The Benefits of an Under the Cabinet Wine Fridge
Wine refrigerators are a practical and stylish method of storing your most loved wines at the perfect temperature. They come in built-in and freestanding models.
When shopping for a new wine fridge, there are a variety of aspects to take into consideration, including aesthetics and design along with interior layout as well as the energy efficiency of the cooling system as well as brand reputation and warranty.
Size and Capacity
A built-in refrigerator can be placed in a cabinet or built into a kitchen. They usually vent out the back to prevent overheating, and therefore require a bit more room than freestanding models to allow adequate ventilation. They can be more expensive than a wine refrigerator that is freestanding because of their greater capacity and features.
Get a professional to install it if you plan to install a wine cooler underneath the counter. They will assure a safe and secure fit into your cabinetry and ensure that electrical connections are properly made. They also have the tools and knowledge to avoid vibration or damage that could compromise the quality of your wine.
Built-in units are a great alternative for kitchens that are limited in space since they require less space than freestanding units. They can be recessed into cabinets for an elegant, sleek look. They are more spacious than the freestanding wine fridges and are ideal for serious collectors or those who want to preserve their wine for a long time.
Some models have slide-out shelves that make it easy to reach bottles located at the bottom of the racks. Wire racks are available in other models that offer an older-fashioned style of storage and can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of bottles. Wooden cradles can also give a vintage look while securely holding the bottles to prevent them from spills and rolling.
A dual zone wine fridge lets you to store both white and red wines at different temperatures, which is beneficial for those who enjoy different types of drinks. Digital temperature controls and LED lights let you control and personalize your wine storage. Certain models also protect your wine from harmful UV rays which can cause premature aging.
Space Considerations
If you're considering buying a wine refrigerator to put under your counter make sure the door opens fully to allow you to access everything inside. It's also important to keep the space clear to allow for proper air circulation so that you don't block the vents. Certain models have front venting and others require a specific distance between the unit's wall and the vent.
Purchase a wine fridge that is suited to your climate. This will safeguard your investment and prolong the life of your wine. compact wine fridge should also choose one that is equipped with an Energy Star rating, as it indicates that the appliance has met strict energy efficiency guidelines. It is quiet and will save you money over the long-term on your energy bills.
The kind of wine you'll be keeping is another important factor. Different types of wine require different temperatures to ensure optimal storage and serving, so opt for a wine refrigerator that is equipped with adjustable shelves that can accommodate different bottle sizes. Also, consider whether you'll be keeping standard-sized or magnum-sized bottles. These will require more room than regular.
In addition to the capacity and temperature as well as the capacity, you should also examine the internal technology of the wine refrigerator, such as carbon filters and alarms. It is also a good idea for a wine fridge to have UV protection. This will stop the wine from absorbing harmful chemical or oxidation that may damage the flavor.
For a more seamless appearance, opt for a built in wine fridge that can be integrated seamlessly with custom cabinetry or entertainment centers. They are available in sleek, panel-ready finishes and can be fitted in tight spaces. They also have the option to vent from the front. However, prior to buying, make sure to take measurements of the height of your cabinetry, as most wine fridges come with handles that extend up to 2-3cm from the edge of the cabinet.
Energy Efficiency
A wine cellar under the cabinet refrigerator can ensure that your valuable wine is stored properly, so it retains its flavor and quality over time. A top-quality fridge is also designed to be energy efficient, consuming less than a tiniest fraction of the electricity of a typical household refrigerator. You can find units with digital displays, adjustable temperatures, and other features that will meet your needs.
Some of the factors that affect energy efficiency of a wine fridge include its size and location. Larger wine refrigerators use more energy than smaller ones, and a higher ambient temperature in the room can also lead to an increase in the use of electricity. It is important to consider whether the fridge is a freestanding or built-in model, and any ventilation requirements, as some models require a certain amount of clearance on all sides to allow for ventilation properly.
It's also important to remember that wine refrigerators are a major contributor to household energy bills and therefore it is recommended to choose a green brand. Wine refrigerators that have been that are certified by ENERGY STAR (r) must be able to meet the strict requirements for energy efficiency. Other energy-saving features include LED lighting and UV protection, as well as an enduring door seal that will reduce condensation and leaks.
You can also cut down on electricity by cleaning and maintaining your wine fridge. Be sure to monitor the temperature on a regular basis and clean the condenser coils frequently to ensure that your refrigerator is cooling efficiently. You can limit the number of closings and openings to prevent the compressor from running continuously. Keep the fridge away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as well as other bright lights. Light can cause wine to degrade over time.
Warranty
If you are investing in a wine fridge, you want to ensure it will last. This is particularly the case for undercounter units that are built-in that are recessed into cabinetry and typically require intricate electrical connections. To this end, you should think about hiring an expert for the installation. They have the expertise to install your new unit in a safe manner and ensure the best operation.
Sub-Zero Designer Series recessed wine storage offers an even 1/8 inch reveal and sleek lines that allow your cabinetry to blend seamlessly with your refrigerator. The units feature dark opaque glass doors to shield against UV rays as well as Touch Display Lighting. They also come with an inverter linear compression feature to prevent vibrations and three temperature zones to keep wines at the ideal temperature. These units also include an industry-leading warranty of two years for appliances, and a 12-year warranty for sealed systems.
Reputable Brands
It makes sense to purchase the wine refrigerator of an established brand if you intend to invest the money. Choose refrigerators that have high ratings from customers, a quiet compressor and good insulation. Some models come with tinted glass or coated glass to shield the bottles from UV radiation. Many wine fridges have additional features like a reversible door various rack types as well as temperature zones, LED displays and carbon filters, alarms and locks. Some refrigerators are built into cabinets while others can be independent and placed under the counter, or even in the place of older appliances such as trash compactors.
This Kalamera 46-bottle Wine Fridge comes packed with features that include dual zone cooling which allows you to store wine and reds at the optimal temperature. It's also easy to operate and read, thanks to an LCD display with a user-friendly controls. Other features include a reversible door as well as sliding wooden racks that can be used to hold both magnum and standard-sized bottles.
The Black+Decker wine cooler is a solid option for those who want an affordable model that will stand up to the test. The model has a staggering 4.6 rating on Amazon with more than 400 reviews (most of them five-star). Although it's not big enough to be able to hold a large number of bottles without the need to purchase multiple units, it's suitable for smaller collections and can easily be built into existing cabinetry or under the counter. The shelves can be adjusted to a comfortable height to make it easy to retrieve them and rest on smooth bearings to make it easy to reach bottles. They're large enough to accommodate the majority of Bordeaux-style bottles. There's some tenseness with regard to larger, wider bottles such as the chardonnay. The fridge is equipped with a quiet compressor, as well as an alarm that sounds in case the door is opened or left open for too long.