What to Look for in a Wine Cooler

Choosing a wine cooler? Unsure what features you need or what options you should consider before making your choice? We're here to help. Let the guide below help you determine what factors are most important and which ones you can let slide when you buy. Size The first factor to consider is the most obvious one; how much storage space do you need in your wine cooler refrigerator? Most coolers on the market are designed for a basic size such as 50 or 100 bottles; consider carefully how many bottles you have as well as how many you plan on keeping at one time in the future before you choose a size. Where you plan to store the refrigerator should also affect the size of wine cooler you buy. If you have lots of wine but not much storage space, consider purchasing two refrigerators- one to be kept in an out-of-the-way place for aging or less favorite wines, and one for a spot in the kitchen for more often-used bottles.

Style
Nowadays, wine cooler refrigerators come in various styles to fit into almost any decor. If you're proud of your wine collection and want to keep it on display in your kitchen or home bar, look for a wine cooler with panes of glass in the door to display the bottles inside. For a more uniform look, go for a cooler that has a stainless steel or wooden door that blends into your kitchen or bar cabinetry and other appliances.

Features
Any well-made wine cooler refrigerator unit is going to keep your wine well-preserved; the addition of extra features is just a matter of convenience and budget. If you have a little money to spend and you use your wine cooler often, you may want to invest in a few of the features that make its use easier, such as interior lights, door locks, slideable racks and digital temperature control.

Construction
Above all, look for a quality-made wine cooler refrigerator. You may end up paying a little more for a refrigerator with the proper door seals and insulation, but you'll spend far less on your utility bills and keep your wine much fresher by doing so. Regardless of the type of wine cooler you pick, a high-quality unit will serve you - and your wine - well for years to come.