Wine coolers come in a host of options to meet the needs of today's wine connoisseur. Depending on where and how you plan to install your wine cooler refrigerator, purchasing the right model can be key to the unit's functioning and to the proper preservation of your favorite wines. The features outlined below will give you an idea of what's available and what you should look for when you're in the market for your own wine refrigerator.
Built-in Wine Coolers
Just like regular refrigerators, wine coolers that are designed to sit flush with the rest of your kitchen cabinetry are called zero clearance units. These special (and often more expensive) units feature ventilation systems that are designed to allow the unit to be pushed flat against the wall and the surrounding cabinetry without overheating. These are ideal solutions for those wine lovers who want to store their wines in their kitchen for easy access, but don't like the idea of a wine cooler taking up floor space.
Countertop Wine Coolers
Ideal for the spacially challenged home, countertop wine coolers make a perfect temporary - or permanent - solution to almost any wine storage problem. If you've always wished you could have a wine cellar but didn't have the space or budget for it, a countertop wine cooler will provide you the same features without the hassle. Use a countertop wine cooler to store multiple bottles of wine well within reach, without using up more than a bit of counter space and an outlet. Ideal for serving and everyday enjoyment of your wines.
Free Standing Wine Coolers
If you aren't planning on building in a wine cooler, a free-standing unit is a slightly cheaper and more versatile option, although it does require some extra floor space. On the plus side, you can move it wherever you need to without as much hassle as rearranging the location of a built-in unit. Free standing wine coolers require only an outlet and space on all sides for ventilation, much like a typical free standing refrigerator. These units are ideal for use in home bars, basements, or any other storage nook where you plan to keep and display your wines.
