Five Killer Quora Answers To Under The Cabinet Wine Fridge
The Benefits of an Under the Cabinet Wine Fridge
Wine refrigerators are a fashionable and convenient way to store your wine at the ideal temperature. They are available in built-in and standalone models.
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing wine fridges that include design and aesthetics as well as the layout of the interior cooling system efficiency, energy efficiency, brand name reputation, warranty, and more.
Size and Capacity
A built-in wine fridge can be incorporated into a cabinet and can be recessed into 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 freestanding wine fridge due to their increased capacity and features.
If you're planning to install an under-counter wine cooler, it's recommended to speak with a professional installer. They will make sure that the unit is set up safely and securely within your cabinetry, and they can also make sure all electrical connections are properly made. They have the knowledge and tools to prevent damage or vibrations that could affect the quality of your wine.
Built-in units are an excellent alternative for kitchens with limited space as they take up less space than freestanding units. They can also be integrated into cabinets to give your home an elegant and sleek look. They typically have a larger capacity than freestanding wine refrigerators. They are great for serious wine collectors or those looking to store wine for long durations.
Some units have shelves that slide out and make it easier to access bottles at the bottom. 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 are another option that offer a classic look while securely holding the bottles to avoid spills and rolling.
Dual zone wine refrigerators let you keep white and red wines in separate temperatures. This is ideal for those who love different types of drinks. Digital temperature controls and LED lighting allow for easy monitoring and customized control of your wine storage. Certain models guard your wine cooler under counter from harmful UV rays that could cause premature ageing.
Space Considerations
If you're planning to purchase a wine fridge that is freestanding to put under your counter, be sure the door opens fully to allow you access to everything inside the cabinet. It is also essential to keep the space free of obstructions to allow for proper air circulation so that you don't block the vents. Certain models have front venting and others require an appropriate distance between the unit and the wall to ensure adequate ventilation.
Aim to purchase a wine refrigerator that meets your specific requirements for climate, as this will help protect your investment and prolong the life of your wines. It's important to select one that is Energy Star top rated wine fridge, as this indicates that it has met stringent energy efficiency standards. It will run quietly and save you money in the long term on your energy costs.
The type of wine you'll be storing is another important factor. Different varieties of wine have different temperature requirements to ensure proper storage and serving, so search for a wine refrigerator that is equipped with adjustable shelves to accommodate various sizes of bottles. Also, think about whether you'll be keeping standard or magnum-sized bottles. They will require more room than standard.
It is also important to look at the internal tech like carbon filters and alarms, of the wine refrigerator. A wine fridge must also have UV protection to prevent the wine from absorbing harmful chemicals or oxidation, which can affect the taste.
For a more integrated style, go for a built-in wine fridge that fits in seamlessly with custom cabinetry or entertainment centers. These units offer an elegant, panel-ready finish and are either self-ventilating to allow them to be positioned in tight spaces or vent from the front so they can be placed in a recessed area. However, prior to making the investment, be sure to take measurements of the dimensions of your cabinet as the majority of wine fridges come with handles that can extend up to 2-3cm from the edge of the cabinet.
Energy Efficiency
An under the cabinet wine refrigerator can ensure that your wine is properly stored so that it preserves its taste and quality over time. A high-quality refrigerator is also built to be energy efficient and consumes only a small fraction of the amount of electricity that a typical household fridge consumes. There are units with digital displays, adjustable temperatures and other features to meet your requirements.
The size and location of the wine fridge can impact its energy efficiency. Larger wine refrigerators consume more energy than smaller ones and a higher temperature in the room can also lead to an increase in the use of electricity. You should also think about whether the refrigerator is a built-in or freestanding model and any space requirements for ventilation, as some models require a certain amount of clearance on all sides to allow for ventilation properly.
Remember that wine fridges add significantly to household energy bills. It is therefore recommended to select a brand that has a strong environmental conscience. Look for an ENERGY STAR(r) certified wine refrigerators that meet the strictest criteria for energy efficiency. Other energy-saving features include LED lighting, UV protection and an extremely durable door seal that can reduce leaks or condensation.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of your wine refrigerator will help you save electricity costs. Make sure you check the temperature frequently and clean the condenser coils regularly to ensure efficient cooling. You can also limit the amount of times you open and close the refrigerator to stop the compressor from constantly working. Keep the fridge away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as well as other bright light sources. Light can cause cheap wine fridge to degrade over time.
Warranty
You must ensure that the wine fridge you buy will last for a long time. This is especially true for built-in undercounter units that are built into cabinetry that require intricate electrical connections. To this end, you should think about hiring an expert to install your unit. They are skilled to install your new unit in a safe manner and ensure the best operation.
Sub-Zero Designer Series recessed wine storage offers a consistent 1/8 inch reveal and sleek lines that let your cabinetry blend seamlessly with your refrigerator. The units have dark opaque glass doors to protect against UV and Touch Display lighting as well as an inverter linear compressor that can protect against vibrations and three temperature zones to keep wines at the ideal temperature. These units also include an industry-leading two-year warranty for appliances, and a 12-year warranty for sealed systems.
Reputable Brands
It makes sense to purchase an wine refrigerator made by an established brand if you are planning to spend the money. Choose refrigerators that have high ratings from customers, a quiet compressor and adequate 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 different rack types as well as temperature zones, LED displays and carbon filters, alarms and locks. Some refrigerators can be built into cabinets, while others are freestanding and can be placed under the counter or as replacements for old appliances, like trash compactors.
This 46-bottle wine fridge from Kalamera is packed with special features, such as dual-zone cooling that lets you to keep your whites and reds at their optimal temperatures. It's also easy to control and read thanks to a digital display and easy-to-use controls. Other features include a reversible door as well as sliding wooden racks that can accommodate both magnum and standard-sized bottles.
The Black+Decker wine cooler is a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly pick that holds up to the demands. The model has a staggering 4.6 rating on Amazon with more than 400 reviews (most of them five-star reviews). Although it's not able to be able to hold a large number of bottles without the need to purchase multiple units, it is well-sized for smaller collections and can easily be incorporated into existing cabinets or under the counter. The shelves can be extended to an ideal height for easy retrieval, and are mounted on smooth bearings, which makes it easy to reach bottles. They're designed to fit the majority of Bordeaux-style bottles. There's some degree of tightness when it comes to the larger, more expansive bottles like Chardonnay. The refrigerator has a quiet compressor and an alarm that sounds when the door is opened or left open too long.