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If you’re a wine lover, the answer to this question is most likely to be yes. But if you’re not sure whether or not a wine fridge is necessary for your kitchen, read on for some pros and cons that might help make your decision.
A wine fridge can offer various benefits, from preserving your wine at the perfect temperature to making it easy to access when you need it.
But there are also some drawbacks to consider before making your purchase. So let’s take a closer look at both sides of the coin and see what might be the best option for you.
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There are many different models and brands available, so consider your needs and budget before making a decision. With the right wine fridge, you can enjoy your favorite vintages at any time.
Benefits of using a Wine Fridge
Wine has been around for thousands of years and the art of wine making as survived all this time. This implies that it is an easy, simple process to make a good bottle of wine.
However, storing it after you have opened it is where many people struggle, especially if you are not planning on drinking the whole bottle in one setting. This is particularly problematic for wine enthusiasts who enjoy different varieties and brands of wine.
They will not be able to store their choice of beverage unless they have a wine fridge, which is also known as a thermoelectric wine cooler.
Wine fridges are specifically designed to store your bottles of vino at temperatures that are appropriate for the wine to age, mature and develop deep flavors. They are generally made of stainless steel on the inside with a wood exterior, but some varieties come in black or silver.
A wine fridge also regulates humidity inside of the unit so that each bottle is stored at an optimal level. The humidity helps maintain the flavor of the wine, as well as keeping the corks in good condition.
Benefits of using a wine fridge
- It is the ideal temperature for aged wines.
- Perfect for proper storage of different types and brands of wine.
- The right humidity level to preserve the flavor and maintain the cork.
- Proper drainage ensures that moisture does not remain in the fridge.
- Will fit into most homes with appropriate measurements and décor.
- Stainless steel or wood exterior that will suit your tastes.
- No need to worry about it being too warm, which can ruin the flavor of wine.
- Keeps your wine at arms length, so you can drink any time you want.
- No need to constantly monitor the temperature of the wine fridge because it is programmed.
- Aesthetically pleasing and blends in with your home decor.
- Wine fridges come in various sizes from small to large that will fit your needs.
Buying guide to purchasing the best wine fridge
When it comes to buying a wine fridge, there are many things that one should consider when building their wish-list. Here are some of the most important factors in selecting the best possible cooler for your home.
Capacity
The first thing that you need to decide on is how much storage you actually need. For kitchens like mine, this is a difficult question to answer because I don’t know what type of wine or style of wines I will be drinking in the next few years. As a result, I need to buy for the future. This means that I currently have a very large, built-in wine refrigerator under my bar countertop.
If you are just getting into wine and your collection is still small, then there’s no reason to invest in an expensive unit with lots of storage capacity. You can always upgrade once your collection of bottles starts to expand. But for the time being, ask yourself if you need something that will hold 50 bottles or more or if 25 bottles will do.
Temperature Control
Wine is a complex drink influenced by many factors including temperature, light exposure, humidity, and bottle age. While there are some wines that are meant to be consumed when they are young, you will usually get more enjoyment out of your wine collection if you allow the bottles to age over time in a controlled environment.
Bottles kept at an optimal temperature (usually between 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit) will stay fresh longer and will be much better preserved once you decide to open them. So, while it’s possible to drink a wine that has been stored in an inappropriately hot environment, you will lose out on much of the original character and subtle aromas.
In addition to being sure that the cooler maintains an appropriate temperature for aging wines, it is also necessary for a unit to keep fluctuating temperatures at a minimum. This is because rapid changes in temperature can cause a wine bottle’s cork to expand and contract, which leads to undue evaporation.
Style
Do you want a freestanding unit under the countertop or do you need something that can be built into your kitchen cabinetry? There are four main types of units from which you can choose. These are: integrated, under counter, cabinet, and dual zone.
Integrated designs are usually freestanding units that have their own legs or casters on the bottom so they can be moved easily from one location to another. They are not meant to be mounted but can be built into your cabinetry if you have some open counter space. Under counter units are designed to sit underneath your countertop. They can be freestanding, but they don’t need legs because they go directly under the counter; or they can be built-in units that fit flush with the cabinets above them.
Cabinet units are constructed out of wood and wire shelves just like your kitchen cabinets. They can be freestanding or integrated, but they cannot be built into your cabinetry like an under counter unit.
Dual zone units maintain two different temperatures. These are ideal for anyone who likes to store both red and white wines at the right temperature. Single zone wine coolers keep one set temperature throughout their entire storage compartment, which is usually between 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Design
What kind of design do you want? Do you want a unit with wooden shelves, metal wire racks, or perhaps something in between? You also have to decide on the color of the door. For me, it’s really an issue of personal preference… though I might lean toward metal wire racks and a stainless steel door.
Standards
What type of power supply does the unit require? Do you want to plug it into a standard outlet or do you need something with its own dedicated line? If your home is an older one, then you might not have access to a 120-volt outlet unless you have an external power source. In that case, a built-in or cabinet unit might be best since they can handle a larger power draw.
Locking
Will you need to lock the cooler at night? If so, then you will want to invest in a unit with a reliable locking system.
FAQs
These items are much happier at 46-55 degrees, compared to the 35-40 degrees in a standard refrigerator. A wine refrigerator, particularly one with precise temperature control, can keep your cheeses and cured meats safe while maintaining optimal temperatures. This is an excellent application for countertop models.
A wine cooler’s average lifespan is between 10 and 15 years. While every brand guarantees a high-performance appliance that will last for years, the device is subject to your unique habits once installed in your home.
The optimal temperature range for red wine is between 50 °F (11°C) and 65 °F (18°C), while the optimal temperature range for white wine is between 45 °F (7°C) and 50 °F (11°C). Managing the temperature of your wine cooler for multiple wines becomes more accessible and convenient with a dual-zone wine refrigerator.
If you’re going to store your wine refrigerator in a garage or basement, you’ll want one with a strong compressor system to maintain a cool, consistent temperature. Install a wine refrigerator outdoors only if it is specifically designed for that purpose.
While it is ideal for storing wine in a refrigerator designed specifically for wine, wine can certainly be stored in an outdoor beverage refrigerator. There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you enjoy your collection and that your wine does not prematurely age.
Conclusion
We are all familiar with the standard wine fridge on our kitchen counter. It’s a great way to store your favorite vino while also making it easily accessible for when you want to enjoy a glass or two on the weekends. But do you need one? If not, why have so many of us fallen in love with this device and what does owning one really offer that we can’t get from any other spot in our home? Let’s take a look at some pros and cons of having a wine refrigerator in your kitchen before deciding whether it is necessary for your space.
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