Summit SWC1545 80 Bottle Wine Cooler

Comments about Summit SWC1545 80 Bottle Wine Cooler:

We have only owned our Summit SWC-1545 wine refrigerator for a couple of weeks now, so I can't comment on reliability yet. What I will comment on is the quality of build, which is very good--and the blend of features/value--which we found to be superior to just about anything else we found. I did extensive research online before buying this unit. Originally my wife and I planned to buy an undercounter built-in model. The limitations of where we could put one based on our existing bar counter height and the difficulty in finding the right features/quality made us rethink and settle on a free-standing unit. This unit can actually be built in (the top panel is removable to accomodate that), it is 64-1/2 inches tall so it would have to be in a tall cabinet space-not undercounter.

The 1545 is rated to store up to 80 bottles, which is significantly more than any under-counter model. We have not tried putting that many bottles in it yet, so I can't vouch for the manufacturer's claim of 80. The unit comes with 6 slide-out wooden shelves, which operate smoothly and make getting your wine in and out easy. The wood appears to be cedar. The shelves come from the factory with a standard configuration, but their spacing can be changed to accomodate different bottle types on a given shelf. To accomodate 80 bottles, all would have to be bordeaux-type bottles and would have to be double-stacked on each shelf. The manual gives a couple examples of loading formats.

The 1545 is dual-zone, with storage for up to 20-30 whites on the bottom and the rest reds above the two lowest shelves. The zones are controlled very simply with touch-type controls for + or -, with easy to read digital thermostats. In fact I would say the the whole unit is very basic and simple. It comes with a simple charcoal air filter that is inserted into the inside back of the unit, and a replacement is also included. The filter should be changed every 6 months or so according to the manual and is available from resellers or Summit online.

I have seen specs on various sites that say that the 1545 does not have a door lock, or does not have a light inside--both untrue. I have also seen some specs that say its door is not reversible, and some that say it is. It is not. The door on mine opens from left to right. The unit can be ordered with door opening the other direction. In general, the unit is built very sturdily, with black exterior and interior, and with a brushed aluminum (stainless appearance) framed, tempered and tinted glass door. I notice that most of the photos of the 1545 online show the glass blacked out on two sides and only a center portion viewable to the contents. Mine did not come with that design, instead the entire glass panel is clear so that all the contents are visible. I actually prefer the clear-not sure if only the older units had the black. Summit's website shows the all-clear door style that mine came with.

One complaint I read frequently in reviews of other wine refregerators was the noise of operation. The SWC-1545 is a relatively quiet wine refrigerator. When it first begins to cycle, for the first 30 seconds or so you can hear a minor buzz, which then quiets to a low hum. We have it in a bar that is just to the side of our family room, and it's operating noise is never an issue. We keep the upper (reds) zone set at about 62 degrees, and the lower (whites) at 44. Our unit cycles about every 15-20 minutes, and when it comes on it runs for 7-10 minutes. We currently only have about 30 bottles in it, I believe that once we have it more full it will cycle less frequently--but I'm not sure on that.

We are very happy with our Summit SWC-1545 wine refrigerator and think its a great combination of features,capacity,quality and value.

Comments about Summit SWC1545 80 Bottle Wine Cooler:

Excellent value. Great styling, quiet and dual temperature zones, wooden shelves roll out for easy access. Wanted a unit to go inside an existing storage closet - this cooler fits perfectly. Shelves are adjustable, but a bit difficult to change.