8 Tips in Choosing a Wine Cooler - The Bar Design

8 Tips in Choosing a Wine Cooler

They say that wine tastes better with age, and for a good reason. But that’s only true if you store this drink in optimal conditions before serving. That’s why you need the best wine cooler out there.

The good news is the market offers many great options. It’s all about finding a storage option that fits your preference. Here are some useful tips for choosing wine coolers that will help you identify the best unit!

 

How to Choose a Wine Cooler

The main advantage of vino fridges is their design specifically for this drink. These units specialize in keeping your wine at an optimal temperature. All features focus on keeping this drink in perfect condition before serving. Check out the following pointers to pick wine coolers!

1. Minimal Lighting Exposure Ensures the Wine Preserves Its Delicate Compounds

Wine is a natural product with delicate compounds that react to outdoor conditions. Lighting is among the things that might affect chemical reactions in this drink.

If you head out in the sunlight, the UV rays can damage your skin. A similar thing happens to wine. If you expose it to sunlight, its compounds will break down. Some experts describe this as “cooking” the wine due to the specific taste.

Even artificial light could lead to chemical reactions between wine compounds. It’s why most storage systems ensure minimum light exposure. 

You should aim to open the wine cooler fridge as rarely as possible. Apart from minimizing light, this will ensure the temperature remains constant.

2. Find a Cooler That Maintains Temperature Well

Wine cabinets with cooling systems aim to keep the heat level at around 55F. It’s because this temperature is underground, so you’ll replicate conditions from dark cellars and caves. That’s where manufacturers keep the drink before sending it to the user. And if you continue storing the vino in those temperatures, you ensure it preserves the maximum flavor and other characteristics.

Your wine cooler cabinet should keep the heat level in the chosen settings. The changes should be minimal because temperature spikes and dips affect the drink. They risk the wine losing its flavor, color, or aroma while accelerating its decay.

Another problem that appears from unstable temperatures is the changing humidity. It could break the seal and damage the cork on the wine. That’s potentially a huge issue because destroyed corks can lead to wine going bad in a couple of days.

3. Pick a Cooler That Can Accommodate Different Wine Temperature Necessities

The general optimal temperature is around 55F. But the wine type will affect the perfect heat level for that drink. Although it’s only a few degrees of difference, it could affect the product’s quality in the long run.

Check out these general pointers depending on your preference:

  • White wines. These can handle a wider temperature range going from 50Fto 60F. Most prefer a heat level that’s a bit higher since white wines shouldn’t be too cool for serving. It ensures the user can distinguish and enjoy delicate flavors.

  • Red wines. The ideal storing temperatures for these drinks are from 60F to 65F. It’s the standard heat level for an indoor area. But the problem is that rooms are warmer than usual, and the temperature fluctuates. It’s why storing the wine in a fridge is much better.

  • Sparkling wines. Everyone loves carbonated drinks cold, and champagnes aren’t different. The optimal temperature is around 40F, which is significantly lower than the alternatives.

4. Getting a Dual Zone Fridge Is a Wise Idea

Are you a true wine enthusiast or need a commercial storage solution? If there’s a need to keep different types of vino, you could benefit from getting a dual-zone fridge.

These allow for setting the desired temperature in each section. For example, you could store red and white wines in the upper compartment and set it to 60F. The lower section could be for sparklers and have a temperature adjusted to 40F.

The advantage of dual-zone fridges is obvious. You’ll have optimal conditions for all wine types. But the downside is that dual-zone coolers aren’t available in small sizes. Compact fridges are more affordable and take less room. On the other hand, the double-zone option suits passionate wine enthusiasts better.

5. Vibrations and Movement Should Be Minimal

If you take a close look at a wine bottle, you’ll find a bit of sediment inside. That sediment moves if you grab the bottle and change its position. It leads to chemical reactions, and they could affect the wine’s flavor.

Your goal is to move the bottle as little as possible. That means you should find a wine cabinet that isn’t prone to vibrations. You also shouldn’t position it close to other appliances. Vibration transfers and this could cause the bottle to shake, even if it’s not visible to the naked eye.

Another thing to consider is that the cooling system should have enough storage room for all your bottles. You should think when arranging the packs so you don’t end up moving the wine from one shelf to another.

Finally, position the cooler in a position where you can’t bump into it accidentally. If there’s heavy traffic around it, it increases the odds that someone could make the fridge shake. That vibration causes the sediment to move. You might even notice it when you pour the wine. And feeling the sediment while consuming the drink could ruin the experience.

6. Pick the Noise Level Depending on the Cooler’s Location

A beautiful metal wine cabinet is an excellent choice for a living room. You can position it next to a TV and make it one of the area’s focal points. But if you put the fridge in the living room, its noise levels should be minimal. That ensures the cabinet doesn’t interfere while you are talking or watching the TV.

The noise will depend on the fridge type. Compressor cabinets use these components to cool the air. They pump a refrigerant through coils and secure the optimal temperature. But you can often hear compressors working, especially in large appliances. A wine cooler for the living room shouldn’t exceed the noise level of 30-40dB. But if you put the fridge in the cellar, it doesn’t matter how loud it is.

Thermoelectric systems use a different approach. They have a heat pump that transmits electricity. The vibrations are minimal, and the fridge doesn’t emit any noise. These units are, however, more expensive.

7. You Should Keep the Bottles on Their Sides

Wine coolers will come with shelves and racks that allow for keeping bottles on their sides. That’s imperative since it’s the best way of preserving the drink. The position allows the wine to be in touch with the cork. By ensuring it stays moist, the plug can keep the bacteria away for years.

Choosing metal or wooden racks and shelves is a matter of taste. Some coolers might even offer additional storage to keep some bottles upright. You can use these to store the wine you plan to serve in the next few days. Or you don’t have to limit yourself to this drink, so put sodas or other beverages in those compartments.

8. Energy Efficiency Is an Important Consideration

Your wine should always be at optimal temperatures. That means you should never turn off the cooler. It indicates it will utilize electricity 24/7, prompting the question of energy efficiency.

The general rule is that thermoelectric fridges use less power than their compressor counterparts. However, the initial investment is higher, so it’s a matter of calculating the expenses.

Tempered glass is a wise choice for better temperature preservation. It also adds to safety since there’s less risk of it breaking in case of accidental bumps. Triple-pane windows also boost the insulation and ensure the unit spends less power. Another wise addition includes LED lighting, which you’ll find in most of today’s units.

 

Quick Bonus Tips When Choosing Wine Coolers

Tips When Choosing Wine Coolers

Here are some other considerations worth checking when picking wine storage systems:

  • Bottle capacity. Consider how much space you need regularly, but don’t forget holidays and special occasions. That’s when you might require a higher capacity, and it’ll be unfortunate if you have to keep some bottles out of the fridge.

  • Freestanding and integrated units. You position built-in collets directly against the wall. They are usually between kitchen appliances or fixtures, so they save some space. But freestanding units are mobile, ensuring you can easily change their position.

  • Reversible doors. These give more freedom in positioning the fridge. It’s also convenient for left-handed users.

  • Child locks. If you live with minors, having the option to lock the wine fridge is a wise idea

 

Final Thoughts

Many things affect the wine storage system you choose. However, it comes down to two main categories. The first is securing a wine cooler that offers the best conditions for preserving these drinks. And the other is the shelving solution, and aesthetic features meet your preferences.

Stylish solutions like the Brancaster Wine Cabinet are always a good choice. You get a unit with a premium design that fits luxury decors. And once you open it, you have everything you need to store and serve wine. Another convenience is you can order cooling systems online. It ensures delivery to your doorstep, and you might be eligible for discounts, so don’t hesitate to order today!