The Benefits of an Under the Cabinet Wine Fridge
Wine refrigerators are a practical and stylish way to keep your most loved wines at the perfect temperature. They are available in built-in or freestanding models.
When you are looking for a new wine refrigerator, there are plenty of things to consider, such as design and aesthetics and also the layout of the interior, cooling system energy efficiency, brand reputation and warranty.
Capacity and Size
A built-in wine fridge can be fitted into a cabinet, and be integrated into an the kitchen space. They vent the rear to avoid overheating. They require more space than freestanding models for adequate ventilation. They can be more expensive than a wine refrigerator that is freestanding due to their increased capacity and features.
Consult a professional installer in the event that you want to install a wine cooler beneath the counter. They will make sure that the unit is installed safely and securely in your cabinet, and can also ensure that all electrical connections are correctly made. They have the expertise and tools to stop vibrations or damage that could affect the quality of your wine.
Built-in units are a great alternative for kitchens that are limited in space as they take up less space than freestanding units. They can also be integrated into cabinets to give your home a sleek and elegant look. These units are bigger than freestanding wine fridges, and are ideal for serious collectors or those who wish to age their wines for a longer time.
Some models come with slides-out shelves that make it easier to access bottles located at the bottom of the racks. Other models feature wire racks that offer an older-fashioned style of storage and can be adjusted to accommodate different bottle sizes. Wooden cradles offer a vintage look while securely holding bottles to stop them from spills and rolling.
A dual zone wine refrigerator allows you to store your white and red wines at different temperatures, which is ideal for those who enjoy a variety of beverages. Digital temperature controls and LED lighting permit easy monitoring and customized control of your wine storage. Certain models guard your wine against harmful UV rays which can cause premature aging.
Space Considerations
If you're thinking of purchasing a wine refrigerator to place it under your countertop, ensure that the door opens fully to allow you to reach everything inside. You should also keep the area around the unit clean so that you can allow proper airflow. This will keep you from blocking the vents. Certain models have front venting while others require a certain distance between the wall and the vent.
Find a wine refrigerator that is suitable for your climate. This will help protect your investment and increase the life of your wine. It is important to select one that is Energy Star rated, as this indicates that it has met the strictest energy efficiency standards. It will run quietly and will save you money over the long-term on your energy bills.
The kind of wine you'll be keeping is another significant factor. Wines of different types require different temperatures to ensure proper storage and serving. Look for a wine fridge that has adjustable shelves for various sizes of bottles. Also, consider whether you'll be keeping magnum-sized or standard-sized bottles. They will require more space than normal.
In addition to the capacity and temperature as well as the capacity, you should also examine the internal technology of the wine fridge including carbon filters and alarms. It is also a good idea to have a wine fridge to have UV protection, as this will prevent the wines from absorbing any harmful chemicals or oxidation that could harm the flavor.
For a more seamless style, go for a built in wine refrigerator that blends seamlessly with custom cabinets or entertainment centers. They have an elegant, panel-ready finish and either self ventilate to allow them to be placed in tight spaces or vent from the front, so they can be placed in a recessed area. Before making an investment take a measurement of the height of the cabinetry. The majority of wine refrigerators have handles that extend 2 to 3 centimeters from the edge.
Energy Efficiency
A wine refrigerator can ensure that your wine is properly stored to ensure its flavor and quality over time. A top-quality refrigerator is designed to be energy efficient, using just a tiny fraction of the electricity of an average household refrigerator. There are models with digital displays, adjustable temperatures and other features that will meet your needs.
A few factors that affect the energy efficiency of a wine refrigerator include its size and location. The energy consumption of larger wine refrigerators is higher than that of smaller ones. A higher ambient temperature can also increase the power consumption. It is important to consider whether the fridge is a freestanding or built-in model, and any space requirements for ventilation, as some models require an amount of space on all sides to allow for ventilation properly.
It's also important to remember that wine refrigerators are a significant contributor to household energy bills and therefore it is recommended to select an eco-friendly brand. Wine refrigerators that are certified by ENERGY STAR (r) must meet strict energy-saving requirements. Other energy-saving features include LED lighting and UV protection, as well as an extremely durable door seal that will reduce condensation and leaks.
You can also save electricity by cleaning and maintaining your wine refrigerator. Make sure you check the temperature regularly and clean the condenser coil periodically to ensure effective cooling. You can also restrict the frequency you open and shut the refrigerator to stop the compressor from working continuously. Keep the fridge away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and other bright lighting sources. Light can cause wine to degrade over time.
Warranty
When you invest in an wine fridge, you want to ensure that it will last. This is especially relevant for undercounter units built into existing cabinetry that require complex electrical connections. It is recommended that you hire an expert to install the unit. They are trained to install your unit in a safe manner and ensure optimal performance.
Sub-Zero Designer Series wine storage recessed offers a consistent 1/8 inch reveal and sleek lines that let your cabinetry be seamlessly integrated with the refrigerator. These units feature dark opaque glass doors for UV protection and Touch Display lighting as well as an inverter linear compressor to ward against vibration; and three temperature zones to preserve wines at their ideal temperatures. The units also come with an industry-leading two-year warranty for appliances and a 12 year warranty for sealed systems.
Reputable Brands
It makes sense to purchase a wine refrigerator from an established brand if you are planning to spend the money. Look for models with excellent customer reviews, a quiet compressor and adequate insulation. Some models are even equipped with tinted or coated glass that protects the bottles from UV radiation. Some wine refrigerators come with extra features, such as reversible doors, multiple rack types and temperature zones, LED displays, carbon filters, alarms and locks. Certain refrigerators can be incorporated into cabinets, while others are freestanding and can be put under your counter or in place of old appliances, like trash compactors.
This Kalamera 46-bottle Wine Refrigerator is packed with features that include dual zone cooling that allows you to keep wines and reds at their optimal temperature. The digital display and easy-to-use controls make it easy to read and control. The glass door that can be reversible and sliding wooden racks are able to hold standard-sized as well as magnum-sized bottles.
The wine cooler from Black+Decker is a great choice for those looking for a low-cost option that can stand up to the task. This model boasts a dazzling 4.6 rating on Amazon, with nearly 400 reviews (most of them five-star reviews). Although it's not big enough to store a huge collection without the need to purchase multiple units, it's suitable for smaller collections. It can be built into existing cabinetry or under a countertop. The shelves are adjustable to a level that is comfortable for easy retrieval and sit on smooth bearings that make it easy to access bottles. The shelves are sized to accommodate most Bordeaux style bottles, however they can be a little tight for larger, wider bottles like chardonnay. The refrigerator is equipped with a quiet compressor and an alarm sounds if the door is left open or opened for too long.