Comparing Different Types of Wine Coolers
Collecting and storing wine can turn into a fun experience if you choose the right wine cooler. This is because your bottles are kept at the best possible temperature for flavour and ageing while looking appealing from afar. However, with so many different kinds of wine coolers on the market to suit a range of needs and design tastes, it's important to understand the differences and features of each type of wine cooler before you buy one. In this post, you will learn the distinctions between each wine cooler type and determine the right one for your space.
Wine coolers function with one of two cooling systems, a thermoelectric or a compressor cooling system. Firstly, a thermoelectric wine refrigerator uses the Peltier effect which extracts electrical current from one end of a metal rod or module causing the other end to absorb the heat. This creates a difference in temperature causing the opposite end to freeze. In addition, a thermoelectric uses less energy to function because the cool air being created doesn’t use any harmful gases or alternating mechanisms to run.
On the other hand, compressor wine coolers have a compressor in the back that compresses air into cold vapour using coolant gas to spread the cold air evenly throughout the wine fridge.
A wine fridge integrated into a cupboard space is designed for smaller collections or for those who prefer to have a few bottles easily accessible. In addition, these coolers are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for apartments, offices, or as extra storage in kitchens or dining areas.
Furthermore, there is the freestanding wine fridge which is a unit created with the idea to be stored in any place. For example, small freestanding wine fridges can either be built into a cupboard or placed next to a bar, while there are also larger units that can hold up to 200 wine bottles. However, freestanding models are usually harder to fit under counters without having to adjust your cabinet space.
On the other hand, built-in wine coolers are specially designed to be installed under cabinets or inside space. Additionally, these built-in versions come in different sizes and can take their doors off and put a face panel on them to blend in with your other kitchen cabinets.
Most wine coolers either have single or dual temperature zones. In a single-zone wine fridge, you can only set one temperature throughout the entire wine fridge. However, a dual temperature zone wine fridge lets you store white wine in the bottom and different red wine blends closer to the top, while also letting you preserve the bottles long term. In addition, a dual-zone wine fridge helps to eliminate the need for two wine fridges. However, dual zones are usually more expensive than single zones. Moreover, some wine fridges even have triple temperature zones which give you the freedom to add sparkling wines to your wine storage as well as the option to adjust the shelving for bigger bottles such as champagne.
Choosing the right wine cooler depends entirely on your available space, the size of your wine collection, and your home style. On the one hand, freestanding wine coolers offer versatility, while built-in models provide a seamless integration into cabinetry. Additionally, dual-zone wine coolers cater to serious wine lovers who store various types of wines, whereas countertop coolers are perfect for compact spaces or extra storage. However, it's always important to consider these factors carefully to be sure that your wine collection is stored safely, preserving its quality and flavour over long periods.