Wine Storage Tips

You may know what you want out of your wines, but deciding on the perfect wine cooler might present an unexpected challenge. This is partly because there are hundreds of options to choose from. The array of options may seem overwhelming at first. But as with wine, this kind of variety is a good thing.

We'll introduce you to the major features that distinguish one wine cooler from the next. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be able to decide which wine cooler is right for you. Skip to Section: Size/Capacity Design Style Features Size/Capacity When it comes to wine coolers, size definitely matters. The key is to find the right balance between storage capacity and available space. This depends largely on your objectives. Wine coolers with capacities up to 32 bottles are compact and convenient. These are perfect for anyone who wants to keep a modest selection of wines on hand so as to always have a suitable variety for a range of occasions. For wine lovers who just want to keep a few bottles properly stored, an ultra-compact 6-bottle wine cooler may suffice. 34 to 54-bottle wine coolers are more appropriate for the beginning wine collector. Wine coolers of this size range offer increased capacity and an attractive display.

Enthusiastic collectors know that storage space can fill up quickly. So while a 100-bottle capacity might seem more than enough today, how will that accommodate your collection a few years down the road? Again, all this must be balanced with your available space.

However, if space is not an issue and you're passionate about wine, you may want to consider our large-capacity wine coolers and wine cellar cabinets. These can house several hundred bottles to accommodate your collection as it grows.

Several wine cooler designs are available to help you make the most of your available space. We'll examine the three main types of wine coolers: countertop wine coolers, under-counter wine coolers (also know as zero-clearance wine coolers), and freestanding wine coolers.

• Countertop Wine Coolers

  Countertop wine coolers are perfect for apartments, condominiums, or any home where space is at a premium. Simply place a countertop wine cooler on a kitchen counter, baker's racks, or buffet table, and plug it in. These compact coolers are also an easy way to add temperature-controlled wine storage to a home bar or dining room.

• Under-Counter / Zero-Clearance Wine Coolers

  Built-in, under-counter wine coolers are designed to be seamlessly integrated with the cabinetry in your kitchen, dining room, or home bar. Because they sit flush with their surroundings, they are also known as zero-clearance wine coolers. They are specially ventilated to prevent overheating, which results in a higher price tag. The advantage is a clean, semi-permanent installation that doesn't sacrifice usable floor space.

• Freestanding Wine Coolers

  Freestanding wine coolers present a versatile option for temperature-controlled wine storage. Since these units are not built-in, size and capacity are dependent only upon your budget and your available space.

  Like standard refrigerators, freestanding wine coolers can be moved easily from one location to another. These coolers are ideal for home bars, wine cellars, or any place you want to store and display your wines.

Wine cooler refrigerators come in a wide variety of styles ranging from traditional to contemporary, which means you can easily find an option that suits your tastes and complements your decor. If you want to showcase your wine collection, glass doors create an attractive display. Or you may prefer stainless steel or wood doors, which will blend in with your appliances or cabinetry.

Cooling Technology Wine coolers are powered in one of two ways: by a traditional compressor or by thermoelectric technology. Let's take a closer look at pros and cons of each. Compressor Compressors are what give traditional refrigerators their reliable cooling ability. This cooling method offers superior cooling power and accurate multi-zone cooling. However, the cycling of the compressor can cause some vibration. Because some delicate wines are best kept free from agitation during prolonged storage, this vibration may be undesirable. Thermoelectric Thermoelectric wine coolers use what's known as the Peltier effect to keep wines cool. Compared to traditional compressor-cooled units, thermoelectric coolers offer quieter, more efficient operation that is free from vibration. Since thermoelectric coolers use considerably less energy than compressor refrigerators, they are less powerful. Typically, thermoelectric coolers have a cooling capacity that is approximately 25-30 degrees cooler than ambient temperature. This is more than adequate for storing red wines, but depending on ambient temperature, it may be insufficient for chilling some whites.

Wine cooler features will affect how you use your cooler on a daily basis. Some wine cooler features affect performance, while others have more to do with personal preference. This tutorial will help you decide which features are essential, and which ones you can do without.

• Temperature zones

  Wine coolers have either single or dual temperature control zones. The temperature is usually set with a thermostat, which can be digital or analog. Single temperature wine coolers are designed to store either reds or whites at a selected uniform temperature.

  Wine coolers with dual temperature control zones allow you to select two separate temperatures inside the same unit. This feature is essential for anyone wanting to store both reds and whites at their optimal serving temperatures.

• Sliding Racks

  In general, the storage racks of a wine cooler are either fixed or sliding. Fixed racks offer functional, secure storage. Sliding racks do this as well, with the added benefit of easy access. Whether you're stocking your cooler or taking a moment to select the perfect bottle, sliding racks are a convenient feature that will make managing your wine collection easier.

• Interior Lighting

  If you want to create an attractive display for your wine collection, interior lighting will surround your wines with a soft, eye-catching glow. But this feature offers more than visual appeal. Interior lighting makes it easier to browse through your collection as you consider the right wine for the occasion.

• Locking Doors

  Locking doors are an essential wine cooler security feature for protecting your valuable collection. If your home has children or teenagers, locking doors will keep your wines securely stored and out of reach.

• Humidity Control

  Discerning wine enthusiasts know that proper wine storage requires not only temperature control, but humidity control as well. Wine coolers with humidity control and hygrometers to display humidity levels will help you maintain ideal storage conditions to ensure cork integrity. That means you can confidently lay down bottles for extended aging.

• UV Glass

  If you're considering wine coolers with glass-panel doors, tinted UV glass is a desirable feature. UV glass keeps wines safe from the potentially damaging radiation from the sun and fluorescent lighting. Light is unlikely to compromise wines during short-term storage, but over long periods, UV and light exposure can cause significant detriment to bottled wines.

At WineCoolers.com, our goal is to help you find the perfect wine cooler. We hope this information has helped you narrow your options so you can buy with confidence.

If you still have questions, don't hesitate to ask. Our experts are standing by to provide answers and advice. We appreciate your interest, and thank you for shopping at WineCoolers.com.