Wine
that is well cared for becomes a meal’s most
worthy companion. Having different
varieties on hand ensures that you will always
have the perfect wine to complement your
meals, to enjoy while relaxing, or to satisfy
all your guests when entertaining.
People are also becoming more aware of the
health benefits that moderate wine drinking
imparts, and having a good selection at home
makes things much more convenient and lets you
explore different varieties at your leisure.
A wine storage refrigerator is essential to
maintain your wines in their optimum
condition.
Wine Refrigerators aren’t just coolers but guardians against the enemies of wine — heat, humidity, light and vibration.
Let's explore how they accomplish this........
Temperature
and Humidity Control
First and foremost these
are insulated and sealed refrigerators.
Most models offer temperature zones designed
for particular types of wine. The more
basic units rely on the fact that cold air
sinks inside the sealed compartment so you
have a warmer temperature near the top and a
cooler one at the bottom. Higher end
models offer zones with user controlled
digital thermostats so you may tailor the
refrigerator to your collection's storage
needs. The temperature controls on many
of these models may be accessed without
opening the door. Humidity levels on
most are a constant 50%. Some models
offer water bins that better allow you to
maintain a higher humidity level.
Please download the
following Wine Serving Guide
for detailed storage information by wine.
Light
Control
Most models offer tinted,
thermal-tempered glass doors to protect your
wine collection from potentially harmful UV
light rays.
Vibration
Control
Vibration control is
typically accomplished by one of two
methods. The unit will either use
thermo-electric cooling or a specially mounted
and insulated refrigerator compressor.
Some models even use vibration dampening
materials in the shelves.
Other Considerations
Free-Standing
vs. Built-In
Free-standing units can
be used virtually anywhere, even on your
counter. These are typically smaller in
size than built-in units (4 bottles to 48
bottles) and usually less expensive.
Built-in models may be
installed directly into your cabinetry for a
seamless integration into the room's
decor. You have a greater variety of
size options available with built-ins (well
over 100 bottles) and they are typically more
expensive than free-standing models.
Available
Styles
Most wine refrigerators
are designed with side-swing glass
doors. The doors themselves will come
with either a colored or stainless frame or
offer the option of a custom wood frame.
Some models are now available as drawers
rather than a single door. Larger
capacity models may offer basic refrigerator
storage along with wine storage. Many
models offer wooden shelf edges rather than
the standard wire ones. You may then
stain the shelf to match your existing
woodwork.
Traditional Design
Drawer Unit
with Refrigerator Unit
Energy
Consumption
Unlike most
refrigerators, wine storage units are not part
of the federal government's Energy Star
program so they do not have Energy Guide
labels to inform you of their energy
consumption. Independent research has
shown that their efficiency varies from an
annual operating cost of roughly $10 to
upwards of $50. You really don't know
how efficient the one you buy will be - be
advised.
Convenience
Features
Many models offer viewing
shelves that allow you to display your prized
bottles at a safe angle. Most units have
internal display lighting to showcase your
entire collection. Others still offer lockable
doors to protect the collection.
Wine
that is well cared for becomes a meal’s most
worthy companion. Having different
varieties on hand ensures that you will always
have the perfect wine to complement your
meals, to enjoy while relaxing, or to satisfy
all your guests when entertaining.
People are also becoming more aware of the
health benefits that moderate wine drinking
imparts, and having a good selection at home
makes things much more convenient and lets you
explore different varieties at your leisure.
A wine storage refrigerator is essential to
maintain your wines in their optimum
condition. 
