The Benefits of an Under the Cabinet Wine Fridge
Wine refrigerators are stylish and practical way to store your wine at the perfect temperature. They are available in built-in and standalone models.
When shopping for a new wine refrigerator, there are plenty of factors to consider, including aesthetics and design as well as interior layout and cooling system energy efficiency, brand reputation and warranty.
Size and Capacity
A built-in wine refrigerator can be incorporated into a cabinet and be integrated into an existing kitchen space. They usually vent out the back to prevent overheating, which is why they require a bit more space than freestanding models in order to allow adequate ventilation. Because of their bigger capacity and other features, they may also cost more than a wine fridge that stands alone.
Get a professional to install it if you plan to install a wine refrigerator best cooler beneath the counter. They can ensure that the unit is installed safely and securely within your cabinetry, and they will also ensure that all electrical connections are properly made. They also have the tools and expertise to prevent damage or vibration that could impact the quality of your wine.
Built-in units are a great option for kitchens with limited space, because they require less space than freestanding units. They can also be recessed into cabinets to give your home an elegant and sleek look. These units tend to have a larger capacity than freestanding wine refrigerators. They are perfect for serious collectors or those who wish to store wine for long periods.
Some models come with slides-out shelves that make it easier to access bottles that are at the bottom of the racks. Wire racks are available in other models that provide a more traditional style of storage and can be adjusted to fit different sizes of bottles. Wooden cradles offer a vintage look while securely holding bottles to avoid rolling and spilling.
A dual zone wine refrigerator allows you to store both red and white wines at different temperatures, which is beneficial for those who like different types of drinks. Digital temperature controls and LED lights allow you to monitor and customize your wine storage. Certain models guard your wine against harmful UV rays that could cause premature aging.
Space Considerations
If you're thinking of buying a wine fridge that is freestanding to place it under your counter, make sure the door opens fully so you can access everything in the cabinet. Also, keep the area around the unit clear to allow for proper air flow. This will stop obstructions to the vents. Some models feature front vents, while others require a certain distance between the unit and the wall to ensure adequate ventilation.
Choose a wine fridge that suits your climate needs. This will help protect your investment and prolong the shelf life of your wine. You should also select a refrigerator that has an Energy Star rating, as it signifies that the appliance has met strict energy efficiency standards. It will run quietly and will save you money in the long term on your energy costs.
The type of wine you'll be storing is another significant factor. Different types of wines require different temperatures to ensure proper storage and serving. Look for a wine fridge that has adjustable shelves for various sizes of bottles. Also, think about whether you'll be storing magnum or standard-sized bottles, as they will require more space than standard.
In addition to the temperature and capacity, you should also check the internal technology of the wine refrigerator including alarms and carbon filters. A wine refrigerator should have UV protection to keep the wine from absorbing harmful chemicals or oxidation which can affect the flavor.
You can choose an integrated electric wine chiller fridge to create a seamless design with your own custom cabinetry and entertainment centers. These units are available in stylish, panel-ready finishes and can be fitted in tight spaces. They can also vent from the front. Before making an investment, measure the cabinet's height. The majority of wine refrigerators have handles that extend to 2 to 3 centimeters from the edge.
Energy Efficiency
A wine refrigerator will ensure that your wine is properly stored to ensure its quality and flavor over time. A high-quality unit will also be designed to be energy efficient, using only a fraction the amount of electricity that a typical fridge in a home uses. There are units equipped with digital displays, adjustable temperatures and other features to meet your needs.
Some factors that affect the energy efficiency of a wine refrigerator include its size and the location. Larger wine refrigerators consume more energy than smaller models and a higher temperature in the room can increase the use of electricity. You should also consider whether the fridge is freestanding or built-in model, and any space requirements for ventilation in some models, since they require an amount of space across all sides to let air out properly.
Remember that wine fridges are a significant contributor to the household's energy costs. It is therefore best to choose a model with an environmental consciousness. Look for energy STAR(r) certified wine refrigerators that meet the strictest criteria for energy efficiency. Other energy-saving features to consider include LED lighting, UV protection and a strong door seal that will reduce condensation and leaks.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your wine refrigerator will help you save electricity costs. Make sure you check the temperature on a regular basis and clean the condenser coils regularly to ensure efficient cooling. You can also limit the amount of times you open and close the refrigerator in order to prevent the compressor from running continuously. Also, make sure to keep the fridge in a dark and cool surroundings away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat, as light can degrade wine over time.
Warranty
You must ensure that the compact wine chiller fridge you buy will last. This is especially the case for undercounter units that are built-in which are built into cabinetry and typically require intricate electrical connections. To this end, you should consider hiring a professional for the installation. They are trained to install your device safely and ensure maximum performance.
Sub-Zero Designer Series recessed wine storage offers a consistent 1/8 inch reveal and sleek lines that allow your cabinetry to blend seamlessly with your refrigerator. These units come with dark opaque glass doors for UV protection and Touch Display lighting and an inverter linear compressor to protect against vibrations and three temperature zones to help keep wines at their ideal temperatures. They also come with an industry-leading warranty of two years for appliances, and a 12-year warranty for sealed systems.
Reputable Brands
If you're planning to invest money on a wine fridge it is sensible to choose one from a reputable brand. It is recommended to look for refrigerators with good ratings from customers and a compressor that has a quiet noise. They should also have a good insulation. Some models come with coated or tinted glass that protects the bottles from UV radiation. Some wine fridge commercial refrigerators come with extra features, such as doors that are reversible, a variety of rack types and temperature zones, LED displays, carbon filters, alarms and locks. Certain refrigerators can be incorporated into cabinets and others are freestanding and can be placed under your counter, or in place of old appliances like trash compactors.
This Kalamera 46-bottle Wine Refrigerator is packed with features including dual zone cooling that allows you to store reds and wines at their optimal temperature. It's also simple to control and read thanks to a digital display and user-friendly controls. Other features include a reversible door and sliding wooden racks that can accommodate both standard-sized and magnum-sized bottles.
The Black+Decker wine cooler is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable option that can stand up to the test. This model has an impressive 4.6 rating on Amazon with more than 400 reviews (most of them five-star reviews). Although it's not big enough to be able to hold a large number of bottles without the need to purchase multiple units, it is suitable for smaller collections. It can be integrated into existing cabinets or under the countertop. The shelves can be adjusted to a comfortable level for easy retrieval, and they sit on smooth bearings to make it easy to access bottles. They're designed to fit the majority of Bordeaux-style bottles, with some tenseness with regard to larger, more expansive bottles like Chardonnay. The fridge comes with a quiet compressor and an alarm in the event that the door is left open or unlocked too long.