How to Choose a Wine Rack Fridge
You'll need the proper tools to store your collection, whether you serve wine at dinner parties or drink it at night on weeknights. We sought out an item that was simple to build, held standard bottles, and sufficient space to hold a decanter and extra accessories.
We also considered niche size as well as ground clearance and energy efficiency. See how our top choices compare!
Temperature Control
It is essential to take into account the temperature of your wine storage environment. A cold temperature can harm the cork and label, while too much humidity can cause the bottles to rust or develop mold. A wine rack refrigerator has a temperature control feature that will help keep your bottles at the right level of humidity and temperature appropriate for the wine you are buying. Protect your wine from intense sunlight and vibrations as they can alter the quality of your wine.
A wine refrigerator is constructed with a double-paned door that blocks UV rays as well as helping to create a insulating. It also has an automatic lock which prevents accidental opening of the doors which can affect the temperature inside. It is also a humidifier to keep the air inside fresh and keep your wine safe from premature oxidation.
A wine cellar refrigerator also comes with separate temperature zones. This lets you store various kinds of wine at their optimal temperature and can improve the quality of your collection. For instance lighter reds like Pinot Noir and Gamay work best in the cooler range, while bolder reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah/Shiraz benefit from being stored at a slightly warmer temperature.
Both wine rack refrigerators and regular refrigerators can be used to store wine bottles, but a wine fridge is specifically designed for this purpose, and comes with an ideal temperature for storage of 45-65degF. A majority of refrigerators have temperatures that are too cold for wine storage and could harm the bottles through breaking or exploding the corks.
Wood is used in many wine refrigerators due to its ability to give them an elegant and traditional look. However, some woods could affect the taste of your wines. coolers wine is also recommended to avoid storing your wine in wooden racks that have been stained because the odors resulting from the stain could get into the cork and taint your wines. Other materials, such as wrought iron or stainless steel are frequently used to build wine racks for wine refrigerators since they are durable and can repel stains.
Control of Humidity
Many wine cellars have an active humidity control system. This means that a sensor detects the amount of moisture in the air and uses the power of a fan to blow cool humid air into the fridge increasing the humidity to an ideal level. This ensures that the corks remain flexible and seal the bottles properly, protecting the wines from oxidation. It also ensures that the labels remain legible and prevents the formation of mold.
This is especially important when wines need to be stored long-term, as oxygenation can alter the color and flavor of the wine. Controlling humidity prevents these changes from occurring and helps keep the wine in good condition for a longer time.
A standard refrigerator isn't ideal for storing wine, as it often doesn't provide enough humidity control or could be too cold. Extremely cold temperatures can cause liquids in bottles to freeze. This could cause cracks or pop corks, and cause damage to the wine. A wine rack refrigerator won't expose the bottles to such extreme temperatures, making sure they maintain their integrity and do not freeze.
The exposure to odors is an additional problem that can arise in a refrigerator that is regularly used. The aromas of leftover food and other food items can be transferred into the wine, causing a loss of its flavor and taste. This problem can be prevented by keeping the wine-only storage space in the wine fridge.
Anyone who would like to preserve and age their wine collection in a secure and controlled space will find wine rack refrigerators extremely useful. It is suitable to store wine in short-term storage in busy areas, and it helps preserve wine for long-term cellaring by minimizing the amount of sunlight they are exposed to. Many models even come with UV-resistant glass to protect the wine from damage caused by light. There are many sizes and styles of wine racks to choose from. You can pick from various materials, like wood and metal to find the ideal design for your home.
Adjustable Shelves
If you have a modest wine collection, a wall-mounted wine rack may be the best option for your wine fridge. They are designed to appear like a clock or pictures on the wall. They can also look more appealing than freestanding wine cabinets. They are also usually cheaper than a full size wine refrigerator.
However, a wine refrigerator with shelves that can be adjusted is a much better option to store a larger collection of wine. They let you adjust the amount space you have available for your bottles. You can do this by sliding the dividers up and downwards. This gives you greater flexibility in the quantity of bottles that you can store. They also aid in keeping your bottles at a consistent temperature, which is crucial for aging wines.
A wine refrigerator with adjustable shelves is the wood-metal combination. These shelves are made from an extremely durable base made of metal that will not warp. The top is made up of crafted wooden cradles that can be used to hold bottles of any size and shape. These cradles minimize the movement and vibrations that could cause damage to wine that is aging and help to keep your bottles in a straight line. This helps you avoid having to stack your bottles, which can reduce the capacity of each shelf.
Another benefit of this kind of wine storage is that they protect your bottles from UV light which can prematurely age your wine and alter their taste. Some models come with an hygrometer to measure the humidity within the cabinet. It will notify you whether the humidity level is too high or too low so you can adjust the wine fridge accordingly.
Certain wines have a perfect temperature range, where they taste the best. If you have a variety of wines, it's important to choose a wine fridge that has dual zones of cooling. You can store each wine at the ideal serving temperature.
Many wine refrigerators that have adjustable shelves also come with a security cage. This keeps any bottles from being taken, and it can be secured to stop unwanted guests from entering the fridge even when you're not present.
Dual Zone Cooling
A dual zone refrigerator is a great choice for wine lovers who appreciate a variety of varietals. These fridges include cooling technology that allows you to set two distinct temperature profiles. You can, for example store white wines at a cooler crisper 46-56°F and reds at a warm more cellar-like temperature of 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows you to keep a variety of your most loved wines at the ideal serving temperature and enjoy them all simultaneously.
Another benefit of these units is their ability to accommodate large magnum-sized bottles. These units usually have extra space for large wine bottles, so you can store and serve more of the brands you enjoy. Many models have removable shelves that allow you to easily adjust the racks for different bottle sizes.
These wine refrigerators do not just regulate the temperature, but also ensure the integrity of any collection. They are protected from heat transfer and harmful UV rays which could degrade the wine. The doors are often double-paned, adding to the insulation. Some even come with locks to avoid openings that might affect the internal temperature.
Some models also come with a drip tray, which protects the interior from spilled wine and prevents it from staining the interior. They are also built to securely hold wine bottles horizontally, ensuring the cork stays moist while keeping the wine from drying out.
A wine rack refrigerator is the perfect solution for any wine storage space, whether it's in your kitchen, at home bar or dedicated wine area. These coolers are designed to be practical and elegant, and can be customized to fit any space. The advanced cooling systems and insulation that these models use make them more energy efficient compared to single-zone wine fridges, assisting you save money on electric bills. They're also a reasonable option for anyone looking to add a touch of luxury to their collection. So, what are you waiting for? Start searching today and find the right unit.