-warm drinks depending on how you choose to set the internal thermostat.
Wine Aging and Humidity
What are the optimal conditions for aging wine?
Wine ages through a complex process of subtle chemical reactions that require specific conditions for optimal results. These conditions are a stable temperature around 55°F, a relative humidity around 70%, and protection from direct light. Even short exposures to temperature extremes can cause wine to age poorly as unwanted chemical reactions are created. For these reasons, a cellar is the ideal environment for aging wine.
- Read More: 6 Tips For Starting a Wine Cellar
How can I achieve the best aging results from my wine cooler?
The most important thing you can do is to keep the temperature at a stable 55°F – it’s crucial to eliminate variations in temperature. Look for a cooler with UV-tinted glass to minimize light disturbance to your wine, and store the cooler in a dark place. To maintain a humidity around 70%, look for a wine cooler that features humidity control or heavy insulation to help maintain a constant humidity. At the minimum, humidity must be kept at 50% to prevent corks from drying out.
Cleaning Your Wine Cooler
What’s the best way to clean my wine cooler?
- Unplug your cooler. Remove all items from it (wine bottles, shelves, etc.)
- Clean the inside surfaces with a mild cleaner. We suggest you use either warm water alone, or a baking soda solution (try mixing 2 tablespoons of baking soda into a quart of water.)
- Clean the wire shelves/trays (if you have them) with a mild detergent solution.
- Clean the wooden shelves/trays (if you have them) with a soft cloth and wood cleaner.
- Wash the outside of the cooler with a mild detergent solution.
- Dry any wet parts with a soft cloth.
25 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Wine Fridges
Wine lovers know the importance of proper storage in preserving the quality and taste of their wine collection. Whether you're a casual wine enthusiast or a dedicated connoisseur, investing in a wine fridge can make a significant difference. But with so many options on the market and a myriad of considerations to keep in mind, choosing the right wine fridge can seem overwhelming. This post aims to answer the 25 most frequently asked questions about wine fridges, offering clarity on everything from temperature settings to maintenance tips.
1. What Is a Wine Fridge, and Why Do I Need One?
A wine fridge is a specialised appliance designed to store wine at optimal temperatures and humidity levels. Unlike a regular fridge, which is too cold and dries out the air, a wine fridge keeps your wine in perfect condition for aging or immediate consumption. It ensures that your wine stays flavorful and fresh over time.
2. What Temperature Should a Wine Fridge Be Set At?
The ideal temperature for wine service varies by colour and even within this individual wine lovers will prefer their Sauvignon Blanc's from Marlborough colder than their Puligny Montrachet (or not), however a quick rule of thumb for wine service would be:
- Red wine: 12-18°C
- White wine: 6-10°C
- Sparkling wine: 4-10°C
However for storage purposes, all reds, white, sparkling and fortified wines should be stored at 12°C.
3. What’s the Difference Between a Wine Fridge and a Regular Fridge?
Wine fridges are designed to maintain a more stable, moderate temperature, as well as higher humidity levels, which prevents the cork from drying out. Regular fridges are too cold (usually around 2°C), which can lead to loss of flavour and aroma. They also lack proper humidity control, which can cause the cork to shrink and let air into the bottle. Actual fridges do not have carbon filters or anti-vibration shelving either. You can keep white wine in the fridge once opened for around a week with a vac-u-vin or similar wine preservation method.
4. Can I Store Red and White Wines in the Same Fridge?
Yes, you can store both types in a single wine fridge, and if you have a dual-zone wine fridge you can store both at service temperature, which allows you to set different temperatures in separate compartments. However, if you're only using the fridge for storage, you only need a single zone wine fridge.
5. What Is a Single-Zone vs. Dual-Zone Wine Fridge?
- Single-zone wine fridges maintain one consistent temperature throughout the fridge, suitable for storing either red or white wines at one service temperature, or all wines at storage temperature.
- Dual-zone wine fridges have two compartments with independent temperature controls, ideal for storing or serving red and white wines at their respective optimal conditions.
6. How Many Bottles Can a Wine Fridge Hold?
Wine fridges vary in size, from small units that store 6-12 bottles to large ones that can accommodate over 300 bottles. Choose a capacity that matches your current collection with some room for growth. Also remember, every manufacturer from EuroCave to Swisscave, Liebherr to La Sommeliere all quote their wine fridge capacities using a Bordeaux shaped bottle. If your collection is full of Champagne or Burgundy you can easily reduce the stated capacity by 25%.
7. Are Wine Fridges Energy Efficient?
Most modern wine fridges are energy-efficient, especially those with a rating above G. Larger, compressor-based models may consume more energy, but thermoelectric models are generally more eco-friendly and quieter however struggle to maintain steady temperatures, for this reason we only offer compressor driven wine fridges.
8. Do Wine Fridges Have UV Protection?
Most wine fridges feature UV-protected glass doors to shield wine from harmful sunlight, which can degrade the wine's quality over time. If your fridge is placed in a well-lit room or near windows, UV protection is a vital feature to look for. Otherwise, if you are placing your wine fridge in direct sunlight consider a solid door.
9. Where Should I Place My Wine Fridge?
Wine fridges can be placed in kitchens, dining rooms, basements, garages, or even living rooms, depending on your space. However, be mindful of extreme temperatures. If placed in a garage or basement, ensure the area is climate-controlled to avoid affecting the fridge's performance or choose a wine fridge with a winter system.
10. Can I Store Other Beverages in My Wine Fridge?
Yes, you can store beer, soft drinks, or other drinks in a wine fridge, but remember that the optimal temperature for wine is not ideal for all beverages. For example, beer is typically best served colder than wine. Also remember to try to keep the capacity of the fridge at least 70% full, if the fridge has to cool lots of empty space it will overwork.
11. What Humidity Level Should My Wine Fridge Maintain?
The ideal humidity level for wine storage is around 50-80%. Too much humidity can encourage mold, while too little can dry out the cork, allowing air into the bottle and spoiling the wine. All our wine fridges offer humidity control, mostly automatic but something it can also be individually set by the operator.
12. How Long Can I Store Wine in a Wine Fridge?
Wine can be stored in a wine fridge for anywhere from a few months to decades. The fridge helps maintain the right environment for aging, but not all wines benefit from long-term aging. Research the ideal aging period for each wine in your collection.
13. Is a Freestanding or Built-in Wine Fridge Better?
Freestanding wine fridges offer flexibility in placement, while built-in wine fridges can be integrated under countertops for a sleek, permanent look. Choose based on your available space and design preferences.
14. Do Wine Fridges Make Noise?
Compressor-based fridges tend to be noisier due to the motor, while thermoelectric fridges operate more quietly. However, compressor models perform better in warmer environments, so noise levels are a trade-off for temperature stability.
15. Can I Lay Wine Bottles on Their Side in a Wine Fridge?
Yes, and it's recommended! Laying bottles horizontally keeps the cork moist, preventing it from drying out and allowing oxygen to enter the bottle, which could spoil the wine.
16. What Happens if My Wine Fridge Temperature Fluctuates?
Minor fluctuations won’t harm your wine, but large, frequent temperature changes can negatively affect its flavour and aging process. Ensure your wine fridge maintains a consistent temperature to avoid such issues.
17. How Do I Prevent My Wine Fridge from Being Too Noisy?
There are several things to do to help your fridge run as quietly as possible, the first is choosing a fridge that is under 40dB if you're sensitive to noise. However, wine fridges will make less noise if;
- They're level - check this with a spirit level
- They're 70-100% capacity - over full or under stocked wine fridges work harder
- The placement is not against two walls or in an alcove, this will radiate the noise around the room
- The wine fridge has adequate ventilation and isn't placed on a carpet.
- The wine fridge isn't constantly battling extreme external temperatures
18. Can I Store Opened Wine in a Wine Fridge?
Yes, you can store opened wine in a wine fridge, but it’s best to reseal the bottle with a vacuum stopper or specialised wine sealer to minimise oxidation. Opened wine should be consumed within a few days to maintain its quality.
19. Do Wine Fridges Need Ventilation?
Yes, wine fridges need proper ventilation, especially built-in models. Without sufficient airflow, the fridge can overheat, leading to decreased efficiency or even malfunction.
20. How Do I Clean My Wine Fridge?
Clean the interior regularly with a mild detergent and water to prevent mold or odor buildup. Dust the condenser coils and check the seals on the door to ensure they are clean and functioning properly for energy efficiency.
21. Can I Use a Wine Fridge for Long-Term Aging?
Yes, wine fridges are great for long-term storage, especially for aging wine. However, make sure the fridge is set to the right temperature, and that there are minimal fluctuations to allow proper aging. Also ensure your fridge has a carbon filter.
22. What Is the Lifespan of a Wine Fridge?
Most wine fridges last between 8-15 years with proper care and maintenance. High-end models may last longer, while cheaper units may have a shorter lifespan.
23. Does the shelving inside a Wine Fridge matter?
The shelving is one of the most important and expensive components in a wine fridge. Wooden fronted wire shelves are often used to minimise the cost of the fridge due to the expense of beech and mahogany wood.
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