Wine coolers are an awesome way to store wine and champagne in the right environment. However, there are a number of surprisingly different wine cooler designs to choose between. For example, there are freestanding wine coolers or thermoelectric wine fridges. What do these terms mean though? In this article, you’ll learn a bit more about what varieties of wine coolers there are out there and find some insights to help you decide which might fit your collection better.
Wine Cooler Sizes
There are many different sizes and styles for wine coolers. However, the more commonly known sizes are the small wine fridges that hold between 12 to 40 bottles per unit. Additionally, the more medium sized wine cooler can contain anywhere from 40 to about 64 wine bottles, similar to the Vinotecashop models. Furthermore, the larger sized wine fridge, which is typically a freestanding, can hold up to about 180 or 200 wine bottles. Depending on the size of your collection, these fridges can provide optimal space for reds, whites, and dessert wines, especially given that they can either be integrated or freestanding.
Wine Fridge Units and Positioning
Before buying a wine fridge, it’s a good idea to plan where the wine cooler will be located because you’ll need to have enough cabinet or floor space to keep it well-ventilated.
Freestanding
Freestanding wine coolers are wine storage units that can be placed practically anywhere there’s an open space on the floor. For example, depending on size, you can put it on a broad shelf, beneath a bar or on a countertop. Furthermore, freestanding wine coolers are portable because they don’t require installation.
Integrated
Integrated wine coolers provide wine enthusiasts with easy space efficiency because these units can fit seamlessly into cabinet space without hogging floor space. Additionally, these integrated wine fridges can be installed under the counter or beside cabinet space.
Built-In
A built-in wine cooler is most similar to the freestanding wine fridge unlike the integrated style because it stands on its own on the floor or between appliances or cabinets. However, unlike integrated wine coolers, a built-in style has a front-facing vent machine where it can absorb cold air and exhaust warm air out the front bottom vent.
Wine Cooler and their Technology
Compressor-based Wine Cooler
Compressor wine coolers operate with compressed air that gets released into the wine fridge and lowers the inner temperature, very much like a normal food fridge. Additionally, this type of vapour compression technology used coolant gas and fans to circulate and maintain a consistent temperature throughout the wine cooler.
Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
On the other hand, thermoelectric wine coolers use the Peltier effect which works with electrolysed metal rods. In addition, this Peltier technology is meant to be a bit more energy-efficient than compressor wine coolers because it is insulated to entrap cool air and doesn’t use any harmful materials during the cooling process.
Wine Fridge Temperature Zones
Wine coolers will either have a single or dual temperature zone in them. For example, a single zone wine cooler is a good addition if you only drink one type of wine, whether it be red or white. However, if you lean towards both sides and tend to host gatherings, then a dual zone wine fridge can store red and white at the same time under different temperatures.
Conclusion
When looking for the right wine fridge, there’s a lot to learn about before choosing a unit that fits your space. Nevertheless, wine can be stored in different wine coolers using varying technologies. Whether you need a wine fridge for at-home storage, a cellar, or your commercial space, each type of wine cooler can store your wine collection under the ideal temperature to make sure it maintains all the right maturity and preservation.
